Official: Audi offering R8 Exclusive Selection Editions for 2012

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

We've seen the glory that is the 2013 Audi R8, but before that new model officially goes on sale early next year, the current quad-rung supercar is offering up one final parting piece: the Exclusive Selection edition. And it's certainly going to be, um, exclusive.

The special R8 will be available in both V8 and V10 coupe forms, and Audi will only build a total of 50 examples (20 V8s, 30 V10s). V8 models can be had with a new Daytona Gray matte exterior paint, complete with a carbon fiber splitter, unique 19-inch wheels, carbon fiber rear diffuser, new black elements on the grille and exhaust finishers, R8 GT taillamps and red brake calipers. More changes are found inside, where a new leather seating package is on hand, including crimson elements and contrast stitching, a different navigation surround and a thicker-contoured steering wheel.

More of the same elements are found on the V10. The exterior is painted in Ibis White with Brilliant Black exterior features and E-Tron 19-inch wheels, and inside, there's a carbon fiber cockpit with black and white contrast stitching.

Pricing for the 2012 R8 Exclusive Selection starts at $137,700 for the V8 with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want R-tronic (you don't), that'll be an extra $9,100 (you really, really don't). V10/manual coupes start at $161,500 and R-tronic can be had with the ten-pot R8 for the same price premium.

Scroll down for the official release, and click through the high-res image gallery above to see the exclusively Exclusive R8 for yourself.

Continue reading Audi offering R8 Exclusive Selection Editions for 2012

Audi offering R8 Exclusive Selection Editions for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unreal Engine 4 PC Exclusive: Fortnite

Fortnite will be available in 2013.



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(PR) Patriot Memory Launches New Exclusive Intel Extreme Masters Limited Edition Memory

Designed specifically to take full advantage of the performance capabilities of the newest 2nd and 3rd generation Intel Core processor family, the Intel Extreme Masters Limited Edition is fully certified for Intel XMP 1.3 delivering frequencies of 1600MHz, 1866MHz, and 2133MHz*. Featuring the same great custom high performance heat shield as the Viper III, the Intel Extreme Masters Limited Edition will provide superior thermal protection when used during long and demanding gaming sessions. The new Intel Extreme Masters Limited Edition modules will be available in dual and quad-channel kits and offered in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities.

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Exclusive: From Prague to Mongolia in an abused Renault Kangoo

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Minivan/Van, Etc., Europe, Renault

If you haven't heard of the Mongol Rally, we suggest you acquaint yourself. The charity event starts in Europe and ends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Unlike most rallies, there is no defined route or support staff. Participants must simply survive long enough to make it to the finish line in one piece. That would be challenging enough in a well-equipped off roader like a Nissan Patrol or Toyota Hilux, but those who take up the challenge must do so in either a vehicle with an engine displacing no more than 1.2 liters or an emergency services vehicle like an ambulance or fire truck.

At the end of the rally, the surviving vehicles are either auctioned or donated to cash-strapped local organizations. This year, New Yorkers Ota Ulc and Nick Jarret have partnered with Prague local Karel Vancura in an attempt to trace the 10,000 miles from Prague to Mongolia in a Renault Kangoo. The "Last Rat to Mongolia" team bought their car sight-unseen and have outfitted the quirky little van for the trek with the help of a local mechanic. Skid plates, rally lights, a roof rack and a gaggle of jerry cans are all part of the plan.

A total of 300 teams will attempt the continental crossing, each supporting their own charities along the way. The Last Rats are raising funds for UNICEF and Lotus Children's Centre Charitable Trust. You can follow their progress on Facebook or at the Mongol Rally site, and can kick them a couple of bucks via the team's JustGiving site. What else are you going to use the money for? Another coffee?

From Prague to Mongolia in an abused Renault Kangoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: A look inside the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Laboratory

Filed under: Concept Cars, Technology, Volkswagen, Design/Style


Manufacturers realized long ago that the most effective way to leverage niche talent was to embed a team in the heart of the segment. From surfboard makers to chocolatiers, firms relocated offices to seek specific talents and a better local feel.

Automakers jumped on the bandwagon too. Southern California, long recognized for its fanatical car culture, became a mecca for automakers seeking to get a better taste of the region's motor vehicle passion. In no time, automakers had established Southern California design studios in places like Camarillo (Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center), Newbury Park (BMW DesignworksUSA) and San Diego (Nissan Design America). Cars like the BMW "E46" 3 Series, Nissan 370Z and Volvo's S80 are products of those facilities.

Today, with innovative electronics and forward thinking every bit as important as design, automakers are maneuvering to get a jump on the next big innovation. No place on the planet is more synonymous with high tech than Northern California's Silicon Valley. Located in Belmont, in the heart of the region, is the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Laboratory. Established in August of 1998 with just three employees, the lab is tasked with "developing innovation and technologies for future generations of cars and to transfer technologies from many industries into the automotive domain." Just think of it as VW's version of Walt Disney Imagineering, but for automotive geeks.

The automaker recently invited us north to take a tour of its facility, touted as the Volkswagen Group's largest research facility outside of Germany. Read on to learn more about what we saw.
Continue reading A look inside the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Laboratory

A look inside the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Laboratory originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Katy Perry: Part of Me (Exclusive Clip: Play Hard)

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