2011 Audi TTS Coupe: New Photos of Facelift Model

Audi has published a new picture gallery of the subtly facelifted 2011 TTS Coupe that will go on sale in the U.S. this fall. Cosmetic changes are limited to the revised single-frame grille with its aluminum-look horizontal double bars and the bumper, along with the addition of a new Panther Black exterior finish and a new two-tone (silver/black) option for the interior.

Unlike the base TTs, there are no mechanical upgrades for the TTS Coupe and its Roadster sibling that continue to be powered by the German firm's 2.0-liter TFSI with the larger turbocharger and other modifications that develops 272HP and 350Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, the latter from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

The Ingolstadt-based automaker says that the TTS Coupe with the optional S tronic sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds and goes up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). With the S tronic, the Coupé consumes an average of 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km which is equal to 30.55 mpg US.

New Seat Exeo Tech Models with Additional Goodies

Seat is upgrading its Exeo (yes, that's the Spanish-ized version of the previous Audi A4) lineup in Britain with the introduction of two new trim levels called SE Tech and Sport Tech.

Available to order now with first deliveries to take place in the UK this summer, the Tech versions are said to add a total of £3,270 worth of extra equipment £3,270 for just £875 over the price of the standard SE and Sport models.

All Tech models get a DVD-based color screen satellite navigation, BOSE premium audio upgrade, black leather upholstery and an iPod connection in lieu of the standard glove compartment-mounted USB port

Included as standard in the new SE Tech and Sport Tech cars are DVD-based colour screen satellite navigation, BOSE premium audio upgrade, luxurious black leather upholstery and an iPod connection in lieu of the standard glove compartment-mounted USB port.

The Tech trim levels are offered on both the sedan and station-wagon versions of the Exeo with a choice of two 2.0-turbo diesel engines (143HP or 170HP). Prices start from £21,270.

Model derivative	Price (RRP)
SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS SE Tech	£21,270
SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS Sport Tech	£22,235
SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS Sport Tech	£23,155
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS SE Tech	£22,290
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS Sport Tech	£23,255
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS Sport Tech	£24,175

Veno Supercar from Poland or Simply Put, Lamborghini Reventon Replica

Veno Automotive is a new car company from Poland controlled by the UK-based private equity fund Heros Capital. In spite of being a newbie, the Polish firm has revealed an ambitious plan to build a limited production supercar that has yet to be named. We’ll simply call it the Reventon Replica as despite Veno’s ramblings about a unique design inspired from jet fighters, it doesn’t take a car guru to see that it’s a total Lamborghini knock off.

According to Vento, the supercar will compete against the best of the best including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg, Ascari and Pagani. And how do they intend to that – apart from forging the Reventon’s design that is? First of all, the Polish firm says that it has developed a high-tech chassis capable of handling over… 1,000 HP.

Moreover, the Polish supercar that will be available in coupe and roadster versions will also feature a carbon fiber body parts and brake discs along with an array of gadgets like a night vision camera with pedestrian detection, onboard computer with internet access and doors that open with the touch of a button. Power will come from three versions of the Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 engine developing 350, 450 and 700 HP. -Continued

Vento supports that in 2009 it will also offer the ability to choose from an array of Corvette C6 engines including the Z1’s LS9 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (did anyone ask GM?). And since it’s all talk, allow us to inform you that Vento has also begun research on an electric-powered version of the supercar equipped the latest generation batteries. The Polish firm says that it plans to hand build a total of 50 examples (up to 10 - 12 units a year). As they say, a little day-dreaming never hurt anyone – that is unless Lamborghini's execs take a look at these designs…

Thanks for the tip Robert!

Volkswagen Group to Buy Italdesign Giugiaro?

Volkswagen's master plan is all about numbers. Being the biggest, baddest automaker out there. That's why it isn't any surprise to hear that Volkswagen might be bringing Italdesign Giugiaro under its wing (nothing is official yet).

An acquisition would be another major part of VW's world takeover scheme, assisting with the goal selling 10 million vehicles in 2018. Its ten brands intend to release sixty new or updated models this year, so more designers and engineers are needed.

Now is far from the first time that VW and Giugiaro have worked together. The Italian design house has helped create a variety of cars for those aforementioned ten brands.

The list includes: VW's Golf Mk1, Passat Mk1, Scirocco Mk1, and W12 / Nardo concepts; Audi's 80; Bugatti's EB118, EB218, and 18/3 Chiron; Porsche's 1970 Tapiro; Lamborghini's Marco Polo and Cala; Seat's Ibiza Mk1, Toledo Mk1 & Mk2, Córdoba Mk1, and Málaga.

Expect more news as it hits.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoweek

Italdesign Giugiaro Gallery of Production and Concept Models