New 2012 Audi A3 Cabriolet Rendering Surfaces

We are starting to see more and more renderings/spy shots of what the next generation Audi A3 may look like. So far, we've caught a glimpse of the car's rear end. Now a new rendering surfaces. This may be what the 2012 Audi A3 cabriolet may look like.

Sources point towards the new A3 to be larger than the current model as well as a hybrid version to be offered for the first time. Look for 3 engine variants to be offered when the model is released; a 180 horsepower 1.8T 4 cylinder, 140 horsepower 2.0 TDI and a 170 horsepower 2.0 TDI. Then look for the S3 to be equipped with a 280 horsepower 2.0T.

Source: AutoInternationaal.nl via The German Car Blog

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Video: Audi R8 Meets Gran Turismo 5

So how realistic is Gran Turismo 5? This video may help answer that question. Though my German is pretty rusty, you really don't need to know the language to get the point of this video. Watch as Audi race driver, Martin Tomczyk drives an Audi R8 in both real life and in the game around the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife.



Source: YouTube via Quattrovideos.com

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2011 Audi A3 Spy Shot Reveals New Rear Facelift

Origins of this spy shot are still fuzzy, along with the photo itself. However, this may be what the rear end of the 2011 Audi A3 may look like in production form.

As you can see, the styling is reminiscent of the Q5 along with new LED rear lights. We hope to find out where this image came from and hopefully we will see more of these shots to confirm the overall design facelift for 2011.

Source: Audiblog.nl via EuroCarBlog

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Return of the Auto Union?

As Volkswagen and Porsche are getting closer to making their merger official, the question of what to name the new company arose. According to Dr Ferdinand Piech, Chairman of the Volkswagen Group, the long defunct "Auto Union" name may be used for the new umbrella company.

Established in 1932, during the Great Depression, the Auto Union consisted of four companies; Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. The company used the logo of four interlocking rings to stand for each of the four companies incorporated as one. As we all know, that same logo eventually carried over to Audi.

The name may be appropriate considering the new VW-Porsche company would consist of 10 total brands under one umbrella company. However, the Auto Union name does harken to a very dark time in Germany's history. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche under the commission of Adolf Hitler, the Auto Union's famous Silver Arrow race cars built as a demonstration of the engineering superiority of the Third Reich and dominated Grand Prix racing of the time.

Only time will tell if the four rings will eventually stand for not only Audi but it's 9 sibling companies under the VW-Porsche powerhouse.

Source: 4car via AutoBlog

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New Audi RS3 Spy Shots!

Fresh from Ingolstadt, these spy photos depict a more accurate representation of what to expect from the RS3. Back in March, we posted a few pictures of the new RS3 testing at the Nurburgring. If we didn't tell you it was an RS3, it would have passed for a fairly modified A3. This however, is one mean looking A3, or RS3 to be exact.

As you'll notice, this car is not far from a race car. The single windshield wiper and hood pins are actually a form of camouflage. As Auto Express points out, these features are just Audi's attempt at making the car look like a race car in an effort to thwart spy photographers.

As the car's powerplant is still a mystery, only speculation exists at the moment. Two engine possibilities include an upgraded version of the V6 currently found in the VW GTI R32, or quite possibly a variation of the RS4's V8. One thing that has been confirmed is UK pricing which should be right around the £38,000 mark. As for US buyers, well, that's still up in the air too.



Source: Auto Express

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Video: Ferrari Beware, the V10 Audi R8 Goes to Maranello

This is quite possibly my favorite Audi commercial of all time. As many will notice, Audi has been poking fun at their rivals lately. Via billboards, internet advertising and of course TV commercials, Audi is making sure everyone knows their cars make a statement. This is what happens when the four rings invade the land of the prancing horse.



Source: Audi TV via Quattrovideos.com

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New Tuned Audi R8 - PPI Razor GTR

Many Audi fans may think the R8 is just fine the way it is. Especially considering Audi's new V10 upgrade to their flagship two-seater. Sometimes though, perfection can be improved upon. This is just the case when it comes to the PPI Razor GTR.

Created as the next level of their already powerful PPI Razor, the GTR features a custom supercharger, full stainless high performance exhaust and ram air induction. To save weight, carbon fiber is used on the GTR's new front bumper and diffuser. The addition of larger front air intakes, custom side skirts, and an adjustable rear wing are all noticeable upgrades.

To make sure and one-up their previous Razor, the GTR boasts 580 horsepower and 442 lb/ft of torque. That's enough for a 3.7 second trip from 0 to 62 mph and a top speed of 206 mph.




Press Release:

World premiere of the Production PPI RAZOR GTR at the “TOP MARQUES MONACO 2009”

The all-new PPI RAZOR GTR limited production Supercar – Intense driving pleasure in a strikingly bold design.

* More POWER
* More STYLE
* More PASSION



The Exclusive German Audi-tuner, PPI Automotive Design GmbH intensifies the fire and presents the special limited production Supercar, the PPI RAZOR GTR.

Performance

Following the introduction of the wildly successful PPI R8 RAZOR at last year’s Essen Motor Show, PPI Automotive Design GmbH have used all its knowledge from the past year in competition, closed road races, open road races, and research and development in the wind channel, autobahn and track testing, to create a truly inspired production car. The Audi specialist turned its focus on optimising the power-to-weight ratio of the Audi R8 while simultaneously strengthening the motor, increasing performance, improving handling dynamics, and managing to reduce the weight of the Audi R8.

The essential part of the motor alteration is the incorporation of a specially engineered supercharger. In addition, a ram-charged sport air filter system and a high performance exhaust system made of stainless steel have been designed and added specifically to work in conjunction with the supercharger system. These components are precisely adjusted to each other with the help of a new ignition map for motor electronics.

The result, after this extensive modification, is a car with up to 580hp / 427 kW at 7,400 rpm, a maximum torque of 600 Nm at 6,200 rpm at its disposal, and a weight decrease of 250 kg over its serial counterpart (serial curb weight 1,580 kg). Providing the PPI RAZOR GTR with the ability to achieve speeds from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds with a maximum top speed of 332 km/h. This insures the proper performance to easily meet the demands of its motorsports and enthusiast clientele.

Aerodynamics

In addition to the excellent driving performance, this PPI Supercar also has a striking widebody appearance with elaborate, wind tunnel tested aerodynamics. Special attention was paid to the reduction of the vehicle’s weight, which was achieved by PPI’s extensive use of the extremely light and high-strength formula 1 and aerospace-proven Carbon Fibre. All parts are made of this high-tech material, reducing weight and adding strength in the process.

The PPI RAZOR GTR front bumper replaces the serial bumper and the new design in conjunction with a specially engineered front diffuser, reduces lifting forces at the front axle. Larger air inlets in connection with a new full LED-headlight unit present the two-seater with an even more athletic face. More importantly, these air inlets feed the radiators with additional fresh air and channels through the new front hood to provide optimal cooling to the brake system. PPI sideskirts highlight the sporty profile of the GTR and also diffuses the airflow around the sides of the car for improved aerodynamic stability.

In order to perfectly balance out the down-force behaviour of the front-axle with the rear axle, PPI equips the RAZOR GTR with a special rear wing with an adjustable Gurney-flap. The motor cover, made of the light high-tech polycarbonate material Makrolon®, also has specially designed Carbon Fibre ram-charged air inlets that replace the heavy OEM Engine cover and aid in cooling, ensuring the consistent performance of the RAZOR GTR. Aiding in the engine cooling, are the newly designed side blades, rear fenders and rear bumper allow for additional motor bay and exhaust cooling that, in conjunction with the Carbon Fibre rear diffuser, optimises the airflow over and through the rear portion of this sharp performance car.

Handling

The overall appearance of the car is further enhanced by a new widebody skin to allow the PPI RAZOR GTR the proper structure to accommodate all the performance enhancements and wider wheels. The RAZOR GTR utilizes specially designed lightweight MAG9 Carbon Fiber forged aluminum PPI wheels. At the front, 10Jx19 MAG9 wheels weighing 8.8kgs with 255/35 ZR 19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres are fitted and an impressive 12.0J x 20 MAG9 wheels weighing 10.0 kgs with 325/25 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres are used at the rear. This wheel and tyre-combination proves to be the optimal balance between comfort and control while maintaining proper road feedback for the driver.

PPI also developed a special high-performance braking system available only for the RAZOR GTR that can be identified by its metallic orange-coloured brake callipers. The optimal deceleration and perfect pedal pressure control is now achieved by enlarged 6-piston callipers in connection with extra-large discs measuring 380 x 36 millimetres at the front and 356 x 32 mm discs at the rear axle providing greater pad surface contact area and heat dissipation.

Nothing has been left untouched, as is evidenced by the new coil over kit developed in conjunction with technology partner KW Automotive GmbH. This system has been specially adjusted to the needs of the PPI RAZOR GTR. And comes equipped with a Hydraulic Lift System, which can increase ground clearance by up to 45 millimetres if needed and therefore enables the driver to enter underground car parks or drive over speed bumps.

Interior “Performance”

PPI completely re-designs the interior and turns the R8-interior into a “members-only” lounge with a motorsports flair. The serial interior is replaced by highest quality Onyx Nubuck-leather with orange-coloured accents and highlights. Additionally, PPI equips the limited edition RAZOR GTR with extensive Carbon Fibre throughout the cockpit; hand-brake lever, door sill protectors, Driver and Radio Console Surround, Door Trims, Center Console inserts, and kneepad trims, the ultra-light folding sport seats are also made of Carbon Fibre and bear the PPI “Sport Identity” style, following with the headliner, the steering wheel, shift knob, door panels and center console. The technical highlight of the interior is the ergonomically re-designed PPI sport steering wheel. Highlighting the exclusivity of this limited series production is PPI RAZOR GTR badging, threshold plates, and an aluminium production plaque framed by Carbon Fibre.

The new PPI RAZOR GTR 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: World Car Fans

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Redesigned Audi A3 for 2011

Thanks to Autocar and their trusted sources, we now have confirmation of a redesigned A3 for 2011. Including the introduction of A3 sedan, sportback and cabriolet models.

According to Autocar, their insider had this to say. “We’ve taken a good look at what it will take to better establish the A3 in the US market in the future,” said the Audi insider. “The four-door layout is something North American car buyers continue to seek, especially from a premium brand such as Audi.” When asked about the 2011 A3's design, the sources said, “Expect a more distinctive look, but one that has clear links to the existing A3."

Under the hood, look for the 2011 Audi A3 to offer a new 105 horsepower, 1.2-liter turbo TFSI engine for the entry level. Working up to a 140hp 1.4 liter, 170hp 1.8 liter and 210hp 2.0 TFSI engines. In addition, 2 diesels will be available as 140hp and 170hp variants of a 2.0 liter TDI. As for the S3, look for a 280hp 2.0 turbo putting power to all four wheels in typical quattro fashion.

Source: Autocar
Photo: VWVortex via Auto Zeitung

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Is the Audi R8 Spider Coming in 2010 or 2011? Conflicting Rumors Swirl

Though details and sources are sketchy, "What Car?" has reported that their "insiders" have confirmed a soft top variant of the Audi R8 will become a reality by 2011. The only problem is this contradicts Inside Line's reports from last month pointing towards a 2010 launch. Maybe "What Car?" is talking about a 2011 model year?

As far as engines are concerned, no concrete details are available. Considering the current R8 now features both V8 and V10 powerplants, we think it would only be fitting to offer both in convertible form as well. Also, according to Inside Line, Audi officials have told them "Yes, it all fits." According to "What Car?" their sources had no information concering the R8 spider's powerplant. Maybe "What Car?" should get new sources as it's obvious Edmunds is one (or maybe two) steps ahead on this story.

In any event, we were able to get our hands on a few spy shots of the R8 spider which should give you a good idea of what the production car should look like.





Source: What Car?

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