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Audi has dropped a boat load of fresh images of the hard-core version of its R8 supercar called the GT. You can read all the details in our previous post here, but as a refresher, the GT is a lighter, more powerful and faster variant of the R8. It is powered by a modified version of the R8 V10's naturally aspirated 5.2-liter direct-injection engine producing 550-horsepower, while thanks to a series of weight-saving measures that shave about 100kg (220 lbs), the car tips the scales at 1,525 kilograms (3,362 lbs). Audi says the R8 GT accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph), while returning a combined fuel efficiency of 13.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (16.9 US mpg). The GT also benefits from a modified suspension, larger carbon fiber ceramic brakes, 19-inch forged alloys wrapped in 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 at the back, and numerous aero tweaks that are said to improve downforce. All in all, Audi will produce just 331 copies of the R8 GT, each priced in Germany at €193,000 (approximately US$252,400 at the current exchange rates).
Last time we checked (as in a few minutes ago on the UK, US and German sites), the S5 Coupe continues to use Audi's venerable 4.2-liter V8 with 354HP, while the S5 Convertible comes with a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Nevertheless, APS, the UK-based importer of the Swiss tuning brand Sportec, has released a performance upgrade for the S5 Coupe and Convertible with the... 3.0 TSI V6. In any case, labeled "Stage One", the Swiss tuner's performance package for Audi's 3.0 TSI V6 consists of a free flowing air filter element and an ECU remap. While it doesn't sound like much, it manages to squeeze another 97-horsepower out of the S5's (convertible) 3.0-liter V6 unit, boosting total output from 328 bhp and 440 Nm (325 lb.ft) to an RS5-rivaling 425 bhp at 6,640 rpm and 520 Nm (379 lb.ft) at 4,250 rpm. Sportec says the upgrade trims 0-62mph (100km/h) acceleration by 0.5 seconds to 4.6 seconds (same as RS5 Coupe) while top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (250km/h). The Stage One upgrade is available now in the UK from APS Sportec priced at £1,950 fitted including VAT.
Audi is extending its A4 range in Europe with the addition of a new and more fuel efficient 2.0 TDI version that is available in both sedan and Avant (Audi talk for Station Wagon) body styles. This variant of the VW Group's 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine produces 136HP (100 kW) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque, the latter being available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. In addition, both the A4 Saloon and Avant 2.0 TDI benefit from the use of a six-speed manual transmission with lengthened gear ratios and forged 16-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/60 low rolling resistance tires. The aerodynamic tweaks to the body and a lower ride height complete the package. The end result of all these changes on the sedan is a combined fuel consumption of 4.4 liters of diesel per 100 km (53.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 115 grams per km (185.07 g/mile). In comparison, the A4 with the 143HP 2.0 TDI consumes 5.0 lt/100km or 47 mpg US. As for the A4 Avant, it returns 4.6 liters (51.1 mpg US) and 120 grams (193.12). According to Audi, CO2 emissions have been reduced by four and nine grams, respectively, compared with the previous models. In terms of performance, the sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph), while the Avant completes the standard sprint in 9.8 seconds and tops out at 208 km/h (129 mph). Both the A4 2.0 TDI sedan and Avant models are offered in the Attraction trim line, with prices in Germany starting from €31,600 and €33,250, respectively.
Anderson Germany is just one in a long line of tuners who think they can make the Audi R8 better. Called the Racing Edition, the Düsseldorf-based tuner's R8 V10 has gone through a number of external and internal modifications, including an engine upgrade that increases peak power to 585 hp (436 kW). The appearance can make or break a tuned car's fortune, so the Germans offer a complete visual kit, meant to make the body look better and also more aerodynamic. The material of choice here is carbon fiber. The lightweight material is found on the aggressive front apron, the discrete rear spoiler, rear diffuser, rear window bordering and the exterior mirrors. Even the 19-inch wheels, which are wrapped around in 235/35 and 295/30 tires, receive a carbon finish with orange accents. What about the interior? You guessed it: carbon fiber all the way, combined with leather and orange stitching. The packet includes carbon door trims, radio frame, ashtray, gear stick frame, hand brake knob and steering wheel. To gain those 60 extra ponies, engineers used a new, valve commanded exhaust system, which is also 17 kg (37 lbs) lighter, better air filters and modified engine management software. Anderson Germany didn't release performance figures, but they claim top speed has increased by 12 km/h or 7.5 mph. Also, pricing and availability are not known yet.
The pre-facelift Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is the focus of MR Car Design's latest tune. The German firm starts off with the exterior styling of the large SUV, bringing it in line with the refreshed Q7. The kit includes a front bumper with LED daytime running lights, new headlamps and LED tail lights. There's also a new set of 22-inch wheels wrapped in 265/35-22 rubber, while interior improvements are limited to an available sports steering wheel sourced from the RS6. Under the hood, MR Car Design's engineers managed to squeeze another 48-horses and 110Nm from the 4.2-liter turbocharged V8 diesel, lifting output from 326HP to 374HP, and peak torque from 760Nm to 870Nm. They also removed the electronic speed limiter. Other available performance upgrades include an electronic module for the suspension that lowers the Q7's ride height.
It's official; Audi has finally lifted the wraps off the all-new RS3 Sportback that will be if not the, one of the most powerful and fastest hatchbacks in the market when it goes on sale in Europe in early 2011. It adopts the TT RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,600 rpm and 5,300 rpm.
Power is transmitted to the road through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with two auto and one manual modes, and the Ingolstadt firm's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Weighing in at 1,575 kg (3,472.28 pounds), the RS3 completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in a mere 4.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Audi adds that the RS3 returns an average fuel consumption of 9.1 liters per 100 km (25.9 US mpg) and emits 212 g CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile). So what else will RS3 buyers get aside from the five-pot and quattro all-wheel drive? Starting with the chassis, Audi's RS division widened the car's front and rear tracks, and added new coil springs and redesigned shock absorbers. The RS3 sits 25 millimeters (0.98 inch) closer to the ground compared with the A3, while it rides on new 19-inch cast aluminum wheels fitted with 235/35 series tires at the front and 225/35 at the rear. The wheels come standard with machine-polished titanium-look styling, but are optionally available in black with a red rim flange.
To improve stopping power, the RS3 is fitted with internally ventilated disks measuring 370 millimeters (14.57 inches) in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters (12.20 inches) at the rear. Furthermore, the electronic stabilization program (ESP) features a Sport mode and can be switched off entirely. The top off the line A3 also features some styling changes but not as much as you'd expect from an RS model. On the outside, the new rims are joined by bulgier wheel arches and a bodykit comprising of a new front bumper with massive air vents, side skirts and a rear apron housing a diffuser and the twin-tailpipes. The matt aluminium mirrors and roof spoiler round off the exterior look. Inside, the cabin has been upgraded with a flat bottom steering wheel, a pair of body hugging bucket seats up front in Fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching, and sportier trim throughout.
For the time being at least, the RS3 will be available exclusively as a five-door Sportback model as Audi did not say if there will be a three-door model down the line. European deliveries of the RS 3 Sportback will begin in early 2011 with the base price in Germany set at €49,900 (US$68,300). No word yet if or when the RS3 Sportback will be sold in the States. photos
