Audi R8 – Page 6 – Automobiles Review

Audi R8 e-Tron Sets World Record on the Nordschleife

After an overall victory at the 2012 Le Mans series, there comes another triumph for Audi. The R8 e-tron has set a new world record on the Nürburgring track of 8:09.099 minutes. Yes, it’s not an all-time record but a “production vehicle with an electric drive system“ kind of record . The Gumpert Apollo Sport, which by the way has an Audi V8 engine, has been around the Nürburgring for less then 7:12.00 minutes. Still, a giant leap for the all-electric car world and for the e-tron.

There are two electric motors underneath the Audi R8 e-tron that work together to produce 280 kW and 820 Nm of torque. At the same time, despite having a bulky 49 KWh T-sized battery pack bellow the cabin, the weight is down to 1,780 kg which is okay for a normal sport’s car and astonishing for an electric one. That’s mainly the result of an aluminum body with traces of CFRP parts here and there. Where we are getting at is that the R8 e-tron is capable of speeds up to 200 km/h (for the Nürburgring they had to ditch the limiter and went for the 250 km/h benchmark). From a stand still, the e-tron will reach 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds – a time which will bring some of the best petrol equivalents to tears.

Best part of it all? It’s all natural and almost ready for production:

“Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics. But with its low center of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me. In places where I really need traction, the torque vectoring – the displacement of the torque between the powered wheels – really helps me.” Comments 32-year-old Markus Winkelhock – the e-tron driver and current record holder.

Source: Audi

June 29, 2012

Graf Weckerle Audi R8 – a sense of perfection

Graf Weckerle Audi R8 is an example how little details can make the car look even more astonishing than possibly imagined. The reason for this is that this Audi R8 has been equipped with Graf Weckerle’s Collection Sport package.

The aim of the professionals from Graf Weckerle is to give an elegant and yet athletic improvement of the overall appearance of the Audi. First, what they have done is to include the one-of-a-kind lightweight multi-piece Graf Weckerle Collection Sport Forged Wheels. They have been designed especially for this car with the single aim to match its exterior.

These ultra lightweight aluminum wheel rims received a special high-gloss black coating. At the same time the forged and machined wheel discs were polished to a brilliant finish. And as you can see the aluminum center emblem has also been polished and is now making a dramatic contrast to the engraved and hand-enameled Graf Weckerle logo.

The dimensions of the wheels on which this R8 runs are 9 x 20 with tires 245/30 R 20 at the front axle and 11 x 20 with tires 305/25 R 20 on the rear axle.

Another visual highlight here is that the car has been further refined thanks to the hand-painted Graf Weckerle Coachline. The Audi R8 is finished in two shades of anthracite and it is accented by the characteristic Graf Weckerle brand logo which is positioned on the Sideblade of the R8. And this definitely goes so harmonious with the custom wheel rims that one couldn’t imagine more perfect combination.

To keep up with the dynamic wheels, the Graf Weckerle engineers and designers have installed a fully adjustable aluminum coilover suspension. The purpose of this type of suspension is to enhance both handling and looks.

At last, the performance of the R8 has also been significantly improved. The 4.2 FSI engine of the Audi received a remapped ECU and was joined by a handmade stainless steel exhaust system with exhaust flaps which can be regulated by a remote control. The result is almost unbelievable: now the Audi generates up to 455 horsepower (355 kW).

At last, to make everything perfect, Graf Weckerle took care even for the last detail: the exhaust tips have been covered with a matte black ceramic coating.

Source: Graf Weckerle

June 27, 2012

XXX Performance Audi R8 V10

That speed hump on the road there is actually an Audi R8 V10 that has underwent a substantial modification by XXX Performance. And don’t worry, that toxic green shade is actually foil wrapping. Unfortunately, the same is true for the “carbon-fiber” mirrors…and side blades…and wheels.

Let’s talk about the wheel housings. Or more specifically, the lack of them. It’s not that the wheels are tremendously big (Dunlop SP Sport Max 235/30R20 front and 295/25R20 back tires on 20-inch Oxigin 14-Oxrock rims). The bigger factor here is the air G-Ride system of the new H&R coilover kit which can lower the car ridiculously close to the ground. Other then than, the whole body has been brushed off of it’s badges, the head and taillights have been darkened and a strip of foil on the windshield reads “XXX Performance”.

Most excitingly however, XXX Performance have fiddled with the management system of the Audi’s 5.2 FSI V10 engine, added a BMC carbon air-box and and a high-end sports car exhaust system with Bluetooth flap control system from Capristo. The end result amounts to 650 hp and an appealing sight within the engine bay because of all the carbon-fibery bits inside.

Inside you get restyled Audi RS seats, carbon-fiber arm supports, leather and plushy Alcantra pretty much everywhere and white white seams.

Source: XXX Performance

June 11, 2012

Senner’s Audi S5 Coupe 2012

This year, the Audi S5 Coupe roams the streets with a facelift… and a new engine coincidentally. The engine itself is not new new but it is a first in the S5 – The TFSI 3.0 liter V6 unit has been around for the Cabriolet and Sportback versions. Another techy addition that is not your typical facelift is a stop-start system for better fuel efficiency. Other than that, we have new bumpers, a new radiator grille, aluminum wing mirror caps and a different four-pipe exhaust system. Now, while the updated S5 is still hot, the German based Senner company is among the first to pump up the value.

The standard TFSI 3.0 liter V6 brings 329 hp – that’s only 20 hp less than the one found in the pre 2012 S5 models, the FSI 4.2 liter V8. Senner engineers however, have managed to eliminate that small gap. In fact, by being fitted with a power converter and some sports air filters, the TFSI gets further ahead with 377 hp and 500Nm of torque. The exhaust pipes now size up to 100 mm in diameter each, which helps the S5 reach a tone most desirable.

The car sits on a Variant 3 Inox Line-KW coilover suspension, fully adjustable when it comes to height, rebound and pressure. The suspension itself relies on a set of 8,5×20 inch Corniche Challenge wheels with red undercut trim, wrapped in Vredestein Wintrac Extreme 245/30R2090W. Kind of late for winter tires.

Inside, a steering wheel from the R8 had been lift off complete with its paddle shifters. Trough its nicely flat figure, one can glance at the carbon speedometer panel. A DVD system on the other hand will keep the passengers busy (the driver has some corners to bend, so he/she doesn’t need much multimedia).

The whole project is still in process so who knows what Senner might offer in the near future.

Source: Miranda Media

March 16, 2012

Audi GT R8 Spyder Price – $210,000

The Audi R8 GT Spyder is the definition of the word “exclusive”. One will be surprised to find that there are only 333 of these hand-built masterpieces around the world (only 50 in the US). And much like the R8 GT Coupe, the Spyders also have a number system on the gearstick to tell which is which… which sounds ridiculous yet it makes us want one even more.

Lightweight components of the GT Spyder serve as the technical distinction of the car. The engine frame is constructed of ultra-light magnesium, and the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. That carbon diet has payed off and the GT is now 187.39 lbs lighter than an already efficient and nimble R8. The carbon fiber rear spoiler provides the right amount of downforce to the rear axle while a stiffer suspension gives the GT a more agile feel. The whole car in fact is lower by 10 millimeters compared to the the standard car. Grip is guaranteed as the long-lasting quattro technology is there work its magic on the 19 inch wheels. At the same time, xyz ventilated and cross-drilled rotors provide exceptional stopping power. Aerodynamics get some benefit from the visuals (a rear diffuser and a front splitter).

If we take into account the weight saving and the 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine that gives the GT Spyder 560 horses to play with, we conclude to some very impressive figures: from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 197 mph

The interior is black and can be adorned with stitching in a choice of Titanium Gray or Crimson Red for that extra something. Alcantara can be applied on the seat inserts, flat-bottom sport steering wheel, hand brake cover and windshield frame.

Here are the listed highlights that give the GT Spyder a high degree of exclusivity:

R8 GT Spyder Standard Features Highlights:

5.2L 10-cylinder, gasoline engine, aluminum block
quattro® all-wheel-drive
Exterior mirrors: power adjustable, heated Front Airbags: Driver and passenger full-size dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags
Side airbags: Driver and passenger seat mounted head and thorax airbags
Front disc brakes: 8-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
Rear disc brakes: 4-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
LED headlights and daytime running lights
Sport seats, heated, 10-way power with 4-way power lumbar
Audi navigation system plus, 6-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, Aux-in jack with 7 speakers and 5-channel amplifier with a total
output of 140 Watts
Preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) with seatbelt microphone

R8 GT Specific Standard Features Highlights:
19″ R8 GT wheels with summer performance tires
R tronic ®, 6-speed sequential gearbox with shift-by-wire technology and sports mode
R8 GT specific sport suspension system
R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte exterior mirrors
R8 GT specific LED tail lights
R8 GT specific aluminum door sill inserts
R8 GT specific steering wheel
R8 GT specific sport seats in Alcantara and leather
R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte interior inlays (monoposto and interior door handles)
R8 GT specific numbered aluminum gear knob
Windshield frame in Alcantara

Optional Equipment Highlights:
Audi navigation system plus with Audi music interface w/ iPod® cable (replaces 6-disc CD changer)
Audi Carbon Ceramic Brakes
Bang & Olufsen Sound System (12 speakers 495 watt)
Titanium Finish 19″ 5-arm-double-spoke-design aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires
Forged Aluminum 19″ 5-twin-spoke-Y-design in matte silver look with summer performance tires
Carbon fiber matte door and center console panels
Windscreen Frame in Fine Nappa Leather (interior)

The 2012 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the limited-edition R8 GT Spyder is as follows: MSRP $210,000 (excludes $1,200 Destination and Delivery and Taxes). Deliveries will begin in February.

Source: Audi

February 2, 2012

Audi dominates ”Best cars of 2012″ Poll

Audi has proved itself very popular within the German community which is rather unsurprising. This year, the German-based magazine ”Motor und sport” surveyed a six-digit number of people to determine the “Best Cars of 2012”. The thing is that many people that took part in the research were from other countries as well – The “Motor und sport” magazine has a fan base in more than 13 European countries, Brazil and China. These are all vague numbers and speculations but the fact remains that Audi is one of the most referred to car makes on the market today.

Gaining 37.9 percent of the participating votes, the Audi A1 is crowned victorious in the battle for the best small car segment. The A4/5 on the other hand, won the best mid-size car title with 24.9 percent of the votes cast.

Runner ups include the Audi A8 which got the second place in the luxury class and so did the A6/7 in the upper mid-size category. The R8 Spyder was left behind the winning SLS AMG Roadster in the convertible segment. Audis were seen on third places as well: the R8 in the sports car segment and the Audi A3 also came in third among all midsize models.

Source: Audi

January 27, 2012

Audi R8 Grand-AM debut at Daytona 24h

Double the excitement as Audi will be making a debut of the R8 GRAND-AM customer sport race car on the 50th running of the Daytona 24 Hours. Two teams, APR Motorsport and Oryx Racing will have the privilege to race their own LMP Audis in the GT class of the endurance race which kicks off on the 26th of January.

“We are proud to be part of the action for the first time at the event’s special anniversary,” said Werner Frowein, Managing Director of Quattro GmbH, which has developed the Audi R8 GRAND-AM. After the debut, the R8 is set to take part in the other 12 challenges of the GRAND-AM series. Let us remind ourselves that back in 2008, Audi was represented in the United States for a whole season with a factory commitment featuring the Audi R10 TDI LMP1 sports car and proceeded to win the title in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Now the APR Motorsport and Oryx Racing customer teams are going to take part of their own commitment.

APR has a reputation of playing with Audis as it is known as one of the most active tuners of the car make. They are based in Opelika, Alabama and headed by Jeff Mishtawy. Hopes fall on a lineup of 5 drivers: The Americans Ian Baas and Dr. Jim Norman, Nelson Canache from Venezuela, Dion von Moltke plus the legendary (former now) Audi factory driver Emanuele Pirro from Italy. The other team, Oryx Racing, is headed by Humaid Al Masaood (UAE) as he also plays the role of a driver. Hist two other team mates are Saeed Al Mehairi and Steven Kane (UK)

“We’re entering a new car in a series that’s new to us. It was important to us to be involved in the project right from the beginning and help continue to develop this fascinating customer racing car from Audi to become as competitive as possible.” comments an enthusiastic Al Masaood. Despite the fact that the team is from UAE, they also have a base in the US, West College Corner near Indianapolis.

The “Rolex 24 at Daytona” ranks as one of the finest international motorsport events. Attenders are in for a treat as a champions party with numerous racing legends, an exhibition of historic overall-winning cars, a carnival complete with a Ferris Wheel, a 5-kilometre run on the track for all sports enthusiasts on Saturday before the race, autograph sessions and pit walks are just some of the attractions featured on the last weekend of January. The GRAND-AM Audi will be competing against approximately 30 more contenders which fall into the category of GT LMP1 vehicles. After a qualifying session on Thursday the race will start on Saturday (January 28) and end on Sunday (January 29) at 15:30, local time (21:30 Central European time).

Source: Audi

January 26, 2012

Audi R8 GRAND-AM

Audi Sport has announced the new R8 GRAND-AM, which is based on R8 LMS that has scored more than 110 victories and 13 titles. Essentially, from the GT3 race car quattro GmbH has developed a vehicle for the Grand Touring class of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series in the USA and subjected it to final testing at Daytona.

There were two test days, when Frank Stippler completed around 1000 km with Audi R8 GRAND-AM. The famous Daytona International Speedway in the U.S. state of Florida with its banked turns served to prepare for the Daytona 24 Hours at which private racing customers will compete with the R8 GRAND AM on January 28^th and 29^th, next year.

Still ,the newly developed car is a lot different than the GT3 model. The downforce is a lot lower due to the GRAND-AM regulations, which prescribe modified body components. For example, the new front splitter may only protrude from the front contours by 38 mm. Besides that, the front underbody must have a flat design and the rear diffusor corresponds to the production car component, while the standardised rear wing is only 152 cm wide and thus 260 mm slimmer than the rear wing of the R8 LMS.

“The lower aerodynamic forces also require modified damper characteristics and softer spring rates,” said Armin Plietsch, Head of Engineering Customer Sport at quattro GmbH.

In addition, the regulations prescribe a ride height of 65 mm – which is about 10 mm more than the minimum in the FIA series.

The tires should be from the series’ exclusive supplier, Continental and the ABS and traction control, which are standard equipment on the Audi R8 LMS, had to be deactivated for the R8 GRAND-AM.

The optimised radiator package that Audi developed for the R8 LMS ultra is also used in the R8 GRAND-AM.

“We successfully tested all the modifications at Daytona,” commented Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport at quattro GmbH.

“With Frank Stippler we developed a sound and solid set-up for our customers and also gathered valuable findings in the endurance tests. The durability of wearing parts and runs at high outside temperatures meet challenging demands. We can now provide our racing customers with concrete advice and reference values for fielding the car.”, he finished.

Source: Audi

December 12, 2011

TC-Concepts Audi R8 TOXIQUE

Without a doubt, the impressive Audi R8 with its 4.2 litre V8 has big potential for becoming the new tuner favourite over the next few years. The reasons for this are several. First of all the high-end refiners at TC-Concepts in Berlin captured the trend of the times. They have presented an R8 version that can hardly be surpassed in exclusiveness after months of development or improvement work. The main reason for this is the in-house car body kit is very appealing and harmonious. For a characteristically fierce look the R8 front is equipped with an entirely new bumper with huge ventilation openings. Furthermore the “Toxique” is much wider than the serial model, because of a set of side sills and new side parts, which includes air guides and wheel running widening (they ensure an extremely wide base).

In addition the TC-Concepts technicians copied the original tank lid and put it on the left vehicle flank as well for a harmonious overall image. What is more is that the tail area with its new bumper with diffusor and fixed full-carbon tail wing is reminiscent of a GT racing car. Absolutely adorable! The R8 is equipped with stainless steel exhaust system end pipe with a diameter of 165 mm. Moreover a flap control is cleanly integrated in the diffusor on the right and left. And you’ll love this: it does not produce the regular V8 sound, but true “Earthquake” thunder! The car’s tail has black-grey R8 GT backlights with adjusted LED control, as well as pretty outer mirrors with exposed carbon cover.

Further optimizations are made with the serial power which was increased from 420 to approx. 440. A sports air filter kit by the BMC specialists ensures better V8 motor ventilation. If you wonder about the rims, well the answer is 8.5J x 20 inch with 235/30 ZR20 in front and 10.5J x 21 inch with 295/25 ZR21 in the rear. And for the wheels to end perfectly aligned with the mudguard edges, the front axle received 30 mm and the rear axle 70 mm H&R spacer discs. The lowering is performed by a racing-sports-tested H&R threaded chassis. The wonder here is that it can be adjusted in its hardness even when installed. Optimisations have been made on the original brake system as well, although very slightly reworked. Not to forget that the brake callipers were powder-coated in racing yellow.

The interior is in highly sophisticated style: here grand changes have been made. What is to be highlighted is that the TC-Concepts designers completely converted the R8 cockpit. Of course, the popular carbon fibre material is not only very light-weight but also looks adorable. Hence, all strips, the dashboard, centre console, seat consoles, transmission tunnel, door handles and speedometer visor are coated entirely in true carbon-fibre tissue. Although these changes alone would have been enough, the Berlin company went even further: the canopy and A- & B-columns were equipped with soft Alcantara covers; the seat unit received an entirely new leather coating in fine Bentley Beluga-Nero leather combined with special seams reminiscent of a Versace suit. And at last, the fine velour carpets with their TC-Concepts-Logo and silver-grey stitching perfectly complete the remake.

Source: TC-Concepts

November 25, 2011

Top Convertibles 2011

Always pointed as the category cars that gives drivers the most thrilling experience on the road, the convertible rides have walked a long way from the early ragtops with leaky roofs till the nowadays quiet, fast and extremely comfy cabrios. (more…)

November 7, 2011

6th Gear Experience – £75 gift to remember – Audi R8

The UK’s leading provider of supercar driving experience days, 6th Gear Experience has announced an amazing collection of over 30 cars to choose from, five great circuits around the country, and a range of gift vouchers from only £75.

With such opportunity, you can turn someone’s dream into reality with a 6th Gear driving experience. And with on-course and in-car video and photography, 6th Gear will help ensure that everyone enjoys a highly memorable day.

The list of supercars is amazing – Murcielago LP640, Gallardo Spider, 458 Italia, 360 Challenge Stradale, Audi R8, 997 Turbo and the brutal supercharged Ariel Atom, which accelerates to 100 km/h in 3 seconds. You’ll be also able to choose from the mighty Nissan GT-R and Ford Focus RS.

There will be a choice of five great circuits – in the south at Longcross Proving Ground near Chertsey, Surrey, in the Midlands at Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire and Prodrive near Kenilworth, in the east at Blyton Park’s new circuit in Lincolnshire, and in the north from Elvington, York.

All customers are accompanied by a fully trained race instructor and every supercar is equipped with dual brake pedals. Before driving their chosen car, everyone is given an instructor driven demonstration lap and in-car briefing.

You can get supercar driving gift vouchers through most major high street retail stores or to order online at www.6thgearexperience.com. Vouchers are valid for 10 months and redeemable at any of the company’s five UK venues.

Gift packages are priced from £75 to £795.

Be hurry and make a perfect present for you petrol head relatives and friends. A gift present for just £75 includes: An instructor driven demonstration/familiarisation lap; 3 – 4 laps (depending on location) driving one of the following supercars : Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari 360 Modena, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo or supercharged Ariel Atom; A certificate of supercar driving.

Source: 6^th Gear Experience

November 2, 2011

O.CT Audi R8 4.2 V8

O.CT Tuning has introduced a reworked version of the R8 4.2i V8. The car boasts more power and better styling.

O.CT Tuning GmbH has installed a compressor kit to the 4.2 liter V8 with 434PS (319 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft). The kit includes: the „Black Compressor“ with CNC mastered aluminum holding system, tension pulley made by Good Year, custom made suction system, inner overflow-overpressure-system, crank case with vent system and a modified set of toothed belts.

Finally, there is an ECU re-map to make sure that everything is working perfectly and the result is superb – 565PS and 560Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and to 250 km/h in 24 seconds. Top speed – over 300 km/h.

O.CT Audi R8 4.2 V8 also received bigger brakes and carbon fiber hood.

Price list is not announced, yet.

Source: OCT Tuning

July 13, 2011

Tag: Audi R8