Test-drive Audi A4 1.8T

At the head of a family of A4 is a car equipped with an engine 1.8T, five-speed manual gearbox and front drive. However, not all could make such an option.

If you live in a cold country with harsh winters, you will approach the car with the famous full-suspension drive Audi Quattro. If you live in warm or temperate climates, you can choose the car with one of the automated CPR. Multitronic and Tiptronic are set at full-drive cars. Both transmission and provide a mechanical gear shift.



1.8T - is 1.8 liter, 4-cylinder engine with turbo-supercharged power to 170 hp According to the producers, the front-drive A4, equipped with such a motor in combination with mechanical CPR or with Multitronic, with places able to accelerate to a speed of 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds. Full-drive model with the automatic Tiptronic - a little slower - only 8.5 seconds. Representatives of Audi claim that the engine 1.8T - this is the first engine with turbo-supercharging, which is described as «one of the most environmentally friendly engines». If you want a car with a more powerful engine, you will approach a model equipped with a new, all-aluminum, 3-liter engine V6 power of 220 hp, which was created specifically for the 2002 model year vehicles. Choosing the A4 with 3-liter engine and front drive, you get Variator Multitronic. This equipment will allow the scene to disperse up to 100 km per hour in 7 seconds. Full power model can also be included with the 6-speed manual gearbox or automatic with Tiptronic. Gearboxes A4 wheel with 3-liter engine, accelerate a little slower - for 7.7 seconds.



According to testers the most fun was a trip to full-drive version with a 3.0 liter engine and 6-speed CAT, but it is fully Drive-A4 with the 1.8T engine and five-speed gearbox - this is the machine «which is to spend money ».

Manufacturers should thoroughly examine the market for mechanical transmissions and make the appropriate corrections to their own. Lack of CAT produced by Audi, is that the gear selector is not «slide» from one position to another, but rather difficult to «switch» in a neutral position at all hang out too.



Cars equipped with вариатором worked fairly well, which pleasantly surprised and pleased testers. In calmer conditions Multitronic virtually unnoticeable with good software control electronics, the driver think that he drive a car fitted with an ordinary machine. But if you drive your wishes waiting disappointment because vdavlivaya trigger in half, you expect the car to jerk with a frenzied pace, but the machine first «think about your proposal», and then were reluctant to obey. Choosing a car with Multitronic, you will get some benefits. Compared with the ordinary automatic Multitronic saves not only fuel, but also gains in weight.

Compared with old models A4, managing new cars has become much more pleasant. Firstly, the rigidity of the structure of the body 2002 model year vehicles by 45% more than in the past and can boast the highest specific strength of this class of machines. Secondly, the suspension became almost twice more through the use of aluminum components. Plus, the entire rear suspension the front-drive cars designed in such a way that the rear wheels more efficiently skrashivayut road roughness. Through all of this innovation machine provides a pleasant trip, but the driver and passengers are protected from shaking. 17 - inch wheels, wearing a thick rubber, not only looks impressive, but also provides excellent adhesion to the road.

Car interior design solution is simple. Despite the fact that nobody has yet managed to produce a more luxurious and comfortable cabin, the producers managed to make some improvements. For example, buttons 150-Watt audio system is quite large and easy to use, a CD-chendzher built into the interior of the dashboard. Interior design is not very much different from previous models. On models with 1.8T engine center console painted in metallic gray, but not compatible with the primary colors. On all models you can see the decorative panels, made of dark wood. It goes without saying that all materials meet the highest standards of quality. Natural leather interior is available only for vehicles with 3.0 liter engine, but your friends and family members for anything not guess that the seat cover kozhzamenitelem. Design of seats is quite changed: pillows have become longer, more comfortable and ergonomic. By increasing the wheelbase to 3.5 cm rear passengers more space. Foot space has increased by 5 cm

In short, A4 1.8T - wonderful choice: a good controllability, prestige, perfect design. This combination occurs infrequently.

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Test-drive Audi A4 DTM Edition

The first spring months, not only let the inhabitants of megacities of greyness and cold, but returned them the opportunity once again to observe the impressive cars with low landing, beautiful "skirts" and rubber to Low chic drives. The main quality of these cars - the ability to surprise, not only of others, who were to assess only appearance during the short pass cars on the streets of the city, but the driver, along with its passengers, which was more: it is much more pleasant surprised Opportunity car, sitting in a comfortable cabin from Recaro.



Version DTM Edition not only looks pretty much any series Audi A4, but also technically capable of much. Clearly, relative to body championship DTM engine power to 220 hp inadequate - would like to see more impressive value. On the other hand, if this modification to install a more powerful power unit, a direct competitor for the Audi S4, if not for the RS4, and such developments should not be allowed. That is why under the hood with steel brackets worked twice Engine Year, which has recently been modified with a 2.0 TFSI. Winner of well meets all the requirements, because it can not draft with more powerful colleagues, but at the same time, subject the usual quiet update: because he beats them by 20 points on the main indicators.



Technical modernization has not been a serious test for the engine, because it is only staffed with new pistons, turbo-blowers updated and modified control system, which is a necessary step in the introduction to the design of new parts. After that, every horsepower has become responsible for the transport of 6.9 kg Curb weight car, resulting in the A4 DTM Edition has become the place to accelerate to 100 km / h in 7.1 seconds by typing in a little while the maximum speed of 247 km / h. Given the fact that the limit for the most powerful rivals - 250 km / h, a difference of 3 km / h should not be much to spoil the mood of the future owners.

In sharp bends DTM allows only a small demolition of the front axle to the last clinging to the asphalt broad wheels of 18-second range. Gas to disrupt a car skidding into a very problematic; effect on feelings like the work of anti-zanosnoy system, but it was providently off before the movement. In general, such a resistance on the road leaves a positive impression, especially the response to the actions of the steering wheel. Gain picked very wisely. As the speed increases and the effort, but not moving that elusive edge, beyond which you begin to feel discomfort.



If the car has a impressive list of abilities and capabilities, the list of his merits must include prestigious brakes. In this case, perforation of the front brake discs is not as elegant style of racing, but as a really necessary step that leads to significant improvement in the standard brake mechanisms. Of course, after a series of aggressive brake applications the brake inevitably "tired", but the perforation was longer and allows them to maintain the maximum possible efficiency.



Externally the car is a lot of pleasant experiences, but it was not intrusive. Factory tuning of Audi AG was pleasant and the fact that it can not be found to have excessive commitment to a massive false weight and fussy details. Front familiar form of the last generation Audi A4 stresses lower bumper with yubkoy "made of carbon. For the fog lamps, there were no seats in the bumper, so they put in the corners of the leading lights of light. DTM Side distinguishable from the other modifications that can be developed on 18-inch discs typical design because, apart from them, do not look at than to stay because of low thresholds in this version simply do not.



Separate attention is certainly worthy of the rear of the car. It was her most often have to observe the other participants of urban road traffic flows. From this perspective, A4 DTM Edition is much more beautiful than almost all commensurate models Audi. One could even say that in this part of the car it will recognize unmistakably: the fine carbon spoiler, symmetrically located 100-mm tubes in a frame of black diffuser and a light touch in the form of intangible eyelets, made in red. This entire image was clearly recalled the excellent Mazda RX-8, with similar comparison should be to write exclusively in the box, which lists all the dignity of the car. Complements the general picture of the elegant "2.0 TFSI", which is also modified by highlighting the letters "T" in red.

By becoming dark frame is made of exhaust pipes and car. Unfortunately, the dashboard and the torpedo, together with the central console is not different from other versions. All the same buttons at the same locations, and highlight the same brand red light. But all the space is made of dark gray material, which is very difficult drabble. The steering wheel, the lever 6-speed CAT, as well as the seat upholstery and door are part of Alcantara. I must say that to sit in those seats a pleasure because they are very clearly recorded the body, not letting it slide off with rapid turns.



For the opportunity to cut a wide swath of the city elegant surroundings publish false weight and uterine rykom exhaust system long before its direct occurrence will have to pay 60 346 dollars. If you want to save a little, then this figure can be reduced to 56 990 dollars by deleting from the list of features of the model a full drive. To be honest, it is difficult to provide an entity that buys a car without all-wheel drive, having spent on him a sizeable sum, but poskupivshis a couple-three thousand dollars.

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Test Drive Audi S8

Some machine immortalized in films, for example, Lotus Esprit Lt. Frank Bullitt's'68 390 GT Fastback «lifted» to film James Bond, a Lamborghini Countach remembered in the film «The flight gun kernel».

Same with Audi S8, one of the «heroes» film «Ronin». At the outset of the film asked the driver what kind of car they need, and he responds: «Something very fast. Audi S8, is likely to come ». But that's not all. The car is not fast enough and the driver asked her to equip the system with two fuel to enrich the mixture with nitrogen.



After the test drive it was clear that black S8 is absolutely no association, and people perceive it as an ordinary sedan, one of hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Nevertheless, it must be said that the S8 - luxury car, with excellent technical characteristics. I must say that it greatly underestimated, because the car looks very similar to A8, which is released in 1997. In fact, engine power increased to 360 hp, optimized turbosistema, more aggressive suspension, while the external parameters have only dual pipe muffler, wheels became larger on the grille and boot lid has a small icon.



Like the A8, the S8 wheel is «intelligent» pyatiskorostnaya box-automatic Tiptronic. Acceleration from the floor up to 100 km just excellent for this class of car - 6.2 seconds.

In any real situation, this machine will meet your expectations. Even if in the cabin 4 adults, you can safely walk any slow minivans on the road.



While in the city S8 not rezok and quickly - because of the automatic gearbox. You will have to wait until the speed reaches the required mark, that it switched to the next transfer. Transmission almost perfect, switching speeds are absolutely imperceptible.

In many situations, S8 does not behave like a luxury sedan, but as a real sports car. In part this is due to the fact that it is easier many of their peers. All springs and dampers on it a few tougher than its cousins. Wheels - branded 18-inch discs with tires 245/45ZR18. The department A8 and S8 feels palpable difference. In A8 suspension is too soft, and it is felt to bad roads. By the S8 is not at all, no complaints. Quattro system gives the driver confidence and calm in any way.



ABS works flawlessly - as would be cool, you have not been included in the rotation, the machine does not lose stability. Perhaps only the brake pedal when you first clicked, the person is not yet accustomed to its peculiarities, has too much backlash, particularly at high speed. ESP system also have a place to overseeing the state machinery and intervening when necessary, although, of course, change the laws of physics is not able even to her.

The salon is very convenient, high quality materials seat and quietly fit in the trunk of a small begemotik. You can not even mention such trifles as a navigation system, parking sensors, heated front seats, a large hatch with electric drive and the ability to shade the side window. Although there are some negative points. Rear certainly convenient, but not so too. Places for the head and feet - enough, but nothing more. Not too many places to store various things like gloves, packs of biscuits and toys.



In the tested model is slightly poskripyvalo when you open the driver's window and that a tap in the trunk. But it is likely that this is the lack of specific machines.

Summarizing the above, it can be concluded that the S8 has significant advantages over many cars in its class due to full drive, streamlined form, excellent performance and ease of management.

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2000 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

The DB7 Vantage, available in both Coupe and Volante body styles, is the first ever Aston Martin to be powered by a 12 cylinder engine the new 420 horsepower, 48 valve, all-alloy V12 engine delivers 400lbs ft of torque and is the first of a totally new generation of advanced technology.

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