AUDI

Audi Q3 RS Rumors give Birth to Rendering

The latest news from Audi is that the Ingolstadt automaker is working on a high-performance version of its new Q3 compact SUV. According to inside sources quoted by Auto Motor und Sport magazine in its most recent issue, the brand with the four rings has even decided on the powertrain, which is none other than the 340HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five found under the hood of the TT RS and RS3 hot hatch. Power of course would be transferred to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
These yet to be officially confirmed rumors have lead photoshop resident and Carscoop reader L il-k Amaru to use his talent on the creation of two renderings depicting the possible styling of the Q3 RS.

The artist’s proposal includes all the usual design cues of Audi’s RS models such as the prominent front bumper with a honeycomb grille, side skirts, five-spoke alloy wheels, aluminum trim accents and a rear apron with a diffuser.

 Rumors: Audi Quattro Coupe May be Given the Green Light by September

The Audi Quattro Concept wowed the crowds at the 2010 Paris motor show. The favorable reaction of both the public and the press to the one-off concept that was created to celebrate the original Quattro’s 30th anniversary has sparked many rumors that Audi is seriously considering making a production version. According to a report from Inside Line, the future of the 21st-century Quattro will be decided soon –more specifically in September, on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show premiere.
Quattro GmbH boss Stephan Reil, speaking during the launch of the Audi Q3 SUV, confirmed that the final decision has been delayed. However, he is "optimistic" about its chances, and added that the production version, if given the green light, would be a small-volume (500-1,000 units per year) supercar with lightweight materials prominent in its construction.
The Quattro’s engine could very well come from the RS5 which, with 450 hp and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.6 seconds, is no slouch. But, as Reil said, “we need more power than the RS5, and it would have to be mounted longitudinally”.
The head of Quattro GmbH commented that the exotic car’s development would take at least 2-3 years, and be similar to that of Audi’s current supercar, the R8.

Audi UK Celebrates 24h of Le Mans Win with R8 V8 Limited Edition

Earlier this month, Audi snagged its tenth victory at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon race with the R18 TDI and to mark the event, the firm’s UK division has churned out a special edition version of the R8 V8 sports car with a unique paint and enhanced standard equipment. The R8 V8 Limited Edition is reserved exclusively for UK customers, with only 100 examples currently scheduled for production. It is available to order from July in coupe form only and with either manual or R tronic automated manual transmission priced from £93,935 OTR.
Exterior highlights include bespoke titanium-effect paintwork, which is available alongside all normally optional metallic and pearl effect paint options, matching color 19-inch alloy wheels inspired by the R8 GT Coupe and red brake calipers.
There’s also an optional Carbon Package, which adds carbon sigma sideblades, door mirrors, monoposto, inlays and door sill trims plus an engine cover.
The Limited Edition’s interior is marked out by the crimson red accents to the black leather seats, headrests, knee pads and passenger door handles along with red stitching on the flat bottomed, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel and instrument cowl.
The stainless steel pedals, illuminated door sills with bright aluminium inserts carrying the R8 logo and the new floor mats with a red surround complete the styling changes.
In addition to the standard features found on the R8 V8 Coupe, the Limited Edition model includes satellite navigation, the Audi Music Interface (AMI), an interior light package and a premium Bang and Olufsen sound system, as well as mobile phone preparation via a Bluetooth interface with integrated seat-belt microphones.
The only mechanical upgrade concerns the addition of the Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension system.
As with the standard R8, the Limited Edition is motivated by a directly injected 4.2-litre engine with 430-horses that allows the sports car to go from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 4.6 seconds in both manual and R tronic automated manual versions and reach a top speed of 187mph (301 km/h).

Shiny Happy People: Chromed Out Audi R8 Spyder Auctioned at Elton John’s White Tie and Tiara Ball

Every year, British musician Elton John throws the famous White Tie and Tiara Ball at his house to raise money and awareness for the Elton John Aids Foundation (EJAF). At this year’s event, which took place on Thursday, June 23, Audi UK decided to donate a unique R8 Spyder V10 coated in a unique mirror-like chromed finish with all proceeds from the auction going towards the charity.
“Sir Elton John’s fundraising ball really is a golden ticket event that is as glamorous as it is hugely effective in fundraising terms,” commented Jeremy Hicks, Director of Audi UK.
“We are delighted, and enormously proud, to support it for a ninth year with the donation of what is arguably our most fittingly glamorous model,” he added.

Audi did not say how much the 525-horsepower R8 Spyder V10 was auctioned for, but we assume that the buyer paid more than its £117,710 OTR (equal to US$188,050) sticker price.

 

Audi A1 Production Reaches 100,000 Units in its First Year on the Market

 

The Audi A1 premium supermini is proving to be a flying success for the brand with the four rings. Just after a year from launch and without the car being sold in the all-important North American market, the 100,000th A1 rolled off the assembly line at Audi’s plant in the Forest district of Brussels in Belgium. To mark the occasion, Audi invited King Albert II of Belgium to visit the facility with the German firm’s boss Rupert Stadler taking on the role of the tour guide.
“We are very honored that the King of Belgium has taken such a great interest in Audi and that he has visited our plant,” said Rupert Stadler. “The Forest site has been part of the Audi family – and the Company’s success story – for four years now. With the Audi A1, Audi Brussels is making a major contribution to the dynamic growth of our brand.”
Audi acquired the Brussels plant from VW in 2007 and has since poured roughly €300 million to bring it up to date.
It is believed that Audi’s future plans for the A1 include the presentation of all-wheel drive Quattro model(s) and more sportier editions such as the S1.

Was ist Das? Russians Create the Weirdest Audi Coupe You’ll Ever See

Sure, the new MINI Coupe is all the talk now and everyone is buzzing in his or her opinion on the two-seater model. However, if you really want a sporty coupe model that stands out from the crowd look no further than this creation from mother Russia. Meet the ultimate Audi Coupe that blends an alarmingly shortened chassis and body from an Audi 80 with the front end of an A4 and the wider buttocks of a previous generation A6 sedan.
The carefully sculptured body also features a bevy of aerodynamic aids such as a boot lid spoiler mixed with a rear wing and front window covers, all of which appear to be the result of extensive testing under the influence of a local white spirit.
In a kind gesture to Audi’s rival from Munich, the owner replaced the Audi 80’s steering wheel with one sourced from BMW. The car is said to be powered by imagination a 2.3-liter engine.

For reasons that are all too clear, the owner of the car has decided to part ways with the Audi Coupe, which is up for sale for the small asking price of 350,000 Russian Rubles or about US$12,430 / €8,730.

Audi Rumored to be Working on New Q4 SUV to battle Range Evoque

 

Audi will double the number of SUVs in its range, which currently includes the recently announced Q3 (pictured in the above sketch), plus the Q5 and Q7, with the addition of three new models by 2016, according to a company insider cited by Autocar magazine. The new models will be named Q2, Q4 and Q6, and according to the magazine’s source, will enable the Ingolstadt-based carmaker to cover every niche of the popular SUV segment. The first addition to Audi’s SUV line-up is said to be the Q4, which will be a sportier version of the existing Q5 designed to compete against Range Rover’s Evoque and to a lesser degree, sister company Porsche’s upcoming Cajun. It is expected to launch sometime in 2014 or 2015.
The SUV model will be based on the existing modular longitudinal architecture (MLB, which stands for “Modularen LangsBau”) of the Q5 that will also spawn the Cajun, Porsche’s compact-size SUV. Since they will share the same architecture, the Q4’s dimensions are expected to be similar to the Q5’s, with a length of 4,650 mm, a width of 1,880 mm and a wheelbase of 2,810 mm, though its different roofline, which will mimic a fastback, will be lower, at around 1,600 mm.
Although official details about the Q4 remain scarce, according to Autocar, it will sport a five-door bodystyle with a fastback design and smaller glass area, thus presenting a sportier alternative to the Q5, a strategy similar to the A4/A5 Sportback duo.
The base model will most likely be powered by the familiar 2.0 litre TFSI engine with 211 PS, while there will also be two sport versions: a gasoline turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 333 PS and a diesel model featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 312 PS.
A hybrid version utilizing the Q5’s powertrain combining a 211 PS turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline engine with a 35 PS electric motor may also be added to the Q4’s range at a later stage.

Audi UK Launches More Frugal A1 TDI, Returns 74.3mpg with 99g/km of CO2

 

An updated version of the Audi A1 1.6 TDI with increased fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions has been introduced into the British market. The Ingolstadt firm’s engineers optimized the 1.6-liter turbo diesel’s fuel system and engine management software, and as a result, reduced CO2 output from 105g/km to 99g/km, and boosted its combined economy figure from 70.6mpg UK to 74.3mpg UK (equal to 3.8 lt/100 km and 61.9mpg US). Performance remains unchanged with the 105HP diesel unit offering the A1 1.6 TDI with a five-speed manual gearbox a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 118mph (190km/h).
On-the-road prices for the A1 1.6 TDI SE, Sport and S line models also remain the same ranging from £14,480 to £17,865.
Standard features common to all three trim levels include alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

Senner Tuning Cooks up a Spicier Audi A1 1.4 TFSI with 165HP

German tuning firm Senner has a new solution for anyone looking to upgrade their desperately plain Audi A1 supermini. The tune starts with the A1’s 1.4-liter TFSI gasoline engine, which normally produces 122-horsepower and 265Nm of peak torque. A custom-tailored ECU along with a sports exhaust system bumps those figures to 165HP and 265Nm (195.5 lb-ft). The engine tune is complemented by an adjustable sports suspension from KW. For the baby Audi’s exterior, Senner Tuning chose a teak brown metallic hue contrasted by white accents on the mirrors, roof arches, side sills and the massive Barracuda Tzunamee 19-inch alloy wheels shod in beefy 225/35 R19.
The package also includes a re-sprayed front grille in a glossy black finish along with a new front apron, side skirts and a modified rear bumper that houses a diffuser and two exhaust outlets.
Inside, the A1 features sports seats trimmed in two-tone fabrics with matching floor mats and an upgraded infotainment system.

Senner Tuning said it offers the A1 as a complete car priced at €36,590 (~US$52,300), which includes some €10,000 (US$14,300) worth of parts and labor.

Project Kahn Changes its Tune, Turns its Focus on Audi A5 Convertible

 

If you like Project Kahn’s tunes but would like to see something other than its Land Rover projects, you’ll be happy to know that the British styling house has turned its attention on the Audi A5 Convertible. The styling package comprises of an aerodynamic kit that includes front and rear vented bumpers imitating the look of R8 sports car with mesh inserts, an available rear spoiler and a stainless steel sports quad exhaust system.
In addition, Project Kahn adds billet steel door mirrors, with the same material being used to trim the front bumper, rear diffuser surround and the side skirts. The lowered suspension and 21-inch RSX matt black lightweight wheels complete the look.
For the A5 Convertible’s interior, the tuner’s offerings include quilted seats in perforated nappa leather, Kahn aluminum pedals and dials and privacy tinted glass.
Project Kahn said prices for a complete Audi A5 Convertible start from £44,875.

Audi Begins Production of New Q3 SUV in Spain

The first series production version of Audi’s new Q3 small SUV rolled off the assembly line today at the SEAT factory in Martorell, located in Spain’s Catalonia region. Built in 1993, the Martorell plant currently employs more than 10,000 workers. This is the first time that the Ingolstadt-based automaker makes use of the SEAT factory. To build the Q3, the VW Group invested around €330 million in infrastructure and upgrades to the production facilities. Audi said around 100,000 Q3s are slated to leave the three-shift assembly line each year.

The smallest member of Audi’s Q series of SUVs and crossovers utilizes the VW Tiguan’s platform architecture. Currently, the Q3 is offered with three four-cylinder powerplants, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 177-horses, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine available in two outputs with 170HP and 211HP. A more fuel-efficient 2.0 TDI with 140HP as well as smaller displacement petrol engines are to be added to the range in the near future.

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Convertible Tuned to 260HP by Sport-Wheels

Even if it has been out of production for some years, the Audi A4 Convertible continues to command the attention of the tuning industry. Sport-Wheels, one of the lesser-known tuning companies in Germany, has presented a new take on the soft-top model with a package for the 2.0-liter TFSI version comprising both mechanical and cosmetic updates. The tune starts from the A4's engine bay with a reprogrammed ECU and a custom sports exhaust system resulting in a 60 horsepower and 92Nm increase over the standard model for a total output of 260HP and 372Nm (274.4 lb-ft) of peak torque. The package also includes sportier suspension bits from KW .

On the outside, Sport-Wheels kept it simple by adding 20-inch Eta Beta Tettsut X-ceramic alloy rims shod in Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires in the dimension of 245/30-20, and twin tailpipes on both corners of the rear bumper.

Audi Drops the Top on Extreme R8 GT Spyder with 560HP V10

 

Audi continues to expand its vehicle range filling every possible niche in the market. After the recent debut of the A6 Avant, today, the Ingolstadt-based automaker revealed the convertible version of its hardcore R8 GT coupe, which was launched as a limited edition model in 2010 with only 333 cars being produced. The new R8 GT Spyder follows the same recipe featuring a more powerful V10 engine and a lighter body. Power comes from an updated version of the standard car’s 5.2-liter V10 engine with a modified ECU that helps lift output from 525HP and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) to 560HP and 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm. An R tronic sequential manual transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a strong rear-wheel bias completes the setup.
The open-air model rides on a tweaked suspension with aluminium double wishbones, and new set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear. The R8 GT Spyder also comes equipped with The large, lightweight carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs and an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) that can be deactivated entirely.
Audi’s engineers managed to shave 85kg (187.39 lb) over the standard R8 V10 Spyder through the use of carbon fiber parts for certain parts of the body (5.5 kg or 12.13 lb).) and lighter components in the powertrain and interior. However, more than a third of the gains came from the new racing bucket seats that saved 31.5 kg (69.45 lb) of weight.
All these changes help the convertible accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.8 seconds (down from the standard R8 V10 Spyder’s 4.1 seconds) and reach a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).
Visual modifications on the outside include additional contrasting titanium grey trim elements, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi also offers an optional windscreen frame in matte CFRP.
Inside, the cabin is finished in black and can be trimmed in a choice of titanium gray or crimson red with Alcantara upholstery coming as standard and leather as optional.
Production of the R8 GT Spyder will be limited to 333 units with prices in Germany starting from €207,800 (about US$300,500). Ordering will begin later this summer ahead of first customer deliveries early next year.