Audi TT ultra quattro concept sheds 300kg & heads for Worthersee

The TT ultra quattro concept manages to tip the scales at 1111kg, 299kg less than the starting point – the TT S quattro – thanks to a new version of the TT’s aluminium space frame, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon fibre for many body panels and some judicious use of magnesium. Other weight saving tricks include carbon ceramic brakes with aluminium calipers, titanium exhaust, cameras instead of heavy door mirror mechanisms, and carbon fibre and aluminium wheels. The weight saving extends to the interior of the TT ultra quattro concept too, with carbon fibre used for the door and centre console trims and glass-fibre reinforced plastic base for the seats which saves 22kh alone. But despite the weight savings Audi hasn’t made the TT ultra quattro concept a hair shirt outing with goodies like leather seats, AirCon and electric windows still on offer.

Jody Scheckter turns farmer

Jody Scheckter Mercedes-Benz By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 26 August 2008 10:11 Ever wondered what happens to F1 world champions when they hang up their race suits? Jody Scheckter – the last man to give Ferrari a world championship in 1979 before Michael Schumacher stepped in – has traded in the glamour of the pit lane for farming. The owner of the award-winning Laverstoke Park farm and acclaimed organic expert, South Africa-born Scheckter has sealed a deal with Mercedes-Benz World to supply the experience centre’s Gullwing Restaurant with organic food from his Hampshire farm.

Aston Martin US dealers could lose DB9 & Vantage – which could see many shutting up shop

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster (pictured) might not make the US The rules and regulations car makers have to conform to are both enormous and onerous, and different markets have different regulations. And it looks like new side impact regulation could scupper AML’s sales in the US. New side impact rules – due to come in to force in the US in September – means that two of Aston Martin’s big sellers – the DB9 and Vantage V8 and V12 – would have to be withdrawn from sale in the US as they won’t comply.