Audi TT: Road Test by NZ Herald

A test drive and road test article on the new Audi TT from the Herald in New Zealand. While this driver definitely has preconceived notions about the Audi TT and its historical stigma, there is no question the author is impressed with the new model. The test model was the 2.0-liter turbo FSI engined Audi TT. While the author suggests you can really be "sporting" with the V6 engine, it is clear that model was not driven.



Here are a few excerpts:

That high-tech Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction pays dividends for the drop-top roadster version. Losing the lid means this car is 58 per cent aluminium instead of the coupe's 69 per cent, but the end result is a car that is almost as fast, despite the extra body strengthening required for a convertible. Our 2.0-litre turbo TT rockets to 100km/h in a remarkable 6.5 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the equivalent TT coupe.....

.....The S-Tronic transmission (aka Direct Shift Gearbox) provides bewilderingly fast gear changes thanks to an automated twin-clutch system that preselects ratios, but even in "manual" the system readily over-rides your ear selections and the robotised clutch can be difficult to manage in parking manoeuvres. But yes, Virginia, you can still have a manual-transmission TT, so you have the choice.....

.....The hood is pretty clever, too. Audi wouldn't dream of giving the TT a big fat bum by adding a folding hard-top into the structure, so the new roadster has a very compact fabric roof. It's beautifully lined and does a magnificent job of insulating the cabin from the world outside when it's raised; when you lower it, a "Z-fold" system stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover, ensuring that the hood sits completely flush with the body and eliminating the need for a tonneau. Nice.

[Source: NZ Herald]

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Audi R8: A Business Car?

Well, maybe an executive's car. But definitely not a business car. That being said, the Audi R8 will join seven other cars in the Audi lineup including the Audi RS4 at the CCIA Drive & Decide event. If you have an invite -- a great place to get and up close and hands on view of the car.



Here are a few excerpts:

The state-of-the-art aluminium-bodied, mid-engined R8 sports car will be on static display at the Bedfordshire proving ground throughout the three-day Company Car in Action Drive and Decide event, which runs from the 19 th to the 21 st of June.....

.....Highlights available for driving and appraisal will include the 265PS S3 quattro, the TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI S tronic and the Q7 3.0 TDI quattro SE. Firm fleet favourites including the A4 2.0 TDI S line saloon and the A6 2.7 TDI S line saloon with ultra-efficient multitronic continuously variable transmission will also be in attendance.

[Source: Gazzette]

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Audi RS4: Test Drive Video from Auto.CZ

Here's a nice demo video of the Audi RS 4 in action at a closed track. In the video you will be able to see the corning aspects of the car, the inside vantage point, an acceleration from dead stop and the sound of both the engine underneath the hood as well as the exhaust.

Enjoy!

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Audi S4: Has it caught your eye?

No questions about it. When someone who knows cars sees and Audi RS4 on the road with its 420-hp V8 FSI engine, heads turn. Here's a review where the author had the opportunity to turn the head of a peace officer!

Here are a few excerpts:

But there is no doubt that Audi wants the S4 to attract attention, if not from the authorities. It's available in colors such as Imola Yellow, Brilliant Red, and a variety of metallic and pearl-effect offerings that stand out from the crowd. Clearly, it's not a machine to fly under the radar......

.....The all-wheel-drive system, when coupled with the smooth six-speed manual, distributes 60 percent of the driving power to the rear wheels, giving a nice balance to the driving feel. The automatic (Tiptronic) version retains a 50/50 torque split.....

.....Likewise, the interior is deceptively simple. Our test vehicle had a black leather interior with dark wood trim highlights and a wraparound style that proved to be more illusion than reality, leaving plenty of shoulder and elbow room for taller drivers instead of swaddling them in a tight cocoon. A nice touch is the hidden storage areas under the front seats. They're a small but accessible place to stash iPods, transponders, hands-free phone accessories, and the like.

[Source: Atlanta Journal-Consitution]

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Audi A6: Bourne Ultimatum Appearance!

The word is out that a 1998 Audi A6 C5 will make an appearance in the upcoming Matt Damon movie. The movie titled, "The Bourne Ultimatum" follows the character Jason Bourne in a spy / CIA thriller that follows "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremecy" movies.

Expected in the upcoming movie, the 1995 Audi A6 C5 will make an extended appearance in the movie in a chase scene. In the end, the car will be "parked" nicely as in the below photo.



[Source: IMCDB]

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Audi TT: From Beauty to Sports Car

This author's take on the new 2008 Audi TT is that it is no longer the beautiful icon it once was when it first hit the streets 10 years ago. Gone is that "wow" and "that's a beautiful" car when it drives by. Instead, in its place is what can consider to be a true sports car. Why can't we have both?



Here are a few excerpts:

When it debuted in 1998, the Audi TT’s rounded, minimalist, pushmi-pullyu shape (balanced proportions, no identifiable bumpers) made it an instant icon. The TT’s smooth sheet metal represented a radical departure from Audi’s—and anyone else’s—design language. Although the TT was little more than a Volkswagen Golf under the skin, the four-wheeled objet d’art found plenty of willing buyers who couldn’t have cared less.....

.....Inside, well, thank God. Audi makes the world’s best car interiors, and the TT shows us the master at the top of her game. From its squashed crown steering wheel to its exquisite aluminum glove box latch, the cockpit’s design, shape, texture, materials, fit, and finish represent a huge step up from the first generation. The TT’s enlarged underpinnings also create a longer, wider, less claustrophobic cabin. Twenty seconds behind the wheel and you’ll know why Audi upped the price of admission.....

.....Nor am I buying a new Audi TT. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, looking at the updated model makes me long for some emergency eyewash. The TT’s sticker is also something of a passion killer. Yes, the new TT’s elevated starting prices ($34,800 for the 2.0T, $41,500 for the 3.2) reflect the fact that the coupe is a much more grown-up luxury car than its predecessor. But who asked for a grown-up luxury coupe? These things are supposed to be toys.

[Source: Advocate]

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Audi RS4 & Audi R8: Dynos for Your Viewing Pleasure

This is an article that many of us have been waiting for. With the Audi RS4 and the R8 sharing very similar powerplants -- the real question is -- which is better? While there is no question that the R8 outperforms the saloon sedan that is the RS4, which Audi vehicle has the best dyno peformance.

The results? The RS4 has a larger torque and mid-range than the R8. However, both are very impressive. Judge for yourself.



Here are a few excerpts:

Anyway, Audi's new R8 shares the RS4's engine, albeit with a couple of small changes. First, it has different intake and exhaust paths due to its mid-engine layout. Then, its dry-sump lubrication system allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis, permitting the use of a smaller, and lighter, flywheel.....

.....On the road, the R8's power delivery felt similar to the RS4's - it has a huge amount of torque available at any speed. Unlike the RS4, though, which hits hard at 3000 rpm and stays there, the R8's torque output builds with revs, gradually coming to its peak.....

.....The dyno chart confirms what we felt in the seat of our pants - the RS4 has a bigger torque plateau in the mid-range, where the R8's torque curve rises more slowly. Both engines, however, have torque curves so robust that they would have been unimaginable only a few years ago.

[Source: Automobile]

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Audi: Safest Car Manufacturer

The British Insurance Car Safety Awards handed out the safest car manufacturer award to Audi today. The award goes out to the manufacturer with the safest rating on all vehicle releases over a 12-month period ending in April.

Here are a few excerpts:

Luxury brand picks up top honours in car security awards. Audi was yesterday named as the best manufacturer for car security in the 2007 British Insurance Car Security Awards

[Source: MotorTrader]

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Audi A5 & S5: We Can Hardly Wait

It seems that every time there is an article on the coming Audi A5 and Audi S5 vehicles the wait is too long for the arrival of these vehicles. The first true coupes that Audi has produced in quite some time creates a stir when you look at it. That same stir has been in many of those who have had the opportunity to drive it.



Here are a few excerpts:

As a means of dealing with congested Italian roads, the S5 coupe is hard to beat. A 350-hp V-8 coupled with Quattro all-wheel drive lets us get on the power ludicrously early coming out of corners. And as for straight-line performance, it's headline-grabbing stuff: 0 to 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph, according to Audi.....

.....Well, the A5 certainly looks expensive. Volkswagen Group design boss Walter de'Silva says the A5 is the most beautiful car he's ever styled. It combines Audi's geometrically muscular stance with a dash of Latin whimsy in the form of an undulating character line on the body sides. There are some fantastic details, too, such as the LED daytime running lights that give the A5 an instantly recognizable face (BMW has pulled off much the same trick with its "angel eyes" headlamp surrounds). The A5's headlights also have beautifully sculpted surfaces.....

.....Apart from their flamboyantly curvy sheetmetal, the A5 and the S5 represent a fairly conservative evolution for Audi. The dynamic gains don't seem to reflect the engineering effort that the company has put into the chassis; this isn't a car that will tempt those wedded to a great driving experience. But the S5, while no agile sportster, is a brilliantly executed blunt instrument with which to subdue a raucous Sunday afternoon, Italian-style.

[Source: Automobile]

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Audi A2: Audi Thinking Small with 2009 Debut

With only the "2" and the "6" the only two remaining numbers not used by Audi in the United States, it looks like we are down to just "6". MotorTrend reveals some pictures and numbers about Audi's upcoming 2009 A2 next generation release. The Audi A2 is expected to make an appearance at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.



Here is an excerpt:

Audi management has settled on a strategy of making its 2009 A2 a straightforward subcompact with mass appeal, rather than leftfield, like the Gen I aluminum A2. The 2009 A2 won't have a unique platform, but will use the VW subcompact underpinnings, like the Polo, with gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters, plus diesels.The A2 will offer more interior space than a Mini, which will be seen as a key rival if Audi decides to bring it here. While the A2 would be marketed in the U.S. as a premium subcompact, it won't have the sporty handling of the Cooper S.

[Source: MotorTrend]

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Audi TT: Coupe Dominates Market Segment

The folks at AutoExpress had the opportunity to test drive the 2008 Audi TT and their results were quite impressive. So impressive in fact, that they believe that in its price bracket -- the Audi TT represents the best coupe on the market. Their test vehicle was the 2.0-liter version of the car and what they found is consistent with what we have seen. The 2.0T FSI engine seems to outperform the V6 version and with this particular car, the Quattro AWD is barely missed.



Here are a few excerpts:

If the mark of a well designed car is that it still looks fresh even when approaching retirement age, then the TT has to be an all-time great. In fact, so successful was the shape, that car's replacement is fundamentally unchanged. It may be longer and wider, but the basic proportions and profile (high window line, rounded ends and exaggerated wheelarches) are familiar. Only two versions are available at the moment: how to tell them apart? Well, the 2.0T gets a grey front grille and twin pipes on the left, while the V6 has a black grille and exhaust pipes either side. The BMW Z4 battles it closely, as indeed does the Bavarian maker's 3-Series coupe, while the Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera are also rivals.

[Source: AutoExpress]

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Audi R8: Mid-Engine is Very Special

Special is a good word to describe this $110k plus vehicle. As of yet, I have not read a single review that is overly critical of the Audi R8. Perhaps that is because many of the drivers feel special to even experience the car. Or, more likely, the 414-hp supercar Audi R8 is really that good. This review is a fun and entertaining read as the auther chooses the form of a "Dear" letter.



Here are a few excerpts:

You steal my pride, R8. I can even forgive your indiscretions, such as riding around with other auto critics. Do you know how many cars they try to juggle at one time? Get it out of your system, and when you finally make that U turn back to me, I'll be waiting.....

.....Freeway entrance ramps became launching pads, as I tried to match the 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds. I knew you could reach 125 mph in 14.9 seconds and only the forces of nature could hold you to a top speed of 188 mph. I have no wish to tell anyone the top speed we reached on the smooth open highways near Monroe -- I'm not the kind of guy to rev and tell.....

.....Your Quattro Drive, stability control and carefully tuned suspension help too. They often saved me from myself. As I would whip you around the corner, causing your back end to slide a little too far because you are, literally, more than I should handle, you'd instantly check my aggressiveness, correct my errors and make me feel like Michael Schumacher. You make me a better man and driver.....

.....And there's so much room inside. Even with two big passengers, it was never a tight squeeze. Audi bases its idea of room and comfort by shoulder space. And while some sports cars may feel cramped, your cabin was spacious.

[Source: The Detroit News]

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Audi TT: Australian News and Reviews Continue

With the launch of the Audi TT down under in Australia, the news and reviews continue to come. This time out of SSO.net.



Here are a few excerpts:

The new TT is available in two engine sizes. The four-cylinder turbo engine, with the abbreviation TFSI, outputs 147 kilowatts and takes the car from 0 to 100km in 6.3 seconds. Hang on though as this baby is front-wheel drive only and the torque steer is pronounced but far better than the previous model. The 3.2l V6, however, is all-wheel drive, and it would be dangerous if it wasn’t. The 184kW of power propel the car to 100km in only 5.7 seconds.....

.....The headlamps, grille and chiselled shape of the front bumpers give the new TT a highly aggressive, less feminine look. Instead of being a traditional three-door hatchback, Audi stuck to the slinky coupé shape with big, plumped wheel arches, a style that it has ever so carefully preserved for the second generation. Unlike the current car, you will notice that the new TT doesn’t have a rear spoiler – at least one that’s visible when the car is still. The previous generation’s fixed wing, introduced to reduce rear-end lift at high speed, is longer. It was added in the early days when a number of the early models literally flipped at high speed on German autobahns. The spoiler has been replaced by a hydraulically operated one that raises at 75 mph, akin to the one you might find on a Porsche Boxster or Cayman.

[Source: SSO.net]

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Audi: Recommended Luxury Brand in Buying Guide

Audi received strong recommendations as a luxury brand in the mid-year car buying guide at the Post Gazzette. While there was a strong recommendation across the entire brand, focus was placed on the Audi R8, Audi Q7, the Audi A5 & Audi S5 launch as well as the A3 line of vehicles.

Here are a few excerpts:

First, there's the styling -- always fashion forward, always understated, contemporary and ahead of its time. Then there's the interior. Audi's won numerous awards for their interior designs, which feature interesting presentations and top notch materials.....

.....You can start your search with the Audi A3, a luxurious hatchback compact powered by either a 200 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, or a 250 horsepower 3.2 liter V-6. Quattro all-wheel drive is available on the V-6, and there's also an interesting S-Line package that includes a sports suspension and lots of other sporty goodies. Mileage ranges from 23/32 to 25/32 depending on engine and transmission combination. Prices start at $25,340 to $33,980.....

.....Next year also brings the curvaceous A5 and S5 coupes, which feature either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both have graceful, voluptuous semi- fastback styling, gorgeous road wheels, and a choice of engines that include a 3.2 liter direct-injected V-6 or a 354 horsepower V-8 in the S5. I expect prices to start in the mid 40,000 range.....

.....You will also want to check out the imposing Q7 luxury crossover. It comes in five-, six- and seven-passenger versions, with standard and premium trim options. You can buy one for about $49,900, and it's powered by a 350 horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 rated at 14 mpg city and 19 highway. A 3.6-liter V-6 (rated 16/20) starts at $39,900.

[Source: Post Gazzette]

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Audi RS4: Revisited: Make way for the RS6

Alas, no worries here. At least through 2008, that is. According to Winding Road the death of the current B7 generation of the Audi RS 4 was greatly over-stated by AutoCar in the UK just 4 days ago. While the Inglostat manufacturer is preparing for the up to 650-hp RS 6, they are not yet ready to call it quits for the RS 4.

That's good news, we can all wait until the B8 version of the RS 4 comes to us -- hopefully for the 2009 model year.

[Source: Winding Road]

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Audi Q7: Review of the S-Line from Ireland

The Audi Q7 has gotten great remarks from the industry critics with their first venture into the SUV market. This article, by way of Ireland takes a look at the Audi Q7 with its S-Line package and all of the thrills and benefits that it brings. The reviewer in the end is not that fond of the Q7 for its "intimidating" qualities.



Here are a few excerpts:

It’s not as if Audi has a tradition in SUVs. Not compared to makers like Land Rover, or Toyota or Nissan, whose vehicles have long been mainstays in parts of the world where cars have to work hard.....

.....It’s just that, despite its ability, quality, refinement, I didn’t feel comfortable driving the Q7. Maybe because I don’t like intimidating people. And the Q7 is, in my view, styled and designed to intimidate.....

.....Inside, all is luxury and tech. The main two rows of seats were sumptuous, leather and sports-profiled as another extra in the review car. The rearmost pair, though well made, were rather cramped for real people.....

.....The review car had the 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine that is well familiar from a number of applications throughout the VW Group. With 233hp growling under the hood, the accompanying 500Nm of torque offered surging but smooth performance when requested. Given the size and weight of the car, average fuel consumption of around 10 L/100km is quite respectable.

[Source: Slingo Weekender]

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Audi S3: Yes, the Audi S3 is here!

While CARtoday is a couple of days late to the party on the Audi S3 launch in South Africa, we cannot blame them for being excited. (Wheels24 and Motoring articles) The Audi S3 is quite an impressive piece of machinery in somewhat of a hot-hatch version with the most exciting derivative of the 2.0T FSI engine underneath it.

And again, notice the same white S3 as in the previous pictures. Looks like this Audi S3 really did some time on the journalist circuit!



Here are a few excerpts:

The company’s venerable 2,0T FSI engine sits at the heart of the new S3. This much vaunted powerplant (winning categories in the International Engine of the Year Awards for the last three years) combines turbocharging and direct petrol injection to deliver 188 kW at 6 000 r/min and 330 N.m from 2 400r/min to 5 200 r/min.....

.....Audi’s engineers have fettled the standard A3 by fitting a with specially tuned S sports suspension set up. As a result, the springs and dampers are correspondingly firmer the ride drops to 1 522 mm at the front and 1 506 mm at the rear. The new S3 now has a wider track and rolls on a set of model-specific 18-inch alloys.....

.....The interior features cloth/leather combination sports seats, aluminium trim for the air vents and pedals, a digital lap timer integrated into the trip computer, grey instrumentation dials with white needles, a leather-bound flat bottomed sports steering heel and a healthy dose of S3 decals on the door trim and numerous other parts of the cabin.

[Source: CARtoday]

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Audi TT: Redesigned TT Cabriolet is a Pleasure

The news continues on the Audi TT post official launch here in the United States. This article, from the Greater Paramus News. The author had driven the previous version of the Audi TT coupe and has a noticeable affection for the newer version. In fact, the author goes as far as calling the new version an Audi "sports" car vs. the previously "fashionable" title.



Here are a few excerpts:

But all you really need to know about the new TT roadster is that the top powers back in 12 seconds, goes up in 14 seconds and you can do either maneuver at up to 25 mph.....

.....As before, there are two power choices: a 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (an upgrade from a 1.8-liter) and standard six-speed automated manual transmission. A 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 adds Quattro all-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing for the V-6 starts at $45,275. Add $1,400 for the S tronic (cq) automatic.....

.....And even when it's not, this roadster is as sweet to drive with the top up as it is down. The fabric top is now lined and insulated. Sightlines are remarkably unhindered over the shoulder and out the large rear window. There's enough headroom that occupants at least 6 feet 4 inches do not have to slouch or super-recline the seat to get a clear view out the glass. And the flat bottom of the three-spoke steering wheel gives more lap room for full-bodied drivers.....

.....This car enjoys being tossed and revved. The short chin is not prone to scraping at driveways, which just encourages more fun in driving.
Enthusiasts shouldn't sniff at the automated manual Direct Shift Gearbox, with steering-wheel paddle shifters. It's an automatic that behaves like a manual, but never gives a poorly timed shift and always brings a smile as the exhaust burbles between shifts. Using the Sport mode noticeably sharpens shift points.

[Source: ]

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Audi R8: AutoExpress Confirms TDI to come to the R8

It looks like the Audi R8 TDI picture is starting to come into full view. Just earlier this week, Car and Driver was reporting that Audi executives were seriously considering bring the diesel powered R8 TDI to market in 2009. Now the folks at AutoExpress are confirming it.

Who can argue with a supercar performance and up to 30mpg?



Here are a few excerpts:

The firm will make the R8 available with its new 4.2-litre V8 TDI unit late next year. Currently powering the Q7 SUV, the oil-burner produces 322bhp and 760Nm of torque. How-ever, it is likely to be tuned further for the R8, pumping out more than 350bhp and 800Nm of torque.

[Source: AutoExpress]

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Audi S3 and Audi TT: Compared Down Under

This article, out of Australia takes a quick look at both the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. Both of these vehicles were recently launched to Australians and the initial reaction has been favorable.

Here are a few excerpts:

Sadly absent from the Australian line-up since 2003, the S3 is back and it is, as Michael Jackson might say, b-a-d, bad. But that's a good bad, if you get my drift.....

.....Motivation is from the VW/Audi family's brilliant 2.0-litre direct injection turbo, which has been beefed with optimised injectors and an increase in turbo pressure of 0.3 bar up to 1.2 bar to give the little four V6 power of 188kW at 6000rpm and a cracking 330Nm of torque from 2500rpm through to 5000rpm. That may be 7kW and 20Nm down on the European tune for the engine, necessary according to Audi Australia because of durability issues in Australia's hot climate and 95 RON fuel, but it hardly diminishes the performance of the S3.....

.....Utilising the Audi spaceframe construction, the TT Roadster is a nicely balanced package with extensive use of aluminium to keep weight down. Audi says 58 per cent of the TT is aluminium with a bias to the front, while the heavier steel components are used in the rear of the car.....

.....As much as it is a car for being seen in, the TT Roadster can hold its own in most equivalent company putting the 0-100km/h sprint behind in 6.5 seconds in the 2.0-litre FSi and an impressive 5.9 seconds with the V6 fired up.

[Source: CarsGuide]

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Audi RS6: Spy Photos Caught in the Clear

Well, now we have it. With the pending retirement of the Audi RS4 from the production stable of Audi, all we have to hope for is based on camouflaged or grainy footage of the coming Audi RS 6. That is no longer the case.

The Winding Road with KGP Photography have caught the clearest pictures of the Audi RS 6 seen to date in the full shots available on in the link below. Let's just say it is quite a pretty site.

What do we have to hope for in the Audi RS 6? Just think about the Audi S6's 5.2-liter V-10 FSI, put in some forced induction and we are talking somewhere in the range of 550-hp to 650-hp. A true beast!

Make sure to check out the rear air intakes!



[Source: Winding Road]

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Audi A6: Wins Shootout Against BMW, Mercedes Benz

iAfrica.com has been busy on their automotive comparisons this past week. First, it was the Audi A3 taking a little bit of a beating from the competition. This time however, it was the Audi A6 4.2 Quattro Tiptronic taking top honors over the BMW 550i, Mercedes Benz E500, and the Volvo S80 Geartronic. This is a big victory for Audi, given the competition in luxury and premium classes.

The only real complaint? The size of the fuel tank on the A6.



Here are a few excerpts:

Things have changed and a glance at our four participants well indicates this. If it were possible to have presented the same four in a shootout say ten years ago, readers would certainly have imagined that Star Wars had landed on earthling domain. And because we have one of these as a long-term test car - the Audi A6 4.2 V8 with its competition-developed quattro concept – we decided to put it up against three other chosen rivals to indicate the strides made over that time.....

.....When it comes to exterior styling the A6’s classically handsome and smooth lines are the most striking, the S80 instead, though more chunky and snub-nosed, appeals in another way. The swooping Merc E500’s is still attractive, the revamped front still not enough to hide the fact that it’s getting long in the tooth. The 550i? Well, we’ve never liked it, and still don’t. Bangle bungled this one as he did his even less-impressive 7, but thankfully redeemed himself with the glorious looking 6-Series.

[Source: iAfrica]

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Audi A3: African Shootout with Hatchbacks

The Audi A3 was in a recent shootout in a review at iAfrica. While in the end, the Audi A3 trailed both the Opel Astra GTC and the Volvo C30 T5 -- the Audi A3 did receive high marks. In addition reference was provided to the Audi S3, recently launched in South Africa.



Here are a few excerpts:

Over the years, the top of the line hatchback market has become ever more significant. Cars like BMW’s 1-Series and Audi’s A3, the Merc B-Class and others like them never existed not all that long ago.....

.....The Audi A3 2.0T FSI has an S3 big brother on the way and already has a 3.2 quattro V6 above it on the range, while the Opel Astra GTC 2.0 Turbo sits happily under the testosterone enhanced OPC in its line-up. Remember that – the Volvo C30 is not quite intended as a hot hatch – yet.....

.....Audi has always had a reputation for fine cabins and the A3 – plain as ever – is no exception, but the Volvo still teaches it a lesson in interior style. Full marks to the Volvo – its well thought out, pleasant and compliant to live with.

[Source: iAfrica]

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Audi Q7: Truth in Engineering

A brand new marketing campaign specifically targeted to the highly acclaimed and successful Audi Q7 launched today. The ads will consist of a number of media targets including TV advertisements, magazine and othe print advertisements, and finally online trailer ads. While the ad campaign is starting with the Audi Q7, it is expected to continue with both the Audi TT and the new Audi A4.

Here are a few excerpts:

The latest effort uses 60-second trailers that launched online on Friday, with 30-second TV versions breaking today, driving consumers online to www.AudiQ7-truth.com, where they can download videocasts, connect to local dealers, and interact in other ways.....

....."These kids are victims of seven-seat SUVs, that don't seat 7," reads the super. VO: "The Audi Q7 ... because someone should think of the children." The other spot shows a guy holding up a long line of traffic in a parking lot because he's engaged in an endless turnaround. The Audi Q7 is pitched as the agile solution to the "misery of the 18-point turn.....

....."Truth in Engineering" is rolling out in phases, Ward says, with the Q7 ads following the TT spots, ads for the new A4 sedan, and ads touting Audi's safety features. She says brand advertisements will follow in the next few months, likely using the R8 sports car as a halo.

[Source: Marketing Daily]

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Audi S3: Review on a Smokin' Machine

Audi is on a little bit of the press push on the international release of the updated Audi S3 Quattro. This is the second article in as many days out of South Africa, with Motoring getting the jump on Wheels24 by a single day with what looks to be the identical white Audi S3 driven by both parties. This is all in addition to the Audi S3 article out of Australia today as well.

The news is, it is all good news for the Audi S3!



Here are a few excerpts:

But it looks like a regular A3, you shriek. Not quite. S3, in typically Audi understatement, is emboldened with a beefier grille sporting platinum vertical slats and xenon-plus headlamps with daytime running lights. It also comes standard with S-issue chrome housings for the side mirrors, meaty 18-inchers, wider door sills, a discreet roof spoiler and an integrated rear diffuser housing twin tailpipes.....

.....Keeping all that power in the road is the responsibility of the Haldex quattro system with an 85/15 bias to the front wheels in most conditions. However, up to 100% of the torque can be distributed to any one wheel when required. Genius.....

.....During the play session, the car showed itself to be quite the performer, displaying its agility and exquisite road holding at PE's Aldo Scribante circuit. Sprinting down the straight and tossing through the bends, the black-painted brake calipers proved they were more than just cosmetic. Simultaneously, they also demonstrated these brakes ability to be more than adequate for regular driving excursions.....

.....Communication through the steering wheel is top notch and the ride is appreciatively firm and not excessively jarring, translating into a driving experience that could rival that of some traditional sports cars. The short shift six-speed gearbox used in the S3 is another marvel and has an effortless action that leaves you to concentrate on more important tasks.

[Source: Wheels24]

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Audi S3: Revised Release Down Under

The folks over at FullBoost are celebrating Audi's revised edition of the S3, recently released down under in Australia. Although Audi's expectations of sales are rather low -- 100 per year -- the S3 is still a popular, yet reasonable vehicle that provides a little sport.



Here are a few excerpts:

Its sparkling performance and practical features make the new S3– like all Audi S models – an ideal sports car for everyday use, according to Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann.....

.....The engine’s power is transmitted by a close-ratio manual six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive to the large 18-inch alloy wheels. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, positioned at the rear for the benefit of weight balance, distributes the torque as needed – delivering plenty of grip and maximum driving safety. All the components in the drive train have been strengthened to cope with the high level of engine torque.....

.....Dynamism is obvious at first glance. The single-frame grille sports chrome trim, the front skirt has a spoiler with large air-intakes and the side sills have been restyled. There is a contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear skirt, along with two S-style oval chrome tailpipes. Aluminium-look door mirrors and a body-colour roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.....

.....In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car, responding instantly to steering movements and achieving high cornering speeds. The innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear – has been further refined.

[Source: FullBoost]

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Audi S3: Scintillating, of Course!

That's how this author out of South Africa feels about the Audi S3, it's scintillating! You really cannot blame him, especially with the upgraded 2.0-liter TFSI (Turbo FSI) engine that is the most powerful version of the 2.0-liter engine that Audi offers. That, combined with the sporty hatchback makes for a wonderfully fun and flexible car.



Here are a few excerpts:

Frankly, it makes a helluva lot more sense than a two-litre turbo TT unless you're into posing; after all, those who know the S3 will also know this latest version is devilishly fast thanks to it scoring 188 against the TT's 147kW and that it still has the quattro all-wheel drive that the latest two-litre TT has dropped.....

.....The S3 will seat four people, the TT two with your favourite garden gnomes in the back. The S3 has decent headroom and a biggish boot and, best of all, your significant other won't regard "Oh, so it's a hatchback, that's nice" as excessive on the household budget.....

.....The cylinder block has been reinforced at the main-bearing pedestals and the main-bearing cap and the cylinder head is made of a new, extra-light aluminium-silicon alloy and the new turbocharger has a larger turbine and compression rotor than the standard unit. Its cast steel casing – produced as a single piece, including the manifold – can cope with exhaust gas temperatures of up to 1050 degrees and it all generates a boost pressure of 1.2 bar instead of the standard 0.9 bar.....

.....Electronic stability and traction control come with the package, as do an S sports suspension with firmer springs and shock-absorbers, wider track and 18" cast aluminium rims shod with 225/40-profile tires.

[Source: Motoring.co.za]

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Audi R10: Your Neighbors Would Love It!

Let's just say that you were able to sign a multi-million dollar check for an Audi R10 TDI race car. This particular car, know as the "quiet" race car would definitely annoy your nbeighbors based on the 105db (decibel) output it creates. That being said, an interesting article following the possibilities are is below.



Here are a few excerpts:

According to www.dangerousdecibels.org, “serious” hearing damage occurs around the 105 decibel mark, which happens to be the R10’s noise output estimate, according to Ulrich Baretzky, Audi’s boss of race and special engine development. Baretzky said Audi has never measured the R10’s actual noise level, yet the diesel’s predecessor-the gasoline-powered eight-cylinder R8-put out around 110 dB. His R10 estimate came from combined tests of the cars and his knowledge of the two engines. He simplified the reasons for the five dB difference.....

.....So how loud does that make the R10,? While our eardrums rupture at 150 dB (or a jet-airplane takeoff), the R10 and R8 both come in under the human-pain threshold of 120 dB (a thunderclap). The R10 can best be compared to a jackhammer or other power tool, while the R8 is more similar to an ambulance siren. The five-fold gap between the two cars might seem significant on paper, but does a jackhammer seem significantly quieter than an ambulance siren? This raises the question about the accuracy of R10 ear-witness fans. Would you use the words jackhammer and “whisper quiet” in the same sentence? Maybe if you were an ambulance driver. And that’s where Baretzky claims the difference lies. Sound is relevant.....

.....“I’m really fed up with the screaming engines around here for 24 hours,” Baretzky said. “You cannot talk anymore [because] you have a sore throat after a half an hour.”

[Source: AutoWeek]

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Audi TT: Can it Turn you into a Villain?

Can the new Audi TT turn you into a Villain? Probably not, but the author of this article waslet to ask this question after taking it on a test drive. This test drive was on the 250-hp power version of the V6 FSI with the Audi Quattro system. While reviews on this particular engine have not been stellar -- with others favoring the 4-cylinder turbo driven 2.0-liter FSI -- you cannot argue with the extras like Quattro only available in the V6.



Here are a few excerpts:

It's a cracker, the new TT, not only subtly sexy, but at last now a proper, tight little sports car. I tried the entry-level, 2.0-litre coupé a few months ago and loved it, rashly pronouncing it far superior to the larger-engined, V6 version, despite never having driven that car (I do the same with films I've never seen and books I've never read). I claimed the 2.0 litre handled better because it had less weight over the front wheels. I was guessing and I was right, but what I had forgotten was that, in most circumstances, more power means more fun, and damn the consequences.....

.....Audi is not particularly known for producing exciting cars - cool, efficiently clinical yes, thrilling and sexy, no - but the TTV6 is definitely one. Another is this, the fabled Quattro of 1980. The Quattro was really the car that sounded the starting gun for Audi's inexorable rise to the automotive super-league, a journey that has culminated this year with the launch of their Porsche-rivaling A8 supercar. Where previously Audi had been known for producing sturdy, unadventurous saloons for Bonn bank managers, the 1980 Quattro brought the company a new audience and new respect thanks to its dominance of the World Rally Championship for years after. The key to the car's success was its four-wheel drive system which was bolted to an Audi 80 chassis and five-cylinder, 2144cc engine. Four-wheel drive had been used on road cars before, but this system had been developed for military use and within five years virtually every rally car would follow suit. Today, the fact that so many road cars are available with four- wheel drive is largely down to the Quattro.

[Source: The Independent]

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Audi A5 & S5: Full of Style and Substance

Another great in depth look at both the Audi A5 and the Audi S5. We are sure to continue to see the article come as the momentum builds into the launch. This time the article is coming out of the UK.



Here are a few excerpts:

There will be more FSI petrol and TDI turbodiesel versions later but, for openers, we get the 237bhp (240PS) turbodiesel-powered A5 3.0 TDI quattro, priced from £33,340, and the more performance-focused S5, with a 350bhp (354PS) version of Audi's rather fine 4.2-litre petrol V8 and prices starting at £39,825. As night follows day, there will surely be a turbocharged V8 RS5 version, RS4-style, to take on the car that Audi's new coupé has to live up to - the latest-generation BMW M3 coupé (to be reviewed in these pages soon).....

.....The A5 and S5 certainly do much to separate the two, and with engineering basics, not just Walter's felt-tip. For starters, they don't sit on the current A4 platform but on a new generation, aimed at real dynamic changes. The wheelbase is the longest ever for a B-segment Audi. Changing the final drive position has moved the front axle line forwards, shortened the front overhang, and reduced forward weight bias, in theory to sharpen steering feel and response.....

.....
Style or substance?
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 16/06/2007




Audi A5 [tech/spec]




The new A5 is Audi's first proper coupé for almost 20 years, but Brian Laban thinks it misses the mark


More images of the Audi A5
Last week's R8 test drive




Audi calls it an "avalanche" of new model launches. Between 1997 and the latter part of this year, its range will have gone from 10 models to 25. And that includes much first-time niche-filling, not least by the mid-engined R8, the Porsche 911-chaser featured on the front of Telegraph Motoring last week, and Audi's first dip into the big SUV market with last year's Q7. But, to date, there has remained one awkward gap, and it's a surprising one given Audi's inclination towards style, sportiness and sharp-edge technology.


The great pretender: the Audi A5 is not as sporty as it thinks it is

Audi hasn't sold a coupé since the late 1980s, when a line going back more than 50 years ended just as the marque approached a spectacular period of growth. Way back in 1953 (when the badge still said Auto Union), there was the F91 Coupé, and four years later the 1000 SP Coupé. Still with the Auto Union badge, 1963 brought the 1000 S Coupé de Luxe, and by 1971 it finally said "Audi" on the 100 Coupé S. Best known was the 1980 Coupé GT, the first Quattro shape, but there hasn't been another coupé since the 80-based model - the Coupé - of 1989.

At this point you may ask "what about the TT coupé?" but Audi made no reference to that very successful model at the launch of the A5; the hard-top TT's coupé moniker merely distinguishes it from the convertible, and Audi considers it a sports car. Which is logical enough, if a coupé is properly and literally defined as a cut-down (and thus sportier) derivative of a four-door saloon.

In today's market, such a coupé-shaped hole in the brand doughnut simply doesn't fit anymore, so here is the next Audi niche-filler, the A5 (and S5) coupé - Ingolstadt's overdue tilt at a market dominated by BMW's 3-series coupé and Mercedes' CLK, and potentially a Nice Little Earner.

It's a picky market, even for a company that seems close to being able to walk on water, so this is far more than just another model on the niche tick-list. There have been clues in the air since the 2003 Geneva motor show, when Audi showed the Nuvolari "design study" that it now describes as the inspiration for the A5 and S5, UK deliveries of which start in July.

There will be more FSI petrol and TDI turbodiesel versions later but, for openers, we get the 237bhp (240PS) turbodiesel-powered A5 3.0 TDI quattro, priced from £33,340, and the more performance-focused S5, with a 350bhp (354PS) version of Audi's rather fine 4.2-litre petrol V8 and prices starting at £39,825. As night follows day, there will surely be a turbocharged V8 RS5 version, RS4-style, to take on the car that Audi's new coupé has to live up to - the latest-generation BMW M3 coupé (to be reviewed in these pages soon).

So these are the next elements of Audi's aim of taking premium segment leadership in the UK by 2012. That's why the A5 is significantly more than a two-door A4 with a pretty new suit. How pretty is in the eye of the beholder, but in coupé-world, getting the look right is way up there near the top of the list. Walter da Silva, who styled it, goes as far as to say that he rates it as the most beautiful car he has ever created, and this from a man with some exceptional Alfas to his name.

You may agree, but for what it's worth, I think Walter is selling himself slightly short. The A5 is good but it's not special, and it certainly doesn't move the game on in any way. You could say it plays safe - short overhangs and a chunky stance, a touch boxy from some angles and, from others, a bit too much like the enemy - but that's how they've played it. Whether Walter's notion of "beautiful" outweighs the nagging thoughts of "conservative" will be down to the market.

The same goes for the dynamics, and of what makes a coupé a coupé, and not just a two-door saloon with a swoopy top.

The A5 and S5 certainly do much to separate the two, and with engineering basics, not just Walter's felt-tip. For starters, they don't sit on the current A4 platform but on a new generation, aimed at real dynamic changes. The wheelbase is the longest ever for a B-segment Audi. Changing the final drive position has moved the front axle line forwards, shortened the front overhang, and reduced forward weight bias, in theory to sharpen steering feel and response.

There's also a new five-link front suspension and revised trapezoidal-link rear, while the steering rack is re-positioned ahead of the front axle, again aiming for better responses, which has long been the Achilles heel of front- and four-wheel-drive Audis when pitched against the rear-drive opposition. Alongside the looks becomes the defining element of the coupé question - is it or isn't it?

You may not be surprised to learn that this is unclouded by considerations of quality or interior design, which both ooze the very best of modern Audi-ness. There are no issues of space or practicality: it's strictly a 2+2, but with reasonable rear-seat room, fairly easy access and good boot space, with split-fold seats.


An engine for all seasons: the V6 turbodiesel has huge flexibility

Which leaves the driving, and whether the A5 (or S5) is as sporty as Audi thinks it is. Up to a point. The numbers are good: 155mph and 5.1 seconds to 62mph for the supposedly hotter S5, but while Audi says 155mph and 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds for the six-speed manual A5 3.0 TDI quattro, this is the one that feels quicker more often, with its 368lb ft (500Nm) of torque from 1,500 to 3,000rpm (the S5 offers 324lb ft at 3,500rpm) and the equally huge out-of-corner traction of all-wheel drive.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

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Audi RS6: Video Spy Footage

The folks at the FastLaneDaily.com caught some great footage of Audi's latest monster, the Audi RS6 testing on a track in Germany. Here is a chance to go beyond still pictures and see the actual video!

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Audi Q7: Testing of the 3.6L Audi Q7

A very objective and well written review of the 2007 Audi Q7 with the 3.6L V6 FSI engine. The author had previously tested the 4.2L V8 engine and it is very apparent his bias. One should probably note that when test driving cars, it is always best to start with the lower end models. That being said, it is a good review of the technology and peformance of the Audi Q7.



Here are a few excerpts:

That's a shame, because as it stands, the 280-hp, 3.6-litre V6-powered Q7 is very well mannered on the road. True, accelerations are not as athletic as those of the 350-hp 4.2-litre V8, but 0-100 kph sprints are still achieved in eight very reasonable seconds--barely one second slower than with the big mill.....

.....One thing's for sure: while the base Q7 lacks the advanced technologies listed earlier, its interior is as sharp and striking as the premium model's. The soundproofing is excellent, the fit and finish is outstanding and passengers enjoy great comfort. A two-way trip between Montreal and Quebec City is completed without any complaint.....

.....MMI, which controls just about every vehicle function, is not very user-friendly, even for tech geeks. The various buttons and knobs are located near the base of the shifter rather than in the upper portion of the dashboard, where your eyes are naturally led to. Bad idea. In fact, it drains a large part of the driver's attention, which could result in a serious accident. On the flipside, some of the controls, like the audio system's, are mounted on the steering wheel.

[Source: Auto123.com]

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Audi RS4: Make way for the RS6

Sad day for the Audi RS 4 enthusiasts around. According to Autocar, the Audi RS4's production will be halted in October, 2007 in order to make way for the production of the Audi RS 6. This has been rumored for some time and with every bad story there is a grain of salt. Since this is the last of the RS's to be produce for the Audi B7 line of A4s, we can all look forward to the 2009 B8 version which will hopefully include an RS 4 in its line! This has yet to be confirmed by Audi.



Here are a few excerpts:

The 414bhp V8-powered RS4 was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in 2005, and went on sale in the UK in October of that year; it'll stop being built this October.....

.....Though Audi hasn't admitted as much, RS4 production is being phased out to make way for the forthcoming new RS6.

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

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Audi TT: Taking the TT to the Next Level

Great review and look over Audi's new TT. This journalist has seen and reviewed both the original TT and the latest version -- this year's Audi TT.

Here are a few excerpts:

Indeed, styling is very much a part of the TT story. In fact, the original car's Bauhaus-inspired design was so brilliant, inside and out, that it made you forget that the TT was a sports car built on a Volkswagen Golf platform, which gave it certain inherent limitations in the ride and handling department.....

.....The new TT is longer, wider and slightly taller than the old car, but it remains instantly recognizable and now features a more athletic character with its set-back greenhouse and a new rear spoiler that automatically deploys when the car reaches 120 kilometres an hour. This feature becomes significant when one recalls that the first-generation TT did not have any rear spoiler whatsoever and that cars driven at autobahn speeds allegedly experienced read-end lift, prompting Audi's decision to hastily add a static rear spoiler to TT models.....

.....Visually, it's a looker all right. The cockpit of the new car is not quite as dramatic as that of the original, but it features a flat-bottom steering wheel inspired by the R8 supercar and keeps the signature centre circular air vents, which now number three instead of two. Gone in the redesign are the two separate centre tunnel bars, one of which so annoyingly contacted the driver's right knee, now replaced by a conventional console. As the beltline of the car remains high, you still retain that "cockpit" feel, but you benefit from slightly more room as the car is now wider.....

.....And while these same representatives claim that Audi is merely "looking into" possible high-performance S and RS variants of the new TT, it is pretty much assured that these models are now in the pipeline, so all of you die-hard gear heads with an inkling for the occasional track day might want to wait and see what is coming down the road.

[Source: Driving.ca]

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Audi A6: Review of a Thrilling and Chilling Sedan

Very interesting article here on a review of a "standard" Audi A6 4.2 FSI sedan. Interesting in the fact that all the hype the last few months has been squarely around the Audi RS 4 and S6 performance sedans and less around the daily driver. However, if those high-performance vehicles and their rough rides are not for you, than the Audi A6 4.2 FSI will surely not disappoint!

Here are a few excerpts:

Fortunately, such uncharitable thoughts regarding the underwhelming strength of the automaker's yeoman V8 powerplant soon passed. I then began to warm up to the A6's acceleration abilities as well as to take stock of the mid-sized luxury sedan's other characteristics, notably a strong side profile that still looks good three years after the car's debut.....

.....Certainly bumping up the 4.2L V8's output to 350 hp from 335 doesn't hurt, which makes the A6 4.2 more competitive with its aforementioned German rivals -- at least to those who scan the spec sheets looking for water cooler bragging rights. Getting to 100 kilometres from a standstill takes about six seconds, decent for a 1,915-kilogram sedan. (The downside of weight and power is fuel economy; the A6 4.2 has a healthy appetite for premium unleaded, averaging 14.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the test week.....

.....An Audi hallmark is its quattro all-wheel-drive system, which provides year-round, all-season superior traction. (Mercedes makes its 4Matic system standard on the Canada-bound E550; BMW doesn't offer xDrive on the 550i.) In conjunction with the optional ($3,450) S Line sport package -- of which wider and stickier P235/55R19 rubber and a stunning set of alloy rims are the highlights -- the A6 charges on-ramps with an elan that easily surpasses lesser machinery.

[Source: Driving.ca]

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Audi R8: More than the Talk of the Town!

An interesting article of speculation around the Audi R8 and the possibilities of a TDI diesel powered engine making its way into the Audi R8 to boost its performance. It was just a little over a month ago when Audi was caught testing the R8 with a V-10 FSI, similar to what you can find in the Audi S6 & S8. While the diesel engine may produce less horsepower, there is no question it would be more fuel efficient and deliver more torque.



Here are a few excerpts:

The gears are beginning to turn on a new groundbreaking phase for Audi, which is set to revolutionize the auto industry in another way: through the use of diesel power. Diesels aren't anything new, of course, and while Audi has had great success using diesel power on the track, especially with its new TDI Le Mans winning R10 racer, they're far from the first to incorporate Rudolf's invention in race or road cars.On the contrary, they're looking to be the first to create a diesel-powered supercar, based on nothing less than their brand new R8.....

.....Instantly, the engine that Audi aficionados will think of is the brand's flagship diesel, the majestic 6.0-liter V12 TDI that develops 500 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, although it probably wouldn't make the cut for its size and weight. Keeping in mind that the R8 is a very small vehicle, the cast-iron and vermicular graphite block would completely alter the car's balance and therefore its handling characteristics. Instead, insiders are reporting that the R8 TDI will feature Audi's newly developed 4.2-liter V8 TDI engine......

.....The unique characteristics of the diesel engine will be as interesting to exploit in a road going performance vehicle as they have been on the track, although this engine makes nearly 25-percent less horsepower than the current gasoline V8 engine (of the same displacement), the losses are more than minimized by its staggering 561 lb-ft of torque. This engine should also drop the R8's fuel consumption by about 20- to 22-percent.

[Source: Automobile.com]

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Audi S6: Quite the Animal

The Audi S6 is know as quite an animal, even down under in the land of Australia. Well, that's not quite the sentiments of the author of this test drive on the Audi S6 -- but make no mistake the 435-hp engine powered by the FSI V-10 is quite a beast.



Here are a few excerpts:

It was kind of fitting the cows had the chance to give the S6 a bit of a once-over because there is connection between steak on the hoof and the S6 and it is all under the bonnet.
In that forward section of the car that holds a ''four'' with room to spare, a V6 comfortably and a V8 if it breathes-in during the fitting procedure Audi's white coats have managed to crowbar-in a 5.2litre, quad-cam V10, a development of the 5.0litre engine used for Lamborghini's awesome Gallardo sports coupe.....

.....What that means is that permanent all-wheel-drive with self-locking centre differential, a switchable electronic stability system (on, off and partially-off) as part of an overwhelming electronics chassis package, six-speed Tiptronic automatic with dynamic shift program and sequential shift mode, huge 19-inch alloy wheels with 265/35-series tyres stretched around them like thick rubber bands and enough braking power to stop the space shuttle.....

.....Did we like it? We loved it for everything from its turbine-like drivetrain to its absolute clingability provided by the huge tyres, firm lowered suspension and clever chassis electronics that do their thing with fuss and without letting-on they are doing it. What did we not like? Giving it back.

[Source: Camden Advertiser]

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Audi TT: Want yours custom made?

Interesting article by way of DueMotori.com. If you're looking for a little more customizeable features in your new Audi TT, looks like Audi will be able to accomodate you! Many various features and add-ons are available including 4 specific custom color lines. Beyond that, many external to Audi will have the over 30,000 color palette available to them in order to create custom and on-off colors.

Now you can have your Audi TT your way!

Here are a few excerpts:

The new four-colour exclusive line option for TT Coupé and Roadster models complements the full-scale Audi exclusive programme already providing buyers with over 30,000 exterior colour
choices and virtually limitless opportunity for exclusivity in the cabin.....

.....The black leather Seat edging contrasts with centre sections and door panels in a choice of either silver, crimson red, signal orange or saddle brown, and these are colour matched with stitching and piping for the hand brake handle, steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and floor mats. Audi exclusive line scuff plates are also part of the package.....

.....The opportunities for personalisation across the Audi range are exhaustive, and provide plenty of latitude. The team at quattro GmbH, the Audi styling and tuning subsidiary responsible for special projects, is happy to ‘think outside the box’ to try and satisfy every request, no matter how unique its nature. Further information is available from Audi Centres nationwide.

[Source: DueMotori.com]

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Audi S6: Taking the 2007 on a Road Test

The new 2007 Audi S6 is quite an exceptional vehicle. Just released, it is expected to compete head on with other super sedans like the BMW M5. Even better, the rumors are that an Audi RS 6 may be headed our way in the next year or so. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

First and foremost the current Audi S6 is an impressive sports sedan. Boasting 435-hp from a powerful V-10 FSI engine, it has plenty of speed to spare. Add that with the 55/44 rear biased Audi Quattro and you have a quite impressive package. This review comes to us way of Automobile.com.



Here are a few excerpts:

The sound of the new S6 at idle is every bit as intoxicating as I remember the old RS6, although the way Audi's going about generating power in its latest midsize muscle car is altogether different. Instead of a carbon-fiber shrouded twin-turbo V8, the new model features a rather exotic 435 horsepower V10 that's only more visually stimulating if you're an engineer. Still, it produces one of the most alluring rumbles I've yet to hearfrom ten cylinders, nothing like the obnoxious blat of a Viper or high-strung wail of a Carrera GT, no, and much more audibly pleasing than the ten-pot mill in BMW's M5.....

.....Power to weight is a key ingredient, and one that sees the Audi failing miserably, weighing in some 326 pounds heavier than the already robust Bavarian and 451 more than the comparatively lightweight Mercedes (two words that aren't normally associated), a 4,486-pound juggernaut that nevertheless feels fairly fleet onits feet. Yes, I was almost as shocked as when I first tested a Bentley Arnage T, a near three-ton mammoth sedan that almost dances as well as the aforementioned M5. Or maybe it was the shock of the Flying-B's willingness to gently drift through apexes at ridiculous speeds without biting back in uncontrollable oversteer that had me feeling as if I could take anything on the road, like Tim Birkin powering a '29 4 1/2 Liter Blower to victory at Le Mans.....

.....I think that this is probably Audi's strongest suit in the super sedan segment. The S6 isn't the quickest at 5.1 seconds to sixty, nor the fastest at a rev limited 155, and probably isn't the most capable around corners, but overall it delivers performance that only a handful of four-door executive shuttles can exceed while pampering everyone onboard every minute of the ride. And if that bone dry roadway happens to turn nasty, as it did during the second day of my test, well, it'll eat M5s and E63s for breakfast, lunch and dinner, not to mention dessert, as its rear-biased 40/60 split quattro all-wheel drive, combined with sport-oriented traction and stability control, adds more grip to the front wheels and virtually eliminates the possibility of losing control. The perfect compromise for a workaholic trying to squeeze just one more meeting into a wet winter day? Being one who would know, the S6 just might be.

[Source: Automobile.com]

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Audi R8 takes on Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911 Turbo

Car and Driver put on a good versus article that take put the new 2008 Audi R8, 2007 Aston Martin Vantage, and 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo to the test against each other. They have an interesting digression into the world of what to call these machines -- are they sports cars? supercars? superdupercars? exotics? While interesting, it takes us away from what we really care about -- how do the cars perform?

The best news? The Audi R8 takes home top honors. Pretty impressive for a vehicle just coming to market!



Here are a couple of excerpts from the article:

Where the Porsche is purposeful, the R8 is playful. And if the Audi can’t quite match the headlong rush of the 911 Turbo, no one could call it slow. The direct-injection 4.2- liter V-8 delivers 420 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 4500. The output tends toward peaky and lacks the Porsche’s immense tidal wave of torque, but the gearing of the six-speed manual gearbox is well matched to the V-8’s power characteristics, yielding consistent 0-to-60 runs in the low-four-second range—4.3 in this test—with the quarter-mile flashing by in 12.8 seconds at 112 mph.....

.....What’s the magic formula here? All-wheel drive? Yes, but without the inherent understeer that goes with most all-wheel-drive cars, other Audis included. In this application, the torque split is biased toward the rear—never more than 35 percent to the front tires. Also, with the engine sitting longitudinally behind the cabin, weight distribution skews toward the rear of the car—44.1/55.9—but not so dramatically as in the Porsche. The 104.3-inch wheelbase (almost a foot longer than the Porsche’s), a dimension dictated by the mid-engine layout, helps enhance the stability index, too, and is a plus in ride quality that’s amazingly benign for this kind of car.....

.....But most of this short list is stuff that would, with familiarity, become transparent or at least acceptable to an owner. Audi has achieved something exceptional: a user-friendly sports car with supercar attributes and everyday drivability.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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Audi R8: Caught in the Detroit Area

Not really much news here, just another sight of an Audi R8 on the road in Detroit. That is not really that big of news, there are two Audi R8's from the design center out here in the Los Angeles / Ventura County area that can be spotted crusing the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu, California on many a weekends. In fact, I caught both of them going through Malibu Canyon Road just a few weeks ago.

Surely there will be more of these to come as the Audi R8 hits the limited produciton marketplace.

Photo from Jalopnik:



[Source: Jalopnik]

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Audi A5: New Kid on the Block

The news and buzz around the new Audi A5 and Audi S5 lines from Audi continues as we approach launch dates around the world. There is no question that the A4/S5 models have created quite a stir with Audi first re-entry into the coupe marketplace in a number of years.

These coupes are expected to compete with both the Mercedes Benz CLK series as well as the BMW 3-series of coupe vehicles. Analysts are expecting Audi to command a considerable share of the market.

Here are a couple of excerpts on this article out of Ireland:

The A5 debuts Audi's new MLP platform (modular longitudinal platform) which will also underpin the next generation A4, A6 and A8 models. The platform is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark "overhung" engine mounting position over the front axle, in favour of the powertrain being located behind the front axle - in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution (55/45) between the front and rear wheels.....

.....This four-seat coupé measures just over 15ft long and in A5 guise offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and, at least in Europe, a wide selection of engines. Two direct-injection petrol engines, a 170-bph 1.8-litre turbocharged four and a 265-bph 3.2-litre V-6. Two TDI direct-injection diesels include a 140-bhp 2.7-litre V-6 and a 265-bhp 3.0-litre V-6. The A5 is also offered with a choice of 6-speed manual or an automatic with a sport tap-shift mode.
There may also be an RS version of the A5 called the RS5. Its main competitor will be the BMW M3 coupe and will most probably have the 4.2L V8 from the RS4, producing 420 horsepower.

[Source: GalwayFirst]

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Audi TTS: Is it for real?

Jalopnik is reporting that apparently Audi is looking to launch the 2008 Audi TT with a TTS at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto show. Unfortuantely, it looks like the 2008 Audi TTS might be a little under-powered for a typical S-line sedan at 270-hp. At 270-hp, the TTS is expected to turn about 5.6s in the 0-60 times. Far from breath-taking if you ask me.

[Source: Jalopnik]

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Audi S4: 2007 Model Test Drive and Review

About.com contributor Aaron Gold had the opportunity to review a beautiful yellow 2007 Audi S4 Quattro. It was quite a surprise for Aaron since he was originally scheduled to test drive the regular Audi A4. Er, that's right -- would you rather have 200-hp from the 2.0L FSI engine or the 320-hp that come with that V8? That's right -- it is a no brainer.



It seems that Aaron places it pretty well in between the A4 and the RS4. The bottom line is that for $20k more than the S4 you can get the RS4, but for $20k less you can get the A4.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

The S4 looks a lot like an ordinary A4, with only "V8" badges on both fenders, silver side mirrors (link goes to photo) and a slightly hunkered-down stance to differentiate it -- a good thing if you're trying to avoid the cops. My tester had a $1,500 Exterior Sport Package with carbon-fiber chin and trunk spoilers and a few non-functional scoops, with bright "Imola Yellow" paint totally eliminating the stealth factor. Incidentally, any color other than red, black or white costs between $475 and $750 extra.....

.....The S4 includes lots of standard gadgets and goodies such as dual-zone climate control, 6-disc CD changer and a sliding glass sunroof. My test car had a $1,950 navigation system that uses a dial and buttons instead of a touch screen. It's difficult and slow to program, but the system makes up for its shortcomings by displaying turn-by-turn directions right on the instrument panel. Safety kit is top-notch, with front-seat-mounted torso airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control all standard.....

.....The S4 is an excellent car by anyone's standards; it's very fast, very well equipped, and very practical. About the only thing that put me off was the drone from the tires. And the price.

[Source: About.com]

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Audi R8: TDI Available in 2009?

How do you improve a car already receiving unbelievable marks from sports car enthusiasts and the media alike? Apparently, you plan to adjust it with your award winning line of TDI (Turbo-Direct-Injection) engines that have helped you dominate the Le Mans circuit. Apparently, this is exactly what Audi is looking to do.



In the meantime, we can just wait in the rumored Lamborghini Gallardo source V-10 for the R8-RS due out sometime next year.

Here are a few excerpts:

Sources say Audi has a diesel-powered R8 in the works, and we’d like to think they’re right. As far as cutting-edge diesel technology goes, Audi’s one of the best in the biz. Its latest demonstration of spark-plugless prowess came in the form of the R10 TDI race car, winning its very first race at the 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the infamous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Petit Le Mans. So who better to make a diesel exotic.....

.....All three powerplants can be found in the Audi Q7 SUV. First, the good: the 4.2 TDI V-8 which makes a solid 326 horsepower backed by 561 pound-feet of torque. Next, the bad: the 3.0 TDI V-6 that puts down a very sub-exotic 233 horsepower, although it makes its fair share of torque at 369 pound-feet. Last, and certainly not least as far as sheer power goes, is the ridiculously impractical 5.9 TDI V-12 influenced by our aforementioned friend, the R10 race car. This beast lays out a mind-numbing 493 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque......

.....The 4.2 TDI propels the Audi Q7 from 0-to-62 mph in a claimed 6.4 seconds—and that’s an SUV. Factor in better gearing, less weight, and more grip and you start to get a feel for what the R8 4.2 TDI would be capable of. In addition, the diesel engine weighs less than 600 pounds, which isn’t too bad for a car on a diet.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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2008 Audi TT Roadster 3.2 S-Tronic

2008 AUDI TT ROADSTER 3.2 S TRONIC

BASE PRICE: $38,800 for base convertible with turbocharged four cylinder; $44,500 for V-6 model with manual transmission; $45,900 for V-6 model with automatic



TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, two-passenger, sporty convertible

ENGINE: 3.2-liter, double overhead cam V-6 with FSI direct injection

MILEAGE: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

TOP SPEED: 130 mph

LENGTH: 164.5 inches

WHEELBASE: 97.2 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,450 pounds

BUILT AT: Hungary

OPTIONS: Audi navigation system $1,950; Audi magnetic ride suspension $1,400; enhanced interior package $1,250; baseball optic leather seat trim $1,000; audio package (includes Sirius satellite radio and Bose premium sound system) $1,000; 18-inch alloy wheels with performance summer tires $800; bi-Xenon headlamps $800; Sahara Silver Metallic paint with black roof $475; Bluetooth phone prep $450

DESTINATION CHARGE: $775

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Audi R8: Versus Porsche, Dodge? Chevy?

The folks at Popular Mechanics are a little funny in their comparisons of the new Audi R8. Sure, the Audi R8 can be compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo. However, this is a first that it is being compared to both the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and the Chevy Corvette Z06. Apparently everyone wants to get in on the Audi following and they will through the entire kitchen sink at the R8.



Here are a few excerpts:

Our quartet of speed maestros consists of the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, Porsche 911 Turbo, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the new Audi R8. We ran them all through our usual battery of tests at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Then we spent a day hot-lapping each one on the 1.8-mile Streets of Willow road course. To find out which ones rose to the top of our score card, read on.....

.....The paddle-shifted R tronic gearbox flawlessly executed rev-matching downshifts and upshifts quicker than any human could manage in Sport mode. The R8 is so easy to drive, you could confidently toss your grandmother the keys and know she’d be okay. In fact, she’d probably have a lot of fun. Around town the Audi rode more smoothly and quietly than any of the others. The interior is posh and luxurious. In some cases we wondered if we were driving a sports car or a sedan — it’s that serene and well mannered. Well, flooring the throttle certainly clears up any confusion. The 4.2-liter V8 lets out a bewitching howl that peaks at an 8250-rpm crescendo. It’s aural magic. But the Audi was the slowest car at the strip. And the R tronic gearbox proved tough to live with when left in fully automatic mode. The lurches and pauses between shifts made us yearn for a traditional manual. Luggage space isn’t as commodious as that of the Porsche or Vette, so packing for longer trips takes some imagination. Still, even factoring in the Audi’s six-figure price tag, this was the one car we all wanted in our own garages. The Audi R8 may be the new supercar benchmark.....

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

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Audi R8: Long Drive Test & Performance

Motor Trend has spent a lot of timing in the Audi shop this week. In fact, they have reviewed all three of the new Audi releases in the past week -- the Audi TT, the Audi A5 / S5, and now the Audi R8. This time they are off for some serious fun while reviewing the Audi R8 with all 414-hp from the V8 FSI engine on a long trip.



It's quite a long article (6 jumps), but well worth your read on the 3000+ mile journey they take with the beautiful Audi R8.

Here are a few excerpts:

"Whoa, whoa," I gasp as the R8 slip-slides toward a wall of roadside ice, the traction-control light flickering like I've just won a prize. I feel like Marcus Grnholm, but without the fame, the talent, and the rally car. With the Graziano six-speed nestled into second, I keep my throttle and steering inputs light. Soon we're confronted with a steep incline.....

.....Our visit to Seattle reaffirms what we've been experiencing since we left Campo - the R8 is a rock star. No doubt about it. Page and Plant wouldn't get more attention if they walked into a London pub screaming for an order of custard pie. Sure, it's the Audi's curvaceous body, off-color "blade," and wide, squatting rear end, but most of all it's the devilish dozen, the 12 LED running lights that sparkle day or night from each headlamp cluster. They act as strobes, as if signaling a grand entrance. They also seem to hypnotize passersby, and we soon classify them into two groups - Glance/Gawk and Hunter/Gatherer.....

.....Next comes Ken, a Microsoft exec who likes to zip around Seattle in his brand-new black 911 Turbo. Cruising through Fremont, he pulls beside us, stops, and seems oblivious to the fact that he's blocking traffic. A game of 20 Questions ensues, and Ken is soon suffering from gross car envy. I try to comfort him with an old trick: "Well, your Turbo is still quicker than the R8." It doesn't help. "Yeah, but it doesn't look like that!" he exclaims.....

.....Simultaneously the V1 explodes in a Ka-band eruption just as Vance shouts, "Cop!" I engage each of the R8's 24 brake pistons and bring the car down to 60 but, as the JERK turns around, I know it's too late. "That JERK waited to flip on his radar," I tell Brian in my defense. Uninterested in our mission and indifferent to the R8's capabilities, the JERK cites me, lightening my wallet by $153. And just to kill me with kindness, he says, "This is a beautiful car." I'm tempted to show the JERK just how beautifully the R8 can blaze from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and through the quarter mile in 12.5 at nearly 112 mph, but I instead thank him and move on.

[Source: Motor Trend]

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Audi A5 & S5: First Drive Impressions

It's been a couple of months since the media blitz around the 2008 Audi A5 and the 2008 Audi S5 started. In the time since, there have been numerous posts and reviews about the highly anticipated coupe from Audi. Just recently, the noise had died down from the media around the Audi TT launch. However, Motor Trend is back in the news with their First Drive impressions on the Audi A5 & Audi S5.



It's a great in-depth and review and worthy of a second look!

Here are a few excerpts:

The A5's direct-injected 3.2-liter FSI engine launches a novel new variable valve-lift system (see sidebar) to produce 265 horsepower with improved fuel efficiency. The S5's 4.2-liter FSI V-8 is derived from those in the RS4 and R8 and tuned for 353 horsepower. Chassis highlights include a new braking system, with automatic hill-holding and electronic parking-brake application, and a change to a front-mounted steering rack positioned near the height of the wheel centers for improved steering feel. An electronic novelty-the so-called Smart Key-stores vital information about the car every time it's used, including the odometer reading and any fault codes to expedite the service-writer's job at the dealership.....

.....Entry-level Euro A5 3.2s will get a Multitronic CVT driving the front wheels only, but for the U.S. market, all A5s and S5s will get quattro all-wheel drive mated to either a six-speed manual or "a fast-shifting automatic we're not prepared to discuss until fall." (Please be DSG!) We sampled both quattros with the six-speed stick and found the gearing well matched to the engines, but the somewhat clunky shifter occasionally snagged on the gate between first and third gears and generally felt a bit remote and disconnected from the mechanism it controls.....

.....Audi's coupes don't compete directly with rival BMW 3 Series and Mercedes CLK models. The horsepower ratings don't quite line up, and the Audis are considerably wider (by 2.8 to 4.5 inches), which gives them the visual heft of the larger 6 Series or CL-Class coupes. In a seemingly reversed launch strategy, the sporting S5 quattro six-speed manual will arrive this November. The mystery automatic arrives along with the A5 3.2 quattro in early 2008, and the RS5 and softtop convertible models are expected a year or more later. Base prices should span from around $40,000 for an A5 to $55,000 for the S5-a fair bit of scratch, but if you've got the itch.

[Source: Motor Trend]

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