Category: Auto

Audi achieves pioneering feat with e-tron quattro four-wheel drive

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In 2012, Audi became the first manufacturer to win the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a four-wheel-drive LMP1 sports car. Equipped with the innovative e-tron quattro four-wheel drive, the R18 has won ten WEC rounds to date including the 2012 and 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours plus the WEC World Champion’s titles in the same years. In 2014, for the first time, Audi’s two LMP1 challengers on the manufacturers’ side are also relying on LMP1 sports prototypes with four-wheel drive.

“Innovations only become pioneering achievements when they’re successfully used and others start to adopt them,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Audi, like no other manufacturer, has repeatedly achieved such feats ever since the debut of quattro four-wheel drive in 1980.” In the DTM, as well, Audi was the first team in 1990 to use four-wheel drive in racing, just like in Super Touring Cars, starting in 1993. In the past two years, on achieving the string of success in the WEC, the brand proved that e-tron quattro – the combination of a hybrid system with four-wheel drive – offers significant advantages.

Up to now, Audi had been allowed to use four-wheel drive only above 120 km/h. But four driven wheels promise to deliver traction advantages particularly at low speed, for instance when the driver accelerates on exiting a tight corner. This year, this speed-related rule no longer applies.

A fundamentally new Motor Generator Unit (MGU), together with a differential, sits in the monocoque at the level of the front axle. Two drive shafts connect the system with the front wheels. Under braking, the kinetic energy of the race car is converted into electric current which flows into an optimized flywheel energy storage device located in the cockpit next to the driver. During acceleration, the recovered energy is converted again by the MGU and powers the front wheels.

“We’ve developed the entire hybrid drive from scratch again for 2014,” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. “Specifically, it’s become even lighter and more efficient than before.” As of 2014, a single e-machine connected to a front-axle differential is longitudinally mounted. Furthermore, these front-wheel drive components are completely integrated into the monocoque of the R18 e-tron quattro. The recuperated energy is stored in a newly designed flywheel energy storage system.

While the quattro systems of Audi’s factory-fielded rally models and touring cars between 1980 and 1997 used a mechanical connection in the form of a drive shaft between the front and rear axles, the power distribution to the front and rear wheels in the e-tron quattro four-wheel drive system is governed strictly by an electronic control unit. In addition, due to the new efficiency regulations, a modified strategy for the engine and drive system will be used in 2014. The e-tron quattro four-wheel drive with its sophisticated energy flow is characterized by optimum efficiency.

Audi achieves pioneering feat with e-tron quattro four-wheel drive

PRNEWS Leave a comment

In 2012, Audi became the first manufacturer to win the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a four-wheel-drive LMP1 sports car. Equipped with the innovative e-tron quattro four-wheel drive, the R18 has won ten WEC rounds to date including the 2012 and 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours plus the WEC World Champion’s titles in the same years. In 2014, for the first time, Audi’s two LMP1 challengers on the manufacturers’ side are also relying on LMP1 sports prototypes with four-wheel drive.

“Innovations only become pioneering achievements when they’re successfully used and others start to adopt them,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Audi, like no other manufacturer, has repeatedly achieved such feats ever since the debut of quattro four-wheel drive in 1980.” In the DTM, as well, Audi was the first team in 1990 to use four-wheel drive in racing, just like in Super Touring Cars, starting in 1993. In the past two years, on achieving the string of success in the WEC, the brand proved that e-tron quattro – the combination of a hybrid system with four-wheel drive – offers significant advantages.

Up to now, Audi had been allowed to use four-wheel drive only above 120 km/h. But four driven wheels promise to deliver traction advantages particularly at low speed, for instance when the driver accelerates on exiting a tight corner. This year, this speed-related rule no longer applies.

A fundamentally new Motor Generator Unit (MGU), together with a differential, sits in the monocoque at the level of the front axle. Two drive shafts connect the system with the front wheels. Under braking, the kinetic energy of the race car is converted into electric current which flows into an optimized flywheel energy storage device located in the cockpit next to the driver. During acceleration, the recovered energy is converted again by the MGU and powers the front wheels.

“We’ve developed the entire hybrid drive from scratch again for 2014,” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. “Specifically, it’s become even lighter and more efficient than before.” As of 2014, a single e-machine connected to a front-axle differential is longitudinally mounted. Furthermore, these front-wheel drive components are completely integrated into the monocoque of the R18 e-tron quattro. The recuperated energy is stored in a newly designed flywheel energy storage system.

While the quattro systems of Audi’s factory-fielded rally models and touring cars between 1980 and 1997 used a mechanical connection in the form of a drive shaft between the front and rear axles, the power distribution to the front and rear wheels in the e-tron quattro four-wheel drive system is governed strictly by an electronic control unit. In addition, due to the new efficiency regulations, a modified strategy for the engine and drive system will be used in 2014. The e-tron quattro four-wheel drive with its sophisticated energy flow is characterized by optimum efficiency.

Honda Cars now in Calamba, Laguna

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The city of Calamba in Laguna plays host to Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s 31st full dealership in the country, Honda Cars Calamba (HCCL). In continuous quest in bringing its products and services closer to its customers, HCCL is strategically located along the National Highway Barangay Milagrosa, Calamba, approximately 1.5kms distance from Sto. Tomas, Batangas City (SLEX) exit.

Honda’s latest dealership, an elegant and contemporary structure, is a good combination of classic and modern architectural design. The dealership boasts of a comfortable and well-designed interior that demonstrates the premium Honda image – established, advanced and pro-active to clients’ needs. Led by Mr. Anthony N. Cheng, President of Honda Cars Calamba, this dealer continues to uphold Honda’s tradition of providing outstanding products and excellent after-sales services for total customer satisfaction.

Joining the inauguration were the executives of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager, Mr. Toshio Kuwahara, SAVP for Marketing and Sales, the President and General Manager of Honda Philippines, Inc., Mr. Yasushi Okamoto and the principals of Honda Cars Calamba, Mr. Anthony Cheng and Dr. Mike Tan. The Vice Governor of Province of Laguna, Hon. Ramil Hernandez also graced the event.

To know more about the dealership, you may reach Honda Cars Calamba (HCCL) at the following numbers, (0927) 269-8656 or (0999) 336-850. Check out the all-new Accord plus Honda’s other car models at this dealership for a test drive.

Honda Cars now in Calamba, Laguna

PRNEWS Leave a comment

The city of Calamba in Laguna plays host to Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s 31st full dealership in the country, Honda Cars Calamba (HCCL). In continuous quest in bringing its products and services closer to its customers, HCCL is strategically located along the National Highway Barangay Milagrosa, Calamba, approximately 1.5kms distance from Sto. Tomas, Batangas City (SLEX) exit.

Honda’s latest dealership, an elegant and contemporary structure, is a good combination of classic and modern architectural design. The dealership boasts of a comfortable and well-designed interior that demonstrates the premium Honda image – established, advanced and pro-active to clients’ needs. Led by Mr. Anthony N. Cheng, President of Honda Cars Calamba, this dealer continues to uphold Honda’s tradition of providing outstanding products and excellent after-sales services for total customer satisfaction.

Joining the inauguration were the executives of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager, Mr. Toshio Kuwahara, SAVP for Marketing and Sales, the President and General Manager of Honda Philippines, Inc., Mr. Yasushi Okamoto and the principals of Honda Cars Calamba, Mr. Anthony Cheng and Dr. Mike Tan. The Vice Governor of Province of Laguna, Hon. Ramil Hernandez also graced the event.

To know more about the dealership, you may reach Honda Cars Calamba (HCCL) at the following numbers, (0927) 269-8656 or (0999) 336-850. Check out the all-new Accord plus Honda’s other car models at this dealership for a test drive.

BMW Celebrates 11th Year of Leadership in the Philippines

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Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, continues to celebrate unmatched leadership, with its 11th year of dominance in the luxury vehicle market. BMW closed 2013 with a total of 653 units sold, accounting for a 34% market share. This closely mirrors the performance of BMW Global, who closed 2013 with a record of 1,655,128 vehicles sold, an all-time high for the brand, posting a 7.5% increase from the previous year’s performance.

“We at ACC are honored to celebrate another year of being number one in the Philippine luxury automotive market. It is with great pride that we can say that, over the years, we have gained the utmost trust and unwavering support of the Philippine luxury market, as seen by BMW’s continued market dominance for eleventh straight year.” said Maricar Parco, ACC President.

Solidifying unbeatable leadership in 2013

At the end of 2012, BMW achieved its greatest milestone yet in the Philippine market by celebrating its Decade of Leadership – a feat of having ten solid years of being number one in the premium luxury segment.

In 2013, BMW further solidified its brand value by once again taking the market leadership with its core values – to provide its clientele with unparalleled Joy and sheer driving pleasure through its products and services. A testament to this strength was evident in the month of July, when BMW posted its highest sales record for the year, with a total of 93 units sold. This accounted for 49% market share of the premium segment.

For the very first time, the BMW 5 Series rose to the top of the chain, surpassing its siblings as the most successful model for 2013. The 5 Series closed the year with a total of 213 units sold, accounting for 32.57% of overall BMW sales in the country. It was a remarkable year for the 5 Series as it surpassed BMW’s bread and butter model, the 3 Series. The 5 Series’ performance has shown an increase year over year, posting a 52% growth as compared to 2011 with 140 units sold and a 10% growth from 2012 with 194 units sold. This is a testament to the Philippines’ ever changing and continuously evolving market, which speaks volumes about the desirability and superiority of the 5 Series.

Through BMW’s commitment in providing sheer driving pleasure, new products and innovations were launched as we saw a refreshed and updated version of the very first compact Sports Activity Vehicle in the luxury market, the BMW X1. After a few months, we saw the launch of the all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo – a vehicle that offers the best of the 3-Series that many have come to adore over a span of almost four decades, but with the space, versatility, and practicality that a modern day BMW client would look for.

A commitment to Joy in the Philippine market

BMW continues to expand its network of dealerships as a testament to their commitment and belief in the Philippine market.

BMW broke ground for its biggest dealership project to date. BMW Bonifacio Global City, which is envisioned to be completed by the end of 2015, will house the largest BMW showroom in the ground floor of a 23-storey building located at the heart of one the country’s most elite business districts. Once completed, BMW Bonifacio Global City will also house the ACC corporate headquarters.

In this same year, BMW inaugurated its eighth dealership in the country – AutoAllee BMW in Eton Centris, North EDSA. A three-story structure housed in a 1,900 square meter lot area, AutoAllee boasts of the most complete and premium line-up of services in the BMW network of dealerships. New features of the dealership include a new car delivery area, the only air-conditioned service assessment area in the country, a two-car service elevator, a six-car service garage, an Isetta bar on its second floor, and a full BMW Premium Selection showroom in its third floor.

Taking to heart the promise of Joy, BMW held its annual BMW XPO. For the XPO, BMW partnered with the Philippine Red Cross, in a charitable effort to raise funds for the victims of the most destructive typhoon to ever make landfall on Philippine soil. In lieu of crisis management, BMW lent out a fleet of X vehicles to assist in transporting goods in support of the Philippine Red Cross’ relief efforts.

Broadening the reach of sheer driving pleasure

2013 also saw the launch of BMW FlexiLease, the pioneering leasing program in the Philippines that offers flexibility for individuals who want to experience precision driving machines from Bavaria without having to worry about service and maintenance costs.

In its pioneering year, 98 units were sold through the FlexiLease program, accounting for 15% of BMW sales for 2013, spearheaded by the 3 series, 5 series and the 1 series respectively.

“We are pleased that the program, which is in its pioneer year, has exceeded expectations, contributing significantly to the brands overall performance. With FlexiLease, BMW continues to find ways to address our customers’ needs by giving them more creative options to owning a BMW.” adds Parco.

Continuing excellence in the Philippine luxury segment in 2014

This 2014, BMW will continue to bring Joy with the launch of a number of new innovations in model lineup and technology to the Philippine luxury market. Lined up for this exciting year is the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe and the all-new BMW X5.

The BMW 4 Series Coupe is the latest model in the brand’s mid-size coupe line. It is known to be one of the most beautiful vehicles to ever roll out of its plants in Germany, a tall order from a company that already produces some of the most beautiful vehicles we see on our roads.

The all-new BMW X5 will soon follow. It is the third generation of BMW’s first Sports Activity Vehicle – one that has raised the bar in power, efficiency, safety, and comfort. The BMW X5 was the first of its kind in the global premium segment, and it literally created the whole sub-segment of Sport Activity Vehicles. To this day, no other premium car manufacturer can lay claim to the success and dynamism it has brought to the segment, spawning other popular and successful models such as the BMW X3, BMW X6, and the BMW X1.

To continue to spread Joy in 2014, BMW will travel around the archipelago with the BMW Roadshow to promote the brand in areas with far reach from the dealerships. BMW will also continue to thrill with its high-octane and adrenaline-filled BMW Driving Experience events.

“We at ACC are grateful for the support that the Philippine luxury market has shown us over the years.” said Parco “We hope that with everything we have in store for 2014, we are able to continue on with our commitment to the automotive industry and most especially to our most valued existing and future costumers.”