Category: Audi

AIMS 2011 gallery: Audi

With the already mentioned e-tron and the desirable R8 GT on the stand it may seem a bit odd to start this feature with the new Audi A6. However, the A6 is a car with a wider audience and with this new model Audi is slowly moving away from the staid designs of past mid-large size sedans. Indeed, we reckon the A6 looks pretty good and, of course, it’s well appointed inside too.

That said, the R8 GT is beautiful and the use of carbon fibre detailing is quite something. Sitting behind the wheel you get a fantastic sense of what this 560hp monster would be like. We wish we could call one of the 333 examples our own.

Other highlights include the TT RS S tronic, the nifty little A1 and the comparatively volume selling S3 Sportback.

AIMS 2011: The stars

Updates from our visit to AIMS last Friday havenâ€™t progressed as well as we had hoped, so to give you a taste of whatâ€™s to come hereâ€™s a quick teaser of the five cars that stood out the most for us.

1. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
Weâ€™ve covered this car before, when it was first revealed way back in 2009. But seeing it first hand has given us an altogether new appreciation for it. The EffeicientDynamics concept is a genuinely stunning design that we now know previews the forthcoming i8 model. Forget the mechanical aspects of the car for a moment, though, and just appreciate every crease, curve and detail. Itâ€™s an astonishingly well made concept and almost makes up for BMW not displaying any other cars. Thatâ€™s right, no 1M!

Audi

Audi TT RS now available in Australia with S tronic

Post author By Liam
Post date 30 June, 2011
8 Comments on Audi TT RS now available in Australia with S tronic

Audi will be revealing a new S tronic version of the TT RS at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne tomorrow. The new 7-speed double clutch transmission features a launch control function which Audi says can be used propel the TT RS to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

To help kick off the S tronic Audi Australia will be offering 45 Limited Edition models with a few extra goodies thrown in for no extra charge. The freebies include a black exterior styling package (not pictured), Adaptive Headlights, 19″ Rotor five spoke alloys and more. In total the extras package thrown in amounts to $8,460 at regular retail prices.

Also of interest is the S tronic will offered at the same price as the 6-speed manual; $139,900 plus on roads etc. An increase of $6,200 on 2009 launch pricing.

Audi BMW

Get ready for an Audi Q3 S v BMW X1 M rumble

Post author By Liam
Post date 29 June, 2011
7 Comments on Get ready for an Audi Q3 S v BMW X1 M rumble

German publication Auto Motor und Sport is telling the world Audi has signed off on an ‘S’ version of its small Q3 SUV. But instead of being powered by a 2.0 litre turbo like the S3, they reckon the Q3 S will get the 2.5 litre five cylinder TT RS engine. Although, it is expected to lose around 40PS from the RS spec, with peak power down to 300PS for the hot Q3.

With expectations already that BMW will stick an ‘M’ badge on the X1 we will have a nice little fight on our hands to see who’s SUV has the biggest, ahem. It’s been suggested the X1 M will steal the 1M engine and manage to lose some power in the process; 320PS is the number being spoken.

So, what do we think out there in the real world, isolated from slick marketing presentations; ‘S’ and ‘M’ badges on entry level SUVs. Too far?

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport & World Car Fans]

Audi Lamborghini McLaren Mercedes-Benz Porsche

VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C says ‘excuse me’

Post author By Liam
Post date 21 June, 2011
4 Comments on VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C says ‘excuse me’

True to their word Car magazine has posted their video results of the McLaren MP4-12C supercar group test. Former Mr Stig, Ben Collins, took to Rockingham Motor Speedway in a veritable orgasm of supercars to see if the McLaren could walk the walk, after talking so much talk.

Up against the MP4-12C were:

After the break you can see the full 10 minute clip, which includes brief comments from Collins after driving each car. Make sure you watch right to the end and then tell us what you think of the closing graphic. Also available below is in-car footage from each lap.

[Thanks to Wayne for the reminder]

Tags 458, 911 GT2 RS, Gallardo, MP4-12C, R8 V10, SLS AMG

Audi

Audi R8 GT aims for Melbourne

Post author By Liam
Post date 16 June, 2011

Audi has today confirmed the extremely rare R8 GT will be on show at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne this July. Only 333 examples of the 412kW supercar have been made and all are sold, including the five models which have been allocated to Australia.

The 5.2 litre V10 powered machine can reach 100km/h in a mere 3.6 seconds and 200km/h in only 10.8 seconds. It has a top speed of 320km/h and aside from it’s Lamborghini derived engine its pace can be put down to its relatively light 1525kg kerbweight. That’s around 100kg lighter than a regular R8.

This year’s motor show is shaping up to be a good one, so make sure you make time in your calendar.

Audi Motorsports

Audi Sport Team Joest quotes from Le Mans

Post author By Liam
Post date 15 June, 2011

Following Audi’s tenth Le Mans victory, one described by team boss Dr Wolfgang Ullrich as “most difficult Le Mans race weâ€™ve ever contested”, here is a list of quotes from all the drivers and team bosses.

Of particular note are the words from Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller, who both crashed out of the race in spectacular fashion. Thankfully, both are well and in good spirits.

The winning #2 Audi, driven by BenoÃ®t TrÃ©luyer, Marcel FÃ¤ssler and AndrÃ© Lotterer, featured the least experienced crew at the wheel of the new R18 TDI machine. A nice bit of trivia for the team to emerge from this victory is that all nine Audi drivers have now stood atop the winner’s podium at Le Mans.

We’ll be back soon with an more extensive image gallery from Le Mans 2011.

Audi Motorsports

Audi claims emotional tenth win at Le Mans

Post author By Liam
Post date 12 June, 2011
6 Comments on Audi claims emotional tenth win at Le Mans

Audi Sport Team Joest has seen its #2 car, driven by BenoÃ®t TrÃ©luyer, Marcel FÃ¤ssler, AndrÃ© Lotterer, claim victory in a drama filled race at Le Mans.

The #2 car started from pole and won by just 13.854 seconds from the #9 Peugeot 908. The #8 Peugeot, two laps down, claimed the final podium step.

The Audi team lost two of its cars in spectacular fashion when both Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller survived horrific crashes.

By claiming its tenth win from thirteen starts Audi has added to its recent dominance at Le Mans once again. The German marque now stands alone on the all time honour list, behind Porsche (16 wins) and ahead of Ferrari (9 wins).

Audi Motorsports

VIDEO: Mike Rockenfeller crashes out of Le Mans

Post author By Liam
Post date 12 June, 2011
4 Comments on VIDEO: Mike Rockenfeller crashes out of Le Mans

A second Audi R18 TDI has crashed out of Le Mans in terrifying circumstances. This time it was the #1 car with Mike Rockenfeller at the wheel, although the contact was similar to that suffered by Allan McNish who crashed out in the first hour. The 27-year-old German was fast approaching the #71 AF Corse Ferrari and went for an overtake down the inside on entry to the Indianapolis corner. The gap was there, but perhaps Robert Kauffman didn’t see him and the two collided on the apex of the high-speed corner.

The results sent Rockenfeller spearing into the barrier and full pace before crashing over the barriers on the other side of the track. Due to the position on the track and that it was approaching 11pm local time, vision of the crash is limited. Amazingly, it’s been reported that Rockenfeller was able to walk away from his car before being taken to hospital for observation.

We’ve added a short statement from Audi below.

[Source: lemans.org]

Audi Motorsports

VIDEO: Allan McNish crashes out of Le Mans

Post author By Liam
Post date 12 June, 2011
12 Comments on VIDEO: Allan McNish crashes out of Le Mans

Audi driver Allan McNish was lucky to walk away from this spectacular crash in the 2011 Le Mans 24 hour race. The incident happened inside the first hour, just after the Dunlop bridge, when McNish clipped the #58 Luxury Racing Ferrari driven by Anthony Beltoise.

According to Beltoise the speed of the prototype R18 TDI is up to 50km/h quicker than the slower GTE class Ferrari through that section of track and speculation suggests that McNish could not see the Ferrari around his teammate in the #1 Audi who had slowed down due to the slower car.

It was a frightening accident and the relief of the Audi Sport Team Joest crew can be seen after McNish emerged from the wreckage.

Tags 24 Hours of Le Mans, Allan McNish

Audi Motorsports Peugeot

Audi R18 claims pole at Le Mans

Post author By Liam
Post date 10 June, 2011

In the battle of the heavyweights Audi has landed the first punch by claiming a front row lockout after qualifying at the Le Mans 24 hour race. For a team with such a great winning record of late, it’s difficult to believe this is the first pole for Audi Sport Team Joest since 2006.

It was the #2 Audi R18 of BenoÃ®t TrÃ©luyer, Marcel FÃ¤ssler, AndrÃ© Lotterer (3m 25.738s) that qualified ahead of the #1 Audi driven by Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Mike Rockenfeller (3m 25.799s). A desperately close margin of just 0.061 seconds.

Frenchman TrÃ©luyer set the pole-winning time and he was rapt with the result, “I was born so close to here and the 24 Hours is such a challenge and I was not even thinking about the pole position and then I did and it is just fantastic. Iâ€™m so happy about the car, about the job by the mechanics, engineers and itâ€™s just such a nice present to them for all the work they have done up to now.”

Close behind in third place on the grid is the #9 Peugeot 908 of Pedro Lamy, Sebastien Bourdais and Simon Pagenaud (3m 26.010s).

Official reports from both leading outfits can be read after the break. The race starts at 11pm tomorrow evening Australian eastern time and television coverage is available from One and live audio can be accessed online from Radio Le Mans. And don’t forget to download your free Spotter Guide so you can see who’s who.

Audi Motorsports

Audi all set for Le Mans

Post author By Liam
Post date 9 June, 2011

Audi are the defending champions at Le Mans and they currently sit on a total of nine wins, equal with Ferrari and second only to Porsche (16 wins). It’s a pretty tidy effort considering the first four-ringed victory was achieved as recently as 2000.

They will have high expectations for their new hardtop R18 racecar. And those expectations will be shared live through a number of medium including Facebook, twitter and a dedicated website. You’ll have access to live on board footage and telemetry from all three of their cars. That’s very cool.

It’s shaping us as being a very big weekend!