Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Porsche, Audi to unite on Audi R4?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/porsche-audi-to-unite-on-audi-r4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/porsche-audi-to-unite-on-audi-r4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/porsche-audi-to-unite-on-audi-r4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Porsche of late is doing everything to remain in the news. Crystal balls are still trying to glean what Porsche plans to do with Lamborghini and Bugatti, which have thrived under Audi's watch. Now the brand, for which there is no substitute, has struck a deal with Audi to develop an entry level sports car called the R4 as well as the next Boxster and Cayman. The R-car will be the lowest rung in an "R" lineup that will hop even numbers from R4 to R10.

The R-cars will be geared not to compete with Porsche models: the R4 will ride below the Boxster and use turboed 4- and 5-cylinder engines. The R6 sandwiched by the 911 and Boxster, the second generation R8 to come in coupe and roadster versions, and an R10 supercar based on Audi's perennial Le Mans conqueror.

What will each party get? Audi gets Porsche engineering, Porsche gets aluminum spaceframes, diesel tech, DSG for all torque ratings, and they both get massive R&D savings. Both the R4 and the Boxster will then benefit from each company's pool of goodies, like night vision, heads-up display, brake energy recuperation, MagnaRide from Audi, and PDC from Porsche. The only thing left to decide is the timing: the Panamera drops in 2009, and Audi wants the R4 in showrooms in 2010. Stay tuned for a lot of in-house wrangling and a slew of hot new sports cars.

[Source: Car Magazine via eGM Car Tech]

Porsche, Audi to unite on Audi R4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiboxstercaymanporschequattror10r4r6r8Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi Tower to be unveiled at LeMans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/audi-tower-to-be-unveiled-at-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/audi-tower-to-be-unveiled-at-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/audi-tower-to-be-unveiled-at-lemans/#commentsFiled under: ,



Not many automakers have accomplished as much as Audi at LeMans. Though it only began competing at LeMans in 1999, the automaker has achieved six overall victories from its eight starts, including the first ever win for a diesel-powered car with its R10 last year. This Saturday before the start of the 75th running of the 24 Hours of LeMans, a 12-meter high sculpture will be unveiled in the circuit's "Village" to honor Audi's success in what many consider to be the most demanding race in the world.

Fourtitude has pics of the "Audi Tower" as it looks today, which appears encased inside a giant box shaped like, well, a 12-meter-tall tower. According to Audi, the actual sculpture features 24 rotating rings that light up between the tower's base and its top. There's also a video wall on the sculpture's front face, and its glass surface will be etched with the names of every driver to have ever won the 24 Hours of LeMans.

We're excited to see what this thing looks like, but have enough faith in Audi's aesthetic taste to expect a finely crafted work of art. You can check out a few more pics of the tower as it stands by clicking the Read link.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Audi Tower to be unveiled at LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of lemans24HoursOfLemansaudidedicatediesellandmarkr10sculpturevillageThu, 14 Jun 2007 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the (C&D) rumormill: Audi R8 diesel coming in '09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/04/enter-the-candd-rumormill-audi-r8-diesel-coming-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/04/enter-the-candd-rumormill-audi-r8-diesel-coming-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/04/enter-the-candd-rumormill-audi-r8-diesel-coming-in-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When the topic of conversation at the Autoblog bunker shifts to the R8, it's simply a matter of time before one of us brings up the idea of a diesel version of Audi's new supercar. With the recent success of the TDI R10, Audi has both the technological prowess and the racing creds to make a serious play towards being the first automaker to offer an oilburner in an exotic. According to Car and Driver, it's not only plausible, it's undergoing development.

C & D breaks down the engine choices into " the good, the bad and the ugly," with the good going to the 4.2-liter TDI (326 HP and 561 lb.-ft. of torque), the bad being the 3-liter V6 (233 HP and 369 lb-ft. of twist) and the ugly as the twin-turbo V12 found in the R10 racecar. The latter is making close to 500 HP and a kidney-punishing 738 pound-feet of torque, which because of its high weight and intricacies would make it a poor choice.

Notable absent from the mag's lineup is the 5-liter V10 found in the Touareg that produces 308 HP and 550 lb-ft. of stump-destroying torque, but considering that the 4.2-liter TDI makes more power and more low-end grunt, we understand why it was left out of the mix.

If Car and Driver's sources are to be believed, expect the TDI R8 to come to market in 2009. That, along with a rumored Targa version supposedly due that same year, would cause the R8 line to swell beyond feasibility. Time will tell, but we like what we hear so far.

[Source: Car and Driver via the German Car Blog]

Enter the (C&D) rumormill: Audi R8 diesel coming in '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audidieselle mansLeMansr10r8TDItouaregv10v6v8Mon, 04 Jun 2007 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi considering dropping out of ALMS?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/audi-considering-dropping-out-of-alms/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/audi-considering-dropping-out-of-alms/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/audi-considering-dropping-out-of-alms/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite racking up its eigth victory in a row at last weekend's 12 Hours of Sebring, Audi is reportedly considering dropping out of the American Le Mans Series. Rumors of Audi yanking its unbeatable R10s from competition in the U.S. have been swirling ever since last season when race organizers began changing rules to slow down the Audis and give their competition a hope in hell of winning. Those revisions didn't work and the Audis kept winning.

ALMS organizers also instituted "special" rules for the Audi in last weekend's running of the 12 Hours of Sebring, forcing the R10s to run with a smaller fuel cell that held 81 instead of 90 liters of diesel. Changes like this slow the Audi R10s enough to bring them within spitting distance of the LMP2 class that is incredibly competitive this year thanks to the arrival of Acura on the scene. From Audi's perspective, the temporary rule changes instituted at Sebring apparently were not in line with what it considers fair racing. As such, the German automaker is reviewing where it stands with the American Le Mans Series.

We would hate to see Audi pull out of ALMS, even though it dominates every single race it enters. Ideally, ALMS should be recruiting more competitive LMP1 contenders, or perhaps it could institute a new class of diesel-powered racers called LMD1. We hear the French might be interested.

BTW - FTW

[Source: Yahoo Sports Germany via German Car Blog]

Audi considering dropping out of ALMS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 Hours of Sebring12HoursOfSebringALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesaudiaudi r10AudiR10dieselr10SebringWed, 21 Mar 2007 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10 lowers track record at Sebring by a second]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/audi-r10-lowers-track-record-at-sebring-by-a-second/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/audi-r10-lowers-track-record-at-sebring-by-a-second/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/audi-r10-lowers-track-record-at-sebring-by-a-second/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on the photo for a gallery of high-res shots from Sebring

The updated 2007 Audi R10 TDi is continuing to dominate in qualifying for the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Marco Werner driving the #2 R10 shaved almost almost a full second off the lap record for the race he won in 2003 and 2004. After winning last years ALMS opener in the R10's debut, Dindo Capello, got the outside of the front row for the second Audi. Capello missed a chance at the pole when the practice session was interrupted while he was going for a hot lap. The German diesels will lose some of their fuel economy advantage in the race due a reduction in fuel tank size from 90 to 81 liters. The race starts at 10AM Saturday at Sebring. The Audi press release is after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Gallery: Audi R10 TDI at Sebring

Continue reading Audi R10 lowers track record at Sebring by a second

Audi R10 lowers track record at Sebring by a second originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>R10SebringFri, 16 Mar 2007 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi running in front at Sebring... again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/audi-running-in-front-at-sebring-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/audi-running-in-front-at-sebring-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/audi-running-in-front-at-sebring-again/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of the 2007 Audi R10 TDi

See that? It's the rear end of a 2007 Audi R10 diesel-powered ALMS racer. The 2007 American LeMans Series kicks off this weekend with the storied Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, and judging from the first day of test sessions on Monday, this view will become quite familiar to the rest of the field.

During the first day of test sessions yesterday, one of Audi's new drivers, Tom Kristensen, beat his teammate's record setting qualifying lap from last year by a full 0.7 seconds, while fellow teammate Emanuele Pirro was just behind and almost a second ahead of the fastest LMP2 Porsche of Andy Wallace.

Last year, Audi's pair of diesel-powered R10s were unbeatable, reaching the highest platform of the podium in each one of the eight races the cars contested, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the only race of the eight not part of the ALMS Series.

[Source: American LeMans Series]

Gallery: 2007 Audi R10 TDi

Audi running in front at Sebring... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 Hours of Sebring12HoursOfSebring2007Emanuele PirroEmanuelePirroR10SebringTom KristensenTomKristensenTue, 13 Mar 2007 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Peugeot to Audi: the V12 HDi is coming, prepare for competition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/video-peugeot-to-audi-the-v12-hdi-is-coming-prepare-for-compe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/video-peugeot-to-audi-the-v12-hdi-is-coming-prepare-for-compe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/video-peugeot-to-audi-the-v12-hdi-is-coming-prepare-for-compe/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click the image for our high-res gallery.

A few of us around the Autoblog offices are eagerly anticipating the oil burning fight about to take place at this year's Le Mans. Audi's dominance of the field last year made for some entertaining races, but for 2007, the R10 may finally have some serious competition.

The Peugeot 908 HDi was recently unveiled, and apart from looking the biz, the V12 diesel is laying down 850 ft.-lbs. of torque and over 700 HP. The images in our gallery can only begin to do such a beast justice, so Peugeot released a video of the 908 running the Le Castellet circuit in the South of France.

The video is after the jump, and if you haven't had the chance, be sure to check out the pics of Audi's newest rival.

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Peugeot to Audi: the V12 HDi is coming, prepare for competition

VIDEO: Peugeot to Audi: the V12 HDi is coming, prepare for competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>908 HDi908Hdiaudidieselle mansLeManspeugeotr10v12Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi may show Q7 V12 TDI concept in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/audi-appears-to-be-preparing-a-q7-v12-tdi-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/audi-appears-to-be-preparing-a-q7-v12-tdi-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/audi-appears-to-be-preparing-a-q7-v12-tdi-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click on above image to view high-resolution gallery

This little number caught us off gaurd when one of our sources directed us to the VWVortex.com forums. Audi already unveiled the Q7 V12 TDI back in September at the Paris Motor Show. We were in awe of the engine that doesn't have to trace its root far back before it runs right into the same V12 diesel that powers the R10 Le Mans racer. This angelic-looking Q7 has the same V12, according to the forum poster, and it produces the same 500 horsepower and 738 ft-lbs. of glorious torque.

Perhaps Audi wanted to dress up the Q7 V12 TDI for its debut in North America, because from what we know this vehicle is Detroit-bound. There are a few changes to the vehicle that set it apart from the one we saw debut in Paris, including a front end with more LEDs around the headlights and a slightly modified lowe air intake. Out back the reverse lights have been relocated from the stop lamps into their own strip along the bumper that was previously housing reflectors. The center stop lamp housed beneath the rear spoiler is now also a string of red LEDs. The faux-diffuser in the lower bumper is slightly different, and finally the pair of exhaust tips embedded in the rear skirt are now ovular. The white paint job is new (and nice), but the wheels, oddly enough, are the same as the one's we saw in Paris.

The interior of this mild concept has also been cleaned up with the creamiest-looking leather applied to every visible surface, new gauges (220 mph!), and a new center information display that now both color and sporting a higher resolution. If you check out our gallery of high-resolution pics, you'll notice the center information display is showing a g-meter.



We have no information on this Q7 V12 TDI concept other than the few words accompanying it in the forum we found it. Audi has said nothing official about it, so its attendance in Detroit is not guaranteed. However, if it were to arrive stateside, its presence at the Detroit show would certainly fuel our hope that Audi's thinking about selling the Q7 V12 TDI here in addition to Europe. We'll find out soon enough.

[Source: VWVortex.com]

Audi may show Q7 V12 TDI concept in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselLeMansQ7R10TDIV12Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi to run on bio-diesel at Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/17/audi-to-run-on-bio-diesel-at-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/17/audi-to-run-on-bio-diesel-at-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/17/audi-to-run-on-bio-diesel-at-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi R10 TDI

Automotive enthusiasts (racing fans in particular) and environmental lobbyists don't always see eye-to-eye. Make that seldom, if ever. But greener motorsports is something over which we can definitely sit down with our compatriots at sister site AutoblogGreen. In fact, we'd go as far to say that it's the one thing that could stand to keep automobile racing relevant in the modern era, and we'll applaud any series, team or supplier that moves the cause forward.

Audi, then, is a particular favorite, for their milestone achievement of fielding the diesel-powered R10 in endurance racing series and events - and winning, sweeping the field, in fact, despite the self-imposed oil-burning handicap. But the boys at Ingolstadt aren't about the rest on their proverbial laurels, they're pushing forward, together with their sponsors over at Shell. They've announced that at next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, they'll not only be racing on diesel, they'll be racing on biodiesel! Don't expect to see Audi engineers rummaging through the trash bins behind the local greasy-spoon, though. Audi will be using a synthetic derivative of plant-based oil (though we have no idea how something synthetic can be derived from something natural) produced by a subsidiary of team sponsor Shell.

Now that the announcement has been made, it seems such an obvious move, but then, all great developments seem so simple once they're done. Our hats go off to Audi and Shell for this, and we'll be looking forward to Le Mans next year.

[Source: German Car Blog]

Audi to run on bio-diesel at Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Dec 2006 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24audibiodiesellemansr10Sun, 17 Dec 2006 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10 completes perfect ALMS season at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/audi-r10-completes-perfect-alms-season-at-laguna-sec/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/audi-r10-completes-perfect-alms-season-at-laguna-sec/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/audi-r10-completes-perfect-alms-season-at-laguna-sec/#commentsFiled under: ,



The thrilling and historic first season for the Audi R10 TDI in the American Le Mans Series has concluded with Audi's two-car team scoring a 1-2 victory, its third of the year, at this season's final race at Laguna Seca. The victory caps an eight-race all-out win streak and mark's the first time an ALMS car has gone undefeated in its debut season. Though Audi did win every race outright this season, the two races occurring in between the 12 Hours of Sebring season opener and 24 Hours of Le Mans were ran by the R10 TDI's predecessor, the R8, that won both. Much credit should be given to the R10 TDI itself, not just for the win at Laguna Seca but for the entire winning season, as its extremely frugal use of fuel (for a 650-horsepower race car) often gave its four drivers a big competitive advantage. The drivers themselves, however, which include Allan McNish / Dindo Capello and Emanuele Pirro / Frank Biela, deserve a good deal of credit, as well, along with their teams. Most races throughout the season were never in the bag for the Audi team, each win being earned through excellent driving, pit management and the confidence that comes from piloting these Audi-engineered racers. Congrats to Audi for the unbeaten season and Capello and McNish for winning the Drivers' Title.

Check out a full gallery of R10 TDI pics at Laguna Seca here.

[Source: ALMS via Fourtitude]

Audi R10 completes perfect ALMS season at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSdiesellaguna secaLagunaSecaR10R10 TDIR10TdiunbeatenMon, 23 Oct 2006 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: A New York Minute - Audi R8 in Manhattan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/15/video-a-new-york-minute-audi-r8-in-manhattan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/15/video-a-new-york-minute-audi-r8-in-manhattan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/15/video-a-new-york-minute-audi-r8-in-manhattan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Four days ago we brought you in-depth coverage of Audi's publicity parade on Park Avenue, featuring the new R8 supercar, the R10 Le Mans racer and the 1938 Auto Union Type-D "Silver Arrow". The attention-grabbing event marked the North American debut of the R8 as well as the opening of Audi's new high-tech 6,400-square-foot "Forum" showroom on Park Avenue in mid-town Manhattan.

For your viewing pleasure we have for you today an impressive and dramatically-filmed video of the R8 making its way down Park Avenue, driven by none other than New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The video not only captures the finer details of Audi's new range-topping halo model, but the overall mood and atmosphere created by the high-octane spectacle.

Not only is this video definitely worth watching, but you'll probably go back to the start and watch it again (and think you're watching HBO).

Related posts:

(Bonus: catch Audi's press release after the jump for more staggering details on the NYC Audi Forum.)

[Source: The German Car Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: A New York Minute - Audi R8 in Manhattan

VIDEO: A New York Minute - Audi R8 in Manhattan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiauto unionAutoUnionbloombergforumle mansLeMansmanhattannew yorkNewYorkpark avenueParkAvenuer10r8silver arrowSilverArrowtype dTypeDvideoSun, 15 Oct 2006 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Photos from Audi's parade on Park Avenue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/photos-from-audis-parade-on-park-avenue/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/photos-from-audis-parade-on-park-avenue/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/photos-from-audis-parade-on-park-avenue/#commentsFiled under: ,


UPDATE: Photos added from Neal M. and dc, play-by-play account from Ahmed
UPDATE 2: Video of the Auto Union Type D on the street after the jump


This morning New Yorkers on their way to work were greeted with Audi's Park Avenue parade that marked the R8's first official drive on U.S. soil and the opening of the company's new Audi Forum located at 250 Park Avenue. Autoblog reader Ahmed M. was on hand and armed with a camera phone. He sent us these pics of the R8, R10 Le Mans racer and 1938 Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow, the latter of which was one of the world's first mid-engined racecars. NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg was reportedly on hand to deliver the R8 to the Forum, which is not a dealership but rather a brand awareness space that will educate New Yorkers on the Audi experience and can also host events up to 150 people.

If any other readers were present and have pictures they'd like to share, specifically of the Forum itself, send them to abresearch at gmail dot com and we'll post them here.

Check out Ahmed's play-by-play account of the parade after the jump near the bottom of the page.

Continue reading Photos from Audi's parade on Park Avenue

Photos from Audi's parade on Park Avenue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audi ForumAudiForumBloombergmayorNew York CityNewYorkCityNYCR10R8Wed, 11 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi planning parade on Park Avenue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/audi-planning-parade-on-park-avenue/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/audi-planning-parade-on-park-avenue/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/audi-planning-parade-on-park-avenue/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We feel lucky having been one of a relatively small group of people to see the Audi R8 in person at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. We won't feel so special after next Wednesday, however, when Audi is planning a parade in the Big Apple that will be lead by the company's new two-seat, mid-engine road rocket. Millions of New Yorkers will be able to catch a glimpse of the R8 leading a pack of Audis that also includes the R10 TDI racecar currently dominating the American Le Mans Series and a 1938 Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow, which represents the line of world's first mid-engined racecars. Why all the hubbub? The celebration commemorates the opening of the newly created Audi Forum New York City, which is not exactly a dealership but what the marketing folk call a "brand awareness venue".

If you're in the area, the procession's going to begin at 10AM EST next Wednesday and start at 52th and Park Avenue. The cars will be flanked by New York City's finest as they drive down to 47th where they'll be parked outside the new Audi Forum NYC for people to inspect. Expect a few celebrities to be present, and supposedly some will be commissioned to drive the vehicles, as well. The occasion will technically mark the first time a production R8 has been seen outside in open air, although we've seen plenty of uncamouflaged mules the last few months. If you're planning to attend, takes pics and send them to abresearch at gmail dot com.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Audi planning parade on Park Avenue originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi forumAudiForumnew york cityNewYorkCitynycparadeprocessionr10r8tdiThu, 05 Oct 2006 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10 wins little Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/audi-r10-wins-little-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/audi-r10-wins-little-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/audi-r10-wins-little-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite regulations allowing its competitors to race with 143 lbs. less weight, Audi managed to claim the win this weekend at the Petit Le Mans endurance race at Road Atlanta. Other LM P1 cars from Zytek, Creation and Porsche were actually faster than the Audis thanks to the rules that lightened their load, but the R10's bulletproof durability and lower fuel consumption, combined with error-free driving from Alan McNish and Dindo Capello, carried one of the two Audi cars across the finish line first. The second R10, driven by the Le Mans winning team of Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner, was poised to finish alongside or ahead of its counterpart, but contact with a slower GT car pushed the team back to seventh overall and fourth in LM P1.

With the win, Audi clinches the Manufacturers' Championship in LM P1, having already won both the Drivers' and Teams' Championship. It's also the seventh straight Petit Le Mans victory for Audi and the tenth straight win at Road Atlanta. That is what they call merciless domination, folks. Watching the diesel-powered R10 mow down its gas-powered competitors all season makes us a little more than excited for the start of the next 24 Hours of Le Mans where Peugeot is preparing to fight fire with fire by fielding its own diesel-powered Le Mans racer, the 908.

[Source: Audi]

Audi R10 wins little Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Le MansLeMansLM P1LmP1motorsportsPetit Le MansPetitLeMansR10racingMon, 02 Oct 2006 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi reunites Le Mans winning trio for Petit Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/audi-reunites-le-mans-winning-trio-for-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/audi-reunites-le-mans-winning-trio-for-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/audi-reunites-le-mans-winning-trio-for-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: ,



Six races, six wins so far this year for the incredible (and eerily quiet) Audi R10 TDI: Sebring, Le Mans, Salt Lake City, Portland, Road America and Mosport. They've already clinched the Teams' and Drivers' Championships. Now all that remains is to sew up the Manufacturers' Championship in the "Champions League" LM P1 class for Audi. Heading into this week's Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta they've decided to take no chances and have brought together the Le Mans-winning trio of Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro, and Marco Werner.

The Petit Le Mans has grown to be one of the most important endurance races in motorsports. Although locking up the championship is still a concern, the Audi team has won the race six years in a row with the R10's predecessor, the R8, and they'd hope to keep the streak alive. Additionally, because it is one of the longer races on the calendar it gives teams a chance to test late season improvements for next year. The revolutionary diesel-powered R10 would also be one step closer to finishing off its maiden season with a perfect record. Full release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi reunites Le Mans winning trio for Petit Le Mans

Audi reunites Le Mans winning trio for Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Petit Le MansPetitLeMansR10Road AtlantaRoadAtlantaFri, 22 Sep 2006 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #40]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/autoblog-podcast-40/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/autoblog-podcast-40/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/autoblog-podcast-40/#commentsFiled under:

We had a big news week to cover in the Autoblog Podcast, Episode #40. Damon and I kick off the show with a debate over Ford's chances for survival after its new CEO, Alan Mulally, settles in. Somehow we manage a smooth segway into talking about GM's new 5-year / 100,000-mile warranty and what it means for the General's longstanding problem with perceived quality. Finally, we round out our 40th episode with GM's sequel to its Sequel hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle and Audi's announcement that it's going to drop the LeMans-winning V12 TDI diesel engine into the Q7. Enjoy the show!

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Hosts
John Neff and Damon Lavrinc

Producer
John Neff

Length
37:14

Autoblog Podcast #40 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselFordMulallyR10sequelV12warrantyTue, 12 Sep 2006 13:14:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #40Autoblog37:14Autoblog; Autoblog Podcast; podcast; ford; mulally; ceo; gm; warranty; sequel; hydrogen fuel-cell; audi; q7; r10; diesel<![CDATA[King Kong Q7: Paris debut for Audi Q7 V12 TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/king-kong-q7-paris-debut-for-audi-q7-v12-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/king-kong-q7-paris-debut-for-audi-q7-v12-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/king-kong-q7-paris-debut-for-audi-q7-v12-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



UPDATE 1 - Audi's official press release added after the jump

Friday, we brought you the initial report that Audi would be dropping a 6.0-liter V12 TDI based on it's Le Mans-winning engine into the Q7 SUV. That report has been confirmed today with the release of additional details and photos from Audi, which will publicly unveil the beast later this month at the Paris show.

Pumping out 500 horsepower, the big TDI also generates 1000 Nm / 738 lb-ft of torque, so if you ever feel inclined to pull your house off its foundation, you'll be well-prepped to give it the 'ol college try (if the car makes it to this side of the Atlantic).

All that power is channeled through a 6-speed Tiptronic and Audi's Quattro AWD system. 0-62 mph takes just 5.5 seconds and it'll keep running up to a governed top end of 155 mph. Fuel economy is 11.9 liters per 100 kilometers. That's 19.7 mpg for us Yankee-types -- a very respectable number, all things considered.

When we first reported this on Friday, some questioned why Audi would choose their SUV as the first platform for the twelve-cylinder diesel. Simple: it's the only vehicle in the lineup with an engine bay large enough to swallow the big motor. Visually, the Q7 V12 TDI is differentiated by a modified front end with enlarged intakes on either side of the company's corporate grille. In back, the exhaust outlets are neatly integrated into the rear bumper.

Look for it in Europe as a 2008 model, and pray that Audi can get it to pass US emissions regs. This is one we want to see here, too.

Update: According to the press release issued by Audi, there are no plans to import this engine to the US. Sigh...

[Source: Audi via Auto Motor und Sport (translated)]

Continue reading King Kong Q7: Paris debut for Audi Q7 V12 TDI

King Kong Q7: Paris debut for Audi Q7 V12 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselLeMansQ7R10TDIV12Mon, 11 Sep 2006 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi A8 to get R10 diesel?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/audi-a8-to-get-r10-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/audi-a8-to-get-r10-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/audi-a8-to-get-r10-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Rumors are floating around the net that Audi may be so bold as to offer the A8 with a version of the twin-turbo V12 TDI diesel engine that powers the automaker's R10 Le Mans racecars. In full race trim the 5.5-liter, twelve-cylinder engine produces 650 horsepower and 811 ft-lbs of torque. The powerplant would likely be detuned for production use, as well as lightened from its current weight of over 440 lbs.

While this appears to be pure speculation at this point, it's not very far fetched. The Audi R10s have been just as dominant in the American Le Mans Series as was their R8 predecessor, proving that diesel can more than hold its own the track. Audi has also stated in the past that it plans to fast track technology advancements made on the R10 racers to production vehicles. Lastly, the German automaker has by far been diesel's loudest cheerleader this year. What bigger statement could be made then by dropping the most dominant engine in motorsports today into a luxury sedan? But... wouldn't the engine make a bit more sense in Audi's everyday supercar, the upcoming R8? Whatever, as long as its coming to a driveway near us we don't care.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Audi A8 to get R10 diesel? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A8ALMSdieselR10Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10 claims 1-2 finish at Road America despite disadvantage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/audi-r10-claims-1-2-finish-at-road-america-despite-disadvantage/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/audi-r10-claims-1-2-finish-at-road-america-despite-disadvantage/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/audi-r10-claims-1-2-finish-at-road-america-despite-disadvantage/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite the decision by American Le Mans Series officials to handicap both Audi R10 race cars in Round 7 at Road America, the two diesel-powered LMP1 race cars, one driven by Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro and the other by Allan McNish and Dindo Capello, won the race with the team's second successive 1-2 finish.

The Audi teams were racing against competing LMP1 Lolas from the Dyson team that were allowed to compete with 143 lbs. less, a decision made by ALMS officials to even the playing field. It didn't work, as both Audis overcame some hairy contact with the field on the first lap to finish the race in an all out duel.

Though both cars started on the pole (Allan McNish set a new ALMS track record in qualifying), the R10 driven by Frank Biela was forced off the track on the first lap and he spent the rest of the race charging the back of the field and eventually catching his teammate in the other R10. After McNish handed his R10 over to co-driver Capello, the pair lost the lead to their charging teammates and finished 0.4 seconds behind the R10 driven by Pirro. Round 8 of the AMLS will be in two weeks at Mosport in Canada.

[Source: Audi]

Audi R10 claims 1-2 finish at Road America despite disadvantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Aug 2006 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesdieselLe MansLeMansR10Road AmericaRoadAmericaMon, 21 Aug 2006 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10 success means more restrictions in ALMS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/audi-r10-success-means-more-restrictions-in-alms/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/audi-r10-success-means-more-restrictions-in-alms/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/audi-r10-success-means-more-restrictions-in-alms/#commentsFiled under: ,



A couple of years ago the thought of a diesel-powered race car would've made all but the most die-hard diesel fans laugh out loud. Today, however, Audi is dominating the American Le Mans Series with its pair of diesel-powered R10 racers. Their domination is so thorough, in fact, that ALMS organizers have decided to grant their competition concessions so they can keep up.

At this weekend's round of racing at Road America, the competing LM P1 Lolas from the Dyson team will be allowed to race with 143 pounds less than the R10s. At the following race at Mosport the Lolas will be given a five-liter larger fuel tank, as well. These concessions seem to be aimed at making up the gap in power and fuel economy the R10s enjoy over their gas-powered competitors.

The decision by ALMS officials to change the rules in the middle of the series have cast doubt about Audi's future participation in the series, though the team plans to tough it out for the time being. Road America's long 4-mile track should suit the R10's abilities, despite the fact Audi engineers calculate the cars will be giving up 1.3 seconds per lap due to their weight disadvantage.

[Source: Audi]

Audi R10 success means more restrictions in ALMS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselLola DysonLolaDysonR10Road AmericaRoadAmericaMon, 14 Aug 2006 16:58:00 EST