The Audi Automobile Empire

• Is been a pleasure for me to brief  you the short facts about this remarkable brand in automobile industry.

Mr.August Horch

• Founder : Mr.August Horch.

• Born      : 12th October 1868 in Winningen , Moselle. 

• Pass Away  : 3rd February 1951 in Munchbery , Bavaria.

• Start as a Blacksmith - graduate from Polytechnic in engineering - work in ship building and Karl Benz in 1896 then form his company Horch and Co in Nov 1899 in Ehrenfeld Cologne , Germany.

• Horch's 1st car was built in 1901 and after several struggling events before they couldn't find the suitable name to replace - then "Audi" was choosen to fit in the company's new brand in 1909.

• "AUDI" means Listen in Latin.

• The 4 Rings badge on the car symbolize the unity of the 4 company which forms Auto Union.                                                    
•  Since 1964 VolksWagen owned 99.55 % of the company's shares and  purchased of Auto Union assets from the former owner of Daimler Benz.

• Famous AWD system named "QUATTRO" were applyed  since in the late 70's especially when Audi wanted to showcase this system in motorsport catergories.

• "QUATTRO" means "4" derived from the Latin's words.

• Is been a tremendous sucess when the AWD system was introduced since the earlier 80's in the rally competition and win many podium position.

• The 1st rally car was the famous Audi Quattro ( 2 doors Coupe Sport ).

• The rest of the new flagship such as way from the quattro sport , S1 ,V8, A3, A4, A6, A8 ,Q5 , Q7 , R8 , TT and RS range.

• S line division which specialise in developes and build high performance sport package for Audi.                                    
•  Others Audi specialist and tuner like ABT and MTM.

• Audi family consist of  VW ,Lamborghini , Bugatti , Bentley, Skoda and SEAT .
• VW also achieved the agreement to mergerd with Porsche in the coming  2011.
• In 2009 Audi celebrated 100th years birthday and it's empire expands aggressively around the globe today.

 

 Audi quattro in 80's

 

 Audi Quattro rally car

 

Audi Quottro S1 in action

Pictures courtesy of  wikipedia

The 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 Sport Sedan( 3.2 litre) AWD

This is could be one of the most gorgeous sport saloon from Alfa Romeo so far is you ask me.This is the continuous design from the predecessor model 156.

•  This model was showcasing in the recent James Bond movie " Quantum Of  Solace " where the car chase scene took place in the tunnel until the deadly & narrow escape terrain & dangerous cliff  of the quarry.

• Gun fire , serious car crash & never ending heart pumping sequence when Aston Martin DBS badly damaged but still trying very hard to escape away from the 2 Alfa 159.

• Daniel Craig's play marvellously as a spy in a real world who fight againt the villain in the real situation where there is no more fancy gadget or weaponry like the old days.  

   

Technical specification :

Engine              : 3.2 Litre V6 , 4 wheel drive

Transmission   :  6 Speed Sequential Manual ( Semi Auto ) 

Horse power   : 260bhp

Max. Torque   : 322Nm

Pictures courtesy of  Google

The 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 Test Drive Diary

• This is my third visit to Alfa Romeo showroom which located in the industrial area of section 13/2 ,Petaling Jaya.

• It actually next to Land Rover showroom as well.The showroom is  nicely display , simple and neat.

• That day i meet En.Mazmi Syah ( Sales Specialist ) who also a big fan of Alfa Romeo and he fall in love with it.

• The 1st sign when you look at the car is the design is very sexy, very sporty and very fast.( the feeling )

• We take a spin for about  10 km drive.1st encounter with the 159 when you enter the car which is the cockpit is very simple , sporty and straight forward very" Italia".

• The gear box is a Selespeed ( Manual + Auto ), 6 speed , front wheel drive, 2.2 litre( 185bhp) andJTS( direct injection).

• You can choose to drive manually or auto by using with or without paddle shift , the car just perform tremendously.Or if you are looking for maximun flat out then just press the "Sport Mode" it will take you to the higher level.

• After a while i request Mazmi to demonstrate the beauty of the 159 with the traction control "ON" and he really drive fast and cut through twister corner on the public road .

• You actually can hear the cornering sound of the tyre but the ride is very firm indeed. 

• Good news : Do you still remember the car chase scene in the tunnel & the quarry of the James Bond movie " The Quantum Of Solace".That 159 version  is 3.2 litre V6( 260bhp) all wheel drive and  is coming to town soon.

•  Please contact En.Mazmi Syah at 018-3765100 or email to him at mazmi.syah.munzani@simedarby.com .

• Verdict : +   striking design , staggering and stunning                    performance and good price.

                 -  typical Alfa looks, interior's space is a bit cramped,  back seat head and leg room not great.

• Greatest rival : BMW 323i , Audi A4 1.8T , Ford Mondeo 2.3 .

My Minichamps Collection For Porsche 911(993) RS 1:43 Scale