Category: Audi

Over at MotorTrend they’re talking about a new lightweight Audi R8, codenamed the NF. Lighter even than the R8 GT, which has 100kg stripped from it, the new NF will rely heavily on the use of carbon fibre. The image above is a regular R8 being used as a prototype in the development of the NF.

Where it gets really interesting is reading how Audi has been crash testing cars made with carbon fibre panels. While there’s not a lot of detail, it does seem the lighter and stronger carbon fibre could have a future in broader automotive mass manufacturing.

Typically, carbon fibre shatters into tiny shards on impact as this old clip from USF1 shows. Whereas the stuff Audi has been testing does not.

The information came after a tour of the Audi Lightweight Design Centre at the company’s Neckarsulm facility. Audi was cagey with details and ensured that none of the journos on the tour had any way to record words or images. The pic above was released by Audi themselves.

At this stage there’s nothing available via the regular Audi AG press portal, but if we stumble across anything we’ll let you know. As for when we might see this Audi R8 NF, we’re not sure exactly, but pencil in 2014 for now.

[Source: MotorTrend]

The 90 second verdict vids provided by Autocar are generally pretty good value. Here’s one on the Audi A7 Sportback, which, is quite a smart looking 4-door “coupé” thingy.

Thisreviewisquitegoodtoojustdon’texpectthereviewertohavetimetotakeabreath.

The model tested is a 3.0 TFSI quattro and it gets a respectable 4 stars. Shouldn’t be too long until we start to see these in Australia.

Hilton Holloway from Autocar reckons the new Audi Quattro has the potential to be the best handling Audi ever. At least that was his conclusion after he scored an unexpected drive in a prototype version recently.

It’s been a few months since we last had an update on the 21st century Audi Quattro. Last time out a couple of the Euro mags spent some time behind the converted concept car. The signs were pretty positive, too.

The car driven by Holloway looks like any old A5 coupé, but under the bonnet is that famous inline five cylinder engine. Still very much a work in progress, the 400hp test mule tips the scales at around 1400kg, some 100kg over the supposed target weight. Although, Audi is yet to give the car the green light. Many will also be pleased to learn the development car is fitted with a traditional 6-speed manual.

Here’s what Holloway thought, after his brief test drive around a closed circuit, “This prototype is fast, fluid and extremely well-balanced. The performance, as you might expect, is vivid. The car did not betray the fact it has a longitudinal engine hanging out ahead of the front wheels, instead it felt utterly neutral and utterly unstickable. It is also glorious light, agile and enthusiastic.”

Impressive. So, does he reckon Audi will build it? He seems certain, “As soon as the Audi board members try this prototype, the Quattro concept will be heading for the showroom.”

[Source: Autocar]

If you’re a fan of the Audi RS3 you’ve probably seen the footage of the car mucking around on the snow and ice in Canada. If you have missed it, then you can check it out after the break. Looks like a lot of fun, don’t you think?

So, then, when can we have a turn? Well, that’s looking about as likely as hell freezing over, we’re afraid. Audi Australia is yet to officially respond to our correspondence seeking confirmation the RS3 will not be coming to Australia. However, their silence and reports of dealers refunding deposits tell their own story.

Meanwhile, Evo and Fourtitude were on hand in Canada to see if the elusive RS3 is worth getting upset about.

Fourtitude were generally positive, but did feel the RS3 was missing that final edge: “And yet, as glowing as we are about the car, we must admit it’s not quite as impressive as the TT RS. Performance-wise the horsepower difference can be counted on just one hand but the TT RS’ lower center of gravity and lighter aluminum chassis is a noticeable advantage.”

Evo only provide us with a small teaser, really, and while not glowing with praise, they were impressed: “It might not be as focused a drive as the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, but it has a broader range of abilities, as evidenced by its ability to easily, progressively, hold long four-wheel drifts on ice and snow and still have the balance to be flung between tarmac esses. It’s also faster.”

Maybe Australian RS3 fans are better pining for the TT RS anyway. It’s lighter and has a proper gearbox. Is that enough to compensate for reduced practicality?