Autoblog

Driving a car on a racetrack, a controlled environment where the vehicle's limits can be safely probed, is an experience that not only increases driving skills, but it builds confidence too. Recognizing this, and offering car enthusiasts a way to legally wring-out some of their hottest products, Audi has partnered with Emotive to launch their 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience. Unlike last year's marketing-oriented Audi Driving Experience, or any other Driver Education event, the Sportscar Experience is focused on high-performance driving.

The program consists of several different one- and two-day programs held at Infineon Raceway in California. Drivers sign up for the event of their choice, and each one includes a high-performance Audi "S" model for flogging (yes, tires and brakes are included). The vehicles include the 420-hp Audi RS4, the 354-hp Audi S5, the 450-hp Audi S8, and the awesome 420-hp Audi R8. If there is a downside to all of this fun, it's the price. The entry-level half-day "Introductory Program" runs $695. A full-day program in the RS4 will cost you $1,295. Want to improve your skills behind the wheel of the R8? That will set you back a cool $1,895 for a one-day program, $3,495 for two days. Having fun ain't cheap.

[Source: Audi]

There's no denying that Audi is planning more variants of the TT and R8, but most of the speculation revolves around fitting both models with high-output engines to produce RS variants. The TT-RS is expected to house a turbocharged, five-cylinder engine making around 350 hp and the R8 will benefit from some form of forced induction, with either a V8 or V10 mill taking the place of the stock 4.2-liter V8 – not to mention the V12 TDI mill. But what about weight reduction?

According to Inside Line, Audi is considering "Sport" variants of both models, a concept that was executed back in 2005 with the introduction of the TT Quattro Sport, which featured a slight bump in power, revised suspension, Recaro thrones and nixed some of the superfluous material inside. Unfortunately, it never made it Stateside.

The new "Sport" versions of each model would use a similar philosophy, and in the case of the R8, that could mean a boost in power to around 500 hp, limiting some of the creature comforts like heated seats, climate control and stereo, and replacing the hood, engine cover, dash, doors and roof with carbon fiber components. And while Inside Line was speculating, they threw on some carbon ceramic brakes for good measure. All told, that could drop the R8's curb weight by some 200 pounds, dropping its 0-60 time into the high three-second range and paying dividends in the handling department. Inside Line expects both models to make it to production next year as 2010 models, although distribution in the U.S. is still an open question.

[Source: InsideLine]

It's no secret that Audi's planned expansion of its R8 lineup will include upgraded engines (both gasoline- and diesel-powered) and a new convertible version that's likely to make an appearance next year. The crew at Car have already shown us a sketch of what a drop-top R8 could look like, complete with twin humps aft of the passenger compartment concealing the V8 beast beneath and aluminum (or composite) blades that have been halved to integrate into the beltline. But according to the Brit pub, Audi has decided that a canvas roof or a folding hard top isn't feasible due to the mid-mounted mill. Instead, a removable targa roof that can be detached and stowed (in your heated and carpeted garage?) will be fitted to the R8 to allow open air motoring with a bit of preplanning. It's a somewhat inelegant solution for a vehicle that exudes sophistication, and we think Audi would be advised to check out what its corporate kissing cousin, Lamborghini, is doing with its own convertible supercars.

[Source: Car]

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans

The Audi R8 V12 TDI concept that made such a splash in Detroit has a fraternal twin, and it's headed to Geneva. Finished in Brilliant Red paint and dubbed the R8 TDI Le Mans -- the association with the fabled endurance race carries a lot more weight on the Continent -- the car arrives in Geneva with the same impressive spec sheet as its silver counterpart. A 6.0L V12 TDI is crammed in the space behind the R8's passenger compartment. It packs a bit of a punch, too -- 500 horsepower and enough torque (737 lb-ft) to alter the earth's rotation allow for a 0-62 mph time of just 4.2 seconds and a 186 mph top end. That's Euro 6-compliant power, too. Clean and mean -- emphasis on the mean.

We'll have live shots of it for you tomorrow.


[Source: Audi]

Click images for hi-res gallery

Last night, we showed you updated photos of Audi's A4 and A5 as reworked by Germany's Abt Sportsline. Tonight, we have a similar set of new shots from the same tuner, only this time the subject is the Audi R8, a car that doesn't need a whole lot of work to begin with. Abt leaves the engine alone, instead supplying a sport suspension, a brake upgrade, and new 20" wheels.

On the visual side, the car gets carbon fiber skirts and rear spoiler, along with replacement front and rear clips that tone down the oversized factory grillework on both ends. The front openings are now angled and feature colored CF inserts. Matching colored pieces are added to the sideblades and the rear end, too. The new rear bumper cover incorporates a diffuser-style bottom, smaller vents, and diagonal outlets for the exhaust tips. Pretty good stuff, if you ask us, and if the colored elements don't float your boat, you can probably go for a more standard look. Assuming you have an R8 for them to work on, that is.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Episode 85 of the Autoblog Podcast finds us reminiscing about the North American International Auto Show that recently invaded Detroit. It was perhaps not as thrilling as past shows, but the new F-150 and Ram hauled and herded some excitement into Cobo. Both pickups are newly spiffed and bristling with new features and engineering. While the trucks are no doubt big news, the CTS Coupe stokes our fires far more. We hope to see it visited by the V-series gnomes, too.

There were a passel of diesels at the show, too. Audi's V12 TDI R8 concept was filled with design gumdrops for us to chew on, besides the 12-pot 500-hp diesel that returns mileage in the 20s. BMW had its 335d and some X5 alphabet soup thing, and Honda showed its clean diesel. Beyond oil burners, we took an IRL look at the Hyundais Genesis and found it surprising beyond what pictures convey. The Lancer Ralliart turned out to be a charmer, while we question the very existence of VW's Passat CC, and Fisker's bestickered Karma was certainly software-worthy vaporware. Mazda had the best car in the show with its racy Furai, and the Lincoln MKT threatens Cadillac not one whit. Ford's Verve is a bright spot, though, and it can't get here fast enough. We had a lot more to say, but ran out of time to say it this time around. Watch this space for more, but for now, enjoy all 33 minutes of #85.

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Here's a way to create content long after an auto show has ended, dream up a list of editorial favorite picks. Well, what the hell, we might as well be meta and report on the anti-news. Here we go blithely. AutoWeek handed out its Editors' Choice awards for the North American International Auto Show at its Design Forum on Wednesday. We can debate the relevance, but we'd rather just talk about the cars. The four vehicles that AutoWeek thought were the bee's knees are as follows:

• Most Fun: Audi R8 V12 TDI
• Best Concept: Cadillac CTS Coupe
• Most Significant: 2009 Ford F150
• Best of Show: 2009 Corvette ZR1

As Linda Richman would say: discuss.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics of the Audi R8.

Like most of the luxury manufacturers selling their wares in China, Audi has been unloading product hand over yuan-stuffed fist. Audi's 2007 sales were up 25-percent over the previous year and it's looking to draw in more buyers to its showroom by offering its halo sports car, the R8, to the up-and-coming executive class. Audi also plans to begin importing the A5 and S5, but buyers better be bathing in cash to afford the R8. 1.79 million yuan is the cost of entry, or about $246,000 for Audi's mid-engine hotness.

[Source: Reuters]

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

There are lots of Porsche tuners out there tinkering with 911s, but it takes a special kind of company to work up the nerve to let loose on a six- or seven-figure supercar. Edo Competition manages to do it repeatedly, and after squeezing more juice out of already high-strung exotics like the Maserati MC12, Ferrari 599 GTB and Porsche Carrera GT, the German tuner has turned its attention to the Audi R8.

By fitting a freer-flowing, lightweight exhaust system, Edo has managed to coax an extra 22 horses out of the stable, boosting output from the 4.2-liter FSI V8 to 442hp while trimming 18 lbs off the car's weight in the process. Buyers can specify a loud exhaust or a really loud exhaust, along with their choice of 19 or 20 inch forged rims. Edo has also crafted a set of carbon fiber aero bits, including a front chin spoiler, rear diffuser and – this is the best part – an eight-piece set of inserts for the rear bumper.

The result? Running to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill is cut by 0.2 of a second, down to 4.5 from the standard 4.7 seconds. Sure, that isn't a dramatic increase in performance, but it'll probably make you smile a little wider when you pull away from that tricked-out 911 at the light.

[Source: Edo Competition]

click above for more images of this totaled Audi R8

The Audi R8 is an aspirational item for most, meaning that most will only aspire to own one and never get to park the actual item in their garage. We blame the $118,000 USD price tag, which is even more in other markets, for own own personal inability to attain one. What if someone were selling a slightly used R8 for cheap? This one's for sale in Germany at the going rate of 35,999 EUR, or just about $52,430 USD. Yes, it's been scratched... and the front end completely destroyed, along with the driver's side rear fender. But the glorious 4.2L V8 mounted in the middle is in pristine condition, and that's all that matters, right? Honestly, all kidding aside, not even Cooter could bring this car back to life, which means $52 grand would be a chunk of chump change for what is essentially a large German paperweight.

[Source: Mobile via Autoblog.nl via Carscoop]