Last month, the folks at Heffner Performance teased us with a look at the world's first twin turbo Audi R8. Now, the Heffner Twin Turbo Audi R8 has come off of the dyno and has hit the streets. Watch as the 620 horsepower beast runs 2nd through 4th gears.
Source: Heffner Performance (YouTube)
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Video: Heffner Performance Twin Turbo Audi R8 on the Street
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Audi A1 and A7 Confirmed for 2010 - Audi Q5 Hybrid Confirmed for 2011
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Let's face it, for the most part, press releases are boring. However, every once in a while they leak a little nugget of information most of us would never notice. We can thank the folks at Fourtitude for actually reading this press release. Regrettably, we deleted it from our inbox.
Inside what we thought was just another drab Audi financial statement, was a confirmation of some very important models for 2010 and 2011. Here's the "meat and potatoes" of the release:
"Next year Audi will launch a series of new cars. The A1, A7, A8 and R8 Spyder will be added to the product portfolio during 2010. At the end of 2010 Audi will unveil the Audi Q5 Hybrid, which will reach the market at the start of 2011 as the brand’s first full hybrid model."
In case you want to read the full press release, we've included it out below.
Press Release:
• 7.3 billion euros total investment from 2009 through 2012
• Around 5.9 billion euros for new products and future technologies
• Number of models to increase from 34 now to 42 in 2015
Audi will continue to invest heavily in new products and forward-looking technologies in the future: plans for 2009 through 2012 envisage total investments of 7.3 billion euros for fixed assets.
In coming years the Audi Group will continue to invest strongly in its future. Approximately 5.9 billion euros, in other words about 80 percent of its total investment in fixed assets, will be devoted to new product development, further optimization of conventional drivelines and the development of electric and hybrid models. By 2015, the Audi brand will have enlarged its product portfolio from currently 34 to 42 models. “With our planned investments in new products and mobility concepts, for example electric propulsion, we are creating a basis for our company’s future growth,” says Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG.
Next year Audi will launch a series of new cars. The A1, A7, A8 and R8 Spyder will be added to the product portfolio during 2010. At the end of 2010 Audi will unveil the Audi Q5 Hybrid, which will reach the market at the start of 2011 as the brand’s first full hybrid model. As Strotbek points out: “We will be in a position to finance all our planned investments from our operative cash flow.”
At the German locations and elsewhere, future policy is now being implemented: from 2009 through 2012 approximately 3.8 billion euros will be invested at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants. “This is a firm commitment to our German facilities. Audi is facing the technological upheaval in the automobile world in a farsighted way. The will to work and high qualifications of employees at our German plants are a firm foundation for the necessary changes,” states Peter Mosch, Chairman of the Audi General Works Council.
About 2.5 billion euros will be invested at Ingolstadt and about 1.3 billion euros at Neckarsulm. A new transmission and emissions center will be opened at the Ingolstadt plant, and other investment priorities will be stamping tools for the new Audi A1 and the manufacturing structures for the A3 and A4 models. The investment focus in Neckarsulm will be on the A6, A7 und A8 models and new engine-function test rigs.
Source: Audi via Fourtitude
Video: The Audi S4 in the City of Mozart
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Take a look at the reactions of various on-lookers as the new Audi S4 goes to Salzburg, Austria.
Source: Audi TV (YouTube)
Video: Hollywood Meets Audi at Oakley 'Learn to Ride' Audi Sportscar Experience
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Oakley and Muscle Milk recently teamed up with Audi to create the "Oakley 'Learn to Ride' with the Audi Sportscar Experience." Celebrities such as Nick Cannon and AnnaLynne McCord got behind the wheel of the Audi R8 V10 at Infineon Raceway, receiving the full Audi Sportscar Experience. Now, if we could just get AnnaLynne to triumphantly yell "I'm a quattroholic!"
Source: YouTube
Video: Audi R8 V10 Drives in a Blizzard for...
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This video quickly became a viral hit on various car blogs Monday. Unfortunately, we're working with a skeleton crew this week (that means it's just yours truly), so we're a little late on this one. That said, if you have yet to see this video, you're in luck.
In the tail-end of last week's east coast blizzard; auto-journalist Ezra Dyer, needed to make an emergency trip through the snow-covered streets outside Boston. Luckily, the V10 powered Audi R8 he was testing was equipped with snow tires. The question is, what did he need to get so badly? You'll just have to watch the video to find out.
Source: NY Times via Jalopnik
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Happy Holidays from quattroholic.com
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
PPI Audi R8 RAZOR GT/GTR in Optical Carbon Fiber Makes Dubai Debut
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
There's something about carbon fiber that drives any gearhead crazy. Consider it catnip for car guys (or girls). So we were especially enthusiastic when we caught our first glimpse of this PPI Audi R8 RAZOR GT/GTR wearing "Optical Carbon Fiber" bodywork from the Dubai Motor Show.
In addition to the oh-so-cool carbon fiber widebody kit, the PPI RAZOR GT/GTR features performance boosts of up to 580 horsepower for V8 models and up to an additional 80 horsepower boost to the V10. Although, PPI does specify for the V10 that addition power increases are available upon request.
PPI notes that the 580hp V8 RAZOR will hit 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.7 seconds and top out at just over 200 mph. Check out the press release below for all the technical goodies.
Press Release:
PPI RAZOR GT/GTR Supercar in Optical Carbon Fiber
Intense driving pleasure in a strikingly bold design.
More POWER
More STYLE
More PASSION
The Exclusive German tuner of Audi vehicles, PPI Automotive Design, GmbH, intensifies the fire and presents the special limited production Supercar, the PPI RAZOR GT and PPI RAZOR GTR.
Aerodynamics
All parts are made from the advance carbon fiber technology used in the aerospace and F1 racing industries. The exterior features a widebody kit with a new front bumper, front spoiler, front bonnet, front fenders, sideskirts, sideblades (or as PPI now calls them, Aeroblades), rear fenders, rear bumper, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and a new rear engine cover with air channels that can be fitted with a Polycarbonate, scratch-resistant and UV coated glass in solid or slotted form. All this Carbon Fiber and lightweight materials strips about 250 kilos (551 lbs) from the vehicle's weight.
PPI engineers have managed to create a supercar out of the Audi R8, resulting in a wider, lighter, more stable, and more aggressive body. Keeping in mind the philosophy of "form follows function". Every air channel, intake has a function and purpose on this mid-engined supercar. First and foremost to increase air delivery to the engine, secondly, to provide greater engine cooling, thirdly, to increase brake cooling, and fourth, to increase aerodynamic stability.
Performance
PPI offers several engine kits for the Audi R8 Models.
V8 power upgrade options:
Stage 1 - 40 HP increase
Stage 2 - Supercharger â€" 200 HP increase
V10 power upgrade options:
Stage 1 - 60 HP increase
Stage 2 - 80 HP increase
Stage 3 - Further power increases available upon request
To achieve these power increases, PPI makes use of Formula1 technology and research and development data from extensive testing. Combined with 580 HP supercharged V8 or the 600 HP V10 engine, this vehicle rockets to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. A top speed of over 323 km/h (201 mph) is possible.

Naturally, this required bigger wheels, brakes, and cooling. PPI uses a 380 mm braking system with six-piston calipers in the front, and four-piston calipers at the back. PPI fitted the Supercar with 9 x 19 and 11 x 20 forged aluminum wheels, with 265/35 19, and 335/30 20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2. Alternatively, Carbon Fiber wheels are optional in the following dimensions: 9 x 19" and 12 x 20" Wheel and Tire applications are custom-tailed to drivers driving-style. For further information please contact PPI Automotive Design directly.
Interior Performance
PPI completely re-appoints the interior per clients request, and turns the R8 cabin into a "members-only" lounge with a motorsport flair. The production interior is replaced with the finest quality materials. The Gems of the interior are the PPI Sport Steering wheel with Carbon Fiber Rim and perforated black leather, and of course, the PPITM insignia in aluminum. The hand-brake lever, door sill protectors, driver and radio console surround, door trim, center console inserts, kneepad trim are all crafted from carbon fiber, as are the ultra-light weight folding sport seats with airbag.
Aerodynamic Packages
The RAZOR GT/GTR packages are offered in 4 levels. The core bodykit is the RAZOR GT, this is the widebody package in paintable carbon fiber without the engine cover/air channels and without the rear spoiler.
The second, is the previously shown RAZOR GTR kit. This is the same as the GT kit and includes the additional Rear engine cover/air channels, Front Radiator Air channel (that is continous with the front bonnet) and Rear Spoiler. Presented at the 2009 TopMarques Show in Monaco.
The third kit, is the RAZOR GTR kit in Optical form. This bodykit is finished in a way to allow all parts to be shown in visible carbon fiber. Presented at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show.
The fourth, is the RAZOR GTR Visible Carbon Fiber. This is a full-bodied Carbon Fiber car with PPITMs RAZOR GTR kit and doors and roof in Carbon Fiber. This can only be assembled in PPITMs German-based company.
The new PPI RAZOR GTR and PPI RAZOR GT Supercar. BOLD Design, SHARP performance, and EXCLUSIVE production, developed and presented by PPI Automotive Design GmbH, the only tuners for Audi automobiles with a true focus on Engineering in Style.
Source: PPI via World Car Fans
Video: Audi Tows Snow-Stranded UPS Truck
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Luckily there was an Audi quattro driver on-hand when this UPS truck got stuck in the snow of a parking lot. Watch as this Audi A4 Avant valiantly tows the truck to deliver those holiday packages on time.
The video's translation (from Dutch) is as follows:
"UPS Emergency!" ... "Maarten to the rescue!" ... "Where you going?" ... "The combination was the last seen" ... "To the Polish border."
Source: YouTube
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Audi S3 Black Performance Edition by MR Car Design
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A bad-ass matte black paint job and 337 horsepower under the hood are just a couple of things that go into the Audi S3 Black Performance Edition made by MR Car Design. We just hope that those side decals are optional.
Press Release:
Audi S3 Black Performance Edition by MR Car Design
The individualization of MR Car Design for Audi S3 series underlines the unique character of the „sportster" in a distinctive way. Another evidence thereto is given by actual S3 retrofitting on the base of S3 2.0 T-FSI: equipped by quite a lot of performance, a more vigorous design and complete matt foliation of the car body.
The stage III performance kit includes not only new MR Car design engine control software or sports exhaust allowing to uprate engine performance up to 337 hp with 450Nm of torque. Engine overhaul also includes a downpipe incl. sports cat, sports exhaust system with optimized dynamic pressure, the suction way optimization with a big intercooler and, as already mentioned, engine control software - additionally the TÜV-certified hand weld 2-flute high-grade steel sports exhaust system with optimized counter pressure.
8x19" Emotion-Wheels (Strada) hyper-black alloy rims by their long-curved spokes guarantee better airing of the wheel house and the view on huge serial braking system (against upcharge with StopTech braking system). Wheels with Dunlop Sportmaxx high performance tyres 235/35 ZR19.
In addition the darkish look of the complete matt foliation by Cover EFX (CFC styling station Erftstadt/Germany) gives the car body overtaking prestige on the highway.
By its tried and trusted V3 coilovers with pressure and tension phase adjustment KW Automotive contribute to the speedway suitable setup.
Source: MR Car Design via World Car Fans
Audi R8 LMS May Come to American Le Mans Series by 2011
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Pretty big news for both Audi and ALMS fans; according to Audi Sport chief, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the American Le Mans Series may see the Audi R8 race in the GT Challenge class by 2011.
Dr. Ullrich elaborated to Radio Le Mans host John Hindhaugh on this week's Midweek Motorsport radio show:
“From 2011 on, we want to the cars available to customers in the United States,” Ulrich said. “We will have to build up a customer service that provides the good service that is expected from an Audi car in the United States. I think it would be interesting for IMSA to open (the GT Challenge) class. If we can do something to support it, we would like to do it. We have been working with IMSA for some time in building up the American Le Mans Series. I think a GT3 class (or similar) in the American Le Mans Series is something positive.”
Source: Autoblog via American Le Mans Series and Radio Le Mans
Video: Audi Motorsport Highlights 2009
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As 2009 comes to a close, so does another impressive year of Audi Motorsport. Audi TV took the liberty of creating a highlight reel of sorts with this very artistic short film. Take a look at a year of Audi racing in just under 3 minutes.
Source: Audi TV via AudiBlog.nl
Video: Audi R8 vs. Red Bull Air Race Plane (on an aircraft carrier)
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I've seen some pretty fantastic car races in my day, that said, racing a car against an airplane is really nothing new. However, to keep things original, Audi decided not only race an R8 against an airplane, but host the shootout on the flight deck of the legendary USS Midway aircraft carrier. Take that Top Gear!
Seeing as Audi is a sponsor of the Red Bull Air Race, it's only fitting to have the R8 drag race a Zivko Edge 540 Red Bull Race Plane. In case you may be thinking the race would be far from fair, it's actually quite close! Audi TV never ceases to amaze.
Source: Audi (YouTube) via Fourtitude
Friday, December 18, 2009
Video: Autobild Drives the Audi A7 Sportback Concept
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Autobild can count themselves as part of the lucky few able to drive the Audi A7 Sportback Concept. With Beverly Hills as the backdrop, the A7 Sportback is even more beautiful in motion. Now, if only I could finish my German Rosetta Stone program, I would understand more of what they were saying.
Source: Autobild (YouTube)
Looks like Santa will be driving an Audi A1 this Christmas
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Yes kiddies, Santa will be piloting an Audi A1 this year. Car Magazine has featured an Audi Christmas card featuring Santa (complete with Rudolph navigation) driving the new Audi A1, spreading joy via quattro all-wheel drive.
As car magazine points out all kinds of "yet to be revealed" details in the drawing, we choose not to go that far. As far as I'm concerned, the artist used the Audi Metro Project Concept as his subject matter. Car even went as far as to note an "S1" badge in the grille. No, we're pretty sure that's the checkered flag emblem found on the concept. Come on guys, it's a cartoon Christmas card, not a leaked blueprint from Ingolstadt.
One more thing, we found this card via Car Chat's website. We're big fans of Car Chat but the snarky commentary concerning this card is a little over-the-top. Here's what I mean;
"Audi has pulled the lamest of lame self-promotional gaffes with their "Santa sleigh" for Car Magazine being a poorly-rendered illustration of an A1."
Really? Lamest of lame? Well bah humbug to you too :)
Source: Car Magazine via Car Chat
Audi TT RS Makes Middle East Debut at Dubai Motor Show
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Audi has introduced the company's new car lineup at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show this week. Not only did the Audi showcase the A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet and R8 V10 at the Dubai show, but also surprised the crowd by announcing the addition of the Audi TT RS to their Middle East lineup.
Source: Audi Middle East (via Facebook)
Anne Hathaway's Audi A5 Hit by Bicycle-Riding Paparazzo
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More celebrity Audi news tonight. A bicycle-riding paparazzo hit Anne Hathaway's (or her boyfriend's) Audi A5 while trying to snap a photo of the starlet. Reports note that the accident was the bike rider's fault, and the only real injury was to the A5's side mirror.
Just a side note, I like how E! makes sure to report a detailed description of the guy's bike:
"Freddy Ferraro, 32, who was riding the purple bike with pink pedals, suffered only minor bruises and refused any medical attention."
So I guess we can chalk this up as: Audi A5 = 1 - Purple/Pink bike-riding photog = 0
Source: E! Online
Photos: Flynet, TMZ, Celebrity-Gossip.net
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Video: Katy Perry & Rob Pattinson Leave Karaoke Bar in Audi A5
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
This is for all of you die-hard "team Edward," "I kissed a girl" tweens who may be wondering what you're doing on a car blog. We really could care less that Robert Pattinson and Katy Perry appear to be dating.
What we do care about is not only is the A5's back seat large enough to fit a vampire, but Katy Perry can effortlessly maneuver her Audi in reverse; amidst a swarm of paparazzi and flash bulbs. Nice job Katy!
Source: Radar via YouTube
Audi A1: Not For U.S. Consumption
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As we've gotten caught up in the Audi A1 hype, we needed a somber reminder - the 2011 Audi A1 is not planned for sale in the USA. Here's what Inside Line (which consider a very reputable source) had to say;
"The car will likely make its world auto show debut at Geneva," Inside Line was told by an insider on Wednesday morning. "No sales [are] planned for the U.S."
Talk about a bummer. Although, there have been fables of cars originally destined to stay out of the USA, that eventually landed on our shores. Take the Nissan GT-R for example. Skylines have roamed the streets of Japan for many, many years before one ever showed it's face (for production) in America.
We feel that if there is enough positive feedback from American consumers and quattroholics like yourself, Audi may change their mind and send the Mini-fighter from Ingolstadt to the USA after all.
From what you've seen so far, would you like to see the A1 in the USA? Let us know by commenting below!
Source: Inside Line
Video: Motor Trend Tests the Audi R8 V10
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Motor Trend has just posted their video road test of the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10. Not only is the R8 V10 put through a variety of tests able fill any numbers-hungry auto enthusiast's appetite, but also features some great mountain driving scenes. Commenting that Audi has "improved on near perfection," the folks at Motor Trend give the R8 V10 high praise all-around.
Source: Motor Trend (YouTube)
Spied: Audi A1 and Justin Timberlake Caught Filming New Commercial
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Earlier today, we posted that Justin Timberlake has been named Audi's new "Brand Ambassador." Following that news release, photos of JT on the set of a new Audi A1 commercial started popping up on both gossip and auto blogs across the web. We did a little digging of our own and pulled the best shots showing the new A1. Unfortunately, the paparazzi are more concerned with taking Justin's photo than yet-to-be-revealed A1 (they would probably get more money for some good shots of the Audi).
Sources: AudiDriven (Twitter) via Fourtitude
Photos: People.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net and AccidentalSexiness.com
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