Visitors to AMI Leipzig 2009 will witness the world premiere of the Audi TT RS Roadster at the Audi exhibition stand at the Leipzig Motor Show, Hall 1. From March 28 to April 5, visitors will be able to view a total of 20 production models, two show cars and two historic cars at the roughly 2,100 square meter (22,604.21 square feet) exhibition stand. The spotlight will also be on the German premieres of the new Audi A4 allroad quattro, the Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets and the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro.

Audi is forging a link with its 5-cylinder tradition with the Audi TT RS Roadster and TT RS Coupé. Customers will begin taking delivery of the sports car this summer. The 2.5-liter engine with turbocharging and direct fuel injection generates 340 hp (250 kW) and accelerates the sports car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds – with average fuel consumption of just 9.5 liters (24.76 mpg). The permanent all-wheel drive quattro, a suspension fine-tuned to match the powerful engine, and high-performance brakes make the car a star in its class. With its light Audi Space Frame (ASF) car body, constructed primarily from aluminum, the TT RS is a road machine through and through.

With its greater ground clearance, the fun with the Audi A4 allroad quattro really begins where the asphalt ends. The youngest member of the A4 family features innovative technology – including its powerful, highly efficient engines and Audi drive select, the new driving dynamics system.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI with 170 hp (125 kW), consumes an average of just 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (36.75 mpg). Customers looking to get the most powerful engine should order the A4 allroad quattro featuring a V6 TDI with 240 hp (176 kW).

Dynamic, self-assured and picture perfect – that describes the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The new A5 Cabriolet features the soft top Audi is known for. It can open in just 15 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The A5 Cabriolet rolls up to the starting line with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines. The range of performance starts at 170 hp (125 kW) in the 2.0 TDI and tops out at 265 hp (195 kW) in the 3.2 FSI. The A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI will be arriving on the scene later. The top model for the new model line is the Audi S5 Cabriolet. The letter S traditionally stands for confident sportiness, for dynamics, performance and power, and for amazing efficiency. The Audi S5 Cabriolet is powered by a newly developed, turbocharged V6 engine with 333 hp (245 kW).

In the second quarter of 2009, Audi will add more building blocks to its modular efficiency kit, including an on-board computer with efficiency program and the start-stop system. The start-stop system reduced consumption in a standardized driving cycle by 0.2 liters/100 km (0.05 mpg), or 5 grams of CO2 per kilometer (8.05 g per mile). The system is being used for the first time in all of the new A5 Cabriolet models that have a 2-liter engine – TDI or TFSI – combined with a manual transmission. It will be added to more models during the course of the year, including the Audi A4 allroad quattro. Visitors will also be able to view the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI with start-stop system at the exhibition stand. The on-board computer with efficiency program displays all consumption-relevant data in the center console, offering potential savings of up to 30 percent.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be exhibited for the first time in Germany at the AMI Leipzig. The 10-cylinder engine of the R8 generates 525 hp (386 kW), making it possible to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). Top Audi technology like the quattro drive system, the lightweight aluminum body and all-LED headlights – the first of their kind used in series production – make the R8 a technological forerunner in its segment.

The most efficient member of Audi’s high-volume A3 model line will also be on display at the AMI Leipzig: the Audi A3 1.9 TDI e. To achieve average consumption of 4.5 liters (52.27 mpg) and thus a CO2 level of 119 grams per kilometer (191.51 g/mile) and a range of more than 1,000 kilometers per full tank (621.37 miles), changes made to the A3 1.9 TDI included adjustment of the transmission ratios. The gearshift indicator shows which gear is the best choice. In addition, with the Audi A6 2.0 TDI e and Audi A8 2.8 FSI, Audi is exhibiting two more e models that set the pace in their segment when it comes to consumption.

Audi is working tirelessly on further reducing consumption and emissions. The groundbreaking Audi A4 TDI concept e, with its innovative technical concept, delivers the agile handling Audi is known for while consuming an average of just 3.99 liters of fuel per 100 kilometer (58.95 mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km (168.98 g/mile). The drive system of the Audi A4 TDI concept e is a direct-injection TDI with 120 hp (88 kW).

The Audi stand will also feature the Audi A1 Sportback concept show car, a compact five-door four-seater. The car, which is 3.99 meters long and 1.75 meters wide (13.09 feet long by 5.74 feet wide), combines trendsetting dynamic styling with optimized space efficiency and superb quality. Under the hood, there’s a 1.4 liter TFSI 150 hp (110 kW) engine that powers the front wheels via S tronic. A 27 hp (20kW) electric motor integrated into the drive train delivers up to 150 Nm of additional torque when accelerating.

To mark its 100th anniversary, the brand with the four-ring logo will also be exhibiting historic cars in Leipzig. Construction of the 1938 Auto Union Silver Arrow Type D took four years. The original version of the car won two Grand Prix races in its heyday. The Audi 920, which generated 75 hp, will also be on display at the exhibition stand. With its 6-cylinder in-line engine, this car made a splash as a powerful and sporty midsize car when it was first sold in December 1938.

Audi will also be showing the A8 with an exclusive interior and design package. The Audi A8’s comfort plus style package features Night Blue, pearl effect exterior paint, 12-spoke forged aluminum wheels, adaptive light with LED daytime driving lights, Valcona leather seat covers and Fine Nappa full-leather interiors, front and rear seat heating, and front seat air conditioning combined with massage function. The Audi product program also includes the Audi sport plus style package with all-new Panther Black crystal effect paint, which was developed especially for the Audi A8. Additional features include adaptive light with LED daytime driving lights and S design cast aluminum wheels in a dark steel color.

Audi will participate once again this year in the “AMI fuel efficiency hour” with two e models. During this event, sponsored by the German Motor Vehicle Importers Association (VDIK), exhibition visitors can learn highly efficient driving techniques from an instructor in an Audi A3 1.9 TDI e and an Audi A6 2.0 TDI e.

Visitors can take part in a daily drawing for a DTM Fan Package at 2.30 p.m. at the Audi stand. The package includes two tickets for grandstand seats and free access to the DTM paddocks.

Audi is also supporting the special “Movie Stars” show in the Glass Hall at this year’s AMI Leipzig. The show features cars from TV and movies, including the Audi A8 W12 from the movie “Transporter 3″.

There’s a debate going on now with the few people who actually in the market for a new car; should I get a car that I want or get one that’s practical? Worse still is the choice of buying a domestic car versus an import. For many people this is a no brainer; they know exactly what kind of car they like, and some are so passionate about their car choices that to suggest something different for them is unconscionable. And buying a car from a maker that has been given government bailout money, is considered by some well, dumb. But I have a surprise for you, and yes it’s an American car made by an American company – the all new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

Laugh all you want, but there’s a reason to my madness: For the first time in history, the base Camaro isn’t a model to ignore. The two other V-6s found in the current line of Detroit pony cars – Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger SE (240 and 250 hp, respectively) are good economical engines, but they don’t tear it up on the streets. The six-cylinder Mustang and Challenger exist because of their relatively good fuel economy. The base V-6-powered 2010 Camaro on the other hand? It’s going to be cheap, but it’s also going to be fast. And that isn’t just numbers talking.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has more than enough power to handle any of its closest competitors. Car and Driver reviewers has proclaimed that “with a 304-hp, 3.6-liter V-6, the base Camaro is nearly as powerful as the Mustang GT,” which has an V-8 engine! Car and Driver also mentioned that the V-8 version of the Camaro, which is distinguished by the SS badging, gets “400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque” when paired with the automatic transmission. But the manual transmission gets “426 hp and 420 lb-ft”. I don’t think you’ll worry about responsiveness on the freeway anymore.

And the looks of it? As Cars.com states that, “though loosely styled after the 1969 Camaro, the 2010 model lacks the vintage look of the current Dodge Challenger or Ford’s 2005-09 Mustang.” Car and Driver also praises the 2010 Chevy Camaro for its “evocative, contemporary styling” that recalls it’s late-60s glory years but “thankfully misses being totally retro.” If you happen to see it out on the road, the Camaro’s looks will make it stand out, and not just because of the unmistakably loud exhaust sound.

While Chevrolet has by all accounts got the exterior design right, a number of reviewers aren’t as impressed with the interior, however. Cars.com reviewers found that the interior “looks more retro than the exterior” and that “the unique center controls may be off-putting for some.” Car and Driver says that some of the 2010 Camaro’s ergonomics are poorly designed, claiming that “as great as the high-mounted squircle-shaped gauges and cool center stack look, the script is tiny and the buttons can be ergonomically challenging in operation.” Other reviewers point out that the Camaro’s interior is too dark; Autoblog cautions that “the high beltline, low roof and black interior don’t let bundles of excess light to play within the cabin,” making a “somber” environment. Not everything about the interior is bad according to Automobile Magazine. It praises the Camaro’s instrument panel, stating that “the gauge and console layout is clean, tasteful, and modern.”

Despite the persistent doubts about the car industry, particularly about GM’s ability to deliver a quality product, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro scores on both counts with me. This Camaro doesn’t lead the rest of the pack for its features, but I do think it does offer a lot of value for the money. And these days, getting value for your money is what will spell success or failure for any business.

Recently, Tim Horton’s offered its Canadian customers the chance to win a Toyota Venza in the latest round of its “Roll Up The Rim To Win” contest. You know the drill: peel back the lip of your coffee cup and you could find yourself behind the wheel of Toyota’s newest crossover vehicle….apparently, 35 Venzas in total will be given away.

So what did you get if you were one of the lucky ones? I’m not sure, but it looks like a compact wagon with oversize wheels and tires, is available with all-wheel-drive, is manufactured in Kentucky, and built on the Camry platform.

There are two engine choices: a 2.7 litre four cylinder and a 3.5 litre V6, and you can choose from front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. My tester had the latter engine with FWD, but the former may be the largest in-line four-banger on the market these days. Normally, manufacturers run into all kinds of engineering issues when four cylinder engines get up into displacement this large….usually in the form of vibrations and harmonics. Big in-line four cylinder engines tend to rock and roll and often need internal counter-balancers to smooth everything out. I haven’t had the chance to drive the I-4 model yet, but I’d like to just to see how Toyota has dealt with this problem.

But back to the V6. This engine is used elsewhere in the company’s model line-up, and in this configuration, develops 268 horsepower. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission only, and features things like a transmission cooler, adaptive shifting, and a Hill-Start Assist Control. This last item prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when you’re stopped on a hill and has been used by Subaru for years, albeit in a slightly different form. It’s standard on all models. The adaptive shifting feature, meanwhile, will hold the transmission in a lower gear when climbing a hill under load as well as automatically dropping it down to a lower gear when descending. Also a common feature with many manufacturers these days, but welcome, just the same.

What struck me about this drivetrain was how lively it was. Despite its 1755 kilogram weight, the Venza is blessed with all kinds of snap and this engine redlines at 6200 rpm. Kick it down into passing gear and you’ve got a rocket on your hands, with maybe a titch in the way of torque steer when driven with enthusiasm. The V6 version can also tow up to 1587 kilograms and, like all Toyota V6 powerplants, is smooth, quiet, and civilized.

Reasonably high standard equipment level as well. For its just under $30, 000 base price, the V6 model comes with a climate control system, heated mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering, power adjustable driver seat, cruise control, power door locks, and a full tank of gas. All kinds of airbags to front, side, side curtain, and knee….front and back. Surprisingly, heated front seats are an option. My tester also had the “Premium” package, which includes a back-up camera, a decent-sized power sunroof, and power rear door.

The Venza seats five, and the back seats fold down 60/40 fashion, either via a couple of levers located on the sides of the rear cargo compartment or by pulling up on a lever on the sides of the seats themselves. Again, kind of cool and simplicity itself. So many vehicles of this stripe make you struggle when you want to open things up and I’m surprised someone hasn’t thought of this before. Full marks here.

In fact, there’s isn’t much to complain about inside, period. The shift lever is set halfway up the centre console and is easy to get at and quite usable. I was slightly surprised Toyota hasn’t installed a column shifter here, but it doesn’t seem to make much difference either way. A multi-information display is located atop the dash and it tells you things like outside temperature and whether or not one of the doors is ajar. You can also adjust the size of the display itself, which is kind of cool. After I had driven this car for awhile, it struck me how thoroughly Toyota has mastered the craft of making automobiles. I’m not sure the market needs a rig like the Venza, but either way, Toyota knows what customers want and gives it to them. In this case, I suppose the Venza is aimed at those folks who want a bit more room to carry stuff, but have had it with mini-vans and oversize SUVs.

Aside from the fact that the wheels look kind of freakishly large and the V6 is a little headstrong under hard acceleration, I can find little to complain about with the Venza. It’s easy to get in and out of, comfortable once you’ve settled in, reasonably roomy, and smooth in operation. Some may find the interior fittings a little on the bland side, but that’s not news. Toyota has always aimed for the middle ground and mainstream buyers; it knows its markets and the current economic downturn notwithstanding, has the numbers to prove it.

With the staggering power offered by the resurrected muscle cars that are competing against the Mustang, Ford’s existing 4.6-liter engine in its GT just doesn’t cut it, admits Pittsburgh Ford dealers. That’s precisely why an all-new 5.0-liter V8 appears is said to be in the works. Codenamed ‘Coyote,’ the 5.0-liter engine is under development and Ashland Ford dealers believe it likely provides the staggering power the Mustang needs to maintain its edge in an increasingly competitive market.

This all-new V8 may not come to the Ford Mustang first, but rather appear in the 2010 F-150 pickup suggests Ford Service Los Angeles, followed by the Mustang in the 2011 model year. Power is expected to be upwards of 400 horsepower and 400 lb ft of toque which Chicago used Ford dealers say should provide the power that will satisfy muscle car enthusiasts.

While the exact date of the Mustang’s new V8 has not been released, it should come to the pony car within the next two years. However, the Mustang will benefit from a new EcoBoost V6 engine that will produce 355 horsepower and 350 lb ft of toque. The EcoBoost promises the power of a V8 with the efficiency of a V6 thanks to turbocharging technology and direct injection which will make give the Mustang an edge in terms of value according to Minneapolis Car Parts. Other Mustangs, such as the high-performance Shelby models, are expected to get a supercharged version of the upcoming 5.0-liter V8 once it becomes available.

By 1908, Ford’s Model-Ts “Tin Lizzies” were filling the roads. Ford’s goal had been to create a car large enough for the entire family to enjoy weekend outings, together. Easy to maintain, and affordable (4 months salary for an assembly line worker); the Model T changed the way the World moved. You would no longer both live and die within 5 miles.

It is uncertain exactly when and what was the first automobile, and who invented it. In 1769, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot of France created the first self propelled road vehicle. It cruised along at just over 2 miles per hour powered by steam.

In the United States, Oliver Evans patented the first automobile on record (also a steam engine) in 1789. It is debated as to whether steam powered road vehicles can be categorized as cars. Those who do accept the notion of steam powered cars call Nicolas Cugnot, of France, the first inventor of the automobile with his self propelled tricycle. Proving very popular for locomotives, the steam engine added too much weight to be feasible for the road.

Sometime between 1832 and 1839 Robert Anderson of Scotland is said to have created the first electric car which also proved to be heavy, slow and expensive. Both the steam engines and the electrical engines were abandoned in favor of gas-powered vehicles. During the early 1900s, the electrical cars had had good sales in the United States, but with the improved system of roads, people wanted cars that could go the distance.

The invention of gas fueled cars is generally credited to Karl Benz of Germany in 1883. In 1926 Benz merged companies with Daimler-Maybach and began manufacturing their legendary cars.

The United States had the Duryea Brothers who formed their automobile company in 1893. Ransom Olds, debuted his Oldsmobile in 1902 and in 1903 Henry Ford was in production with his Ford Motor Company, expanding Olds’ assembly line concept.

Automotive development continued rapidly into front engine vehicles with rear wheel drive. Engine size, power and speed became a major focus of car companies as people became enthralled with the “Merry Oldsmobile” and the V8 engine.

Beginning in 1911, Chevrolet was known for innovative designs and unique styling. Entering the automobile market to compete with the Ford Model T, Louis Chevrolet and William Durant created models that would become part of automobile history. The 1914 “Classic Six” boasted a 6-cylinder engine with a top speed of 15 miles per hour. 1918 saw the first in a long line of Chevy V8 engines.

Chevy is widely known for some of the most popular classic cars ever produced, like the Corvette – one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world. Chevy models of the mid-50s remain wildly popular among car collectors. The ‘55 Bel Air, available in convertible, hardtop coupe, and 2- or 4- door sedan versions was considered superior in style to any other vehicle at the time, particularly due to its chrome accents and classic, refined look. The small-block V8, introduced in 1955, remains in continuous production to this day. Chevy innovations of this era included the first fuel-injected engine in 1957. In 1966, Chevrolet unveiled the Camaro that would become the pace car at the Indy 500.

In 1916, 55% of the cars in the world were Ford Model-Ts. This is a record that has never been (nor likely will be) broken.

In 1964, Chevrolet became the first American automaker to build more than 3 million vehicles in one year.