Audi – Page 46 – Automobiles Review

Audi R8 LMS ultra to take part in 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship

The new Audi R8 LMS ultra will take part in the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship. Two vehicles of the popular brand will independently compete in the world’s highest-calibre GT racing series.

Do you still remember that in the 2009 season Audi started its customer sport programme with the R8 LMS for the GT3 class? This class was one of four major GT categories. At the same time now GT3 is not only making its mark nationally but gaining popularity on an international level. Like the FIA European Championship for GT3 models in 2006, there will also be a FIA GT1 World Championship exclusively held for GT3 vehicles in the future. Hence, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will be able to take part in the world’s top racing class for GT vehicles in the 2012 season. Moreover it will have the opportunity to fight for a world champion’s title of its own for the very first time.

Audi R8 LMS ultra to take part in 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship

Since 2010 the team from Flénu, Belgium, has been fielding the Audi R8 LMS in various European championships. And for this short time the team has achieved some remarkable successes this season. To go into details it clinched overall victories at the Spa and the Zolder 24 Hours, and in addition won the Blancpain Endurance Series. The GT1 World Championship will be a good challenge for the team members, which I am sure they are looking forward to.

In the competition each team is going to compete with two cars of a single vehicle model from a single brand. In contrast to the most GT3 racing series where professionals and amateurs share a cockpit, this time only professional racers will be allowed to compete in the GT1 World Championship. The Belgian WRT Team is going to announce the drivers before the end of December this year. The details on the format of the competition will be approved by the FIA and will be available shortly. A provisional race calendar has already been made. And as we see the below featured schedule, we can expect ten worldwide events, each featuring two one-hour races.

Motorsports: 2011 Spa 24 hours, Vincent Vosse, Teamchef Audi Sport Team WRT

2012 FIA GT1 World Championship
Round 1: Apr 08 Nogaro (France)
Round 2: Apr 22 Zolder (Belgium)
Round 3: May 27 Navarra (Spain)
Round 4: Jul 08 Algarve (Portugal)
Round 5: Aug 26 Peking (China)
Round 6: Sep 02 Ordos (China)
Round 7: Sep 16 Moscow (Russia)
Round 8: Oct 07 Zandvoort (Netherlands)
Round 9: Nov 25 San Luis (Argentina)
Round 10: TBA

Source: Audi

December 21, 2011

Donkervoort GTO: 340HP, 450 Nm and 750kg

Donkervoort Automobielen in Lelystad and Audi Quattro GmbH announce the next generation of open sports cars: the Donkervoort GTO. The project took two and a half years of development, but it worth it.

GTO is powered by a five-cylinder 340PS and 450Nm 2.5 liter TFSI Audi motor. The weight of the open sports car is around 750kg, so the power-to-weight will be amazing. Compared to the old D8 270RS, the new GTO is about 35 cm longer and 15 cm wider. The GTO is therefore a brand-new designed car. Only sharing 5% of the parts with the D8 270RS and about 30% with the much more recent GT. A milestone in the 34-year history of Donkervoort.

“This weight savings is obtained by redesigning several accessory parts of the motor together with the Audi technicians. For example, amongst others a new intake manifold was developed. Because the intake follows a more favourable route through the motor area it is not only lighter, but has a favourable effect on the achievements of the motor as well. The dashboard in this design of the GTO is equipped with a special race module switch, which can increase the capacity from 340 to 400 HP at once. Connected to this is another Donkervoort novelty: the first car from Lelystad that has ‘traction control’ on board. Only for when it is raining of course.”, commented Joop Donkervoort.

The production of the Donkervoort GTO starts in 2012, whereby it is expected that the first specially designed units will be delivered in the summer. The price of the new GTO is between € 100 000 and € 150 000 excluding taxes.

Source: Donkervoort

December 19, 2011

Audi Does It Again – 3.0 L TFSI V6 on Ward’s Top Ten List

This just in: Audi’s 3.0 L TFSI supercharged V6 engine appears on Ward’s 10 Best Engines 2012 list for a third consecutive year. WardsAuto is an automotive technology watchdog which has been gathering data and conducting analysis of engineering advancements for 85 years now.

For Ward’s 2012 engine list, 36 “contenders” were probed for their power, technology, fuel economy, noise, vibration and harshness. Additional criteria required each engine to be in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2012 and that vehicle that carries the engine should not exceed 55 000$.

“With so many engines featuring gasoline direct-injection and forced induction, we’re pleased to have a list that is rich in technology,” says Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World (the company’s monthly magazine). “Plus, every engine reinforces the idea that even fuel-efficient vehicles must be fun to drive.”

The TFSI provides 310 units of horsepower and the respectable 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Because of the all-aluminium structure of the engine and four vane Roots-style supercharger, the TFSI is able to impersonate V8 behaviour while remaining an economical V6.

In 2012, you’ll be able to find the 3.0 TFSI in cars such as the 2012 A6 sedan, 2012 Audi A7, the Audi Q7 and also in the S4 and S5.

Source: Audi

December 16, 2011

2012 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S Line Plus – 204PS

Audi has made a strong move to take a large percent from the SUV market. The release of the new 2012 Q7 3.0 TDI S line Plus with 204PS is right on target. Usually the big SUVs suffer from high fuel consumption, but the new Q7 3.0 TDI boasts whopping 7.2 liters / 100 km (39mpg) on combined cycle.

The price of Q7 3.0 TDI equipped with 8-speed tiptronic gearbox starts at £39 995 OTR and the top of range S Line Plus is priced at £49 120.

The newly developed 3.0 TDI delivers 204PS (150 kW) at 3200RPM and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) at just 1250RPM. The performance is very good – 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 204 km/h (127 mph). The results are thanks to revised camshafts, turbocharger and advanced common-rail system with an injection pressure of 2 000 bar.

The power is put on the road through Quattro AWD system channeling a 40% of the torque to the front and 60% to the rear wheels.

2012 Audi Q7 is available in four trim levels – Standard, SE, S line and the new S line Plus.

The S line Plus includes 21” alloy wheels, metallic paint, tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards, running boards and powered tailgate.

The interior boasts Verano leather upholstery, 7-seats, HDD-based SAT NAV system, Bluetooth phone preparation with online services giving access to Google Earth navigation mapping and creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for in-car internet access, Audi Music Interface iPod connection linked to an upgraded speaker system and the Audi Parking System Advanced with reversing camera.
Check out the price list, below!

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro 204PS – UK OTR pricing

3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed tiptronic Standard	£39,995 OTR
3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed tiptronic SE	£42,960 OTR
3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed tiptronic S line	£44,620 OTR
3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed tiptronic S line Plus	£49,120 OTR

Source: Audi

December 14, 2011

Anderson S8 Venom Edition

Audi has been a major player in the luxury class for over sixteen years now. It all started with the arrival of the A8 which carried some image-defining technology such as permanent all-wheel-drive and a body made from aluminium. Today it is a worthy adversary against the giants from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Now the Audi S8 (the performance edition of A8) has undergone an impressive makeover supervised by the capable ANDERSON Germany. Say hello to the S8 Venom Edition. Let us start with the paint – the overall body is in satin grey matte while various bits and pieces such as the radiator grill, the logos, the door handles and the panels are in glossy black. The added body kit consists of a front apron which has LED lights, a rear one as well and also a pair of side skirts. The fenders now house two striking air intakes while the tinted windows and tail lights in turn, give a certain menacing look to the car. Noticeably lowered, the S8 sits on four massive 265 tires with shiny black callipers peaking out from the 22 inch rims. Carbon fibre is applied on the side view mirrors, tail flapper and the grille frame.

Anderson Germany Audi A8 Venom Edition (2011)

The carbon trend continues inside as well as the exclusive sports steering wheel, door panels and the centre consoles are all deliciously garnished with fibres. Otherwise the interior is a feast of grey leather and light grey Alcantra (a unique and innovative covering material). There is also something for the teenager in all of us (or our kids I suppose) – A neat sound system complimented with headrest monitors and a Playstation 3.

ANDERSON is not all about style and glamour. Yes, now you can adjust the sounding of the exhaust pipes with a remote control but they have also fiddled with their weight and thus increased the power by 16hp. Not only that but they have also tuned the engine management system, fitted a sports filter and a racing catalyst and the result is 442bhp as opposed to 350bhp.

Undeniably, ANDERSON Germany is working for the image of the A8 which already is underneath the spotlight thanks to a number of appearances in the media and politics.

Source: Anderson Germany

December 13, 2011

RIEGER makeover for Audi TT

German auto-design and tuning house RIEGER is preparing for its 25^th anniversary next year so we decided it is worth gaining a bit of insight on their works.

In the beginning it was only a man named Tony Rieger and his garage. 25 years later Rieger Tuning is a corporation with more than 40 employees. It’s main focus is production of body accessories and aerodynamic parts for cars from the European market.

And now they have an abundant array of body parts for your Audi TT S-line. The front spoiler comes with two black honeycomb mesh air-intakes and an air splitter which can either be shipped in ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or in a specially ordered carbon fibre look (but not really in carbon fibre). In fact almost all the other parts of the body kit have this carbon look option. The side skirts look very sporty with an air duct at their back end. The same goes for the rear valance which looks like an extension to the side skirts because of the similar ducts at it’s ends. As we move on to the rear bumper, which by the way can house park distance control sensors upon order, we can notice another two distinctive vents.

Trunk and rooftop spoilers can be added for a sportier look and it goes without saying that low profile tires wrapped around 20 inch rims can only enhance the appeal. The cherry on top is the vertical lift door conversion kit but it will set you back with $ 2666.

Everything is all very cosmetic but the end result does stir up the little boy inside each and every one of us. So one can easily be tempted to review their price list (It is revised to celebrate the anniversary!)

Source: RIEGER

December 13, 2011

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

Audi A1 Samurai Blue

Audi has exhibited the A1 Samurai Blue at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle is specially created in honor to the Japanese national soccer team. The manufacturer plans to sell the SAMURAI BLUE as a one-off model and donate a part of the profit for a charity.

The special edition A1 is powered by a 1.4 TFSI with 122PS (90 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft). From 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h (126 mph). The car also comes with 18” alloy wheels finished in red and black equipment with contrasting stitching in blue and corresponding colorful accents for the air vent nozzles, inlays, center console and floor mats. The stance and handling are improved thanks to a sport suspension.

An Audi A1 Limited Edition is also planned to sell in 2012, with its design based on the SAMURAI BLUE.

Source: Audi

December 1, 2011

JMS Racelook Audi S5

JMS Racelook has announced their aerodynamics package for the latest Audi S5.

The body kit includes a new front lip for €269, which is also suitable for A5 S-line. It can be easily fitted with glue and screws onto the series front bumper. There are also a rear diffuser for €259, which houses a new stainless steel sport exhaust system with four tailpipes by Eisenmann – €1 725.

For even better stance, you can order a set of H&R lowering springs, which cut 40 mm from the ride’s height – €1 750.

Last, but not least, there are huge TS1 alloy wheels in dimensions 9.5J x 20” for the front and 10J x 20” at the rear fitted with 255/30 R20 tires. The price for a set is no less than €4500.

All parts are made of high quality materials and TUV approved.

Source: JMS via WCF

November 28, 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

Mansory Audi R8 V10 Spyder

Audi R8 V10 Spyder has received special refining program from Mansory tuning. The company’s latest stroke of genius impressively proves that once again.

The performance is also boosted by Mansory. The mighty 5.2 liter V10 engine from Gallardo now has 552PS (406 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque, which is an improvement of 27PS (20 kW) and 20Nm (15 lb-ft).

The exterior modifications include a complete aggressive body kit consisting of a new front spoiler, modified side skirts, a nice rear wing, a new rear apron and perfectly integrated rear diffuser.

The stance is completed by a set of huge 20” alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low-profile performance tires – 8.5J x 20” up front with 245/30 ZR20 tires and 11.0J x 20” at the rear with 305/25 ZR20. There is also a lower suspension setting of the sports drop-top.

The interior is even more stunning, than the exterior. It comes with complete reupholstered seats, steering wheel and some carbon fiber elements. There are also personalised floor mats, aluminium pedals and illuminated sill plates.

Source: Mansory

November 22, 2011

2012 Audi A1 Sportback Price – £13 980

2012 Audi A1 Sportback will become available in the UK later this month and will reach its first customers here in the spring of 2012. The 5-door city car is priced at just £13 980 OTR.

A1 Sportback makes provision for an extra passenger – up to three can pass through its rear doors and take a seat, each of them protected by a headrest and full three-point seatbelt. The luggage compartment is also pretty good – 270 litres with the rear seats up and 920 litres, when they are folded.

There are three trim levels – SE, Sport and S line. The options list is quite rich, too – alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front and rear windows and mirrors, split folding rear seat and a six-speaker single CD Concert audio system linked to a 6.5” retractable display.

Sport model additions include larger 16” wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a Driver’s Information System, while S line versions upgrade with extras such as an exclusive S line exterior treatment including larger 17” alloy wheels, S line sports suspension and leather and cloth combination upholstery.

The engine range includes a choice of three TFSI petrol engines and one TDI diesel producing between 86PS and 185PS.

The puniest is the 1.2 litre TFSI with 86PS (63 kW). There are also 1.4 litre TFSI with 122PS (90kW) and 1.4 litre twin-turbocharged TFSI with whopping 185PS (136 kW). The diesel is 1.6 litre TDI with 105PS (77 kW). Later line-up will be joined by a fifth member – the 2.0-litre TDI with 143PS (105 kW).

2012 A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI with 105PS returns up to 74.3 mpg with just 99 g/km of CO₂, while the turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 TFSI with 185PS will feature the 7-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox – from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds and a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph).

Check out the full price list, below!

Audi A1 Sportback pricing overview

SE Model pricing
Petrol – SE
Engines	Power	CO₂ g/km	Transmission	Basic RRP	Total RRP	OTR Price
1.2TFSI SE Manual	86PS	118	5-speed manual	£11,112.50	£13,335	£13,980

Diesel – SE
Engines	Power	CO₂ g/km	Transmission	Basic RRP	Total RRP	OTR Price
1.6TDI SE Manual	105PS	99	5-speed manual	£11,995.83	£14,395.00	£15,040

Sport Model pricing
Petrol – Sport
Engines	Power	CO₂ g/km	Transmission	Basic RRP	Total RRP	OTR Price
1.2TFSI Sport Manual	86PS	118	5-speed manual	£12,645.83	£15,175	£15,820
1.4TFSI Sport Manual	122PS	126	6-speed manual	£12,987.50	£15,585	£16,230
1.4TFSI Sport S tronic	122PS	119	7-speed S tronic	£14,195.83	£17,035	£17,680

Diesel – Sport
Engines	Power	CO₂ g/km	Transmission	Basic RRP	Total RRP	OTR Price
1.6TDI Sport Manual	105PS	99	5-speed manual	£13,529.17	£16,235.00	£16,880

S line Model pricing
Petrol – S line
Engines	Power	CO₂ g/km	Transmission	Basic RRP	Total RRP	OTR Price
1.2TFSI S line Manual	86PS	118	5-speed manual	£13,933.33	£16,720	£17,365
1.4TFSI S line Manual	122PS	126	6-speed manual	£14,275.00	£17,130	£17,775
1.4TFSI S line S tronic	122PS	122	7-speed S tronic	£15,483.33	£18,580	£19,225
1.4TFSI S line S tronic	185PS	139	7-speed S tronic	£17,091.67	£20,510	£21,270

Diesel – S line
Engines	Power	CO₂ g/km	Transmission	Basic RRP	Total RRP	OTR Price
1.6TDI S line Manual	105PS	99	5-speed manual	£14,816.67	£17,780.00	£18,425

Source: Audi

November 21, 2011

Tag: Audi