Auto Car

Audi unveiled another entry in the performance diesel segment it dominates today, showing off a conceptual version of its A3 known as the TDI clubsport quattro. The racy new A3 joins the diesel-burning Audi TT, and of course the wicked R8 TDI Le Mans, offering the thrill of racing power created with the torque-filled goodness of diesel power.

The pert A3 TDI certainly looks the part of a motorsports contender. The car has been presented in a red and white racing-style livery, with simply massive 20 inch alloy wheels, and a rear wing that looks as if it had been snatched straight from a DTM parts bin.

The 2.0-liter TDI punches out a more than respectable 224 horsepower and a deeply-moving 332 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers may make a 0-62 mph sprint of 6.6 seconds sound a little measly, but a top end of almost 150 mph, and gobs of speed in the mid-range surely make up for being a little slow off of the line. Have a look at some high-resolution images of the A3 TDI clubsport quattro in our gallery below or click through the jump to read Audi’s official press release.

Continue reading 'Diesel with Attitude: The Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro'

Driven by former Ferrari stalwarts Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi, this 412 T2 chassis number 163 is race-tested machine that could be the ultimate purchase for a true fan of the prancing horse.

Campaigned during the 1995 Formula One season, the 412 was built to the new 3.0-liter requirements following the 1994 deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and the incomparable Ayrton Senna. True to the formula, the Ferrari rocks a 3.0-liter V-12 engine that was powerful enough to make the car fast right out of the box in the 1995 season. Chassis 163 never claimed a podium finish (or a finish at all apparently) but it did lead for a moment at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, and was driven by both Alesi and Berger during the season.

Fresh from a factory Ferrari tune up, they don’t come much more original, expensive, or terrifying than this.

Thanks to WINDING ROAD dime-dropper Nick for the tip!

+ eBay Motors: 308: 1995 Ferrari 412 T2

Manufacturer certified used vehicles have gained a lot of traction in the marketplace over the last few years, with many dealers finding that customers are increasingly comfortable with the quality of vehicle and the attendant warranties. The system has worked out so well in fact that many dealers are choosing to offer independent extended warranties on vehicles that may be uncertifiable by the automakers.

CNW Research has collected data for its May issue that suggests such deals are panning out for dealerships. They found that in 2007, dealer certified vehicles were commanding a premium of $681 over their non-cert counterparts, and sitting on dealer lots an average of 11 days less.

In our current economic climate, car buyers seem to be more and more inclined to take a risk on a pre-owned vehicle, and the small measure of security that certification offers makes the “used” pill even easier to swallow. Would a dealer certified used car be in the running with new products for your next vehicle purchase? Give us a shout, in comments.

+ CNW Research