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Audi

Audi has unveiled the Sportback Concept at the Detroit motor show… It’ll arrive next year – most likely named the A7

Audi has created the Sportback Concept as almost a collage of Audi design cues with touches from the A1 Concept, providing the single frame front grille, to the A5 Coupe which shares a similar tail section.

But the design is also coupe-influenced, which Audi readily admits. The coupe theme is evident in the four seat arrangement (two rear seats instead of three) of the Sportback Concept. That sort of coupe styling on a car that isn’t really a coupe has become somewhat of a fashion lately. Models such as the VW CC, based on the Passat, and the BMW X6 being the most obvious examples.

The Sportback Concept is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 225 hp and 550 Nm of torque (307 lb-ft) coupled to Audi’s 7-speed S tronic transmission and will be the cleanest diesel yet from Audi. This 3.0 liter oil-burner will be compliant with California’s stringent emissions standards (as well as EU6 compliant) making the engine a viable option for Audi models sold in the US.

The concept also comes with a new five-link front suspension set-up, CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers with magnetic fluid control, electronic steering (which also provides a parking assistant), carbon- ceramic brakes discs and 6-piston brake callipers. New Audi styling features previewed by the concept include the reduction of the number of lines, especially around the roof and shoulders, a markedly horizontal shoulder, broad and flat LED tail-lights, and a new interpretation of the single-frame grille.

Audi, BMW, and Cadillac were all presented with “Design Excellence Awards” at the North American International Auto Show. Audi managed to take two of the four prizes in the fourth annual EyesOn Design Awards, awarded to best designed production and concept vehicles.

The Audi R8 V10 and 2010 BMW Z4 were awarded honors in the production category. The R8 V10 includes exterior design touches, like LED headlights, a new rear diffuser, and dual oval exhaust pipes. Inside, it has a functional, but complex, instrument cluster easily within the driver’s reach. A sleek and aerodynamic shape adornes the new Z4, which makes it look nice from any angle, and comes with an incredibly neat three-stage removable hard-top. Audi’s A7 Sportback Concept has long, flowing lines, and a calming white leather and wood interior. It won the award for concept car design, along with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The plug-in hybrid Converj is very futuristic on the outside, with a techno-phobic’s nightmare for an interior. The fast-charging car has four individual seats, but a design that will be nearly impossible to bring to production.

Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers 2009 World Congress and Dassault Systems, the awards are presented to the two best production car designs and concept cars.

The jury, led by former Chrysler VP Tom Gale, includes BMW design director Chris Bangle, Senior VP and Chief Styling Officer for Harley-Davidson Willie G. Davison, and Larry Erickson, a Transportation Design professor at the College for Creative Studies. Only vehicles debuting at the Detroit Auto Show qualify for the award.

Source: NAIAS

Audi Sport will offer for the very first time, a racing sports car, specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009.

The new R8 race version supercar features lots of performance upgrades over current R8 models, and has been designed to conform to GT3 racing regulations. The 2010 R8 GT3 features several changes from the production car, what we know about the performance upgrades on GT3 are, a 6 speed sequential manual transmission, and a gasoline motor promising more than 500 horsepower.

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries for a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

Below is the first info direct from Audi AG…

Audi develops race version of the R8

Official Audi AG Press Release

  • * Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar,
  • * First races planned for 2009 season
  • * Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out

Ingolstadt – For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16″ within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the Audi R8 street version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. (Györ).

 

We have heard that Audi will soon come up with its four-door-coupe CLS-fighter model – the A7.

Reportedly based on the A6, the A7 is expected to be ready for the 2010 model year, making its debut in June 2009, most likely at either the Geneva or Frankfurt auto shows. All of the improvements put into the latest Audi models — new steering rack, multilink suspension, and a reconfigured quattro all-wheel-drive designed to send more power to the rear wheels — should find their way into the A7. The range-topper RS 7 model is expected to be a twin-turbo V10 engine producing 600-hp.

Well, Audi A7 Cabriolet will make its official debut in 2011…

Meet the new Audi R8 V12 TDI concept, same as the old one (except for the red paint). The diesel still makes 738 lb-ft of torque. See its MSRP RANGE:
$118,000
Audi won Le Mans in 2006 and 2007 with a 650-hp, 5.5-liter racing V-12, but the R8 TDI concept car unveiled at Detroit auto show, is powered by the next installment in the line of diesels that began with a 2.5-liter V-6 in 1997. On the heels of an outstanding 4.1-liter V-8 diesel launched in 2005, this 6.0-liter V-12 is armed with two of everything: injection pumps, variable-geometry turbos developing 38 psi of boost, intercoolers, and exhaust pipes loaded with the latest catalysts, particulate filters, and urea-injection sanitizers. It produces 493 hp, a hefty 738 lb-ft of torque, and not a hint of smoke, soot, or rattle.
The interior is lavishly tailored in soft black leather, hot red stitching, polished aluminum accents, and anodized instrument faces. According to Audi product planner Marc Trahan, a 322-hp, 4.1-liter TDI V-8 may be offered as a pick-me-up when the current R8 nears the end of its life cycle. But the diesel devout won’t have to wait that long.

UNVEILED – Its Audi of America, A6 2009 – unveiled with its clean lines and oversized grille, the current Audi A6 is one of the most distinctive midsize luxury cars on the market. It’s available as both a sedan and a wagon. The A6 wagon — called the Avant – with a 34-cubic-foot cargo bay behind its rear seat, it makes a practical yet elegant choice for families. In true Audi fashion, the midsize A6 gives you a lot for a very competitive price.

Those who purchase the A6 sedan may choose between two trims: base 3.2 and top-of-the-line 4.2. Wagons are available only in the 3.2 trim. Standard equipment is generous, and as we’ve come to expect from Audi, the A6′s interior is - quite attractive - quality standard. The options lineup includes a high-end audio system, voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Most are accessed via Audi’s easy-to-use Multi Media Interface (MMI) vehicle management system. It sounds complicated, but with its logical menus and ergonomically designed, all-in-one control knob, MMI is relatively easy to learn.

Talking about performance now, the Audi A6 is available with either a 255-horsepower V6 or a 350-hp V8 engine. Acceleration is certainly passable, but most other V6-equipped luxury cars are quicker. The A6 rides comfortably on the highway, and while it’s not the most athletic car in its class, our editors like its predictable, nimble feel through the corners. As far as transmissions go, both a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a six-speed automatic are offered. The A6 may be equipped with either front-wheel drive or Audi’s Quattro system.

Representative of the Third Generation Model:

Its truely a representative, which dates to 2005. Overall, the third-generation car represents by far the best package of attention-getting style, entertaining driving dynamics and opulent furnishings. Those considering used third-gen models should keep in mind that the car’s V8 engine (offered on the 4.2 trim) got an upgrade a couple of years into the cycle.

Audi’s 2 door TT coupe 2009 priced MSRP $ 36,025, not high enough to get… With more daring style, it has most noticeable change among all is its cool aggressive headlights with large grille. The Interior of the car shows Audi’s standard with their expensive models. The high-tech Audi Magnetic ride damper system available as an option. And this system ensures high level of ride comfort and thoroughly sporty synamism. according to the particular driving scenario and the preferences of the driver.

The car is available with four – or six-cylinder engine. The more powerful V6 serves up 250 hp at 6300 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque in the 2500 to 3000 rpm range. The engine enables the TT to hit 62 mph in 5.7 seconds by its Quattro all-wheel-drive. The car has a spoiler that deploys at 75 mph.

TT coupe

Sophisticated Sporty – Audi A3:

2008 Audi A3 recieves “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Higway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Audi believes that safety and performance are not mutually exclusive. The 2008 A3 includes a variety of safety features, including:

Top Safety Pick
2008 Audi A3 receives TOP SAFETY PICK AWARD from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS).

Impact protection
Reinforced high strength steel and aluminum crossmembers protect against impact. Side intrusion beams in side doors ensure equal distribution of forces in case of side impact.

Brakes
Four wheel ABS with Electronic brake pressure distribution for rear brakes (EBD) along with brake assist for improved emergency braking provide the power to stop the Audi A3.

Front and side airbags
In the event of an accident, intelligent impact sensors, including an innovative front sensor, will detect the severity and nature of the impact and trigger the appropriate occupant protection systems.
Sideguard™ side airbags extend over the entire side window area to help protect front and outer rear passengers in a side collision or rollover. These are combined with dual front driver and passenger airbags.