2013 Audi A4 (Weekly Review)

2013 Audi A4

Most important addition to the A4 line-up is the adoption of electromechanical power steering system,  thus  reducing its fuel consumptions that allows for one more significant contribution to the fuel-saving parade, as the power assist only engages when the system detects large enough steering inputs to warrant it.  As for the engine line-up, customers will have the option to choose between six TDI and four gasoline engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations.

Exterior
The new front fascia for the updated A4 includes a revised grille, restyled headlights, and a more arched hood. The grille is painted gray, with high-gloss black on the six-cylinder models or the S line exterior package. The headlamps now feature a slight wave at the bottom edges. They come standard with LED daytime running lights that form a narrow, optically homogeneous band that remains open in the vicinity of the xenon lens. For the rear, there is a new new diffuser, revised taillights and a dual exhaust system.

Interior
A new steering wheel, a revised trim, and additional chrome accents. The MMI navigation plus system now features four instead of eight buttons, with a script function integrated in the volume control dial. Improved operation of the automatic transmission, air conditioning systems, Audi drive select, and the multifunction steering wheel.

Audi  also offers an S-Line package with 18-inch alloy wheels, and a black interior, refined with high-quality applications.

Engine
The new A4 family is offered with a choice of six TDI and four gasoline engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations. All engines are supercharged direct-injection systems and come equipped with the start-stop system

The entry level in the gasoline line-up is a 1.8 TFSI with a total output of 120 HP. There is also a new 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 170 HP and 236 lb-ft. It delivers a fuel economy of 42 mpg. The A4 will also get a 2.0 TFSI with 211 HP and the top version, a 3.0 TFSI with a total of 272 HP.

As for the diesel line-up, it starts with a 2.0 TDI offered in three different versions: 134 HP, 160 HP, and 174 HP. There are also three four-cylinder engines with 120 HP, 143 HP, and 177 HP. Finally, there’s a 3.0 TDI engine offered in two versions: 204 HP and 245 HP.
VIDEO REVIEW

_____________________________
Vital Stats

• Engine: Turbo 2.0L I4
• Power: 208 HP / 258 LB-FT
• Transmission:  6-Speed Manual
• 0-60 Time:  6.3 Seconds
• Top Speed:  130 MPH
• Drivetrain:  All-Wheel Drive
• Curb Weight:  3,550 LBS
• Seating:  2+3
• MSRP:  $33,000 (est.)

Read more »

PIVO 3, EV Concept from Nissan

PIVO 3

(Weekly Auto Review) 

PIVO 3, its eighth EV concept is what Nissan envisions to be a more "realistic" EV of the near future, An ultra-compact city commuter targeting singles and couples living in and enjoying an urban lifestyle.

Building on the pioneering PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, the new PIVO 3 concept moves from the realm of imagination into a fully-evolved vehicle that envisions life in tomorrow's cities.
Where PIVO 2 was a highly innovative vehicle that stood alone as a concept car, PIVO 3 evolves in the direction of "smart community" with greater feasibility, credibility and an extended scope of mobile performance. Nissan believes PIVO 3 is very close to what the next step in urban mobility will be.

PIVO 3 front seats

This remarkably compact EV  measures just under 3m in length and seating three in a 1+2 layout. The compact body and narrow-tread wheels with IWM (in-wheel motors) enable an extremely small turning radius with zero turn gap.  PIVO 3 can make a legal U-turn in a road only 4m wide.

PIVO 3 uses electric power and by-wire control technology to permit freedom of layout and the  elimination of many mechanical parts. It uses in-wheel motors (IWM) to give wheels great freedom of movement, and more space in the vehicle chassis.

cloud computing and infrastructure

PIVO 3 supports a life of seamless mobility, using cloud computing and infrastructure (e.g. AVP and charging facilities) to connect with the city. A "smart" personal filter selects information relevant to the current driver, location and vehicle.

With Automated Valet Parking (AVP), PIVO 3 will revolutionize the parking experience by connecting to and responding to infrastructure. PIVO 3 can park automatically in specially-equipped parking lots. PIVO 3 recharges itself or sells excess power to the grid. Later, the driver can call PIVO 3 and summon it to the driver's location using a smartphone. 

PIVO 3 backview

Side-view monitors take the place of mirrors, using Nissan's Around View Monitor system to reveal the car's surroundings and help minimize blind spots.
The center console features an ultra-wide display for GPS and other information, and together with a sub-monitor and the Robotic Agent, is positioned to interact discreetly with the driver.

Read more »