Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Stripped Audi R8 V10 Plus would make the ultimate alarm clock]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/stripped-audi-r8-v10-plus-would-make-the-ultimate-alarm-clock/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/stripped-audi-r8-v10-plus-would-make-the-ultimate-alarm-clock/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/stripped-audi-r8-v10-plus-would-make-the-ultimate-alarm-clock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus on a dyno with rear panelwork removed

Stick around in this business long enough as an automotive writer, and you'll be privy to some really wonderful driving moments. Great roads and amazing cars have a way of burning into one's memory banks like few other life experiences. But almost more than the visceral shove of a high-powered engine or a piece of sheetmetal that's been sculpted just so, the sounds that accompany great automotive experiences get lodged in one's hippocampus perhaps more than anything else.

In my case, one such recent experience involved being in a convoy of 2014 Audi R8 Coupes and Spyders on a nighttime run in the Tyrollean Alps. While it's true that I had achieved higher velocities on a racetrack earlier in the trip in a V10 Plus, it was the speedy ascents and descents on that stretch of pitch-dark alpine road that have stuck with me. The sounds of our groupe's V10s ricocheting off the rock walls and snowpack was, to appropriately employ a criminally overused word, epic.

I have since decided that I very much need the Audi V10 as an alarm clock sound on my phone. Crank the volume on the 550-horsepower video below and see if you don't agree.

Continue reading Stripped Audi R8 V10 Plus would make the ultimate alarm clock

Stripped Audi R8 V10 Plus would make the ultimate alarm clock originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi r8 v10 plusaudir8r8 v10r8 v10 plusv10videoWed, 13 Mar 2013 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500520/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/stripped-audi-r8-v10-plus-would-make-the-ultimate-alarm-clock/20500520/article-detail.xml 20500520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-on-dyno_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-on-dyno.jpg <![CDATA[The 2013 Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona comes down to the last hour [spoilers, w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



It took 24 hours to run the race, but it was the last one was stuffed with the high action as four cars were still trying to figure out how to gain victory on the track and in the pits. Along with the obligatory crashes, spins, mechanical issues and retirements had come numerous penalties, a double-digit number of full-course yellows and two hours of fog that turned early Sunday morning into a stretch of parade laps.

The final hour would make up for the morning - drivers who might have been happy just to get on the podium had a shot at victory as the end of the race approached, and that turned into a few gambles that paid off, and at least one that didn't...

Continue reading The 2013 Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona comes down to the last hour [spoilers, w/video]

The 2013 Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona comes down to the last hour [spoilers, w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicaymanganassiganassi racinggrand amgrand-ammotorsportsporscher8rolex 24 at daytonaMon, 28 Jan 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20440379/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/20440379/article-detail.xml 20440379 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolex1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolex1.jpg <![CDATA[Notes from day one of the Rolex 24 at Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We came to Daytona Beach, Florida where you can drive on the beach, gun shops outnumber doughnut shops and you can putt-putt and fish for alligators at the same place. But we're not here for any of that - we've made the trip with Audi in order to experience the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the first race in the 2013 Grand-Am season and the only 24-hour race in America.

Three teams are racing four Audi R8 Grand-Am cars - WeatherTech Racing, Rum Bum Racing and APR, which is running two cars. Shown to the world two years ago, the R8 Grand-Am is part of Audi Sport's R8 LMS customer racing program that was commenced in 2008, and ever since 2009 has been nabbing success all over the world: In four years it has taken 154 victories and 17 series titles. That is with less than 100 cars sold to customers throughout the world, and the trophies - either class wins or overall victories - have been gathered from all of the major endurance races except one: Daytona.

Continue reading Notes from day one of the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Notes from day one of the Rolex 24 at Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 grand-amdaytonagrand amgrand-amr8r8 grand-amr8 lmsr8 lms ultrarolex 24 at daytonaSat, 26 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439692/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/20439692/article-detail.xml 20439692 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daytonagrand-am1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daytonagrand-am1.jpg <![CDATA[Audi commits two R18 E-Tron Quattros to final Sebring race for LMP1 cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro racecar - front three-quarter view

We were baffled a few weeks back when the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series announced new classes that will make up their combined racing program in 2014. Gone from the list is the Le Mans Prototype class, otherwise known as LMP1. The LMP1 class has long been the top dog of endurance racing, both in Europe and the US, so we couldn't figure out why this newly minted racing series was jettisoning it like yesterday's donuts.

It appears as if Audi is confused by the move as well. The German brand has announced it will participate in this year's ALMS opening round, the famed 12 Hours of Sebring, as it does every year, and bringing two Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro hybrid race cars with which to compete. Unlike every other year, Audi is treating this year's race as its potential swan song in this famous Florida race.

There's a good reason that Audi is so fond of the 12 Hours of Sebring, as it debuted the gas-powered R8R there in 1999 that kicked off its participation in the upper echelon of endurance racing. The R8R preceded the R8, which debuted at Sebring in 2000 and won that race, starting an amazing career for that car that included five more wins at Sebring. The R8 was followed by the R10, then the R15 and R18, and finally we wind up at today's R18 E-Tron Quattro - all winners, all dominant, all exciting to watch.

Along with the two R18 E-Tron Quattros doing the actual racing, one of which will be a new updated version, Audi is bringing an R8 from the 2000-2005 era, an R10 TDI from the 2006-2008 era, an R15 TDI from 2009 and the R18 TDI that won there last year, all for the enjoyment of spectators who've watched Audi dominate this race, winning it outright in 10 of the last 12 years.

Though Audi has long since abandoned campaigning the whole ALMS season, it was still usually good for at least the season opener in Sebring, which provided a nicely timed testing opportunity ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, if not a couple of other races on the calendar. Unfortunately, with the demise of LMP1 in American endurance racing, March 16 in Sebring, Florida may be the last time for a while that we see Audi dominate an endurance race on American soil. Let's hope ALMS and Grand-Am find a solution.

Continue reading Audi commits two R18 E-Tron Quattros to final Sebring race for LMP1 cars

Audi commits two R18 E-Tron Quattros to final Sebring race for LMP1 cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebringalmsamerican le mans seriesaudie-trongrand amgrand am rolexr10r15r18r18 e-tron quattror18 prototyper8sebringWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435536/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/20435536/article-detail.xml 20435536 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audimotorsport-130121-0419-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audimotorsport-130121-0419-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi boss talks about possible diesel-electric LeMans-inspired supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Audi V12 TDI - overhead view of engine compartment

Word has it Audi is hard at work on a new diesel-electric supercar. Auto Express reports Wolfgang Durheimer, head of technical development for the company, is planning a road vehicle that will make the most of the lessons learned from the automaker's 24 Hours of Le Mans efforts. Durheimer says the supercar will be very different from the current R8 and will offer buyers state-of-the-art technology. Specifically, the as-yet-unnamed model will be able to best the current McLaren P1 around a race track. Details are, of course, scarce, though the company's recent past could point to what we can expect to see from such a machine.

The Audi R8 TDI LeMans Concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show promised the world an R8 with a V12 TDI diesel behind the front seats. With 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, the machine would undoubtedly have been a blast to drive, but Audi shuttered any thought of a production model a year later. Odds are a modern interpretation of that machine would feature a smaller displacement diesel engine paired with a hybrid system for additional thrust.

Audi boss talks about possible diesel-electric LeMans-inspired supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansaudiaudi diesel hybrid supercaraudi supercardieseldiesel hybridhybridle mansr8supercarFri, 14 Dec 2012 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/audi-boss-talks-about-possible-diesel-electric-lemans-inspired-s/20402283/article-detail.xml 20402283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audi-v12-tdi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audi-v12-tdi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi shows off R8 China Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/09/audi-shows-off-r8-china-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/09/audi-shows-off-r8-china-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/09/audi-shows-off-r8-china-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



An Audi R8 V10 provides the latest canvas for a China-specific special edition, and to make it easier to remember, it is called the Audi R8 China Edition. There will be only eight of them, and they'll be known by their colors: either two Malibu blue with Suzuka grey sideblades, or the inverse. The 19-inch, high-gloss black wheels with five twin spokes in a "Y" motif will also be a giveaway.

This is a color-and-ornament job, no tuning tweaks here. If you do get a chance to get inside, however, instead of black leather you'll find black shark skin with contrasting stitching, along with Alcantara, plenty of carbon fiber trim and Chinese characters on the shift knob identifying the production number. This is the first time an Audi production car has been embellished with the native language, and mindful of native manners, any number that includes "4" has been removed from the serial list.

We're fans of any R8, but our favorite thing about this one might be this line in the press release from Audi China: "It's not important if it's rare, the important thing is that... you own it." You'll find that line and more just below.

Continue reading Audi shows off R8 China Edition

Audi shows off R8 China Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 china editionchinalimited editionr8special editionSun, 09 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20397615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/09/audi-shows-off-r8-china-edition/20397615/article-detail.xml 20397615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audir8chinaed_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audir8chinaed.jpg <![CDATA[Audi mulling range-topping diesel hybrid R10 supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R18 e-tron quattro

Who ever thought we'd hear this said about a sports car: "If we made this a diesel hybrid it could be a hot-seller." Yeah. Never. Nevertheless, that's what Audi R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer told Auto Express about a his idea for a supercar to sit above the R8 and bang carbon-fiber fenders with the McLaren P1, Ferrari F70 and Porsche 918.

Durheimer's quest, in his double life as not just R&D director but also Volkswagen's head of motorsport, is to create a more obvious and lucrative connection between an Audi road car and the automaker's 24 Hours of Le Mans victories with diesel-powered racers. It's pure speculation after that, but Auto Express distills particulars down to at least 700 horsepower and 737 foot-pounds of torque, terminal velocity beyond 200 mph, and construction using either a bespoke carbon fiber tub or the coming MSB platform planned for all mid- and rear-engined VW-Group models. Figure a 2017 due date at the earliest.

Durheimer said his team will soon to decide the top three priorities for the future. If this diesel hybrid supercar gets the nod, it would be the antipodean twin of another possible Audi that Durheimer spoke of to Autocar, a 235-mpg city car based on the A1.

Audi mulling range-topping diesel hybrid R10 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audir10r18r18 e-tron quattror18 ultrar8Wolfgang DurheimerSun, 25 Nov 2012 18:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387583/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/20387583/article-detail.xml 20387583 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/r18intor10hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/r18intor10hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Refreshed Icon Is An Alpine Star

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus

When it comes to something as inherently outrageous as the supercar segment, you might think that it would never really need shaking up. But that's not the case - every once in a while, you have to have something that reorders the breed - a goalpost mover like the McLaren F1 or a Bugatti Veyron. Or you need to have challengers to the establishment on other fronts, be it styling or powertrain technology. Sometimes, just the presence of a new marque is enough of a disruptor to put everyone on guard.

And that's what exactly happened with the original R8. Not only did it introduce a new player into the segment, Audi, it did so with iconoclastic styling and a new approach. In a way that only the Acura NSX did before it, the R8 rationalized the supercar. That might not be an inherently sexy concept, but as Honda proved, it can make for a great car, not to mention good business. Like the NSX, the R8 availed the segment of newfound levels of tractability and refinement in a mid-engined package, with docile around-town manners, surprisingly good visibility and a robust, ergonomic interior to go with its impressive performance. What's more, it did so with all-wheel drive, making it something of a supercar for all seasons.

All of which explains how we ended up caning a suite of 2014 R8 coupes and Spyders up, over, down and through the Tyrolean Alps. In the pitch dark. With nearly a foot of snow on the ground. Usually, you'd never take something as low-slung and powerful as this out in inclement weather, let alone over a mountain range where the slick-surfaced asphalt ribbons like lightly salted linguine. And yet, there we were, in sub-zero temps, savaging hostile climbs and descents at high speeds, snaking our Germans through skiing villages and meandering tunnels. But our Audis seems utterly oblivious to the absurdity of the situation, their high-revving engines rattling snowpack loose from the conifers that lined our route, swank new LED lighting piercing the night's inky cloak.

Audi had thoughtfully fitted our entire alpine expedition with Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D footwear, and combined with the R8's Quattro all-wheel drive, our R8s pulled hard out of the corners like a pack of sled dogs mainlining Red Bull. Only the tightest of switchbacks caused split-second moments of consternation, wherein we could feel Quattro shuffling torque around between our car's four corners. It was a legitimately awe-inspiring performance - and we were "only" in the base V8 coupe with its 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.

Continue reading 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi r8audifeaturedfirst driveFirstDriver8r8 v10 pluss tronictyrolFri, 09 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-first-drive-review/20374852/article-detail.xml 20374852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-audi-r8-v10-plus-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Underground Racing creates 1,000-hp Audi R8 GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Underground Racing Audi R8 GT Stage 3

It is unlikely that anybody has ever accused the Audi R8 GT of being a slow car, but like everything else on display at the SEMA Show - where the unofficial motto should be "if there's a will, there's a way" - Underground Racing has proven that fast can also get faster. Starting life as a 560-horsepower R8 GT, Underground Racing has developed four stages for the car ranging from a "mild" 700 hp up to a ridiculously wild 1,000-hp version... and that's just on pump gas.

Underground Racing, known for tuning just about any rear-engine supercar, says that the Stage 1 kit is good for 700 hp through the automaker's Quattro all-wheel-drive system on premium gas and 1,000 hp running on race fuel. Stepping up to the Stage 2 kit will drop 850 hp from the pump and 1,200 hp on race fuel. Both the Stage 3 and Race Version kits are rated at 1,000 hp on 93 octane, but while the Stage 3 tops out at 1,200 hp, the Race Version can lay down up to 1,500 hp.

On display at the Nitto Tire booth, the Underground Racing R8 GT Stage 3 came in a beautiful matte red hue with black 19-inch HRE performance wheels wrapped in Nitto Invo tires. No word on pricing for any of the Stage kits, but we're sure if you can afford a $200,000 (base) R8 GT, a little extra isn't going to break your bank.

Underground Racing creates 1,000-hp Audi R8 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audir8r8 gtsemasema 2012underground racingThu, 01 Nov 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368132/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema-2012/20368132/article-detail.xml 20368132 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/underground-racing-audi-r8-gt-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 E-Tron program on hold, facing cancellation? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi R8 E-Tron in red on auto show floor

Throughout its brief history - from concept car at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, to production-bound prototype - the Audi R8 E-Tron has promised supercar levels of entertainment in a sexy German wrapper. A prospective range of 150 miles with acceleration on the order of 0-60 in under five seconds suggested a more luxurious rival for the Tesla Roadster, and a challenger for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive at the E-Tron's expected launch in early 2013.

Now it seems like Audi may have slammed on the regenerative brakes, as it were.

Car and Driver reports that the R8 E-Tron plan is on hold, pending a project review ordered by new research and development head, Wolfgang Dürheimer. Concerns about the project include a lack of sufficiently advanced and reasonably inexpensive batteries with which to power the car, as well as a buyer pool sufficiently rich and reasonably motivated to drop big sums on the R8 EV.

The Car and Driver report indicates that the expected launch in the first part of next year is now off the table, and that the entire project faces existential jeopardy.

UPDATE: We were able to speak with a member of Audi's team regarding the fate of the R8 E-Tron, who basically corroborated the earlier Car and Driver report, with a few clarifications. Audi claims that the "initial" run of R8 E-Trons was always meant to be very limited (ten cars), and that those cars were essentially meant to serve as evaluation models for the project as a whole. The discrepancy seems to be in what eventually happens to this first run; first plans indicated that they would end up in public hands, while now Audi states that they are "primarily intended for internal purposes."

On a positive note: While the future of the R8 E-Tron looks pretty cloudy (at least in the pure-EV form), we're told that the A3 E-Tron is still on track for arrival in 2014.

Audi R8 E-Tron program on hold, facing cancellation? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi r8 e-tronaudie-tronelectric caretronevr8Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20361073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/20361073/article-detail.xml 20361073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-audi-r8-e-tron-frankfurt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-audi-r8-e-tron-frankfurt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mysterious Audi R8 caught testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/mysterious-audi-r8-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/mysterious-audi-r8-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/mysterious-audi-r8-caught-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi has already showed off the updated 2013 Audi R8, which is why this test mule has us a little perplexed. With a look somewhere between the current R8 GT and Audi's GT3 racecar, it's not really clear exactly what this car is (or will be).

Our best guess is that it might be a street-legal version of the R8 GT3 possibly as a last hurrah special model for the 2012 model year. This would make sense since we can see the roll cage inside the car, and some of the exterior bits fit in with the R8 GT3's aero upgrades including the vented hood and an oversize rear wing (although not near as big as the racecar). The winglets on the front fascia are similar to the R8 GT but are obviously bigger.

Of course, this could also be a test mule for an entirely new R8 model altogether, so we'll just have to wait for Audi to drop some knowledge on us before we can say for sure. Until then, check out the spy shots. Because it never gets old watching an Audi R8 testing on the Nürburgring.

Mysterious Audi R8 caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 spy shotsaudi spy shotsr8r8 gtr8 gt3spy photosspy shotsThu, 11 Oct 2012 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20346498/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/11/mysterious-audi-r8-caught-testing/20346498/article-detail.xml 20346498 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-r8-spy-photo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-r8-spy-photo.jpg <![CDATA[Watch how Audi 'evolved' the R8 for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/watch-how-audi-evolved-the-r8-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/watch-how-audi-evolved-the-r8-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/watch-how-audi-evolved-the-r8-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Since the Audi R8 launched back in 2008, Audi has done a great job of keeping its mid-engine supercar fresh. Between the V10, the Spyder and the GT models, it seems like there has been something new added to the R8 every year. The 2013 model year is going to bring more of the same. More than just an updated look, though, Audi engineers made sure to fine tune the R8's performance, and Audi has released a video showing exactly what goes into making improvements to a car like the R8.

We've already seen some of the making of Audi's video from the opposite side of the lens, and now we finally get to see what the new R8 looks like from Audi's point of view testing on the Nürburgring along with the Autobahn. There are some great shots of a camouflaged 2013 R8 blasting around the 'Ring as well as some of the car's build process including a look at the lightweight Audi Space Frame and watching builders drop the engine and transmission into the car's rear.

One of the more interesting elements of the video is hearing just how important the Nürburgring is to Audi. In the video, Stephan Reil, Quattro GmbH head of development, says that every Audi RS and R8 model must run an 8,000-kilometer (almost 5,000 miles) durability test around the Nordschleife and that in testing, Audi engineers equate one km on the 'Ring to 15 to 18 km on standard roads.

While we would love to hear more of the R8's exhaust note in the video below, it's still fun to watch and gives great insight about what went into updating this car.

Continue reading Watch how Audi 'evolved' the R8 for 2013

Watch how Audi 'evolved' the R8 for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi r82013 audi r8 development2013 audi r8 plusaudir8videovideosWed, 10 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/10/watch-how-audi-evolved-the-r8-for-2013/20344455/article-detail.xml 20344455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-audi-r8-testing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-audi-r8-testing.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R8 E-Tron Nurburgring lap

Silent but deadly fast.

The Audi R8 E-Tron may set the record for a production EV on the Nurbürgring in June, but the video of Marcus Winkelhock won't win any awards for its sound track. During the eight minutes, nine seconds of driving, the car offers hardly any sound.

Gone is the thunder of Audi's V8 or V10 revving through every corner. Instead, it's tire squeals and wind noise. The 375-horsepower electric engines hardly make a sound. But that time is certainly not slow, falling just five seconds short of the R8 with a V8.

Audi promises that this car, which arrives later this year, will be identical to the one that raced on the famed German course. Though, as we pointed out before, it will have its speed limited to 125 mph. It should also have a range of 135 miles.

Scroll down to see the entire lap.

Continue reading Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09

Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audie-tronevgermanygreengreen carnurburgringr8r8 e-tronThu, 09 Aug 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20295553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/20295553/article-detail.xml 20295553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-r8-e-tron-nurburgring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-r8-e-tron-nurburgring.jpg <![CDATA[Audi offering R8 Exclusive Selection Editions for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/audi-offering-r8-exclusive-selection-editions-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/audi-offering-r8-exclusive-selection-editions-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/audi-offering-r8-exclusive-selection-editions-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Audi R8 Exclusive Selection

We've seen the glory that is the 2013 Audi R8, but before that new model officially goes on sale early next year, the current quad-rung supercar is offering up one final parting piece: the Exclusive Selection edition. And it's certainly going to be, um, exclusive.

The special R8 will be available in both V8 and V10 coupe forms, and Audi will only build a total of 50 examples (20 V8s, 30 V10s). V8 models can be had with a new Daytona Gray matte exterior paint, complete with a carbon fiber splitter, unique 19-inch wheels, carbon fiber rear diffuser, new black elements on the grille and exhaust finishers, R8 GT taillamps and red brake calipers. More changes are found inside, where a new leather seating package is on hand, including crimson elements and contrast stitching, a different navigation surround and a thicker-contoured steering wheel.

More of the same elements are found on the V10. The exterior is painted in Ibis White with Brilliant Black exterior features and E-Tron 19-inch wheels, and inside, there's a carbon fiber cockpit with black and white contrast stitching.

Pricing for the 2012 R8 Exclusive Selection starts at $137,700 for the V8 with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want R-tronic (you don't), that'll be an extra $9,100 (you really, really don't). V10/manual coupes start at $161,500 and R-tronic can be had with the ten-pot R8 for the same price premium.

Scroll down for the official release, and click through the high-res image gallery above to see the exclusively Exclusive R8 for yourself.

Continue reading Audi offering R8 Exclusive Selection Editions for 2012

Audi offering R8 Exclusive Selection Editions for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi r82012 audi r8 exclusive selectionaudiexclusive selectionr8Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20296310/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/08/audi-offering-r8-exclusive-selection-editions-for-2012/20296310/article-detail.xml 20296310 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2012-audi-r8-exclusive-selection628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2012-audi-r8-exclusive-selection628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi reveals refreshed 2013 R8 lineup [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/audi-reveals-refreshed-2013-r8-lineup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/audi-reveals-refreshed-2013-r8-lineup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/audi-reveals-refreshed-2013-r8-lineup-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Audi R8

It's hard to believe that Audi launched the R8 a full seven years ago. Since that time, the automaker has kept the two-seat sports car fresh with several changes including the addition of the roofless Spyder, an optional V10 and the sportier GT model, but now Audi has determined that it's finally time for the model's first full-on refresh. Today, Audi revealed the revamped 2013 R8 lineup, highlighted by subtle styling changes, a seven-speed S-tronic transmission (no more dreadful R-tronic!) and a new flagship V10 Plus model.

It takes a keen eye to pick out the design changes to the new R8, the most prominent being the redesigned LED headlights and taillights that come standard on all models. Audi has also revised the front bumper and grille, and out back, there's a larger diffuser and new circular tailpipes.

2013 Audi R8 SpyderPerhaps the biggest change to the R8 for 2013 is the addition of the new seven-speed S-tronic transmission that utilizes two mult-plate clutches. Each clutch engages with two independent sub-transmissions and alternately select gears, resulting in smoother shifts that take mere hundredths of as second. Thankfully, a six-speed manual is still offered, although Audi claims that the car equipped with the S-tronic is actually faster to 60 miles per hour by three-tenths of a second in all models.

A new R8 V10 Plus arrives at the flagship model, featuring the same carbon fiber reinforced plastic used on the R8 GT. The front splitter, mirrors, side blades, rear diffuser and lining for the engine compartment are all constructed of the lightweight material. The 5.2-liter V10 has also been slightly improved compared to the standard V10 model, producing 550 horsepower and 398 pound-feet torque.

European models will start rolling off the line at the end of this year, and while Audi has not mentioned U.S. availability or pricing, we expect our version of the R8 to follow very shortly thereafter. Scroll down to watch a video of the 2013 Audi R8 in action or to read the complete details in the official press release.

Continue reading Audi reveals refreshed 2013 R8 lineup [w/video]

Audi reveals refreshed 2013 R8 lineup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi r82013 audi r8 plusaudiaudi r8audi r8 plusaudi r8 v10r8Tue, 24 Jul 2012 22:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20285463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/24/audi-reveals-refreshed-2013-r8-lineup-w-video/20285463/article-detail.xml 20285463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-audi-r8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-audi-r8.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 E-Tron laps 'Ring in record-setting 8:09, celebrates silently]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/audi-r8-e-tron-laps-ring-in-record-setting-8-09-celebrates-sil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/audi-r8-e-tron-laps-ring-in-record-setting-8-09-celebrates-sil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/audi-r8-e-tron-laps-ring-in-record-setting-8-09-celebrates-sil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi R8 E-tron at Nurburgring in front of record lap time billboard

Two months ago, the Audi R8 E-Tron was caught at the Nürburgring, getting its gumption up for what everyone has come to consider The Obligatory Timed Lap of Destiny. The lap has been completed with Markus Winkelhock at the wheel, and the result is a world record for a series production electric car: eight minutes and 9.099 seconds. If you believe in Wikipedia's list of 'Ring lap times, that puts the R8 E-Tron with its 375 horsepower and stupefying torque 25 seconds behind the R8 V10, five seconds adrift of the eight-cylinder R8, and in the same company as the Audi RS4 and previous generation BMW M6.

If we ignore the fact that you can't buy an R8 E-Tron yet, the hot lap car "corresponds in every detail" to the one you will be able to buy at the end of this year. Well, not exactly: customer cars will be speed-limited to 200 kph (125 mph), but for the 'Ring run, the limiter was raised to 250 kph. More practical numbers for civilian jaunts are the 0-to-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a 134-mile range when fully charged.

More important to all of us will be the video footage of its triumph, which we hope to see very soon. In the meantime, there's the obligatory press release of destiny below.

Continue reading Audi R8 E-Tron laps 'Ring in record-setting 8:09, celebrates silently

Audi R8 E-Tron laps 'Ring in record-setting 8:09, celebrates silently originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi r8 etronaudiaudi r8 e-trone-tronetronmarcus winkelhocknurburgringr8r8 e-tronFri, 29 Jun 2012 09:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20268858/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/29/audi-r8-e-tron-laps-ring-in-record-setting-8-09-celebrates-sil/20268858/article-detail.xml 20268858 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audir8e-tronring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audir8e-tronring.jpg <![CDATA[Facelifted Audi R8 recorded on the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/facelifted-audi-r8-recorded-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/facelifted-audi-r8-recorded-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/facelifted-audi-r8-recorded-on-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The facelifted 2013 Audi R8 was out on public roads and, naturally, videotaped. Sheathed in camo again after having been at it totally naked not long before, there is less to visualize, but you can at least see - and, just as importantly, hear - it in action. Make sure to watch the whole thing: the special feature at the end of this video is a brief shot of the once-again naked R8 taking a turn at the Nürburgring.

Stylistic changes are limited to small details like new LEDs, taillamps and exhaust tips. More powerful engines are tipped to be on the menu, with the 4.2-liter V8 climbing to 450 horsepower and the 5.2-liter V10 ascending to 540 hp.

We'll probably get a close look at it during the 2012 Paris Motor Show; scroll down to see it from afar in the video.

Continue reading Facelifted Audi R8 recorded on the 'Ring

Facelifted Audi R8 recorded on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi r8audiaudi r8r8spy videovideovideosThu, 21 Jun 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20262001/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/facelifted-audi-r8-recorded-on-the-ring/20262001/article-detail.xml 20262001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audir8facelift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audir8facelift.jpg <![CDATA[America, these are your top 10 most expensive cars to own]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - red - at speed in a forest

Picking up a used luxury car is a great way to save some coin. Letting the previous owner take the fall on depreciation is a smart move, but it's worth remembering that high-end autos carry with them high-end maintenance and repair costs. Using Edmunds.com data, 24/7 Wall Street has compiled what it says are the 10 most expensive vehicles to own, and the list is populated by some not-so-surprising names. BMW and Mercedes-Benz soak up the lion's share of the offenders, though other manufactures make a showing as well. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG takes top honors as the most expensive of them all with a "true cost of ownership" of $245,469. That's in addition to the gullwing supercar's $210,875 MSRP.

The calculations not only factor in deprecation, but also things like fuel, maintenance and insurance costs.

All told, Mercedes-Benz models takes four of the 10 spots on the list. That's twice as many as BMW, and the rest are split between makes like Land Rover, Audi and Nissan. If that last one seems a bit out of place, keep in mind Nissan makes the mighty (and mighty complex) GT-R. Check out our gallery below for a full list of the biggest offenders.

America, these are your top 10 most expensive cars to own originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesactivehybrid 7alpina b7audibmwclcl-classcost of ownershipg-classgt-rland roverlsls600hmercedes-benzmost expensive carnissanownershipr8range roverslsl-classsls amgFri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/20245083/article-detail.xml 20245083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 facelift comes into focus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/audi-r8-facelift-comes-into-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/audi-r8-facelift-comes-into-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/audi-r8-facelift-comes-into-focus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



These are spy shots of the facelifted Audi R8 that we expect to see later this year. You'll need to look very closely at the front to see where the lifting and tucking has been done: new LED headlights inside a slightly reworked grille. Around back are round tailpipes like those on the R8 GT.

This is a refreshed model that will hold us until the 2015 Audi R8 arrives - the one with the carbon and aluminum chassis, more power and no manual transmission on offer. That last fact is tragic enough because we still love sports cars with sticks, but descends into the catastrophic since the six-speed manual available now is outstanding. We're sure the next-gen coupe will be awesome, but we'll enjoy this one while we have it. Check it out in the high-res gallery of spy shots above.

Audi R8 facelift comes into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 audi r8audiaudi r8r8spy photosspy shotsTue, 22 May 2012 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242490/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/audi-r8-facelift-comes-into-focus/20242490/article-detail.xml 20242490 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audir8facelift2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audir8facelift2.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Carlos Sainz flog this Audi R8 LMS around an 80-year-old GP track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Certain videos, when the protagonists speak a foreign language, don't need subtitles: Mexican telenovelas, dolphins in love and auto racing are but three. Although the narration is in Spanish and there isn't any racing in this video of former WRC Champion Carlos Sainz and current DTM driver Miguel Molina lapping the Autódromo Terramar, the action needs no translation.

Terramar, in Spain, is the second oldest racing track in Europe after England's Brooklands, built in 1922 to host Grand Prix cars. Its owner's vision stretched further this his financial backing, so the two-kilometer oval track with 60-degree bankings hosted only one sanctioned race in 1923. After that, it was used sporadically, holding its last event in 1950. It is now part of land used for a chicken farm.

That didn't stop Sainz and Molina from seeing how fast they could lap the 80-year-old circuit in a Red Bull Racing Audi R8 LMS. The video is a bit long, but it's well-shot and definitely worth watching for the high banking and bumpy airborn Audi shots alone. Check out the action by scrolling down to watch the video.

Continue reading Watch Carlos Sainz flog this Audi R8 LMS around an 80-year-old GP track

Watch Carlos Sainz flog this Audi R8 LMS around an 80-year-old GP track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 lmscarlos sainzmiguel molinar8r8 lmsred bullred bull racingterramarwrcMon, 14 May 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237333/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/20237333/article-detail.xml 20237333 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-r8-lms-red-bull-screencap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-r8-lms-red-bull-screencap.jpg -1 2