Rides : Check Out The Audi R8 V10 tuned by ABT

Bavarian tuners ABT have done another job on the Audi R8 V10, pumping up the 5.2-liter FSI V10 from 525 horsepower to 600 hp, and torque from 391 pound-feet to 406 lb-ft. With 50 more horsepower than the R8 V10 Plus - but not the extreme weight-loss scheme - ABT claims a 0-62 mile per hour run of 3.5 seconds, the same as the R8 V10 Plus, and a top speed for the mid-engined coupe of 198 miles per hour "is no problem at all."

Managing all that speed are the aero tweaks provided by a comprehensive body kit including a rear wing, a lowered and beefed-up suspension, a stainless steel exhaust and 19-inch wheels in two different designs.

The press release below has a few more bits of info on the matter. And while ABT hasn't put a price on the Audi upgrades, but it's safe to say that nearly 200 mph in an R8 won't come cheap. 

 

Press Release

ABT Sportsline 2013 – Press release CW20
The new ABT R8 V10 – elegant sportiness all over

It is the first Audi mid-engine sports car that has found its way from the race track to the road, as it were. And for ABT Sportsline this dream car also is a real success. The globally leading tuner of cars produced by the Volkswagen Group uses ABT POWER and extravagant and stylish elements to underscore the normal Audi R8 portfolio's dynamism and sportiness in a consistent fashion (The ABT R8 GTR as a special edition is the tuned top model).

The ABT R8 V10 is an extreme athlete with a lot of motor sport experience. The 5.2 FSI engine (serial 525 hp / 386 kW) has been "ABT POWERed" and now shows 600 PS / 441 kW; torque now being 550 Nm. It only takes 3.5 seconds to go from naught to 100 kph, and it goes without saying that a top speed of 320 kph is no problem at all. To make the super sportsman roadworthy, the uprating is complemented by ABT suspension springs that make for an adequate lowering and an even better road behaviour. For the V8 version, ABT also has coilovers. The Bavarian specialists see to a perfect roadholding, even at the limit.

"The athletic sportiness cannot only be felt: this power and dynamism are also reflected in the car's looks," says Hans-Jürgen Abt, the Bavarian tuning company's CEO. ABT Sportsline has developed style elements for the R8 that are mostly made of clearly visible carbon. Weight reduction was as important here as was a striking appearance. Front skirt and grille make the two-seater's front appear even more energetic. The also specially developed side skirts underscore the car' sporty character and at the rear end a wing and rear skirt leave the right impression. This is a successful interplay that also makes for an ideal weight reduction. This R8 has a weight-optimised exhaust system made of stainless steel. And finally it's the sport-type wheels in 9 and 11 x 19 inches made by ABT Sportsline with tires in 235/35 and 305/30 R19 that "make the world go round": these wheels are perfect, whether it's the CR or the brand new, forged and very light-weight ER-F.

The ABT R8 is consistently sporty and powerful, assertive and superior, down to the last detail. That's how winners look... and drive, and that's what ABT Sportsline, the traditional tuning company, stands for.

The new ABT R8 V10 – data and facts
ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 5.2 FSI, V10, 5.204 cc capacity
Performance Tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 600 HP/441 kW (standard: 525 PS/386 kW), 550 Nm (standard: 530 Nm)

ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT Front skirt (weight optimized, CFK)
ABT Front grille
ABT Rear skirt (weight optimized, CFK)
ABT Rear wing (weight optimized, CFK)
ABT Side skirts (weight optimized, CFK)

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
Design CR and ER-F in 9 and 11 x 19 inch with tires in 235/35 and 305/30 R19

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY
ABT exhaust system (stainless steel, weight optimized)

ABT CHASSIS TECHNOLOGY
ABT Suspension springs (V10)
ABT height adjustable suspension kit

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Audi Plans to Surpass BMW Relying on Top-End Vehicles

As Audi tries to surpass BMW is luxury sales, it will rely on its high-performance vehicles such as the 108,000 euro RS6 Avant estate.

Audi which stands behind BMW and Mercedes when it comes to pricing power, will begin selling top-of-the-range RS models, two years after the automaker introduced the base model, said sales chief Luca de Meo. It took Audi about four years to introduce the RS vehicles to the market.
The RS models, sell for higher prices due to their bigger engines and all-wheel drive, increasing the brand’s appeal. For example, the RS6 Avant, with 560 hp under its hood, will go on sale this summer for a price three times higher compared with the one for the 177-horsepower base model.

“There is very much potential around the world for sporty and dynamic cars,” de Meo said in an interview on Saturday.

This year Audi will introduce a record four RS models: the RS6 Avant, the RS5 convertible, the RS Q3 SUV and the RS7 Sportback. The automaker managed to boost its core customer base by selling a record 1.4 vehicles last year. As Audi speeds up the introduction of RS models it will also improve the vehicles’ resale values, which in turn will help the company offer smaller monthly lease payments.

Rides : Audi Releases Its Final Version of the Super Bowl Ad

Audi’s final version of its Super Bowl ad was released on the automaker’s YouTube channel this weekend.

Last week Audi was announcing that it will let its viewers decide the end of its Super Bowl commercial after it will release three versions of its ad on the company’s YouTube channel. The commercial starts with a young man heading towards the prom, without a date, but confident as he’s driving his father’s new 2013 Audi S6 high-performance sport sedan.
The car gives him so much confidence that he parks the vehicle in the principal’s parking spot and he even kisses the prom queen. The ad ends as he is confronted by the prom king leaving the consumers to decide what happens next.
Now the final version was released, showing the young man leaving with a shiner from the prom queen’s boyfriend. Still, he leaves with the feeling that his move was totally worth it. The commercial ends with the message ‘Bravery. It’s what defines us’ and it seems that, again, Audi targeted the consumers’ inner-adolescent as it did with last year’s Super Bowl ad, which featured vampires. Now with the Twilight film series ended, Audi chose to focus on a timeless story the high school prom.

Rides : Check Out The Audi A5 Sportback by ABT Sportsline

The aftermarket specialists at ABT Sportsline have recently unveiled a new upgrade package for the Audi A5 Sportback, which is adding some interesting features.

According to the German tuning company, the Audi A5 Sportback in question is now coming with some modest exterior modifications, which include the new aerodynamic body kit made out of a lower front lip spoiler, fender vents and a rear diffuser insert. The looks of the popular vehicle are being completed by a choice of 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels. The most significant upgrades applied onto the Audi A5 Sportback are being found under its hood.
ABT Sportsline is now offering the Audi A5 Sportback with a power boost on the 2.0 liter TFSI version, which is now producing a total output of 270 HP. The larger 3.0 liter TFSI is also upgraded and it’s now coming with 380 HP. Diesel lovers can choose the upgrades for the 2.0 liter TDI, generating 205 HP, and for the 3.0 liter TDI, which is now coming with 300 HP. Other tweaks applied onto the model include the 25 mm sport spring kit, the new sports coil over system and high performance brakes. No pricing details have been announced yet.

Rides : Choose your own adventure in Audi's next Super Bowl commercial

Audi has a 60-second spot planned for this year's Super Bowl to promote its S6 sedan, but exactly which spot will air is being put in the hands of Internet users. The ad follows a high schooler as he "embarks on one of the most pivotal moments of his adolescence: prom night." The spot is fixed up to the pivotal moment when he steals a kiss from the prom queen. From that moment, there are three possible endings.

Today, up until 11:59 pm, Audi is running three different versions on its YouTube channel and you can vote on which ending you'd like to see during The Big Game. The winning spot will run on YouTube before the game and then run in the first ad break after kickoff during the Super Bowl. Coca-Cola is running a similar interactive campaign, although its potential endings will involve cowboys, showgirls and a post-Apocalyptic badass, none of which we expect to make it into Audi's prom night spot. 

 

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Check Out The Audi S6 by SKN

SKN has recently pulled the wraps off its latest creation, a new tuning program for the Audi S6, which is bringing both styling and performance upgrades.

According to the tuning company, the Audi S6 in question can easily stand out from a crowd thanks to its modified front fascia, to the sporty rear diffuser, to the suspension lowering module, reducing the ride height by 40 mm, and to the 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, which are finishing the looks of the model. SKN says that a three-stage performance package is available for the model and the first one is getting 543 HP (399 kW) and 687 Nm of torque (507 lb-ft), from the 4.0L V8 engine. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is done in 4.6 seconds and top speed stands at 309 km/h (192 mph), tanks to an optimized ECU.
Stage two is adding a sports exhaust system and the total output now stands at 551 HP (405 kW) and 696 Nm of torque (513 lb-ft). The 0 to 100 km/ acceleration still takes 4.6 seconds but top speed has now increased to 310 km/h (193 mph). Stage three is coming with 560 HP (412 kW) and 701 Nm of torque (517 lb-ft), which is enough to allow the model to accelerate form 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph). No pricing details for these upgrades have been announced by SKN.

Rides : 2014 Audi RS7 is a 189-mph terror

If you have a burning desire to take yourself and four friends to 189 miles per hour, the 2014 Audi RS7 Sportback can help you out. The luxury hatchback bowed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show today, complete with a 560-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine thrashing under the hood. Getting to 62 mph takes a shave under 3.9 seconds thanks in part to the 553 pound-feet of torque on hand from just 1,750 rpm. While the base car comes with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, customers can request the governor be removed by purchasing the dynamic package plus, upping the V-max to 189 mph.

Ludicrous? Sure, but Audi says the RS7 can also yield up to 25 mpg on the US scale. With a cylinder-on-demand system, the V8 can deactivate up to four cylinders by closing their valves. Once the driver gets frisky with the throttle, the engine automatically kicks from four-cylinder to eight-cylinder mode in a few hundredths of a second. The engine is bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which pushes power to all four wheels.

 

Press Release

Dynamics at their most beautiful – the Audi RS 7

Audi is expanding its RS model lineup: The RS 7 Sportback, which is making its debut at the North American International Auto Show 2013 in Detroit, stands for dynamics at their most beautiful. The large five-door coupe uses a 4.0 TFSI engine producing 412 kW (560 hp). The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 3.9 seconds, and the speed governor can be deactivated upon customer request to permit a top speed of up to 305 km/h (189.52 mph). Despite this superior performance, the Audi RS 7 Sportback consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg).

Aesthetic design, innovative technology and impressive sportiness: The RS 7 Sportback, the large five-door coupe from Audi, combines many strengths to produce a fascinating character. Its strong heart is the 4.0 TFSI, which takes Audi's downsizing strategy to the high-end category. The twin-turbo V8 displaces 3,993 cc and develops awesome power, with 412 kW (560 hp) available between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm. A constant 750 Nm (553.17 lb-ft) of torque are available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

Because the high-revving four-cylinder engine has been rigorously designed for low load-change and flow losses, it develops this power quickly and spontaneously. The cylinder heads have the exhaust side on the inside and the intake side on the outside. The two twin-scroll turbochargers, which produce up to 1.2 bars of relative boost pressure, are located together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. Consequently, the gas paths are very short and response very good. The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the dynamic character of the twin-turbo V8. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the engine sound even fuller at the push of a button or under strong acceleration. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.

The RS 7 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. Audi limits the top speed in the standard configuration to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Top speed with the optional dynamic package is 280 km/h (173.98 mph) and
305 km/h (189.52 mph) with the dynamic package plus.

Yet the new top model of the model series consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg). This top value is due in part to the standard start-stop system and innovative thermal management.

The most innovative efficiency technology in the new Audi RS 7 Sportback is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to medium loads and engine speeds, it deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by closing their valves via electromechanical actuators. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. The operating points in the active cylinders are displaced toward higher loads, increasing efficiency.

All of these operations take just a few hundredths of a second and occur so smoothly and quickly that they can hardly be felt or heard. Active engine bearings, another high-end solution from Audi, use out-of-phase counter-oscillations to compensate for the slight vibrations that occur during four-cylinder operation. The COD technology reduces NEDC fuel consumption by roughly five percent, and even greater savings of approximately 10 percent are possible when driving at moderate speeds.

The standard eight-speed tiptronic is specially tuned to the sporty character of the Audi RS 7 Sportback. Drivers can choose between the modes D and S or change gears themselves using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design. While the lower gears of the tiptronic are closely spaced for sporty response, eighth gear is tall like an overdrive to reduce fuel consumption.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive for its decisive advantage in traction and driving safety compared with its two-wheel-drive competitors. At the heart of the quattro system is a center differential with a high locking rate and a separate oil cooler to regulate its temperature. It distributes the power as needed within a wide range between the front and rear axles. In the standard configuration, 60 percent flows to the rear and 40 percent to the front.

An intelligent software solution called torque vectoring supports the work of the differential at the cornering limit with minimal braking of the wheels that are under a reduced load. Audi also offers the optional sport differential for the rear axle, which uses two superposition gears to actively distribute the power between the wheels.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes standard with polished, 20-inch forged lightweight wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. The five-door high-performance coupe also rolls on optional 21-inch cast wheels in a choice of three designs.

Powerful brakes are located behind the large wheels. The four internally vented discs feature a weight-saving wave design and measure 390 millimeters (15.35 in) in diameter up front. Pins decouple the steel friction rings from the aluminum brake caps. Black painted six-piston calipers – optionally available in red – grip the discs. Audi also offers optional 420 millimeter (16.54 in) carbon fiber ceramic discs with anthracite gray calipers. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

Equipped with the air suspension, which harmonizes perfectly with the dynamic character of a sport coupe, the new RS 7 Sportback is sporty, yet still comfortable. The RS 7 adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in). Adaptive damping, another of the system's features, adjusts the suspension's response to the condition of the road, the driver's style and the mode selected in the Audi drive select system, with which the driver can alter the function of key components in multiple steps.

Audi offers the taut sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control (DRC) as an alternative to the air suspension. It uses steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers that are connected to one another via diagonal oil lines and a central valve. Another option, which can also be integrated into Audi drive select, is the dynamic steering with its steplessly variable steering boost and ratio. As with the standard electromechanical steering, its characteristics are specially tailored for the RS 7 Sportback.

The body of the Audi RS 7 Sportback includes up to 20 percent aluminum and includes many parts of high-strength and ultra high-strength steels. Its high rigidity is the foundation for the precise handling, excellent workmanship and quiet cabin free of intrusive noise.

The character of the Audi RS 7 Sportback is immediately obvious. A series of specific design details give a sporty edge to its flowing coupe design. These include the distinctive bumpers and high-gloss black protective grille with honeycomb structure at the front of the car as well as add-on parts in matt aluminum. At the rear of the car, which features a power extending spoiler, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical tailpipe trims of the exhaust system catch the eye.

The RS 7 Sportback is available in a choice of ten exterior colors, including the new shade Nardo gray and the exclusive finish Daytona gray, matt effect. Two styling packages – matt aluminum and carbon – further customize the appearance. With these, the front center air inlet also sports a quattro badge. With the carbon styling package, the front splitter and the diffuser are somewhat more boldly shaped. Other options include the exterior mirrors with exposed carbon housings and the all-LED headlights, whose designer trims are tinted for a unique look.

The elegant dynamics carry over to the cockpit of the Audi RS 7 Sportback. The dial instruments have black faces, white scales and red needles. A 3D RS 7 logo in the tachometer is a further accent. The key, the flat-bottomed, three-spoke leather steering wheel, the illuminated door entry sills and the displays for the MMI and driver information system also sport RS badges. The driver information system includes a shift light, which indicates when the rev limit is reached. Displays for boost pressure and oil temperature plus a lap timer round out the RS 7-specific menu.

Colors and materials provide for further differentiation. The footrest, pedals and soft keys in the standard MMI navigation plus terminal shine in an aluminum-look finish. The decorative trim below the retractable monitor sports a piano finish.
6/21 www.audi-mediaservices.com

Carbon inlays are standard, with four additional materials available as options. The headlining comes standard in black cloth, with options for lunar silver or black Alcantara. Of course, the Audi RS 7 Sportback can also be personalized using the Audi exclusive program.

RS sport seats with pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 7 logos are standard. They are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the center sections feature diamond quilting. The seats can also be covered alternatively in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or lunar silver. Audi offers optional power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function. The two rear seats are powerfully contoured. Luggage capacity ranges from 535 to 1,390 liters (18.89 to 49.09 cu ft) depending on the position of the rear seat backs.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes with a generous list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, a tire pressure monitoring system, the parking system plus, three-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control and the Audi sound system in addition to features mentioned previously. High-end options include a head-up display, a comfort package, the dynamic package and the dynamic package plus.

The Bluetooth online car phone is an ideal complement to the standard MMI navigation plus. Its UMTS module delivers the tailored Audi connect services to the on-board monitor, and a WLAN hotspot connects the passengers' mobile devices. Topping the range of audio modules is the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback also leads the pack when it comes to driver assistance systems. One of these is the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function including Audi pre sense front. This keeps the powerful coupe at the proper distance from the car ahead and in many situations can help to avoid accidents or mitigate their consequences.

Audi active lane assist helps the driver to keep the RS 7 Sportback on course. The park assist handles the steering when parking. The night vision assistant with highlighting of detected persons reduces the stress of driving in the dark. Audi side assist and the speed limit display round out the list.

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Audi to spend $17 billion to fight BMW

It's no secret that VW Group, parent company to not only Volkswagen but also Audi, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche and Ducati brands sold in the US, is determined to become the world's largest automaker. Even more impressive is that VW is prepared to spend billions to make it happen.

With that comes word that VW Group will be spending $17 billion on its Audi brand over the next three years to push itself above rival BMW. The money will be invested in both vehicle development (including lightweight auto design and alternative powertrains) and facilities (including expansion in Hungary, China and new operations in Mexico). The luxury brand is focused on global manufacturing infrastructure.

Already Europe's best-selling luxury brand, Audi's objective is to overtake BMW by the end of the decade by selling more than two million cars per year (BMW is shooting for 1.54 million sales in 2013). If those objectives are met, VW Group should be on track to be the industry's volume leader by 2018. 

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Check Out The Audi R8 Coupe by Prior Design

The German aftermarket specialists at Prior Design have recently pulled the wraps off their latest creation, a new upgrade package for the Audi R8.

The Audi R8 might get ready to receive a replacement soon, just like its Italian brother, the Lamborghini Gallardo, but that doesn’t mean that the model has lived its life and it can be left aside and in order to place the supercar into the spotlights once again, the tuning company named Prior Design has developed a new upgrade package for it. According to the aftermarket specialists at Prior Design, the German supercar is now getting a new styling package aimed towards owners who want their ride to get a more individualized appearance.

The aerodynamic body kit, fitted to the Audi R8, has been named the PD GT6540 and it’s adding a new front bumper, a new rear bumper, redesigned side vents, a front lip spoiler, different side skirt, a rear diffuser, a roof scoop and a large rear wing. The model is compatible to the R8 Coupe but Prior Design wasn’t too clear if it can also be applied to the 2013 facelifted model. The package can now be bought from 19,900 euros.

Rides : Car Porn - Check Out The New Audi RS6 Avant Trailer

The German based automaker Audi has released a new trailer with the 2014 RS6 Avant, where the model is being show in action.

After it was officially unveiled earlier this year and scheduled to make it into the European showrooms next summer, the new generation of the Audi RS6 Avant is being placed into the spotlights once again, this time with the German based automaker releasing a new promotional video with the model. The 2014 Audi RS6 Avant is featuring cylinder on-demand and start/stop fuel saving systems and it can burn 9.8 liters of fuel every 100 km (28.8 mpg UK / 24 mpg US), becoming 40 percent more fuel efficient than the outgoing version.



Power to the 2014 Audi RS6 Avant is being provided by a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which is replacing the previous naturally aspirated 5.2 liter unit. The engine is producing a total output of 560 HP (412 kW) and 700 Nm of torque (516 lb-ft). The unit is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission which is sending power to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, allowing the model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds. Top speed stands at 250 km/h (155 mph) or 280 km/h (174 mph) with the Dynamic Package. The Dynamic Plus Package is allowing the model to reach a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph).