Video: Audi SQ5 TDI

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Check out this promotional video for the new Audi SQ5 TDI SUV that was shown at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race over the weekend.

Video Source: Youtube

New Audi SQ5 TDI SUV Good for 230kW

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Audi has revealed the all new diesel SQ5 at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race over the weekend. This new SQ5 SUV is not for the faint hearted displaying the first TDI-powered ‘S’ model in Audi’s history.

The new Audi SQ5 is fitted with a powerful 3.0-litre twin turbo TDI engine that is capable of an impressive 230kW and 650Nm of torque available at 1450rpm and 2800rpm. All this raw diesel power culminates into a 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. Audi is also claiming that the QS5 will accomplish a fuel consumption figure of just 7.2 litres / 100km.

The sport suspension lowers the body by 30mm compared to the current SQ5 and rides on 20” alloys with 21” alloys as optional. The design incorporates a grey single-frame grille with aluminium finishes, revised bumpers and a roof mounted spoiler. The side mirrors are finished in gloss aluminium. Leather power sport seats and aluminium inlays are fitted as standard. The new SQ5 also offers loads of space up to 1560 litres and towing capacity is rated at 2.4 tons.

There is no doubt that this is a serious SUV from Audi and global sales will start early in 2013. So far there is no word that the new SQ5 will be available in South Africa, but there’s always a chance, even if it’s small.  

News Source: Wheels24

Video: Nissan Deltawing Crash at 24 Hour Le Mans

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The Nissan Deltawing was forced to retire from the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race over the weekend after a crash that saw the revolutionary race car unable to continue. The Deltawing completed 6 hours and 1005 km of the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race. Check out the video to see what went wrong.

Nissan Deltawing Crashes Out at 2012 Le Mans 24 Hour

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The revolutionary Nissan Deltawing was forced to retire from the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race on Saturday when it was struck by a passing LMP1 runner after coming out of a sustained safety car period. The Nissan Deltawing crashed into a wall and sustained damage that despite the Nissan team’s efforts could not be repaired.

Driving the Deltawing at the time of the accident, Satoshi Motoyama had the following to say, "The accident occurred in a high-speed corner and the car hit a concrete wall. It was badly damaged. If I could get the car back to the pit, the team could fix the car and rejoin the race, so I tried everything I could but, since the power train damage was particularly serious, we couldn't revive the car."

The Nissan Deltawing was set complete the Le Mans 24 Hour using half the amount of fuel and tyres compared to any other car in the race. The Deltawing completed six hours and 1005 km of the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race.

Nissan Juke Nismo makes Global Debut at Le Mans

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You probably saw the Nissan Juke Nismo in concept form displayed at the Tokyo and Geneva International Motor Shows with the hope of seeing the Juke Nismo making it to production. Well, the Juke Nismo is no longer a concept and is going into production with sales starting in Europe in January 2013.

The Nissan Juke Nismo is currently making its debut at the Nissan stand at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race and will stand alongside the Nissan Juke-R and the Nissan Deltawing in racing unison.

The Juke Nismo combines the radical Juke design with a blend of coupé lines and SUV styling drawing from Nismo’s vast motor sport expertise. The Juke Nismo features lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts as well as a modified grille and tailgate spoiler which control airflow. These enhancements improve aerodynamics by reducing front and rear lift without increasing drag and thereby improving the Juke Nismo’s driving performance.  18” alloy wheels with wider tyres further improve grip and enhance handling on the road.

The Juke Nismo makes use of a tuned-up version of its 1.6-litre direct injected turbocharged petrol engine, taking inspiration from the engine installed in the revolutionary Nissan Deltawing Le Mans race car. The suspension for the Juke Nismo has also been stiffened and new steering modifications offer sportier direct handling and improved traction control. The Juke Nismo will also be available with torque vectoring that will drastically improve grip and cornering ability.

On the inside, the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims have received Nismo treatment for a sportier feel while driving and special suede-trimmed Nismo sport seats with red stitching have been included for increased hold while cornering.

The Juke Nismo will be built at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK in Sunderland. At this point in time, there is no indication whether the Nissan Juke Nismo will be available in South Africa, but we can hope until we blue in the face. 

News Source: Nissan

Nissan Deltawing Prepares for Le Mans

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The Nissan Deltawing completed its first 54 laps at the 8.5 mile Circuit de la Sarthe on Sunday 3 June in preparation for the 24 hour race. The Nissan Deltawing competes under the Automobile Club de l'Ouest's "Garage 56" which showcases new and innovative technology.

Michael Krumm, Satoshi Motoyama and Marino Franchitti spent time behind the wheel with Motoyama completing the fastest lap time of 3 minutes, 47.980 seconds. According to Ben Bowlby, the concept originator, the Deltawing is within comfortable reach of its target pace of 3 minutes, 45 seconds. Bowlby had this to say, "We're very close to that time so you'd have to say today has been a great success.”

The Nissan Deltawing is powered by a 300 horsepower 1.6 litre Nissan DIG-T turbocharged engine and exhibits half the weight, horsepower and aerodynamic drag that will improve both tyre wear and fuel consumption.

The official practice session will kick off on Wednesday, 8 June ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Le Mans endurance race.  

Video: Nissan Deltawing

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Check out the Nissan Deltawing that will be racing in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.