Autoblog

There have been countless conflicting reports about what will power the next generation Audi RS4 and the forthcoming RS5. Fourtitude had heard the rumors and decided to go straight to its sources for clarification. While the four-ringed obessesives weren't able to divulge the identity of their insiders (neither did CAR, which published of one the first stories about future RS powertrains), Fourtitude may have put to rest the rumblings that the next RS4 would ditch it's V8 in favor of a supercharged six.

According to Fourtitude, the 4.2-liter FSI V8 will soldier on in the RS4, and will also find a home in the RS5, which is currently undergoing testing both in Germany and the U.S. While a boost in output wasn't divulged, engineers will supposedly keep displacement the same, while decreasing frictional losses and possibly incorporating a new version of Audi's Valvelift system. If all goes according to plan, expect at least 450 hp from the direct-injected 4.2 and don't be surprised to find the tweaked V8 in the revised R8 around the same time.

Check out Fourtitude for the full report.

[Source: Fourtitude via AutoFiends]

Click image for a gallery of Abt's Essen roster

German tuning house Abt Sportsline brought everything and the kitchen sink to the Essen Motor Show, and rather than present it piecemeal, we figured we'd put the whole megillah out for you in one shot. From A4 to Touareg, the latest hardware from VW and Audi has been worked over with appearance and suspension mods. Most boast notable power upgrades as well. Yes, we'll even revisit the (unfortunately) red-and-green-trimmed Abt R8, which we first talked about last week. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed supercar, or if you're a really nostalgic New Jersey Devils fan, it might just fit the bill.

Follow the jump for the rundown on all things Abt at Essen.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

The VAG 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four was a staple of Audi and VW's product lineup for close to over a decade, but with the addition of the two-liter turbo'd engine a couple years back, it quickly lost its place as the defacto work horse for both brands. However, Audi determined that with a few tweaks, primarily the addition of a direct-injection system, they could revive the erstwhile mill in a move to appeal to consumption-conscious consumers.

They've fitted the TFSI 1.8T to the new A5, making it the cheapest way to get into Audi's newest hotness. Before, a base A5, sporting the 3.2-liter FSI V6 would set you back just over £33,000. When the A5 1.8 TFSI (mit manual) goes on sale, European buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of the Teutonic coupe for over £6,000 less -- and they aren't going to skimp on features either. Buyers abroad will be able to get Milano leather, tri-zone climate control, parking sensors, and an electromechanical parking brake, all standard.

For all the details, Audi's full press release is posted after the jump.

Information about the upcoming Audi S3 is sketchy at this point, but a photo of Audi's newest S has found its way onto a Spanish-language buff book. Per usual, speculation is rampant, but a few technical facts have made their way into the webiverse over the past two days.

The S3 will more than likely be fitted with a variant of the two-liter TFSI engine and mated to either a 6-speed manual or Audi's delicious DSG. The turbocharged mill will put out approximately 260 bhp, but whether that power will find its way to all four wheels or just the front two remains to be seen.

Aerodynamic enhancements are limited from this vantage point, but a new front splitter accentuating the Audi family's gaping maw, accompanied by larger air inlets to feed the engine and cool the brakes gives cred to the S3's potential. Side skirts are par for the course.

Beyond that, it is educated guesstimating. One could safely assume that an uprated suspension package will be available, along with 17" or 18" wheels shod in stickier rubber. Brakes will grow, exhausts will be retuned and all will be right with Audi's 'lil hatch. That is until an RS variant finds its way to consumers.

Will we benefit from these developments in the U.S.? Who knows? But you can't fault us for dreaming.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Audi has developed a new 1.8-liter turbo FSI direct inject engine to become the new base engine for its A3 compact in Europe. The new motor is likely a downsized version of the brand's 2.0 TFSI engine and produces around 160 horsepower and 185 ft-lbs. of torque. It will be able to propel the A3 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds.

Since the 2.0 TFSI has become increasingly more powerful and can now be had in versions producing upwards of 240 horsepower in cars like the new Seat Leon Cupra, some are predicting this new 1.8-liter TFSI will become the new base engine du jour across the brand's entire lineup. In addition to its use in the A3, Audi has already confirmed it will be offered with the new TT coupe, as well.

[Source: Autoweek.nl via eurocarblog]

WorldCarFans has posted shots of the long awaited Audi S3 that will debut later this year. The current A3 has been on the market since 2003 without an S3 iteration.

The site is reporting that the S3 will be motivated by a 2.0 TFSi engine producing 260 horsepower. Volkswagen/Audi currently use this engine in various forms across their model lineups. The Audi A4 S-line Special Edition currently has the most powerful version of the 2.0L TFSi engine that produces 220 horsepower. That engine employs different pistons, a modified turbo and new ECU to achieve the bump, though it's not clear how the S3 will squeeze out an additional 40 horsepower.

The A3 is also offered with the company's 3.2L V6 engine that produces a healthy 250 horsepower, so it seems odd that the S3 would feature a four-cylinder working much harder to make a few more ponies. Perhaps the fuel savings afforded by the four-cylinder are significant enough to warrant its use.

The S3 will also have Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system and is visually distinguished by a different front end, larger alloy wheels and dual exhaust pipes. Clearly the model pictured is meant for European markets, so we'll have to wait for its debut overseas before we learn more about U.S. availability.

[Source: WorldCarFans]