Tag: Audi

  • 2012 Audi RS5 – UK Price £58 725 OTR

    Audi has announced its V8-powered coupe flagship from A5 range – the 2012 RS5 mode, which is already available at the UK market. The prices start at “just” £58 725 OTR. The new RS combines new styling, mechanical and specification revisions with characteristically extreme performance from a high-revving 450PS V8.

    Styling upgrades include a slight revision to the single frame grille design, sharper and more pronounced bonnet contours, new solid band wraparound LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, new look front and rear bumpers and a new ten-spoke design for the 19” alloy wheels.

    The interior benefits from Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, cruise control, DVD-based satellite navigation and Audi Music Interface iPod connection. The cruise control system can also now be upgraded at extra cost to the adaptive system with braking guard, which uses radar sensors to control distance from traffic in front of the car between 19mph and 155mph, and can also initiate partial braking or full deceleration if its sensors detect an impending collision.

    Interior design changes extend to a new flat-bottomed RS three-spoke steering wheel and detail improvements to the air conditioning, Multi Media Interface, mirror adjustment and electric window switchgear, the gear lever and the instrument stalks. New look optional inlays are also now available.

    2012 Audi RS5 UK
    2012 Audi RS5 UK

    The engine is a naturally-aspirated 4.2 litre V8 with 450PS at 8250RPM and 430Nm at 4000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited, which can be elevated to 174mph if the extra cost speed limit de-restriction option is specified. The fuel consumption is really low for such power – 26.9 mpg and CO2 emissions of 246 g/km.

    Like all RS models, the RS 5 Coupé applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, which in this instance is further enhanced by the crown-gear centre differential that can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles at lightning speed and over a wide range. Up to 70% can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear, as necessary. The default 40:60 ratio of the rear-biased configuration ensures sporty handling. The electronic stability program (ESP) also integrates a sport mode which ensures that it intervenes at a later stage. It can also be switched off entirely.

    The optional Sport Package also includes larger 20” rotor design titanium-look alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system. It is priced at £2 250.

    Source: Audi

  • 2012 Audi A1 Quattro Limited Edition

    2012 Audi A1 Quattro Limited Edition THUMBThe highly exclusive 256PS 2012 Audi A1 Quattro Limited Edition will be launched on the UK market with the staring price £41 020. Form this limited edition will be released only limited quota of just nineteen left-hand-drive examples. It will officially be available to order in early March. More than 600 components have been reworked or replaced in the design of the new A1 Quattro. Most of ht attention has been put on the engine. The turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder delivers specially tuned 256PS (188 kW) output at 6,000rpm, and its punchy 350Nm (258 lb-ft) torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. This means that the acceleration of the A1 Quattro from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 5.7 seconds. The top speed is 152mph (255 km/h), while also returning up to 32.8mpg according to the combined cycle test.  In details, this extreme power is channelled through a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. In addition the heart of this system is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath. The clutch is mounted on the rear axle, thus making the vehicle weighing less. The precision of the handling is also improved by an XDS selective differential lock and a specially configured Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which offers a sport mode with a higher threshold for intervention and can be switched off entirely for track use. Moreover, the chassis of the Audi A1 has responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio. The ventilated disc brakes with high performance 312mm front discs complement this balance configuration.

    2012 Audi A1 Quattro Limited Edition
    2012 Audi A1 Quattro Limited Edition

    Furthermore, the A1 has unique looks. It carries a Glacier White metallic paint, and in addition sits on Glacier White 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels. The high-gloss black roof complete with prominent spoiler and deep-set bumpers with 100-millimetre tailpipes at the rear. The Quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch further enhance the sporty look. In contrast, the interior of the vehicle is predominantly black. Multi-adjustable Silk Nappa leather is used for the sport seats with their pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints, red stitching and Quattro insignias. In addition, the interior design also includes white needles, the red-faced rev counter and the flat-bottomed multi-function sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and an inset limited edition plaque.

    As a Limited Edition, indeed a very special one, the Quattro is  going to be equipped with full complement of equipment, which if added to a standard series production A1 would boost its price by over £11,000. There has been included xenon plus headlights, the high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control. Of course, A1 got all the latest innovative technologies concerning online services and infotainment technologies.

    Audi A1 Quattro is inbound – only nineteen examples of the high performance, left-hand-drive-only A1 Quattro are destined for the UK. The price tag is £41 020.

    Source: Audi

  • New Audi RS 4 Avant

    Audi-RS4-Avant-thumbIt has been 3 years since the RS4 got off Audi’s production line but today we can indulge ourselves once again in the roar of a V8, shelled by a familiar body – It’s the new Audi RS4. The resurrection kicks off with an Avant version which is here to show it’s rivalries what’s what.

    The RS4 is back with a bang as it gets the powertrain usually found in the RS5 Coupe – a hand-built 4.1 liter plant, producing 450 PS at 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm of torque from 4,000 to 6,000 rpm. In true RS tradition, that power goes trough a permanent Quattro AWD system. The ‘permanent’ term however, should not scare you off as the Quattro in the latest RS4 is exceptionally flexible – it incoroprates a self-locking crown-gear centre differential that allows up to 85 percent of the power to go to the rear axle or up to 70 towards the front wheels. By default, one would find that the power bias ratio is 40:60 in favor of the back wheels. So for the people who like to travel sideways everywhere that is a relief.

    The whole power thing translates into a time of 4.7 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph sprint and a top speed of 174 mph (limited to 155 mph). Stunning performance, keeping in mind that this estate returns 25.7mpg on the combined cycle.

    Compared to the standard A4, the RS4 is 20 mm lower thanks to the truly complex suspension – a five-link set-up at the front and a self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear assembly. We don’t know what all that means but chances are its beneficial. The power steering is clever too. It has a conscious mind that takes into account the current speed of the car to determine the steering firmness.

    Audi RS4 Avant (2013)
    Audi RS4 Avant (2013)

    The car sits on 19-inch (20-inch optional) wheels wrapped in four 265/35-series tires. The 10-spoke design of the wheels are rather revealing and it’s not like the Audi hasn’t got anything to hide. We are talking about internally vented wave disc brakes – an innovation in stopping power as the brakes are around 3 kg lighter (in total weight) and more heat-efficient due to their “wave” outer, perforated contour.

    Inside, black is the predominant finish with occasional carbon inlays and chrome clasps lining the switches and buttons. One would also find that the front sports seats are heated and that the driver information system has an RS menu with a lap timer.

    There are tons of other optional extras that might be worthwhile ticking – the Dynamic Ride Control ensures even more stability at high speeds and sharp bends and a sports exhaust system for that kid in everyone of us.

    Prices for the Audi RS4 are yet to be released and hopefully we’ll see the arrival of a sedan version so that everyone is happy. In the mean time do not hesitate to look around in the RS4 gallery.

    Source: Audi

  • Audi TT RS Plus

    Audi-TT-RS-plus-thumbJust when you think an Audi TT RS can’t get any better, a ‘plus‘ edition turns up and bends your perception of what is good and what is really good. When we say really good, we mean blisteringly fast, outstandingly fun and unmatched in terms of performance. Whichever ‘plus‘ you might choose, the Coupe or the Roadster, you can’t go wrong.

    The standard 2.5 TFSI 5-line engine found in the RS is already powerful enough but the ‘plus’ sees a further power boost from 340 hp to 360 hp. Now an even more colossal torque figure of 465 Nm (342.97 lb-ft) passes trough the gearbox which can be an seven-speed S tronic or a six-speed manual. The S tronic is naturally a dual-clutch transmission and has its own launch control for that lightning performance from the starting line. All models come with the flawless quattro system that sends power to all four wheels.

    Performance figures are a little bit in favor of the S tronic transmission coupled with a Coupe: a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time for the Coupe S tronic is 4.1 seconds with 4.3 seconds for the manual. The Roadster performs a tenth of a second slower in both configurations (4.2 with S tronic and 4.4 with a manual). The speed limiter for both cars kicks in at 280 km/h (173.98 mph). All of that stacks up pretty well against the economy figures which allow the RS to be driven on an everyday basis – 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 mpg) if you go with the S tronic.

    That fuel frugality, as well as the agile acceleration, is partly due to the diet on which the RS had been put. (They should have called it the ‘minus’). The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb). Other factors which might help the track performance include the four-piston calipers of the big ventilated front brake disks, the large fixed rear wing and the optional electro-magnetic damping suspension that has been a trademark the TT line for ages. The car itself sits on four 19-inch cast wheels (black with red lining on the rim) which are wrapped in wide 255/35 tires.

    A striking feature that may give the car away as a ‘plus‘ version is the front grille – it’s a mesh of diamond-patterned design framed in what look like aluminum. Apart from that, there are the wing mirrors which are made from a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the exhaust system which is distinguishable with its black oval tailpipe trims. A sound flap on the pipes, which enhances the roar from the engine is the car’s party piece.

    In Germany, the ‘plus’ versions are priced as follows:

    Coupe, manual transmission – €60,650 ($80,434)

    Coupe, S tronic – €62,800 ($83,285)

    Roadster, manual transmission – €63,500 ($84,214)

    Roadster, S tronic – €65,650 ($87,065)

    Audi TT RS plus (2013)
    Audi TT RS plus (2013)

    Source: Audi

  • B&B Audi A7 3.0 BiTDI Sport – 390 PS and 760 Nm

    After the performance packages for the mighty 3.0 TFSI engine in the A7, B&B are ready with some power ups for the super economical 3.0 BiTDI diesel.

    The Audi A7 3.0 BiTDI originally produces 313PS and 650Nm, but just with an ECU re-map and slight increase in boost pressure of 0.15 bar, the power is 340PS and 690Nm. The price for Stage I is not low – €1498.

    Stage II is priced at €1698 and adds 52PS and 70Nm (overall 365PS and 720Nm), while with some more upgrades like special injection elements, work on intake paths, air ducts and intercooler lead to Stage III – 390PS and 760Nm – €4950.

    Furthermore, you can optimize the suspension with a set of sports springs for €398 reducing the ride height by 30 mm. There is also an adjustable coilover suspension – €1498. For Audi A7 models with air suspension is an electronically lowering by 30 mm for €1298.

    The B&B sport exhaust system made ​​of solid stainless steel greatly improves the sound (€ 998) and also causes an additional power increase of about 5PS.

    For the increased performance corresponding delay, B&B provides a special 6-piston high performance brake system for € 5 995. It gives the Audi A7 drivers always a comforting feeling of superior security.

    Exclusive wheels in 19″ / 20″ / 21″ complete the exterior of the sport-Audi.

    B&B Audi A7 3.0 BiTDI Sport
    B&B Audi A7 3.0 BiTDI Sport

    Source: B&B

  • KW Variant 3+ & Clubsport for 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback

    KW has introduced Variant 3+ and Clubsport kit for the hottest hatchback on the market – 2012 Audi RS3.

    The Variant 3+ coilover kit is specially created to improve the handling without sacrificing the ride quality. The kit has 16 levels of damping adjustment as well as height adjustment between 5-35mm at the front and 0-25mm at the rear.

    The Clubsport kit is available in both 2-way and 3-way adjustment. It is specially prepared for using on the tracks using racing springs and high-performance dampers. What is more, KW’s Clubsport coilovers are fine tuned on the Nurburgring for maximum performance. Each damper system features a separate expansion tank to allow independent adjustment of compression in both high-speed (14 levels) and low-speed (6 levels) driving. The KW Clubsport 2-way and 3-way is also height adjustable by 5-35mm at the front and 0-25mm at the rear.

    Additionally, the KW 3-way Clubsport Suspension comes supplied with preassembled aluminium uniball strut mounts which are also adjustable and which allow optimum fine-tuning for various sports tires and tracks.

    Despite its immense circuit ability, KW’s Clubsport coilover remains TÜV approved allowing the RS3 to be driven to and from circuits with ease.

    KW 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback
    KW 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback


    Source: KW

  • 2012 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe – Price £27 320

    Audi has announced two new TDIe engines, where the “e” means efficiency. The manufacturer will hit the market with A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback powered by 2.0 liter TDIe engine with two outputs – 136PS (100 kW) and 163PS (120 kW). The price is very competitive, too – £27 320 OTR for 2012 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe with 136PS.

    The performance is not too bad and the car is perfect for everyday drive – 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 212 km/h (132 mph). The impressive is the fuel consumption – 64.2 mpg according to the official combined cycle test and emission of 117 g/km CO2.

    The 163PS is slightly faster to 100 km/h – 8.7 seconds with better top speed 220 km/h (137 mph) and a little more thirsty – 62.8 mpg with 118 g/km CO2.

    Last, in the Coupe variant, the 163PS engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph) with fuel economy of 64.2 mpg with 115 g/km CO2.

    All cars have 6-speed manual gearbox.

    In both Sportback and Coupe models all the four-cylinder TDI engines can be combined with a new, highly cost effective SE Technik specification. For just £1 000 on top of the SE model for Sportback and £500 for Coupe, it adds DVD SAT NAV, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, the Audi Parking Plus system with front and rear sensors and cruise control.

    2012 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe
    2012 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe

    A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe 136PS

    Standard                           £27,320 OTR
    SE                                       £29,090 OTR
    SE Technik                       £30,090 OTR
    S line                                  £31,390 OTR

    A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe 163PS

    Standard                           £27,825 OTR
    SE                                       £29,595 OTR
    SE Technik                       £30,595 OTR
    S line                                  £31,895 OTR

    A5 Coupe 2.0 TDIe 163PS

    Standard                           £28,775 OTR
    SE                                       £30,545 OTR
    SE Technik                       £31,045 OTR

    Source: Audi

  • Audi GT R8 Spyder Price – $210,000

    2012-Audi-R8-GT-Spyder-thumbThe 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.

    Audi R8 GT Spyder (2012)
    Audi R8 GT Spyder (2012)

    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

  • 2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro – Price £45 650

    A lot after the astonishing success of BMW’s 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel, Audi has announced their new BiTurbo TDI, which is now available for A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback models.

    The manufacturer also announced the price list for these models – £43 810 OTR for 2012 Audi A6 Saloon with BiTurbo TDI, £45 650 OTR for A6 Avant with the same engine and £51 645 OTR for the premium A7 Sportback.

    The new BiTDI 3.0 liter V6 delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 3900RPM and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1450RPM. This means 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The combined cycle is 44.1 mpg and emissions of just 169 g/m CO2. The engine is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.

    Other interesting highlight is the Sound actuator, which is positioned in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.

    2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro
    2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro

    The mighty new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. The forthcoming A6 Allroad Quattro, due to open for order in February, will also offer this exceptional unit.

    Stand-out features common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.

    AUDI A6, A6 AVANT AND A7 SPORTBACK – UK OTR PRICING

    MODEL TRIM PS TRANSMISSION CO2
    (g/km)
    ECONOMY
    mpg
    (Combined)
    OTR
    A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £43,810
    A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £46,160
    A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £45,650
    A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £48,000
    A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £51,645
    A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £53,435

    Source: Audi

  • MTM Tweaks for Audi 4.2 TDI V8

    2012-MTM-Audi-A8-TDI-thumbDiesel engines – the workhorses of the automotive industry have been undergoing a status update for several years now. It’s not that unusual to find them in executive saloons, SUV’s and even performance cars. And when one thinks about it, what’s not to like about them? They burst with torque, run smoothly, remain loyal and reliable and are very economical. All these qualities even seem to intensify when we are talking about the magnificent Volkswagen AG TDI units.

    German tuning company MTM are well aware of that but being a tuning company, they always see the potential of even more performance. Now their eyes are on the epic 4.2 TDI V8 that can be found in the Audi A8, Q7 and Touareg. The standard 350 bhp are far from insufficient but by applying an MTM special V-Cantronic, the company is able to get rid of the speed limiter and thus take the top speed up to 282 km/h. It’s a delicate procedure this and to whomever might be interested, it costs $1845 to do it (only on the A8). For a total of $2372 one can step it up a notch and amp the power to 410 bhp and 930 Nm of Torque on all vehicles with some MTM technology. Also, again only for the A8, there can be a combination of two Cantronics (an M and a V) which will break the torque barrier of 930 Nm and go even further.

    To round things up, MTM are also offering different varieties of wheels, brakes, exhaust systems and chassis components which all give the A8, Q7 and the Touareg some extra character.

    MTM Audi A8 TDI (2012)
    MTM Audi A8 TDI (2012)
    MTM Audi Q7 TDI (2012)
    MTM Audi Q7 TDI (2012)
    MTM Audi Touareg TDI (2012)
    MTM Audi Touareg TDI (2012)

    Source: MTM

  • Audi dominates ”Best cars of 2012″ Poll

    2012-Audi-A1-thumbAudi 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.

    Audi A1 (2012)
    Audi A1 (2012)

    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

  • Audi R8 Grand-AM debut at Daytona 24h

    Audi-at-Daytona-24-Hours-thumbDouble 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).

    Audi R8 GRAND-AM (2012)
    Audi R8 GRAND-AM (2012)
    Audi R8 GRAND-AM (2012)
    Audi R8 GRAND-AM (2012)
    Audi R8 GRAND-AM (2012)
    Audi R8 GRAND-AM (2012)

    Source: Audi