CAR WARRIORS: AUDI R8 SPYDER AWD 2-DR CONVERTIBLE V8

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

AUDI R8 SPYDER AWD 2-DR CONVERTIBLE V8

The R8 blurs the lines between art and performance with exotic styling and the handling performance to match. With the choice of three potent engines, it excels at blurring your surroundings too, the R8 remains one of more appealing supercars on the market due to a mix of stirring driving dynamics, surprising practicality and, of course, double take-inducing good looks.

The last point is especially true of the R8 V10 Spyder, which builds on the exotic appearance and mid-engine proportions of the V8 model with larger side air intakes, more aggressive side sills and upsized wheels. Revised headlights, taillights, bumpers and other minor stylistic updates help cognoscenti tell the latest model apart from its predecessor. Notably, The V10 Spyder does without the aluminum "side blades" that distinguish fixed-roof R8s; other differences from the coupe include additional air intakes located behind the seats and safety roll bars

Like much else in the R8 V10 Spyder, the arresting sheetmetal is constructed from aluminum in order to keep performance-sapping mass to a minimum.

As the supercar's name suggests, it's powered by a 5.2-liter V10. Sourced from Lamborghini, the mill produces 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm in addition to thrilling noises throughout the rev range Maximum engine speed is a staggering 8,700 rpm. A gated six-speed manual that clacks its way through the gears like a glorious vintage Italian sports car is standard, but maximum performance times are achieved with the available seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

With the dual-clutch fitted, the R8 is capable of hitting 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds. Top speed is quoted at 193 mph.

Making the most of the R8 V10 Spyder's power is a quattro four-wheel drive system that distributes output variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. It's a boon for acceleration and also makes the car more sure-footed than many of its peers when the weather turns ugly.

Fuel economy - rarely a point of interest for supercar buyers - suffers from the potent V10 and all-wheel-drive. The stick-shifted model returns 12/19 city/highway mpg, while the dual-clutch-equipped variant is good for 13/22 mpg.

Along with aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear, the suspension features an 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system that can be configured to provide sporty driving dynamics or a softer ride. The latter is cushy enough that the R8 Spyder V10 could conceivably be used as a daily driver. Extra chassis bracing means that the Spyder is nearly as stiff as its coupe counterpart.

Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering offers a feedback-filled, characterful counterpoint to the numb electric-assist systems that feature in many modern performance machines.

The cabin matches the visual drama of the exterior thanks to details such as sweeping trim and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and high-quality materials are employed throughout. Buyers looking for an even more luxurious experience can choose from a long list of optional extra, including supple Nappa leather upholstery, an alcantara headliner and carbon fiber trim.

While there's plenty of space for driver and passenger, the R8 V10 isn't blessed with an overabundance of trunk space. The front trunk (known as a frunk) measures just 3.5 cubic feet and is oddly shaped.

Navigation and entertainment functions are accessed through Audi's MMI system, which is one of the more intuitive infotainment setups on the market. However, unlike in other Audi models, the R8's MMI controls aren't located in an easily accessible position center - instead, they're mounted somewhat awkwardly on the dash. Luckily, a standard voice command system eliminates this problem.

The cloth convertible top weighs just 93 pounds, helping to keep the car's center of gravity down low, and can be raised or lowered in just 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph.

Standard features on the R8 Spyder V10 include supple Nappa leather upholstery, a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic, a seven-speaker, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen AM/FM/CD stereo system with SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors and full LED exterior lighting.

The Storage Package, optional on the V8, is standard here; it adds two nets on the back of the seats, a luggage net on the rear shelf and a folding compartment under the passenger seat.

Available options include the Full Fine Nappa Leather Package, extends the Nappa treatment from the seats to the door inserts, dashboard and instrument panel. There's also the Diamond Stitch Full Leather Package.Dual front, side/thorax and knee airbags are fitted as standard. Traction and stability control systems and electronic brake assist are also included.

All new R8 V10 is built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process -- from the bodyshell construction to final assembly -- is organized in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, ensuring that every car built is up to quality standards.

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

AUDI R8 SPYDER AWD 2-DR CONVERTIBLE V8

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