Tag: Audi

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Audi

Oh baby drive away, to Malibu

Audi quattro concept

Last week we told you the Audi quattro concept was spotted in Malibu, west of Los Angeles. Now, we can see what they were up to. Audi has released new footage of the concept car and a Ur-Quattro driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Interspersed with vision of the quattro concept in front of a city skyline there is a voiceover man telling us what’s what.

He did forget to slip in the bit about the car being locked in for production and the first example to roll of the production line being reserved for AUSmotive HQ, but aside from that I think he got everything else right. Find out for yourself after the break. Also included is a longer video without narration.

Apart from the two clips Audi hasn’t released any extra text to explain why these videos have been released around two months after the car’s debut at the Paris Motor Show. Let’s just assume it’s to support the growing belief that Audi will turn concept into reality.

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Audi

So, what is the Audi quattro concept like to drive?

Audi quattro concept

When the stunning Audi quattro concept made its debut in Paris it was little more than a show car queen. It had a modest engine designed only to get it from transporter to show hall. Now, though, Audi has fiddled with the car and installed a few herbs. 402 of them to be exact, or around 300kW if you want the straight version. Powered by the wonderful 2.5 litre inline five cylinder found in the TT RS and now the RS3, as well, and tipping the scales at a whopping 235kg less than the RS3, this 21st century Quattro should be the duck’s guts. But is it?

Well, luckily for us, or perhaps more luckily for them, Matt Prior from Autocar and Henry Catchpole from Evo have been given the chance to drive the car to find out.

Matt Prior: Encouraged by Audi to press on a bit faster, I give it a bootful, at which point it feels rather less like a concept car. The Quattro really flies. Once you’ve a few revs wound on – anything over 2500 is fine – most of the lag disappears and the distinctive five-pot warble kicks in, followed by some whistling and chattering of the wastegate when you lift and start the process in the next gear. It feels R8 V10 kind of fast, but that acceleration is easier to get at. The shift is sweet too. The brakes perhaps a tad over-servoed, but manageable enough. Engine response is fine for heel and toe downshifts.

Henry Catchpole: Despite steering that could do with being a bit quicker, you can feel how light it is and what a short wheelbase it has as it snaps into corners with the rear end feeling particularly keen. It also rides amazingly well for a concept car with big 20in wheels. Even after a limited drive I want one.

While it’s very early days yet—the concept is yet to be approved for production—it sounds as though Audi’s engineers have a great platform to work on should the top brass give them the okay to build it.

We especially like this last line from Catchpole’s review, “If you put the sat-nav into ‘Race’ mode then it will apparently read you pace notes for the road ahead like a rally co-driver!” For the full text follow the links below.

[Source: Autocar & Evo]

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Audi

Audi quattro concept looks set for production

Audi quattro spied in Malibu

This Audi quattro concept, or perhaps that should read, the Audi quattro concept was recently spotted in Malibu, California. It’s understood the Paris Motor Show star was out on a photoshoot, with a red 1980s Ur-Quattro also along for the ride. The cruisey quattros had a Police escort and all.

Okay, that’s not the properly exciting bit. Apparently the guy who snapped the spy pics (see link below for more) spoke to the lucky folks with the stunning quattro concept and was told Audi will be putting the concept into limited production. Bravo!

Let’s just hope the earlier rumour that its price could be a whopping £200,000(AU$320,000) is proved false.

[Source: Jalopnik]

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Audi

More Audi RS3 eye candy

Audi RS3

Following the release of official RS3 info from Audi earlier this week comes this series of wallpapers sourced from the Audi.de website. Shown above is an RS3 fitted with the black optics package, which includes the gloss black grille; good, and the black wheel with red detailing; bad.

There are 17 pics in all from the gallery and you can check out the rest after the break, along with a promo video showing the RS3 in all its glory.

Further, here is a brief email exchange between AUSmotive and Audi AG:

Am: Is there any chance the RS3 will feature a manual gearbox in future?
Audi: No

Am: Is the production of the RS3 limited to 2700 units, or any other number?
Audi: No

Am: Is the quattro system exactly the same as found in the current model S3, or have there been some revisions?
Audi: The rear axle differential, prop shaft and drive shaft are reinforced.

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Audi

2011 Audi RS3 Sportback – official info & pics

2011 Audi RS3

It’s official, at last! Audi has just released confirmed specs on the RS3 Sportback quattro. It is powered by the same 250kW 2.5 litre inline five cylinder found in the TT RS. Even the peak torque figure of 450Nm is the same. At this stage, though, it looks like the RS3 will only be fitted with a 7-speed S tronic; there is no mention of a manual box in the initial press release.

An aggressive front spoiler sets the tone for what is quite a hot looking hot hatch. Large 19″ alloys set off the car very well, too. They feature a slightly staggered formation, with 235/35 tyres up front and 225/35 at the rear (that’s not a typo). She’s a bit of a porker, though, at 1575kg it’s just as well Audi used carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the flared front guards, as the weight of the RS3 is nearing obesity for what is still a mid-size hatch.

Being an RS model this hyper-hatch features a “S” button which, among other things, opens an exhaust flap to release more of that awesome five-pot growl. It also enables the driver to completely disengage the ESP system.

Performance is up there, as you’d expect, and Audi claim a rapid 0-100km/h time of just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Given the RS3’s numbers—performance and weight—its overall fuel consumption figure of 9.1l/100km is quite respectable.

Five exterior colors are available, but in the material released to date Audi are being shy with the details. We can probably make a well-educated guess, though. Red will feature, obviously, along with our guesses of white, silver, black and Audi’s signature RS metallic blue.

Inside is mostly what you’d expect from the familiar 8P A3 donor range. There is the new addition of “Aluminium Race” inlays, but the RS sport bucket seats in the press pics are an option. So, too, is the red contrast stitching. Silver contrast stitching will be standard fare.

There’s no mention of the car having a limited production run of 2700 vehicles as has been speculated. But it has been confirmed the RS3 will be released early next year with a European base price of €49,900. We expect Australian buyers will be doing well if they can drive away for less than $100K when the car finds its way down under.

All in all the RS3 Sportback looks the goods. Many, including us here at AUSmotive, will lament the lack of Coupé and manual transmission options. It’s unlikely that information is being held back, either.

Audi’s initial press information is available after the break, along with all 40 images released to date (click on the pics to launch 2000px super sizing).

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Audi

Audi quattro concept could be positioned above R8

Audi quattro concept

A tweet made by Evo magazine from the LA Auto Show suggests the Audi quattro concept could be positioned above the R8 if it goes into production. Also predicted is a £200K price point and a limited production run of no more than 1000 cars.

From a pure power point of view the 300kW concept car is unlikely to knock the 412kW R8 GT from its performance perch. As a result, we remain a little unsure that Audi would place the quattro concept above the R8 in its model line up.

Of course, it is entirely possible that any road going version of the Paris concept could redefine performance Audis; using an entirely different engine to the tweaked TT RS powerplant previewed back in September.

Whatever the case, if Audi builds it, we will want one!

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Audi

Forget the S1, would you believe RS1?

Audi RS1 rumour

The Audi rumour mill has well an truly hit over drive in regards to the hottest version of its A1 platform. First, it was all about the S1. But Audi pulled the pin when they said they couldn’t fit quattro to the little pocket rocket and the car formerly known as the S1 simply became known as the A1 1.4 TFSI. Then, supposedly, Audi said it’s okay everyone, we can fit quattro into the A1, so there will be an S1 after all.

Or so we thought.

Now, the latest word from German rag Autobild says there will be no S1 – the famous Ur Quattro rally-spec name could be protected – instead, there will be an RS1. Only a few weeks ago we had an RS1 rumour pushing a 180kW 1.6 litre turbo theory. Today’s speculation says the RS version will be fitted with the 155kW 2.0 litre from the Golf GTI and, of course, a quattro drivetrain as well.

The RS1 is not due any time before 2012, so it looks like we’re in for at least two more years of will they/won’t they dramaz; probably in line with the RS3 storyline. Oh joy!

[Source: Autobild (translated)]

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Audi

Audi RS3 due in April 2011?

Audi RS3 - due in April 2011?

Some new information regarding the greatly anticipated Audi RS3 has found its way on to the German Car Forum. Accordingly we can expect the RS3, in Sportback form only, to be released in April next year. Assuming this is the case, then a public debut for the RS3 at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March has most likely been locked in by Audi’s top brass.

There has previously been some confusion over the peak power figure of the RS3; rumours in September suggested the 2.5 litre inline five cylinder in the RS3 could get as much as 10bhp more than the TT RS, with the TT RS to receive a similar power upgrade as part of a mid-cycle refresh. However, those numbers could possibly be explained by conversion from bhp to PS to kW, or variations thereof. If the above document is correct, then 340PS = 250kW, which is the same as the TT RS.

The info appears to be some form of internal dealer communication (click on the image above for the full version you check out the full version on the German Car Forum link below), so there is cause to give some credence to the data shown. All we need to do now is keep waiting.

[Source: German Car Forum | Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

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Audi Porsche Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group’s MiMo sportscar platform is go!

Audi R5 rendering

Word has emerged that the Volkswagen Group’s mittelmotor (MiMo) sports car platform has been approved. That means an Audi R5, like the rendering above, could be a reality by 2014.

Volkswagen would make use of the MiMo architecture by turning their Concept BlueSport into a production reality. Porsche, though, is likely to get first dibs on the platform as they will likely play a lead development role. Something which can only benefit Audi and VW.

The mid-engine R5 will sit in between the TT and the R8 in Audi’s model lineup. While a number of engine configurations will be available, including a few electric gizmos, it’s expected the hero R5 will be powered by the 2.5 litre five pot found in the TT RS.

The MiMo Porsche, complete with the internal codename 356, would be positioned below the Boxster, making it the most affordable way into Porsche ownership.

This mittelmotor thing, then, is set to bring the motoring world some very tasty metal. With Porsche’s involvement, it is sure to be a fantastic drive, as well. One very big AUSmotive tick of approval has just been granted!

[Source: Car]

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Audi

Surely they won’t make an RS1 as well?

Audi RS1

Here is a rendering of an Audi RS1 from French website L’Automobile. They say the RS1 will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged four cylinder, which will produce around 240bhp (180kW).

However, we’re still only playing with rumours about the development of an S1; nothing official has been announced by Audi. And the whole RS3 saga continues to drag on, as well.

An Audi RS1? Well, I wouldn’t rule it out. But at the rate the RS3 has been developing, perhaps just not in my lifetime!

[Source: L’Automobile (translated)]

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Audi Motor Shows

AIMS 2010: Audi A1

Audi A1

Audi launched its new A1 model at the Australian International Motor Show. They say it is the next big thing. Small in size, big on features is the theory. Does the A1 deliver on its promise? We’ll need a drive before we can give a definitive answer on that, but after putting our grubby little fingers all over the car we can at least tell you what it’s like from a visual point of view.

Outside, the look is definitely Audi and the result is mostly a success. Maybe the lower lip on the lower hatch where it meets the rear window is a bit too chunky, but that’s being very picky. Overall the A1 creates a pleasing mix of fun and sophistication.

Inside, the A1 is a real success. While the new Volkswagen Polo has improved its interior look and finish taking it to an all new level, the Audi A1 raises the bar further still. The hideaway Nav screen is a nice feature. It brings a welcome level of luxury to the small car segment. The only negative, though, is the resolution of the screen lacks detail compared to the system used in the current A3 range, for example. First impressions of the seats are very positive. They get the right blend of support and comfort and feel the equal, at least, of far more expensive cars.

At launch Audi will offer two trim levels, both powered by a 90kW 1.4 TFSI engine. The Attraction, with 6 speed manual, is priced from $29,900, while the Ambition starts at $32,650. Add $2,350 to both if you want a 7-speed S tronic (double clutch gearbox).

Deliveries of the A1 will start early next year. More details from Audi when they come to hand.

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Audi Motorsports

Raeder Motorsport Audi TT RS

Raeder Motorsport Audi TT RS

This is one of the most extreme Audi TT RS examples we have seen yet. And for very good reason. It has been prepared by German outfit Raeder Motorsport and will be competing in a couple of VLN rounds at the Nürburgring later this month, starting this weekend in fact.

There’s not a lot of technical info about for this car, apart from a few mentions of using bits and bobs from the R8 LMS. We know the car will be entered in the SP4T class at the Ring this weekend, so we can assume it uses a 2.5 litre petrol powered inline five turbo like the road car (although there are reports the engine is diesel powered, too). When more details come to hand we’ll bring them to you.

UPDATE 21 October: Hi-res pics can now be accessed at AUSringers.

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