Monday, March 30, 2009

2008 Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro Diesel - Short Take Road Test

Diesels aren’t that quick, right?

Well, the European-spec Audi A5 3.0 TDI is as fast off the line as an A5 with the gasoline-fired 3.2-liter V-6, blasting from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. And 100 mph comes up in 15.4 seconds, just 0.3 second slower than the naturally aspirated gasoline machine. If the diesel car had been geared to reach 60 mph before our intrepid tester had to snatch third gear, it would have been quicker still, probably besting the BMW 335d’s 0-to-60-mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The Quattro all-wheel-drive system in the A5 is good for swift launches, of course, but the car only has 240 hp on tap versus 265 for the Bimmer, and 369 lb-ft of torque against 425. This engine seems better matched in this application than the BMW diesel does in a rear-drive 3-series, because the immense torque makes the 335d tricky to launch. What was most impressive about the Audi’s 3.0-liter direct-injection turbo-diesel, however, is the linearity of its power delivery. Most diesels run out of breath well before the redline approaches, but this Audi engine keeps pulling strongly until the tach needle hits 4800 rpm.

Keep Reading: 2008 Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro Diesel - Short Take Road Test

2010 Audi TT RS - Auto Shows

Our prognostication was correct: Audi is indeed revealing its highest-powered TT in Geneva, and it marks the return of the five-cylinder Audi. Don’t get too excited, though, as bold red text in the press release tells us the TT RS isn’t scheduled to appear in the U.S. anytime soon.

The TT RS receives a new turbocharged and direct-injected 2.5-liter engine that feeds 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque to a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. A new close-ratio six-speed manual is the only available transmission and boasts a short-throw shifter. Audi foresees a 0-to-62-mph time of 4.6 seconds, a tenth quicker than we’ve seen the TTS hit 60. Top speed will be limited to 155 mph, although for an extra fee Audi will raise the limit to 174 mph. With a press of the Sport button, a flap in the left tailpipe will let out some extra five-cylinder flavor—watch our teaser video to hear it for yourself—while an optional sport exhaust is packaged with matte black exhaust finishers.

Keep Reading: 2010 Audi TT RS - Auto Shows

2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet - First Drive Review

Audi drops a supercharged V-6 into a stunning droptop.

BY MIKE DUSHANE

When gas prices spiked last summer, carmakers started talking about downsizing. They would fast-track the production of lighter cars with lower-displacement engines, and we'd use less gas and have smaller carbon footprints. World peace would follow shortly thereafter. Less than a year later, downsizing is here: The Audi S5 cabriolet will be among the first vehicles to hit the market with significantly reduced engine displacement and fuel consumption compared to the model it replaces. (In this case, that’s the 4.2-liter V-8–powered 2009 S4 cabriolet, since this is the first-ever S5 droptop.) The S5 cab shares its supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with the all-new 2010 S4 sedan, although the S5 coupe will retain the use of a naturally aspirated V-8 until the 2011 model year, when it gets the blown six. Audi claims the V-6 delivers nearly identical performance and 20 percent better overall fuel economy compared with the V-8.

Less Power, but the Same Torque as the V-8

The S5 cabriolet's 333 hp is 21 fewer than the coupe's V-8, but each engine makes exactly 325 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged engine has more grunt at low rpm, though, and Audi claims the S5 sprints just as quickly to 62 mph as it would with the V-8: an estimated 5.6 seconds. In the U.S., the S5 cabriolet will be available only with a seven-speed dual-clutch manumatic that Audi calls S tronic. U.S. Audi officials say they couldn't bring a manual S5 cabriolet to the States because the handful of people who might special-order one doesn’t justify the expense associated with importing it. The S5 coupe still is available with a manual.

Keep Reading: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet - First Drive Review

2010 Audi A5 / S5 Cabriolet - Video

Exposed—literally! Audi reveals the convertible versions of its sensational A5 and S5 coupes.

BY MIKE DUSHANE

Keep Reading: 2010 Audi A5 / S5 Cabriolet - Video

2009 Audi Diesels - Video

Audi takes us to Toronto for another diesel dangle.

BY STEVE SILER

We sample a diesel A5 in wintry conditions.

Keep Reading: 2009 Audi Diesels - Video

2014 Audi S4 and S5 Massively Lighter, To Use Turbo Fours - Car News

Audi's technical-development chief spills the beans about a kinder, gentler, and faster generation of sporty cars.

BY MIKE DUSHANE

 

The current Audi S5 coupe is gorgeous, fast, and luxurious, but at over 3800 pounds, it’s not dainty. And the upcoming 2010 S5 cabriolet will weigh about 4300 pounds—more than a lot of mid-size SUVs—so forgive us for thinking Audi product planners were being intentionally ironic when they spoke at the car’s launch about their green philosophy and success in downsizing. They conveniently neglected to mention weight and focused on their powertrain strategy: a far more efficient supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 replaces the naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 in the S5 cabriolet and S4 sedan for 2010, with the S5 coupe getting the new engine for 2011. These cars are claimed to achieve the same acceleration as the V-8 models while using 20 percent less fuel.

Still, any idiot knows you can only get so far with engine downsizing in a performance car that weighs more than two tons. So we sat down with Michael Dick, Audi's global head of product engineering, and asked him about how he squares the company’s stated smaller-is-better credo with the reality of its hefty cars.

Crash Dieting

We expected to hear some mumbo-jumbo about how safety standards and consumer expectations for features and refinement dictate ever-growing curb weights, but Dick's response shocked us: Audi is currently testing a prototype of the next-generation S5 that weighs880 pounds less than the current car. He outlined the ongoing increase in the use of aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel as a main reason behind the mass reduction. The current TT's chassis is 69 percent aluminum, and the next-generation A6 (probably due in 2011 or 2012) will have an even higher proportion, Dick says. The amount for the next A4/A5/S4/S5 will be higher still when they debut, likely as 2014 models.

Keep Reading: 2014 Audi S4 and S5 Massively Lighter, To Use Turbo Fours - Car News

2010 AUDI R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro - Short Take Road Test

By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars. The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor­ghini Gallardo LP560-4. Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary.

We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg. Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is simply marketing.

Keep Reading: 2010 AUDI R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro - Short Take Road Test

Audi R8 V10 - a lot for the money

Am writing this on the plane, on the way out to drive the new Audi R8 V10, the one with a Lamborghini Gallardo engine in the back of it and a price tag to match. Or maybe not.

Read Andrew Frankel's first drive of the Audi R8 V10
Leafing through the press pack on the flight I’ve just realized that, despite its seemingly monstrous £99,575 on-road price, the R8 V10 could actually be one of Audi’s most reasonably priced cars.

How so? Because if you look at the amount of standard equipment it boasts over the regular V8 model, they’re almost giving you the extra performance for free.
Add the V10s standard issue magnetic dampers, CD changer, LED lights, metallic paint, B&O sound system, 19in wheels, hill hold, electrically heated front seats and carbon side-blades to the price of a 4.2-litre R8 and you’re looking at well over £11,000 worth of options.
Which effectively means you get two cylinders, 1000cc, 123bhp, 74lb ft and an extra 0.1mpg on the combined cycle for only another eight and a bit grand. Oh yes, plus an exhaust note that will make your heart explode and your neighbours hate you more than ever, and a top speed of 196mph.
A couple of other things in the press blurb also caught my eye. And made me titter. According to Audi’s market research – and they’re probably the best in the business when it comes to this – the R8 is the least depreciating car in its class, likely to hold around 45 per cent of its value after three years. The worst is the BMW M6, by all accounts, which will be worth just 27 per cent of its original £86k in 36 months’ time. Ouch
Audi’s research also that shows that 97 per cent of R8 owners are likely to be men, the core age group being 48-50 years old. The average net household income of an R8 owner will be more than £8500 per month, and outside of cars their interests are likely to be skiing, sailing, golf and/or cycling. Best of all, approximately two-thirds of R8 owners will apparently have “had a high level of education.” Presumably that means the other third are all quite good at football…     
Napa leather £same as
Mag ride £1320
19in wheels  £490
B&O sound system £1175
CD changer £315
Metallic paint £685
Elec + heated seats £810 + £270
Lighting package £420
Hill hold £80
LED headlights £2740

MTM Audi R8 R & RS6 R Video

mtm r8 r

Seeing that it’s midweek, I was in need of something exciting to watch to get my morning going. After a few minutes of surfing some of my favorite automotive blogs, I fell upon these incredible video test drives over at our friends GTSpirit.com.

Those lucky boys shared their test drive experiences about two wonderful cars, the MTM Audi R8 R and the MTM Audi RS6 both tuned by the wicked MTM (Motoren Technik Mayer). Don’t forget to checkout the MTM Scirocco R which Anthony saw at the 2008 Essen Motorshow!

mtm

These two cars before any modifications are already ridiculously superb! The AUDI RS6 AVANT and the AUDI R8 are beasts all by themselves without any aftermarket tuning. MTM has re-badged them as the Audi R8 R and Audi RS6 R, simple yet effective IMHO. Now about the VIDEOS!!! The GROWL that the R8 R lets out gives one shivers and the clean yelp the RS6 R delivers is just to die for. Enjoy the multiple FLY BY scenarios this vid has to offer!

mtm-audi-r8-r

MTM Audi R8 R VIDEO

mtm-rs6-r

MTM Audi RS6 R VIDEO

Audi TT RS Teasers Released

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Audi has released the first teaser images of the TT RS, which is the ultimate TT that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The TT RS will feature over 300 horsepower from ts turbocharged 2.5L five-cylinder.

It's still up in the air if we'll get it here in the U.S.

2010 Audi TT RS - Video

R you ready for a faster TT?

Keep Reading: 2010 Audi TT RS - Video

Audi TT RS 340 HP, First Unofficial Official Photos!

Thanks to our friends at Carscoop, we've now got more than just teaser shots of the coming-to-Geneva Audi TT RS. We've now got all the unofficial details and the first fully-nude photos of Audi's super-TT.

To be officially revealed at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the TT RS will be available as both Coupe and Roadster models. Audi has equipped the TT RS with a new turbocharged 5-cylinder engine with direct-injection and a capacity of 2.5-liters.

The result is an output of 340 HP and a maximum torque of 331.9 lb-ft. The sporty TT uses Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system with power being transferred through a six-speed manual gearbox. In terms of performance, Audi says that the TT RS will have a 0-to-62 time of under five seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
CarScoop's also got some engine sounds in a YouTube video. Check it out via the link below!

2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet Unveiled

2010_audi_s5_cab_17.jpg
Audi has officially unveiled the 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet.

The droptop versions of the A5 and S5 will be in showrooms in Europe in the second quarter of 2009 and in the US this fall. In Europe engines range from the 160 hp 1.8L engine to the top of the line 333 hp supercharged 3.0L V6. There will be less engine options in the US.

Brand Spankin’ New Images: 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet (with video)

Audi has just announced that it will add a new entry level 160-hp 1.8 TFSI model to its A5 Cabriolet lineup with prices starting at 37,300 Euros. Of course we won’t get that model in the U.S. (and we’re somewhat thankful we won’t).

In the U.S. the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet will come with a 3.2 FSI V6 that produces 265-hp. The 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet will be supercharged producing 333-hp. It will be offered with a manual gearbox or 7-speed S tronic transmissions.

Either way, over the weekend Audi unveiled a bunch of new A5 and S5 Cabriolet images along with a new video which you can check out after the jump.

Audi TT RS breaks cover with some details and 5 photos

Look at what we have here. Audi has just dropped a couple of images and details on the new Audi TT RS before its world debut next week at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Power will come from a 2.5L turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engine making “well above” 300-hp. That will allow the TT RS to run from 0 to 62 mph in near 5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The Audi TT RS will also feature quattro all-wheel-drive system coupled big brakes.

Comparo: BMW M3 vs. Audi RS4 vs. Cadillac CTS-V vs. Lexus IS-F vs. Mercedes C63 AMG

M, RS, V, F, AMG. The alpha alphabet represents five manufacturers' best efforts to create something unique, exciting and memorable from their more prosaic mainstream motors. The resulting "performance tuned" sports sedans are so powerful, so capable, so versatile, that they're the ground based equivalent of the all-weather fighter jets that battle for control of the skies. While the shibboleth "there's no such thing as a bad car" applies here, there are always going to be winners and losers. And it's our job to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Audi TT RS: First Official Images

The first official shots of the 2010 Audi TT RS, set to debut in Geneva, reveal a sportier appearance to match the turbocharged 340 HP 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine.

Audi has just dropped a press release which in a previous age could have been easily mistaken as one from Bentley or Rolls-Royce. Acceleration is described as "Nowhere near five seconds to reach 100 km/h," passing is called "child's play" and the brakes are "stupendous." Marketingspeak aside, we now have official confirmation of the return of an Audi five-cylinder. This 340 HP turbocharged direct injection 2.5-liter I5 mated to an all-wheel-drive system which will no-doubt be "adequate" when marched around the twisty bits. We'll be getting more all details when the car is unveiled next month at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The Audi TT RS: Sporty Powerhouse with Five Cylinders

* This top model will debut at the Geneva Auto Show
* Direct gasoline injection and a turbocharger deliver far more than 300 bhp
* Top-notch chassis, big brakes, and quattro drivetrain

Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder powerhouse: the Audi TT RS will be unveiled to the world at the Geneva Auto Show. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces well above 300 bhp. It also delivers explosive acceleration, driving delight, and unrivaled sound.

A legend is reborn. After all, powerful five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. And the turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engine in the TT RS is the new torchbearer of this dynamic tradition. It enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. For example, it needs nowhere near five seconds to reach 100 km/h (62.14 mph); overtaking is child's play; and 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is the limited top speed only on paper.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, a sophisticated chassis, and stupendous brakes keep a tight rein on the power. All in all, the compact TT RS - with its lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle - is a driving machine to be reckoned with.

Additional information will be available during the Audi Press Conference at the Geneva Auto Show on March 3, 2009 (Hall 1, Booth 1060).

ABT Audi AS5-R Lays Down 510 HP

We were getting seriously tired of seeing dolled-up German tuner cars without a whiff of additional grunt. Thankfully, the ABT Audi AS5-R adds a big stinkin' turbo for 510 HP to match the new looks.

For the AS5-R, ABT adds a monster turbo and new ECU commands to deliver a whopping 156 HP on top of the standard A5's power output for a resultant 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds. But it's not all about grunt, this sucker is outfitted with monstrous 15 inch brakes and the two tone 19 inch wheels to accommodate them and a coilover suspension system. For a tuned car with those kind of bragging rights, you'd think this would carry a more obnoxious body kit, but the two tone paint and an updated grille and front fascia work together pretty well. There's supposed to be a rear diffuser too but obviously we don't see it in these images. We could do without the fender vents, but it's a styling trend which just wont die yet.

ABT Sportsline 2009 – Press release CW 09 Pure Power – ABTs new super sports car, the AS5-R

ABT Sportsline has achieved plenty of success with the AS5, which is based on Audi's A5 - as the coupe has a dynamic and elegant design, is full of technical power and also quick. All this makes it a "real" ABT. Now the company from Kempten has brought out the jewel in this range - the AS5-R. This vehicle is an ab(t)solute super sports car, nothing more and nothing less. Thanks to ABT POWER R, i.e. the change to the engine management and the insertion of an ABT Compressor, the performance is increased by an impressive 156 HP (115kW) to a powerful 510 HP (375kW). The AS5-R reaches 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and continues on powerfully up to its maximum speed of 292km/h. In spite of this enormous increase in performance, consumption and thereby emissions still remain at the level of the series-produced vehicle. CO2 emissions per HP thereby fall from 0.81 to 0.56g/km.

As is normal with ABT, all the components are perfectly adjusted to the enormous power of a top sports car. The ABT braking system with 380 millimetre disc diameter provides maximum deceleration even in extreme circumstances, and the ABT Coil-over suspension system also helps to bring the potential power onto the road. Motor sport professional Christian Abt has perfectionised the interaction of power with his know-how. The result is a top-class driving machine, which is also enjoyable in everyday use and is pleasant to drive on long journeys. The ABT AS5-R is therefore a maximum of a car – and a statement which shows the high level at which the engineers from Allgaeu work.

Its "suit" fits, of course, like a glove: The front spoiler accentuates the ABT grill and the striking section around the fog lights, inner fender skirt and the gill-shaped air inlets provide contours to the side of the ABT AS5-R. They have also succeeded on the side which most drivers only rarely get to see: The rear with the ABT rear skirt and 4-pipe rear muffler shows that this model athlete on wheels is more than "just" a car. The designers of ABT recommend the 20 inch BR alloys as the perfect accessory. Wheel-tyre combinations with height performance tyres are, of course, also available. Only with these accessories can the fast AS5-R safely unleash its power. And it has lots of that.

Audi TT RS, RS 5 Likely Headed to U.S.

Audi TT RS, RS 5 Likely Headed to U.S. - Motor Trend
Top Tier TT May Be Here as Early as This Year

While current reports and Audi's own official statements suggest the Audi TT RS is not coming to the U.S., our Audi sources tell us quite the opposite, that chances are very high it'll make it stateside. Audi views the new 335-horsepower TT RS (which was just unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show) as one of its halo cars, and thus, sees it as an important image car in the U.S., not to mention a vehicle that can take on the likes of the Porsche Cayman S. So why does Europe get the RS way before the U.S.?

Audi to Unveil Audi TT RS Roadster at Leipzig Motor Show

2010_audi_ttrs.jpg
Audi has announced the world premiere of the Audi TT RS Roadstar at the Leipzig Motor Show next week.

The Audi TT RS Roadster is powered by a 340 horsepower turbocharged 2.5L engine that propels the car from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds. It features all-wheel-drive and an ungraded suspension with high-performance brakes.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro, Audi A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet and Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro are also going to have their premieres at the show.

2010 AUDI R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro - Short Take Road Test

By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars. The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor­ghini Gallardo LP560-4. Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary.

We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg. Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is simply marketing.

Keep Reading: 2010 AUDI R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro - Short Take Road Test

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