Audi R8: MSN Cars Car of the Year

Best in handling, the fastest car, best in design and best in performance; these are just some of the many awards that has been scooped by the Audi R8 since its introduction in the market. Of course, the best validation will be the ones coming from the consumers. And one such citation was delivered by MSN.com on its survey for MSN Cars Car of the Year. The award that was given by MSN was actually based on a poll of MSN Cars users that was posted late last year. The survey was based on all UK cars that was launched in 2007. And with over 37,000 votes cast, 42 percent of the votes were dedicated to the Audi R8.

So what are 2007’s best cars according to the users and the readers of MSN.com? Rounding off the top ten are the Ferrari F430 Suderia, the BMW M3, the Ford Mondeo, the Rolls Royce Phantom DHC, the Fiat 500, the Mercedes Benz C-Class, the Mini Clubman, Mitsubishi i and the Mazda 2. The bottom dweller, the Mazda 2 incidentally was the recipient of the Car of the Year at the recnetly concluded New York Auto Show.

Previous winners of this survey were the BMW 3-Series Coupe’ for 2007, the Bugatti Veyron for 2006 and the Aston Martin DB9 for 2005.

One Lean and Mean Diesel Machine

The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans concept made a splash at the Geneva Motor Show and at the Detroit Motor Show. And I would’nt ask why. Judging from what I’ve researched about this diesel-powered sports car of Audi, words seems not enough to describe the sporty looks and the performance of this model. This model needs to be seen and to be driven to know the difference between the Le Mans and the rest of the pretenders out there. In my alternate universe where I am a rich kid and living on a hefty inheritance from my father, this Audi R8 TDI Le Mans is at the top of my wish list.

The bodywork of the Le Mans concept is painted in red, enough to be strikingly beautiful on and off the road. Its body construction features a large glass roof on the passenger compartment, with two large transparent sections. The lighting of the Le Mans is not taken for granted, with the LED taillights. Its three-dimensional looks cannot be missed anytime. Its output is nothing to sneeze at as well, its color temperature ranges at 6,000 Kelvin and output resembles daylight much more closely than xenon or halogen light. Interior design and space is both sporty and exlusive.

But what really makes the TDI Le Mans stand out as compared to the rest is its engine. Its diesel engine is extra special and can create 500 bhp and 738 lb of torque. This sportscar can peak at 162 miles per hour and can reach 62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. Its fuel economy stands at 28.5 miles per gallon.

The TDI concept is often referred to as a green-diesel machine. This is validated by the fact that the sportscar fulfills the Euro 6 emissions standard. Central to the system is the special catalytic converter downstream of the oxidizing catalyst and the particulate filter. There’s an additional tank that contains an aqueous urea solution. Small quantities of this solution-known as AdBlue are injected into the exhaust system. The hot gaases eventually breaks the solution down to form ammonia, and then splits the nitric oxides into nitrogen and water.

Got a Spare $1.35M?

Then get a 2009 Laundalet and be the talk of the town!

I recently blogged about the Lamborghini Gallardo hitting over $220,000.00 and thought that the price tag is overly grandiose. The price of the GT-R hovers around $80,000.00 and find the amount a little to high. The price of the SLR McLaren roadster can start at half a million dollars and find this price too high. But I guess, these prices pales in comparison to the shocking sticker price of the current Maybach. The over-the-top, well at least for me Landaulet concept by the Mercedes Maybach can fetch at least $1.35 million. That’s a lot of dollars for a single car, don’t you think? Maybach’s product manager described the Maybach Landaulet 2009 as:

The Landaulet is for the superrich individual who wants something that is extremely extraordinary and enjoys being driven in a car with acres of sky above them.

So what makes the Landaulet extar-ordinary?  Every Landaulet is powered by a V12 engine that is developed for the Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S. The Landaulet is actually based on the Maybach S. The rear end roof of the Landaulet is removed so as to offer the passengers an un-obstructed view of the sky. Of course, a folding roof is provided for that can be used when the weather is un-friendly for some sky-watching and laid-back driving. The interior of the Landaulet is nothing to sneeze as well, thus solidifying the hold of the Maybach as the most prestigious luxury automobile around. This is based on a survey of 531 US millionaires. This Maybach is painted in Baltic Black or Nevada Silver. Consumers can select from three leather options and a choice of two trim finishes; the black piano lacquer that is combined with either carbon=fiber trim or the fine athracite poplar. Maybach can also meet certain consumer expectations and needs. For example, clients can choose individual appointments from the entire Maybach paint finish, leather and trim element range. Extra charge will be imposed to highly exclusive appointments such as special paint finishes based on the consumer demands.