While most magazines would rather conceal the idiotic mishaps we encounter from time to time, we thought we should share our most recent misadventure we experienced with Project TDI.
The other day, I had the misfortune to fill our “Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Only” Jetta TDI with plain-old “Low Sulfur Diesel”.
The “warning” sticker on the pump looked exactly like the “Ultra-low Sulfur” label, and after briefly reading it I proceeded to fill ’er up.
Only after filling the tank did I realize I’d selected the wrong jungle-juice.

Expecting the worst, I phoned VW of America and a few of its dealers to discover the worst. However, I was relieved to hear that a tank of the older low sulfur diesel wouldn’t actually hurt our ultra-low-only 2009 Jetta TDI.
They did point out that while the older fuel wasn’t necessarily good for the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), one tank wouldn’t do irreversible damage — if anything, I noticed a bit more power from the older diesel fuel, as the technicians predicted I might.
Using the wrong diesel fuel is along the lines of running leaded gas in a modern, unleaded car – it will clog the cat if used too often.
So you don’t make the same mistake, I’ve taken a photo of the “Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel” sticker to point out the differences between it and the “Low-Sulfur Diesel” counterpart. After a long day’s work, the easiest way to decipher between ultra-low sulfur and regular low sulfur is the “parts per million” (PPM) figure. If it reads “500” it’s low sulfur. But if it’s a scant “15”, it’s ultra-low. And remember that most ’07 and newer cars need ULTRA-low sulfur diesel fuel.
Whenever possible, try your best to always run the appropriate diesel in your car but, if your ‘07+ diesel is on “empty” and low sulfur is all that’s available, one tank shouldn’t hurt things too badly.
On a side note, I had the pleasure of taking our Jetta TDI on a 1000-mile jaunt and averaged an amazing 46mpg with a combination of 80mph cruising and tons of stop-and-go holiday traffic. The little oil-burner continues to impress us with its torque-rich character and soot-free fire-ups. Stay tuned; the modding is about to begin…

There still aren’t many people who know about the new BMW Performance line so the marketing guys at BMW directed this well executed video of two fully-equipped BMW Performance cars – the 1-Series and 3-Series sedan.

BMW Performance offers accessories and parts to help add style to your BMW but with the fit, finish and warranty of Original Equipment. Parts are available through dealers and include styling accessories from aerodynamics to carbon strut braces, steering wheels and more. The performance parts are to die for with big brake kits, camshafts, short shifter, exhausts, intakes, interior and suspension available. Check out the video and you’ll see some of the parts in action.
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/accessories/performance/phase_3/start.html

Here is also a link to the USA website to see what parts are available for your car: http://accessories.bmwusa.com/PerformanceVehicleSelection.aspx

Apparently, we’re not supposed to direct you to other websites, but we had to let you know about this incredible video. It features Subaru rally driver and DC Shoes founder, Ken Block. He’s practicing for a Gymkhana event in a 530hp Crawford-prepared Subaru Impreza STi.

Obviously, eurotuner magazine is devoted to European cars, but videos like this don’t come along everyday and you have to respect the man’s skills, no matter what he’s driving.
The video in question apparently took two days to film and some of the most incredible footage involves donuts around a moving Segway ¬– just watch the vid and see what we mean!
While you’re at the site, take time to watch some of Ken’s other videos – Stunt Junkies and Mtn.Lab 1.5 shouldn’t be missed either.
Since we're doing this guerilla-style, we don’t know how to create a live link and can’t exactly ask anybody for assistance. So just paste the link below into your browser and enjoy.
http://video.kenblockracing.com/flash/player/

By now, you should all know about the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. It was a race series developed by Volkswagen of America to showcase its clean-diesel technology as well as the driving talents of 30 up-and-coming young drivers.
The season consisted of eight races at seven different tracks across the United States, with one race being held at Mosport in Canada. Throughout the series, the drivers covered a total of 301 miles (over 150 laps) and the Jetta TDI racecars managed to complete all eight races only using two tanks of fuel per vehicle over the entire season!

Driver development was a main component of the Jetta TDI Cup and was evident in the talent that was seen on the track. None of the 30 drivers had professional experience and putting them into identical cars led to almost inevitable carnage.
Virtually every race saw a different driver take the win, with no clear championship leader emerging. Ultimately Josh Hurley won the championship with a five-point lead over the second place winner, Liam Kenney.         
Josh Hurley from Cooper City, FL claimed the $100,000 purse money and, as a special bonus, got to drive in the ADAC VW Polo Cup at Hockenheim in Germany.
With this being the first clean-diesel race series ever held in North America, Speed TV filmed the entire series, which is being aired now. The cameras were present from the very beginning, watching the driver selection process in April, as well as every race, catching what happened both on and off the track.
There are a total of seven, 30-minute episodes following the individual races. Each race is packed with action and incident as the novice drivers slip, slide and spear into one another. However, it’s the final 60-minute documentary, Racing Under Green, that is the must-see episode. It encapsulates the series, highlighting individual drivers as they progress in their fledgling racing careers.
It looks at racing from a personal perspective and provides engrossing footage for race fans and prospective drivers alike.
With only a few more opportunities to view the race series and the documentary on Speed TV, we encourage you to set your DVR to record this absorbing coverage of a very significant event in North American motorsport history.

Yes, the biggest car in BMW’s lineup is back with an even longer wheelbase and more grunt under the hood. The 750i still looks similar to the previous-gen 7-Series, but visually it has more sportiness with a new silhouette, larger and more vertical kidney grilles and a wider stance.

The engine is what really sets the vehicle apart in the lineup. It uses the same 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 from the X6 to deliver 400hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. This goes hand in hand with a new weight-efficient construction to keep the car nimble and equal. The chassis features load-bearing structures, aluminum roof, doors, hood and front fenders, aluminum front spring towers, aluminum block engine and aluminum differential housing.
The suspension is also reengineered to give a more comfortable ride with better handling. The new 750i is the first passenger car to use a multi-link double-wishbone front suspension. Self-leveling air suspension is standard and a rack-and-pinion steering with variable ration and hydraulic power ensures the best driving experience.
There are plenty more features in the new BMW 750i and we’ve also driven the car first in Europe. Stay tuned for our full report in the February ’09 issue of eurotuner.

The LA Auto Show continues to stay in the front as one of North America’s premier events with several manufacturers unveiling concept cars and new product offerings. LA has even caught the attention of several European car manufacturers from VW, Audi, BMW and more. Arguably, Los Angeles is a “driving” city with nonstop traffic mixed with city and highway roads.

With this in mind, Mini debuted its first electric car called the Mini E which will begin selling in Los Angeles by the end of the year. Mini has prepared 500 of these electric hatchbacks which will be available to select public for purchasing. There’s already a waiting list of 10000+ people but Mini will be hand-selecting customers from the list. To get on it, visit www.miniusa.com.
Equipped with an electric motor equivalent to 204hp, the Mini E will give city drivers an energy efficient drive, plus plenty of power to get the car moving. The technology uses lithium-ion batteries which transfer power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox. Top speed is limited to 95mph and its 0-62mph acceleration is measured generously at 8.5sec. Battery life should last 150 miles.
Unfortunately, the battery takes up most of the vehicles storage space and weight as 5088 cells are required to fill the 48 modules. But the entire system can be recharged at your home or office in a mere 2.5 hours through a plug where the fuel door would normally be. There’s a catch though; in order to properly recharge a Mini E, your home or office has to have compatibility with the electrical system. This is one of the reasons why Los Angeles was chosen as the flagship city of Mini E because the power companies have properly outfitted the city. There are plans to launch the Mini E in New York and New Jersey in the near future.
Stay tuned with eurotuner to find out more information. The car isn’t on the road yet but once it does, we’ll strive to give you the one of the first driving impressions of the new electric Euro.

Unveiling its new Race Touareg TDI, VW has the first turbo-diesel Trophy Truck in the history of the off-road SCORE series.
The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck that will run in the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race. It will compete in the SCORE Trophy Truck class, powered by a 5.5 liter V12 clean-diesel engine that produces 550hp and 625 lb-ft of torque.
Staying true to the off-road prowess that the Touareg is best known for, the purpose-built Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck takes the Touareg’s off-road tenacity to a new level. With double A-Arm front suspension that allows 25” of wheel travel, and a four-link rear suspension that allows 30” of wheel travel, combined with Fox Racing Shocks, Eibach springs and BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 off-road tires, the Race Touareg should have little difficulty covering the 634 mile Baja 1000 course.

The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck Body was designed by the Volkswagen Design Center located in Santa Monica, California. Most of the design work was carried out by Alex Earle, who also worked on VW’s revolutionary three-wheeled GX3 concept.
Alex explained how the Trophy Truck series has no particular regulations as far as bodywork is concerned, so his priority was to cover the huge BFG tires ad provide sufficient clearance for the enormous suspension travel, while still making it recognizable as a VW Touareg.
The body is constructed from glass fiber for weight reduction. However, the more expensive carbon fiber was rejected since the trucks receive so much abuse they expect to replace the panels frequently during each event. Furthermore, the chassis of the truck also carries sponsor logos so they will continue to be seen even if the bodywork falls off.
One of the team’s requirements was up to 10 spotlights for night use. You can see six of these mounted above the cabin on a quick release bar. Two pins hold the bar in place and a central spring helps with vibration. An additional four lights are placed behind the VW grille. These are pivoted to swing up during the daytime, helping with airflow and reducing the chance of damage. At night, the grille is removed and the lights swing down for use.
Although the bodywork wasn’t submitted to any wind tunnel testing, the drivers have reported an increase in stability compared to early trials when they drive the cars without the panels. They also complained that the roof lights acted like a air brake, necessitating their removal during the day.
The trophy trucks were designed and built in North America, but the V12 engines, derived from Audi’s dominant Le Mans racers, were detuned by the factory and shipped over from Germany. The incredible 625 lb-ft of torque means the Touareg will be one of the few trophy trucks with a paddle shifted manual transmission, rather than the more conventional auto transmission used by most teams.
The Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI will be driven by motorsport veterans Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero on the Baja 1000.  
Mark Miller has been selectively dominating off-road racing for over 20 years. His unprecedented driving skills were recognized by VW motorsport and in 2005 Mark made a full-time commitment as a factory works driver for the Volkswagen Motorsports team based in Hanover, Germany.
Miller is one of the few Americans to start the Dakar Rally and is regarded as  multi-talented. In 1979, he competed in the SCORE Off-road Challenge for the first time on a motorcycle, was successful in a NASCAR truck series, and scored several wins in the Trophy Truck class of the famous Baja 1000 and Baja 500 rallies.
Growing up in the racing world, Ryan Arciero has experienced first-hand what victory feels like. Maintaining the legacy of his legendary racing family Ryan is determined to continue 50 years plus of motorsport success that the Arciero family has worked so hard to achieve. Whether Ryan is racing a 1000 mile off-road race or turning laps on the pavement, the skills and experience he gained have produced one of the most diverse drivers and successful racing resumes. As a Volkswagen factory driver, Ryan was instrumental in the inaugural season of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series, where he coached and mentored a group of thirty up-and-coming young drivers on what it takes to succeed in the world of professional motorsport.
Willie Valdez Jr will be Mark Miller’s navigator, and Benny Metcalf Jr will be Ryan Arciero’s navigator in the Tecate Score Baja 1000. Both Valdez Jr and Metcalf Jr have amassed multiple wins in various off-road racing classes both in the United States and Mexico.
The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI is sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels and Fox Shocks.

Summer is over and the harsh winter months are right around the corner or already frosting your windshield, depending on where you live. As you roll up your windows to keep the elements out, consider the last several months of soaring temperatures, both outside and under the hood of your vehicle—all of which may have damaged your battery. As a result, your battery may not be ready for the big chill.
“What most motorists don’t realize is that it’s the hot summer weather that causes the initial damage to batteries,” said Cam Douglass, director of product development at
Optima Batteries. “Summer heat is what causes them to fail in the winter.” And, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), faulty batteries cause more car/truck starting problems than any other factor.

During the hot summer months, the temperature under your hood causes the material inside the battery to break down. The heat causes evaporation and gassing, resulting in declining acid levels. The potential for problems down the line is obscured by the fact that batteries naturally perform better in hotter temps. Vehicles are easier to start in warmer weather because the oil is thinner and engines are easier to turn over. However, as the temperature drops, so does the battery’s ability to start your car. “Even though the battery’s effectiveness has already declined, users may not see the signs until the winter months, when it’s too late,” said Jeff Zagrodnik, director of product engineering for Optima.
In addition to the damage caused by heat, cold weather is brutal on a battery's starting power. Winter’s cold simply makes it harder for the battery to provide power, especially in a weakened state. So, now is the time to check your battery before it leaves you stranded in the frozen tundra.

Tips to Prevent Winter Battery Failure
− Check the battery using a voltmeter, especially after numerous short drives (less than a mile). Short drives don’t allow the alternator to recharge the battery properly.  
− Ensure your charging system is working properly.
− Inspect belts to ensure they are tight and in good order.
− Check battery connections to ensure they are clean and tight. Use a wire brush to clean off any corrosion.  
− Secure the battery to the tray to prevent excessive vibration.

The technology of an Optima battery can help keep your vehicle running throughout the winter and avert the damage of next summer’s heat. They have lower internal resistance, which delivers more starting power than a traditional battery, even in cold weather. The absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology and sealed construction prevent acid evaporation, which protects internal materials and maintains the battery’s charge. Optima batteries also have greater repetitive reserve capacity, which allows the battery to be completely drained and fully recharged more times than traditional batteries.
So, by giving your battery a little attention now, you can help prevent it from leaving you stranded this winter.

Last Sunday, November 16th, the drifting community welcomed two Euros. For the first time, Formula Drift, held its World Championship presented by Red Bull at the Port of Long Beach. The event invited 32 top level drifters from around the world. This included several from Asia, Canada, and our two Euro representatives from the Netherlands.

Both cars regularly compete in the International Drift Series in Europe. The first is Remmo Niezen who brought his E30 M3 V8. Unfortunately he lost in the first round against Rhys Millen who ended up winning the championship. The car was impressive to see with its extreme widebody and Testorosa-style doors.
The other car was campaigned by Paul Vlasblom. He surprised the judges and the crowd with his E36 Touring. It was the only wagon in competition and nearly made it to the second round of competition.
Although, both BMWs didn’t finish high in the rankings, it was a great effort for trying in the drifting community. But it goes to show that Euros are better for real road course racing!

As for the winners of the event, they are no strangers to the North American drift scene. Rhys Millen took home first place with his Pontiac Solstice. Second place belonged to teammate Dajiro Yoshihara with a Pontiac GTO. Third place was won by former champion Tanner Foust and his Nissan 350Z.
 “All the teams, fans, sponsors, supporters and especially Red Bull and the City of Long Beach made the Red Bull Drifting World Championship truly historical event,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “We were able to bring the entire drifting world together under one roof and made for one of the best drifting competitions ever.”
The event was highlighted by an extremely fast entry and six technical turns. Event winner Millen set the speed bar high by also claiming the highest entry speed with 103.7mph during the finals. The track proved to be challenging with many drivers falling victim to the walls and barricades and other drivers stepping up to show off their total car control.
We’re excited to see the action next year and hope some hardcore Euro drifters will place higher. For more information, visit www.formulad.com.

The echoes from the ’06 victory can still be heard when the European tuning community embarrassed the import infidels at their own sport. This was accomplished with GMG Racing’s Porsche Cup car and 034Motorsport’s World Challenge Mk4 Jetta. Both cars took home wins in the unlimited class and GMG won the overall event. But after much protest by the import guys, the cars were outlawed due to the teams’ participation in World Challenge.

Last year, the Euros made a noble effort at Buttonwillow Raceway. Our highest finisher was 034 Motorsport and its Audi A4. It finished 16th with a 1:57.216 but had higher hopes this year after adding more horsepower and traction for etGP. The dyno champion of etGP arrived with high hopes Wednesday morning but blew a rod on its first practice run forcing it to retire early.

The rest of the field this year was quite beaten by the Japanese imports which seem to be improving every year. We paid close attention to WRD which had hoped to win the Limited FF class but its Mk5 GTI had problems with boost hoses popping off and the car’s new tires. The car finished 42nd with a 2:03.652. At least it was an improvement from last year’s time of 2:04.561, but far behind the competition brought by Honda tuners.
An interesting race between Euros kept us excited as Evolution Racewerks and Berk Technology squared off against each other with identical 1-Series. The ER car ousted Berk by .571sec. This could be credited to ER’s addition of widebody front fenders, water/meth kit and its own performance modifications.
Stay tuned for a full feature in eurotuner.

We were privileged to be asked by the organizers of the annual Gran Turismo Awards to find the Best Euro at this year’s SEMA show. The aim was to nominate the hottest car at the show for the next iteration of the hugely popular Gran Turismo video game (which has sold over 50 million units worldwide). The top cars would then be honored by Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) at the sixth annual Gran Turismo Awards at the SEMA 2008 auto show in Las Vegas.

The Gran Turismo Awards give SEMA exhibitors the opportunity to have their car immortalized in a future edition of the famed Gran Turismo racing franchise and be “driven” by millions of enthusiasts across the globe.
Hundreds of exhibitor entries were received for this year’s Awards and the 2008 “Best in Show” was awarded to JR Rocha with his 2007 Infinity G37.
Winners from previous years’ Gran Turismo Awards can now be raced in past iterations of the Gran Turismo series, including the newly released Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, available exclusively on the PlayStation 3.
Prior to the SEMA show, all exhibitors were invited to enter their car into the
Gran Turismo Awards. They honor five different categories that include Best Domestic, Best European Import, Best Hot Rod, Best Japanese Import, Best Truck/SUV and the coveted Best in Show.
The judges consisted of various “respected automotive journalists” including the team for eurotuner magazine. Judging for each category was based on the judge’s choice for a car with well-balanced performance, style and speed. The “Best in Show” award is then selected from the category winners by Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the Gran Turismo franchise.  
Held at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, award winners and guests witnessed the sixth annual Gran Turismo Award ceremony and were treated to live performances by hip-hop superstar Ludacris, as well as rock legends Tommy Lee and Dave Navarro. Guests were also invited to test their driving skills on the PS3 Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.  
In addition to winning the Best of Show and Best Japanese Import award, JR Rocha’s vehicle, will be drivable in a future Gran Turismo game.   
The Best European Import award was given to Robert Gal who represented Volkswagen of America with its Volkswagon CC concept car – a car we judged to best present the fine tradition of European tuning.
The Best Truck/SUV was presented to John Wargo for his 1938 Chevy. The Best Domestic Automobile award was given to James Shipka for his 1967 Chevrolet Camero Rally Sport.  The final category for Best Hot Rod, was awarded to Jason Lavigne for the Factory Five Racing 1933 Hot Rod.

The Red Bull Drifting World Championship prepares for an historic drifting weekend. The city of Long Beach, CA will play host for the event and activities have been scheduled throughout the week, including a parade of cars through the downtown area. A purpose-built drifting track will be created in the Port of Long Beach for the event. For the first time, this event will draw competitors from around the world to compete in the inaugral world championship of drifting. It promises to be the best event of its kind ever, and we’re especially interested to see several European teams competing in European vehicles.

Pre-event activities for the Red Bull Drifting World Championship include a parade of the competition drifting cars from the Port of Long Beach and through to Downtown Long Beach on Pine Ave on Thursday November 13 at 5:45pm. The cars will be displayed until 9:30pm on Pine Ave. A driver autograph session will be held before the draw party on Pine Ave at 6:00pm featuring the Top 32 Drivers. A “draw” party will then be held immediately following the autograph session at Smooth’s Sports Grill and will feature the official announcement of the qualifying order for the main event on Sunday, November 16. “We are excited to have Formula Drift’s hometown Long Beach as the host city for this historic event,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula Drift. “Long Beach has supported drifting and holding this event in the Port of Long Beach will be monumental.” A purpose-built drifting track will be unveiled in the Port of Long Beach. The course will feature six turns and a high speed right-hand entry designed to push the drivers into the 100mph range. The course will be the first of it’s kind and will be both fast and technical for the ultimate drifting competition. Thirty-two of the world’s best drifters will gather on Saturday and Sunday in the Port of Long Beach to compete for the largest prize purse in drifting history. The top 32 will compete in a head-to-head tandem bracket format, with the winner of each bracket advancing into the next round on his way to becoming the first ever Red Bull Drifting World Champion. The Red Bull Drifting World Championship will feature the Formula Drift Pro/Am competition on Saturday and a special opening ceremony by the Red Bull Air Force skydiving team on Sunday. A special half-time performance by the band, “Crooked X.” will be another highlight on Sunday. In addition to the drifting action, there will be some of hottest cars in the country on display for visitors to enjoy. Admission and VIP tickets for the Red Bull Drifting World Championship are still available and can be purchased on-line at www.formuladrift.com

It’s one of the toughest decisions to make at SEMA but it’s a question we all ask: what was the best car at the SEMA show this year? Our favorite was VW’s Passat CC concept car built by VW’s design studio and APR. But there was another car that deserves an honorable mention, this ’09 Tetsu GTR.

Showcased in the center of the Toyo Tire booth, the Tetsu GTR is based off the Bentley Continental GT, but transformed by Japanese tuner ASI. There will be 29 of these cars produced and this is the first and most extravagant concept of the Tetsu GTR estimated to be worth over $3.5 million. The production cars will be priced significantly less but will only include selected body work and accessories.

The exterior screams in your face thanks to an extravagant widebody conversion with enlarged front and rear fenders, updated bumpers and side skirts. On the front bumper, you’ll notice an enormous front grille, signature to the ASI product line. Plus, there’s an LED light conversion based off the Audi-style daytime running lights. Also up front, there is a hood made of dry carbon as well as a front splitter. Moving to the rear, the trunk lid is also constructed of dry carbon as is the rear wing. Still hungry for more? The roof is also overlayed with the same dry carbon to continue the theme.
There are areas of the car with artwork painted on which is done by world famous artist Nakamura Tetsuei. All this artwork is hand-painted on using 24k gold and natural pigments. The interior features more carbon accents plus reupholstery in a complex silk weaving. The material is sourced from Kyoto, Japan and is the same material used in making kimonos. Next, you’ll notice the wheels which are 22x9.5” front and 22x10.5” rear ASI wheels. They feature a 24k gold strip which was layed on to match the accents on the exterior and interior. The wheels are of course wrapped in Toyo’s best tires using 295/25-22 T1Rs.
Finally, the engine came next. Factory-equipped with a 6.0 liter twin-turbo W12, ASI claims to have bumped horsepower from the stock 552hp to 800hp using larger turbochargers, intake, exhaust, coolant system and software tuning.

Despite a number of highly successful concept cars under its belt, Volkswagen of America was again able to take the 2008 SEMA auto show by storm with its latest offering; this stunning VW CC.

The CC is a four-door coupe based on the Passat platform that offers a more luxurious, stylish package at a very reasonable price (starting from $26790 for the potent 2.0T).
The CC would be the base vehicle for the 2008 VWoA SEMA concept car, and is the company’s second concept. The first was a luxury interpretation called the CC Gold Coast and launched at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours (http://blogs.eurotuner.com/6287853/euro-news/special-edition-vw-passat-cc-gold-coast-debuts/index.html).
However, this second CC would have a more extrovert performance theme but with an unusual twist – the software on this vehicle has been adapted to give different, switchable power levels ranging from 220hp to 311hp, and giving increased economy.

Creating a follow-up to the VWoA’s previous R-GT and RGTI SEMA concepts was going to be a real challenge for Chief Designer Derek Jenkins and his team. However, they returned to SEMA 2008 with what’s possibly the most sophisticated concept to date.

Like the previous Passat R-GT concept, this Performance CC (as it’s known) has taken the car in an overtly sporting yet utterly elegant direction. It’s intention is to provide potential owners with inspiration to modify their own CC, as well as indicate to the aftermarket tuning specialists what can be possible with this vehicle.
 The Performance CC brings a sleek exterior treatment that’s finished in a custom mix of Lamborghini’s grey pearlescent paint. This is highlighted by black chrome exterior accents along the sides of the car, as well as custom bumper, side panels and machined aluminum elements finished in a satin black.

The high gloss of the black window trim and the stunning paintwork was perfect contrasted by set of custom-designed 10-spoke, 20” wheels. These were designed by VW’s in-house team and featured both machined and shot-peened finished that were hard anodized for durability.
The wheels are wrapped in 245/30-20 Yokahama tires, while the handling has been tuned by H&R Street coilover suspension.  
Inside the wheels are 14” Brembo front brake rotors with four-piston aluminum calipers in a custom white finish.
The gloss black exterior treatment continues inside with piano black accents, which are again offset by matte black graphics – the same graphics that run the length of the exterior, over the black roof, and have even been repeated on the white leather seats using an innovative laser-etching process that has burnt the surface of the hide to create the unique pattern. In addition to the white leather, the Recaro seats have black leather outer sections and white piping.  

A vehicle like this couldn’t retain the stock motor, so the Performance CC retains its 2.0L TSI engine but it has been upgraded with an APR stage 3 turbocharger system. The software has bene programmed to allow three performance levels.  In Full Power mode, the Performance CC driver has access to 311hp and 313 lb-ft of torque; GT mode offers 252hp and 268 lb-ft; and in the Eco mode 222hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Also included is an APR stainless steel performance exhaust system and custom carbon fiber engine covers created by VW’s design team.
What’s interesting about the Eco performance mode, is that while horsepower has been increased from the stock 200hp, the team claims a reduction in fuel economy. A production 2.0T CC automatic gets 28mpg highway and 19mpg city, yet the Eco mode gives this CC a claimed 33mpg highway and 27 city. Even the Full Power mode is said to have shown a fuel economy increase!
Further innovation on the CC concept sees a diversion from the “traditional” carbon fiber finishes you might expect to see on a vehicle such as this. Instead, the design team has pioneer billet aluminum trim pieces. And on the CC, the slats in the dynamic front and rear spoilers, as well as the distinctive spoiler on the trunk, were machined from aluminum. And to increase the weight saving advantages, the undersides of each piece had been machined out to create a slim profile.

In our opinion, the VW Performance CC was the best European car unveiled at SEMA: possibly the best new concept of any type at this year’s show. It represents the best of elegant, dynamic European engineering and styling. We will have a full feature in eurotuner magazine very soon.

For the past five years, the Los Angeles Auto Show has conducted a challenge between manufacturer design studios to create a car based on a certain theme. This year’s theme is race cars and nine of Southern California’s studios have accepted the challenge including Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW. On the Japanese side, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Honda have also made a concept.

Here at eurotuner, the European designs interested us most so here’s a closer look at the four competitors:

AUDI – Called the R25, this is said to have innovative features such as high-velocity banks and tannels which allow the cars to race inverted on the race track

BMW – It’s a hydrogen-powered salt flat racer. Reminiscent of old school Bonneville race cars, this concept reuses existing and mundane materials such as oil barrels and barbecue lids

MERCEDES – Of course Mercedes built something luxury called the Formula Zero Racer. It incorporates Formula One style car but with the track dynamics of a bobsled course and the grace of yacht racing

VOLKSWAGEN – Go green with VW’s Bio Runner. There’s a protective cage around a motorcycle-like saddle with controls attached to the hands and feet
Entries will be judges by several designers from various art and design schools in California. The winning desing will be announced on November 20th at the LA Auto Show.
If you’re interested in attending the LA Auto Show, visit www.laautoshow.com

It’s not often we visit Dallas, TX but we were delighted to attend Hot Import Nights last Saturday (10.11.08).

Surprisingly, the show was well attended with a constant flow of spectators and hundreds of show cars. We expected to find plenty of riced-out Hondas and lifted Chevy’s, but to our delight, there were plenty of impressive Euros and cleanly-modified Japanese imports which included Nissan Skylines, Acura Integras and Nissan 350zs. On the Euro side, TWCompetition stole the show with a display of high quality VWs and BMWs including Robert Wang’s twin-charged Mk4 GTI VR6 and Eric Shih’s revamped M3 supercharged. Eddie Farcon from New Image Motorsports was also in town to display the new paint job on his turbo and widebody BMW E36 M3. We can’t also forget about Northern California resident Joe Ninobla and his unforgettable big turbo New Beetle with Motorsport widebody. Perhaps the most surprising car was Rob Michals’ Audi A4 1.8T which made the trek from Minneapolis, MN. He won Best Audi Mild (congrats Rob!).
Overall, it was decent show for an import show. To see where Hot Import Nights will be next, visit www.hotimportnights.com

On October 10th, we drove down to Huntington Beach, CA to attend a barbecue hosted by Wheel Power and M-Fest.

Attendees were treated to free hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream. There was even a cute birthday celebration for a few spectators!
The biggest announcement of the day was the return of M-Fest which plans to happen April ’09. Visit mfestforums.com for more information.

We know, it’s not really a European motorsport but this year’s Red Bull Drifting Championships will feature two BMWs including this E36 3-Series Touring and E30 M3 V8.

The E36 is campaigned by Paul Vlasblom of the Netherlands. He’s started racing Porsche and BMWs and ’99 and even recorded some victories in the Porsche Series and BMW Cup in ’02. Paul didn’t begin drifting professionally until ’03 where he entered the Autovisie DriftChallenge with an E30 finishing 11th. In ’04, he won his first drifting competition using an E36 M3 coupe drifting every turn with one hand out of the sunroof!
In ’05, Paul joined D1 with his Touring E36 and has been placing in several top three finishes since. This year at the Red Bull Drift Championships in Long Beach will be his first time competing on US soil.
The second BMW competitor is Remmo Niezen of Maassluis (Western Netherlands). In ’00, Remmo earned his racing license and started in ’01 competing in the BMW touring car championships – he won the first year! In ’02, he won his second championship. His drifting career started in ’05 with a BMW M5. Since then, he’s won several drifting series including Dutch, Belgium and German.
For more information on Red Bull World Drifting Championships, visit www.formulad.com

Volkswagen
Paris ’08 saw the debut of the next VW GTI. The Mk6 GTI Concept is a thinly disguised version of the production car that will arrive in Europe next year.
The new car will be cheaper to make but is also more distinctive than the current Mk5 GTI, sharing the Scirocco’s and returning to a slatted front grille. The concept car (and production car) uses a 210hp version of the 2.0TFSI engine currently used by Audi. There is also an XDS electronic limited slip differential and active damping to help the driver control the power. Expect the suspension adjustments to see differences in the power steering assistance as well.

For a full report on this design study, see our news pages at www.eurotuner.com
In addition to the three-door, VW also showed a four-door version of the GTI. Both feature red striping in the grille, harking back to the original Mk1 GTI that was launched 32 years ago.

The new GTI retains the current car’s wheels but gets a more aggressive front spoiler with a wider aperture, similar to the Scirocco.
The interior is similar to the Mk5 GTI in materials and controls. The concept boasted a Lamborghini-style flat-bottomed steering wheel, but this feature may not make it to production.

Audi
Following on from Audi’s Metroproject unveiled last year (for full story, see news pages at www.eurotuner.com), the A1 Sportback is a five-door version of the same concept. And both are very close to the Audi A1 super-mini that will arrive in 2010.
Aimed at the premium sub-compact market currently dominated by the Mini, this concept was glitzy but showed the car’s superior practicality. From it’s plexiglass grille and LED headlights, to the clear door handles and short overhangs, the A1 promises much. Interesting but essentially pointless was a vertically split rear window, allowing you to access either side of the trunk. But with such a small car, this is pretty pointless in reality. Yet drew curiosity on the concept.
The white leather interior had bold red highlights on the seats and the vents, but these are just show-car glitz. Expect a more somber production car to be unveiled late next year.

Audi also revealed its new 333hp S4 model. And unlike the previous B7 chassis S4, the new car has dropped the V8 powerplant and returned to its V6 roots. The 3.0 engine is supercharged but was curious badged “V6T”.
Upon investigation we discovered the “T” refers to Audi’s TFSI technology. However, this abbreviation has previously stood for Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection on its turbocharged engines. However, Audi is now saying that the T refers to any form of forced induction, meaning the new B8 Audi S4 is Tupercharged rather than Surbocharged.

BMW
BMW had two interesting vehicles – the X1 Concept and new 7-Series, as well as the facelifted 3-Series.
The X1 is a 1-Series offroader that looked similar in size, but longer and lower, than the existing X3. It’s hard to imagine BMW needs another SUV, especially as it was also showing the Mini SUV concept in the same exhibition hall. You would have to think the X1 would cannibalize X3 sales, since it’s a more focused package that reflects the company’s downsizing of its products.
The new 7-Series, however, proved they still know how to combine luxury with performance and energy efficiency, as we discovered during a recent 155mph test drive (read the blog at www.eurotuner.com).

The 7-Series is a technical tour de force, boasting many world’s first for new technology applications. It’s specification list is breathtaking in its length and complexity with highlights including the 407hp twin-turbo V8 from the X6, programmable adjustable suspension, active steering with rear-wheel steer, new iDrive control with more shortcuts, bookmarks and a bigger 10” screen, fulltime internet access, 80GB internal hard-drive for music and navigation, night vision with pedestrian identification, speed limit indicator that reads road signs, lane change warning, aluminum body panels as well as a softer, well proportion appearance.

Mercedes
Mercedes went for opposite ends of the spectrum at Paris, showing its electric Smart car and 517hp, 4.5 tonne armored Pullman Guard. However, the real fanfare was reserved for the Fascination concept. Understood to be a thinly disguised 2010 E-Class, the stylish wagon featured a bold front end and athletic haunches that gave the design study a dramatic appearance. Choosing a wagon platform emphasized Europe’s continuing love affair with this format and manufacturer’s insistence that it offers superior space utilization and comfort. Squint at this concept and imagine a toned down version hitting the streets next year.

By the end of the year, BMW will be able to claim yet another accolade – North America’s Best Diesel Car.
December 2008 sees the arrival on these shores of the new BMW 335d, a car so good it could even be the best diesel in the world!

OK, these are bold claims for an oil-burning sedan but its combination of frugality, practicality and outright performance make it an almost impossible combination to beat.
At the heart of the machine is BMW’s award-winning 3.0 twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel motor. Using a small turbo at low engine speeds, and a larger one as revs increase, the sophisticated electronics provide a seamless wave of torque that peaks at a neck-snapping 425 lb-ft.
With 265hp – about 20hp less than the European version ¬– the 335d will accelerate to 60mph in an astonishing 6.0 seconds and on to an autobahn-verified and electronically limited 130mph.
The reason US cars claim less power is the sophisticated emissions equipment onboard. Required by US regulations, the motor combines a diesel particulate filter with EGR and SCR systems.
It’s the SCR that’s unique to North American cars and consists of a 20 liter tank of urea. This is injected ahead of the car’s second catalytic converter specifically to eradicate nitrous oxide emission – a gas that’s less regulated in Europe.
Reducing NOx output by as much as 90%, the tank is claimed to easily last between 15000 mile service intervals and will be filled by the dealer, free of charge, during your regular, free servicing.
If, however, you’re heavy footed and empty the urea reservoir before the service interval (something BMW claims is highly unlikely), you can’t simply pull over and pee in the tank. Once the dashboard light illuminates to warn you of an empty tank, you are given a small number of engine starts before the car will refuse to start again. This is stipulated by regulations and designed to prevent these turbo-diesels running around without the NOx-killing urea onboard.
Interestingly, VW’s recently launched Jetta TDI is able to operate without the SCR system, thanks to a smaller 140hp 2.0 motor.
Now while your impression of diesels may be based on the smokey tragedies of yesteryear, European manufactures like BMW, VW, Audi and Mercedes are hoping you’ve been able to sample their new technology while vacationing in Europe. If not, then you’re in for a shock. Not only are these new diesels smoke-free, they possess the kind of performance that will require a mind recalibration.
In the 335d, with its impeccable six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, you simply mash the pedal and wave goodbye to everybody at the traffic lights. And on the freeway, the ridiculous levels of torque endow it with some of the fastest in-gear acceleration times in the business.
And all the while, you’ll be grinning as the dashboard display records 23mpg city and 36mpg highway.
In our experience, we were easily able to exceed these figures during our mix of city and autobahn driving. And a diversion onto twisting alpine roads revealed this BMW hasn’t sacrificied any of its legendary handling prowess in the search for economy. The silken gear changes (with manual override) and abundant torque had us powering uphill and wheelspinning out of hairpin corners.
This 335d is as entertaining as anything in the 3-Series line-up (M3 excepted). It certainly offers a thoughtful alternative to the 335i, but with prices (yet to be announced) in the low $40s, its technology does attract a premium. However, that extra cost should be returned at the fuel pumps over the life of the vehicle. And with the price of low-sulfur diesel dropping at the gas stations to the equivalent of premium gas, a car such as this will appear even more attractive to long distance commuters and high mileage drivers.
Supported by incredible sports seats, enjoying music from the onboard hard-drive and following instruction form the new 8.8” navigation screen, this facelifted 3-Series retains its welcoming cabin.
From the outside, the new cars are easily identified by a dramatically sculpted hood, sharper character lines, reprofiled front spoiler and L-shape LED tail lights. Overall, the car appears slightly softer but more distinctive than before, and new interior finishes enhance its legendary quality feel.
With diesels accounting for 60-90% of 3-Series sales in BMW’s European markets, the company is an acknowledged leader in the field. And while the US was previously thought to be hostile to diesel technology, recent increases in the cost of fuel mean BMW has decided to send us its very best turbo-diesel from a line-up of five engines available in Europe. Only time will tell if this was the correct decision, but we’ve certainly been given the very best of what’s on offer.
The same 3.0 twin-turbo will also be available in the BMW X5 xDrive 35d, on sale in December. And BMW representatives certainly didn’t close the door to the suggestion of more diesel models to follow if these cars prove successful.
If you’re a BMW fan or diesel-curious, we advise you to get down to your BMW dealer and check out this fascinating addition to BMW’s legendary line-up.

With the arrival of another eagerly awaited VW, we can finally start to enjoy respectable fuel economy without having to drive one of those politically expedient Prius!

The new 50 state compliant VW Jetta TDI boasts 30% better fuel economy than the equivalent gasoline engine. In this case, the EPA has deemed the car to return 38mpg city and 44mpg highway. However, we saw superior figures during the car’s recent US launch.
On California’s notoriously challenging canyon roads and with limited freeway use, we returned an average of 45mpg. And with steady freeway use were seeing over 50mpg without any problems.
Even pushed hard in the national TDI Cup race series, these Jettas are returning 25mpg. They expect to complete all eight hard-fought races on two tanks of diesel, and racetracks are now bidding to have the TDI Cup races at their venues, given the low emissions and reduced noise the action-packed series offers.
What’s more, with a starting price of only $21990 for the Jetta TDI, free servicing for three years and eligibility for a $1300 advanced lean burn technology Federal tax credit, this car answers all the questions you’re asking.
The TDI differs little from the regular VW Jetta. Only a badge and low-energy Michelin tires distinguish it outwardly. Transmissions include either a six-speed auto or manual but the interior is unchanged from the gasoline models.
Under the hood is a 140hp version of the 2.0 liter common rail, direct injection turbo-diesel so highly regarded in Europe. However, the TDI’s second best trick, besides its frugality, is its 236 lb-ft of torque. This gives the car uncanny in-gear acceleration to ensure you won’t be embarrassed under acceleration.
You must forget your old perceptions of diesel. These are no longer sooty, slothful oddities. European carmakers have developed diesel technology to the point where 50% of VW’s European sales are now TDI models. What’s more, we’re going to see more of them on our roads, with BMW, Audi and Mercedes joining VW in the US market. However, none of them will offer the same value for money as this VW.
We’ll have a full report on the Jetta TDI in the January 2009 issue of eurotuner magazine, and we’ll update you in this blog over the coming months as we get to grips with our longterm TDI.

If you’re into motorcycle racing or looking for something a bit different from all the car racing games out there, you might want to check out MotoGP 08.
It’s the official game of the 2008 MotoGP season – the pinnacle of motorcycle racing – and features all the riders, bikes and tracks from the championship.

In the two-wheeled world, this game provides the definitive racing experience. It’s the Madden/GT4 of bike games and the development team worked with several MotoGP teams and riders to deliver an unparalleled handling model that allows access points for gamers of all skill levels by providing a challenge to meet each player’s abilities.
What this means is you can jump into the game in arcade mode and have fun right away. However, it will grow with you as you learn to control the bike. The “expert” setting allows a full simulation mode where the motorbike behaves very much as a real one would, going down if you throttle too soon and sliding in the wet, etc.
MotoGP 08 puts the player at the centre of the experience by allowing you join a team and compete alongside the real racers in all three race classes – 125cc, 250cc and the 800cc MotoGP bikes. You can play either as an existing rider, such as the newly-crowned 2008 championship winner Valentino Rossi, or create your own character and progress through the season. Good results in qualifying and racing earn points that can be exchanged for bike upgrades to improve attributes such as straight line speed, braking and cornering. You can also customize your appearance.
True to the 2008 season, the game includes the all-new Indianapolis track plus the spectacle of night racing at the Qatar circuit. You can also set the weather conditions at each track. Racing in the wet brings raindrops onto your helmet visor that clear as speed rises, making it feel very realistic.
Having played some of the earlier versions of the MotoGP franchise, this latest offering is extremely user-friendly. Where the previous versions required enormous braking effort, fragmenting the action, MotoGP 08 plays much better. There are even on-screen graphics tell you which ways the corners flow, when to brake, and even congratulate you on good cornering.
Both in real life and this video game, racing a motorcycle isn’t as easy as jumping into a car. It requires a little more concentration and constant focus. But the payoff is rewarding gameplay that motorcycle fans will love. And there are precious few video games that can do that.
For even more action, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC owners can play online with riders around the world. What’s more, a version is under development for the Wii as well.

It might be Autumn but it’s a great time to start thinking ahead to Winter. And our friends at Continental Tires sent us a few tips to help you.
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when prepping your car for winter is the tires, because once the temperature drops below 45-degrees Fahrenheit, an all-season tire’s ability to grip the road is compromised (and if you’re running Summer tires beware!). The colder weather brings a whole new set of driving challenges – slush, ice and hard-packed snow. And even with all of the performance capabilities built into today’s vehicles, they will only perform as well as their tires allow. And in extreme winter weather, that can mean the difference between focused braking power and out-of-control handling.

“As temperatures drop below 45-degrees, so does an all-season tire’s ability to grip the road. And that can lead to dangerous driving conditions,” said Joerg Burfien, director of R&D, Continental Tire North America, Inc. “Since all-season and winter tires are about as similar as sandals and snowshoes, we’ve launched a program to encourage people to stay safe in winter by switching to Continental Winter Tires.
“Summer tires just aren’t built to hold the road in the same way winter tires do,” Burfien continued.  “During the winter, drivers experience a dramatic reduction in grip, meaning longer stopping distances, less control and less safety,” he said.
All winter tires (recognized by a snowflake symbol on the sidewall) are uniquely designed to deliver safety and control in snow, ice, and cold weather conditions, because they are engineered to deliver a substantial increase of traction over all-season radials – by as much as a 25-50%. That’s enough traction and braking power to avoid a severe weather-related accident.  
Continental’s ContiWinterContact tires are engineered with pliable tread compounds and tread designs that remain soft and flexible in even the coldest temperatures, increasing the contact area and providing better grip on wet or icy roads.  Tread design features include supple compounds, deeper tread grooves and smaller shoulder grooves.
The Continental winter tire lineup includes:
ContiWinterContact TS810 – engineered to handle unpredictable snow and wet conditions
ContiWinterContact TS810 S – built for winter driving performance
ContiWinterContact TS790 – state-of-the-art winter tires featuring exceptional handling and braking at low temperatures
Once your car is outfitted with the right tires for the season, there are a number of other steps a driver can take to prepare their for the cold weather. Now is the time to give your car a thorough checkup. You can do most of these jobs yourself, but some work really must be done by a professional.
Radiator: Add a dose of anti-freeze to the coolant
Shocks: Should be checked. Defective shock absorbers increase braking distance and shorten the life of tires
Washer fluid: Add a dose of frost protector
Battery: Check the acid level at terminals
Spark plugs: check for wear and replace if necessary
Lights:  Check and align properly for maximum efficiency
Winter tires: Set the pressure 2.9psi higher than is recommended for summer tires
Be sure to include the following equipment in your trunk: a set of jumper cables, a snow brush/ice scraper and a de-icing spray
Once you’ve given your car a thorough checkup, the best protection against breakdowns and accidents in winter is driving with foresight. This includes taking extra care on bridges or at traffic lights, as well as keeping a greater distance from the car in front. “The best advice we can offer is to use common sense,” Burfien said.
In the Decemeber 2008 issue of eurotuner magazine we will have a full test on Continental’s winter tires, as well as more tips from the experts at tirerack.com
Contact tirerack.com or www.discounttire.com for some great deals on winter tires.

About six weeks ago we brought you the first photos of the new Mk6 Volkswagen Golf. And now we have the GTI version in all its glory. Volkswagen is calling this a concept but it’s clearly very close to the production version, according to a company insider.
As you’ll notice, the styling cues owe more than a nod to the new VW Scirocco and even the GTI W12 650 Concept that was built last year. The 650hp mid-mounted W12 motor hasn’t been carried over but its face remains.
This new Mk6 GTI has been introduced in a hurry to reduce the cost of the current Mk5 Golfs and increase the company’s profit margins.
At present, there’s no word on whether the Golf or GTI derivative will get a simultaneous release in both Europe and the US, but on previous form we expect the car to hit American soil up to a year later than it goes on sale in Europe.

The MkI Golf GTI was originally launched in 1976 as a low volume addition to the Golf range. Thirty-two years, five generations and 1.7 million sales after that car established the genre, the sixth generation GTI has been unveiled as a concept ahead of its public debut next month at the Paris Motor Show.
The core attributes of the original GTI – sharp dynamics, style and practicality – remain in this new GTI concept. Yet the new car uses the latest advances in drivetrain and chassis technology to enhance the driving experience.
The strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension architecture from the Mk5 Golf are adopted in modified form on the GTI. Specially tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are joined, for the first time, by the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. With three settings (comfort, normal and sport), the ACC system also remaps the steering and throttle response so the vehicle can strike a balance between sharp dynamics, body control and comfort while in urban areas or on the freeway.
For the first time, the new GTI features an electronic limited slip differential (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) in order to maximize traction and improve responses.
Powering the GTI concept is a 2.0TSI engine developing 210hp – a gain of 10hp over the Mk5 GTI.  Despite this gain, the new engine is more efficient, returning 37.6mpg on the combined cycle while emitting less emissions.
Installed in the new Golf GTI concept, the 2.0TSI allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.2sec before reaching a top speed of 148mph, making it the fastest production GTI yet.
A team of three designers was responsible for the GTI concept: Walter de Silva (Director, Group Design), Klaus Bischoff (Director, Brand Design) and Marc Lichte (Director, Exterior Design).  The new car bears clear visual links with the original. ‘We wanted a consistently clear GTI design, a car that has power, but style as well,’ commented Walter de Silva.
This is apparent in the red grille surround that echoes the original, along with the horizontal grille fins and elegant headlights featuring individual lamp unitd behind a cover.  
In profile, the side skirts of the Mk5 Golf have been replaced by subtle wraparound versions that extend only partially along the lower edge of the vehicle. At the rear, a set of smoked lenses are joined by a rear diffuser to channel air from beneath the vehicle. This in turn is framed by a pair of chrome tailpipes.
The distinctive 18x8” Hufeisen  wheels from the Mk5 GTI make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved on the Mk6 concept. Finished in milled silver with gloss black inserts, the new wheels are reminiscent of those first fitted to the GTI W12-650 concept.
Continuing the unique modifications to the GTI is a new interior. It features a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching.  A set of contoured sports seats in grey plaid cloth are reminiscent of the Mk1 and Mk5 models. These are joined by unique instruments plus a gloss black dashboard and door trim inserts framed by silver highlights.
As with all Golf models, the new GTI concept is fitted with a high level of standard equipment including seven airbags, a CD stereo, climate control and ESP.  
The GTI concept is intended as a first step towards the Golf GTI, which will start production in spring 2009.

After ditching the 2.7L V6 twin-turbocharged Audi S4 in ’03 for a 4.2L V8, Audi is finally returning to forced induction for next year’s new S4 and S4 Avant.

The 2.7T was known to be one of the most tunable motors in the European market as shown by high-horsepower examples like the eurotuner GP champions of ’06 and ’07.
The new S4 will receive a potent 333hp, 324.5 ft-lb 3.0L V6 with direct fuel injection and a supercharger. The factory claims it will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.1sec and achieve 24.25 mpg. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Audi without its Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, plus the addition of sport suspension for great off-the-lot handling. Transmission options will include a seven-speed S tronic or six-speed manual. There’s also an option for a sport differential which is said to distribute the torque effectively between the rear wheels.

Set to unveil at the Paris Auto Show between October 2 to 19, the new S4 should be a sure hit for the European and US markets.

The US won't see the Avant right away but the '10 sedan should be on sale in the Fall of '09. Pricing will be similar to the current S4 model.