Autoblog Audi http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Audi http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

ABT-tuned Audi R8 V10 - front three-quarter view, red

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.

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT

Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> abtabt r8 v10aftermarketaudiaudi r8audi r8 v10 Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574728/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/20574728/article-detail.xml 20574728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/abt-audi-r8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/abt-audi-r8.jpg <![CDATA[Malaise Era All-Stars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

1976-1979 Porsche 930 - front three-quarter view, blue

A few weeks ago, we bid a fond happy 40th anniversary to the automotive dark ages of 1973-84 that have come to be known as "The Malaise Era" - the performance ice-age when 160 horsepower was a lot and a 0-60 time of under 10 seconds was remarkable. Like music in the 1980s, everything in automobiledom didn't suck, however. There were a few bright spots. Here are five of our favorites:

1976-79 Porsche 930, aka 911 Turbo Carrera (above)
Photo Credit: Dorotheum

While Chevrolet beat them by a decade with the turbocharged Corvair Corsa, the Germans more fully developed turbocharging through racing where General Motors couldn't. Early Porsche 930s (known technically as 911 Turbo Carreras) were a bit crude, with turbo lag that could be measured with an egg timer. They lacked an intercooler as well as brakes that were up to the task, but performance was sensational, with the buff books reporting 0-60 times of anywhere from 4.9 to 5.8 seconds and quarter-mile times of under 14 seconds. This was '60s muscle car performance at the height of the Malaise Era. Sadly, the 930 cost about six times as much as your average muscle car did.

Rob Sass is the Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. He is a regular contributor to the automotive section of the New York Times and is the author of "Ran When Parked, Advice and Adventures from the Affordable Underbelly of Car Collecting."

Continue reading Malaise Era All-Stars

Malaise Era All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi quattroaudi ur-quattrocar collectorchevychevy corvettecollector carsdatsundatsun 280zxmalaise eramercedesporscheporsche 930 Fri, 17 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569813/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/20569813/article-detail.xml 20569813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1979-porsche-911-turbo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1979-porsche-911-turbo.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi Allroad]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-audi-allroad-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-audi-allroad-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-audi-allroad-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Reincarnated With A Smaller And Less Passionate Soul

2013 Audi Allroad 2.0T Quattro

Mention the name "Allroad" to most automotive enthusiasts, and it's likely to conjure up images of the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro, first introduced in 1999. That car-like alternative to a sport utility vehicle was based on the German automaker's A6 Avant wagon. But unlike its luxurious road-going sibling, the Allroad was an on- and off-road variant fitted with an advanced height-adjustable air suspension for additional ground clearance, rugged tires on oversized wheels to improve off-pavement grip and unpainted flared fenders and bumpers to protect it from rugged use. That original A6 Allroad arrived with Audi's powerful twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, more to offset its increased weight than to boost performance, and was eventually offered with a 4.2-liter V8 before it was discontinued in 2005.

Fast forward eight years, and Audi has introduced its replacement - now based on the smaller A4 Avant wagon.

A quick overview reveals that the new Allroad is smaller, less technically advanced, and it lacks its predecessor's focus and capability. Those traits aren't necessarily negative, as they appeal to a very different audience. But do they make this model less desirable?

Continue reading 2013 Audi Allroad

2013 Audi Allroad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi allroadaudiaudi a4audi allroadaudi allroad reviewfeaturedreviewreviews Wed, 15 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568700/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568700/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/2013-audi-allroad-review/20568700/article-detail.xml 20568700 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-allroad-quattro-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-allroad-quattro-review.jpg <![CDATA[Audi kicks off ad campaign tonight with stirring new spot]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/audi-kicks-off-ad-campaign-tonight-with-stirring-new-spot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/audi-kicks-off-ad-campaign-tonight-with-stirring-new-spot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/audi-kicks-off-ad-campaign-tonight-with-stirring-new-spot/#comments Filed under: , ,



Following last week's entertaining and wildly popular Spock vs. Spock video, Audi has come back with a bevy of videos for its new advertising campaign that will begin airing tonight in primetime and on cable.

There are five ads altogether, but the longest one, a 60-second spot titled It Couldn't Be Done, is our favorite by far. Set to a reading of the poem of the same name by Edgar Albert Guest, the commercial chronicles the history of Auto Union Deutschland Ingolstadt from the days of its founder, August Horch, through its many decades of innovation, competition and creativity. Indeed, watching the commercial gave us chills similar to when we first heard the Ram brand's Farmer commercial that aired during this year's Super Bowl.

The other four commercials are shorter 15-second spots that focus on such familiar themes as the company's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the safety of its vehicles, their style and the company's advances in LED lighting. While less impactful than the longer ad, we think they effectively sound the drum beat of Audi's preferred tag line: Truth in Engineering. Scroll down to watch all five new ads, starting with the 60-second It Couldn't Be Done.

Continue reading Audi kicks off ad campaign tonight with stirring new spot

Audi kicks off ad campaign tonight with stirring new spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi adaudi commercialaugust horchedgar albert guestit couldnt be donetruth in engineeringvideo Mon, 13 May 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567108/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567108/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/audi-kicks-off-ad-campaign-tonight-with-stirring-new-spot/20567108/article-detail.xml 20567108 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-it-couldnt-be-done_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-it-couldnt-be-done.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi S3]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Coming Soon To Our Shores With Two More Doors And A Trunk



The Audi S3 is not exactly a sales juggernaut, despite it being a bit of a legend for passionate fans of the small German premium genre. In most markets outside of Europe, people may consider such setups as the S3 three-door tested here, look at the price, and then think maybe they should just get a nice A4 sedan with greater practicality for similar cash. That certainly has been one reason Audi has never officially brought the S3 hatchback to the United States. And the 335-horsepower RS3 Sportback? Forget about it nearly everywhere but in Germanic regions, Switzerland and the UK.

All of which automatically turns the new S3 hatchback into an unattainable object of desire for many fans of the four-ringed brand. The good news, of course, for many markets not on the three-door S3's dance card is that most of us will get a shot at buying the new S3 sedan that will be powered by the same drivetrain tested here. We reported heavily on the sedan version from the recent New York Auto Show and are convinced that there is much for North American shoppers to like.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S3

2013 Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi s3audiaudi s3audi s3 reviewfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrive Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566100/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/20566100/article-detail.xml 20566100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt.png <![CDATA[Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The producers of Iron Man 3 undoubtedly have the No. 24 Audi RS5 DTM car driven by Adrien Tambay at last week's Hockenheim round to thank for the movie's record-breaking global opening. Not only was Tambay's car wrapped to be a high-speed billboard for the movie, the entire team dressed in Iron Man-themed race suits made by partner Alpinestars and wore themed helmets from Uvex. What other reason could there be?

To make sure that all of Earth's residents at least get to hear about the movie, Tambay's team will be donning the livery again at the Brands Hatch round on May 19. There's a miniature press release below, along with a video of the crew hamming it up - as you would do when you get the chance to drive one of the few Audis that might be cooler than Tony Stark's.

Continue reading Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]

Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adrien tambayaudi rs5audi rs5 dtmbrands hatchdtmhockenheimiron maniron man 3 Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564097/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564097/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/20564097/article-detail.xml 20564097 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man.jpg <![CDATA[More next-gen Audi TT details revealed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



We still only have rumors about the third-generation Audi TT said to be scheduled for launch in late 2014, but based on a report in Car and Driver, we know a tiny bit more about it. The base engine will be the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with direct injection, but horsepower is said to be 220 horsepower - that would make for a nine-hp jump over the current output. The TTS would get an even larger power boost, going from 265 currently to 300 hp. The TT RS would stick with it's 2.5-liter five cylinder, with output increased from 360 to 380 hp. If Audi includes a nice dose of the go-light engineering involved in the TT Ultra Quattro, these horsepower numbers might be even more impressive.

As with the TT concept and first-generation production car, though, it sounds like the brand is concentrating on aesthetics. It's been widely reported that Audi wants to reclaim the juju conjured by the original TT, and while we still don't know what that means outside, CD reports that the interior gets simplified, "futuristic-feeling" styling thanks to instruments served up on a TFT screen. Remember, the first Audi TT had a cockpit that Car magazine dubbed simply, "The Cabin."

About a year after the coupe comes, the Audi TT Roadster will show up and should be joined by the next A5. The news for the next version of the subtly beautiful coupe is the arrival of a plug-in hybrid with torque vectoring via an electric motor for the rear axle. Beyond that is wilder speculation of an A9, which might be called Q9, and which was the four-door-coupe flavor of the month two years ago when it was possibly going to share a platform with the Lamborghini Estoque. According to the CD story, the thinking now is around "a combination of fastback and crossover proportions," a two-fer we've yet to see any carmaker pull off without making us go, "Oh. I see."

More next-gen Audi TT details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 audi ttaudiaudi tt Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563667/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/20563667/article-detail.xml 20563667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/next-gen-audi-tt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/next-gen-audi-tt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi pits Star Trek's new Spock versus the original]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/audi-pits-star-treks-new-spock-versus-the-original/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/audi-pits-star-treks-new-spock-versus-the-original/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/audi-pits-star-treks-new-spock-versus-the-original/#comments Filed under: , ,



The only thing that makes a sci-fi geek happier than William Shatner and Patrick Stewart in the same room is when two Spocks collide. Audi has somehow managed to do just that ahead of the release of the second film in this historic franchise's new go-round called Star Trek Into Darkness, which opens in theaters nationwide on May 17th.

We won't spoil the fun (you can, and should, watch it yourself below), suffice it say that the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy, steals the show from the franchise's new Spock, Zachary Quinto. The short video has the two Vulcans battling wits in a series of challenges that quickly comes to involve cars, but Audi manages to outwit them both in the final scene by leaving these logical beings with an emotion that resembles amazement.

This is the second summer blockbuster that Audi has tied its four rings to, the other being Iron Man 3. Whereas Tony Stark's garage and the Marvel universe have more Audis per square mile than people, we aren't expecting to see an Audi logo on the warp drive of the USS Enterprise in this latest Trek tale.

Scroll down and set your phasers to amuse.

Continue reading Audi pits Star Trek's new Spock versus the original

Audi pits Star Trek's new Spock versus the original originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi a7leonard nimoystar trekstar trek into darknesszachary quinto Tue, 07 May 2013 12:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560415/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560415/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/audi-pits-star-treks-new-spock-versus-the-original/20560415/article-detail.xml 20560415 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/two-spocks-nimoy-quinto-audi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/two-spocks-nimoy-quinto-audi.jpg <![CDATA['Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Audi Q5

Automotive News Europe reports the new Audi manufacturing facility in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico will increase the automaker's production capacity for the Q5 SUV by 150,000 units per year. While the plant will supply every market with the exception of China, most of the production is slated to head to the US.

While speaking with ANE, Audi CEO Rupert Stradler said, "Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020." So far this year, 40 percent of Audi vehicles sold in the US have been light trucks, with the company's sales in that segment jumping by 53 percent. By comparison, Audi passenger car sales have increased by just one percent.

The first Q5 vehicles from the San Hose Chiapa plant will show up on dealer lots in 2016. Audi of America recently received a larger 9,000-unit allocation of Q5 models after seeing sales increase 36 percent through April compared to the same period in 2012.

'Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi crossoveraudi q5audi suvmexicosuv Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558422/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/20558422/article-detail.xml 20558422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail

Audi released a single photo of the long-tailed version of its R18 E-Tron Quattro Le Mans racer, but the photo didn't offer the best view of the stretched rear. The car has been caught testing at Monza, in Italy, and not only do we get a better view of what it's got out back, we get pretty awesome sound as it makes high-speed runs past the camera.

Since the 2013-spec car was found to be down on performance versus the 2012, the long-tail is a different evolution to see if Audi can eke out more performance from its already dominant chassis. Have a look and a listen in the video below.

Continue reading Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza

Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 e-tron quattro long-tailfia wecmonzavideoworld endurance championshipyoutube Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552740/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/20552740/article-detail.xml 20552740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-long-tail_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-long-tail.png <![CDATA[2013 Audi RS5 [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/2013-audi-rs5-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/2013-audi-rs5-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/2013-audi-rs5-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Enjoying The Romance, Not Yet Convinced About A Commitment

2013 Audi RS5

I imagine spending time with a sexy sports coupe is similar to a first date with a supermodel. Before she arrives, there's a buildup of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation. Even though the background work is done, there are many concerns and unanswered questions about how the two of you will get along. What about compatibility, engagement and dynamics?

The big day arrives, and you answer the door to find her waiting in the driveway wearing a form-fitting Misano Red Pearl dress and sleek Anthracite stilettos. As you shake your head in disbelief, you swear she just winked her... ah... xenon headlight at you.

Relax big boy, you've been fantasizing about the 2013 Audi RS5.

Continue reading 2013 Audi RS5 [w/video]

2013 Audi RS5 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi rs5audiaudi rs5featuredreviewreviews Wed, 01 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553764/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/2013-audi-rs5-w-video/20553764/article-detail.xml 20553764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-rs5-review-1367357374_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-rs5-review-1367357374.jpg <![CDATA[Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Race teams are always looking for ways to shave hundredths of seconds of their lap times. Case in point: Audi is making some slight changes to its prototype racecar to make it ever so much more slippery as it cuts through the air.

Debuting at the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa on May 4, Audi will be testing a long-tail version of its R18 E-tron Quattro racecar. As its name suggests, the long-tail car gets a lengthened rear section with the goal of improving aerodynamics. The long-tail will be run alongside the standard version of the racecar as a testbed for possible changes that might be in store, heading into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Audi did not say how many inches were added to the racecar, but as you can see in the image above, "long-tail" definitely doesn't take on the same meaning of classic long-tail cars of the past such as the Porsche 917. More information about the car, Audi's team and even some info about the track itself can be found below.

Continue reading Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans

Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 e-tron quattro long-tailfia wecworld endurance championship Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548922/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548922/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/20548922/article-detail.xml 20548922 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305.jpg <![CDATA[VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/#comments Filed under: , ,



Each year, the Vienna International Motor Symposium showcases some of the up-and-coming technologies automakers are engineering for the use in passenger cars, and Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed some big developments VW is working on for its future products. Winterkorn discussed a multi-faceted approach that VW is looking to reduce its fleet fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Some of the bigger news he discussed included a "high-performance" diesel engine that will produce 134 horsepower per liter and a 10-speed DSG automatic transmission. While no specific applications were mentioned, we can only hope this is for the Audi R4 we keep hearing about.

Another topic he touched on that caused us to perk up our ears was had to do with VW's plug-in hybrid technology. While we know the PHEV versions of the Audi A3 and Porsche Panamera are on the way, Winterkorn also said that these two models will be followed up by Golf, Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne plug-in models. Scroll down for a press release highlighting the automaker's future fuel-saving initiatives.

Continue reading VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel

VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 10-speed transmissionaudiaudi 16audi a6audi a6 plug-in hybriddieseldsgmartin winterkornporscheporsche cayenneporsche cayenne plug-in hybridvienna international motor symposiumvolkswagenvolkswagen agvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat plug-in hybrid Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549903/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/20549903/article-detail.xml 20549903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Audi TT ultra quattro concept - front three-quarter view

Audi is celebrating the 2013 Wörthersee Tour with a special concept version of the company's TT. The Audi TT Ultra Quattro concept tips the scales at just 2,449 pounds thanks to some extensive engineering work. The company pulled nearly 95 lbs from the car's body structure and used carbon-fiber reinforced plastics for many of its detachable body components. As a result, the concept weighs in at a full 220 pounds lighter than its production counterpart. Throw in a wicked turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and you get a machine with the power to weight ratio in the supercar realm. 0-60 comes up in 4.2 seconds and top speed is listed at 173 mph.

Inside, the TT Ultra Quattro features plenty of carbon fiber trim, and designers also fitted the seats from the R8 GT to save a little weight. The buckets use CFRP for the seat frames, saving nearly 50 pounds in the process. In a world where automakers seem blind to the negative effect of throwing more heft at a vehicle, we're in love with the Ultra Quattro concept. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem

Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi ttaudi tt ultra quattro conceptconcepttt ultra quattrott ultra quattro conceptworthersee Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548921/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548921/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/20548921/article-detail.xml 20548921 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-tt-ultra-quttro-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-tt-ultra-quttro-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi supercar not yet approved, R4 not quite dead, still room for an MPV]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Audi V12 TDI engine bay

According to a report by Autocar, all we thought we knew of the in-development Audi supercar we might not actually know. A piece in Car and Driver, not even a month old, said the diesel-hybrid halo car was in the design stages, would get the engine from the R18 E-Tron Quattro and its carbon fiber tub. Now we get word that that while the coupe is indeed being designed, it hasn't yet been signed off and there's no business case for it yet. Said business case, whenever it is built, is also dubious of the diesel aspect of the car at the moment - diesels aren't known for creating Pavlovian purchase responses in buyers in the two key markets of the US and China.

The report suggests that instead of a diesel, the 2014 Le Mans regulations changes "could swing the favour back towards petrol models," which would give the so-called Scorpion a better tie to racing technology. Of course, that also assumes that Audi would contest next year's Le Mans with a gas-powered car. If so, that would be an about-face on the original reasons for the halo sportscar in the first place.

In other news, seems Audi also believes it can slot another sportscar below the R8, it just needs to get the financials sorted. The R4 - a Porsche Boxster-sized roadster - that has been chattered about for years is still in on the table but appears a long way off. Company R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer said it would need to be mid-engined and bring plenty of tech to separate itself from the TT, but mass-market price point is the catch as is the focus on other segments in the portfolio.

The least sexy side of the Audi pool, but apparently the most important, is boiling with plans for new utility vehicles and possibly an MPV. What Car? quotes Durheimer at the Shanghai Motor Show saying "SUV products are a first priority," which would fit into what we've been hearing about the brand's design overhaul, the products in question a Q above the Q7 and another below the Q3. A people mover is also said to be under consideration assuming Audi can create something that hauls six or seven while maintaining brand values.

Audi supercar not yet approved, R4 not quite dead, still room for an MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi q2audi q3audi q7audi r18audi r20audi scorpionaudi supercarr20supercarwolfgang durheimer Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548291/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/20548291/article-detail.xml 20548291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audiscorpion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audiscorpion.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi RS6 Avant [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Latest, Greatest Autobahn Bomber Will Not Be Denied - Except To Us

2013 Audi RS6 Avant

Back in 2008, I was fortunate enough to test the second-generation Audi RS6 Avant in southern France on the supremely well-sorted circuit at Le Castellet, a.k.a. Paul Ricard. I was thrown out there with the 572-horsepower bi-turbo 5.0-liter V10-equipped behemoth behind one of Audi's DTM pros and was convinced in short order that the flaming hippo in my hands was going to get the better of me on one or another of the track's tight esses. I made it out alive and invigorated, of course, but knew that that RS6 Avant was the heaviest that these thunderwagons should ever be allowed to get. At around 4,650 pounds with driver aboard, it was just way more lateral momentum at speed than any pilot needs on a track - or for that matter, on a favorite hot curving road.

Now it's time for the 2013 Audi RS6 Avant to lay us out with a flying scissor kick from the corner ropes. This version of the highway and byway marauder from quattro GmbH is a decidedly greater piece of work than was the car I drove in 2008. This time, there will only be the Avant body configuration - no RS6 sedan - and, as with the previous generation, North America won't be at the receiving end when deliveries start at the end of July this year.

I can only whine loudly about what a pity that is; the new RS6 Avant with its 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 is the absolute best Audi RS model I have tested in over a decade. It weighs in 220 pounds less than its predecessor, loses 20 horsepower, gains 37 pound-feet of torque, and torches the previous car's acceleration time to 60 miles per hour by seven-tenths of a second, or in other words, it needs only 3.8 seconds. That's seriously hair-brained action in a family-car wrapper. There are a few reasons as to why it's that much quicker, but one key is the greater 17.4 psi of boost pressure from each turbocharger versus the 10.2 psi per unit on the last generation's spec sheet. Then there are the tighter ratios of the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox against the six-speed Tiptronic of 2008.

Continue reading 2013 Audi RS6 Avant [w/video]

2013 Audi RS6 Avant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi rs6 avantaudiaudi a6first driveFirstDrive Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547843/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/20547843/article-detail.xml 20547843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-rs6-avant-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-rs6-avant-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 LMS claims second victory in SCCA World Challenge series]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/#comments Filed under: ,

GMG Audi R8 LMS

After starting on the pole but falling behind mid-race, James Sofronas earned back the lead position to take victory at the Pirelli World Challenge event held at the Long Beach Grand Prix this past weekend. Driving the No. 14 GMG/Mobil 1 Audi R8 LMS, Sofronas was near the front of the pack when the No. 9 K-PAX Racing Volvo S60, driven by Alex Figge, suffered a brake rotor failure near the end of the race and went into a wall. The No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R, piloted by Johnny O'Connell, jumped into the lead. O'Connell only needed to complete two laps under caution for the win.

Yet the Cadillac would never complete those laps, as a three-inch piece of debris (presumably from Figge's car) had lodged into the CTS-V.R's front end, taking out vital machinery. The fatal wound would stop O'Connell dead on the last lap, allowing Sofronas to take the checkered flag and earn top spot on the podium. It was the R8's second victory in the series and Sofronas' second career win at Long Beach.

It is of interest to note that James Sofronas is credited with bringing the R8 LMS to the States to compete in the World Challenge after watching its success overseas. The southern California resident is owner/driver for Global Motorsports Group (GMG) - we took a tour of GMS's facility last year and shot the carbon-bodied Audi R8 LMS under early development. The team brought a total of four R8's to Long Beach this year, with its No. 14 car finishing first.

Audi R8 LMS claims second victory in SCCA World Challenge series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi r8 lmsglobal motorsports groupjames sofronaspirelli world challengesccaworld challenge Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546515/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/20546515/article-detail.xml 20546515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/world-challenge-lb-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/world-challenge-lb-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Audi design getting big overhaul?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/audi-design-getting-big-overhaul/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/audi-design-getting-big-overhaul/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/audi-design-getting-big-overhaul/#comments Filed under: ,



Car and Driver has an update on the design shuffle in Ingolstadt that will ultimately bring more differentiation to Audi products. Last November, Audi design chief Wolfgang Egger spoke of the need to do "something new without breaking from tradition" in Audi design, but talk at the time centered on how the Crosslane Coupe Concept would influence the new looks of the brand's Q cars. The most recent moves appear focused on passenger cars, with designers from Volkswagen Group kin like Bentley and Seat moving to Audi, and outsiders from Alfa Romeo moving in.

While Egger decreed the end of "scalable design" to CD, last November's report said there would be more technology and "greater visual cohesion" between interior and exterior design. We still have no idea what all this means nor when we'll see visible changes in production, but at least we know there's something being done behind the scenes.

Audi design getting big overhaul? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi crosslane coupe conceptcrosslane coupe conceptdesigndesign languagestylingwolfgang egger Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540544/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/audi-design-getting-big-overhaul/20540544/article-detail.xml 20540544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-crosslane-coupe-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-crosslane-coupe-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Audi's diesel-electric supercar is codenamed 'Scorpion']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/audis-diesel-electric-supercar-is-codenamed-scorpion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/audis-diesel-electric-supercar-is-codenamed-scorpion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/audis-diesel-electric-supercar-is-codenamed-scorpion/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Speculation continues as to the final nature of the diesel-hybrid Audi supercar said to arrive in 2016 or 2017. A previous report in Automobile had the halo coupe, based closely on the R18 etron quattro endurance racer, codenamed R20 and pegged to look like a Le Mans winner for the street with around 700 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbo V6. Now Car and Driver has updated the gossip with a report that the car is internally called "Scorpion," and it will be even closer to the R18 than supposed.

CD says the heart of the car will use the R18 etron quattro's carbon fiber tub and its engine will be "taken directly" from the race car. That means a 3.7-liter V6 with a single turbo that, in ACO-spec restricted form, outputs 500 hp and 625 lb-ft - CD suspects production output could get to 600 hp - and drives the rear wheels, aided by hybrid motors driving the front wheels. And remember, at Le Mans the R18's hybrid motors can't kick in until they're above a certain speed in order to prevent Audi from getting an advantage coming out of slow corners. A street car wouldn't face that restriction.

The Scorpion would be a fulsome and undiluted example of the technologies Audi has created during its return to sports car racing. Its exterior design hasn't been finalized, with CD citing either the convoluted concept of "a retro take on the future of racing" or packaging that would adhere to the R18's looks. To make sure it is properly appreciated and sells well, production could be limited to the same 333 units as the R8 GT and A1 Quattro.

Audi's diesel-electric supercar is codenamed 'Scorpion' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r20scorpion Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540003/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/audis-diesel-electric-supercar-is-codenamed-scorpion/20540003/article-detail.xml 20540003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/r18-sports-car-scorpion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/r18-sports-car-scorpion.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Audi R8 officially on sale, starting at $114,900*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/2014-audi-r8-officially-on-sale-starting-at-114-900/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/2014-audi-r8-officially-on-sale-starting-at-114-900/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/2014-audi-r8-officially-on-sale-starting-at-114-900/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus

After skipping the 2013 model year, the Audi R8 is back for 2014 with a new look, added performance and a slightly higher starting price. In V8 coupe form, the 2014 R8 starts at $114,900 (*not including $1,250 for destination and a $3,000 gas-guzzler tax), but looking at that price, which has risen just $5,900 since the performance coupe first debuted in the US for 2008, inflation doesn't seem to have hit the R8 as hard as some other sports coupes - like, say, the Nissan GT-R.

Opting for the S tronic automatic gearbox will cost $9,100 for all models, while R8 V8 and R8 V10 models still offer the drop-top Spyder model for an extra $13,500. Not available in Spyder form, is the all-new 550-horsepower R8 V10 Plus, which starts at $170,545. Scroll down for the full pricing breakdown of the 2014 R8, which went on sale yesterday.

Continue reading 2014 Audi R8 officially on sale, starting at $114,900*

2014 Audi R8 officially on sale, starting at $114,900* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 audi r82014 audi r8 msrp2014 audi r8 pricingaudiaudi r8audi r8 v10 plusr8 pricing Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538617/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538617/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/2014-audi-r8-officially-on-sale-starting-at-114-900/20538617/article-detail.xml 20538617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-fd.jpg -1 2