Tag: Audi

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Audi

Audi considers road-going R8 GT3 hypercar

Audi R8 LMS 'GT3'

Audi is readying itself to tackle Porsche head on with plans to produce a road-going R8 GT3, based on the V10 powered LMS racecar. The R8 LMS made a successful motorsport debut in 2009 very nearly winning the Nürburgring 24 hour race at its first attempt as well as delivering the 2009 FIA European GT3 drivers title to Phoenix Racing.

The racecar program is over subscribed, with an extra 30 cars set to be made this year, in addition to the 24 made in 2009. Audi insiders have confirmed a road-going prototype is currently under going evaluation, but a final decision on series production has yet to be made.

So, what do you reckon—should Audi add to the already impressive R8 production line up? I know what my answer is. If you’re struggling to make a decision check out the images after the jump and see if they can inspire to come to a conclusion.

[Source: Autocar]

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Audi

A genuine supercar experience

Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder—who could say no to that 525hp V10 sitting behind your ears? Well, you can see for yourself after the break that the chaps at Evo magazine would be more than willing to join the queue for the roofless R8.

Now, as most readers will know, Evo sets a very high standard for their reviews. They are generally acknowledged as providing some of the better reviews in the motoring landscape. That being the case, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below on how you think the opportunity to review the R8 Spyder was handled.

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Audi Mitsubishi

Winding Road: Audi S4 v Mitsubishi Evo MR Touring

Audi S4 v Mitsubishi Evo MR Touring

The latest issue of Winding Road has what might appear to be an odd comparo, the Audi S4 up against the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo MR Touring. In an Australian context comparing the Audi S4 and the closest match here, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, would seem something of an odd couple. After all, before statutory charges and final taxes, the S4 kicks off at $115,000, while the Evo (with dual clutch transmission) starts at $74,390.

On paper, though, comparing the 245kW S4 with the likely nimbler 217kW Evo starts to make a lot more sense. So, would you be better off buying the Evo and pocketing a Golf GTI with the change, or pooling your resources and getting the S4? You’ll need to read the article, of course, for the full run down, but here is a teaser for you:

“Where the Audi whispers soft messages about road an environment, the Evo stands on a ladder and hollers them at you while you’re sleeping.”

Want to hear the killer punch? US pricing on these cars, as tested is US$54,075 for the S4 and US$41,710 for the Evo. That’s around $58,500 compared to $45,200 on current exchange rates. Hmm, apart from reeling in horror at the blood sucking prices we’re paying in this country, you can now see why Winding Road pitted these two cars against each other.

Before you read the article, let us know in the comments section below which car you think will come out on top.

[Source: Winding Road]

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Audi

quattro 101

Audi quattro principle

Audi have recently released a couple of animated clips showcasing their latest quattro technologies. So, if you want to know how all those mechanical bits and pieces work, and why they work, then Audi is ready to send you back to school.

Set aside 10 minutes or so and you’ll find two clips for you after the jump. The clips feature the crown-gear centre differential from the new RS5, as well as explaining torque vectoring, available on the RS5 and also via the sports differential on models such as the S4.

If this sort of stuff turns you on, make sure you follow the links to previous RS5 and S4 articles which give you access to Audi’s press guff on the various technologies discussed in the clips below.

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Audi Motorsports

Audi updates R8 GT3 racer for 2010

2010 Audi R8 LMS 'Evolution'

Back in 2008 Audi launched the race-going R8 LMS. The car was prepped for the 2009 season ready to race in GT3 categories across the globe.

Indeed, the four-pronged R8 attack on the 2009 Nürburgring 24 hour race almost ended Porsche’s recent domination of the event. The #99 Phoenix Racing entry held the lead for 17 hours until a drive shaft problem cost valuable time. In the end it was the #97 Abt Sportline car that finished in second place, highlighting the impressive debut by the R8. As well as that, the R8 LMS went on to secure three championships and 23 race wins during 2009.

For the 2010 season Audi have made some changes to their go fast machines to ensure they remain capable of leading the field. The ‘Evolution’ updates include revisions to the chassis, suspension and cooling systems. While on-board electronics and the race-tuned exhaust system have been further enhanced.

Customer deliveries of the 2010 spec cars have started, with the US-British alliance of United Autosports being the first in line. If you would like to join them and you have a spare €300K+ burning a hole in your pocket, well, I’m sorry, but you’re out of luck. The 2010 production run has sold out and all customer cars will be delivered before the end of April. If you’re still keen you’ll need to try your luck with the ‘Race Experience’ program or get your name on the list for the 2011 production run.

Owners of 2009 spec R8 LMS cars are able to make the same changes to the 2010 models to ensure they can now race with the latest specification.

Australian race fans will get their chance to see the 2009-spec R8 LMS up close next weekend at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide. Mark Eddy, 2008 Australian GT Champion, is the first private buyer outside of Europe to get his hands on the purpose-built GT3 racer. Find out more on the Australian GT website.

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Audi

Walter drives down memory lane

Walter Rohrl, Audi Quattro

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Audi Quattro motor racing legend Walter Röhrl has stepped behind the wheel of a beautifully maintained 1984 Group B Quattro for the first time in 26 years. Fortunately the stretch of road chosen for this leisurly drive is the Col de Turini, from the Monte Carlo Rally. And, more fortunately, there were cameras there to catch the action.

Take the jump now to see the clip in full.

[Source: Autocar]

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Audi Motorsports

Audi launches R8 LMS Race Experience

Audi R8 LMS

Audi have recently announced they will be offering cashed up wannabe racing drivers a seat in an R8 LMS. Two GT3 cars will be prepared by the Joest Racing Team, the guys responsible for six of Audi’s recent Le Mans victories.

Joest will be entering up to six VLN races at the Nürburgring this year, among other activities, and if you have the cash for this “Race Experience” you could find yourself in the hot seat.

“For the first time, the Audi race experience offers customers the opportunity to participate in a race with a professional Audi ‘factory’ team without having to enter into a long-term commitment or to make a high financial investment,” explains Klaus Demel, who is in charge of the Audi driving experience. “I’m very happy that we’ve been able to win Audi Sport and Reinhold Joest’s team as a partners for this project.”

Joest kicks off their VLN season on 24 April, so you’d better start saving your pennies!

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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Audi R8 Spyder V10

As part of their Geneva Motor Show program Audi have released some new press images of their stunning R8 Spyder V10 5.2 FSI. It’s a pretty nice looking car, so let’s take a look at what they’ve got to show.

You can check them out after the jump, remember all images are available in wallpaper-friendly 2000px super image sizing by simply clicking on the pic you like. For more detail on this 386kW velvet sledgehammer, take a look back at the info posted when the R8 Spyder was launched at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva: Audi Quattro celebrates 30th birthday

Audi Ur Quattro

It was 30 years ago today that Audi launched the Quattro. Dr Ferdinand Piëch, Development Director of the original Quattro, presented the car at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 1980. In his speech he stated, “This is the dawning of all-wheel drive in roadgoing passenger cars.”

Power for the Quattro came from a super sweet inline five cylinder engine that had a character all of its own. By today’s standards the 200bhp headline figure is quite modest. But, three decades ago, having a coupé derived from a family sedan that could accelerate to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds was big news.

So, too, was the addition of all-wheel drive to the world rallying scene where the Quattro left an everlasting legacy by winning the World Rally Championship in 1983 and 1984.

Memories of the Quattro have been revived with the recent launch of the TT RS, featuring a 2.5-litre inline five cylinder that sounds sublime.

For more on the original Quattro check out the AUSmotive past master feature. As well, you can read Audi’s extensive press release below which covers the both the history and future of its quattro technology.

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Audi

VIDEO: Audi A1 teaser

Audi A1 video teaser

Audi have released some video footage of their new compact-class A1 (with S-line body trimmings) driving around the streets of Rome. Interesting to see what appear to be obvious signs of comparing the A1 to other cars of a similar ilk, such as the MINI and Smart. See how many other quasi-premium hatchbacks you can see in the clip. There’s quite a few!

The short video is available after the break.

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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva: Audi A1 e-tron

Audi A1 e-tron

Audi have given the motoring world a new acronym—MCV—Mega City Vehicle. It is used to described Ingolstadt’s third e-tron concept, this time built on the A1 platform.

The A1 e-tron is fitted with a transversely mounted synchronous electric motor. It can be found under the bonnet at the front and has a continuous power and torque rating of 45kW/150Nm. Although, in short bursts those numbers peak at 75kW/240Nm. A low mounted engine and below-floor battery storage ensures the A1 e-tron has a low centre of gravity.

Battery life offers a range of 50km for city chores, but a rotary engine, called a “range extender”, is capable of recharging the batteries for longer drives. It sounds like a pretty ingenious solution really.

Full details available after the break.

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Audi

Audi UK confirms RS5 pricing & specs

Audi RS5

Audi UK have just released details confirming their local specs for the RS5 featuring a 450PS 4.2 FSI V8 which will go on sale there in October. It’s all as expected and pricing starts at £57,480 OTR (approx AU$96,000). Expect Australians to be paying significantly more than that. Sigh.

You can read the press release below.

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