New Audi S3 packs 296-hp punch

Audi has turned up the heat on the S3 as it prepares to take the fight to the likes of the recently introduced BMW M135i and upcoming Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG in what is set to become an intriguing battle for premium-brand hot-hatchback supremacy.
Audi does not sell the current S3 in the U.S. market.
The third-generation model of Audi's all-wheel-drive S3 is pictured here officially for the first time ahead of its public debut next week at the Paris motor show. It is the first in a series of new performance cars from the Volkswagen Group to benefit from an advanced turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine developed from scratch as part of Audi's EA888 engine family.
With 296 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm, the new four-cylinder engine provides the S3 with unprecedented levels of performance. There is an additional 35 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque compared with the EA113 engine used by the second-generation S3 on sale since 2006.
The power is channeled through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed double clutch S-tronic gearbox. The latter offers steering wheel-mounted shift paddles and an automatic mode for hands-free shifting. Drive is apportioned to all four wheels via a Haldex-style multi-plate clutch.
Audi quotes a 0-to-62-mph time of 5.1 seconds for the new S3 running the S-tronic gearbox, while the manual posts a time of 5.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph. Combined city/highway fuel consumption on the European test cycle is put at 34.1 mpg for the manual and 33.6 mpg for the dual-clutch car.

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McLaren P1 prototype storms Paris motor show

Twenty years after McLaren first entered the supercar ranks, the now-mythical F1 has a true spiritual successor--the P1.
The range-topping McLaren debuts as a prototype at the Paris motor show. A production version will be revealed in 2013 and it's expected to launch within a year. It joins the MP4-12C coupe and spider to form a potent lineup aimed at netting McLaren as many as 4,000 sales worldwide by the middle of the decade.
The P1 is believed to be a working title that will give way to a definitive production name carrying the famed MP4 designation used on all of McLaren's Formula One cars since 1981. The supercar is expected to draw power from an upgraded version of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 used by the 12C, fortified with a kinetic-energy recovery system.
The P1 is based around a modified version of the MP4-12C's carbon-fiber monocoque, with unique front and rear subframes supporting an advanced chassis.
McLaren aims to challenge the likes of Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche as a maker of the world's most sought-after supercars on the back of an illustrious history in Formula One racing. Its goal for the P1 is simple: “to be the best driver's car in the world—on road and track.”
Rumors suggest the two-seater has already established lofty road-car lap records at various circuits where it has undergone preliminary testing, including Britain's revered Silverstone track. But with a good deal of development work still to be completed, company officials say it will be more than a year before independent testers get a chance to verify these claims.
Official details regarding the P1's mechanical package remain scarce ahead of its debut at the end of September. But sources close to McLaren suggest it will pack up to 963 hp. In road-going mode, the hi-tech driveline is said to push out some 803 hp at a dizzying 9,100 rpm. This will be boosted by about 160 hp in track mode through the addition of KERS. The engine is mounted longitudinally behind the cabin, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.
Yet, despite the car's high power output and a reported curb weight of less than 2,900 pounds, McLaren says the P1 is not measured on top speed alone.
“Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed, but to be the quickest and most rewarding series-production road car on a circuit,” McLaren managing director Antony Sheriff said. “It is the true test of a supercar's all-round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.”
Sporting a highly contemporary design penned by Frank Stephenson (formerly with Mini, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo), the P1 is far more individual in appearance than the MP4-12C. Its overall shape has been heavily dictated by extensive work carried out in McLaren's wind tunnel and the need to provide sufficient cooling air to the engine compartment at the rear.
The curvy headlamp graphic has clearly been inspired by McLaren's corporate logo and is expected to appear on a facelifted version of the MP4-12C. Stephenson has also paid homage to the F1 in the shape of the air scoop on the roof.
“The P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road-car heritage,” McLaren boss Ron Dennis said. “Twenty years ago, we raised the supercar-performance bar with the McLaren F1, and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.”
The P1 is based on a modified version of the MP4-12C's carbon-fiber monocoque with unique front and rear subframes supporting an advanced chassis. State-of-the-art features are believed to include active damping and active roll control.
The chassis has been conceived to work with an active aerodynamic package that could conceivably allow a reduction in ride height in track mode to lower the car's crucial center of gravity while increasing downforce.
The 2012 Paris motor show, or as it is officially known – Mondail de l'Automobile – will take place Sept. 27 through Oct. 14, 2012. It occurs every two years alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. The Paris motor show is a spotlight for the latest in design, but automakers will also be showing off their latest concept cars, green cars and supercars.

PRESS RELEASE

McLaren releases three images of its new supercar, the P1
McLaren Automotive will use its first ever international motor show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar – the P1 – which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company's Racing division. P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver's car in the world on road and track.
At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012, P1 is previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed.
'P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,' says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. 'Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.'
'Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit', says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. 'It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.'
When P1 goes into production later next year, it will sit above the 12C and 12C Spider, in terms of both price and performance.
More information will be released following the McLaren Automotive press conference scheduled for 17.45 CEST (16.45 BST), on Thursday 27 September 2012.
 

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Smart Paris motor show concept previews next-gen cars

Mercedes-Benz's Smart division is bringing an electric-powered concept car to the Paris motor show.
The two-seat forstars previews the exterior styling set for the next generation of Smart models. Those include the third-generation fortwo and second-generation forfour, both of which are being developed and will be produced in co-operation with Renault. The French automaker will get its own uniquely bodied versions of the new cars.
The forstars concept uses the same rear-engine/rear-wheel-drive mechanical package as the for-us pickup concept shown at the Detroit show in January.
The forstars also hints at what Smart describes as a new sport-utility coupe model that is under consideration as an affordable rival to the likes of the upcoming Volkswagen CrossUp.
"The intention is there, but nothing is decided at this stage," a high-ranking Smart source said when questioned about the likelihood of the forstars making production. "We can't ignore the fact that SUV sales continue to grow and will likely continue to do so in the near future."
The German-based Smart, which has production facilities in France, first announced plans for a SUV in 2002 with the so-called formore. However, plans for the Mercedes-Benz C-class-based five-seater, which was to be built in Brazil, were abandoned during a reorganization of Smart before the concept vehicle was planned to debut at the 2005 Frankfurt motor show.
While considerably smaller, Smart's latest concept sets out to fill a similar market niche.
The forstars, named because its glass roof allows occupants to peer into the night sky, has styling similar to the for-us. Changes include a new front look featuring oversized headlamps aimed at adding visual aggression, a lowered windshield header and a forward-angled B-pillar. The glass hatch opens upward, while a power tailgate section lowers vertically next to the rear bumper to reveal a 35.4-inch-long cargo area.
The exterior, credited to a team of in-house designers working under Mercedes-Benz advanced design chief Steffen Koehl, retains the familiar two-tone, red-and-black theme that has been a signature of all Smart models since the launch of the original fortwo in 1998.
Details, such as the shape of the headlights and taillamps, recall the look on the Smart forvision revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt show and set to show up on the next-gen fortwo.
Helping to accentuate the sport-utility theme are large wheel wells filled with 21-inch wheels shod with 245/35 tires.
At 139.8 inches long, 67.3 inches wide and 67.0 inches tall, the forstars is 33.7 inches longer, 8.0 inches wider and 1.4 inches shorter than the current fortwo. It also rides on a wheelbase that has been extended by 23.7 inches, while the tracks have been widened by 7.6 inches at the front and 3.5 inches at the rear.
Mercedes-Benz sources say that the concept car's basic dimensions closely mirror those of the second-generation forfour, which is due out in 2014 and set to be produced in Renault's Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia.
Inside, there is a flamboyantly styled two- seat interior. Among the auto show gimmicks on the forstars is a projector mounted within the hood's air duct. It can be controlled from inside the car to project videos on nearby walls. Taking the place of the traditional rearview mirror is an iPhone, which slots into a dedicated holder and projects images captured by a rear-facing camera.
Power for the forstars concept comes from the same plug-in electric system introduced on the Smart fortwo Brabus electric drive. It uses a brushless electric motor mounted at the rear producing 80 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque, together with a 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery that can charged via plug-in electricity and brake regeneration. Smart says the top speed is 81 mph.

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