Tag: quattro

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Audi Motorsports

Audi announces race-ready TT GT4

Audi TT GT4

Just weeks after announcing the racing TT RS, Audi will extend its customer motorsport program further with the TT GT4 developed by quattro GmbH. Due for sale in 2012 the TT GT4 was launched at the DTM round in Shanghai on the weekend. Powered by a 250kW TFSI engine, the car will be priced from around €120,000 (AU$165,000) and is designed to be an affordable entry into motor racing.

The front and rear aprons originate from the road-going TT RS, so too the rear wing. However the addition of a race safe fuel cell and roll cage show this little beastie is a track-only proposition. Plastic windows are also a bit of a giveaway and many of the body panels are made from lightweight CFRP.

More piccies after the break.

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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

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 Motor Shows

Paris 2010: Audi quattro concept “Rallye”

Audi quattro concept 'Rallye'

Tucked away on the Audi stand at the Paris Motor Show, almost out of sight, is this “Rallye” version of the Audi quattro concept. Firstly, it looks sensational and clearly harks back to the all conquering Quattro rally beasts of the 1980s.

Secondly, what does it mean? There’s is nothing apparent on the usual Audi press portals that explain anything about this car. In fact, this picture isn’t even an official Audi image.

Is it simply a homage and nothing else, or is this even more extroverted concept a hint of something new to come? WRC perhaps? Or is that simply too much wishful thinking?

If you see anything that offers more than this World Car Fans article, please post a link in the comments section below.

UPDATE 7 October: According to a response from a representative of Audi AG this car is nothing more than a scale model produced to illustrate what a Group B rally car might look like today if the category was still alive. I still want one!

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Audi Motor Shows

Paris 2010: Audi highlights

Audi highlights - Paris 2010

Audi has released a brief clip showcasing their highlights from the Paris Motor Show. Of course, that means the e-tron Spyder and the quattro concept. In addition individual promo videos on both cars can also be seen.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman Audi AG, reckons the “e-tron” name will end up holding a similar significance for Audi as the term “quattro”. Will be interesting to see if that comes to fruition in the coming years.

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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

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 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

30 years of quattro: The drive of progress

Audi 30 years of quattro

As part of Audi’s ongoing 30 years of quattro celebrations they have released a new video titles The drive of progress. It runs for just under 10 minutes and takes us through the origin of the famous Audi drivetrain, seen in the Ur Quattro, right up to the different applications we see in today’s road cars. It’s a nice complement to previous clips from Audi published around the time of the RS5 release.

You can see the clip in full after the break.

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: Audi TT RS

Audi TT RS

The Audi TT RS has some very healthy numbers on its side. Let’s start with the 2.5 litre turbocharged inline five cylinder that produces 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque. That torque is all yours from a low 1600rpm, as well. The TT RS is only available with a six speed manual transmission and Audi reckon it can reach 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Nice numbers aren’t they. Then, consider the TT is one of the best looking mid-sized sports coupés on the market and you soon realise Audi could have a real knock out winner on its hands.

A catch. There must be a catch, right?

RS purists will bemoan the fact the TT RS uses a Haldex all-wheel drive system and not a Torsen-based setup, which does have genuine roots to the rally-bred Ur Quattro. They might also have hoped Audi pushed the envelope a bit on the body styling. Where are the beefed up and flared guards seen on other RS models, such as the highly acclaimed B7 RS4?

Take your seat behind the wheel, though, and you soon get a sense this car is something special. There’s the race-inspired Recaro seats, a thick and beautifully styled steering wheel and, of course, all housed in another class leading interior from Audi.

Turn the key, fire up that engine and senses are further heightened by the glorious five-pot growl that lies deep inside the TT RS (listen to the audio sample below).

This is all well and good, but is its bark bigger than its bite? The only way to find out was to head out to AUSmotive’s favourite test route and see how the TT RS fared.

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