Stuff from the 80's we need back: Pop-up headlamps

Pop-up headlamps are definetly one of the things we need back from the 1980’s.

Ever since 2004 there hasn’t been a car with pop-up headlamps. I don’t know about you but for me, they are one of the most awesome stuff ever fitted into a car.

Even if it says 80’s in the first sentence up there, pop-ups were introduced by Cord in 1936, on the Cord 810. If you don’t know about Cord, don’t worry, your grandpa does. In the 80’s, pop-ups were all the craze in car design. Chevrolet had been using them ever since they released the Corvette C2 in 1963. Ferrari had them in the Berlinetta Boxer and Lamborghini had them in the Countach. Even Toyota had a go in it, and I’m sure you all remember the resulting AE86.

Pop-up headlamps add style to a car. Take for instance the Volvo 480. With this car, Volvo made something that was radically different that their usual “sensible box on wheels” standard. The resulting hatchback looks the part even today. The pop-ups are only there to add the final touch to the mix. As a final example, even the daddy of all sports cars, the Porsche 911, was improved with pop-ups in the form of the 930 Slantnose. These are very rare and highly expensive nowadays, partly because they are hand-built but mostly because of how awesome they look.

Sadly, modern safety regulations made the incorporation of pop-ups pretty much impossible. When the Lotus Esprit and the Corvette C5 were canceled and replaced respectively in 2004, the chapter of pop-up headlamps in automobiles drew to a close.

[Via http://theblogofcars.wordpress.com]

Audi unveils R15 TDi Plus.

Today Audi unveiled the changes made to it’s LMP1 chassis, formerly known as the R15.

The design of the new R15+ is a response to late regulation changes made by the ACO in late November 2009 (after protests by Peugeot Sport and Aston Martin), rendering the (at the time) aero-design ineligible to compete in future races.

Image courtesy of Speedtv.com

The R15+ features a split-front nose design even more radical than the first iteration of the car. The sidewalls (previously in a partially open form) have now been closed.

The V10 TDi engine has been optimised for smaller restrictors and reduced supercharging pressure (something which caused Audi during the 2009, LM24 event), and the headlight system has now been further improved.

While Audi will be testing at Sebring following the 12H race, they will not compete. Instead the R15+ will turn it’s first competitive laps at the Paul Ricard circuit at the opening round of the 2010 LMS season.

[Via http://sportscargeek.wordpress.com]

The 2010 Audi A1

The 2010 Audi A1 adds more zest to a driver’s main course than the actual steak sauce. This three-door hatchback is derived from the 2007 Quattro design study, which the company states is more compact, but will still provide space for four passengers and their accompanied luggage. The new A1 standard features include alloy wheels, air conditioning, and single CD audio system with MP3 compatibility, ESP with latest differential lock system.

A1’s three-engine option promises impressive mpg and low CO2 emissions results. The 1.2L TFSI petrol engine delivers 86PS (63kW/85hp), 160Nm, 55.4mpg, and CO2 119g/km. The slightly larger 1.4 TFSI petrol engine offers 122PS (89kW/120hp), 200Nm, 55.4mpg, CO2 119g/km (with optional S tronic transmission), while the 1.6 TDI diesel provides 105PS (77kW/103hp), 250Nm, 72.4mpg, and CO2 102g/km. All engine options are supported by the latest generation ESP system with electronic differential, which initiates brief, controlled braking of the inside front wheel and transfers the excess torque to the outside wheel, which can apply more power to the road, minimizing understeer and improving traction.

Audi’s more familiar 1.4L TFSI engine has a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Equipped with S tronic it takes the A1 to 62mph in 9.1 seconds, and to a top speed of 124mph.The 1.6L diesel has a five-speed manual gearbox and can power to 62mph in 10.8 seconds and with116mph top speed. Let Audi’s Head of Design Stefan Sielaff give you a tour of the A1.

[Via http://evolveent.wordpress.com]

Audi goes green with a touch of humor

I know this ad isn’t new but I just came across it today.

Usually, I find a lack of humor regarding “go green” commercials. They often take it too seriously, and miss the ” wow that is a cool commercial”-effect. Saying that, of course I understand that protecting the environment is a serious affair and is vital for the entire humanity.

I, personally, think that humor can be a great way to communicate important issues, if accurately used.

This commercial might not make you stop wasting water or switch to paper grocery bags, but it might change the vision you can have of a “green” car.

[Via http://newmarketingtrends.wordpress.com]

Audi Pokes Fun at Environmentalists (and tries to join them too)

I didn’t watch the Superbowl this year.  I haven’t watched the Superbowl since 2004 – which as you may recall is the year Janet Jackson had a wardrobe malfunction that happen to coincide with Justin Timberlake singing the words “gonna have you naked by the end of this song.”   But I digress.

I’ve heard from most people that the ads were pretty lame and I’ll admit I’ve only seen a few in recaps (although CareerBuilder.com and Dockers?  Why so many hairy man legs?  Why?   Ugh) but my favorite thus far is the Audi Green Police commercial in which they poke major fun at the seriousness of the environmental movement all while positioning themselves as leaders within it.  I know not everyone loved this commercial and I’m sure those afraid that environmental regulations = big brother controlling every move you make were only egged on by it.

I personally appreciated the attempt at poking fun and thought it was pretty hilarious.  Enjoy:

[Via http://greenlifesmartlife.wordpress.com]

Actually, I Liked The Audi Ad

Conservatives seem to be split between whether they liked Audi’s “green” ad during the superbowl, or thought it was creepy or offensive.

Frankly, I liked it, and here’s why: It made fun of the Liberal Fascist mindset many in the environmental community seem to have (i.e. the attitude that causes them to claim you need to live your lifestyle according to their beliefs), and secondly, clean diesel is cool technology that doesn’t require government subsidization. If Audi can get environmentalists to buy their cars, more power to them – unlike most hybrids, clean diesel doesn’t need my money subsidizing it in order to succeed. And as long as my taxes aren’t paying for it, people can buy whatever they want.

And heck, I might go for a clean diesel myself one of these days – but more because I like the technology than because of environmental concerns.

[Via http://taoist.wordpress.com]

How to Promote Diesel Engines - Audi's Super Bowl Ad

We chose a Diesel engine for our Clubman because of its green appeal and the superior performance – at least when compared to the fuel-powered Cooper version. But some don’t get that choice. The Cooper Diesel it not available in the US and so are many other manufacturers’  diesel versions.

Why is that? Well, because of two things I guess.

1. Historically, because of the lack of demand for diesel powered cars in the US.
2. And then because of strict environmental and emission laws. Still only a hand-full of the latest diesel engines are conforming to these.

German car manufacturer Audi has achieved full greenness with their TDI engines and once again proofed “Vorsprung durch Technik” is not just a marketing claim.
And now they are trying to hammer this into the US consumers and generate demand for their diesel version with this Super Bowl ad:

Would you buy a MINI Diesel or what would it need for you to buy one? Maybe the upcoming Cooper S Diesel? Let me know in the comments.

[Via http://ourminiclubmandiesel.wordpress.com]