Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro (2010)

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Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro is the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the Audi R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start - and now comes the Audi R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the Audi R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.
The Audi R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks - in the new Audi R8 GT3 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.
The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp).
The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement - and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) - that's only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.
The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine - all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.
The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The Audi R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).
For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine
The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range.
The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel - with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the Audi R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip - both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.
A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive - it's the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It's not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.
44 to 56 percent - the ideal axle load distribution
The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent.
The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear - a classic racing technology - are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the Audi R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.
The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves.
In the Audi R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system - eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in).
The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won't corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription "Audi ceramic".

Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof
The wide, full shape of the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.
The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the "World Car of the Year Awards 2008". In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more.
The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish.

A very distinctive highlight of the Audi R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world's first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life.
Special details also distinguish the body of the Audi R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.
When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road - thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes.

Audi sets the example - in body weight and rigidity
The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the Audi R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design - the relation of weight to torsional rigidity - is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws.
The interior of the Audi R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto - a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the Audi R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements.
The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags.
The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish.
The list of options includes other highly attractive features - such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the Audi R8 V10.
The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.

Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept (2008)

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Audi is presenting a revolution in the top class at the Detroit Auto Show 2008 - the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance roadgoing sports car. The V12 TDI with a displacement of six liters powers a concept car based on the Audi R8. This unit generates a huge 500 hp and 1,000 Newtonmeters (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. Audi is writing a new chapter in diesel technology with this power unit. Equipped with the expertise that Audi has built up through its motor sport activities, the R8 V12 TDI in matt "Grace Silver" embodies superb road handling, pioneering technology and fascinating design.
The V12 TDI is closely related to the engine in the Audi R10, the two-time Le Mans winner - so it catapults the Audi R8 into supercar terrain concerning performance too. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.2 seconds and its top speed is well over 300 km/h (186.41 mph). The peak torque, reached at only 1,750 rpm, paves the way for effortless acceleration that is unrivaled even at this level.
The new V12 TDI belongs to Audi's family of V engines but has the ideal included angle for this engine type of 60 degrees between cylinder banks. Its highlights include the new chain drive layout that includes the two newly developed high-pressure pumps for the common rail injection system. Its sound is as thrilling as you'd expect in a sports car of this caliber. For all the subtle smoothness that typifies this design principle, the twelve-cylinder unit is full-bodied and equipped with energetic overtones that make no secret of its performance potential.

The Genes of the Winner
Thanks to their high performance and pulling power, all Audi TDI engines are ultra-dynamic sources of power. The brand has often enough demonstrated its sporty character in its production cars, especially the six- and eight-cylinder 3.0 TDI and 4.2 TDI. Audi has also been writing a new chapter in its success story on the racetrack since 2006. The diesel engine in the R10 sports prototype won its very first endurance race at Sebring, Florida, when it was pitted against an entire field of gasoline-engined challengers. But its most crucial victories were surely in 2006 and 2007 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when it simply outclassed the international elite.
The V12 TDI race engine in the R10 produces over 650 hp from a displacement of 5.5 liters, giving it the potential for a top speed as high as 330 km/h (205.05 mph) depending on the gear ratios. Its power and sturdiness immediately impressed both fans and experts, who were impressed by its restrained noise level. Unusual for a race engine, this powerful Audi diesel makes barely more than a whisper.
Long traditions of motor racing and production technology complement each other at Audi. The FSI engine of the R10's predecessor, the R8, captured five wins at Le Mans with a direct gasoline injection system. Audi is also looking to maximize the advantage by using the race-tested FSI principle in its production models. The latest examples of this are the V8 with high-revving concept in the RS 4 and the production version of the Audi R8.

The Drivetrain
The roadgoing version of the new V12 TDI is built at the Györ plant, in Hungary. And the R8 V12 TDI still has a massive 500 hp on tap. In developing the six-liter engine, it was a clear priority to integrate it into the current family of Audi V engines, of which many thousands of versions with 6, 8 and 10 cylinders have already been built - both gasoline and TDI.
Audi's engineers were in an ideal position to use their experience building the racing engine to develop the road version. Like the other power units in this range, the distance between cylinder bore axes on the V12 TDI is 90 mm (3.54 in.). Yet its included angle is 60 degrees, not 90 degrees. This means no free inertial forces or mass moments of inertia can occur with the V12. The results are refined in every respect.
The 83.0 mm (3.27 in.) bore and 91.4 mm (3.60 in.) stroke produce a total displacement of 5,934 cc - just like the 3.0 TDI. At only 684 mm (26.93 in.) long, this large diesel engine is very compact and just 166 mm (6.54 in.) longer than the V8 TDI. This compact length is key to accommodating the V12 in the midengined Audi R8.
The V12 TDI crankcase is made from gray cast iron with vermicular graphite - a high-tech material referred to as GJV-450 that is already used on the V6 and V8 TDI engines. GJV-450, made by a patented casting process, is about 40 percent more rigid and 100 percent more fatigue-resistant than gray cast iron. This enabled the developers to make its walls thinner, cutting its weight by around 15 percent compared with conventional gray cast iron.
The two cylinder heads are each made from three main elements. These are a base section made from a high-strength aluminum alloy incorporating the intake and exhaust ports, an oil-bearing upper section, and a reinforcing ladder frame supporting the two camshafts.
The valves are actuated by low-friction roller cam followers; the compression ratio is 16.0:1. Map-controlled swirl variation of the combustion air has been adopted from the V6 and V8 TDI engines. This produces permanently optimized swirl concerning both emissions and high performance.

Ultramodern Injection Technology
As is the case in the Audi V engines, the no-maintenance chain drive is mounted at the back of the engine, where it occupies little space. Its layout has changed on the new V12 TDI. The camshafts' sprocket engages in an intermediate gear via which two Simplex chains drive the camshafts. Two more chains drive the oil pump and the two high-pressure pumps actuate the common rail injection system.
The two new dual-piston high-pressure pumps form part of the common rail injection system supplied by specialty manufacturer Bosch. The two pumps build up a pressure of up to 2,000 bar in the rails. The piezo injectors with eight-hole nozzles have also been fundamentally revised.
The high pressure distributes the mixture optimally throughout the combustion chamber. The result is that the ignition process is faster, more homogeneous and more acoustically refined. The more efficient combustion process also increases power output, cuts consumption and reduces pollutant emissions.
The current generation of so-called inline injectors makes effective use of the piezo effect: piezo crystals expand in a fraction of a millisecond when an electrical voltage is applied. The number of injection processes per operating cycle can be varied across a wide range thanks to piezo technology - reaching as many as five fuel injection operations in the case of the V12 TDI.
As well as the main injection, pilot and post injections are possible. Pilot injections tone down the acoustic harshness of the combustion process. Retarded post injections are designed specifically to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas, promoting regeneration of the two standard particulate filters.
The two turbochargers are located on the outside of the engine's V, each of them supplying one bank of cylinders. Thanks to their variable turbine geometry, the full flow of exhaust gas always passes through the turbine, so the chargers respond slickly - even at low engine speeds - and operate very efficiently.
The two turbochargers, which generate up to 2.6 bar of boost pressure, play a crucial role in producing the huge torque of 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) that the V12 TDI maintains from 1,750 rpm to 3,000 rpm. In developing 368 kW (500 hp), the diesel achieves a specific output of 62.0 kW (84.3 hp) per liter displacement.
Two large intercoolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air. The V12 has a twin-pipe exhaust system with two particulate filters. The intake system is similar in structure with one air cleaner per cylinder bank, with an airflow meter behind it. Two control units, sharing the workload in a master/slave principle, manage events in the engine.
The Audi R8 V12 TDI concept already fulfills the Euro 6 emissions standard that is likely to take effect in 2014 and calls for sharply reduced nitrogen oxides. By also designing in ultra-precise fuel metering by the common rail system, Audi's engineers have made full use of current clean diesel technology.
The heart of the system is a special catalytic converter downstream of the oxidizing catalyst and the particulate filter. The second component in the system is an additional tank containing an aqueous urea solution. Small quantities of the solution, known as "AdBlue," are injected into the exhaust system. The hot exhaust gases break the solution down to form ammonia that splits the nitric oxides into nitrogen and water. The system remains effective for the entire service life of the vehicle.
The dynamic character of a sports car depends not just on its performance and torque; the transmission ratios have to be right too. In keeping with the character of a high-performance sports car with unbeatable torque potential, the transmission in the R8 V12 TDI has six manually operated gears.
The manual transmission is very compact in design. Together with the smalldiameter double-plate clutch, this means it can be installed low down. The manual transmission has very short shift travel and utterly precise guiding of the shifter into the open gear lever gate. It is made from polished aluminum, has an agreeable feel and exquisite sports car looks.
Such a high-performance Audi also has quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In the case of this mid-engine sports car, power is distributed variably between the front and rear wheels from a starting ratio of 40:60 to optimize the handling.

New Audi A4 and A3 Convertible models Tuning

Yet another tuner is taking a swing at the new Audi A4 and A3 Convertible models. This time its O.CT Tuning that has released new performance kits for the A4 2.0 TDI with 120HP and 143HP as well as for the A3 Convertible 1.8 TFSI. For the diesel powered A4s, a reprogrammed ECU boosts output of both variants of the 2.0 TDI to 168HP and 375Nm or 277 lb-ft of peak torque. According to O.CT, the 168HP A42.0 TDI accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8,0 seconds versus the 143HP stock model's 9,4 sec.

Furthermore, the Austrian tuning house claims that while the standard A4 2.0 TDI needs a distance of 1,600 meters (about a mile) to reach a speed of 180 km/h or 112mph, O.CTs version hits the mark after 1,100 meters or 0,7 miles.
Similary for the A3 Convertible, , O.CT Tuning's upgraded ECU adds an extra 45HP to the 1.8 TFSI 160HP engine for a total output of 205HP that helps the car accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7,3 seconds, or around 1 second faster than the standard model.
Even though O.CT Tuning concentrated on the A4 and A3 Convertible models, apparently the software upgrades apply on any models with the same engines.

Audi S5 Cabrio

With spy shots already out in the open, so to speak, anticipation is running rampant on the upcoming convertible version of the Audi A5/S5 coupe. The cabrio is anticipated to replace the convertible version of the A4, and is tipped to make its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

According to previous reports we are likely to see the Audi A5/S5 Cabrio hit the autoshow circus in January in Detroit, to aid us in our anticipation of the model we now bring you the latest rendering/photochop of the top-spec S5 model.

With the A5 coupe starting life as a 2008 model, expect to see the A5/S5 convertible arrive next spring as a 2009.

Audi Q7 V12 TDI

For two decades Audi has driven forward the advancement of diesel technology – from the very top. Now the brand with the four rings is presenting another world first: the first V12 TDI in a passenger vehicle. The diesel, which generates an output of 368 kW (500 hp) and 1,000 Nm of torque (737.56 lb-ft) from a capacity of six liters, gives the new Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro the performance of a sports car.

It catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.5 seconds and has an electronically capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The V12 diesel is opening up entirely new horizons in the diesel sector. The big-performance SUV from Audi completes all intermediate sprints with fascinating ease; in every driving situation it boasts superior reserves of power. The engine captivates its drivers not only with its sheer inexhaustible power but also with its highly cultivated manner of operation – the subtle engine sound takes on a voluminous, strong note when the throttle is open. In terms of fuel consumption the six-liter TDI, which features a completely redeveloped common rail injection system, requires an average of only 11.3 liters/100 km (20.82 US mpg), substantially less than the gasoline units produced by the competition. No competitor is able to match this achievement.

Audi is taking TDI technology to new heights: the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is the world’s most powerful diesel-engined SUV, its powerplant another technical milestone. With a completely redeveloped common rail injection system the twelve-cylinder delivers a mighty 368 kW (500 hp) and 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque from a capacity of six liters – giving the big SUV the performance of a sports car.
In everyday use the twelve-cylinder diesel impresses with another highlight – its astounding efficiency. Thanks to a package of innovative technologies it requires an average of just 11.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (20.82 US mpg) – astonishingly little, considering the power of the engine. The six-liter TDI therefore clearly undercuts all of its gasoline-engined competitors in the field of high-performance SUVs.
The world’s first V12 diesel engine in a series-production vehicle moves this ultimate, high-performance SUV with supreme confidence and composure. On demand, the six-liter engine catapults the Audi Q7 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds like a top-class sports car. Speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The agile chassis of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro, developed and produced by Audi subsidiary quattro GmbH, is another indication of the vehicle’s dynamic potential. Striking modifications to the design and the range of luxurious standard equipment underline its status as the exclusive top model of the series. The world’s most powerful diesel-engined SUV will make its way to dealers towards the end of 2008.

2009 Audi TTS Roadster Review & Test Drive

For 2009 Audi brings us more power and higher levels of performance with the new TTS model coupe and roadster.  It is now even more fun and exciting to drive than the original TT.

The new iconic TTS is built to appeal to a young and dynamic group of consumers and the TTS represents the Audi brand’s advancement through technology in its very best form.  The TFSI engine takes the two Audi technologies of gasoline direct injection and turbocharging and blends them to form a perfect partnership.  Aside from its output of 265hp, it is its peak torque of 258lb.ft. which is constantly on tap between 2,500 and 5,000rpm, that makes the compact and lightweight 2.0 liter four-cylinder unit so impressive.  Compared to last year’s engine, the 2.0 liter power unit has been reengineered and strengthened in a number of key areas.

The S-tronic 6-speed automatic is the only transmission available in the TTS and deploys two clutches, is capable of performing extremely quick gear shifts at high engine loads and rev speeds, and consequently, the time takes to spring from 0-60mph is cut to 4.9sec. in the coupe and 5.1sec. in the roadster.  Loss-free transfer of power to the road is the task of the great standard quarttro permanent all-wheel drive that enables the TTS to accelerate quicker and with greater stability than its rivals.  At the heart of this system is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch that works faster than ever thanks to a new pressure reservoir.  Also enabling the new TTS to spring to 60mph so quickly is the ‘launch control’ system.  With the engine running, briefly press the ESP button.  the message ‘ASR off’ appears in the instrument cluster display.  Then shift the gear lever into ‘S’ or the tiptronic position, then step on the brake pedal with your left foot and keep the brake pedal full depressed for at least one second.  With your right foot, step on the acceleration to the wide open throttle position or Kickdown.  The engine speed settles at about 3,00rpm.  Then take your foot off the brake and it is hammer time as all four wheels rush you to 60mph in about 5sec.

The new TTS rolls off the production line equipped with yet another high-tech module-the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system.  This gives you the choice of two characteristic settings: Standard mode is designed for a well-balanced, comfortable ride, whereas in the Sport setting the TTS harnesses all of the potential of is sport suspension-which lowers the body by 10mm-to deliver uncompromising dynamic handling at high speeds on an open road, and incredible grip when cornering at high speeds.

Up front is a new gas-charged MacPherson strut setup with lower triangular wishbones, coil springs and a tubular anti-roll bar.  The suspension is largely made of aluminum, thereby reducing the unsprung masses as you turn the steering wheel.  With a view to increasing rigidity, the aluminum subframe is bolted to the body at six points.

The four-link rear suspension offers considerable benefits for vehicle handling, as it is capable of dealing with the longitudinal and lateral forces separately from one another.  All of the links are made from high-strength grades of steel, while modified bearings emphasize the taut feel of the TTS.  The coil springs and gas-charged shocks are fitted separately from one another, meaning that they take up little space.  The rear also features a tubular stabilizer bar and is also attached to a subframe to eliminate any noise, vibration or harshness when driving.  I felt more confident when cornering as I gained speed, the car just goes where you point it to go.

Helping you stay on course is the speed sensitive, high-precision rack & pinion power steering system that is driven electromechanically, a technology that improves feel for the road.  At lower speeds the feel is light, especially when parking, but it quickly tightens up as you increase speed.  I was impressed with the total driving dynamics of the new TTS.

Quickly and safely slowing the new dynamic top-of-the-line TTS model down from speed are high-performance and internally vented 4-wheel disc brakes.  Up front are 13.5in. discs clamped with 6-piston calipers and 12.5in. discs clamped with 2-piston calipers in the rear.  Inside the black-painted calipers, which bear the TTS emblem up front are sport brake pads.  Also of note is that Audi has devised a second, sporty level for the ESP stabilization program which enables controlled drifting when you want the rear to get loose on steep turns.

This Audi generates non-stop fun at the wheel as it speeds around corners like a go-cart with absolute crispness and precision, seemingly glued to the road.  Any body roll is suppressed from the moment it starts to turn.  The steering becomes more responsive and direct, and selective bracing of the 18X9in. standard wheels make the self-steering more neutral.  The standard 18in. wheels are wrapped high-performance 245/40ZR18in. tires.

The optional 19X9in. cast aluminum wheels were designed by Quattro and are wrapped with Continental Contac 255/35ZR18in. low-profile, high-performance tires with exceptional grip.

The superior performance of the TTS can be partly attributed to the technology of its bodywork, whose hybrid construction combines two different types of materials.  Steel is used at the rear end, while the front and center sections of the body are built from lightweight aluminum.

Audi first developed this principle, known as the Audi Space Frame, in the early 1990’s, triggering a revolution in body manufacturing.  Extruded sections, pressure die-castings and load-bearing aluminum panels together form a light, rigid and extremely safe structure.

The new TTS instantly stands out as the dynamic flagship of the TT model line.   One of the design highlights is undoubtedly the headlights-newly designed bi-xenon units featuring a horizontal strip of white LEDs that serve as daylight running lights.  The single-frame grille in a platinum gray finish is embellished with slender chrome strips, while larger air intakes in the restyled front apron add to the striking look.

When viewed in profile, it is not only the large 18in. wheels, 19in. wheels optional, that stand out; the widened, deeper door sills are equally eye-catching, as are the flared fenders with the wheels pulls out to the sides.  A muscular rear bumper, unique, wraparound, taillights, a gray-colored diffuser trim, plus two sets of twin tailpipes protruding from the left and right inject the vehicle’s tail with a sporty character all of its own.  The spoiler on the TTS extends automatically when the speed reaches 74.5mph and retracts again when speeds drop to 49.7mph.

The roadster features an electro-hydraulically operated soft top which opens and closes with one-touch luxury in about twelve seconds.  The soft top incorporates a large glass rear window with defogger, and folds in a ‘Z’ shape.  Neither a tonneau cover nor a cover flap is needed.  Extra matting between the headlining and the outer skin improves insulation and noise restriction, and an electrically extending/retracting wind deflector shields your neck from drafts when the top is down.

Awaiting you inside are deep-set sport seats featuring heating and full power adjustment including lumbar and height adjustments.  They come standard with leather/Alcantara seat covers in either black or black and silver, plus silver-colored contrast stitching.  The sports seats are optionally available in Silk Nappa leather, one of the finest in the world.

The cockpit in the TTS is molded around you like a sleek-fitting suit.  Its clean-cut, sporty design and uncompromising quality of construction is amazing and another Audi hallmark.  Instruments with a gray background and white needles, metal pedals, aluminum trim panels, plus a multi-functional, leather sports steering wheel with a rim that’s flattened at the bottom adds further sporty cues plus it contains buttons for the audio system, mute, different mode functions, and the gear-changing paddles.

The driver information system with its new, high-resolution white display concentrates all important information where it can be clearly seen by you, and includes a timer function that is able to record lap times on race tracks.  Mobile entertainment out on the road comes in the form of the chorus audio system with CD player.  The roadster is also available with an optional load-through facility complete with removable ski bag for added practicality.  The trunk is larger than I thought for a roadster, 8.83cu.ft. because the top folds into a ‘Z’ and takes up less room.

Standard features not mentioned above includes power express windows, power door locks, two folding vanity mirrors, 9-speaker 140-watt audio system with SIRIUS satellite radio, electronic climates control/air filtration, electronic cruise-control, variable-speed intermittent wipers/washers, center console with a leather wrapped and aluminum topped stick shifter, self-dimming rearview mirror, power-remote side mirrors finished in aluminum with turn-signal indicators, and leather-wrapped parking brake.

Options include a choice of two Audi navigation systems, interior LED lighting package, 10-way power adjustable seats, Bluetooth phone preparation, rain-sensing wipers, and power folding top.

Standard safety features include thick steel hoops mounted behind each headrest, dual-threshold front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, front knee airbags, rigid body structure with front/rear crush zones, steel beams in each door, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, electronic stability control, ABS, Brake Assist, keyless entry, 3-point safety belts with load limiters/pretensioners, and Audi backup sensors when driving in reverse.

The new Audi TTS is a step up for Audi in the small, two-seat, high-performance sports car segment which includes the Porsche Boxster, Mazda Miata, Pontiac Solstice and Mercedes-Benz SLK.  Audi keeps the edge with its outstanding handling ability from Quattro AWD and can hold up with an incredible interior.  It is so much fun and exciting to drive, and costs less than the Porsche or M-B models.

COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $47,500

Type: Compact Convertible
Where Built: Not Available
EPA Class: Two Seaters

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 165.3 in.
Width: 72.5 in.
Height: 53.2 in.
Wheel Base: 97.2 in.
Curb Weight: 3373 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.1 in.
Maximum Seating: 2

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 265 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm
Torque: 258 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2500 rpm
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 36 ft.
0-60mph: 5.1 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 21 mpg / 29 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 333.9 mi. / 461.1 mi. / 381.6 mi.

Making Of - Audi 2009 Super Bowl Commercial

Audi is going to be playing another commercial in this year’s Super Bowl. Last year, they ran a hilarious Super Bowl commercial featuring the R8 in a Godfather-type style. Something about redefining luxury.

This year, the commercial is going to feature action movie star Jason Statham. Simply titled “Chase,” the ad will feature the supercharged Audi A6 luxury sedan and will be filmed in an action chase scene fashion.

Follow the jump for the Behind-the-Scenes video:

Audi has been one of the least affected car makers in this current recession, and will surely continue to thrive, despite making mostly expensive luxury cars. They’ve evolved into one of the best overall brands around, due to smart decision making, finding and filling consumer needs, and enginnering their cars really, really well. In case you couldn’t tell, I’m an Audi fan.