Perspective in 3DVIA Composer

This video explains how perspective works in 3DVIA Composer. Depending on whether you zoom in and out with the mouse wheel, or by dragging while holding down the left and right mouse buttons, Composer will either change the Field Of View (FOV) or move the camera position respectively.

A Green Street Machine? Foden Designs Use SolidWorks Sustainability to make the unheard of a Reality

Foden Designs are a contract manufacturer and custom designer of general and custom aftermarket automotive products. With an extensive background in manufacturing fasteners, shafts, drive systems and hose fittings for the automotive sector, Foden has taken this experience and knowledge to a new level and diversified their services to include many other industries. Foden also provides contract machining to the hydraulic, gas, mining, and construction sectors. Solidtec Solutions caught up with James Foden (Director) recently to talk about their use of SolidWorks Sustainability.

Foden Design Challenges

• Keeping design and manufacture to a budget
• Ensuring the design and manufacture are sustainable with minimal environmental impact
• Being able to design and manufacture within short time frames to meet customer demand

SolidWorks/Sustainability Design Solutions

• Flexibility in allowing rapid changes from one material/manufacturing technique to another
• Ability to analyse material changes and their impact on costs and sustainability in a matter of minutes
• Savings in both time and money
• Being able to measure environmental impact
• Working within client budget constraints

“Originally Foden Designs purchased SolidWorks Sustainability with a specific Automotive project in mind. We chose Solidtec Solutions as our provider because we felt we were working with the best provider of SolidWorks that best suited our needs, and their customer service is of the highest quality”

The Project  - A Green Street Machine?

Client Brief: “I want to build a show car that really promotes my business”.

  

We don’t associate street machines and modified cars as being ‘green’, but this clients’ business is a sustainable building and construction company who have developed a specific green tick program that is government approved, allowing them to licence other companies in sustainability for their industry.

The client wanted to build a ‘green street machine’.  James admitted that “straight away we knew we needed to have documentation to support our actions and decisions in building this car so we looked at our options, namely”;

• Outsourcing all of our projects to have someone else do the analysis
• Hiring a new staff member to do the research and analysis for the project or;
• Finding the software to allow our current designer to do the analysis internally

For James Foden the choice was easy. “Why outsource what we can do in house with the right resources? Why put on a new staff member that specialises in sustainability when the software is a far cheaper long term option”; which is why James made the decision to go with SolidWorks Sustainability.

“SolidWorks Sustainability allows us to select different materials and ways to manufacture new products on the fly. We also now have the ability to recycle, reuse and modify old parts, or to determine if are they’re better off left out of the project as they might have a bigger carbon impact then making new components in the long term”.

“In the end it always comes down to the end use of the product.  So whilst we proved that some existing items would last the test of time, in some cases they might have been far too heavy, causing the vehicle to use excess fuel, tyres and brakes etc.  So we felt if we could make a new part out of the right material we could in turn use a greener material that makes a lighter car”. Which is the innovative angle that James had to take to make a street machine turn green.

For Example: when Foden considered the wheels for the car, the new options vs. the original steel base line were:

Cast Aluminium                14.35kg

Billet 6061 Aluminium         14.3kg

Magnesium                        9.04kg

Carbon                              9.46kg

After the above comparisons were made, the total weight of the car in original factory spec and the target with the new manufactured components was analysed. The owner then took into consideration as to whether the reduced weight would actually positively affect critical factors such as fuel consumption and tyre wear etc. If the effect was enough to offset any new emissions caused by the manufacture of any new parts, then the new part could be incorporated in to the design. The final decision was to go with a new, light weight magnesium wheel.

The end result is a green fuelled car that has the street machine style, keeps its 70's look, but uses modern materials. “By doing so we were able to reduce the cars long term carbon footprint with respect to the expected lifecycle of the vehicle” says James.

Shane Preston, Solidtec CEO commented that “it’s great to see customers such as Foden Designs utilising SolidWorks products to solve their design challenges. It’s what the software was designed to do. The use of SolidWorks Sustainability for such an interesting project shows just how innovative our customers can be, and how the SolidWorks product range can compliment that innovation.”

James noted another benefit that Foden has experienced with SolidWorks Sustainability. “Since we originally bought SolidWorks Sustainability we have also found we have been able to offer our mining and industrial customers a service and choice which we did not previously have. Giving the customers an option of where and how they want the product made, based not just on cost, but environmental factors as well, is a very valuable capability”.

New Auto Cars Wallpapers And Pictures Background

Latest Fast And Sport Hot Cars Wallpapers And Desktop Images

  Sport Hot Cars 2012

  Desktop Black Auto Car Images

 Hot Car Pictures

Jeep Auto Photo

Solidtec Solutions announces increased value to Subscription customers with free Web Technical Training

Solidtec Solutions is providing even more value to Subscription Service customers with free online technical web training that will be run in a new and interactive format to ensure Solidtec customers are the most educated and highly supported SolidWorks users in Australia and New Zealand.


Our new Solidtec Webtec technical web training courses are designed to enable our customers to get the most from their SolidWorks 3D CAD solution with a practical, hands on approach to training.


Solidtec Webtec will be free for all Solidtec Subscription Service customers in Australia and New Zealand and will be offered in the following categories:


SolidWorks Web Training
Solidtec delivers these monthly technical web training sessions to their Subscription customers to demonstrate how SolidWorks can solve design problems and to introduce new modelling and detailing techniques and methods. Attendees can interact live with the presenter and are encouraged to submit topics, problems and models that can be covered in case studies in future sessions. These sessions will be facilitated by Stewart Nankivel who has over 15 years’ experience in SolidWorks technical training.


Simulation Web Training
Simulation technical training sessions are aimed at existing Simulation users wanting to increase their knowledge and confidence in SolidWorks Simulation. This online training is interactive providing attendees an opportunity to ask questions and even submit problems and models to be covered in future sessions. With the introduction of this free monthly technical training, Solidtec Solutions will bring together the SolidWorks Simulation Community in Australia and New Zealand by providing a forum where users can interact and share their Simulation knowledge. These sessions will be facilitated by one of the few Certified Simulation Premium and Flow Simulation Professionals in ANZ, Solidtec's Elite Application Engineer and in-house Simulation expert, Damien Murphy.


“Solidtec Solutions is committed to adding value to our customers through initiatives such as Solidtec Webtec so they increase their profitability and innovation and benefit from the knowledge and experience of our technical experts and the ANZ SolidWorks community” said Gareth Hudson, Solidtec Solutions Technical Services Manager.

SolidWorks Feature Statistics

This video shows how to use SolidWorks Feature Statistics to evaluate how long each feature takes to rebuild so you can make an informed decision about which features need to be modified or suppressed in order to decrease rebuild time.


This file used in this video was supplied by Xped

2012 Lamborghini LP550-2 Gallardo Spyder special limited edition

2012 Lamborghini LP550-2 Gallardo Spyder special limited edition

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder special edition limited to 250 units in 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. This version combines astonishing levels of the open-air driving pleasure that can only come from a super car with folding roof and incredibly agile and spontaneous movement. The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder optimized to provide better aerodynamics for a more enjoyable and safe driving with the use of specific settings, suspension, aerodynamics adapted to compensate for changes in the balance of power, 45 percent differential Self-locking, and the adoption of electronic transmission. It also has a "perfect adaptation of the ESP stability control system."

"With the Gallardo LP550-2, we are expanding the range of Lamborghini with a purist model, which adds another dimension of driving pleasure. This appeal, in particular, a special group of customers that use the dynamic driving style, real pleasure and I would try to help open air, "says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical extension of our range of models with all-wheel Spyder".

The most important technical characteristics of the Lamborghini LP550-2 Spyder, the model designation already recognizable - LP stands for longitudinal / rear, center, embedded longitudinally in front of the rear axle. Refers to the 550 horsepower and 2 is a rear wheel drive. At Lamborghini Spyder word means the final synthesis of exciting, highly expressive design, super sports car in the open air the ultimate thrill and fun for all the senses.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder LP550-2 with a rear-wheel drive is ideal for the kind of sporty driving style you love the most practical and energetic driving. The installation of pavement to the rear is a reliable and stable at all times while on the front axle steers with high levels of accuracy and limits the movement to an absolute minimum.

2012 Lamborghini LP550-2 Gallardo Spyder special limited edition

With the most powerful V10 engine, controlled oversteer is not a problem, although there is always and only to the extent required by the driver. Its easy management of on-road ESP and assistant designed to make these cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder outstanding sports car safe to drive.

To form the unique character of driving pleasure and safety engineers made extensive modifications to Bologna to San Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder LP550-2, developed specifically for these new features. Not only is the disk centered on the rear axle, the car has been completely reconfigured in all its dynamic components. It includes settings for shock absorbers. Aerodynamics have been adjusted to reflect changes in the distribution of forces.

Vehicle to show their wares for the rear axle with a 45 percent differential locks as well as the adoption of electronic transmission. All filled with a fine-tuned ESP stability system. While the standard program puts the priority on stability, the program allows angles derived great course and provides an assessment of the full dynamics of intense LP550-2. All the superior performance of the Gallardo chassis fully maintained - a pleasant bodyroll comfort, as well as its excellent driving stability at high speeds.

2012 Lamborghini LP550-2 Gallardo Spyder special limited edition

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550 Engine-2 Spyder will be powered by the same engine found in the sedan: 5.2-liter V10, which provides a total of 550 hp and 398 Nm of torque. Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 unit is connected to the Spyder recently adopted electronic transmission. However, this setting is 3351 pounds Gallardo sprints 0-60 miles / h in 4.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 198 km / h.

Heart Gallardo - 5.2-liter ten-cylinder engine - also set and its characteristics are optimized for the rear-wheel drive, providing a perfect combination of fun and exciting high-speed, traction, exuberant and powerful melodies in all keys.

With the Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder, Lamborghini expands its line of the most successful of all time (in today's total of 11.800 was built in St. Bologna), with an amazing version, which continues the successful identification of its range . This includes the LP560-4 Spyder, as well as high performance Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder performance, which has a further weight reduction through lightweight carbon fiber technology. The latest version of the coupe versions of the Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Road - road racing version of the car found in the fastest one-make series racing in the world.

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-Price 2 Spyder starting price of $ 209,000, not including original shipping charge and $ 2,995 gas guzzler, to go on sale in March 2012.

How to Upgrade your Solidworks installation

This is a guide for upgrading SolidWorks from one version to another - for example from SolidWorks 2011 to SolidWorks 2012. We highly recommend that you uninstall the old version completely, and then install the new version. This ensures you have a clean start with the new version.

To jump directly to the instructions, click here.

If you would like to run two major versions of SolidWorks (e.g. 2011 and 2012) alongside each other, click here.

It is not necessary to uninstall and reinstall between Service Packs, only major releases (i.e. each year). To learn how to update your SolidWorks version (e.g. go from SolidWorks 2012 SP1 to SP2) click here.

This is not intended to be a step-by-step installation guide and assumes some familiarity with basic computer maintenance, etc. If at any stage you are unsure of how to proceed, please contact your Solidtec Application Engineer.

The steps below are for standalone SolidWorks licenses. To check if you have a standalone license, from SolidWorks go to the Help menu. If you have the option to "Transfer license", you have a standalone license. If you have a network (SNL) license, most steps will be the same. If unsure, contact your Solidtec Application Engineer.

Contents

1. Before you begin
2. Uninstall the old version
3. Install the new version
4. After installation
1. Setup
2. Toolbox installations
5. Further information
   

   Before you begin

1. Back up any local data. We recommend keeping a copy of your data in the old format should you need it. More information on backups can be found here.


2. Make a note of any SolidWorks customisations, such as keyboard shortcuts. From SolidWorks >> (start a new Part if none are open) >> Tools >> Customize >> Keyboard tab >> check "Show only commands with shortcuts assigned" >> Copy List. This will copy the settings to the Windows Clipboard and you can then paste them into Excel or Notepad, etc. Although this requires you to re-input your keyboard shortcuts after reinstalling SolidWorks, there is no risk of "contaminating" the Registry settings. Do not use Copy Settings Wizard, as it copies the entire SolidWorks registry and can cause problems with the new version.


3. Copy the SolidWorks Serial Number. From SolidWorks >> Help >> About SolidWorks. Make a note of the Serial Number (copy to Notepad or write it down on paper, etc.) - you may need to re-enter it during installation later on.


4. Transfer the SolidWorks License off the machine. This ensures your license is available to use on another computer if anything happens during the uninstall/reinstall process. From SolidWorks >> Help >> Transfer License. If you are having trouble connecting to the SolidWorks License Server, make sure that internet traffic is allowed to/from https://activate.solidworks.com/


5. Make sure you are logged in to Windows as an administrator. If you are unsure, see http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001093.htm

Uninstall the old version

6. Uninstall SolidWorks. Start Menu >> Control Panel >> Programs and Features (Add/remove programs in WinXP) >> SolidWorks >> Uninstall. The SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager will start.


1. If you are uninstalling SolidWorks 2011, right-click on the title-bar (up the top, where it says "SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager") >> Total Uninstall >> proceed through the IM process (keep clicking Next).


2. If you are uninstalling SolidWorks 2010 or earlier, please read the end of this post regarding how to clean your registry. It is important to do this to ensure the smooth opertation of the new version.


7. Once uninstalled, reboot the computer.

Install the new version

8. THIS IS A CRITICAL STEP! Disable any Anti-virus programs that are running as these can interfere with the installation process. Some Anti-virus programs are very difficult to disable – if in doubt Google for instructions “disable < Anti-virus Program Name>”.
   
   If required, you can generally disable anti-virus programs manually:
   
   
   
   1. Start >> Run >> Control Panel >> Administrative Tools >> Services.
   
   
   2. Find all relevant anti-virus services >> RMB >> Stop
   
   
   3. Once installation is complete >> RMB >> Start


9. Insert the SolidWorks Media Disc (make sure it is the correct bit version - 32 and 64-bit versions are supplied in the box). If the Installation Manager does not start automatically, browse to the media location in Windows Explorer and RMB on Setup.exe >> Run as administrator to begin installation.


10. Run through the Installation Manager. If the Installation Manager detects the previous install, it may ask you to upgrade - this is fine, proceed as normal.
    
    
    1. Installation type is Individual.
    
    
    2. Enter the Serial Number if prompted (enter extra Serial Numbers if installing Simulation Premium or Flow Simulation).
    
    
    3. If you have SolidWorks Professional or Premium, click here to read about installing/upgrading the Toolbox.

After installation

Setup

11. If you transferred the license off the computer previously, or there was no license on the machine, when starting up SolidWorks you will be asked to activate the product. Run through the process, using correct contact details (these will be associated with the Serial Number). If you are unable to activate, use the 30-day Trial Activation. This will give you access to SolidWorks Premium for 30 days regardless of what version of SolidWorks you are entitled to. If this happens please notify your Solidtec Application Engineer


12. Make sure that the File Locations are set up correctly if using a central file server. From within SolidWorks >> Options >> System Options tab >> File Locations. The most common locations to change are: Document Templates, Sheet Formats, Weldment Profiles and Custom Properties. To add a Custom Properties location you may need to delete the existing location first (SolidWorks can only handle one location for the Custom Properties file).


13. Apply any customisations, such as keyboard shortcuts, toolbar layouts, etc. Back these settings up using the Copy Settings Wizard.


14. Consider creating a Disc Image of your HDD, to allow for quick restoration to a known clean install state. Click here to read more.

Toolbox installations

15. If you have SolidWorks Professional or Premium with the Toolbox add-in, the correct method to update the Toolbox data is as follows:
    
    
    
    1. Browse to your existing (e.g. 2011) Toolbox data folder - by default this is in C:\SolidWorks Data.
    
    
    2. Copy the folder and its contents - rename the copied folder something like "SolidWorks Data 2012". Make another copy of the orignal folder and keep it with the rest of your backed up SW2011 data.
    
    
    3. During installation, on the Summary page under Toolbox Options >> Change. Choose to "Upgrade an existing Toolbox location" and browse to the "SolidWorks Data 2012" folder. Continue the installation process.
    
    
    4. This will upgrade the contents of the new folder, leaving the previous folder intact if you wish to continue using SolidWorks 2011. If you do not need the 2011 data anymore, you can delete the orignal "SolidWorks Data" folder.


16. If you have already installed SolidWorks and need to change the location of the Toolbox from the default local installation path to a file server path, from within SolidWorks >> Options >> System Options tab >> Hole Wizard/Toolbox >> Browse to the correct location.

Further information

Further information on installing SolidWorks can be found here:

• SolidWorks Installation and Admin Guide – the official Admin guide.
• How to ensure a clean uninstall and update of SolidWorks – a more involved method of preparing your machine for a clean SolidWorks installation.

Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

The Corvette is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models, as well as a Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition.

"The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current 'C6' generation," said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. "We couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand's history - the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine."

The new 427 Convertible Collector Edition is powered by an LS7 engine that delivers a total of 505 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 190 mph.

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM's Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels - introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages - come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

All 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1. And if you’re interested, you better act fast as this model is likely to run out quick and we’re not sure when Chevrolet is likely to offer another.

The new Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will be available in the 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim levels. Prices will be announced at a later date, but the first units will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program.

Competition

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

The model can also be combined with the new 60th Anniversary package that includes an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior and suede accents. Other features include a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and "60" logos on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests.

The 60th Anniversary Package as well as the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 21. First sales start early this summer.

 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 2013 Collector Edition

As Chevrolet themselves confirm, the new 427 Convertible Collector Edition will take on models like the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, the Aston Martin DBS Volante, and the Ferrari California.

2012 NISSAN JUKE SHIRO unveiled in Brussels

 2012 NISSAN JUKE SHIRO

 Launched at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show, Nissan Juke Shiro is aptly named. Shiro means white in Japanese, and the interior of the new version is dominated by a number of white flashes. The centre console, inspired by the shape of a motorcycle fuel tank, has until now only been available in red or grey; in Shiro, it's white. It's the same story when it comes to the door armrests which have white cappings.

Juke Shiro is available with all three engine choices – 110 hp 1.5-litre dCi; 117 hp normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T which develops 190 hp.. All are front-wheel drive and are coupled to a five- or six-speed manual transmission depending on the engine.

The Juke Shiro 1.6-litre DIG-T version is also available with Nissan’s advanced All-Mode 4×4-i four-wheel drive system which incorporates torque-vectoring technology and which is coupled to the latest generation CVT transmission.

 2012 NISSAN JUKE SHIRO

Built at Nissan's manufacturing plant in the UK, Juke has inspired customers across Europe and helped the Sunderland manufacturing plant reach an all-time production record during 2011 of 480,485 vehicles. Following in the hugely successful footsteps of its big crossover brother, Qashqai, Juke exceeded all expectations to sell over 136,282 units last year, a number that is expected to be beaten in 2012.

Comprehensive standard technology includes Nissan Connect - Nissan's advanced media, communication and navigation centre - a colour reversing camera, Intelligent Key with engine start button, heated front seats, Climate Control, automatic wipers and lights, folding door mirrors and rear privacy glass.

Also standard is the Nissan Dynamic Control System which gives the driver the chance to optimise the car's dynamic functions. Safety equipment includes ESP, six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist and three head restraints in the rear.

 2012 NISSAN JUKE SHIRO

Nissan Juke Shiro also benefits from a carefully selected accessory package which adds a number of useful features all designed to harmonise with Shiro's white interior features. It includes a centre armrest, complete with white stitching, which also provides additional storage; chrome plated sill protectors for the front door, illuminated in white; and Juke-branded velour floor mats for the front and rear.

Depending on the market, this package is either available as an option or as an integral part of the special Shiro version.

Since its launch in 2010, Juke has redefined the highly competitive B-Segment. Its combination of SUV toughness and sporting style sets it apart from class rivals with its unique design appealing to individual thinkers looking for something different - and the arrival of Nissan Juke Shiro increases the opportunity for them to make a real statement.

 2012 NISSAN JUKE SHIRO

In line with Nissan's philosophy of constant development, a significant engineering change was made to Juke during 2011. Revisions to the final drive ratio of the normally aspirated petrol and diesel models reduced emissions and enhanced refinement by lowering noise levels without affecting the lively acceleration of either car. Emissions from the manual version of the 117PS petrol 1.6 Juke are now 139g/km, while the 1.5 diesel produces just 129g/km allowing it to wear Nissan's PURE DRIVE badge, which signifies a model producing less than 130g/km.

Miss America 2012 - Laura Kaeppeler

 
Miss America 2012 ( Laura Kaeppeler )

 
Miss America 2012 ( Laura Kaeppeler )
 
Miss America 2012 ( Laura Kaeppeler )
 
Miss America 2012 ( Laura Kaeppeler )

How to install Multiple SolidWorks versions on one Computer

In this short demonstration by Perry from Solidtec, you will see how to install another version of SolidWorks alongside an already existing version. 

The method used will help keep the file references between the two versions apart. 
Please feel free to comment below.

Latest Small Car Wallpapers 2012 And Images

Free Download  Future Cars Wallpapers

 Free Download  Future Cars Wallpapers

 Free Download  Future Cars Wallpapers

ALL NEW AUDI S5 2012 3.0 TFSI

  ALL NEW  AUDI S5 2012 3.0 TFSI

 The 2012 Audi A5 models are now more distinctive than ever. The rear lights and the headlights have been redesigned and are optionally available in xenon plus technology with homogenous LED daytime running lights. New colors and materials accentuate the interior, and many details of the operating concept have been fine-tuned.

The advanced technologies are being added to the Sportback, Coupé, Cabriolet and S5 models in the areas of the engine, quattro drive and infotainment for even more efficiency, sportiness and intelligence. The updated design visually underscores the technical expertise involved in these versions.

All 2012 Audi S5 models, including the Coupe, are now equipped with the 3.0 TFSI producing 333 hp (245 kW) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. Compared to the 4.2-liter V8 it replaces in the Coupe, the supercharged V6 consumes on average 20 percent less fuel. Average fuel consumption is just 8.1 liters (29.04 US mpg) while performance remains impressive. The S5 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Each of the four TDI diesel and three TFSI gasoline units in the new engine lineup include forced induction and direct fuel injection. The new 1.8 TFSI features a number of groundbreaking innovations. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 11 percent on average. The start-stop system and the recuperation system come standard with all engine-transmission configurations.

Each engine is matched with the ideal drivetrain - six-speed manual, multitronic, seven-speed S tronic, front-wheel drive or quattro drive. When combined with S tronic, the quattro drivetrain uses the crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring; the sport differential is the perfect complement. The chassis has been more finely tuned, with the optional Audi drive select system and dynamic steering making the Audi A5 even more fun to drive. The electromechanical power steering is new to the Audi A5 family.

  ALL NEW  AUDI S5 2012 3.0 TFSI

The new bumper features pronounced air inlets with massive struts, revamped grilles and flat fog lights. Sharply chiseled edges give the engine hood a three-dimensional look; the entire front end appears even flatter and wider. The upper corners of the single-frame grille in high-gloss black are beveled. The grille's lateral bars and the Audi rings appear to be sculpted.

The headlights have also been updated. Their lower edge forms a wave; their interior has been restructured. With the optional xenon plus headlights, the LED daytime running lights form a narrow, homogenous clasp framing the headlight. Audi also offers the adaptive light system with dynamic cornering light and turning light. The rear lights have also been redesigned and are optionally available with continuous LED light strips. The bumper includes a number of additional details.

The product improvement has added a millimeter (0.04 in) to each of the exterior dimensions. The Audi A5 Sportback is 4.71 meters (15.45 ft) long; the Coupé and the Cabriolet 4.63 meters (15.19 ft). The range of colors has been reshuffled and now comprises 16 colors. The fully automatic acoustic top of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is available in four colors. The S line exterior package is available for those who appreciate an even more dynamic look.

The vehicle bodies impress with high rigidity, outstanding crash safety, high vibrational comfort and low weight. The front fenders are made of aluminum for improved axial load distribution. Aerodynamic fine-tuning measures include a lined underbody.

The new A5 is a highly intelligent car. Its driver assistance systems have undergone intensive further development. The range of infotainment options now includes the Bluetooth online car phone, which delivers a number of special services and connects the Audi A5 to the Internet.

The interior of the Audi A5 models reflects the Audi brand culture. It is now more elegant than ever - with new steering wheels, including an option for a flattened ring, new steering column stalks and with narrow chrome clasps framing the control elements.

  ALL NEW  AUDI S5 2012 3.0 TFSI

A button is used to directly adjust the optional seat heating and seat ventilation in three stages. Also updated were the ignition key, the selector lever for the automatic transmission, the button for the optional Audi drive select system and the controls of the high-efficiency air conditioning and multifunction steering wheel. All displays are now illuminated in white.

New paint covers the bezels on the instrument cluster and the center console, and there is also a new selection of upholstery and inlays. The latter are available in Aluminium Trigon or in walnut or natural fine grain ash. Almost all of the interior colors are new. Fine Nappa leather replaces Valcona in the Sportback, and the armrests can also be covered in leather, if desired. The Audi A5 Sportback is also now optionally available as a five-seater.

Another attractive option is the S line sport package. It drapes the interior in black and accentuates it with elegant applications. A sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in), and 18-inch wheels round out the package. Buyers looking for that special something will find many more customization options in the Audi exclusive range, including the stylish Audi exclusive line with two-tone seat coverings.

  ALL NEW  AUDI S5 2012 3.0 TFSI

Audi offers the ideal drivetrain for each engine. A manual six-speed transmission and the continuously variable multitronic are available for models with front-wheel drive. The quattro models come with a manual transmission or the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic. All of the transmissions shine with their convenience and precision, high efficiency and wide gear spread. The long ratios in the upper gears reduce fuel consumption.

Members of the Audi A5 family equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the S tronic transmission also feature the crown-gear center differential with torque vectoring. During normal driving, the mechanical component sends the engine's power primarily to the rear wheels. If necessary, it redistributes the power lightning-fast and smoothly. Up to 70 percent can flow to the front axle, 85 percent to the rear axle. Torque vectoring uses targeted, minor braking interventions to make the handling even more precise.

Available as an option in all Audi A5 quattro models, the sport differential provides for maximum precision and high traction. It uses two superposition stages engaged via multi-plate clutches to actively distribute the torque between the rear wheels as needed.

The ESP stabilization program with electronic limited slip differential is standard in all front-wheel drive versions of the Audi A5. ESP uses minimal braking interventions at the inside front wheel for even more agility during dynamic driving. The large brakes - with ventilated front and rear discs in many variants - offer excellent stopping power and are very easy to modulate.

  ALL NEW  AUDI S5 2012 3.0 TFSI

17-inch wheels with 225/50 tires are standard. Options include wheels up to 20 inches and 265/30 tires as well as four new wheel designs.

Audi drive select can be combined with additional modules, if desired. These are the sport suspension with damper control, the sport differential and dynamic steering, which steplessly varies the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of speed.

Another new standard feature in the Audi A5 model series is the electromechanical power steering. An electric motor generates the right amount of boost for the speed being driven. The electromechanical power steering features a direct ratio, reacts instantly and provides precise road feedback. It intervenes slightly to support the driver when braking on a surface with less grip on one side of the car.

The assistance systems in the Audi A5 model series use a variety of technologies to make driving even more controlled. Some of them have been improved with new functions. Among the standard features is the new driver information system with recommendations to take a break. It uses steering motions and additional parameters to detect when the driver is getting tired and issues an appropriate warning.

  ALL NEW  AUDI S5 2012 3.0 TFSI

Audi side assist supports the driver when changing lanes by using radar to monitor the space behind the car. Audi active lane assist - a new feature in the Audi A5 - helps the driver to maintain the lane. A camera detects the lane markings and the system makes slight corrections to the electromechanical steering, if necessary. The adaptive cruise control uses radar technology to maintain a constant interval between the Audi A5 and the vehicle ahead. At speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), it initiates maximum braking in the event of an impending collision.