TDI – Page 3 – Automobiles Review

Skoda Green E Line Development

At Skoda these days are busy developing their not yet ready for production “Green E Line” vehicles – a segment of electric cars based on the Octavia Estate. Right now, a fleet of ten E Lines is undergoing a phase where day to day conditions are recreated so see how the cars behave. The whole green thing is a part of Skoda’s plan to excel in the field of fuel efficiency. Other projects concerned with that often work to optimize the TDI and TSI drivetrains and also various transmissions.

The gathered data will be of extreme value for fine-tuning to get the most out of the cars. Issues that concern potential customers can also be addressed – being extremely silent in traffic might be a disadvantage for example.

The whole testing procedure comprises of three phases: the first and the second are ongoing now and deal with in-house (on the Prague airport to be more exact) trials and research of the car’s various systems. The third phase, set to begin in March this year, will put the fleet to the real test as the cars will go to different institutions other than Skoda Auto (government, educational institutions etc.) for further research and testing in real life conditions.

Because of being based on the Octavia Estate, the Green E Line is ideal for harboring electric car components such as batteries, motors and electronic controllers. Power output stands at 85 kW and generous figure of 270 Nm. (because of being electric, torque tends to be always high and instantly available throughout the whole rev range). A zero to sixty time is said to be around 12 seconds and top speed is as high as 135 kph. On a single charge it is estimated that the E Line will go for 150 km which is more than enough to satisfy various European communities.

Source: Skoda

February 4, 2012

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.

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

February 2, 2012

MTM Tweaks for Audi 4.2 TDI V8

Diesel 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.

Source: MTM

January 31, 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

ABT 2012 Audi A4

ABT Sportsline has announced the new tuning package for 2012 Audi A4. The name of the project is AS4 and it includes both styling and performance modifications.

There are performance packages for the 2.0 liter TFSI, the 3.0 liter TFSI and the 3.0 liter TDI engines.

The 2.0 liter TFSI is boosted to 275PS (202 kW) from 211PS (155 kW), while the mighty 3.0 liter TFSI boasts 435PS (320 kW), instead of 333PS (245 kW). The economic diesel – 3.0 TDI has 282PS (207 kW) from the factory’s 245PS (180 kW).

The exterior package includes front spoiler, a pair of side skirts, fender inserts, rear bumper insert and rear spoiler. All components are made from high quality materials. There are also axle back exhaust and designer light alloy wheels in 19” and 20”, which can be fitted with a set of sports tyres.

There is no doubt that the new AS4 is a real eye-catcher! Check out the high-resolution images in the gallery.

ABT AS4:

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:               2.0 TFSI, 1.984 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:           ABT POWER
Performance:               275 HP/202 kW (standard: 211 HP/155 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:               3.0 TDI, 2.967 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:           ABT POWER
Performance:               282 HP/207 kW (standard: 245 HP/180 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:               3.0 TFSI, 2.995 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:           ABT POWER
Performance:               435 HP/320 kW (standard: 333 HP/245 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICSABT front spoiler
ABT side skirts
ABT fender inserts
ABT rear bumper insert
ABT rear spoiler

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGYABT axle back exhaust

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGYABT designer light alloy wheels in 19 and 20 inch
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

Source: ABT

January 25, 2012

ABT Audi AS6 Avant

ABT Sportsline has introduced their tuning program for the latest Audi A6 Avant. The tuner offers both performance and styling packages to boost the individuality of the premium vehicle.

There are performance upgrades for the 3.0 TDI in both versions – 204PS (150 kW) and 245PS (180 kW) as well as the petrol 3.0 TFSI with standard 300PS (221 kW).

The exterior include complete aerodynamics package – ABT side skirts, ABT front spoiler, ABT rear skirt insert and 4-end pipes and ABT rear spoiler. There are also ABT sport rims with dimensions from 19” to 21” and sports tyres for them.

Whatever engine the customers choose – they will always get a balanced vehicle which meets the highest demands: everyday reliability and suitability for long journeys in combination with maximum sportiness characterise the new ABT AS6 Avant. After all you don’t want to go without comfort and luxury just because you are in a particular hurry.

You can check the full list of upgrades, below!

ABT Audi AS6 Avant:

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine:                     3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:    ABT POWER
Performance:               240 PS/177 kW (standard: 204 PS/150 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine:                    3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:    ABT POWER S
Performance:               300 PS/221 kW (standard: 245 PS/180 kW

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine:                     3.0 TFSI, 2995 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:    ABT POWER
Performance:               420 PS/309 kW (standard: 300 PS/221 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT side skirts
ABT front spoiler
ABT rear skirt insert and 4-end pipes
ABT rear spoiler

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT sport rims – 19” to 21”
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

Source: ABT

November 19, 2011

Skoda Yeti E 2.0 TDI CR Price – £16 170

Skoda Yeti has been awarded by The Green Organisation, an independent group dedicated to promoting the positive side of environmental behavior. The compact SUV has won International Green Apple Environment Award.

The award was judged by members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers, who were invited to nominate their favourite contender from a shortlist of four. The Yeti E 2.0-litre TDI CR’s outstanding environmental performance – 52.3mpg on combined cycle and only 140g/km CO₂ emissions – coupled with its practicality and versatility, edged out the competition.

“It does everything you need a car to do and you get a lot of car for the money. This is actually that rare beast, an SUV with luggage space,” commented the judges. The awards presentation took place at a special event at the House of Commons on Monday 14 November.

“The Yeti has been a game-changing car for ŠKODA and to win an award based around its environmental credentials is fantastic. That we’re the first winner of this honour makes it doubly special.”, said Skoda UK Product Marketing Manager, Chris Horrell.

The Skoda Yeti E 2.0-litre TDI CR is price at just £16 170. You can check E grade specification, below!

E Grade Includes:

Safety

Driver, passenger front, side and curtain airbags
Passenger airbag with switch-off function
Rear disc brakes
Alarm system with interior monitoring and back-up horn

Function

Height and reach adjustable four spoke steering wheel
Halogen projector headlights with DE-module

Equipment

Varioflex seating
Black roof rails
Tyre repair set (compressor 12 V + bottle with the adhesive filling)
Front electric windows
Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Comfort

Remote central locking (with 2 keys)
Manual air conditioning with automatic regulation
Height-adjustable driver and passenger seat
Radio Stream – 2 DIN with integrated single CD player

Design

16″ ‘Rif’ steel wheels 7Jx16
Black door mirrors and door handles
Black protective side mouldings
Decorative ‘Graphite’ inserts on dashboard

Source: Skoda

November 15, 2011

2012 Audi A4 1.8 TFSI 120PS Price – £24 000

Audi has priced the all-new 2012 A4 for the UK. The A4 range are already available and the prices start at under £24 000.

2012 Audi A4 has entirely new exterior boasting a new front fascia with modified grille, new headlights and restyled front hood. At the rear, there are a new diffuser, a pair of new taillights and a dual exhaust system. The sport package – S line includes lowered suspension and 18” alloy wheels and an option for 19”.

The interior is also revised and now comes with selection of new steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays. The steering arm and the ignition key have been also modified. There are high-gloss applications and some chrome trim at the controls. The MMI Navigation Plus is further revised as well as the automatic transmission, the efficient air conditioning systems, Audi drive select and the multifunction steering wheel.

The engine range includes six diesel and four petrol power units.

The diesel range includes a 2.0 liter TDI with either 136PS (100 kW) or 163PS (120 kW). There are also options for 120PS (88 kW), 143PS (105 kW) and 177PS (130 kW). The V6 3.0 TDI has either 204PS (150 kW) or 245PS (180kW). All engines come with improved fuel efficiency ranging from 4.2 liters to 4.8 liters of fuel per 100 km.

The petrol variants are a new 1.8 liter TFSI with 170PS (125 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft), a 1.8 TFSI with 120PS (88 kW) and a 2.0 liter TFSI with 211PS (155 kW). The mighty 3.0 liter petrol has 272PS (200 kW). The average consumption in the A4 Sedan is limited to 5.6 liters per 100 km.

The top-of-range S4 has supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 with 333 PS (245 kW) and 440Nm (324 lb-ft). The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Furthermore, it need just 8.0 litres per 100 km.

New generation Saloon and Avant versions of the accomplished A4 premium compact executive Saloon, Avant and allroad quattro models combine an even more sharply tailored look and an expanded line-up of engines bringing economy gains of up to 21 per cent. Due in March 2012, the new generation A4 ranges will be priced from just under £24 000.

Check out the full price list, below!

2012 Audi A4 and S4 range – UK OTR Pricelist:

A4 Saloon SE
1.8 TFSI 120PS six-speed manual	£sub-24K (from early 2012)
1.8 TFSI 170PS six-speed manual	£25,240
1.8 TFSI 170PS eight-speed multitronic	£26,720
2.0 TFSI 211PS eight-speed multitronic	£29,170
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS six-speed manual	£29,170
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS seven-speed S tronic	£30,650
2.0 TDIe 136PS six-speed manual	£26,555
2.0 TDI 143PS six-speed manual	£26,555
2.0 TDI 143PS eight-speed multitronic	£28,035
2.0 TDIe 163PS six-speed manual	£27,575
2.0 TDI 177PS six-speed manual	£27,575
2.0 TDI 177PS eight-speed multitronic	£29,055
2.0 TDI quattro 177PS six-speed manual	£29,120
3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed multitronic	£30,490
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS six-speed manual	£TBC
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS seven-speed S tronic	£34,600

S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS six-speed manual	£38,665
S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS seven-speed S tronic	£39,915

Premium for SE Technik specification – £1,100
Premium for S line specification – £2,555
Premium for Black Edition specification – £1,250

A4 Avant SE
1.8 TFSI 120PS six-speed manual	£TBC (available early 2012)
1.8 TFSI 170PS six-speed manual	£26,455
1.8 TFSI 170PS eight-speed multitronic	£27,920
2.0 TFSI 211PS eight-speed multitronic	£30,385
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS six-speed manual	£30,370
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS seven-speed S tronic	£31,850
2.0 TDIe 136PS six-speed manual	£27,755
2.0 TDI 143PS six-speed manual	£27,755
2.0 TDI 143PS eight-speed multitronic	£29,235
2.0 TDIe 163PS six-speed manual	£28,775
2.0 TDI 177PS six-speed manual	£28,775
2.0 TDI 177PS eight-speed multitronic	£30,255
2.0 TDI quattro 177PS six-speed manual	£30,320
3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed multitronic	£31,805
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS six-speed manual	£TBC
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS seven-speed S tronic	£35,825
S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS six-speed manual	£39,865
S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS seven-speed S tronic	£41,115

Premium for SE Technik specification – £1,100
Premium for S line specification – £2,555
Premium for Black Edition specification – £1,250

Source: Audi

November 8, 2011

Audi R18 TDI at the 6-Hour Race in China

Audi wants to boost their positions in motorsport in China, that’s why they will bring Audi R18 TDI at the 6-Hour Race in Zuhai.

In 1985 and 1986, the legendary Audi quattro won the Hong Kong-Beijing Rally two consecutive times. Audi competed with the A4 DTM at Shanghai twice. And on the debut of the sports prototypes at Zhuhai last year the spectators were thrilled by the Audi R15 TDI.

Audi R18 TDI is a true masterpiece with a number of genius engineering solutions for the ultra-lightweight design.

The big V10 is replaced with a 3.7 litres V6 TDI with sensational 540PS (397 kW). It is connected to a new 6-speed gearbox made of carbon-fiber composite material.

Weight is saved even from the headlights, which feature LED technology. Because the gearshift is no longer activated pneumatically but rather electrically, the R18 TDI requires no more pneumatic system. Optimized airflow through the cockpit should make air-conditioning redundant.

Audi fans around the world will be able to watch the ILMC finale live on the internet on Audi.tv. The broadcast from Zhuhai will start at 11 a.m. local time (4 a.m. CET) on November 13. Eurosport will broadcast the final stages of the race live from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. (CET).

Source: Audi

November 6, 2011

2012 Audi Q3 – Crash Test

Audi Q3 has earned the maximum 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. 2012 Audi Q3 is the safest vehicle in its category. It managed to pass all tests for passive safety – adult safety in a side, frontal or rear collision, for child safety and pedestrian protection.

The 2012 Audi Q3 will certainly come with front side airbags and curtain side airbags, plus full power assists. There is also a fasten seatbelt reminder for the front and the rear seat passengers.

The pedestrian protection is at very high level, too. Audi Q3 comes with standard daytime running lights, which provide greater visibility, especially for pedestrians.

Safety assistance systems include ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Audi active lane assist and Audi side impact.

2012 Q3 is priced at £24 560 OTR and features superb technologies and innovations. It will be available from November with 2.0 TDI 140PS and 2.0 TFSI 170PS engines. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, while the 2.0 TDI 177PS and 2.0 TFSI 211PS units will feature a new development of the acclaimed 7-speed S tronic transmission.

Check out the crash test video, below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1WiEzOLQQs

Source: Crashtest via Youtube

October 27, 2011

Senner Tuning Audi A7 3.0 TDI

Senner Tuning has announced their tuning upgrades for the Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI. The tuner offers both performance and styling upgrades.

As you know, the latest diesel engines are extremely fuel efficient and powerful, so the tuner decided to provide some extra horsepower for the 3.0 liter V6 TDI. The Ecu re-map gains additional 61PS (45 kW) and 120Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque, so the total power is 306PS (225 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft). However, the fuel consumption is not harmed. The V-max limiter is raised to 280 km/h (174 mph), instead of the factory’s 250 km/h (155mph).

Senner also offers a new stainless-steel sport exhaust system with twin 90mm shiny tailpipes.

The stance is also improved, because of the lowering kit, which cuts 30 mm from the height of the vehicle.

A set of Varianza T1S rims 9.5J x 20” fitted with 275/35 R20 performance tires are also added.

No words about pricing.

Source: Senner Tuning

July 28, 2011

2012 Audi A1 1.6 TDI

Audi has introduced a new super economical A1 1.6 TDI, which is sub 100 g/km of CO2.

The price of progress in the Audi A1 1.6 TDI falls even further from this week as an even more fuel efficient version of the frugal premium sub-compact hatchback shrugs off road tax and the London congestion charge through a lower 99g/km CO2 output.

It also comes with improved 74.3mpg economy potential, and unchanged OTR prices for the SE, Sport and S line models ranging.

2012 Audi A1 1.6 TDI starts from £14 480 to £17 865.

The 1.6 TDI features an optimized ECU and fuel system, which means 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km of CO2, instead of 70.6 mpg and 105 g/km. The power is 105PS (77 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.5 seconds and the top speed is 190 km/h (118 mph).

Standard features include engine start-stop function, energy recuperation, alloy wheels, air conditioning, single CD audio system with MP3 compatibility, ESP with latest differential lock system.

Source: Audi

June 21, 2011

Tag: TDI