Video: Wickedly Fast, 800 hp, Greek Tuner Audi S3

Greek tuner magazine "Power Techniques" tested this 800 horsepower Audi S3 3.2 turbo built by Greek tuning company "0-400 Tune 2 Race." The results were some seriously impressive numbers.



Test results:

0-100km/h: 3.11sec
0- 400m: 10.43sec@230km/h
Boost: 1.55Bar

Source: YouTube via AudiZine

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Video: Austrian Army shows that chicks dig tanks more than an Audi R8

To our male readers: Have you ever thought "man, if I had an Audi R8, I'd pick up so many girls." As this video shows, you may be better off driving a tank in the Austrian Armed Forces. This may be the worst portrayal of Austrian chauvinism since Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance in "Pumping Iron." Video and translation after the jump.



The loose translation provided with the video is as follows:

Audi Driver: hey Girls, wanna go for a spin in my fast ride?
Girls: ehh not sure, there's not even enough space for all of us
Soldier: wazzup girls, in the mood for a joyride?
Girls: *yaaaaay*
Soldier: join the army if you wanna drive a tank
Soldier2: jump in, starting engine
Audi Driver: hey, what about the spin?
Girl: forget it, I want to drive something big
Narrator: the Austrian Armed Forces offer unique opportunities for young people who are at least 18, everything else is just everday life

Not surprisingly, the Austrian Armed Forces is getting some heat concerning the "sexist" nature of their new advertisement. Spiegel Online interviewed Judith Götz, who is in charge of feminist issues at the Austrian Students' Union, who comments; "The video is trashy and an embarrassment ... It is totally archaic to show such an obviously sexist video at a time when women are already part of the Austrian military."

Source: YouTube via Spiegel Online

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Avus Performance Audi R8 exhaust modification photos

To us, photos of cars taken apart can be just as good as photos of a freshly waxed show car. This is one of those occasions. Avus Performace has just uploaded a set of photos showing the exhaust modification process of an Audi R8. Is it just us, or doesn't the Audi R8 look just as spectacular partially disassembled as it does on the street?








Source: Avus Performance

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Video: The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro - A new dimension in dynamics

As you may have noticed, we can't get enough videos of the Audi R8. Be that as it may, Audi TV has just released yet another video showing off the R8 5.2 FSI. This time, rather than just eye candy with a soundtrack, the video is actually educational. Everything you need to know about the V10 powered Audi R8 is in the video below. Don't worry, they haven't left out the eye candy.



Source: Audi TV (YouTube)

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Video: Audi A7 spied winter testing in Norway

A camouflaged Audi A7 test mule has recently been caught winter testing in Norway. Though this is not the first time the Audi A7 has been spied, this seems to be the first time the car has been caught on video.

Word is, the Audi A7 is set to debut this August at the 2010 Moscow Auto Show.

Click here to watch the video

Update: More photos of the A7 testing in Norway have emerged. Specifically, showing the retractable rear-spoiler equipped on the A7 test mule. Click here for the gallery.
Also, new spy shots showing the A7 testing in Sweden have been added here.

Source: DN.no via Fourtitude

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Audi adds three new drivers to 2010 Le Mans R15 TDI Team

In an effort to bring home a victory for the four rings this year at Le Mans, Audi is not only submitting the R15 TDI to further technological development, but also adding three new drivers to the Audi Sport team. Meet Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer. Full press release after the jump!

New driver trio for the Audi R15 TDI

- Audi extends driver line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer new to the team
- Joint test run in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jan 28, 2010 - Audi Sport leaves nothing to chance in its endeavor to bring the prestigious Le Mans trophy back to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Not only the technology of the Audi R15 TDI is being subjected to further development. The drivers’ line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) has been extended as well.

For the world’s most famous endurance race, Audi has signed three new drivers, the Swiss Marcel Fässler (33), German André Lotterer (28) and Frenchman Benoît Treluyer (33), who will be sharing the cockpit of one of three Audi R15 TDI cars on June 12/13, 2010.

“In view of our strong competitors, we want to – and have to – be perfectly positioned in terms of drivers too,” explained Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Therefore, we decided to extend our driver line-up. Marcel, Andre and Benoît attracted our attention during the past two years in a particularly positive way. They are used to handling fast prototypes and know each other extremely well. The three of them, and we too, are convinced that they are a very good combination for Le Mans.”

The new Audi drivers already have experience at the wheel of diesel racing sports cars. Marcel Fässler successfully contested two races in the American Le Mans Series for Audi in 2008. André Lotterer impressed at Le Mans last year at the wheel of an Audi R10 TDI of the private Audi customer team Kolles. Benoît Treluyer competed in the 24-hour classic in a Peugeot in 2009.

Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer have already visited Audi Sport in Ingolstadt for seat-fittings and will soon be testing the Audi R15 TDI. The first racing commitment for the new Audi driver trio is planned for May 9, in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), which will serve as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Audi Sport Team Joest.

“For the time being, plans for Marcel, Andre and Benoît are fully focused on Le Mans 2010,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “But all three of them are still relatively young, and therefore, may also become part of our sports car project over the long term.”

Audi has been contesting the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1999 and having made 11 starts, has won the race as many as eight times. In addition to speed, reliability and efficiency are the key factors of success in the world’s most famous endurance race.

Furthermore, the LMP1 class is unrivaled by any other motorsport category in terms of offering the opportunity to test technical innovations in racing conditions. Thanks to its technology leadership, Audi has repeatedly set milestones in this regard. The Audi R8, for instance, successfully introduced TFSI gasoline direct injection technology in 2001, while in 2006 the Audi R10 TDI was the first diesel-powered vehicle to clinch victory in the history of the race.

Quotes by the new Audi drivers
Marcel Fässler: “For me, Audi is the most successful brand at Le Mans. Having the chance to be part of the Audi team this year is incredible for me and a great opportunity I want to take advantage of at all cost. I’m tremendously looking forward to the new challenge with Audi and expect the R15 TDI to be competing for overall victory. We’ll see which Audi team will be the most fortunate one in the end. The main thing is that victory will go to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm again.”

André Lotterer: “I’m proud about having been selected by such a successful team as Audi Sport. This is a major step in my career. I’ll give my best for Audi to recapture the Le Mans trophy. Last year, as a Le Mans rookie, I learned a lot in the R10 TDI of the Kolles team – particularly because my team-mate and I had to contest the race as a team of two. Now I’ve got the chance to compete for a top-class team. Consequently, I’ve just got a single goal: victory!”

Benoît Treluyer: “For me, a dream is coming true. I’d never have expected to immediately get a slot with a ‘factory’ team for Le Mans after my return from Japan – and, what’s more, together with my best friend André Lotterer, and with Marcel Fässler with whom I started my career in Formula Campus. That really can’t be topped! We’ve got a car in which we can clinch overall victory. Before signing the agreement with Audi I watched the team while it was testing. The way they work and the attitude at Audi are exactly what I was looking for.”

A brief overview of the three new Audi drivers

Marcel Fässler (CH): * May 27, 1976 in Einsiedeln (CH); residence: Gross (CH); married to Isabel, 4 daughters (Shana, Elin, Yael, Delia); height: 1.78 m; weight: 78 kg; motorsport since 1985; Le Mans starts: 4

André Lotterer (D): * Nov 19, 1981 in Duisburg (D); residence: Tokyo (J); single; height: 1.84 m; weight: 74 kg; motorsport since 1989; Le Mans starts: 1

Benoît Treluyer (F): * Dec 7, 1976 in Alençon (F); residence: Gordes (F); married to Melanie, 1 son (Jules); height: 1.78 m; weight: 65 kg; motorsport since 1983; Le Mans starts: 5

Source: Audi Sport

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Video: FC Bayern stars test the new Audi A1

As the Audi A1's official debut nears, more and more details are released in an effort to keep the anticipation growing. In this latest installment, FC Bayern soccer stars Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm had the opportunity to test the new Audi A1. Before you get your hopes up, the exterior view of the car is pixelized in an effort to conceal the A1's appearance.



FC Bayern stars test the new Audi A1

• Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm on a secret mission
• National players are thrilled by the design and sportiness of the A1

Ingolstadt, January 28, 2010 – It was a very special kind of secret practice: The two national soccer players Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm had the opportunity to test the Audi A1 to their hearts’ content – strictly shielded from the outside world inside a hall at a secret location. Before them, only the members of the management board and developers of Audi had enjoyed this opportunity. So, the answer to the question of how the small, agile Audi would be received by the Bayern players was being awaited with particularly eager anticipation.

Of course the test drive was intended to pose a sporting challenge to the two soccer stars. Therefore, the Audi Driving Experience had marked out a demanding practice course. No problem for Schweinsteiger and the A1. He handled the tight slalom course with playful ease and only reluctantly handed over the wheel to his team-mate. Philipp Lahm, too, had a lot of fun: “The A1 is small and compact, fantastically holds to the road – it simply handles well. I like it.”

Audi had invited the two players from its partner FC Bayern München to this special test drive. Schweinsteiger and Lahm took advantage of this unusual opportunity to carefully examine the design, equipment and interior of the new model from Ingolstadt. Their unanimous opinion: “A truly sporty car! It’s clearly our favorite for the next season.”

The A1 will be shown on the internet for the first time on Wednesday, February 10th. At the same time, we will offer more photos of Lahm and Schweinsteiger and simultaneously remove the camouflage from the A1 in the test drive video.

The Audi A1 will make its official world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Audi

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Audi introduces "Green Police" social media campaign to support Super Bowl ad

Have you heard of the Green Police? You may be wondering where this environmental police force came from and who's behind the new social media campaign. Well, it's the good folks at Audi that are creating a series satirical videos made to promote anything from using one napkin per sandwich to the choice of paper or plastic at the supermarket.



The Green Police is a series of social media programs in support of Audi's third Super Bowl ad promoting the 2010 Audi A3 TDI "Green Car of the Year". A series of "public service announcements" and quizzes introduce the Green Police, eventually leading to a spot in Audi's new Super Bowl commercial.

"The Green Police is, in many ways, a representation of the impact every day choices have on the environment— from choosing paper or plastic bags at the grocery store and drinking bottled water to the type of car we drive," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "The star of our ad is the Audi A3 TDI, awarded the Green Car Journal's 2010 'Green Car of the Year' award, and clearly a great option for customers who want to be greener without sacrificing the thrill of driving."

Keep track of the Green Police via their YouTube channel and by following @TheGreenPolice on Twitter.

Press Release:

Audi Announces Social Media Campaign to Support Super Bowl Ad

-- Audi Super Bowl ad is third consecutive entry after success of past two ads

-- Green Police-themed ad supported with a unique social and viral media campaign

-- Campaign now live at www.youtube.com/greenpolice

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi announced that it has created a series of social media programs in support of its third Super Bowl ad.

Both the ad and the social media elements will introduce the Green Police, an enforcement team created to protect and conserve the environment. In appropriate Super Bowl satirical fashion, the Green Police will produce "Public Service Announcements" designed to advise consumers on ways that they can make better choices to protect the environment. Fans can also take part in a Green Police quiz, designed to help the public understand the right choices when making complex decisions each day in order to become better global citizens.

These videos are now live on a dedicated Green Police YouTube channel at www.Youtube.com/greenpolice.

"The Green Police is, in many ways, a representation of the impact every day choices have on the environment— from choosing paper or plastic bags at the grocery store and drinking bottled water to the type of car we drive," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "The star of our ad is the Audi A3 TDI, awarded the Green Car Journal's 2010 'Green Car of the Year' award, and clearly a great option for customers who want to be greener without sacrificing the thrill of driving."

On their way to Miami, a number of athletes and members of the media will drive Audi TDI clean diesel vehicles from the Audi headquarters in Herndon, Virginia, as they compete in the Audi Efficiency Challenge. These competitors will vie for the opportunity to assign a $20,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

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Video: Audi S4 vs. Audi Design Ski in downhill snow slalom

Considering Audi is not only a sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team, but also creates Audi Design Skis, it's only appropriate that a competition between man-in-car versus man-on-ski take place. Audi TV has produced this video showing DTM Champion Timo Scheider at the wheel of a new Audi S4, challenging DSV Science Coordinator Charly Waibel on a pair of Audi Design Skis in a downhill snow slalom duel.



Source: Audi TV (YouTube)

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King of Spain, Juan Carlos I.'s Royal Audi RS6

The King of Spain, Juan Carlos I. has been known as quite an avid automobile aficionado. Boasting 72 cars in his fleet, the King of Spain can also be counted as an Audi enthusiast with his latest addition, this royal Audi RS6.

The photos were taken by a forum member of foropolicia.es and clearly show the Spanish King has great taste in cars. From the photos, it's unclear whether this Audi RS6 is protected by any sort of armor, however another forum member notes that the car is "shielded." We're guessing that the RS6 is most likely protected by Kevlar door panels and bullet-proof glass. In addition, police strobes are also seen inside the car's debadged, blacked-out grille.

It's noted that the 572 horsepower, twin-turbo, 5.0 liter V10 beast is either driven by the King's professional driver, or by the King himself. Security measures be damned, if I were King, I would not be able to pass up driving such a tremendous car.




Source: World Car Fans via Diariomotor and foropolicia.es

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Video: Audi A1 boasts a new interior accent color, Wasabi Green

In this video, Audi color and trim designer Jana Bonkova describes an all new color to accent the A1's interior, Wasabi Green. As Bonkova notes, just like eating Wasabi, small portions with certain meals make for a great compliment, just as the color is used to accent the interior of the new Audi A1.



Source: Audi

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Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's Audi R8 hit by "little old lady"

Looks like Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson was on the receiving end of a fender-bender this time. According to TMZ, Jackson was driving his black Audi R8 home from an Orange County Audi dealer on Tuesday, when he was rear-ended by an elderly woman.

'Rampage' told TMZ that he tried to make sure the elderly woman that hit him was okay, though she did not speak English very well. Commenting on his own condition Jackson said "I am fine, the little old lady is fine, but my car got hurt, and for that I'm sad."

You may recall that just last summer, the A-Team star and MMA fighter caused a rampage through the streets of Orange County after fleeing the scene of an accident. Driving on sidewalks and leading a police chase in a pickup truck with a life-size picture of himself on the side.

Unlike his last incident, Jackson told TMZ that police cleared him of any wrongdoing in this latest accident.



Source: TMZ

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Video: Audi's "Breathtaking" R8 Spyder Promo

Many words can be used to describe the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. However, "breathtaking" pretty much sums it up. As does this new promo video from Audi.



Source: Audi TV (YouTube)

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Sight unseen, Audi A1 wins "What Car?" award in UK

Who says a car has to be in production (or even be seen in production form) to win an award. The bar seems to have raised another notch in anticipation for the Audi A1, winning the "What Car? - Most Exciting Car of 2010" award.



"What Car?“-Award in the United Kingdom: Audi A1 wins unseen - Readers vote the A1 as "Most Exciting Car of 2010“ before its premiere

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jan 19, 2010 - Still unseen and already a winner: Readers of the British motoring magazine "What Car?" have voted the new Audi A1 as the "Most Exciting Car of 2010" before its world premiere. This first readers’ award for the A1 clearly demonstrates the level of awareness and interest in the car.

Thousands of "What Car?" readers voted in an online poll and, despite tough competition, the A1 was named as the most exciting new car of 2010 – even though they have not yet seen the actual car. The basis for their decision was above all the A1 project quattro concept study which was shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2007.

What Car? Editor Steve Fowler said: "Although we haven't seen the finished car yet, a new, small car with an Audi badge on the nose can't fail to succeed. Our readers seem to agree."

Source: Audi

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Steve Carell Drives Audi R8 in "Date Night" Movie (w/ Trailer)

Coming in April 2010, Steve Carell and Tina Fey star in "Date Night." The trailer shows Carell trying to escape from a pair of thugs in an Audi R8, eventually ending up clinging to the hood for dear life.



"Claire and Phil Foster (Tina Fey and Steve Carell) are a typical suburban couple whose lives – including their weekly date nights of dinner and a movie – have become routine. To reignite the marital spark, they visit a trendy Manhattan bistro where a case of mistaken identity turns their evening into the ultimate date night-gone-awry. But as Claire and Phil take their unexpected walk on the wild side, they begin to remember what made them so special together."

Source: Trailer Addict

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Video: Stig Blomqvist driving an Audi Sport Quattro in the 2010 Live Action Arena

Long before Top Gear had "The Stig," Audi had a Stig of their own - Stig Blomqvist. In this video, Blomqvist (63) shows the crowd at last weekend's Autosport International Live Action Arena in Birmingham UK, that he still has some killer moves behind the wheel of this legendary Group B Audi S1 Sport Quattro.



In addition to numerous wins with Audi over the course of five seasons, Blomqvist was the 1984 World Rally Champion, racking up five wins that season behind the wheel of an Audi (A1) Quattro.

Check out Stig's Wikipedia page for the full run down of his amazing career.

Source: YouTube and Crash.net

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Mystery Man Gives Away Audi R8 V10 to Valet Attendants (w/ video)

Two valet attendants working the Table Mountain Cableway in Cape Town, South Africa have received a little more than their usual "tip." They were handed the keys to an Audi R8 V10 - to keep. According to New Zealand's Independent Online, a mystery Cape Town businessman reportedly bestowed the supercar to the men following a dream that led him to the mountain, in an effort to spread good will.



The anonymous donor gave the car to the valets with only the request that the 525 horsepower R8 be used to help the needy. According to the report, the valet attendants were handed the car's keys, registration and an invoice. The Audi was apparently purchased in December and was paid for in full.

To keep up their end of the bargain, the pair have cut a hole in the hood for people to place donations. Around which is the message "A better future for all." Each day after their valet shift, the two men use the car to deliver food to the homeless.

When interviewed, one of the valets said "Because of the gift we have received, we want to give to others. He has taught us that we must give what we can. He has also shown us how the rich should, and can, help the poor."

Source: Independent Online via Autoblog

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Video: Audi's 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans in 6 minutes

Triumph and tribulation. Invincibly, Audi had experienced triumph, boasting superiority seldom seen in motor racing, winning Le Mans five consecutive years. However, 2009 brought with it the latter part of the phrase, tribulation. Audi's fierce competition with Peugeot had finally felt a crack, as the French lion bore it's claws into the four rings' seemingly unbeatable reputation.

Though Audi did not bring home a win at last year's Le Mans, we could not agree more with the following quote: "After a thrilling 24 hours, and 3rd place, our enthusiasm remains unbroken."



Source: Audi TV (YouTube)

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Video: GTSpirit Tests the MTM Audi TT-RS

The Audi TT-RS in itself is truly a monster. Tracing it's roots to the the 5-cylinder Sport (Ur) quattro of yore, the TT-RS embodies everything Audi stands for; style, technical achievement and superior performance. However, even the TT-RS has room for tuning. Enter, Motoren-Technik-Mayer (or MTM). The crew at GTSpirit.com had the enviable opportunity of testing the MTM TT-RS and caught some great footage of the car in action. Watch the video after the jump!

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Rumor Mill: Tesla Co-Founder Martin Eberhard Working with VW/Audi? (Updated)

Rumor coming from Greentech Media today that Tesla co-founder, Martin Eberhard, "is consulting with Volkswagen Group on its electric cars, according to various sources." As Greentech points out, they can not confirm this, but Eberhard's consultation on cars such as the e-tron, may not be too far a stretch of the imagination.

1/19/2010 UPDATE: The rumors were true. VW spokesman Steve Keyes, tells Edmund's Green Car Advisor that Martin Eberhard is working for Volkswagen of America.

Greentech notes that when they saw Eberhard in May (prior to the e-tron's debut), he told them that he was "working on a special project." Apparently he (Eberhard) was very tight-lipped about this project, specifying that "his partners have asked him to remain quiet."

So who knows, a role as adviser to the Volkswagen Group would certainly be fitting given the Tesla founder's track record. But as with anything you read in the Internet rumor mill, a large grain of salt should always be taken.

Source: Greentech Media

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Audi Booth Models of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

With every auto show comes the inevitable "girls of..." features within auto sites everywhere. In honor of such a great tradition, we decided to take the liberty of making a "girls of Audi" edition. We had the tough job (wink) of tirelessly digging through pages of beautiful women to come up with these lovely ladies, representing Audi at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Enjoy!

Looking for the rest of the girls from the show? Be sure to check out Jalopnik's "Booth Professionals of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show" and Autoblog's "Motor City Maidens."






Source: Autoblog and Jalopnik

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Audi at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show - Photo Gallery

Couldn't make it to this year's NAIAS? Don't worry, neither could we. Fortunately, our friend Joel Feder from Accelerate Mpls was nice enough to snap a few pics for us of the Audi booth at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Check out the gallery below.

Also, be sure to check out the photos of the new Audi e-tron's Detroit debut.












Source: Joel Feder - Accelerate Mpls

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