Ballistic Performance Evo2 Battery Charger on 2040-parts.com

Microsoft increases stake in auto industry

Having reshaped a big piece of the world's economy around its Windows software, Microsoft Corp. now wants to do the same thing in the car business. What the Seattle giant sees there says as much about the future of cars as it does about itself.

Audi RS5 (2010) first official pictures

This is the new Audi RS5, a £60,000 super-coupe with a high-revving 4.2-litre V8 and a 174mph top speed. It's Audi's riposte to the BMW M3, and we'll see it in the metal at next week's 2010 Geneva motor show. Under the bonnet is the same naturally aspirated 4163cc V8 that powered the old RS4 and is currently found in the R8, but Audi’s Quattro GmbH division – responsible for all of Ingolstadt’s RS models – has squeezed an extra 30bhp out of the engine. That means the high-revving, direct-injection 4.2-litre V8 produces 444bhp at 8250rpm, along with 317lb ft from 4000 to 8000rpm.  That power is sent through a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox to all four wheels, and with the Launch Control system engaged it’s enough to propel the 1725kg coupe to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, before powering the RS5 on to its 155mph limiter.

Porsche seeks ‘everyday magic' with film contest

Porsche North America has tapped into its considerable fan base, seeking homegrown visions for its My Daily Magic filmmaking contest. Aspiring directors made 60-second spots for the brand that show his or her interpretation of “everyday magic.” Of those entries, 10 finalists were chosen to make 90-second commercials that will be voted on by the public, as well as by Porsche brass. One film shows a father that has to run some errands on a weekday.