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[Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/audi-drops-more-photos-and-info-on-shelley-the-autonomous-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/audi-drops-more-photos-and-info-on-shelley-the-autonomous-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/audi-drops-more-photos-and-info-on-shelley-the-autonomous-tt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Autonomous Audi TT-S "Shelley" - Click above for high-res image gallery

We first heard about the latest autonomous driving project from Stanford University and the Volkswagen Group a couple of weeks ago. Audi has released some more information on the car, a TT-S coupe that, like its predecessors, Stanley and Junior, has a name: Shelley. Shelley's being developed to climb Colorado's Pikes Peak without any driver intervention during the annual hill climb next July. (Stanley and Junior were created for the DARPA Grand Challenge and Urban Challenge.)

Audi and Stanford's Dynamics Design Lab have managed to dramatically reduce the size of the equipment necessary for the car and its control system to detect the surroundings and respond accordingly. That it can all fit into the compact TT's body while sprouting just a trio of sensors from roof is quite an accomplishment. One of the goals of this year's effort is to have the car perform the way it would with a professional rally driver at the wheel, including drifting on the gravel. As of its name, "Shelley" refers to the nickname of Michelle Mouton, the most successful female rally driver of all time and the first woman to win at Pikes Peak, a feat she accomplished behind the wheel of the legendary Audi Sport Quattro in 1985.


Gallery: Audi autonomous TTS - "Shelley"


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S

Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi ttaudi tt-rsaudi tt-saudi ttsAudiTtAudiTt-rsAudiTt-sAudiTtsautonomousAutonomous drivingautonomous vehiclesAutonomousCarAutonomousDrivingAutonomousVehiclesmichelle moutonMichelleMoutonpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbshelleystanfordStanford Universitystanford-universityStanfordUniversitySun, 08 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago area Audi owners get track time at Autobahn Country Club]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/chicago-area-audi-owners-get-track-time-at-autobahn-country-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/chicago-area-audi-owners-get-track-time-at-autobahn-country-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/chicago-area-audi-owners-get-track-time-at-autobahn-country-club/#commentsFiled under:



German automakers often promote the performance of their products based on their development on the Autobahn where stretches of non-limited roads mean cars need better dynamics, brakes and propulsion systems. But unless you live in remote parts of North America, the opportunity to experience what these machines can offer is limited. For those that live near the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan, Audi dealers in the area have set up a program with the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL.

Audi owners will be able to get high performance driver training from the pros at the club using TT-S and S5 coupes. A closed track is the best place to really push a car to its limits without having to constantly keep an eye open for the constabulary or the errant cyclist, and for those that don't own a car with four rings, the club offers other driver training programs as well. Check the press release after the jump for the details.

Continue reading Chicago area Audi owners get track time at Autobahn Country Club

Chicago area Audi owners get track time at Autobahn Country Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi s5audi tt-sAudiS5AudiTt-sautobahn motorsports clubAutobahnMotorsportsClubWed, 12 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi TT-S starts at $45,500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/audi-tt-s-starts-at-45-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/audi-tt-s-starts-at-45-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/audi-tt-s-starts-at-45-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi TT-S

Audi announced today that pricing for its U.S.-spec TT-S will begin at $45,500 for the Coupe model and $47,500 for the open-air Roadster. The TT-S joins the TT 2.0T and TT 3.2 in Audi's lineup, settling atop the range with a turbocharged, direct-inject 2.0L TFSI engine producing 265 hp @ 6,000 RPM and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's 15 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque than the TT with Audi's 3.2L V6. The TT-S Coupe also manages to hit 60 mph in an impressive 4.9 seconds while achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg. Top speed for both the Coupe and Roadster, however, will be electronically limited to 155 mph. For their money, buyers will also get Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission, magnetic ride suspension and the brand's trademark quattro all-wheel-drive system.

If the TT-S is still not fast enough for you, the TT-RS is on its way. While it may not make it to U.S. shores, the TT-RS will pack a 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder producing 340 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, which will be mated to a six-speed manual and quattro all-wheel-drive. 0-60 times for the TT-RS are expected to drop even further down to 4.5 seconds. Expect the price to also go up even further in turn.

Gallery: Audi TT-S


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi TT-S starts at $45,500

Audi TT-S starts at $45,500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi tt-sAudiTt-stt-s pricingTt-sPricingFri, 31 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi considering mid-engine layout for next-gen TT?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/audi-considering-mid-engine-layout-for-next-gen-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/audi-considering-mid-engine-layout-for-next-gen-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/audi-considering-mid-engine-layout-for-next-gen-tt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Not the next-gen model, but click above for Audi TT-S high-res gallery

Audi's next-gen TT may be getting a significant re-design, with a mid-engine placement if the swirling speculation around the interwebs is true. Now in its second-generation, the TT sits on Volkswagen's PQ35 platform (shared with the Volkswagen Eos and Tiguan) meaning customers are offered a front-engine chassis with a front- or all-wheel drive powertrain. When stacked against the front-engine BMW Z4 and mid-engine Porsche Boxster/Cayman, the current Audi TT holds its own... but that isn't keeping Ingolstadt engineers content. They realize that if they switch to a mid-engine design, like the one found on the amazing Audi R8, balance and handling will improve. Plus, Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system can be tailored with even more rearward torque bias. The third-gen TT, however, isn't set to debut until 2013. With Porsche moving closer to purchasing Volkswagen, a long lead may work to Audi's advantage as they'll have to convince the automaker from Stuttgart that a mid-engine TT won't chew into Boxster/Cayman sales.

Gallery: Audi TT-S


[Source: World Car Fans]

Audi considering mid-engine layout for next-gen TT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi TTaudi tt-raudi tt-rsaudi tt-saudi tt-s convertibleaudi tt-s coupeaudi tt-s roadsterAudiTtAudiTt-rAudiTt-rsAudiTt-sAudiTt-sConvertibleAudiTt-sCoupeAudiTt-sRoadsterfront-enginemid-enginenext-genthird-genthird-generationFri, 25 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi gets official with TTS and TT TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-gets-official-with-tts-and-tt-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-gets-official-with-tts-and-tt-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-gets-official-with-tts-and-tt-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click either image for high-res galleries of Audi's two new TTs

Audi has gone ahead and released all it knows about the two newest versions of the TT. The first is the TTS, the most hotted-up version of Audi's sports car brandishing a 2.0L TFSI (turbo, direct-inject) four-cylinder that produces 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It features a magnetic ride adaptive damping system on its suspension, and 0-62 mph takes 5.2 seconds in the just-over 3,000 lbs. coupe thanks to a structure made predominantly from aluminum. An S tronic dual-clutch transmission is optional for snicking through gears quickly without the aid of your left foot, and quattro all-wheel-drive is, of course, standard. For those in Europe, the TTS Coupe starts at €44,900 and the Roadster version will go for €47,750. For us in the U.S., November 2008 is the ETA.

The second iteration of the TT may not be as quick as the TTS, but it's just as exciting. The TT TDI comes with the first application of a diesel engine in Audi's attractive sportster. Said engine is Audi's 2.0L four-cylinder diesel producing 170 hp that's backed by 258 pound-feet of torque. That makes the oil burning Audi good for a 7.5-second run to 62 mph while returning 44.38 mpg on the combined European cycle. Both Coupe and Roadster versions are available, though the Roadster is heavier and less frugal with the fuel as a result. They are much cheaper than the TTS, however, with prices starting at €34,850 for the Coupe and €35,900 for the drop top. There are no official plans to bring the TT TDI to the U.S. yet, but man do we wish there were.

Check out a couple new press releases from Audi after the break, as well as new high-res photography of both cars in the galleries below.

Gallery: Audi TT-S


Gallery: Audi TT 2.0 TDI


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi gets official with TTS and TT TDI

Audi gets official with TTS and TT TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi tt tdiaudi tt-saudi ttsAudiTt-sAudiTtsAudiTtTditt tditt-sttsTtTdiTue, 29 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Audi TT-S makes 265 hp look so good]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-audi-tt-s-makes-265-hp-look-so-good/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-audi-tt-s-makes-265-hp-look-so-good/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-audi-tt-s-makes-265-hp-look-so-good/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for more high-res live shots of the Audi TT-S

It's hard to imagine the Audi TT has been around for ten years, but the coupe has definitely come a long way. The TT-S is the first TT to be a part of Audi's 'S' series and will hopefully live up to the name with 265 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque in U.S.-trim. Additional features include a slightly revised front fascia with larger intakes, quad tailpipes, an S-spec interior with Alcantara and leather sport seats, and upgraded brakes to handle the extra power. Buyers can opt for either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, as well as a 6-speed manual or the S tronic dual-clutch automatic that reduces the 0-60 mph sprint from 5.4 to 5.2 seconds.

You can view new live shots in the gallery from the show floor in Detroit in addition to the press shots added earlier, or you can follow the jump for the official press release from Audi.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Audi TT-S makes 265 hp look so good

Detroit 2008: Audi TT-S makes 265 hp look so good originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Audi TTS2009AudiTtsAudi TT-SAudi TTSAudi TTS ConvertibleAudiTt-sAudiTtsAudiTtsConvertibleDetroitDetroit 2008Detroit2008Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/update-audi-tt-s-images-and-official-info/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/update-audi-tt-s-images-and-official-info/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/update-audi-tt-s-images-and-official-info/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res pics of the Audi TT-S coupe and cabrio.

After a series of leaks over the last few days, Audi has finally seen fit to release a bevy of images and the official press release for its Detroit-bound TT-S coupe and convertible. As a refresher, the TT-S finds motivation through a 2.0-liter TFSI inline four producing 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The coupe can do the deed to 60 in 5.4 seconds, while the roadster takes an additional .2 seconds to make the sprint. If you upgrade to the S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, you can hack off an additional .2 seconds from the 0-60 time with the help of Quattro. Naturally, Audi has tweaked the suspension and upgraded the brakes, while Alcantara and aluminum finds its way onto the pedals and trim.

Live shots to follow in a few days. Stay tuned. Audi's full press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Continue reading UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info

UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi tt-saudi tt-s detroitaudi tt-s naiasaudi ttsaudi tts detroitaudi tts naiasAudiTt-sAudiTt-sDetroitAudiTt-sNaiasAudiTtsAudiTtsDetroitAudiTtsNaiasttsThu, 10 Jan 2008 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[LEAKED! Audi TT-S breaks cover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/leaked-audi-tts-breaks-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/leaked-audi-tts-breaks-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/leaked-audi-tts-breaks-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above for 20 more high-res images of the Audi TT-S

Spanish website Motorpasion somehow got its hands on 20 official-looking images of the soon-to-be-debuted Audi TT-S that some are guessing will be revealed next week at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. They say it will be sporting a 272-hp version of Audi's 2.0 TFSI engine and be available as both a coupe and convertible. Other features include LED daytime running lights and brushed nickel sideview mirrors like on other S models (the S5, S6, S8, etc.), quad exhaust tips and special TT-S badging. In these pictures (sorry about the obnoxious watermarks) we can clearly make out a revised front fascia with larger air inlets, a sharp chin spoiler and more polished accents on the vertical elements of the grille. The wheels, which must be at least 18-inches in diameter, fill out the wheel wells with little room to spare.

Rumor has it that the TT-S will be the production car that Audi has promised to debut in Detroit next week, while the "something stunning" is pegged to be a version of the Audi R8 powered by V12 diesel TDI engine.

UPDATE: Official high-res images from Audi added to the gallery and press release after the jump.

[Source: Motorpasion]

Gallery: Audi TT-S

Continue reading LEAKED! Audi TT-S breaks cover

LEAKED! Audi TT-S breaks cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi tt-saudi ttsAudiTt-sAudiTtsbreakingdetroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008leakedtt-sttsTue, 08 Jan 2008 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: Audi TT-S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/spy-shots-audi-tt-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/spy-shots-audi-tt-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/spy-shots-audi-tt-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The first generation TT offered two choices: coupe and convertible. And while that technically counts as two different versions, an enthusiast who actually plans on driving the car knows that that's really just one choice of car. Audi has loosed the variation machine on this second generation TT, however, doubling the possible selections, with coupe and convertible joined by TT-S and TT-RS flavors.

The TT-S is next on the catwalk, and shots have surfaced showing off the grille and goods, mainly in the form of a more brutish face boasting a serious chin spoiler, quad pipes out the rear, and the inclusion of LEDs under the headlamps. The 2-seater will get a 270-hp heart, with 258 lb-ft ready to churn. It will hold the road with -- and hopefully turn in better because of -- a stiffer suspension.

The RS-badged TT is claimed to get a 5-cylinder turbo with 308 horsepower. Make no mistake, we are card carrying fans of souped up Audi. But the TT 3.2 quattro with S-tronic has a base MSRP of $42,900, with the Roadster another $3,000 skyward. By the time Audi adds the premiums for the S and RS, the car will be playing around in Boxster/Cayman territory. We just hope the driving experience proves that's where the car belongs.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spy shots: Audi TT-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi ttaudi tt-rsaudi tt-saudi ttrsaudi ttsAudiTtAudiTt-rsAudiTt-sAudiTtrsAudiTtsttrsttsThu, 06 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The quad-ring obsessives over at Fourtitude have the inside scoop on what Audi plans to unveil in Detroit this January, and enthusiasts stand to benefit from a duo of performance products in the form of an R8 concept and what's likely to be the production version of the TT-S.

Audi's midship masterpiece has only been on the market a few months, but it's been all but confirmed that bigger things are on the way. The rendering above was supposedly released to a handful of lucky press outlets a few weeks back and it obviously foretells a future convertible variant of the R8. Rumors about a powerplant upgrade in the form of a V10 are also circulating, but we think its doubtful that Audi would blow it all on one show.

While the R8 convertible is pure motoring pr0n, the TT-S is proof that Audi is taking its performance offerings seriously. The exterior benefits from a number of S-line goodies originally spied at the 'Ring, while power is expected to come courtesy of the European S3's 265 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four. The combination of a more aggressive suspension, larger brakes and upgraded rolling stock is sure to capitalize on the TT's already nimble chassis.

Head on over to Fourtitude for a rendering of the TT-S and to get an eyeful of the R8 cabrio concept.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 cabrioaudi r8 convertibleaudi tt-saudi ttsAudiR8CabrioAudiR8ConvertibleAudiTt-sAudiTtstt-sttsTue, 27 Nov 2007 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi TT-S Coupe and Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/spy-shots-audi-tt-s-coupe-and-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/spy-shots-audi-tt-s-coupe-and-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/spy-shots-audi-tt-s-coupe-and-cabrio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Audi TT-S in both flavors, coupe and cabrio, has been spotted in the wild. The car gets the 2.0-liter TSFI with a jump up to 280 HP instead of the 200 HP found in the base TT, or the 265 HP in the S3. The TT-S puts room between itself and lesser variants with a redesigned front fascia, larger brakes, quad pipes out back, and LED lamps along the lower front edge of the headlights.

The TT-S cabrio was caught at the Nurburgring. How well either car will challenge their sporty siblings remains to be seen, but we certainly won't complain about more power. The TT-S coupe will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year, and be followed by even hotter TT-RS with 350 HP some time down the line.

Thanks for the tip, Gregory!

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Audi TT-S Coupe and Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi ttaudi tt-saudi tt-s convertibleaudi tt-s coupeaudi tt-s roadsteraudi tt-s spy shotsAudiTtAudiTt-sAudiTt-sConvertibleAudiTt-sCoupeAudiTt-sRoadsterAudiTt-sSpyShotsWed, 17 Oct 2007 14:31:00 EST