Category: Audi

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Audi

Audi RS5: Australian pricing & specs

Audi RS5

Audi Australia has launched the RS5 with a manufacturer’s list price of $175,300. You’ll still need to pay a few statutory charges, but that’s about $4600 less than the AUSmotive prediction. A small saving, however, you still sense that price point is going to ensure Audi has to fight hard for every sale. Okay, it’s probably a bit tired to continually make this comparison, but you can bet the words BMW M3 will cross the lips of most RS5 buyers at some stage.

The RS5 has received extensive coverage on AUSmotive, so there’s no great need to go over the details again. The basics remain, that is the RS5 is powered by a 331kW 4.2 litre V8 driven by a quattro system featuring trick terms like torque vectoring and crown-gear centre differential. You can find out more on that technology here: quattro 101.

After the break you can read Audi’s press release and check out their latest gallery of images. It’s a great looking car, that’s for sure. Also included for download are the following items, all correct at time of publication:

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Audi Green Machines Motor Shows

Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder

Audi e-tron Spyder

This is the Audi e-tron Spyder, it’s the latest in the e-tron range from Ingolstadt and joins similar concept models previously shown at Detroit and Frankfurt. Featuring a fuel efficient 221kW V6 diesel engine the e-tron Spyder is complemented with a a pair of electric motors, one each to drive the front wheels, offering a further 64kW in all.

By using its Audi Space Frame technology weight has kept to 1450kg, or about the same as a current model TT. That’s not especially light, it must be said, but at least the addition of the electric motors hasn’t bothered the scales too much. Audi has managed to distribute that weight evenly over both axles, aiding handling and road holding.

The V6 TDI provides 650Nm of torque, the electric power adds a further 352Nm, meaning the Spyder concept can propel itself to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds. Sedate driving is rewarded with fuel consumption of just 2.2l/100km. CO2 emissions are kept low as well, producing just 59g/km. If you want to play the zero emission game you can, but to achieve the maximum 50km range you need to keep your speed below 60km/h.

At just 1100mm high, thanks to its gangster looks, the e-tron Spyder adds to the successful design legacy of Audi’s recent concept models. There’s plenty of other trick details included with this car, too, so make sure you check out the complete press release. Full details, pictures and video available after the break.

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Audi Motor Shows

Paris 2010: Audi quattro concept

Audi quattro concept

It is 30 years since Audi first released the original Quattro. And it now turns out that camouflaged machine we saw a couple of weeks ago is this new quattro concept, which Audi revealed in Paris overnight. Two words: do want!

The engine found beneath the snarling bonnet has been sourced from the TT RS; a 2.5 litre 5 cylinder turbo paying its respects to the Ur Quattro. Audi’s lab coats have also found the time to boost power to a new high of 300kW (408bhp). The weight of this car is a reasonably light 1300kg, too. Zero to one hundred is despatched in just 3.9 seconds.

Built on an RS5 platform the wheelbase for the quattro concept has been shortened by 150mm. The car also sits 40mm lower than its RS5 donor body. The overall look is a great success and the AUSmotive tick of approval is definitely given to this car.

Audi are often criticised for erring on the side of conservatism with their hero models. This extroverted quattro concept, though, gets the mix just right. The aggressive front nose is complemented by the 1980s inspired bonnet scoop and flutes. Even the subtle Audi badge on the C pillar is a perfectly executed detail. The side profile, beautifully understated on the one hand, bullish on the other.

Let’s hope this concept goes into full series production.

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Audi

New info for Audi RS3, RS7 and S1

Audi S1, RS3 and RS7

German publication Auto Bild has published new info and some pricing detail on upcoming Audi models—the RS3, RS7 and S1:

RS3—Rumours and guesswork on when this car will finally see the light of day continue with new suggestions the RS3 will not be launched until the Geneva show in March 2011. Paris could be off, then?! The constant information that does exist is in relation to the engine being sourced from the TT RS; meaning the 250kW 2.5 litre in-line 5 cylinder should have the balls to propel the RS3 to 100km/h in well under 5 seconds. European pricing is expected to be under €50,000.

RS7—Understood to be powered by a new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, which will offer 550bhp (410kW) to the world. The RS7 is said to be revealed at the Frankfurt show in September 2011. The car would then go on European sale shortly after at around €110,000.

S1—Just when you thought it was safe to stop thinking about this car a new rumour has emerged. The latest word suggests the 210bhp (155kW) 2.0 litre turbo from the Golf GTI will be stuffed under the bonnet. There’s no mention of quattro from the Auto Bild article, but you can expect that to be included given earlier news regarding the front-wheel drive “S1 lite”.

[Source: Auto Bild via The German Car Blog]

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Audi

Australian launch of Audi RS5 imminent

Audi RS5

Information found its way to AUSmotive recently that the Audi RS5 will more than likely be making its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show, which starts in mid-October. This complements another anonymous tip that was received some time ago now that reveals the entry level list pricing for the 4.2 litre V8 powered RS5 is expected to be $179,900.

There are reports of RS5s being seen at Audi dealerships around the country and even stories of a few customer pre-orders, as well. Standard equipment starts with the 331kW engine coupled to a 7 speed S tronic transmission. Also thrown in for good measure is Audi’s familiar quattro system which has been tricked up some more thanks to a crown-gear centre differential with torque vectoring. Xenon headlights with adaptive technology are included, too, along with high beam assist, three zone climate control, MMI Navigation Plus, Audi Music Interface and more.

In addition to the basic spec customers can choose from a range of options, including two choices of 20″ rims ($3885 or $4128 if you want the titanium finish), ceramic brakes ($15,000), Dynamic steering ($1080), Matt aluminium styling pack ($1335), Matt black styling pack ($1044), Adaptive cruise control ($2945), heated RS bucket seats ($3450) and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrade ($2306).

A total of nine colours will be available for the RS5 and it’ll cost you $1695 if you want sparkles in your paint. The range of options is as follows, Monza Silver, Suzuka Grey, Daytona Grey, Missano Red, Mugello Blue, Phantom Black, Panther Black, Sepang Blue and Ibis White.

The thing is, though, with a $180K starting price, pushing well into the 200s, with a few options ticked, won’t take a lot of effort. That’s a lot of cash for a car that has an impressive natural rival in the BMW M3.

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Audi

Audi releases info on “S1 lite”

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

The Audi S1 mystery has been solved. For now, at least. Today, new information has been released about a 136kW A1 which Audi now wants us to call a 1.4 TFSI. In theory this is the S1 that has been expected for several months, but it appears Ingolstadt had doubts about adorning a front-wheel drive car with an “S” badge. Probably a wise move too, saving that nomenclature for quattro equipped cars only.

As the name suggests the most powerful A1 model to date is powered by a 1.4 litre four cylinder engine that employs both supercharging and turbocharging technology. The supercharger gives the car a nudge along from around 1500–2400rpm, while the turbo gets serious from 3500rpm. Seems like there’s a bit of a gap there, but the proof will be in the driving.

In addition to its peak power the A1 1.4 TFSI offers 250Nm of torque. It’s pretty much the same unit found in the current Polo GTI. Like the Polo, the A1 can sprint to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. When driven economically you should be using around 5.9 litres of fuel for every 100km travelled.

For now, and possibly always, the car can only be bought with a 7 speed S tronic double clutch transmission. Other gadgets fitted include an electronic limited slip diff, as well as the option of xenons with LED daytime running lights, a choice of two navigation systems and a 14 speaker Bose stereo.

Audi has been a bit light on with pictures for now, so we should expect to see more on that front when the car makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show. That also means we have to start keeping an ear out for new rumours of an all-new S1, possibly, or perhaps hopefully, powered by a 2.0 litre turbo and, of course, fitted with a quattro drivetrain. Maybe, maybe not?

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Audi

What’s it really like to drive an Audi RS2?

Audi RS2

Here at AUSmotive HQ we’ve never hidden our love for the Audi RS2. Seeing the only RS2 in Australia for the first time back in 2008 sent me into raptures. The RS2 is part Audi, part Porsche, all bonkers. It set the scene not only for the über Audis which have since followed, but it also showed than wagons can be very, very cool.

So it was with some interest I read a recent drive report from US outlet European Car. The author also lusted after the RS2 back in the day. When he finally met his hero, how did it shape up?

Included here is a small teaser, follow the source link below for the full article:

“Almost 15 years later I’m driving the car Audi said it would never bring to North America. After 20 minutes of adrenalin-soaked insanity, I’m beginning to understand why.

“For a while I’m able to hold onto the reins. It kicks and snorts and does its best to throw me off but finally settles down. I can’t remember having such a satisfying drive, especially from a car that would love nothing more than stomp me to death.”

Sounds like fun to me!

[Source: European Car]

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Audi

Audi S1 faces identity crisis

Audi S1 rendering

Contradiction and confusion are the order of the day in regards to the future of the Audi S1. It seems certain that an A1-based model with a 1.4 TFSI engine producing in the order of 130kW driving the front wheels only will be made. But what badge will it wear? Will this be the first “S” badged Audi that does not include an all-wheel drive quattro system?

According to Autocar, yes it will. On Tuesday they reported, “Audi has officially confirmed this month’s Paris motor show as the location for the launch of its new S1 hot hatch. The S1 will be front-wheel drive, making it the first S-badged Audi to do without a quattro drivetrain.”

Sounds pretty definitive, right. Well, on Wednesday Australian media outlet carsales published an equally confident report stating, “Audi has tried to quietly kill off its upcoming S1 just weeks before its scheduled launch in southern France.

“Insiders have revealed that while the car will still be built, it will be stripped of its S1 badges and will be known as an A1 1.4 TFSI instead.

“The final nail in its coffin was that Volkswagen Group boss Martin Winterkorn didn’t want its front-wheel drive status diluting an ‘S’ car line up that has been, up to now, exclusively all-wheel drive.”

The no quattro, no “S” badge theory does make sense. What doesn’t make sense is the number of interwebz articles confirming the launch of an S1 at Paris and just one report stating it won’t be happening. If you see any other reports discussing the cancellation of the S1, please post a link in the comments section below.

[Source: Autocar & carsales]

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Audi

Audi Project Anniversario back in flight?

Audi Project Anniversario

Earlier in the week some very grainy footage of a car being delivered to a ski jump arena was posted to YouTube. The accepted theory was that the car attached to the chopper was an Audi R4 e-tron being filmed in preparation for some promo material. However, thanks to these new photos published by Autobild it turns out the car could very well be a prototype model of the Project Anniversario, which is a new 21st century Quattro model.

We’ve not heard anything about the Anniversario for some time, so this news is most welcome. It is understood the model will be based on the RS5 Coupé and it is due for launch in 2012.

The real kick expected from the Anniversario is its anticipated 1400kg weight. This would be some 325kg lighter than the RS5. It’s uncertain what engine the Anniversario might use, but it could be the 4.2 litre V8 from the RS5 makes way for a new V6 helped along with a turbocharger or two. With any luck all will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show, which starts on 30 September.

There’s a few more pics after the break, including a couple of new renderings. It looks a bit spesh, what do you think?

[Source: The German Car Blog via Autobild]

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Audi

More Audi RS3 gossip

Audi RS3 rendering

This morning brings new details of the new Audi RS3. Well, assuming we’re not being led down the garden path again, like we were in the build up to Frankfurt 2009. Posted to The German Car Blog is the following info, which again comes via a UK customer claiming to have placed a pre-order for an RS3:

  • The Audi RS3 will only be available as a 5-door Sportback version
  • 6-speed manual standard, with a new 7-speed S-tronic gearbox (PQ500 unit) as an option (now available on TT RS too)
  • Being a limited edition model (2700 units), the RS3 may get 10 more horsepower than TT RS (350bhp)
  • The TT RS would receive the same power update in 2011 to coincide with the US launch
  • quattro GmbH has reportedly tested the 2.5 litre 5 cylinder unit to 720bhp
  • Expected UK pricing is between £38,000–40,000
  • Aluminium panels, suspension parts and special lightweight sport seats have been used to save weight
  • 2700 total production is same as proposed run for BMW’s 1M Coupé

Note: the above pic is a rendering only and has been floating around the interwebz for a while.

[Source: The German Car Blog]

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Audi

Is the Audi RS3 coming to Paris?

Audi RS3 prototype

With the Paris Motor Show almost on our door step rumours of what will be on show are beginning to sprout up all over the place. One new rumour suggests the Audi RS3 will be launched in Paris.

The info comes from a UK reader of The German Car Blog who claims to have pre-ordered an RS3. Supposedly the production run of the RS3 will be limited to 2700 vehicles.

Another tidbit from the same source suggests Audi will also have a Q3 on show.

[Source: The German Car Blog]

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Audi

Is Audi making an RS version of the R8?

Audi R8 GT RS?

This Audi R8 was recently photographed at a service station near the Nürburgring in Germany. It’s a bit of an odd one. Are those red markings on the body work part disguise, or part bad taste? Is that lower front splitter an aftermarket add-on, or a work in progress? Are they really new exhaust exits up high, coming straight from the engine bay? Speaking of which, could there be an even more powerful V10 underneath that plastic engine cover?

But, a bigger question remains; is there really scope for yet another, driver focused, iteration of the R8 given Audi has already give us the R8 GT? Maybe this could be a rear-wheel drive only beast to take it up to the Porsche GT2 RS.

So, we have a lot of questions about this car, let’s hope Audi has some answers for us soon.

[Source: Auto Express | Pics: autoscoop.biz]

UPDATE: Word on the tweet says this car may simply be an MTM development prototype, rather than Audi being up to any new tricks. I thought there were too many unanswered questions on this one.

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