New Cars Daily

In the group of the Volkswagen the 1st model to feature the twenty volts engine with 1.8 lts and 5valves for each cylinder, was the Audi A4 which was produced as their supertouring race car. The Audi debuted the latest tiptronic automatic transmissions on the platform of the B5 that is based on the development of the Porsche. This transmission has a gearbox that is automatic and has a torque converter. It gives the driver a full automatic or manual operation of the gear ratios. Since the A4 was introduced it is found in 4 generations that are usually from the B series of the Volkswagen Group of the automobile platforms. The A4 is treated by the internal numbering convention as a continuation of the lineage of the Audi 80, thus the A4 was designed as a B5 series then the B6, B7 and the latest B8. There are other high performance vehicles that are related to the Audi A4 such as S4 & RS4 (Quattro GmbH).

Utilizing coil spring suspension up front and electronically controlled air springs at the rear, its load-leveling air suspension keeps the car level regardless of the cargo weight. Smart-looking aluminum roof rails are standard, and inside, a 60-40 fold-down rear seat makes for cavernous cargo capacity that's highly flexible. For example, the E-Class wagon can carry a grandfather clock and still accommodate three occupants, or a load of lumber can be carried with four people aboard. An elegant luggage cover and cargo net are attached at the beltline so they don't interfere with the fold-down rear seat. At the same time, the cover can be attached to the folded seatbacks if needed, and it can be raised conveniently whenever the standard power liftgate is opened. The 2012 E350 and E550 models feature a new 7-speed automatic transmission with a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability.

The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid - colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage. Lower hydraulic pressure and enhanced electronic software helps provide even smoother shifting. The high-performance Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon and sedan also feature a cutting-edge AMG transmission. With a start-up clutch that replaces the torque converter, the new seven-speed MCT sports transmission provides the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, offering impressive versatility and even faster shift times. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically, with no slip. With four shift modes and an automatic rev-matching function, the MCT transmission offers impressive versatility and even faster shift times. The transmission also includes a Race Start feature, which helps maintain full-throttle acceleration and optimal traction during motorsports competition.

The E350 BlueTEC is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 210 horsepower, an astonishing 400 lb.-ft. 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Using several technologies to minimize diesel exhaust emissions, the E350 BlueTEC begins with a four-valve-per-cylinder diesel featuring centrally located piezo-electric injectors, CDI direct injection, a variable-nozzle turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. Building on this foundation of advanced engine design, the E350 BlueTEC incorporates several modular after-treatment units in the exhaust stream - an oxidizing catalytic converter, a maintenance-free particulate filter, an SCR converter and an NOx storage converter. In the "denox" storage converter, nitrogen oxides are absorbed temporarily, and during brief regeneration pulses of a richer fuel-air mixture, the nitrogen oxides are released, reacting with other exhaust gas to form harmless nitrogen. These regeneration pulses also raise temperatures in the particulate filter, which automatically burns off the deposits. A standard COMAND system features a large seven-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system.