R8 – Page 5 – Automobiles Review

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 S7 Spot on 2012 Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is as much about the commercials as it is for the football itself. So for the fifth consecutive year, Audi will air a :60 spot during the first quarter of the Super Bowl with focus landing on LED technology. The San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners studio is in charge with the creative ad. The only other known fact is that the 2013 Audi S7 sedan will also be somehow featured. The rest can be seen on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 when the big game starts.

LED usage in headlights first started appearing on Audi’s 10 years ago and the effect on the market since then has been tremendous – virtually every other car maker now offers LED with their latest products. Today, Audi LED lights are efficient and elegant. Traditional lights take 0.2 seconds to engage while LEDs are immediately activated making driving safer, faster. In addition to safety, LED lights save resources by using 50-percent less power required from the alternator – which in turn reduces the load put on the vehicle’s engine – and can last the lifetime of a vehicle.

The new Audi S7 is also efficient and elegant with the sleek profile of a coupe and the four doors of a sedan. Standard technology includes Audi connect™ which enables you to browse Google Maps™ and Google Search™ and provides for you a Wi-Fi® hotspot. Hope that connection is fast enough to keep up with the S7 for under the hood lays a 4.0 TFSI 420 hp/406 lb-ft of torque masterpiece which will take you anywhere you want in a matter of seconds.

Past Super Bowl spots on Audi have included the A8, the “green car of 2009” A3 TDI and the legendary R8 and they have all been pretty good. Can’t wait to see what Venables Bell & Partners have come up with this time.

Source: Audi

January 18, 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

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

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

Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition

Audi has announced the R8 V8 Limited Edition to celebrate their 10^th victory at Le Mans 24 hours. The first victory was back in 2000, when the R8 sports prototype made it first across the final. The new feature-rich special edition road car is based on the hugely successful R8 V8 Coupe. There will be just 100 units specially created for the UK market.

The Limited Edition gets an exclusive titanium effect paint finish, Titanium finish 19” 5-arm double-spoke Y design alloy wheels fitted with ultra-performance tires. There are also red brake calipers and an optional Carbon Package consisting of carbon sigma sideblades, door mirrors, door sill trims and an engine bay surround frame.

The interior boasts Black Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered seats and headrests as weel as in crimson red trim accents.

Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition is powered by a mid-mounted 4.2 litre eight-cylinder FSI engine with 430P. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.6 seconds in both manual and R tronic automated manual versions. The top speed is 301 km/h (187 mph). The red line – 8250 RPM.

Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition will be available to order from July. The price is as brutal as the car itself – £93 935 OTR.

Source: Audi

June 29, 2011

STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition

STaSIS has introduced Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition, which is available specially for the British market. The car is developed to bring high doses adrenaline, which is not so hard especially, when you have 540BHP.

Following on from the successful UK debut of the R8 V10 STaSIS Challenge Extreme Edition, which was released last month. From concept to production each new STaSIS component is rigorously tested to ensure maximum performance and factory levels of reliability.

The STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, thanks to the 28% power increase.

The performance package is available now from APS of Brackley and the UK STaSIS sales agent network.

To celebrate this fact until May 31^st 2011 UK importer APS of Brackley is offering the 540BHP STaSIS Audi R8 V8 supercharger package at a specially discounted price, with the additional bonus of an extra 10% discount from any associated STaSIS product purchased at the same time.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSFWRKUvZ14

STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition

Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition:

Engine – Eaton / Magnusson TVS 1900 supercharger running 7.5 psi of boost, independent charge cooler system to ensure consistent high power output, CNC billet alloy machined intake plenum for durability and strength, high performance STaSIS ECU remap – performance increases to 540 bhp and 435 lb.ft of torque
Exhaust – 3.0 inch TIG welded and individually numbered stainless steel, cross-flow exhaust system with reduced back pressure for improved power and efficiency
Brakes – Alcon 390mm front / 355mm rear with two piece floating discs
Suspension – Lowering springs to improve handling and give a more aggressive appearance while retaining ride quality, matched bump stops, factory ‘drive select’ feature retained
Wheels – 9.5 x 20 inch ultra-lightweight forged aluminium front, 12 x 20 inch forged aluminium rear with high performance low profile tyres

STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition Performance Specification:-

	Factory Audi R8 V8	STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition	Factory Audi R8 V10
Power:	420 bhp	540 bhp	525 bhp
Torque:	350 lb.ft	435 lb.ft	391 lb.ft
Weight:	1560 kilos	1575 kilos	1620 kilos
0-60 mph:	4.4 sec	3.6 sec	3.7 sec
Lateral accel’:	0.96 G	1.01 G	0.99 G
Brake decel’:	1.04 G	1.06 G	1.02 G

Source: Stasis

May 9, 2011

RENM Audi R8 V10 RMS Spyder

RENM Performance has unveiled the tuned version of Audi R8 V10 Spyder. The new RMS is lighter, faster and exclusive version featuring carbon kevlar materials and revised aerodynamics.

The exterior package includes a revised front grille, brake cooling chambers, front splitter, redesigned front and rear side grilles and rear diffuser.

Audi R8 V10 RMS Spyder stands on enormous Racelight 20” wheels with Sportcup tyres and Superlight 19” wheels with race specification tires. The rims have dimensions 9J at the front and 11J at the rear and are fitted with 245/30 and 305/30 or 235/35 and 305/25.

The interior boasts lightweight sport seats and additional carbon fiber trim – steering wheel, complete center console, instrument gauge, shift gate, hand brake, arm rests and door trims.

R8 V10 RMS Spyder is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 600PS and 585Nm (431 lb-ft). The power is improved thanks to a carbon fiber air intake, a high performance exhaust system and an ECU re-map. The tuner also installed race hydraulic height-adjustable suspension and modified ceramic brakes for excellent performance.

RENM Audi R8 V10 RMS Spyder

Source: RENM Performance

April 27, 2011

Audi R8 LMS at Nurburgring

Audi R8 LMS was tested at the Nurburgring these day by ABT Sportsline and Phoenix Racing, who had a lot of experience over the last two years at the 24-hour race around the race track with the quattro GmbH GT3 sports car.

“The Audi R8 LMS was developed specifically for customer sport,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

“With the two factory supported events at the Nürburgring and at Spa-Francorchamps we aim to underline the positive image that the R8 LMS has built up following its first two years of competition. I think we are well positioned for this from the driver and team side.”, he added.

2011 Audi R8 LMS includes a modified engine control for the 5.2 litre V10 power unit, revised suspension and a light-weight motorsport clutch specifically developed for endurance races.

“The 2011 season started perfectly for the Audi R8 LMS with the one-two finish at Bathurst,” comented Werner Frowein, Managing Director of the quattro GmbH.

“We want to continue this. In the shape of Phoenix Racing we send a team to compete that has accompanied the development of the R8 LMS for endurance races since the very beginning and which has gathered the most experience in this area. ABT Sportsline is the perfect choice for the Nürburgring, and WRT for Spa. As far as the drivers are concerned you could hardly wish for better.”, added Mr. Frowein.

ABT Sportsline and Phoenix Racing contest rounds of the VLN endurance championship in preparation for the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. WRT contests the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011 which also includes the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Audi R8 LMS

Source: Audi

April 6, 2011

STaSIS Audi R8 V10 Supercharged Challenge Extreme Edition

STaSIS Engineering has released a special tuning package for Audi R8 V10. The name of the project is Audi R8 V10 Challenge Extreme Edition and the car will hit the British market.

Engine – Eaton / Magnusson TVS 2300 supercharger running 7.5 psi of boost, independent charge cooler system to ensure consistent high power output, CNC billet alloy machined intake plenum for durability and strength, high performance STaSIS ECU remap – performance increases to 710 bhp and 523lb.ft of torque
Exhaust – 3.0 inch TIG welded stainless steel, cross-flow exhaust system
Brakes – Alcon 390mm front / 355mm rear with two piece floating discs
Suspension – Lowering springs to improve handling and give a more aggressive appearance while retaining ride quality
Wheels – 9.5 x 20 inch ultra-lightweight forged aluminium front, 12 x 20 inch forged aluminium rear with high performance low profile tyres

STaSIS Audi R8 V10 Challenge Extreme Edition Performance Specification:-

	Factory Audi R8 V10	STaSIS Audi R8 V10 Challenge Extreme Edition
Power:	525 bhp	710 bhp
Torque:	391 lb.ft	523 lb.ft
0-60 mph:	3.7 sec	3.1 sec
Lateral accel’:	0.99 G	1.01 G
Brake decel’:	1.02 G	1.05 G

The STaSIS Audi R8 V10 Challenge Extreme packages are available now from UK importer APS of Brackley and other STaSIS agents across the UK. Prices start at £45 000 fitted, including VAT 20%.

Source: STaSIS

March 29, 2011

Tag: R8