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Audi

OFFICIAL: Audi RS5 confirmed for Geneva Motor Show

2010 Audi RS5

Just through from Audi now is official confirmation that the RS5 will debut at Geneva as expected. Following the leaked images of the RS5 over the weekend Audi has also confirmed the car’s basic specs, which are pretty much as reported last week.

Powered by a naturally aspirated high rev 4.2-litre V8 FSI, the RS5 will have peak power of 331kW (450PS) at 8250rpm, with maximum torque of 430Nm available from 4000-6000rpm. Coupled with a specially reinforced 7-speed S tronic transmission the RS5 is able to accelerate to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. Not bad for a car tipping the scales at more than 1725kg. This is the first of Audi’s RS models to be fitted with the double clutch technology and, at this stage, there is no word on a manual gearbox option.

The engine is derived from the acclaimed B7 RS4 model, but advancements to the engine management, intake and exhaust have enabled Audi engineers to find more power and torque, while at the same time improving overall efficiency. Highlighted by the claimed average fuel consumption of just 10.8l/100km. That’s impressive.

Also getting a once over is the car’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Now fitted with a self-locking crown-gear differential, up to 70% of available torque can be sent to the front wheels, or up to 85% to the rear. In normal conditions the torque is split 40:60, front to rear.

Riding on either 19″ or optional 20″ alloy wheels the RS5 is fitted with 265/35 tyres as standard. To ensure the RS5 can stop effectively 365mm vented discs can be found up front, with the option of 380mm ceramic carbon discs, as well.

After driving the V8 powered S5 last year, I was left feeling like the car was more lazy cruiser than ball tearing coupe. The added power of the RS5 is one thing, but have Audi been able to give the overall driving experience a bit of a nudge as well? Something a car like this both demands and deserves. I’ve heard one unsubstantiated rumour about the RS5’s exploits around the Nürburgring Nordschleife (sub 8 minutes), and if that proves correct it would seem Audi have got it right. For reference, the E92 BMW M3’s best unofficial time stands at 8:05 as tested by Horst von Saurma from German publication Sport Auto.

Other points of interest include an ESP system that can be completely disabled if required. A rear wing, usually hidden in the boot lid, will raise automatically at speeds over 120km/h, it will retract again once speed is below 80km/h. The underbody of the RS5 has been designed to aid downforce, while also providing optimum cooling benefits to the brakes and S tronic gearbox.

Usual Audi RS styling tweaks, such as flared wheel guards and twin oval exhaust tips are also seen on the RS5, as most readers will already be aware.

The RS5 will go on sale in Europe in a few weeks, with a starting price of around €77,700 (AU$117,500). Sadly, you can bet the RS5 will cost a lot more than that when it makes it to Australian shores before the end of 2010.

The full press release from Audi can be read below and six more new pics are also available in 2000px super image sizing.

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Audi BMW

BMW returns serve in latest Audi ad war

BMW mailer

BMW has retaliated to Audi’s latest ad campaign in which the Ingolstadt marque boasts it has beaten BMW in three consecutive comparos. The tests have been run in the US mag Car and Driver and this BMW response reminds Audi that its 3 Series has been on the Car and Driver 10best list for 19 years in a row.

BMW is also offering a $1500 inducement for current Audi owners and if they accept the offer they will also be rewarded with free servicing. The promo quips this will allow owners of the four rings to “leave those Audi maintenance bills behind”.

Now, I’m not sure what the BMW servicing scene in the US is like, but here in Australia I can’t see what benefit BMW would gain from criticising the repair bills of their competition. It would be a dumb strategy.

Similarly, I’m not surprised in the slightest that BMW have responded to Audi’s latest offensive. However, that a $1500 “bribe” is the best they can come up with is not only surprising, but an equally dumb strategy that might be the first step in a very slippery discounting war which could leave both brands licking their wounds.

[Source: Autospies]

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Audi

Audi RS5 leaked images

Audi RS5 brochure

Following the news the Audi RS5 will be released at the Geneva Motor Show comes these leaked images from a forthcoming sales brochure. There’s 28 images in all, but not a lot of written detail is given.

There are no shots of the engine bay, but we’re still expecting to see a normally aspirated V8 under the bonnet to be badged as a 4.2 FSI HDZ. Peak power from the high-rev concept engine should be around the 330kW (450PS) mark. Looking at one of the pics below redline starts around 8200rpm, and it looks like you may be able to extend past that a little. Maybe?

You can see that there will be three choices for seating and four alloy wheel designs to choose from. As expected there is no manual gearbox shown, so it will be S tronic only for now. Hopefully a 6-speed manual transmission is released later at a later date. It would also seem apparent that Audi’s familiar flat bottomed steering wheel is not standard equipment, with all interior shots showing a conventionally shaped wheel. This is offset by the fact it can be optioned in alcantara, along with the S tronic shifter.

So, for now, just feast your eyes on these images and let your excitement build in anticipation for official details to be announced soon. Make sure you click on the pics below to load the larger 1460px sizing.

UPDATE 23 Feb: Official details and images have now been released by Audi.

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Audi

Audi A1 promo refresher – part 2

Audi A1 - The next big thing

Here is the second update on the Audi A1 promos. The pic above shows German football stars Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm. The “awesome” Bayern Munich duo are filmed from inside the cabin driving the A1 inside a warehouse. The clip doesn’t give too much detail away, of course, but you can see the door handle and the dash looks like it has a pop-up screen for the navigation and entertainment systems.

Other info in this update shows Audi staffers talking up the A1’s quality and what to expect from the car’s interior design and trim. Later today Audi are scheduled to reveal the detail of the A1’s air vent. Gripping stuff!

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Audi

If you only give it a chance

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi tv is currently teasing its viewers with this evocative clip showcasing the R8 Spyder V10. You can see the clip for yourself after the jump. Fortunately they didn’t use a car painted in that horrible brown colour.

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Audi

Audi A5 Sportback – Australian specifications

2010 Audi A5 Sportback

True to their word Audi have delivered the A5 Sportback into local showrooms with a two-pronged offensive. Kicking off the A5 Sportback range down under is a 2.0 TFSI equipped model with a manufacturer’s list price of $78,400. This will be partnered with a 3.0 V6 TDI priced from $89,100.

If that seems a little high to you, maybe standard fitment of a quattro all-wheel drive system and a 7-speed S tronic transmission will ease the pain. Other goodies thrown in include full leather seats with electric adjustment, MMI navigation and xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights.

The other standard feature, which mustn’t be forgotten, is a great looking car, with a handy rear hatch and comfortable seating for four.

Tipping the scales at 1500kg the A5 Sportback isn’t a lightweight by any means, but its performance is quite brisk really. The 2.0 TFSI offers 155kW with a helpful 350Nm of torque and can get to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds. To give that figure some sort of context, that is quicker than a Golf GTI, which shares a similar turbocharged four cyclinder engine. However, in a sign of the times, it is the diesel that sets the performance benchmark in the Sportback range. The 0-100 dash is over in 6.1 seconds, thanks to the TDI’s 500Nm maximium torque and 176kW peak power.

Impressively, both engines are on the start of their flat torque curves from a low 1500rpm, with the TDI staying on its plateau until 3000rpm, while the TFSI keeps puffing strong until 4200rpm. So tractability and low down urge should be a strong point in both offerings.

Those wanting that little bit more performance, and with around $50K more to spend over the V6 TDI, will have to wait for the S5 Sportback, which is due in Australia by mid-year. With the excellent 245kW 3.0-litre supercharged engine from the S4 this car is sure to keep both fashionistas and revheads equally satisfied.

A full list of specifications is outlined below in Audi’s presser, along with tech specs in PDF format available for download. Heaps of pics, too, of course.

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Audi

Mini-e-tron is R4-U2NV

Detroit showcar Audi e-tron

Rumours are getting stronger that the Mini-e-tron revealed in Detroit this week is a thinly disguised preview of the upcoming Audi R4 mid-engine sportscar. US blog InsideLine claim they have been told as much by sources within Audi.

The underpinnings of such a car would likely be shared across the Volkswagen group’s range, including its own Concept BlueSport and even the next generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman.

In regards to the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron, you would expect a lot of the concept to get lost in production, such as the aluminium carbon-fibre composite body, but an electric powered engine option could stay. Speculation also suggests that the snarling five-pot turbo from the Audi TT RS could find its way under the R4’s skin—yes please!

How or where the R4 would slot into the Audi range with the company’s iconic TT is uncertain at this stage, but Autoblog reckon an entry-level R4 could fit under the TT. Hard to see that happening, but stranger things have happened.

[Source: InsideLine & Autoblog | Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

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Audi

Audi TT RS – Australian specifications

Audi TT RS

Audi have sprung a very nice surprise for fans of the TT RS. Originally due here early next year, they’ve managed to unwrap a few examples in time for Christmas. Nice work!

If you dig this car you’ll know all about it, so you don’t need me to remind you about the angry sound produced by the 250kW in-line five cylinder turbo. But, in case you have forgotten you can click the button below for some five pot aural delights.

One thing you may not know is the asking price. Entry level pricing for the Coupé starts at $133,700 plus all those horrible taxes and delivery charges. So, we’re talking north of $140K by the time you drive off the showroom floor. Audi hope to sell around 80 TT RS models every year. No word in all their guff today about the Roadster, so leave that with me for a bit.

The TT RS has been on sale in Europe for some time now, so you can also take a squiz at some review clippings. Despite the work Audi has done in making the TT RS look and sound superb, it would seem from those reviews they left a bit of work to do with the driving experience.

After the jump you can see a full complement of Australian images (all available as wallpaper-friendly 2000px super images, just click on the pics you like), as well raft of press information. Knock yourselves out.

[audio:http://www.ausmotive.com/audio/TT-RS.mp3]
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Audi

Audi TT RS – Return of the famous five

Audi TT RS

Images of the Audi TT RS have spread across the interweb overnight, and here’s a few for you to take a look at. The TT RS will be revealed, officially, in Geneva next month. That’s if Audi doesn’t counter this leak by releasing official images and specs beforehand.

In the meantime, what we “know” is that the TT RS will return to the UR Quattro‘s roots and be powered by an inline five cylinder. The 2.5 litre is good for 340hp (250kW) and a very tasty 450Nm of torque. With a six speed manual and, of course, an all-wheel drive system, one should be able to propel the TT RS from rest to 100km/h in under 5 seconds.

The bigger front air dam on the lower edges of the front grille are the biggest visual clue separating the TT RS from the regular S model. There’s also a more aggressive rear spoiler.

More details and wallpaper sized images as they come to hand. For now, there’s a few more pics below and a YouTube clip which is said to be the engine note of the TT RS. If that’s true, then … Schwing!

Source: CarScoop & TopGear.com

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Audi

Audi A4 allroad quattro

2009 Audi A4 allroad quattro

Soccer mums rejoice! Audi’s newest allroad model is set for its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. However, the lads from Ingolstadt have been kind enough to show us a few pics before it goes on display.

Based on the A4 Avant the allroad has plenty of visual clues that hint at its alleged off road capabilities. The cosmetic clues include flared guards and a revised grille treatment, giving the car a more rugged look. I think it looks great, and, if anything, looks better than the regular tarmac-locked A4 Avant.

Of course, there is the 37mm increased ride height, as well, giving the car a total ground clearance of 180mm. Not so immediately obvious is the wider track, which has been increased by 20mm.

The metal bash plates at either end of the car are said to be stainless steel, so, depending on how far under the car they go, they could actually provide some bona fide protection should the A4 allroad ever see dirt road duties. Of course, the allroad is never going to displace the role of the Land Cruiser, but having previously owned a 2001 Subaru Outback it is surprising how far these types of cars can be pushed, if you remain sensible.

Being an Audi there is enough electronic trickery on board to assist the driver as well, including Offroad Detection (ORD). Okay, it sounds a bit daft and obvious, but the system will modulate the ESP capabilities to suit the road conditions. For example, in off road conditions the system allows more slip than usual which therefore enables the torque to be sent more quickly to the wheels with grip. In regular road situations the quattro system sends 60% of the car’s torque to the rear wheels.  When required, a maximum of 85% can be sent to the rear wheels, or a maximum of 65% to the front wheels.

Buyers can choose from three engines, all meeting EU5 emissions targets, and include a new 155kW/350Nm 2.0 TFSI four cylinder (which will also power the next Golf GTI), a 125kW/350Nm 2.0 TDI four cylinder and a 176kW/500Nm 3.0 V6 TDI. Six speed manual or S tronic transmissions will be available. Although, with the news that the new Q5 will come to the Australian market in S tronic guise only, it will be interesting to see if Australian buyers will be offered a manual option in the A4 allroad.

UPDATE: No need to wonder what transmissions will be available for the Australian market, I’ve just had it confirmed that the A4 allroad is not on Audi Australia’s radar.

More pics and press releases from Audi UK and Audi AG can be viewed after the jump.

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Audi Volkswagen

A closer look at Audi’s new 7 speed S-tronic transmission

Audi's 7 speed S-tronic transmission

Audi’s new Q5 and the new Volkswagen Mk6 Golf will be the latest in the Volkswagen Audi Group to provide the option of an all new 7 speed S-tronic transmission. The Q5 is due for release in March, while the new Golf will be in Australian showrooms later this month. The only difference being, the transmission is called DSG on the Volkswagen options list.

Audi’s dual clutch transmission technology can trace its roots back to 1985 when Walter Röhrl was at the top of the world rally charts. Current S-tronic technology offers super smooth gear changes, as well as better acceleration and improved fuel economy over traditional manual transmissions. Its lightning quick gear changes have all but made a mockery of some the more fancied names offering “F1-style” flappy paddle gearboxes.

Australian motorists first got a taste of the previous 6 speed dual clutch transmission through the Volkswagen Mk5 Golf, most notably on the GTI. No matter what car the gearbox is fitted to in the Volkswagen Audi Group model range it nearly always brings wide acclaim. The new 7-speed version is likely to attract similar levels of praise. Although, as noted in our interview with a current Mk6 Golf owner in Germany, the 7-speed does tend to race through the gears quite quickly when left in “automatic” D mode.

Aftermarket tuners will be most pleased to learn that the new 7 speed S-tronic is designed to cope with maximum revs of 9000rpm and is said to be capable of handling up to 550Nm of torque.

Included below is a detailed press statement that touches on the inner workings of the latest S-tronic transmission. Hopefully it will satisfy the inner car geek within. You can also click on the image above to load a 2000px version, just in case you need to get even closer to all those cogs.

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Audi

A look at the Audi Q5 from the inside

Audi Q5

Audi’s new Q5 will be making its first Australian appearance at the Melbourne International Motor Show later this month. A select few, however, have already sampled the Q5, and, in sunny Spain of all places. How did one get in on this all expenses paid junket? By being a member of Audi Australia sales staff, that’s how.

Jonathan from Audi Centre Canberra has been a great supporter of AUSmotive, so I figured it was only fair to return the favour by asking him for a brief writeup of his experience at the internal Q5 launch from Marbella on the Costa Del Sol. Life’s tough for some!

The Q5 will go on sale down under in just a few months and initial pricing details have been confirmed. In the meantime, you can have a sneak preview of the car by reading Jonathan’s words after the jump. There’s also quite a few images, and promo piece from the Audi Channel via YouTube.

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