The History of Chaina Wall And pHotos

The story of the wall that is the longest man-made structure ever built started almost 2000 years ago. The giant wall that is known as the Great Wall of China was originally built to protect China from invasion or attack by tribal enemies such as the Mongols, Huns and Turks, who resided (and raided) around the empire.


Where is it located?

Well, duh! It’s the Great wall of China, so it isn’t going to be in South America is it? The giant wall starts from the Shanghai Pass (it is the national culture site at the eastern end of the wall) in the East to Lop Nor (a group of seasonal salt lakes and marshes between two deserts) in the west and in between it passes through a variety of mountains, plateaus and deserts.

How long is it?

Over the centuries the wall eroded, was built, rebuilt and extended many times. So, if all the fortified walls built in the different dynasties around northern China are included, the total length of it would exceed 50,000 kilometres. However, when the last construction of the wall took place in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the length was then approximately 6,000 kilometres, and this is the wall often referred to when we talk about the Great Wall. Hence, the Great Wall is approximately 6,000-kilometres-long, 25-feet-tall and 15 to 30-feet-wide.

How was it built?

Initially, the rulers of different states within the region developed individual walls but it was Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, who successfully united all parts of China by connecting all the walls into one great wall.

The wall was built using different materials over the centuries. The earliest wall was largely made of compacted earth, surrounded by local stone. During the Ming Dynasty however, bricks were heavily used in many areas of the wall, as were materials such as tiles, lime and stone.

Over the centuries that followed, each dynasty did more work to maintain and develop the wall. Most of the current Great Wall was built during the Ming dynasty. The Great Wall included a series of watch towers and forts which could house soldiers, grain and weapons. Beacons could enable the passing of messages quickly along the wall. Special weapons were developed to enable the wall to be defended against attack, replicas of which are on display on the modern day wall.

Wall of death!

The wall, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and was granted the World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1987, was originally constructed by labourers comprising of soldiers, common people and criminals. Labourers were not paid for their work. It was slave labour. It is believed that approximately 300, 000 soldiers and 500, 000 commoners worked on the wall during the Qin Dynasty. It was one of the worst jobs in the world: rocks fell on people, walls caved in and workers died of exhaustion and disease. Labourers were fed only enough food to keep them alive. It is estimated that up to one million people died while constructing the Great Wall! For centuries, the Wall was known as “the longest cemetery in the world.” Archaeologists have even discovered numerous human remains buried under sections of the wall.

Is the Great Wall visible from space or moon?

According to NASA the Great Wall of China, isn’t visible from space, at least to the unaided eye in low Earth orbit, and it certainly isn’t visible from the Moon either. Kamlesh P. Lulla, NASA’s chief scientist for Earth observation at Johnson Space Centre in Houston, says “Generally the Great Wall is hard to see and photograph, because the material from which it is made is about the same colour and texture as the area surrounding it.”

Stories & legends

One of the most interesting and popular story linked to this great wall is of Meng Jiagnu. Meng and her husband lived in a nearby village and on their wedding day, the soldiers forcibly took away her husband for the construction of the great wall. When a year passed without any news from her husband, Meng decided to go look for him. Upon reaching the Great Wall, Meng was told by the conscripted labourers that her husband had been worked to death, and that the dead workers were buried under the Great Wall. Upon hearing this news, Meng began to cry loudly and hit the wall. A huge chunk of the Great Wall collapsed, revealing countless mounds of human bones.

The angry Emperor of the Qin Dynasty came to survey the damage done to his project. But when he saw Meng Jiang, he was enchanted by her beauty and wanted to marry her. Meng put forward three conditions for the marriage — firstly, she wanted her former husband to be given a grand burial; second, the emperor and his court must go into mourning for him; and lastly she wanted to visit the ocean. Though, the emperor wasn’t very happy with the second condition, he agreed so that he could gain this rare beauty. After Meng got her third wish fulfilled, she scolded the Emperor bitterly and cast herself into the ocean.

Another old legend relates that when the Jiayuguan Pass of the Great Wall of China in Gansu was being planned, the officer in charge asked the designer to estimate the exact number of bricks required and the designer gave him a number. The general doubted the designer’s judgment, asking him if that would be enough, so the designer added one brick. When Jiayuguan was finished, there was only one brick left free, which was placed loose on one of the gates where it remains today.

Discover the charm of the great wall by visiting this place during your upcoming vacations as Mao Zedong, the leader of the Chinese Revolution rightly said, “You are not a real man if you haven’t climbed the Great Wall.”

The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty (221 B.C – 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called “Wan-Li Qang-Qeng” which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).

After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.

The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.

The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.

Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared.

he Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.

However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

In the Qin dynasty, it was a tradition to add to the height, breadth, length of the wall which lasted for centuries. The wall was called “Wan-Li Chang Cheng” meaning 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km) stretching from LOP NUR in the west to Shanhaiguan in the east. The Wall was mainly built from rammed earth, stones, and wood.

The peak of wall building in the Chinese history reached in MING dynasty. At the time of Ming’s dynasty there were many ups and downs and revolts from the minority tribes as the Dadan, Tufan and Nuzhen. The Ming court in order to protect its territory made the construction of wall priority specially in the northern border. The masterpiece in the form of Great Wall of China seen today was built in the same Ming dynasty. In the Ming dynasty enlargement was made to double line or multilinear walls. Moreover, lime tiles and stone were used for the first time to build the wall. Stones were cut in the rectangular shape. The countless walls, fortresses, watch towers and canons were mounted making the country strongly fortified against intruders. The engineering and designing work lasted until QING Dynasty. As Mongolia was annexed into the empire so construction and repairing was stopped.

It is considered the longest wall in the world, and the most successful human project ever completed. The wall is included in the list of the “Seven Medieval Wonders of the World”. It has taken the centuries of hard work, dedication and sacrifices to build this masterpiece. The wall is, nonetheless, a masterpiece of both architecture and engineering. Towers have unique stairways to distract attackers. Cannons watch towers and specialized wall defense weapons, and defence fighting stations are purely the sign of great strategy.

Chinese’s people have preserved their heritage since centuries. Although some tourist spots are well looked after and preserved yet overall the wall is on the decline. Construction projects have greatly influenced wall. Being the seventh wonder and centuries of heritage the wall indeed has made itself worthy of protection and care. If immediate action is not taken the wall will have only remained left of it.!!!

The Great barrier of China is a chain of mineral and earthen fortifications in northern China, built originally to guard the northern borders of the Chinese territory against intrusions by various nomadic groups. Several walls have been built since the 5th century BC that are referred to collectively as the Great Wall, which has been rebuilt and maintained from the 5th century BC through the 16th century. One of the most famous is the wall built between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Little of that wall remains; the majority of the existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty.

The Great Wall make bigger from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Nur in the west, along an arc that generally delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. The most comprehensive archaeological survey, using advanced technologies, has concluded that the entire Great Wall, with all of its branches, stretches for 8,851.8 km (5,500.3 mi). This is made up of 6,259.6 km (3,889.5 mi) sections of actual wall, 359.7 km (223.5 mi) of trenches and 2,232.5 km (1,387.2 mi) of natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers.

The Chinese were previously recognizable with the techniques of wall-building by the time of the Spring and Autumn Period, which began in the region of the 8th century BC. During the Warring States Period from the 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Yan and Zhongshan all constructed extensive fortifications to defend their own borders. Built to withstand the attack of small arms such as swords and spears, these walls were made mostly by stamping earth and gravel between board frames.

Qin Shi Huang under enemy control all contrasting states and unified China in 221 BC, establishing the Qin Dynasty. Intending to inflict national rule and avoid the recovery of feudal lords, he structured the destruction of the wall sections that alienated his empire along the former state limitations. To protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire's new northern frontier. Transporting the large quantity of materials required for construction was difficult, so builders always tried to use local resources. Stones from the mountains were used over mountain ranges, while rammed earth was used for construction in the plains. There are no surviving historical records indicating the exact length and course of the Qin Dynasty walls. Most of the ancient walls have eroded away over the centuries, and very few sections remain today. Later, the Han, Sui, Northern and Jin dynasties all repaired, rebuilt, or expanded sections of the Great Wall at great cost to defend themselves against northern invaders. It is estimated that over 1 million workers died building the wall.

Beijing The Capital Republic of China





Hong Kong skyline black and white

g 9 years it took to be built has turned the Dubai seven star hotel into an architectural wonder. The Burj Al Arab's imposing structure reaches a height of 321 meters, unquestionably dominating the Dubai skyline. It's designed in the shape of a billowing sail, resembling that of a famous Arabian ship. Burj Al Arab also houses the tallest atrium in the world. The foundation of this seven star hotel rests on an artificial island, and from a distance it is the most magnificent mast and unfurled sail a ship ever had!


Hong Kong Skyline at Night





States City Photos

Located at the mouth of Hudson River, New York City became America’s main immigration entry point in the 18th century. The city was named the first capital of the United States in 1785. The first Congress met in Federal Hall on Wall Street and drafted the first Bill of Rights, as well as the Northwest Ordinance that same year.

The Northwest Ordinance was the first step in expanding the United States. George Washington was inaugurated in New York in 1789. A new street grid system was put in place in the early 1820s, which mapped all the streets on the island of Manhattan. The street grid divided the city in sections in order to accommodate the immigrants that were moving into the city in large numbers.
Located at the mouth of Hudson River, New York City became America’s main immigration entry point in the 18th century. The city was named the first capital of the United States in 1785. The first Congress met in Federal Hall on Wall Street and drafted the first Bill of Rights, as well as the Northwest Ordinance that same year.

The Northwest Ordinance was the first step in expanding the United States. George Washington was inaugurated in New York in 1789. A new street grid system was put in place in the early 1820s, which mapped all the streets on the island of Manhattan. The street grid divided the city in sections in order to accommodate the immigrants that were moving into the city in large numbers.

By 1850 the population of New York City was over 500,000 and by 1890 the population had grown to over 1.5 million. In 1898 Brooklyn, which was an independent city, was consolidated with Manhattan and the Bronx. At that same time the boroughs of Queens and Staten Island were created to form what is now known as the five boroughs of New York.
One of my husband's favourite places is Florida, since he is an avid golfer and likes to get away from the cold Canadian winter for his birthday in early December.

For a while now we had planned to visit Orlando, but neither one of us are into theme parks. So there was the challenge for me: would we be able to visit Orlando without setting foot into Disney or Universal Studios? For someone as curious as me this was a suitable challenge and I had been doing weeks of searches on the Internet and communicating with the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau to find out about interesting destinations off the beaten p
Well, I am happy to say, we arrived back safely yesterday from our trip, and the trip itself was quite an adventure since we decided to drive from Toronto to Orlando, about 2100 km each way! Actually, the drive was not as painful as I expected. The drive through Pennsylvania and West Virginia was nice and hilly, and I particularly enjoyed coming over the ridge of the Appalachians, right where Virginia and North Carolina meet, where you get a beautiful view of the piedmont area around Winston-Salem that spreads out towards the Atlantic in front of the mountain ch
And I am even happier to say that in the 14 or so days that we spent in Orlando, not only did we get to play a lot of golf (to make my husband really happy...;) - including Mystic Dunes, Champions Gate, Royal St. Cloud Links, Hawk's Landing and Timacuan Golf and Country Club, not to mention the Walking Hall of Fame experience of the PGA Father Son Challenge at Champions Gate, but I also got to explore some really interesting places, destinations I would not have expected in Orlando and its surrounding region. I also had a chance to do an interview with GolfOrlando to get a much better idea of why Orlando is called "The Ultimate Golf Theme Park".
The next item on my off-the-beaten path agenda was a discovery of the City of Winter Park, a beautiful suburb of Orlando, reminiscent of Old European towns. I also went on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, which was an entertaining, informative and visually appealing excursion.

The adrenaline revved up significantly on our next outing: a very high-speed airboat ride at Boggy Creek, that was followed up by a much lower speed swamp buggy ride in a custom-built monster truck that took us through authentic Florida landscape.

After our golf outing at the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links we enjoyed a wonderful picnic by the waterfront in sunny downtown Kissimmee. Then, on a beautiful Sunday morning we drove about an hour outside of Orlando to reach the quaint town of Mt. Dora, where I hopped on the "Herbie Express", part of the Mt. Dora - Lake Eustis Scenic Railway.

Hong Kong Ocean Park History and Photos

Ocean Park Hong Kong is the most famous theme park in Hong Kong. This place was opened since January 1977. The number of visitors is higher than Hong Kong Disneyland. It’s located in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. Public can reach there by taxi or CityBus. The main mascot is sea lion named Whiskers (or known as Wai Wai in Chinese). There are so many side activities you can do in here, such as dining and shopping.

The Park opens at 10am and close at 6pm. The admission rates is HK$208 for adult and HK$103 for child.

I think it is enough with my short brief about Ocean Park. My conclusion, this is one of the places you must visit when you had a trip to Hong Kong. Have fun!
Hong Kong, renowned for its magnificent Victoria Habour and dazzling night view, is one of the world's leading financial capitals, a major business and cultural hub. Its identity as an international city where east meets west is reflected in its cuisine, music, cinema and traditions. Hongkong means different things to different people.

For some it is the Victoria Peak for its excellent viewing of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and the outlying islands. Some are fond of Hong Kong Island's skyline by night as the skyscrapers flush their neon rainbows. It can be about a leisure morning of tea and all sorts of delicious dim sum, or a relaxing mid-night drink at the bars of Lan Kwai Fong. Others like the theme parks of Disneyland and Ocean Peak, and the pretty Repulse Bay. Two days is enough to take a taste of the city. Spend a few days more, you can dip yourself into the delicacies and the fun hang-out at night, and also the Victoria Habour Cruise and the famous local Wong Tai Sin Temple.
ong Kong Island is the island that gives this its name. Although it is not the largest part of the territory, it is the place that many tourists regard as the main event. The parade of buildings that make the Hong Kong skyline has been likened to a glittering bar chart that is made apparent by the presence of Victoria Harbour. To get the best views of Hong Kong, leave the island and head for the Kowloon waterfront.
The great majority of Hong Kong Island's urban development is densely packed on reclaimed land along the northern shore. This is the place the British colonisers took as their own and so if you are looking for evidence of the territories colonial past, then this is a good place to start. Victoria was once the colony's capital but has been rebranded with a more descriptive name, Central. Here you will find the machinery of government grinding away much as it always has done, except Beijing, not London, is the boss that keeps a watchful eye. Seek a glimpse of government house was formerly home to 25 British governors and is now the residence of the Chief Executive. Nearby, the Legislative Council (Legco) continues to make the laws that organise the territory.
Leading up from Central is the Escalator and the Peak Tram, which pass through the hip district of Soho and the residential Mid-Levels. Up top is The Peak, the tallest point on the island where foreign diplomats and business tycoons compete for the best views of the harbour from some of the most expensive homes to be found anywhere. Most tourists don't go much further than the Peak Tram, but take a short walk and you will escape the crowds and be rewarded with some of the best harbour views. It is worth investing in a good map from leading bookshops in Central if you want to enjoy some of the superb footpaths that crisscross the island.
The southern side of the island has developed into an upmarket residential area with many large houses and expensive apartments with views across the South China sea. The islands best beaches, such as Repulse bay, are found here and visitors can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life than on the bustling harbour side of the island.
Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is one of Hong Kong’s favourite attractions, featuring rides, exhibits and conservation facilities. Ocean Park is located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, covering more than 870,000 square metres of land. There are three attraction areas, which are the Lowland, the Headland and Tai Shue Wan. The three areas are connected by a cable car, outdoor escalator which is the second longest in the world and Ocean Express.

At the ‘Amazing Asian Animals’ exhibit you can visit some of Asia’s rarest animals! Take the interactive journey of discovery at the ‘Giant Panda Adventure’ where you will get to know some of the Asia’s most precious native animals like giant pandas, red pandas, Chinese giant salamanders and Chinese alligators. Admire the spectacular display of goldfish at the ‘Goldfish Treasures’ exhibit. Visit the colourful birds and playful Asian small-clawed otters at the ‘Panda Village’. There’s also the ‘Panda Kingdom Shop’ for the perfect panda-inspired souvenirs and the ‘Panda CafĂ©’ for relaxation and refreshments.

The whole family can also experience the joy and thrill of SkyFair, a huge helium-filled balloon measuring 22 metres in diameter which soars more than 100 metres into the sky.
Other popular attractions have included the Ocean Theatre, Abyss Turbo Drop, the Mine Train and new and fun-filled entertainment facilities are introduced from time to time and the Master Development Plan is now underway.
The park is also home to a fascinating Sea Jelly Spectacular, featuring more than 1,000 sea jellies of all sizes from all over the world. The Sea Jelly Spectacular offers a sensational undersea voyage for you to experience this most amazing undersea creature.
Hong Kong officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,is a territory of the People’s Republic of China, facing Guangdong to the north and the South China Sea to the east, west and south. Hong Kong is a global metropolis and international financial centre with a highly developed capitalist economy.Hong Kong maintains its own currency, legal system, political system, immigration control, rule of the road and other aspects that concern its way of life, many of which are distinct from mainland China.

There are several attractions to be visited in Hong Kong, one of the main attraction is Ocean Park. If you’re looking for a place to take the kids, or to unleash the kid in you, Hong Kong Ocean Park is a must. With gut-wrenching rides, magical animals and spectacular views, Hong Kong Ocean Park can deliver something for everyone.
History

The park was built with donations from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and opened on 10 January 1977. The park is operated by Ocean Park Corporation, which is a statutory board. It offers affordable marine animal education and entertainment and is a private organisation for commercial purposes.

It’s Growth

In the early operation of the park, the main sources of income for the park were the ticket revenues and the fundings from the Jockey Club. Since the ticket price was low, most of the time Ocean Park was operating under deficit. On 1 July 1987, the government established a 200 million trust from the fundings of Jockey Club, under the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance (Hong Kong Law Cap. 388). This separated Ocean Park from Jockey Club and became a non-profit organisation; it needs to be responsible for its own income and was allowed to use commercial means to operate the park.

2009 Audi S8

 Audi S8 is the German auto maker's flagship performance sedan. Debuting at the beginning of the new millennium, was the third vehicle for the North American market to sustain an "S" badge. Used to produce Audi's engineering achievements, S-and RS-badged vehicles compete directly against other automakers performance models from divisions like BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz's AMG. As a high-luxury, high performance and high-technology platform, the S8 is the standard bearer of Audi's arsenal.

There are two generations of the Audi S8 and each has been based on the A8 luxury sedan from the same period. Based on the A8's lightweight aluminum-frame chassis, the S8 adds a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes and a slightly more aggressive look. Despite being Audi's largest sedan, a combination of a relatively light curb weight, muscular and tenacious grip of the car's standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system makes it surprisingly quick and smooth. Audi's Quattro system is a key advantage over S8's competitors by providing more traction, especially in the weather.

Audi has ensured that luxury amenities were not sacrificed in favor of direct speed. A premium leather-trimmed interior, real wood accents and exemplary fit and finish complement both S8 models, which makes a whole gang of safety devices. If there is a mistake to Audi S8, it is certain that it does not quite match the performance potential of some competitive sports sedan. Our editors have described it as an impressive luxury sedan first and a performance sedan second. But for those who need AWD security or simply wishing a speedy, stealthy and relatively rare luxury sedan, either S8 generation will do nicely.



Current Audi S8

Returns to LINEUP for 2007 after a three-year break, the latest Audi S8 is based on second-GEN A8. Its most talked-about feature is its engine. Audi's engineers took advantage of its parent company Volkswagen's ownership of Lamborghini and snagged the Lamborghini Gallardo's 40-valve V10 engine. Audi increased displacement to 5.2 liters and added FSI petrol direct injection to optimize the delivery. The result is an operatic 450 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. All this sonorous power is pushed through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, so you can happily keep my fingers tapping the steering wheel paddle shifters. The sound of the engine wailing through four exhaust pipes are so sweet, you can ask premium audio system to take five.

The current Audi S8 delivers performance products, while rewarding the driver with a rich experience filled with techno-gadgetry. It is easy to learn Multi Media Interface with Bluetooth navigation, a 350-watt, 12-speaker Bose audio system with a glovebox CD changer, power lifting just outside mirrors with tilt-in-reverse and everything is wrapped in sumptuous leather and wood trim. A stiffer version of the standard A8's fully independent adaptive air suspension works in the unit with 20-inch wheels, performance tires and speed-dependent steering to provide exceptional handling in both high and low speed maneuvers.

Overall, the combination of luxury, performance and technology add up to an impressive package. At the same time, Audi has kept the styling upgrades tasteful as S8 not immediately scream "performance model" as some competitors do. Only in terms of maximum performance potential is Audi's finest bit of a letdown.

Former Audi S8 models

When it debuted for the 2001 model year, the first Audi S8 came with a 4.2-liter V8 making 360 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The aluminum frame and body are lowered, stiffer suspension performed well in its 18-inch wheels. The fit and finish besteden something else in its class. It even won a star packed role in a memorable car chase in Ronin movie directed by John Frankenheim. But S8 never seemed to be named Cachet of its impressive rivals.

Audi continued to improve the car by small increments over the next two years. It offered new features such as a tire-pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking assist and a navigation system. To increase the feeling of exclusivity, Audi released a limited edition color combinations like a silver exterior with a red interior, a Ming Blue exterior with a platinum interior and a black exterior with a caramel interior. As a used model, the original S8 still gives serious performance dynamics, which can be enjoyed from the most beautiful of environments.

2009 Audi S5

The luxury coupe market has not always been Audi's bag. Most associate the German mark with solid, reliable sports sedan. But as competitors expand their model lineup to fit what seems like every possible niche, Audi has increasingly begun to keep pace with the launch of several two-door models - not least as Audi S5.

True to Audi nomenclature, the S5 is the performance version of the A5 Coupe. That means a larger engine, more horses and a stiffer suspension. The outer set out from his more mild-mannered Sibling of a chrome-trimmed grille, quad tailpipe and more robust bumpers. The resulting package is refined yet athletic, with luxury appointments, providing comfort matched with a powertrain that will not disappoint.

Current Audi S5

Audi S5 sports coupe debuted in the 2008 model year. Beneath its sleek sculpted hood is a 4.2-liter direct-injection V8 engine that produces 354 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This single trim level is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. In our tests, manual S5 produced a 0-60-mph time of 4.9 seconds.


Audi S5 platform is largely based on the S4, its four-door counterpart. But the two-door offers trail tier enhancements, such as a longer wheelbase and a new lightweight, aluminum front suspension - changes that are slated to be included in the next version of the sedan. The front end styling takes cues from midengine R8 sports car, while the rest of the exterior design comes from the Nuvolari, an Audi concept that made the auto show circuit rounds in 2003.

Audi S5 is equipped with many standard safety features, such as anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control. Front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags also come standard. Many luxury-oriented features are also standard. Major options include keyless ignition / entry, a navigation system and a premium audio system.

Inside the cabin, the four-seat Audi S5 is appointed with sophisticated detail, as finely stitched leather and real aluminum trim. The front sport seats offer plenty of space and support, although legroom could be better in the rear. Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) controls the audio, climate and optional navigation systems, and unlike some multifunction controls are relatively easy to figure out. And even if it S5 has the spirit of a sports car, it is still practical enough for everyday life - luggage compartment offers a full 16 Cubic holds, and rear Flips down to make even more space.

In our tests, we found the Audi S5 sports coupe to be an excellent Grand Tour. Steering equipment feels crisp and the suspension, though not adjustable, is firm without being gut-busting. Brakes may seem a little touchy at first, but with practice, they feel sympathetic and business. Thanks to Quattro, the S5 offers excellent traction in all conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for buyers living in colder climes. Power is normally distributed 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear, and this helps give S5 handling characteristics similar to a rear-wheel car.

2009 Audi R8

The most high-performance road going Audi ever. If there were any questions about what the Audi R8 is, it is the answer. Designed to give Audi an honest competitor to the best species the world has to offer, the R8 is the first production vehicle midengine Audi has ever sold, and it includes all the brand has taught more than 70 years of racing history.

Audi R8 happened as a production version of Le Mans Quattro concept car. The name itself references Audi R8 racecar, which won several 24-hour Le Mans races. Performance of the R8 road car starts with a rigid and light all-aluminum space frame chassis. Much of it resembles the space frame used for the Lamborghini Gallardo. The R8 is advanced in other areas as well as having a direct injected V8 engine with dry-sump lubrication, two-mode active dampers, and of course, Quattro all-wheel drive.

Although many high-performance species can be challenging to drive, Audi took action to ensure its R8 is comfortable enough for everyday use. The R8 really stands out from its interior, which is spacious and high quality while maintaining a modern design flair, not normally associated with high-performance species.

Current Audi R8

Audi R8 debuted for the 2008 model year. It is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that uses direct injection to produce 420 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices are a standard six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed "R Tronic" sequential-shifting manual with an automatic function. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, specially tuned for the R8 to provide a genuine rear-wheel-biased power delivery.

As with most vehicles, which has the engine mounted behind the driver, the R8 has a shortened nose, which is adorned with the current corporate Audi grille and Bi-Xenon headlamps. The exotic appearance of the R8 is further enhanced through a series of 12 LED lights that underscores the headlamp housings and act as daytime running lights. The styling of the aluminum body is composed of chiseled flanks, which leads the eye to the "side blades" to highlight the mid-mounted engine. The rear styling is accented by a glass engine cover and further use of LED lighting.

Standard equipment on the Audi R8 is comprehensive, just a short list of available options. Standard features include active dampers, 19-inch alloy wheels and power and heated leather / Alcantara sport seats. Major options include a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, upgraded leather upholstery and other clothing to hand blades.

In declarations, we have found the R8 sublimely balanced in terms of handling. This is one of the rare vehicles with enough straight-line traction and cornering grip to match its high-performance engine, so the Audi's V8 actually feel less powerful than it is. It is also worthy of a sports car, thankfully free of those elements that make other super cars impossibly taxation in the real world use. It has not Goofy Scissor doors, and 6-footers will fit comfortably with room to spare. Audi R8 even rides surprisingly well, thanks to its two-mode adaptive dampers. Meanwhile, the interior is typical Audi, with strong controls and an ergonomic design.

Audi plans to import only a limited number of R8s in the United States each year. As can be expected, demand is currently greater than supply. But for those lucky owners who have the financial means to acquire one, Audi has produced a vehicle that proudly live up to the legacy of the Auto Union badge.


2009 Audi A5

Audi has been making a concerted effort in recent years to broaden its product line. One of its newest products are medium-sized A5 Coupe. Inspired by its stunning 2003 Nuvolari grand touring concept, the A5 is a little less practical but very sexy two-door alternative to the mainstream luxury sports sedan. It boasts standard V6 power, all-wheel drive, a refined interior and lots of standard or optional luxury features.

Those shopping for a sport-oriented luxury coupe would be wise to look at the Audi A5. Its combination of striking good looks, all-wheel drive and everyday practice is hard to ignore.

Audi A5 was introduced for the 2008 model year. Mechanically, it is in connection with the latest generation A4 sedan. Motivation is powered by a 3.2-liter direct injected V6 that puts out 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Power is directed through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. (The S5 Coupe is similar, but comes with a sturdy V8.)


An important advantage for them, as they are subject to slippery weather is A5's Quattro all-wheel drive, a feature not available from this Audi's peers. With a 40/60-percent front-to-rear power split, the Quattro system gives a rear-wheel car's crisp handling dynamics with the extra grip in all-wheel drive.

Those who appreciate sophisticated design as much as performance will feel right at home in the Audi A5. This is arguably one of the best long-term coupe on the market. The sporty Silhouette, a characteristic Audi-piece grille and shapely tail end team up to create an exceptionally attractive appearance.

The same is true of the A5's beautiful four-place cabin. The interior materials are first rate, and A5 multi-adjustable front seats offer daylong touring comfort with an appropriate degree of support during spirited motoring. Expanding on the limited capacity of the company's TT roadster, the rear seat area provides space for two extra passengers, although more individuals can expect a fairly tight fit. The generous trunk offers more than 16 Cubic of space, and rear Flips down to allow for more freight.

The Audi A5 sized luxury sports coupe is offered in a single trim level, equipped with standard features such as automatic tri-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system and fine custom leather and wood trim. Popular options include Bi-Xenon headlamps, park assist with a rearview camera, a navigation system, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system and an S line package offers sports suspension with 19-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascia, sport seats and Aluminum interior accents.

As smart as it is, the Audi A5 faces some tough competition from rivals such as BMW's 3 Series Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class and Infiniti G37. All are excellent choices, but customers who desire the Coupe, which offers a pleasant blend of style, performance and all-wheel-drive security would do well to look at A5.