Category: Audi

Vorsprung durch Technik

It’s one of the few foreign language advertising slogans to gain lasting traction in the English speaking world, and in 2011 it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The term means ‘advancement through technology’ and, as you would expect, Audi say it has as much value to their brand today as it did back in 1971.

Followers of pop culture will know of references to the slogan in songs by Blur and U2. It also gained a mention in the cult film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

After the break yo can see more from Audi, including a pretty cool commercial for the R8 and the iconic ski jump ad for Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

First, we got the news that Audi had not only dreamed up a 370kW A1 clubsport, but actually built it as well. Then we get told that inside Audi the car is referred to as the RS1. Now you can watch a video of it being made.

Audi, please make the A1 clubsport a production reality, in some form or other.

[Thanks to Mitch for the tip]

Audi Australia has just launched its pocket rocket A1 1.4 TFSI Sport. With 136kW/250Nm provided by the twincharge engine and a 7-speed S tronic gearbox the A1 Sport can reach 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The A1 Sport is based on the 1.4 TFSI Ambition we tested last December and we reckon the extra 46kW on offer will be worth the wait.

Quality and power in the A1 range does come at a price, though. That price starts at $42,500 (manufacturer’s list pricing). While the A1 Sport is reasonably well specced, with current must-haves such as bi-xenons headlights and Bluetooth connectivity, among other goodies, driveaway prices in the $50K range won’t be hard to achieve. Remember, the Volkswagen Polo GTI, essentially the same car underneath a less premium skin, is comfortably cheaper.

MINI has been able to establish a strong niche for high-cost hatchbacks without too much fuss. Is there room for another heavy-hitter in the premium hot hatch market?

After the break there’s Audi Australia’s press release, plus three PDFs for download which will tell you everything you need to know about the A1 1.4 TFSI Sport. For now, we can’t wait for a drive.

It’s only been a couple of weeks since the an undisguised R8 GT Spyder was spied, and now Audi has officially taken the wraps off and published a set of images and basic press information.

Like the R8 GT hardtop, the Spyder will be limited to 333 examples. A regimented carbon fibre diet has seen the R8 GT Spyder shed 85 kilograms, which helps the 412kW convertible reach 100km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds before reaching a v-max of 317km/h.

The R8 GT Spyder lifts its engine and drivetrain from the tintop. That means you’ll find a delightful 5.2 litre V10 coupled to a quattro all-wheel drive system and a 6-speed R tronic transmission beneath the Spyder’s great looking exterior.

Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2012, following a public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. You’ll find more from Audi after the break.

UPDATE 9 June: Audi Australia has confirmed just five GT Spyders will be coming to Australia in the latter half of 2012. Pricing is yet to be announced, but you’d better get in quick!

Undisguised prototypes of the Audi R8 GT Spyder have been seen about in the last few days. It’s expected the car will make its public debut at Frankfurt later this year.

The ragtop will use the mechanicals from the already released R8 GT, which was limited to a production run of 333 cars. That means there’ll be a truly bahn storming 412kW V10 howling right behind your ears. And without a roof to muffle the noise we expect it will be one motoring’s best aural experiences.

The regular R8 Spyder tips the scales a meaty 1725kg, but following a GT diet the convertible may follow suit from its hardtop sibling by shedding around 100kg.

[Source: Evo | Pic: Automedia]