tfsi – Automobiles Review

Hybrid drive finds another new home at Audi as Q3 SUV joins the TFSI e family

Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e / Audi Q3 45 TFSI e

Another convert to the zero local emissions movement is confirmed today as the new Q3 45 TFSI e stakes its claim as the first ever plug-in hybrid Audi model in the compact SUV class. The eighth member of the flourishing electrified TFSI e family will be available to order in the UK next spring in Q3 and coupé-inspired Q3 Sportback forms, the former featuring Technik, S line, Black Edition and particularly sumptuous Vorsprung specification options and the latter starting at S line level. In both a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and an 85 kW electric motor generate a system output of 245PS to enable travel without tailpipe emisions for up to 31 miles* between charges.

“TFSI e models are a perfect stepping stone on the path to electrification for Audi customers who are keen to play their part in the decarbonisation of our environment, but who are perhaps delaying making the leap of faith to a full EV due to lingering concerns about charging and range,“ says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “Like our other PHEV models, the new Q3 TFSI e can help to allay those concerns by proving how easily an EV can be assimilated into life, while also offering the safety net of an economical combustion engine which can greatly expand its range and refuelling possibilities if required. It’s a great way to begin gradually embracing the future of mobility.“

245 PS of system output, 13 kWh of energy capacity: the drive and the battery
The four-cylinder 1.4 TFSI petrol engine powering both new Q3 models contributes a healthy 150PS output, and this is supplemented by the 85 kW of power delivered by the permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM). Together, they generate 180 kW of system power (245 PS) and system torque of 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft), on the strength of which both variants can reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds and top out at 130mph.

The PSM is integrated into the housing of the six-speed S tronic transmission together with the separating clutch. This dual-clutch transmission transfers the power to the front wheels, and integrates an electric oil pump which maintains supply even when the TFSI engine is switched off to enable normal functioning and gear selection to continue.

The high-voltage battery is located under the vehicle floor in front of the rear axle and belongs to a new generation of compact and relatively lightweight units with enhanced storage capacity. Its 96 prismatic cells store 13.0 kWh of energy and maintain optimal performance with help from their own cooling circuit, which can also be coupled to the circuit used by the air conditioning system to ensure effective cooling even when requirements are at their highest.

Focus on efficiency: the drive management system
Optimal efficiency at every stage of a journey and in every scenario is naturally the overriding aim of the drive management system, so both new SUVs are always started in electric mode, except in extremely cold conditions. At low speeds, their AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System) emits an e-sound to warn other road users of their presence. Both versions can cover up to 31 miles* at speeds of up to 87mph in electric-only mode with zero local emissions according to the WLTP test.

In “Auto-Hybrid” mode, the main operating mode, the drive management system divides the tasks between the 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor intelligently and efficiently. The electric motor supports the four-cylinder engine in a wide range of situations, such as when overtaking or when accelerating from low speeds, when it uses its strong and rapidly produced torque to imperceptibly bridge the few tenths of a second needed by the turbocharger to build up pressure.

Drivers can prioritise electric drive at a touch of the EV button. The drive management system constantly evaluates data from numerous sources, including the route information from the navigation system and feedback on the immediate surroundings from the vehicle sensors, to enable it to identify when the car is approaching a town sign, a speed limit or a roundabout, or is getting too close to the vehicle ahead. When the accelerator pedal is released, the Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e start to coast with the TFSI engine switched off in most situations.

The right mode for the right requirements: “Hold”, “Charge” and dynamic
While the drive management system intelligently exerts its influence in the background, the driver always remains in control. Pushing the EV button determines which of the auto hybrid and electric-powered driving modes is active, and at the same time provides access to others – “Battery Hold” and “Battery Charge” – offered by menus that open up in the MMI operating system at the same time. These serve to keep the battery charge at the current level or to increase the state of charge. The driver can also fine tune the response of elements including the steering, engine and transmission using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. It offers Comfort, Auto , Dynamic and Individual profiles, and in the Dynamic setting can make the full 330Nm (243.4 lb-ft) torque reserve of the electric motor available to the driver for up to 10 seconds if the S tronic is set to “S” mode and the accelerator is fully depressed. As soon as the pedal is released again, the electric motor switches to recuperation and recovers energy in generator mode. In this way, the vehicle can also decelerate quickly thanks to its electric motor.

Irrespective of the driving profile, both models always recuperate when the driver applies the brakes. Up to around 0.3 g – i.e. in the vast majority of braking situations encountered in everyday driving – the electric motor performs the deceleration alone. It is only when the brake pedal is applied more heavily that the hydraulic wheel brakes come into play, activated by an electric brake servo. Thanks to the precise blending, the transition is practically undetectable, and the recuperation remains active. During braking, the system can recover up to 40 kW of power through the electric motor and store this in the battery.

Conveniently versatile: charging at home and on the go
The Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e can be charged using alternating current via a domestic AC wallbox using the Type 2 cable supplied. The process can be completed in 3h 45 minutes, and can be remotely controlled using the free myAudi app, which enables the driver to define activation and deactivation times and also to remotely activate the climate control via a smartphone or tablet to pre-heat or cool the cabin before a journey begins. A mode 3 cable is also supplied for charging at public AC charging terminals, a process which can be expedited through the use of the e-tron Charging Service, which gives TFSI e drivers the opportunity to recharge at more than 155,000 charging points across Europe with just a tap of a single RFID card that generates one convenient monthly invoice.

To make light work of long journeys the comfort suspension that is standard for Technik (Q3 only), S line and Black Edition versions of the Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e provides suppleness and absorbency for smooth, serene electric-only travel but also a good degree of agility for more press-on driving. Vorsprung versions are equipped with an electronically controlled suspension system with adaptive damping which smoothes surfaces and straightens out corners even more impressively. The standalone Q3 Technik model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SUV and Sportback move up to 19-inch rims when equipped to S line and Black Edition level, and to a 20-inch design in Vorsprung form.

From S line level upwards all models benefit from privacy glass and the exclusive S line design for the bumpers, sill trims and diffuser, while Black Edition and Vorsprung versions add a black styling pack which darkens elements such as the grille surround, window cappings, roof rails (SUV only) and door mirror housings. LED lighting is standard across the board, with Vorsprung versions upgrading to Matrix LED units for even more precisely targeted illumination. S line interior detailing is common to all specification options bar the entry level Technik, with Piano Black inlays and a flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel setting apart the Black Editions.

True to form in the Q3 range the seats offer excellent comfort, and the rear bench is notable for offering forward and backward adjustability to prioritise luggage or passengers. Its backrests are also divided into three sections and recline at seven different angles. The luggage compartment has a basic volume of 380 litres which increases to 1,375 litres in the Q3 45 TFSI e and 1,250 litres in the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e when the seats are folded down.

Experts in networking: Infotainment and Connectivity
Two displays form the basis of the operating and display concept in the new TFSI e models. Centrally positioned in the instrument panel, the MMI touch unit with its 10.1 inch screen shows the operating status of the hybrid drive system and is the access point for the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus, which is a standard feature of all UK versions. Its functions are displayed on the MMI Touch display and in the instrument binnacle by the Audi virtual cockpit with its 10.25-inch screen, which is also standard. An expanded version with additional functions – the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus – is fitted to Vorsprung models. In both formats a powermeter can be called up to show the drive system’s operating status, output and recuperation phases, the battery’s state of charge, and the range. Functions can be activated via the central touch screen, through the multi-function steering wheel or using natural-language voice control, which can source information stored in the cloud when formulating its responses to commands.

Access to the Audi connect portfolio is included for all versions on a three-year subscription basis and supplements the navigation with Google Earth mapping, traffic information online, points-of-interest search functionality and Car-to-X services based on the principle of swarm intelligence. These include updates on available roadside parking spaces in the vicinity and notifications of upcoming hazards and speed limits sourced through the networking of the Audi fleet. Audi connect also includes media streaming, online news and access to e-mail.

The Audi smartphone interface is standard, and enables a handset‘s Apple Car Play or Android Auto environment to be reproduced on the MMI display. Vorsprung versions also feature upgrades including the Audi phone box for inductive wireless charging of mobile handsets and the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with virtual 3D sound, as well as enhancements such as a panoramic glass sunroof, Alcantara and Twin leather-upholstery, front electric seat adjustment and heating and a host of additional driver assistance aids. A particular highlight among these is adaptive cruise assist, which supports the driver with acceleration, steering and braking within the limits of what is currently legally permissible, substantially enhancing comfort on long journeys in particular. These features add to a core package of assistance features for all models that includes Audi pre sense basic, pre sense front, Audi side assist blindspot monitoring and lane departure warning.

January 12, 2021

Audi S5 Wins 5th Consecutive Best Engine Award

Audi is a winner in the 20^th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition. Audi S5 marks the 5^th consecutive win for the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine. WardsAuto editors tested 44 engines and scored each based on power, noise, vibration, drivability, packaging, fuel economy, technical relevance and specifications. This year’s nominees consist of 36 gasoline engines (including 4 hybrids), 6 diesels and 2 battery-electrics.

The Audi S5 3.0 liter TFSI – 333HP (245 kW) at 5,500RPM and 440Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque at 2,900RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The fuel consumption in city is 10.7 liters / 100 km, 6.6 liters on the highway and 8.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine powers a total of seven Audi vehicles including the Audi S5, the A8 luxury sedan, A7 5-door coupe, A6, Q7 full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle, Q5 mid-size sport-utility vehicle, as well as the S4 luxury-sport sedan.

Source: Audi

December 13, 2013

Audi Saloon Joins The S3 Quattro Family

2014-Audi-S3-Saloon-shadow 2014-Audi-S3-Saloon-medium

The Audi S3 Saloon – a yet another piece of the puzzle that that will see the formation of an S3 quartet. There’s the Audi S3 and the Audi S3 Sportback; the said Saloon; and an upcoming Cabriolet. Probably the best way to describe the S3 Saloon is by referring to it as a blend of ultimate subtlety and brutal force. It’s not that the S3 and S3 Sportback are too conspicuous, but one is a 3-door hatch and that always has a hint of youthfulness and sportiness and the other… well, it’s called the Sportback, despite being slightly bigger and with a couple more doors. The S3 Saloon, however, is just your average three-box design with a trunk big enough for mount Rushmore.

Considering all that civility, you’d be surprised by what hides underneath the aluminum hood. Its a brand new 2.0-liter TFSI engine with direct and indirect injection, clever thermal management and exhaust manifold integration. The result is 296 hp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque that starts from 1,800 rpm. With the optional S tronic twin-clutch transmission, the S3 Saloon is capable of a 4,9-second sprint from 0 to 62 mph. Yet, even in the engine bay, refinement has left its mark – there are two shafts that rotate twice with the speed of the crankshaft for the ideal balance, mpg goes as high as 40,9 and there’s barely any engine noise in the cabin.

The S3 is pretty slim as well. Keep in mind that we are talking about a 390-liter trunk space and a S3 Sportback sourced wheel-base that’s 35 mm longer than the A3’s. Then there’s the complex chassis which employs a MacPherson front and four-link rear S sports suspension, plus Audi’s magnetic drive. Add to that a multi-plate clutch-based quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and you are looking at a lot of engineers scathing their heads, wondering if all is made from paper. Yet, Audi has somehow pulled it off. With some extensive use of aluminum, the S3 Saloon’s weight stands at around 1,430 kg. What’s more, it’s well distributed with 59% of it going over the front axle and 41% over the rear.

Visual treats include the S3 Saloon S-specific single-frame grille and front bumper, aluminum-look exterior mirrors, pronounced side sills and a redesigned rear bumper incorporating a platinum gray diffuser and cut-outs for the exhaust system’s four oval tailpipes

Inside, there’s the host of high-tech gadgetry one would expect from a five-door Audi – drive select with comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency settings all of which affect the throttle response, steering, the S-tronic’s shifting points, and the suspension. There are also “blank” settings for you to customize “within certain limits”. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is one of the more conspicuous things about the S3 Saloon. Again in true S quattro fashion, the dials on the instruments are gray and the needles white. There’s an information screen in the middle and a boost pressure indicator embedded in the rev counter. Dual-zone climate control, iPod connectivity, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and SD card compatible navigation system all come as standard. As an option, there’s also the possibility to have 4G internet in it. Most people don’t even have that on their phones.

Source: Audi

December 9, 2013

MTM’s Polo and Audi Lineup at The Essen Motor Show

MTM-Audi-RS6-R-shadow MTM-Volkswagen-Polo-WRC-medium

From the 30th of November until December the 8th the city of Essen, Germany will become the venue of motoring nirvana. Mostly after market companies will be showcasing their crowning achievements amidst a swirl of classic cars, accessories, tools, racing cars, fuels, lubricants etc.

One of the stands on the Essen Motor Show will be taken up by MTM; and, wouldn’t you know it., we are talking about a yet another road-going Polo R WRC. It’s supposed to have 315 hp (just as much as the rally version) and do 0 to 60 in just above four seconds. In a bid to tame that power, MTM have bolted on their own 4-piston brakes and provided KW absorbers. The car sits on 8 x 18-inch Nardo wheels wearing 215/35 ContiSportContact 5 P tires. Oh, and if you don’t find that enough, they can amp the power up to 380 hp.

MTM-Audi-RS6-R-medium

If such “feeble” is not your cup of tea, then move on to the next MTM item – 722 hp Audi RS6 R TFSI 4.0. Sounds ludicrous, but this monstrosity of a car is actually able to put all that power on the road. Its 0 to 60 is deemed insignificant, its 0 to 124 mph is quoted at just below 11 seconds. You’ll eventually hit the limiter at 211 mph. In order to cope with these forces, the MTM Audi RS6 has a few tricks up its sleeve. For starters there are the massive 295/35 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Supersports. The front brakes are equipped with mtm-defined Brembo monoblovk six-piston callipers and 405 x 36 mm brake discs. As a final party piece, the RS6 employs a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system with flaps in the front and main silencer for those special guttural sounds that will make ears bleed all around. MTM-Audi-S3-BBS-XA-Wheels-medium

There will also be another Audi (MTMs S3) on the stand that will showcase exclusively BBS’s new “XA”-type wheel, with 235/35 ZR 19 Pilot Super Sport tyres – an appropriate complement to a car that can do 60 mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and reach 205 mph.

Source: MTM

November 28, 2013

Audi’s Cylinder-on-Demand Technology for A1 and A3

Audi is now offering the A1 and A3 1.4 liter TFSI engine with Cylinder-on-Demand technology. The manufacturer is moving CoD technology from Audi S and RS models to bring 60 mpg economy potential to A1 and A3.

The 1.4 liter TFSI has 140HP (103 kW) at 5,000RPM And 250Nm (184 lb-ft) at just 1,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds for A1 with S-tronic and 8.3 seconds for A3 with 6-speed manual. The top speed is 212 km/h (132 mph) for all models.

All versions of the A1 and A1 Sportback are equipped initially with the 7-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, and all versions of the A3 and A3 Sportback with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Both transmissions will however become available for all A1 and A3 CoD models later this year.

Audi A1 three-door can return 60.1 mpg UK – 4.7 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km, while the 5-door version will do 4.9 liters / 100 km and 113 g/km CO2.

The bigger A3 has the same fuel economy as A1 three-door, but A3 Sportback needs 4.8 liters / 100 km with 112 g/km of CO2.

The Cylinder-on-Demand technology doesn’t only operate according to set parameters. Using information from the throttle pedal sensors, it determines how the driver is driving, and if it detects an irregular pattern, for instance over a series of roundabouts or on a twisting A-road, it inhibits cylinder deactivation because here it would generally only be of short duration and wouldn’t save any fuel. Two-cylinder operation is also disengaged if the driver brakes, enabling all four cylinders to support braking when coasting, and if the car is travelling downhill.

Check out the price list, below!

A1 1.4 TFSI 140PS CoD UK Pricing
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (manual)	£16,740 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (S tronic)	£18,190 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (manual)	£18,285 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (S tronic)	£19,735 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Black Edition (manual)	£19,535 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Black Edition (S tronic)	£20,985 OTR

A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140PS CoD
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (manual)	£17,360 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (S tronic)	£18,810 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (manual)	£18,905 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (S tronic)	£20,355 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Black Edition (manual)	£20,155 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Black Edition (S tronic)	£21,605 OTR

A3 1.4 TFSI 140PS CoD UK Pricing
1.4 TFSI 140PS SE (manual)	£20,055 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (manual)	£21,280 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (manual)	£23,430 OTR

A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140PS CoD
1.4 TFSI 140PS SE (manual)	£20,675 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (manual)	£21,900 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (manual)	£24,050 OTR

Source: Audi

March 11, 2013

Senner Rise the Stakes with an Audi S5 Coupe

Senner-Audi-S5-Coupe-medium Senner are now showcasing their latest work. An Audi S5 Coupe, refurbished in a way so that it suits the taste of a person who would normally breakfast, lunch and dine behind the wheel.

The looks then: A rear spoiler flap, a rear carbon fender skirt insert and a blind for the rear screen all combine to create an appealing street look. A bit more sophistication stems from the carbon fiber side skirts and carbon fiber mirror caps. A set of red Work Varianza T1S wheels measuring at 9 x 20 inch at the front and 10.5 x 20 inch at the back, offer perfect contrast to the overall whiteness of the S5. 245/30R20 and 295/25R20 tires respectively complete the picture. The final exterior touch on Senner‘s creation is the stance – a complete coilover kit from KW (Variant 3) with adjustable rebound and compression settings.

Under the hood, the aftermarket experts have also left their mark. The power is now up to 377 hp – 48 hp and 60 Nm more than you’d expect from the 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine inside. A power converter for the electronic gas pedal offers better responsivness as a new performance filter ensures better breathing. A high-grade steel sport exhaust system ends up with four exhaust tips. With all that in mind, the S5‘s top speed now comes close to 300 km/h.

Inside, a classic black and red leather trim complete with carbon inserts. A carbon steering wheel with Race Ring from an Audi R8 sits in front of the driver and a set of light-up RS5 door handles adorn the sides.

Source: Senner

August 17, 2012

Audi A1 Quattro Going 0-259 km/h on Gravel

Here’s a treat for the eyes… and ears. An Audi A1 Quattro rummaging through a tight, gravel-ish path. Not sure if the 259 km/h was the end goal or end result but either way, it came out as a fact.

The Audi A1 Quattro, as you might have guessed, is far from ordinary. Sure, it has a 2.0 TFSI that can be found in many other Volkswagens and Audis, but the 256 PS generated here are put to maximum use by the Qauttro’s suspension setup, ESP system and transmission – The electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch is all the way back to the rear axle for better weight distribution. Further back, there’s an XDS locking differential while at the front 312 mm ventilated high-performance disc brakes provide enough stopping power to halt a planet. Eventually however, it all goes down to the decades old Quattro (AWD) system – refined, redesigned and perfected (at least for now). That’s the reason we witness such a smooth start and not a trench-digging contest. From there on, it’s just grip, grip and grip. When (if) it lets go, one can fix it with a pinky.

So there you go. A brilliant machine and a brilliant test. Just goes to show how road cars have gone up a notch and deliver a glimpse of the hardcore stuff.

httpv://youtu.be/z2Wx7mCVtAo

Source: cc8186 via Youtube

June 7, 2012

Audi Q3 Red Track

News from Audi as a Q3 concept has appeared which suspiciously looks munch like the Vali Concept we saw earlier this year. At the very least, this new one is also red… If not even redder. So red in fact that Audi have called it the Red Track. It’s a themed contribution to the Wörthersee Tour that starts in May 16th – a populiar Volkswagen and Audi show.

As we said, red, or Energy Red, is the predominant theme in this one. We suspect that Audi dipped the whole Q3 Red Track in pant since even the cylinder head cover has traces of red on it. Inside, it’s pretty much the same story with added ultra-leather-nappa-aluminum-luxury. The uphostery boasts red piping with double seams and red stitching. Patches from it are made of red Velvet leather. Same segments can be found on the doors as well, despite them being generally in steel gray Nappa leather. The headlining is also gray, but made from Alcantra. The instrument panel is barraged with aluminum which sticks out nicely from the overall tone of the again Nappa material that covers it.

Enough about fabrics though as we feel an allergy coming. How about the more healthy aspects of the Red Track such as the engine – a good dose of 340 hp coming from a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder TFSI petrol unit – tremendous but then again, it should be as all of that goes to all the four wheels (permanently) trough a seven-speed S tronic transmission. In other words: zero to sixty mph in 5.4 seconds, top speed – 163 mph and naturally an upper edge on the uncharted territories. (why else would it flare it’s arches so flamboyantly?).

Obviously, when designing the Q3, the Audi engineers and masterminds had the Alps as an image in their heads. Overcoming the natural obstacles that mother nature has in store…. with flash lights and hot coffee. No, seriously. At the luggage compartment, on one of its side, there’s a station designated for storing and charging flashlights while a thermos canister can be found within the cup holder that’s in between the front two seats. Then there are the roof rails which look like completely ordinary (aluminum maybe) but Audi say they are specifically designed to carry a set of skis.

Source: Audi

May 14, 2012

Audi A6 Avant Allroad

Welcome, to the Audi A6 Allroad. It’s like that beefy relative of yours that’s always around when a pickle jar needs to be opened. The one that also has a degree in geology… anyways. What we have here is a quattro Avant that comes with smart, stop/starting, thermo-efficient engines, a light body and a sturdy look.

There are four engine choices available – three diesels and a TFSI, all in the V6 category. That last one, the petrol, doesn’t make much sense. It’s 3.0-liter displacement accommodates 310PS and 440Nm of torque. It will get the A6 to 60 mph from a stand still in no more than 5.9 seconds and, supposedly, it will return around 31.7 mpg on the combined cycle. That sounds impressive by itself but when a 3.0-liter BiTDI engine is out there as an alternative, the choice is a no brainer really. “Bi” as in two turbochargers, this one has the same power output as the TFSI (313PS) and almost a third more torque – 650 Nm. 0 to 60 mph is done in 5.6 seconds and the economy amounts to 42.2mpg – better in every way really.

If it’s economy you’re after however, then the “standard” TDI is the engine for you – respectable power of 205PS and an economy figure of 46.3mpg with a CO2 output rate of 159 g/km – just bellow a taxation threshold in many countries. For those who won’t be comfortable even with that, there will always be a fourth option which is the mid-range TDI that has 40PS more than the base one and a healthy lump of torque that amounts to 580 Nm. The 60 mph run is done in 6.6 seconds and the cost of it won’t be much as the economy figures are the equally impressive 44.8 mpg.

Except for the BiTDI Allroads, a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission comes as standard. The BiTDI ones get the latest eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.

Regardless of what you might choose, know that power will always go trough Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive that splits the incoming torque in a 40:60, front to back manner. Know also that, the engines will have the task to propel the lightest A6 generation so far – 70 kg less then the previous models.

To affirm itself as an Allroad, the A6 has to flare its wheel arches a bit. The side sills are kind of extended and there are front and rear stainless steel underbody guards that keep rocks out of the sump department.

It’s not all rough-and-tumble with the Allroad. Inside, there’s cleverness as well – a 6.5 inch display, sat nav, an electromechanical steering, Bluetooth and a drive selector that lets you choose how all the gizmos, as well as the adaptive suspension and the engine, work – Comfort, Dynamic, Automatic, Individual and Efficiency are the modes to chose from.

So, does it do better than the VW Passat Alltrack? As a bigger brother, it should so.

Source: Audi

April 4, 2012

ABT 2012 Audi AS3

Abt Sportsline has announced their tuning program of the new 2012 Audi A3. The name of the project is ABT AS3, which stands for “happiness in driving, always and everywhere” as Mr. Hans-Jürgen Abt stated.

The engine range includes two powerful power units – a 2.0 liter TFSI and a 2.0 liter TDI engine. The petrol will deliver 250PS (184 kW), instead of factory’s 200PS (147 kW) and the diesel will produce around 200PS (147 kW), instead of 170PS (125 kW). These results will be achieved thanks to ECU re-maps. The additional power will make the car faster and better to drive, because of the additional torque at the low revs.

Besides the performance packages, ABT Sportsline also offers a coil-over adjustable suspension and high-performance brake system with 345 mm discs.

The exterior package includes a new front spoiler, front grille and side skirts. There are also a new rear spoiler, the rear skirt insert and the two double rear mufflers.

The tough vision is completed by a set of DR light alloy wheels , which are available in 18 and 19 inches.

Nothing is mention about the prices though.

Source: ABT Sportsline

March 16, 2012

Senner’s Audi S5 Coupe 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Miranda Media

March 16, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: ABT Volkswagen Beetle

Abt sportsline has unveiled the tuned 2012 Beetle at the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show.

The exterior package includes a new front bumper, a rear diffuser with oval exhaust pipes and a pair of side skirts. There are also headlight brows and some nice graphics. The car is lowered by a set of sport springs. It stands on Abt DR wheels fitted with low profile tires.

The tuning specialists have developed five performance packages for the “bug” – 1.2 TSI with 140PS (103 kW), 1.4TSI with 210PS (154 kW) and the mighty 2.0TFSI is delivering 240PS (176 kW). The diesel range features 1.6 TDI receiving additional 20PS (15 kW) and the bigger 2.0TDI will have 170PS (125 kW).

Actuall, the ABT Beetle looks much better than, it was originally planned. The headlight brows give more aggressive look and the stripes complete the stunning exterior.

Source: ABT

March 8, 2012

Tag: tfsi