Autoblog

Blurry images of Infiniti 1-series fighter surface

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-05-07T18:11:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti

While Jonathan's shots of the new 370Z were seductively cryptic, these newest images from Car do more to confuse than enlighten. Car was attending a presentation by Nissan design chief Shiro Nakamura, and with their camera phone at the ready, snapped off a few shots of Infiniti's upcoming small sports car that looks more like Han Solo in carbonite than a swoopy coupe.

The Infiniti two-door is expected to debut sometime later this year in concept form, and is poised to take on the BMW 1-series in the compact coupe segment. The shape, even in the grainy pic, is decidedly different from anything else in its class, with a long hood and a cab-backward design that has plenty of potential.

Car also grabbed a shot of the Nissan 370Z, which appears to get some seriously styled wheel arches and a steeply raked windshield. But according to the Brit buff book's sources, the new Z will take several cues from the GT-R when it's unveiled later this year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

[Source: Car]

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Cadillac bringing ethanol hybrid chopper to LA Auto Show

John Neff — 2008-05-06T15:28:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Green, Cadillac, Motorcycles

Cadillac chief Jim Taylor likes him some motorcycles, so it's not all too surprising that he commissioned a Cadillac-themed chopper from Great American Chopper in Clawson, Michigan (at right). What is surprising is that Cadillac has commissioned a second chopper from V20 Consulting out of New York City that will be an ethanol hybrid capable of running on corn fuel or pure electrons. It can reportedly even reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Cadillac plans to unveil the bike at the LA Auto Show later this year, but the thing we can't figure out is what motorcycles or hybrid powertrains have to do with Cadillac, which has never been associated with either. The source says that the bike is supposed to display GM's "strength in science and technology". How about delivering the series hybrid Volt on time? That's the only evidence of GM's strength in science and technology that we need.

UPDATE: Cadillac contacted us to clarify that in fact it didn't commission either motorcycle, but both custom bike-building shops are building these choppers on their own, and Cadillac has given them permission to use its logo and branding. It was also pointed out that the Cadillac Escalade Two-Mode Hybrid is almost here, so in fact the wreath and crest will soon be getting its first hybrid.

[Source: D Business via Winding Road]

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More details on Audi's forthcoming 350 hp, supercharged S4

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-04-25T13:28:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, Audi

After a report yesterday that the next S4 would be benefiting from a supercharger, Volkswagen AG's powertrain head, Wolfgan Hatz, presented the automaker's new 3.0-liter TFSI engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new engine will be fitted with a blower and putting out around 350 hp when fitted to the next generation S4. The supercharged six is expected to return better fuel mileage than its V8 counterpart and will also be fitted to the refreshed A6, due out towards the end of this year, although output will be reduced to 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, both models will benefit from a Magna-sourced sports differential that will migrate to the Q5 and S5 down the line. No timeframe was provided about the release of the S4, but we'd expect to see the A6 replacement in Paris, with the S4 debuting at the LA Auto Show in November.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via MotiveMag]

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Holy Headlights! Nissan 370Z details appear in Japanese mag

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-03-11T10:32:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan

A forum member over at Fresh Alloy has posted scanned pics of the coming Nissan 370Z from a Japanese magazine, and it looks like things are going to get a lot curvier. It appears that the hood-to-fender dip on the current car remains on the new Z. However, at the front of those fenders appears a set of LED headlights unlike anything else on the road. And in one inset photo -- though we have no idea if it represents anything more substantial than fancy -- a redone front features a smaller center scoop flanked by much more aggressive fender vents.

There are some fuzzier interior shots as well, and the three gauges atop the center console look to be placed in much deeper cowls than the current car. According to Alloy moderator Jawad, the car will come with the same 3.7L V6 that debuted in the Infiniti G37 with the same horsepower and be announced in November, which probably means an LA Auto Show unveil is in the works. Thanks for the tip, Lester and Kn1ves!

[Source: Fresh Alloy, Response.jp]

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Geneva 2008: more images of the Pininfarina Sintesi

Noah Joseph — 2008-03-05T19:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Geneva Motor Show

Click above to view the Pininfarina Sintesi concept in hi-res

Pininfarina. Just the name evokes thoughts of sheet-metal rendered into curvaceous works of art. And at Geneva this year, Pininfarina did not disappoint, unveiling one of the most achingly beautiful four-door concepts we've seen to date. In fact, we were so taken with it, we had to bring you more after our own Jonathon Ramsey brought you the first live pics yesterday.

The Sintesi, whose slow reveal we brought you incrementally as the studio released details week by week in the wind-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, takes the notion of a four-door coupe, crumples it up and ever so elegantly throws it in the face of just about every passenger vehicle that has come before it, including Pininfarina's own Maserati Quattroporte. Come to think of it, the QP is due for a replacement, and if the Sintesi previews the next Trident sedan in any way, we just might have to mortgage our homes.

Click on the thumbnails below to view all our best live shots and a host of new press pics.

Gallery: Pininfarina Sintesi concept

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Geneva '08 Preview: JCW MINI Cooper S speeds into focus

Noah Joseph — 2008-02-10T16:29:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Tuners, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchbacks, MINI

Following the relaunch of John Cooper Works as MINI's in-house performance division, the little carmaker that could is preparing to unveil the new JCW MINI Cooper S at Geneva auto show, which is now approaching as rapidly as the hot hatch itself. Meanwhile details are emerging over what the first factory JCW will include, and it looks good.

In brief, JCW has reworked, upgraded and optimized the turbocharger, the pistons, the air intake, the transmission, the clutch, the brakes, the wheels, the exhaust and the ECU. The crew at MotoringFile, those intrepid gurus of everything MINI, says that while the bigger turbo, upgraded induction, cat-back exhaust and electronics do their part, the pistons are where it's at, revving higher and smoother than those in the conventional Cooper S. Output is expected to be around 210-220 hp (versus the stock 172 hp), with torque skipping up to 206 lb-ft. To handle the extra juice, MINI fits a heftier six-speed with a chunkier clutch, putting the power down with lightweight rims and keeping it in check with JCW logo-shaped calipers, which will join an array of the new-look emblems placed around the car. We don't yet know what the extra spec will amount to in discrenable performance numbers, but MINI has reportedly upped the top notch on the speedometer to 260 km/h (~160mph) instead of the 240km/h (~150mph) on the stock Cooper S.

All in all, the JCW Cooper S promises to amount to more than the sum of its parts, offering a complete factory performance vehicle. When the car launches next month, MINI is expected to highlight the close relation between the new JCW MINI, which will eventually be available in hatchback, Clubman and convertible forms, to the Challenge racer it prepared for the track.

Thanks for the tip, Gabe!

[Source: MotoringFile]

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works

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Nissan 370Z coming to Los Angeles Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-02-07T16:55:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan

Winding Road's man from Japan, Peter Nunn, supposedly has it on good authority that Nissan's new Z-car is headed to Los Angeles this November for its official unveiling. According to Nunn's source, the 370Z looks "fantastic," despite it being a more evolutionary design.

The really interesting tidbit from Nunn is that the new Z will be shorter than the outgoing model by around four inches. That might curtail speculation that the spy shots we've seen of a chopped 350Z was a new rear-wheel-drive model that could resurrect the Silvia nameplate. Too bad. But the 370Z will be sporting the 3.7-liter V6 found in the Infiniti G37 coupe, a slightly wider track and, hopefully, will shed a few pounds from the outgoing model.

[Source: Winding Road]

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New plan to improve Cobo Hall moves forward

Chris Shunk — 2008-01-19T13:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, New York Auto Show

Detroit may be the host of one of North America's largest auto shows, but Cobo Hall is far from the continent's best conference facility. It's dated and small, and larger venues like Chicago's McCormick place and the LA Convention Center are more modern and accommodating to automaker displays. Officials from area counties are attempting to work together to expand and modernize the aging facility with plans that include an additional 120,000 square feet of floor space and a walkway between Cobo and the Renaissance Center. Said officials are currently bickering over the total cost of the plan, which ranges between $595 million and $846 million. The financially ailing state of Michigan is willing to contribute $150 million to the cause, but county executives need to bury the hatchet and hammer out a deal that greatly improves a building that in LA or New York would likely have been bulldozed or completely overhauled long ago. If area executives need any more incentive to move on a solution, this year's show features 58 major introductions, compared to 76 just three years ago.

Michigan residents should be excited about a new plan, but we've heard about a new plan every year since before anyone can remember. As Detroit loses some of its grip on the US auto industry, however, it seems to be becoming more and more evident to politicians that hosting North America's premiere automotive showcase isn't an inalienable right. If the movers and shakers in the Detroit area can't get the job done, it could soon be curtains for Detroit's single largest annual event.

[Source: Detroit News]

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2018 Mazda3 LA Show design winner completed

Damon Lavrinc — 2007-12-06T10:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Mazda

Click the image above for a gallery from the show floor.

So after finally hoping on the Facebook-bandwagon, we decided to check up on how Mallory McMorrow's Mazda3 concept was coming along. After shaping and molding the clay on the LA show floor for over 10 days, the 2018 Mazda3 was finally displayed. Overall, it's cues tie in nicely with the "flow" theme crafted by Franz von Holzhausen and his team who helped McMorrow hone her design. We think it's a step in the right direction, particularly from an undergrad, and we're hopeful that the 21-year old industrial design student hits the ground running once she has her degree in hand.

[Source: Facebook]

Gallery: 2018 Mazda3 Design Challenge

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2008 Mazda5 gets less change in US trim

Frank Filipponio — 2007-12-04T11:58:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivans/MPVs, Mazda

Click above for high-res images of the 2008 US Mazda5

While we just showed you the revised 2008 Euro Mazda5 that will make its debut in Bologna, we wanted to let U.S. 5 fans know that it will be more than a year before most, if any, of those changes find their way to our shores. We say this based on the fact that we've already seen the 2008 Mazda5. Quietly sitting in one corner of Mazda's display area at the L.A. Auto Show was the 2008 version of this fun and practical microvan. Besides some minor exterior tweaks to the front and rear fascias, different wheels and arguably better looking taillights, all of the changes appeared to be to the interior. Some of the complaints about the current 5 had related to the lack of dual armrests for all seats, the lack of rear vents for the HVAC system, no rear window tint, and a very limited interior color palette. Well, those concerns have been addressed. The show model was painted in a new darker red that has essentially replaced the salmon-like "Cardinal Red" that disappeared in '07. The interior, however was a light gray over dark gray leather, which will supplement the tan and black leather that first appeared with the Grand Touring model this year.

Although the photos are a bit dark, you can see the light side and rear window tinting Mazda is now using, as well as the new dual armrests and the revised dash and center console, which is a huge improvement over the previous edition. The pop-up navigation screen has been replaced by an in-dash unit with new controls. The center console loses its deep storage bin and cover in exchange for revised cupholders, heated seat switches, an open storage area and those all-important rear vents. You'll also notice that the hidden power outlet has been relocated a little higher up and has been given some company via a second port. While we didn't get a look under the hood, the transmission appeared to be the same 4-speed auto from the current lineup and this unit didn't sport any power sliding doors or rear view cam either. Whether or not they will be available is unknown, but it would make sense that if Mazda had planned to offer them they would probably use the show to flaunt those features. Anyway, these are some nice changes to an already very desirable nanovan.

Check out the full gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 US Mazda5

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In depth: Acura's 2.3L turbocharged I-4 engine

Merritt Johnson — 2007-11-22T17:03:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Tech, Acura

When Acura designed the RDX, they wanted to give it a lightweight mill that was powerful enough to compete in a class rife with six-cylinder power. A V6 would provide the desired output, but it would add too much mass over the front axle, so instead, Acura decided to slap a turbo onto a four-cylinder and boost output accordingly. Honda, Acura's parent company, has developed some of the best performing four bangers in terms of horsepower-per-liter, so the engineers had a lot of innovation at their fingertips. The package put together for the RDX is a 2.3-liter inline-four, complete with Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing and creating 240 hp at 6000 rpms and 260 ft-lbs of torque at 4500 rpm. Thanks to the addition of the turbocharger, it makes more torque than any other engine in Acura's lineup -- not a huge feat considering that most of Honda/Acura engines are devoid of any low-end grunt. The engine also features some economical innovations to keep the RDX's price tag from skyrocketing, so when we found this engine on display at the Acura booth at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, we thought a closer look was in order. Follow the jump for an in-depth view with pictures from the display engine and Acura's own renderings.

Gallery: Acura's 2.3L Turbocharged i-VTEC Engine

Continue reading In depth: Acura's 2.3L turbocharged I-4 engine

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Autoblog Podcast #81

Dan Roth — 2007-11-22T09:35:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, SEMA, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Trucks/Pickups, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Ford, GM, Honda, Pontiac, Toyota

Now here's something worth giving thanks over. The podcast makes its return in time for you to load it on your iPod for the drive over the river and through the woods. We've been away at shows, so of course we do some recapping of whatever highlights struck our fancy at Tokyo, SEMA, and LA. We start Autoblog Podcast episode #81 by discussing pickups, though. New spy shots of the 2009 F150 have surfaced and that pushes us into a wider ranging discussion about pickemups. From there, we try to send GM the message that messing with the nose of the Solstice is a bad idea, and the very last car they should be worrying about, anyway. No current Pontiac discussion would be complete without mention of the G8, so we make sure to pontificate about that for a while, too. John, Damon, and Alex take a little time out to ~~gloat over~~ discuss what's currently in the Autoblog Garage, touch on the fact that the Scirocco's not coming stateside, and partake in a scorching GM vs. Honda/Toyota green car debate. It's all over in 52 minutes, thanks for waiting so long, we'll do it again soon!

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Rumormill: Hyundai headed into Formula D?

Dan Roth — 2007-11-20T09:29:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupes, Etc., Hyundai

A factory-backed Hyundai drift team? It doesn't sound so fanciful after last week's introduction of the Genesis Coupe. Everyone who looks at the Concept Genesis has the same reaction, whether the powerplant referenced is a turbocharged four or a torquey V6 - "what a perfect drift car that would be." If this rumor pans out, it seems that Hyundai had the idea first, and they want to give their new RWD coupe some street cred. Maybe we'll find out more when the production version is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. More grist for the rumor mill: there are serious discussions ongoing between Hyundai and a top drift team to field the Genesis Coupe in the 2008 or 2009 drift season. It would definitely go a long way toward bolstering the image of the new RWD Coupe from Hyundai to have it sliding around, tail out, kicking ass in Formula D, especially among the clientele this vehicle targets.

Thanks for the tip, MrCoolGuy!

[Source: C16]

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LA 2007: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on display

Merritt Johnson — 2007-11-19T17:34:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Tech, Acura

Click the above picture for high-res image.

All-wheel-drive systems are becoming an increasingly popular feature for large sedans. They allow for more exciting driving dynamics than pure front-wheel-drive, but also provide for increased fair weather traction over pure rear-wheel-drive. Acura revealed their all-wheel drive system dubbed Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) in the 2005 RL. Since then, the system has been adapted to the MDX and RDX vehicles as well. It is a system with a name only a Japanese company could get away with, after all there is a Honda powered Formula 1 team named Super Best Friends. Acura is proud of their technological development. Their 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show booth featured a SH-AWD display front and center. We used the opportunity to snap some pictures of the complex unit in order to illustrate its unique features. Follow the jump to read more.

Gallery: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive

Continue reading LA 2007: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on display

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First Drive: AutoblogGreen drives the 2009 Honda FCX Clarity

Sam Abuelsamid — 2007-11-19T09:26:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Honda, Driving

click above image for the First Drive of the 2009 Honda FCX

Following the conclusion of press days at the 2007 LA Auto Show, AutoblogGreen got invited to join Honda for a first drive in its FCX Clarity. In case you missed the announcement last week, when it becomes "available" next summer, the FCX Clarity will the world's first series production fuel cell-powered car. Another unique aspect of the FCX is the fact that it was designed from the ground up as a fuel cell vehicle rather than being converted from an existing vehicle. Previously only concepts like the Chevy Sequel had this distinction. The Clarity is remarkably complete and functional with all the amenities you would expect on a car like the Acura RL. Get the whole scoop on the 2009 FCX Clarity at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

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LA Show 2007: Faces in the crowd

Frank Filipponio — 2007-11-18T20:02:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc., Lifestyle

What would an auto show be without all those lovely models? Although they weren't deployed as numerously as at some other recent shows (Frankfurt, Tokyo and SEMA come to mind) Los Angeles had its fair share of pretty faces representing the various manufacturers. It also had a few celebrities floating around to make you know you were close to Hollywood. Former NBAer John Salley, racer Derek Bell, "The Transporter" himself, Jason Statham, architect Frank Gehry, and California's own Governator made it into our files this year. Aside from the ones in our gallery there were several others who proved too elusive even for our shutterbug corps, which included occasional helper Las de Alwis as well as several AB and ABG regulars. We'll just have to try harder next time.

Click image at right for high-res gallery of some of the beautiful people from Los Angeles.

Gallery: LA Show 2007: Faces in the crowd

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LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special

Noah Joseph — 2007-11-18T14:12:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Mercedes Benz

Click on the image above to view in high-resolution

The SLR wasn't the only attention-grabbing roadster Daimler-Benz had on display at this year's LA show. Sitting front and center in between all the latest machinery from Mercedes was this unique classic, the 290 Special Roadster.

On loan from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA, the bright orange convertible was a one-off drophead version of the 290-series flagship sedan that debuted in February 1933 at the Berlin Motor Show. Taking the place in Benz's 30's line-up where the S-Class sits today, the 290 came in short- and long-wheelbase versions (for personal or chauffeured use) and adopted the company's then-new swing axle technology.

This convertible is one-of-a-kind, built in 1936. It packs a 68hp 2.8-liter straight six driving through a 3-speed transmission and wrapped in some truly classic sheetmetal that gives you an idea for where the guys at Wiesmann may have drawn their inspiration. Check out the gallery below for all the elegant curves and details.

Gallery: LA 2007: Mercedes 290 Special Roadster

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VIDEO: Water mafia fighting over the new Honda FCX Clarity

Chris Shunk — 2007-11-18T12:09:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Honda

The Honda FCX Clarity is hugely important because it represents an honest to goodness fuel-cell vehicle that is going to actually be built and sold in 2008. The significance of a vehicle that spits water out of its exhaust instead of carbon is lost on virtually nobody, and it looks like Honda will be the first out of the gate. Honda has created a clever commercial to show how important its new accomplishment is, and it involves a bunch of thugs shooting it out with water guns. It's good stuff, and you can view it by clicking the read link below.

[Source: YouTube]

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VIDEO: Nissan GT-R Gran Turismo-inspired video display in action

Damon Lavrinc — 2007-11-17T17:02:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Videos, Supercars, Nissan

click above image to view video of the Nissan GT-R's display in action

Our friends from Fast Lane Daily had the opportunity to get intimate with Nissan's US-spec GT-R at the 2007 LA Auto Show, and although we've gone over every nugget of info about Godzilla's engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive system, we haven't had the chance to check out all of the techy goodness that awaits the driver and his awe-struck passengers.

As reported before, Mr. Yamauchi and his team of crack UI geeks at Polyphony Digital designed the computer system that keeps track of nearly every facet of the GT-R's performance and internal systems. Four user-customizable presents display twelve different parameters on the dash-mounted screen, including everything from acceleration, braking and lateral g's, to oil temperatures, boost levels, torque split, and throttle and brake position. The list goes on, but we'll let the FLD crew take it from here. Make the jump for the full video and you'll find an overview of GT-R's display screen about 2 minutes in.

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan GT-R Gran Turismo-inspired video display in action

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LA 2007: Audi's 5.2L V10 FSI engine on display

Merritt Johnson — 2007-11-17T11:10:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Tech, Audi

While browsing the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show we discovered Audi's 5.2L V10 FSI engine in all its 450 hp glory. It was perched on a stand in the Audi booth mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, and was strategically displayed amongst the S6 and S8 sedans, which it powers. We remembered reading about this engine in the January 2007 issue of SAE's Automotive Engineering International, so we dug it out to give you a rundown of its specifications. The first thing that must be pointed out is that contrary to popular belief, this engine is entirely different from the V10 used by the Lamborghini Gallardo. The Lambo engine was designed for high RPMs, while the S6/S8 V10 was put together for high torque and fuel economy.

The 5.2L V10 is built for two different outputs between the S6 and the S8 applications. The S6 receives a version that puts down 435 hp at 7000 rpm and churns out 398 ft-lbs of torque, while the S8's creates 450 hp at 6800 rpm and also produces 398 ft-lbs of torque. The varying power numbers are achieved through both its exhaust design and tuning, and the differences in output equate to relatively similar power-to-weight ratios for both cars. Follow the jump for a detailed look at the display engine along with Audi's own renderings.

Gallery: Audi's 5.2L V10 FSI engine

Continue reading LA 2007: Audi's 5.2L V10 FSI engine on display

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