Autoblog

Audi RS Q3 concept revealed ahead of Beijing

Chris Shunk — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:17:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, China, Crossover, Audi, Beijing Motor Show

Audi is hot in China right now, and the four-ringed automaker will show its appreciation by unveiling this hot-to-trot RS Q3 concept at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. Any RS vehicle worthy of the label begins with an outstanding powertrain. In this case, the RS Q3 features the same 2.5-liter TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder that is available in the TT RS, with 360 horsepower and a zero to 62 time pegged at just 5.2 seconds. The powertrain also features a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel-drive.

The pumped-up softroader also features several RS-themed styling cues, including a black honeycomb grille that Audi says has a particularly three-dimensional appearance. The concept also features brushed and polished aluminum trim around said grille, tinted headlights and an updated bumper with graping air intakes. The little Q3 also features massive 20-inch aluminum wheels coupled with a ride height that has been dropped by a full inch.

On the inside, the RS Q3 concept displays a blacked-out theme throughout, save for one high-class exception: The seat inserts feature dark blue Alcantara inserts surrounded by Nappa leather. The same dark blue re-appears in the form of door inserts that integrate blue luminescent glass fibers.

Hit the jump to read over the Audi press release and feel free to click on the image above for a high-resolution view of the Audi RS Q3 concept.

Continue reading Audi RS Q3 concept revealed ahead of Beijing

Audi RS Q3 concept revealed ahead of Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Audi

A light nip and tuck is often all that a stylish sports car needs as it gets older. The Audi RS5 isn't even old yet, but's gone in to have some work done anyway. With a refreshed face, the RS5 has emerged on the internet ahead of its global debut at this week's 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The handsome coupe is propelled by way of a 450-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine that revs to over 8,000 rpm. As before, forward momentum is metered out through the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and helps the RS5 run from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.

Updated for the coming model year, the Audi RS5 wears a new face that features restyled headlamps, new daytime running lamps and a revised lower fascia. (Apparently the RS5 shown above will buck conventional fog light trends and go with a singular lamp - that, or perhaps Audi is rocking some sort of special offset radar-based cruise control sensor). Either way, we're finally looking at the RS5 that will be sold in North American Audi dealerships, and we couldn't be more excited. Check it over in our gallery and then look past the jump for all of the official details.

Continue reading Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut

Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the land of Four Rings, anything with an 'A' at the start of its model name means it's a fairly standard model. Should you see an 'S,' get excited, because that means the fun factor has been ratcheted up a notch. However, if the alpahnumeric starts with 'RS,' then it's time to put on your best steel-eyed gaze, because that particular Audi means business. The RS moniker has been used throughout the German automaker's family, and now it is landing on the A3's hatch lid, transforming the mild-mannered five-door into the 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback.

Audi has taken its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine and forced it to work a little harder. Adding more boost (now running over 17 psi, in fact), the mill in the RS3 pumps out 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed through a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and out to all four wheels, which helps pull the 2012 Audi RS3 from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. If you feel like 60 mph is too slow for your liking, then hold down the gas and you'll eventually bump against 155 mph.

There's no word yet on whether this juiced-up hot hatch will make its way Stateside, but we won't be holding our breath, as the bog-standard A3 is already plenty expensive for U.S. tastes. Either way, the RS3 goes on sale in Europe sometime during the first half of 2011.

Gallery: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Take in the all-new Audi RS3 from every angle

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Videos, Hatchback, Audi

2011 Audi RS3 gets the silent film treatment - Click above to watch video after the jump

We already let you know earlier this week that Audi has unveiled the 2011 RS3 five-door hot hatch, and now we have video of the sporty German schnell machine.

Unfortunately, this is not a video for those eager to hear the 340 horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine or the screaming of four abused rounds of rubber. The clip we have is more of a put-on-your-favorite-song and stare. The six-and-a-half minute clip gives you the a solid glimpse at the Audi RS3 both inside and out, but there is no sound nor fury to he had. Still, beggars can't be choosers and we will take a few minutes of virtual alone time over no time at all.

Queue up some tunes, turn down the lights and hop the jump to ogle the 2011 Audi RS3.

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback

[Source: Audi via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Take in the all-new Audi RS3 from every angle

Video: Take in the all-new Audi RS3 from every angle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback unveiled

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of spy shots and speculation, Audi has released its official information on the RS 3 Sportback. The mean little bruiser will come to the fight with 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque courtesy of a turbo 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. With over 17 psi of boost breathing on the five-pot, Audi says that the RS 3 Sportback is good for a 0-60 mph run of just 4.6 seconds. As you might expect, the company's fantastic Quattro all-wheel drive system helps put all that power to the road.

Down below, the hatch makes use of a four-link suspension out back and a McPherson strut design up front with plenty of hardware crafted from aluminum to keep unsprung weight as low as possible. The whole kit and caboodle sits a full inch lower than the standard S3 thanks to more aggressive coilover springs and dampers.

Thus far, Audi has only confirmed the vehicle for sale in Europe, and we wouldn't hold our breath waiting for it to come to the States. It retails for a tidy 49,900 Euros in Germany, which works out to around $68,000 USD. Even accounting for The Continent's comparatively inflated vehicle prices, we're thinking that this handsome hatch won't be singing Yankee Doodle Dandy any time soon.

Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback unveiled

Officially Official: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi won't churn out RS sport-utes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi Q5 Custom Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes has been doing it for years with their AMG sport-utes. BMW finally caved with the X5 M and X6 M. Even Porsche's in the game with the Cayenne Turbo and anticipated upcoming Cajun. But Audi's not about to follow suit, according to reports from across the pond.

Our (unrelated) Italian counterparts claim that Audi's technical chief Stephan Reil has ruled out the possibility of ever slapping an RS badge on any of its SUVs or crossovers. Audi's high-riding range currently includes the Q7 and Q5 and is soon to be joined by a smaller Q3. The top of the line Q7 is available with a twin-turbo V12 diesel churning out a massive 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, but a big engine, says Audi, does not an RS make.

Of course the difference may come down to badging. S variants remain a possibility, but though they may have the engines and even the suspension and other ingredients, Audi insists that the RS badge is to remain exclusively for high-performance models, and that a big lumbering crossover - no matter how quickly it's capable of covering all types of terrain - doesn't fit the mold.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Report: Audi won't churn out RS sport-utes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Desperate for an Audi RS5? Sprechen sie Deutsch? Konfigurator is online

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 May 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

Hot-rod Audis get your blood boiling? Can't argue with the Audi RS5, then. Take one of the most lithe coupe forms you can buy, pack it with the 4.2 FSI V8 found in the base R8, back it with an S Tronic gearbox and lay the power down with Quattro all-wheel-drive. Sounds tasty. The biggest problem with the RS5 right now is that you can't get one.

Dreamers and Germans (and dreamy Germans) can have some fun with Audi's website and set up a Deutschland-spec RS5 just the way they'd like to buy it. A trip to the Konfigurator is a multifaceted gift, too. Not only will you get to gaze at pictures of the RS5 and select from its available options, you also get to learn what Kraftsoffverbrauch kombiniert means. The only thing better would be having the actual car in your driveway.

*Note: You may need to select the RS5 under the Model page at the bottom left.

[Source: Audi]

Desperate for an Audi RS5? Sprechen sie Deutsch? Konfigurator is online originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Audi

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Frankfurt Motor Show is fast approaching with a slew of exciting debuts. And you can bet Audi will use the semi-annual home-turf show to debut some savory pieces of machinery, but just what those will be is still a matter of speculation. Earlier reports suggested the new A8 could bow in Frankfurt, along with ruminations of drop-top or even electric variants of the R8 supercar. But the latest reports indicate that Ingolstadt is secretly preparing the RS3 hot hatch for its close up.

Based on the A3 premium hatch, the RS3 would firmly upstage the existing S3 with the TT RS powerplant, only reportedly tuned up to as much as 400 horsepower. That's a lot of horses, but you can bet Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system would be up to the task. Frankfurt debut or not, this is one four-ringed circus we're looking forward to, whenever it's ready.

Gallery: Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport (Swedish edition) via World Car Fans]

Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Matte black Audi RS5 mule already looks the business

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Extra flared fenders, furrowed-brow visage, and a sinister matte black paintjob, all accompanied by a V8 snarl. While it's a development prototype, the RS5 mule snapped during lucky-dog brake testing duty in the Alps strikes us as the perfect look for a topped-out Audi two-door built for high speed strafing. When a car is coated in matte black and backs it up with 400-plus horsepower of engine, it means business, and the RS5's stock in trade will be all-wheel drive enabled speed.

If Audi really wants its new coupe variant to be tough, we propose sending a mule or two out for torture at the hands of automotive journalists. Thanks for the tip, Julio!

[Source: Next Autos]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Matte black Audi RS5 mule already looks the business

Spy Shots: Matte black Audi RS5 mule already looks the business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxury automakers could get partial exemption from CO₂ rules

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Luxury

2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - Click above for high-res gallery

It looks as if some manufacturers could be getting at least a partial "Get Out Of Jail Free" card for the new national greenhouse gas regulations announced by the Obama administration back in May. The EPA and NHTSA won't issue final rules until later in the fall, but it seems as though automakers that sell fewer than 400,000 cars a year could get a break. Apparently, up to one-quarter of a qualifying automaker's fleet would receive a four-year exemption, which would allow companies such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz to sell high-powered M, RS and AMG models without those sales affecting their fleet CO₂ emissions numbers.

If passed, this set of proposed rules would give the automakers less of a respite than the California regs that would have exempted their entire fleets for seven years. Nonetheless, these foreign automakers would still have an advantage over a company like General Motors, which competes directly against them with some cars such as the of the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Luxury automakers could get partial exemption from CO₂ rules originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS caught taking in the Arizona sun

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Audi

Between the TT and the R8, Audi makes some pretty enticing sports cars. But there's a huge gap in the middle there, and the latest spy shots show a new derivative coming up to close the gap. Tentatively known as the TT-RS, the adrenaline-snorting top-shelf version of the stylish little Audi is expected to pack 350 horsepower thanks to a pair of sequential turbochargers driving all fours via a six-speed manual.

The undisguised bodywork on the test vehicle - spied undergoing hot weather testing in Arizona - looks suitably aggressive, while the output should close the distance between the 272-hp TT-S and the 420-hp R8, as well as compete directly with the 295-hp Porsche Cayman S. We don't have a launch date for the TT-RS confirmed yet, but the super-coupe looks just about ready judging from the spy shots, leaving us to wonder if we might see it as early as the Paris Motor Show in a month and a half.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS caught taking in the Arizona sun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi launches RS 4 Avant, Cabriolet

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 18 May 2006 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Wagon, Audi

Audi AG launched two more wallet-busting, interstate-obliterating RS 4 models Wednesday, the drop-top Cabriolet and the Avant estate.

Both new RS 4s share the sedan's glorious 420 hp V8 engine, redlined at no less than 8,250 rpm. Audi's Quattro AWD is enhanced with its Dynamic Ride Control, which adds active control of pitch and roll for improved dynamic performance.

The Avant recalls the first-generation RS 4, which was available exclusively in the estate body style, while the Cabriolet becomes the most powerful convertible Audi has ever made. The Cab's electro-hydraulic top opens in just 21 seconds, and features a glass rear window.

What Car? reports the new models will hit U.K. showrooms this summer, with the Avant selling for about $97,600, and the Cabriolet going for - wait for it - $112,250.

North American sales are not in the cards, unfortunately.

[Sources: Audi AG, What Car?]

Audi launches RS 4 Avant, Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog

Audi RS Q3 concept revealed ahead of Beijing

Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut

Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Video: Take in the all-new Audi RS3 from every angle

Officially Official: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback unveiled

Report: Audi won't churn out RS sport-utes

Desperate for an Audi RS5? Sprechen sie Deutsch? Konfigurator is online

Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt?

Spy Shots: Matte black Audi RS5 mule already looks the business

Luxury automakers could get partial exemption from CO2 rules

Spy Shots: Audi TT-RS caught taking in the Arizona sun

Audi launches RS 4 Avant, Cabriolet

Luxury automakers could get partial exemption from CO₂ rules