2011 Audi A6 range revealed

Auto Car | 2011 Audi A6 range revealed | The executive saloon will be launched with a range of two petrol engines and three diesels, with fuel economy savings of up to 19 percent compared with the outgoing model.

The petrol options are the 150kW/280Nm 2.8-litre V6 FSI and the 220kW/440Nm 3.0-litre V6 TFSI. Fuel consumption is 7.4 litres/100km and 8.2 litres/100km respectively, while sprint times are 7.7 seconds and 5.5 seconds.

Diesel options include a 130kW/380Nm 2.0-litre TDI, and two tunes of a 3.0-litre TDI – one with 150kW/400Nm and the other with 180kW/500Nm. Combined cycle fuel consumption ranges from 4.9 litres/100km to 6.0 litres/100km, while CO2 is as low as 129g/km in the 2.0 TDI.

Audi has also confirmed it will add an A6 petrol hybrid to the range at some stage after the introduction of the Q5 hybrid quattro. The hybrid will combine a 155kW 2.0 TFSI with a 33kW electric motor for average fuel consumption figures of 6.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 142g/km.

Drivetrains include front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission, continuously variable multitronic and the new seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic.

The chassis has been engineered to combine sports precision and comfort, and the wheel control arms and many other components are made of lightweight aluminium. The body itself is 20 percent aluminium, including the front bumper, bonnet, boot lid and doors.

The headlights are high-intensity halogen lamps and, of course, LED daytime running lights curve around the lower border of the headlight design. The A6 can also be optioned with all-LED headlights, which are longer lasting and highly efficient.

At 4.92m long (wheelbase 2.91m), 1.87m wide and 1.46m tall, the new A6 is slightly shorter and lower than the outgoing model, but is wider and has a longer wheelbase. The luggage compartment is 530 litres.

The new dimensions translate to a more spacious and open interior feel. The front seats can be optioned to include an 18-way adjustment feature, air-conditioning and massage functions with five different programs and 10 air cushions.

Cloth upholstery is standard but five colour shades and two types of alacantra/leather are available. Other interior highlights include micrometallic platinum, aluminium, and ash, walnut and oak woods.

The standard 6.5-inch system includes a DVD changer, digital radio tuner, music interface system, TV module and Bose surround sound. A 15-speaker, 1300-watt Bang & Olufsen surround sound system is also available, and features two acoustic lenses that extend from the instrument panel when the system is turned on.

Safety features include Audi’s pre sense system, which works to minimise accidents and their consequences by warning the driver, preparing the vehicle and increasing brake force in emergencies. It also closes the windows and sunroof, tightens seatbelts and activates the hazard lights, among other things.

Active lane assist, side assist and night vision also contribute to the A6’s safety package, while the parallel parking feature is a convenience system that takes over the steering wheel and guides the car perfectly into position.

Sales of the revised 2011 Audi A6 range will begin early in 2011, with the entry-level model priced from 38,500 euros ($52,250) in its native Germany.

In Australia, the outgoing model is priced from $71,600, and Audi Australia says local engines, specifications and prices will all be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch next year.

Source : www.caradvice.com.au

2012 Audi A7 High-End Vehicle First Drive

 

Auto Car | 2012 Audi A7 High-End Vehicle First Drive | Sardinia is a really old place, and at first it feels odd to drive Audi's latest creation, the 2012 Audi A7, on roads that meander past the remains of a stone village from the Bronze Age and a 3,800-year-old olive tree that's miraculously still alive.

But Sardinians have gotten in the habit of reinventing their island over the centuries. Their latest creation is the Costa Smeralda, a gorgeous strip of coastline that's currently the No. 1 destination for millionaires from Moscow, Dubai and all points in between. You certainly wouldn't be surprised to see a high-end vehicle here, particularly if it's new and avant garde in design, as the Audi A7 is.

PPI Audi R8 Razor GTR 10 Limited Edition

Auto Car | PPI Audi R8 Razor GTR 10 Limited Edition  | Following the introduction of the wildly successful PPI R8 RAZOR at last year's Essen Motor Show, PPI Automotive Design GmbH have used all its knowledge from the past year in competition, closed road races, open road races, and research and development in the wind channel, autobahn and track testing, to create a truly inspired production car. The Audi specialist turned its focus on optimizing the power-to-weight ratio of the Audi R8 while simultaneously strengthening the motor, increasing performance, improving handling dynamics, and managing to reduce the weight of the Audi R8.

The essential part of the motor alteration is the incorporation of a specially engineered supercharger. In addition, a ram-charged sport air filter system and a high performance exhaust system made of stainless steel have been designed and added specifically to work in conjunction with the supercharger system. These components are precisely adjusted to each other with the help of a new ignition map for motor electronics.

The result, after this extensive modification, is a car with 580 hp / 427 kW at 7,400 rpm, a maximum torque of 600 Nm at 6,200 rpm at its disposal, and a weight decrease of 250 kg over its serial counterpart (serial curb weight 1,580 kg). Providing the PPI RAZOR GTR with the ability to achieve speeds from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds with a maximum top speed of 332 km/h. This insures the proper performance to easily meet the demands of its motorsports and enthusiast clientele.

Aerodynamics

In addition to the excellent driving performance, this PPI Supercar also has a striking widebody appearance with elaborate, wind tunnel tested aerodynamics. Special attention was paid to the reduction of the vehicle's weight, which was achieved by PPI's extensive use of the extremely light and high-strength formula 1 and aerospace-proven Carbon Fibre. All parts are made of this high-tech material, reducing weight and adding strength in the process.

The PPI RAZOR GTR front bumper replaces the serial bumper and the new design in conjunction with a specially engineered front diffuser, reduces lifting forces at the front axle. Larger air inlets in connection with a new full LED-headlight unit present the two-seater with an even more athletic face. More importantly, these air inlets feed the radiators with additional fresh air and channels through the new front hood to provide optimal cooling to the brake system. PPI sideskirts highlight the sporty profile of the GTR and also diffuses the airflow around the sides of the car for improved aerodynamic stability.

In order to perfectly balance out the down-force behavior of the front-axle with the rear axle, PPI equips the RAZOR GTR with a special rear wing with an adjustable Gurney-flap. The motor cover, made of the light high-tech polycarbonate material Makrolon®, also has specially designed Carbon Fibre ram-charged air inlets that replace the heavy OEM Engine cover and aid in cooling, ensuring the consistent performance of the RAZOR GTR. Aiding in the engine cooling, are the newly designed side blades, rear fenders and rear bumper allow for additional motor bay and exhaust cooling that, in conjunction with the Carbon Fibre rear diffuser, optimizes the airflow over and through the rear portion of this sharp performance car.

Handling

The overall appearance of the car is further enhanced by a new widebody skin to allow the PPI RAZOR GTR the proper structure to accommodate all the performance enhancements and wider wheels. The RAZOR GTR utilizes specially designed lightweight MAG11 forged PPI wheels. At the front, 10Jx19 MAG11 wheels with 255/35 ZR 19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres are fitted and an impressive 11.5J x 20 MAG11 wheels with 325/25 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires are used at the rear. This wheel and tyre-combination proves to be the optimal balance between comfort and control while maintaining proper road feedback for the driver.

PPI also developed a special high-performance braking system available only for the RAZOR GTR that can be identified by its metallic orange-colored brake callipers. The optimal deceleration and perfect pedal pressure control is now achieved by enlarged 6-piston calipers in connection with extra-large discs measuring 380 x 36 millimeters at the front and 356 x 32 mm discs at the rear axle providing greater pad surface contact area and heat dissipation.

Nothing has been left untouched, as is evidenced by the new coil over kit developed in conjunction with technology partner KW Automotive GmbH. This system has been specially adjusted to the needs of the PPI RAZOR GTR. And comes equipped with a Hydraulic Lift System, which can increase ground clearance by up to 45 millimeters if needed and therefore enables the driver to enter underground car parks or drive over speed bumps.

Interior "Performance"

PPI completely re-designs the interior and turns the R8-interior into a "members-only" lounge with a motorsports flair. The serial interior is replaced by highest quality Onyx Nubuck-leather with orange-colored accents and highlights. Additionally, PPI equips the limited edition RAZOR GTR with extensive Carbon Fibre throughout the ****pit; hand-brake lever, door sill protectors, Driver and Radio Console Surround, Door Trims, Center Console inserts, and kneepad trims, the ultra-light folding sport seats are also made of Carbon Fibre and bear the PPI "Sport Identity" style, following with the headliner, the steering wheel, shift knob, door panels and center console. The technical highlight of the interior is the ergonomically re-designed PPI sport steering wheel. Highlighting the exclusivity of this limited series production is PPI RAZOR GTR badging, threshold plates, and an aluminum production plaque framed by Carbon Fibre.

The new PPI RAZOR GTR Supercar…. BOLD Design, SHARP performance, and EXCLUSIVE production, developed and presented by PPI Automotive Design GmbH, the only tuners for Audi automobiles with a true focus on "Engineering in Style."
World premiere of the PPI RAZOR GTR at the 2008 Essen Motor Show

(http://www.r8talk.com/)

Audi Q7 Limos

Auto Car | Audi Q7 Limos  | Audi Q7 In is amongst the best in the world and becoming more and more popular in UK. You can choose from a wide range of unique limos such as audi Q7. This is the perfect place to book a audi Q7.

Audi Q7 is a stylish and classy limo for weddings and can be provided with a choice of ribbons in different colours including pink, red ,white black.

The audi Q7 is accompanied by our professional chauffeurs. Our clients are guaranteed a friendly and professional service.

Audi Q7 is ideal for weddings, birthday, stag night, sports events, hen nights, etc. Limousine hire service, Audi Q7 is offered by Ace Star Limo Hire. Get a free Audi Q7 quote online.

The limo builders in USA are developing creations that are getting more and more extreme. An example worthy to mention is this 2010 Audi Q7, successfully transformed in a limo as modern as possible. The car we are talking about can transport up to 16 passengers. Once the gullwing doors are opened an you entered the car, lots of neons and LCD TVs, leather seated sofas (and not any kind of leather, they used alligator and snake leather – I wonder what is PETA’s opinion about the car) and even a fish bowl will be next to you in all your journeys/parties in this amazing limo. The theme the designers chose for the interior of the car was disco.

(www.mibz.com)

2010 Audi RS5

Auto Car | 2010 Audi RS5 | When Audi started building high-performance cars, they were turbocharged when everyone else was building high-revving, naturally aspirated engines. With the last-generation RS4, Audi made the switch to a beastly, naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8. Now the tide is turning in favor of the turbo—both BMW's M and Mercedes’ AMG division are working on turbocharged engines. Audi, on the other hand, intends to keep its free-revving V-8—at least in some models.

At the Geneva auto show, we’ll meet the upcoming Audi RS5, the wildest evolution of the A5 coupe, and as direct a competitor to the BMW M3 coupe that exists. Here, Audi's 4.2-liter V-8 makes 450 hp at 8250 rpm, and maximum torque is 317 lb-ft, available between 4000 and 6000 rpm. The hand-built engine is direct-injected and closely related to the 420-hp V-8 which powers the R8 supercar.

Top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph or 174 mph, spec’d to your order. Zero to 62 mph is accomplished in a claimed 4.6 seconds. That number trails what we’ve recorded from the BMW M3 coupe, but it is likely a conservative guess.

Idiotproof Mechanicals

Sadly, the Audi comes only with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while BMW still offers a six-speed manual for the M3. The RS5's standard all-wheel-drive system sends 60 percent of the power to the rear under normal conditions, but the new, self-locking crown gear differential can shift up to 70 percent of the power forward or 85 percent to the rear if necessary. The torque-vectoring rear differential is an option that adds considerable weight, but works beautifully.

Show is part of the game, and the face of the RS5 might look positively angry. The engine's monstrous appetite for air leaves no room for foglights amidst the grilles in the front fascia, and the exhaust exits the car through oversized ovals left and right. The RS5 sits 0.8 inch lower than the A5, and 19-inch wheels are standard. Five-spoke, 20-inch wheels are optional, as are carbon-ceramic brakes. The rear spoiler, which automatically deploys at 75 mph and retracts at 50, is exclusive to the RS5.

At €77,700, the RS5 won’t be cheap. But we hope Audi will decide to bring it to the U.S.—especially since the S5 coupe will eventually lose its V-8 in favor of the more efficient but less emotional supercharged V-6 that powers the S4 and the S5 convertible.

(/www.caranddriver.com)

2011 Audi R8 GT

Auto Car | 2011 Audi R8 GT  | Now even more powerful, lighter and faster: Audi presents a limited-production version of it R8 high-performance sports car, the R8 GT. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp); vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 100 kilograms (220.46 lb). The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph).

The R8 high-performance sports car has been a winner from the very beginning. This applies to both the production models, winners of the “World Performance Car” Award in 2008 (R8) and in 2010 (R8 V10), and to the race car, the R8 LMS, which won 23 races in its first season and claimed three championships. The genes of the race version are now coming to the street – in the R8 GT. The exclusive series is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT has a badge with its production number on the shift lever knob.

Consistent use of lightweight construction: 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) trimmed
The production R8 5.2 FSI quattro is already a shining example of the Audi’s lightweight construction philosophy. Its aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body weighs only 210 kilograms (462.97 lb). The aluminum body panels are joined to the frame of extruded profiles and cast nodes by means of positive and friction connections. The engine frame is made of ultra lightweight magnesium.

The ASF body is largely hand-built at the Neckarsulm plant in a complex manufacturing process. The extremely high strength of the body is the basis for the high-performance sports car’s precise handling, and it also offers good vibration comfort and first-rate crash safety.

Thanks to the ASF body, the production R8 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1,625 kilograms (3,582.51 lb) – with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and optional R tronic transmission. This made it all the more difficult for the engineers to once again achieve substantial weight savings. They took an elaborate approach involving every aspect of the vehicle, and in the end the scales came to rest at 1,525 kilograms (3,362.05 lb).

The windshield of the R8 GT is made of thinner glass; the bulkhead between the passenger cell and engine compartment, as well as the window in the rear hatch are made of strong, lightweight polycarbonate. These three modifications saved nine kilograms (19.84 lb). The fixed rear wing is good for an additional 1.2 kilograms (2.65 lb); thinner sheet metal and additional cutouts shaved 2.6 kilograms (5.73 lb) from the aluminum hatch over the 100 liter (3.53 cu ft) luggage compartment at the front of the car.

The long rear hatch is made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – an advantage of 6.6 kilograms (14.55 lb). The rear bumper and the sideblades of this same material save an additional 5.2 and 1.5 kilograms (11.46 and 3.31 lb), respectively. With its minimal weight and extremely high strength, CFRP is the ideal material for a high-performance sports car, and Audi has broad-based expertise in its use.

The engineers also fought to shave every possible gram of weight from the technical components of R8. They shaved one kilogram (2.20 lb) from the power brake system, four kilograms (8.82 lb) from the aluminum caps of the brake discs and 9.4 kilograms (20.72 lb) from the battery. The engineers also found 2.3 kilograms (5.07 lb) in the air intake module and 2.8 kilograms (6.17 lb) in the insulation of the engine compartment

(www.autogeeze.com)

2011 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

Auto Car | 2011 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI | When the Audi R8 was first introduced in 2007, many observers argued a more powerful motor might be needed to unlock the true potential of the car. Fast-forward a few years, and a considerably more powerful R8 is a reality.

Powered by a Lamborghini-sourced V10, the latest R8 sends 525 horsepower to all four wheels thanks to a sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive system. The car was introduced to the public at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Though sporting two more cylinders and a little more grunt mid-ship, V10-powered R8 doesn't feature too many visual differences from its V8 sibling.

More air is fed to the ten-cylinder through larger side scoops, which jut out sharply from the body-side, adding a more aggressive stance to go with its increased power. The lower side sill also get an extra flare which runs along the wheelbase, adding further visual cues that this is the true uber-Audi. The changes are subtle enough to be obvious only to those in-the-know, thus keeping the R8's clean lines as uncluttered as possible.

However, some subtle changes from the standard R8 will include dual oval exhaust outlets, bigger side air intakes, a revised front and rear fascias and larger brakes. The V10 version also sports unique LED headlights and a rear diffuser.

Prior to the car's launch, rumors were swirling that Audi would name the V10-powered R8 the R10 or RS8, but the more technical "5.2 FSI" designation was used.

The V10 is the same 5.2L FSI powerplant found in the new Lamorghini LP560-4, albeit detuned to 525 horsepower and 390 pound-feet or torque to keep the R8 out of the Gallardo's territory. But despite being down a bit on grunt, the R8 V10 can still rocket from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

Specification

Make: Audi
Model: R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro Coupe
Year: 2009
Country of Origin: Germany
Type: Supercar
Class: B
Engine: V-10, Naturally Aspirated, 5,198 CC, Gasoline
Horsepower: 525 BHP @ 8,000 RPM
Torque: 390 LB FT @ 6,500 RPM
Redline: 8,700 RPM
Brakes: Carbon Ceramic All Round
Wheels: 19 inch Aluminium alloy
Handedness: Left
Dials: all Analouque with back up Digital Speed Readout
Readout: Main Dial in KM/H, Readout in MPH
Transmission: 6 Speed H Pattern Manual
Driveline: M/4 Mid Engined, All Wheel Drive
0-60: 3.9 Seconds
Top Speed: 196 MPH

(.leftlanenews.com)

2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Auto Car | 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet | The all-new 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet replaces last year’s A4 as Audi’s four-seat convertible in residence. Even so, the convertible A5 shares many of its mechanical bits with the A4 sedan and wagon, including its 211 horsepower 2-liter turbocharged engine. Shared styling with the A5 Coupe makes the Cabrio a real looker whether the soft top is up or down -- but is it as good to live with as it is to look at? Read on.

Pros

• Great to drive
• Nice blend of power and economy
• Well-appointed interior
• Top can be raised and lowered when the car is moving

Cons

• Pricey
• Not enough lockable storage

Description

• Convertible version of the A5 coupe; replaces last year's A4 Cabriolet
• Trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige
• Price range (including options): $42,825 - $60,575 ($52,275 as tested)
• Powertrain: 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinter, 211 hp/258 lb-ft, CVT auto/front-wheel-drive or 6-speed automatic/all-wheel-drive
• EPA MPG estimates: 20-23 MPG city, 26-30 MPG highway
• Observed fuel economy: 23.7 MPG
• Best rivals: BMW 328i, Lexus IS 250C, Volkswagen Eos
• The vehicle for this test drive was provided by Audi.

(about.com)

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 Quattro supercar in "Iron Man 2"

Auto Car | 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 Quattro supercar in "Iron Man 2" | Tony Stark drove the 2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 Quattro supercar in "Iron Man 2," now you can too for a mere $161,000, Audi today announced. The first open-top Audi supercar, which has a top speed of 195 mph, will begin rolling into U.S. showrooms as soon as next month.
The R8 Spyder 5.2 Quattro differs from the classic Audi look--there are no signature sideblades on the Spyder. Another significant difference on the R8 Spyder is the use of dramatic Aluminum Optic vents on the new rear engine cover and aluminum a-pillars. Last year, CNET's Antuan Goodwin compared the R8 Spyder with the Gallardo Spyder.

The Spyder features thermal-resistant leather seats that are colored with pigments that can cool hot seats by as much as 68 degrees--even in direct sunlight. The sports car also has a Bluetooth system with a seat belt mounted microphone that operates clearly even with the top down.
Audi today also said it intends to sell the Audi RS5 in the U.S. market starting in 2012.
The 4.2-liter V-8 engine in the Audi RS5 Coupe generates 450 horsepower. Audi will release details on the RS5's equipment levels, pricing, and fuel economy standards at a later date.

2011 Audi A1 First Drive Review

Auto Car | 2011 Audi A1 First Drive Review | By American standards, the Volkswagen Golf based Audi A3 is a little car. Not so in Europe, however, where the A3 is a legitimate family hauler. In other words, there is plenty of room in Audi’s European product portfolio for a car with tidier dimensions. Enter the A1, Audi’s third attempt at the true small-car segment. The A1 is based on the VW Polo platform, a model that, ironically, emerged in 1975 as the cheapo version of the short-lived Audi 50. Audi’s second attempt, the all-aluminum A2, failed mostly because it was underpowered and overpriced at its launch in 1999. Today, the Luc Donckerwolke styled A2 is gaining cult status, albeit a bit too late. End of history lesson.

This new take on a small-car entry is similarly upscale, only now there’s a market for it. For this, we can thank the Mini’s wild success. Both cars are similar in concept but vastly different in execution. If you are a fan of the United Kingdom with its Victorian mansions, Beefeaters, changing of the guard, and all, you’ll appreciate the Mini’s approach to automotive design. If Bauhaus is more your thing, you will gravitate toward the Audi A1, with its clean lines and technoid LED strips and taillights. The Polo heritage is successfully hidden, and a “single frame” grille, previewed with the A8, predominates here, too.

Despite being smaller than the A3, the A1 looks tough and ready to scrap with the cheeky Brit. Its track has been widened compared with the Polo’s, and the headlights have a somewhat menacing look, especially when equipped with the optional xenon lights, which come with an LED strip that successfully mimics the A8’s. Audi will even paint the roof pillars, which stretch from front to rear in one smooth arc, in a contrasting color for extra awesomeness. This feeling of control is enhanced by the A1’s excellent chassis setup. The electric power steering simulates a full hydraulic system with perfection and is very direct, too.

Its aggressive ratio is complemented by Audi’s “electronic limited-slip differential,” which uses the stability-control system to brake wheels in order to generate forceful turn-in. It’s Audi’s version of the Volkswagen XDS system, and it comes on every A1, not just on top-of-the-line models, like at VW. The A1 is neutral up to the limit, at which point the ESP system kicks in briefly if noticeably. It’s a friendly warning that your backside was just saved, but it doesn’t sanction you by taking off more speed than necessary. There are two suspension setups. We like the standard suspension, and the sport suspension is even better in control and sharpness. Even so, it doesn’t beat you up.