Autoblog

Audi RS5 Cabriolet priced from $77,900*

Zach Bowman — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Audi, Luxury

If you want an Audi RS5 Cabriolet, get ready to pony up $77,900 for the new 2013 model. The convertible boasts a 4.2-liter V8 engine with 450 horsepower on tap as well as 317 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and quattro all wheel drive, Audi says the machine can blink to 60 miles per hour in a scant 4.9 seconds. Top speed clicks out at 174 mph.

Even so, engineers managed to pull better fuel economy from the car. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the 2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet will return 16 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway for a combined rating of 18 mpg. Audi says that's good enough to skip the infamous gas guzzler tax.

While the RS5 Cab will be available with many of the options buyers have come to expect from the luxury German automaker, we're more interested in the available carbon-ceramic rotors. Buyers can bolt on the hi-po hardware for an extra $6,000. Check out the full press release for more information.

Continue reading Audi RS5 Cabriolet priced from $77,900*

Audi RS5 Cabriolet priced from $77,900* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #309

Dan Roth — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:09:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Safety, Audi, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Electric

Lots of Audi diesels on the way, GM says 500,000 electric cars per year soon, Ford fiesta EcoBoost 1.0, NTSB wants more safety tech

Episode #309 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Steven Ewing and George Kennedy talk about the coming horde of new Audi diesels, the Ford Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost, GM's 500,000 electric car projection and the NTSB wishing the latest collision avoidance tech were mandatory in all cars. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #309:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2013 Audi S5
2013 Ford Escape

Hosts: Dan Roth, Steven Ewing, George Kennedy

Runtime: 01:40:11

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #309

Autoblog Podcast #309 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SR Auto Group shows off Audi S5 Typhön

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Canada, Luxury

SR Auto Group Audi S5 Typhön - Click above for high-res image gallery

Canada's SR Autos' formula appears to be as follows: Drape cars in light-swallowing shades of black, add some performance to the package and then hang a military-operation codename on it.

This is the Audi S5 Typhön, a former beauty queen turned Black Ops mission leader. Underneath the Leios matte black wrap are a tuned ECM; Milltek downpipe and sport exhaust; Reiger carbon fiber aero mods front and back; H&R coilover suspension and ADV 5.1 wheels in 20 inches of complementary matte ebony. If Bruce Wayne ever decides to go with something a little more subtle, this'd fit the bill. Have a look at the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: SR Autos Audi S5 Typhon

[Source: SR Auto Group]

SR Auto Group shows off Audi S5 Typhön originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000*

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi RS5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The on-again/off-again rumors about whether or not Americans will get to sample the hotter-than-hot Audi RS5 Coupe end now - the automaker has officially stated that the coupe will hit the States sometime in 2012. Yes, that's a bit later than what had originally been speculated, but we're still stoked that Audi has decided to include us on the RS5 goodness. No mechanical changes will be made to the coupe before it launches in the U.S., so the high-revving 450-horsepower V8 will still be intact. Awesome.

But in the meantime, we have lots of other Audi hotness hitting the streets, including the sexy R8 Spyder, which goes on sale next month. Audi has officially priced the topless R8 from $161,000 (not including the $1,250 destination charge) for six-speed manual models. If you want the six-speed R-tronic manu-matic (and you don't), be prepared to shell out an additional ... wait for it ... $9,000. Just stick with the manual - trust us on this one.

The full details are available in Audi's press release after the jump, and be sure to scroll through the galleries below to gaze upon the RS5 and R8 Spyder in all their glory.

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS5

Gallery: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000*

Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi launching Titanium Package for most models

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Audi, Luxury

Now here's an option box we'd gladly check. Audi will be offering its Titanium Package on A4 (both sedan and Avant), A5 Coupe, S4 and S5 Coupe models for the 2011 model year. Essentially, this removes the bright chrome trim on the grille surround and window treatment, and adds some large, attractive wheels and some sportier interior touches. Hot stuff.

The exact Titanium specs vary from model to model, but they include things like 19-inch RS-style wheels, piano black interior trim, sport suspension and sport seats. Exact pricing hasn't been released just yet, but customers will soon be able to order these sexier Audis from dealerships in the near future, with the first examples hitting the streets in the near future. For the full details on what each Titanium package includes, head over to Fourtitude for the complete listing.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Report: Audi launching Titanium Package for most models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S5 Sportback tuneathon begins with Senner AG

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

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

Senner AG Audi S5 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

First, Audi debuts the A5 Sportback and says that it won't be coming to America. Then the automaker goes and gives it the S5 treatment and reminds us that, no, it isn't coming to America. Fine. But now the onslaught of aftermarket S5 Sportback tunings have started, and this first one from Senner Tuning AG is pretty darn hot. We surrender.

Senner starts by upping the output from the S5's 3.0-liter supercharged V6 to 375 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque - gains of 42 and 41, respectively. A new sport exhaust system was also created specifically for this S5, and it now uses quad-exhaust tips out back. We'd love to hear what this thing sounds like at full throttle, especially since we've noted on many occasions that the current supercharged S5 could stand to be a bit more vocal out on the street.

From there, the car is painted in a special diamond black finish, and new 20-inch wheels have been added, wrapped in 245/30-series rubber up front and 295/25 low-profile treads out back. Senner has also fitted different springs and lowered the S5 by about 35 millimeters. The interior gets the standard carbon fiber trim upgrades, and the whole package is super stealth.

This, friends, is what jealousy feels like. Be sure to see the Senner S5 for yourself in the gallery below, and hit the jump to read the official press release (translated from German).

Gallery: Senner AG Audi S5 Sportback

[Source: Senner AG]

Continue reading Audi S5 Sportback tuneathon begins with Senner AG

Audi S5 Sportback tuneathon begins with Senner AG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi

Avus Performance Audi S4 - Click for a high-res image gallery

According to Avus Performance, its tweaked Audi S4 has had the engine performance adjusted accordingly to expedite the 20x9-inch CC-line wheels properly. Their words. Parsing the English translation of the originally German press release, however, will tell you all you need to know.

Ride height is twiddled by a suspension setup that uses threaded strut tubes to adjust the spring perches. Those 20-inch wheels wear Hankook Ventus S1 tires, and the stock exhaust has been swapped out for stainless steel mufflers. Body mods in shiny black or carbon fiber are tacked on before the cars leave the Avus shop, too. Thanks to the revised plumbing and some engine tweaking, the AP-fettled sedan churns out 424 horsepower.

There you have it, an Audi that's been given a spiff. Now if they'd send one to us, there might actually be something tangible to say about it, instead of regurgitating the press release for all you hungry little sparrows. Full PR posted after the jump.

Gallery: Avus Performance Audi S4

[Source: Avus Performance]

Continue reading Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4

Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Technology, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi A5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new A8 and updated Q7 won't be the only vehicles in Audi's line-up to benefit from the automaker's new eight-speed gearbox. According to dealer order guides released for the 2011 model year, the octo-cog-swapper is set to proliferate throughout the Audi line-up in the next year, with the automaker aiming for around 70% of it U.S. sales volume to come equipped with the new gearbox.

For the 2011 model year, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro sedan and Avant will come packing the eight-speed tranny, along with the A5 2.0 TFSI quattro coupe and cabriolet (the manual six-speed will only be available on the coupe). In addition, the revised Q7, with its new high- and low-output 3.0-liter supercharged V6s (cribbed from the S4 and A6), will replace the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year. Both engines, along with the new 3.0-liter TDI, will come equipped with the eight-speed auto.

Finally, Audi quietly revealed the 2.0 TFSI inline-four-equipped Q5 at the New York Auto Show, and part of the new package will also include the eight-speed 'box.

Sales of the eight-speed automatic-equipped models will begin this fall, each delivering improved fuel economy, quicker downshifts and, thanks to its compact packaging, no additional weight gain over the standard six-speed tiptronic.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Taking a great looking performance car and chopping off its roof is risky business - compromises are inevitable. That's especially true in this modern age of unibody structures. Removing a big chunk of a vehicle's architecture without adequately reinforcing what's left can yield a chassis incapable of managing the position of the wheels, let alone result in a vehicle that loses its level of driver engagement and enthusiasm. On the other hand, reinforcements add mass - often lots of it. It's a treacherous path, as both flaccid body control and weight are the mortal enemy of performance.

You can understand our trepidation, then, upon learning that Audi was planning on introducing its S5 Cabriolet at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. By our reckoning, the German debutante's rollout was cause for both consternation and celebration. When the A5 and S5 coupes arrived in 2007, they were hailed as being among the best looking cars ever to wear the brand's Four Rings. The new Cabriolet models would bring with them the euphoria of open-air motoring, but we had to wonder - would Audi's rakish new hardtop be turned into a floppy flier just by giving it a roofectomy? Equally as important, would the model's newly downsized engine drop the performance? There was only one thing to do: Put the range-topping S5 Cabriolet through a week-long test.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet

Continue reading Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick

Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi RS5 headed for the States?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Audi, Rumormill

Audi RS5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been a little while since anything with an RS badge came our way from Ingolstadt, but it if you believe the whispers floating around the Web these days, there may be hope for a U.S.-spec Audi RS5 just yet. Automobile is reporting that the company is seriously mulling bringing the S5's meaner brother to our neck of the woods.

The Kingdom of Quattro pulled the sheets off of the sinister coupe at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and our jaws have been on the floor ever since. Under the hood sits a tweaked 4.2-liter V8 with 450 horsepower at the crank. The mill is bolted to none other than the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system, complete with a new torque-vectoring rear diff.

Automobile hasn't gone so far as to name a source for the rumors, which leads us to take this one with a Q7-sized grain of salt. Still, if it were true, we may have our sticky paws on an RS5 by summer 2012, right around the same time the refreshed A5 is scheduled to hit the U.S. Keep your fingers crossed and your hopes down.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Audi RS5

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: Audi RS5 headed for the States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

Senner Tuning AG Audi S5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

"White Beast" is quite a fitting name for this tuned-up version of the Audi S5 coupe. It isn't just an aerodynamic package - oh, no - Germany-based Senner Tuning AG has given the S5 a bit more grunt from its 4.2-liter V8 mill, as well as slightly revised suspension geometry and a daub of upgraded interior refinement.

The tuning starts under the hood, where a performance air filter and exhaust system have been added, managing to churn out a claimed additional 25 horsepower and 25 pound-feet of torque, bringing the overall output numbers to 379 and 350, respectively. On top of that, Senner has raised the S5's electronically limited top speed from the standard 155 miles-per-hour to an Autobahn-friendly 177 mph. What's more, the four-pipe exhaust now include sport silencers, and we assume the aural grunt from this S5 is quite a treat for the ears. (White Beast, indeed.)

Visually, Senner has added a new front fascia, mimicking that of the Audi RS5, as well as a rear lip spoiler, LED taillamps and a new rear apron. Large 21-inch wheels better fill out the wells, and the suspension has been lowered (40 millimeters in front, 35 in back) to give the car a more aggressive road stance. Inside, a carbon fiber interior trim package has been added, as well as a new tachometer display screen.

The cost of the White Beast tuning kit? €18,990 (about $25,500 USD). Click through the post to read the full press release and have a look for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Senner Tuning AG Audi S5

[Source: Senner Tuning]

Continue reading White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5

White Beast: Senner Tuning AG takes on Audi S5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hofele Design introduces Audi A5/R8 mashup to controversial effect

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Audi

Hofele Design R8 Look A5 - click above for high-res image gallery

And by "controversial," we mean "disgusting." Look, the R8 has those side blades because it's a mid-engine car, but Audi felt they still need a place for a set of golf clubs, so they lengthened the cabin so the clubs can be stowed behind the seats. Meaning that the body has a whole lot of extra length in the middle. Rather than go all BMW and start torturing the hell out of the metal, they slapped on some pieces of plastic (fine, carbon fiber) and called it a day, leading to a look that some love and others loathe.

Now, the A5/S5 is a superbly beautiful car. From every angle, the seemingly minimalist design gets better and better. Especially when you run your eyes across the length of its rising and falling center line that runs from the front fenders past the doors only to terminate in the tail lamp. Just about pitch-perfect. Truly, one of the better designs this decade. German tuner Hofele Design (apparently) had but one simple mission: how to destroy it!

The results are self-evident. All those people that are moaning and complaining that their Audi A5 3.2s don't look anything like a R8 V10 can now cease their protests. All two of them. Also, and we know this doesn't need stating but here goes: why would you go through the trouble of mutating your car to the nth degree but then leave on the "A5" and "3.2" badges?

Most people who know Audis (i.e. the very people that might have an outside chance of being impressed by this) would agree that A5 and 3.2 stands for the automaker's worst engine/transmission combination, the slow-revving 3.2-liter V6 that's already been dropped from the new A4 and the numbskull six-speed Tiptronic box that likes to be in sixth gear by 39 mph. So, besides the raw, inharmonious phony aspect of the body kit (nice fake quad pipes) why on earth bother? Especially as the badge on the back says A5 and the one in the grille says S5. That's a rhetorical question, because we all know there's no answer/point. One more thing: the R8 Spyder doesn't even have side blades. And hey, why not another: the camber on the rear wheel's all messed up.

Gallery: Hofele A5 R8

[Source: Hofele Design]

Hofele Design introduces Audi A5/R8 mashup to controversial effect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL]

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Russia

All Dubai'd out Audi S5 in Moscow - click above image to watch the video

When we were in Frankfurt last week and saw the mirror-finish Audi R8 we thought we were so darn clever because we came up with the phrase, "All Dubai'd out" to describe its shiny, reflective surfaces. A little etymology if you will. The phrase, "All murdered out" has recently entered the car bloggin' lexicon to describe cars that are black-on-black-on-black. In that case, one might say, "Dang, the Brabus Black Baron is all murdered out." And we thought we had a sure fire meme/trope on our hands with "all Dubai'd out." Only we forgot one little thing: Moscow.

Yes, this most certainly is a video of a chrome-look Audi S5 sitting in an underground parking lot. But is it all Dubai'd out, or all Moscow'd out? It's these kind of thoughts that kept us out of the really good schools. Anyhow, the reflective Audi eventually leaves the garage, cruises around Moscow blasting Russian gangsta rap (which is admittedly kinda cool) before stopping to get ogled by some leather jacket wearin', G-Wagon drivin' Russian mobster types. Then, of course by the end, the mirrored S5 can be seen drag racing a solid gold M5. No, really. Full video and poll after the jump.

[Source: Smotra.ru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL]

VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi 4.2-liter V8 could continue in S5 through 2011 and beyond

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

2009 Audi S5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the introduction of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the all-new S5 Cabrio, S4 and A6, it was assumed Audi would be dropping the FSI 4.2-liter V8 as an option on its hotter sedans and coupes. However, Audi is actively considering keeping the FSI V8 into the 2011 model year and possibly beyond.

According to our sources inside Audi, the reason for the decision is the 4.2-liter's continued popularity, both with enthusiasts and everyday consumers who enjoy its output and entertaining audio. If Audi decides to keep the V8 around, expect it to be used primarily in the S5 coupe, with the S5 cabrio using the all-new supercharged six.

Audi 4.2-liter V8 could continue in S5 through 2011 and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago area Audi owners get track time at Autobahn Country Club

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

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.

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REPORT: Audi's Ur Quattro-inspired Project Anniversario S5 delayed

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

When Audi unleashed the Ur-Quattro on the world in 1980, it was as much of a game-changer in motorsports as it was a commercial flop. Twenty-nine years later, Audi's all-wheel drive system has proliferated through its line-up and the Quattro name commands even more respect today.

But according to Car, Audi's plan to resurrect the Ur-Quattro nameplate in celebration of the marque's centennial have fallen on hard times and the S5-based homage -- reportedly dubbed the "Project Anniversario" -- will be delayed until 2012.

With a rumored 425 hp, twin-turbo V6, a significant 500+ pound weight reduction and styling cues lifted from the Quattro S1 Rallye Car, any delays are a disappointment. Car speculates that Audi could unleash Project Anniversario as a concept during the 2010 auto show season, making the super S5 a great tribute to the Ur-Quattro on its 30th anniversary. We can only hope.

[Source: Car]

REPORT: Audi's Ur Quattro-inspired Project Anniversario S5 delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new Audi: more performance, less weight

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Technology, Audi

Audi is developing the groundwork for an entirely new way of building its cars. The future for the four rings is light weight, giving it the proper base to support the best hybrid and electric cars, as well as extract the most from its traditional offerings.

As previously reported, the first example from the test lab is an S5 that is 400 kg -- yes, 880 pounds -- lighter than a traditional S5. Whereas the conventional S5 uses a 354 hp V8, the experimental utilizes a 230 hp four-cylinder, yet laps the 'Ring a humongous eight seconds faster than the V8. The test, of course, is to make such technology cost feasible to consumers and safe to boot.

The reduced calorie S5 is a hybrid steel and aluminum body built over a spaceframe, but Audi didn't say what the spaceframe was composed of. One hopes that they haven't started off with something unobtanium, and that given time, VW group scale could keep the price within a single-digit percent of the current car. If Audi does manage to get the light weight, safety, and affordability equation correct, that could make them... Lotus.

[Source: Autocar]

The new Audi: more performance, less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

As far as classic Audi models go, nothing is as iconic as the legendary "Ur-Quattro". The 1985 Audi Quattro was a beast of a car in its day, even if it only had 160 horsepower. When the new Audi S5 hit the roads, the Ingolstadt fanatics over at Fourtitude stacked the two of them up against each other, but if the latest products of the ever-churning rumormill are to be believed, Audi may be cooking one up a successor of their own.

A report from German car magazine Autobild suggests that the lightweight sport-coupe could carry the "A5 quattro sport" designation and pack a 425-horsepower V6, placing it in between the current S5 and the upcoming RS5. Sounds enticing, if a bit far-fetched. But if Audi wants to build another monster coupe, who are we to complain? Sources peg the revival to take to the streets by 2012.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Scene]

Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Makes sense: Audi S5 to replace V8 with supercharged V6

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi S5

If you didn't see this coming, we recommend a trip to the optometrist. Audi is about to swap the V8 engine in the S5 with the same supercharged V6 going into the new S4 sedan. Inside Line is reporting that the dulcet-but-dated 4.2L V8 is on the way out. The new 329-hp supercharged V6 engine will take its place. Call it the S-engine-elect.

With nearly the same power and much better fuel efficiency, the lighter V6 will be the cure for what ails the current S5. While its styling is superb, its powerband and porkiness have been criticized. Fans of the 4.2L V8 should know, however, that the engine might still live on, perhaps in twin-turbo form, replacing the V10 in the next-gen Audi S6 and S8. That V10 could also get the twin-turbo treatment and wind powering the upcoming R8-based R10. Got that? Good.

The base R8 will probably get that same updated V8, while the supercharged V6 might also work its way into the all-but-confirmed R4 engine bay. While that covers most of the R and S models, know too that Audi has big plans for its RS models as well, hoping to make them lighter and more powerful in its quest for Porsche blood. We're dizzy with anticipation.

Gallery: Live shots of Audi A5 and S5

[Source: Inside Line]

Makes sense: Audi S5 to replace V8 with supercharged V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to carry Abt, including hot Audi AS5

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Abt AS5 available from GGI Tuning

We've talked about Abt Sportsline's sweet range of upgraded VW and Audi offerings before, but now we have some additional good news. As you probably know if you're reading this blog, Abt offers lots of mods for the A4 and A5, including relatively subtle body kits, new wheels, a sport suspension, a freer-flowing exhaust system, and a variety of power upgrades. You really can't go wrong when you start with such good rolling stock, but some tuners manage to botch it anyhow. In the case of the Audi A5, the manufacturer already does a pretty good job with the upragdes when it turns it into an S5, but Abt goes a step or two further with pretty good results.

The Abt AS5 is one hot sports coupe, even in a refrigerator white that might seem uninspring at first glance. The one we saw here at SEMA was actually over at the Hlton. It popped up during one of the afterparties that always makes this such a fun show to attend. In this case it was at the GGI European Tuning bash where the shop was announcing their new distribution deal with the German tuner. GGI European Tuning is already the exclusive North American importer for Carlsson, Hartge and Sportec, but now they can add Abt Sportsline to the marquee. It's already one of our favorite coupes, so knowing it might be easier to get a nicely modded version in the States makes us even happier.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to offer At AS5

SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to carry Abt, including hot Audi AS5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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