We've witnessed our share of horrendous body kits, tuners gone wild and even all four installments of The Fast and the Furious. This however, might reign supreme in a special four-ringed section of tuner hell. Fellow Quattroholics, brace yourselves. What you're about to see cannot be unseen. Behold, the elusive, Audi Ur-quattro convertible.
First off, no, this is not a production car. According to the vehicle's listing, this 1985 Audi quattro was customized by a now defunct (wonder why?), 1980's era tuning firm named Treser. Complete with wide body kit, finned rocker panels, deep dish BBS wheels and a folding hard top, this Audi Ur-quattro convertible embodies all that was wrong with 1980's tuning. On a positive note though, it does have 340 horsepower.
But of course, viewing this car as a sacrilege of the mighty Ur-quattro is just our opinion. After all, it was the 80's, I thought neon colored clothing and Flock of Seagulls was cool back then. If you're interested, the car is for sale in Germany for 56,700 Euros (roughly $75,000).
Original listing at Autoscout24 (Netherlands)
via Autoblog.nl
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Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ur-Nightmare: Audi quattro convertible
Video: Audi S4 Christmas Surprise
As a garage door opens to reveal his surprise Christmas gift, the jaw-dropping expression on this man's face is priceless when he sees - complete with red bow - a new Audi S4. We particularly liked the caption at the end of the video, proving that (despite exhaustive marketing efforts) BMW has yet to corner the market on Joy. Whether with a new Audi or well loved old one, we hope everyone has enjoyed their holiday season.
Source: Shaye Scott (Vimeo)
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas from Quattroholic.com
Looks like Santa traded in the old sleigh for a faster set of wheels... From the staff at Quattroholic.com, we wish you all the happiest of holidays and a very Merry Christmas.
(Click photo to enlarge)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Now anyone can own an Audi R8 Spyder (or at least look like it)
From the minds of ad agency, Lowe Roche (responsible for such campaigns as the quattro magnet stunt and R8 garage door), comes a new product perfect for those who wish they had an Audi R8 Spyder in their driveway. The car cover (complete with R8 Spyder profile) will not only make your neighbors think you own the four-ringed V10 drop-top but also, as the company puts it: "Perfect for the BMW or Mercedes owner in your life filled with regret."
Thanks Chris, for the tip!
Source: Lowe Roche via Carscoop
Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom spotted with new Audi A8
It seems with a new baby on the way, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr may be looking for a more "family-friendly" vehicle than Bloom's Norton motorcycle. Or perhaps, the couple is just enjoying a perk from Audi's PR department. Either way, the Victoria's Secret vixen and Pirates of the Carribean star were spotted in West Hollywood last week with a new 2011 Audi A8 (in what appears to be one of our favorite Audi shades of grey, Oolong Grey Metallic).
Source: Celebrity Cars Blog
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Audi R8 Project Fable by SR Auto Group
It's been a while since we've featured a project from Vancouver-based tuner, SR Auto Group. Proving a worthwhile wait, SR has revealed their latest four ringed creation: Project Audi R8 'Fable'. Like other projects from SR Auto Group, Fable continues the tuner's affinity with exterior matte finishes using a Leios matte black vinyl wrap. Though not quite as sinister as SR's R8 Valkyrie, Fable features PPI body work, ADV.1 wheels and carbon fiber accents in an edgy yet refined package.
SR Auto Group notes that project Fable's modifications include a Leios matte black vinyl wrap, matte clear vinyl/carbon overlay, PPI front grille, PPI rear panel, H&R lowering springs and ADV.1 "7" twenty-inch wheels (with matte black faces and gloss black lips).
One detail we found particularly cool is the use of carbon fiber on the R8's vent fins. In addition to the front grille, rear panel and side blades, SR uses carbon fiber in all of the right places - working perfectly with the matte black wrap and wheels. SR Auto Group also notes that this just "Stage 1," so we imagine there are still more modifications to come.
Check out SR Auto Group's website for more on this and other projects.
Source: SR Auto Group
Audi launches RS3 configurator
Audi's German homepage has just added the RS3 Sportback to their vast online configurator. Aside from colors found in Audi's "Exclusive" palette, the RS3 will be available in Misano Red, Ibis White, Phantom Black and Daytona Grey. On the options list are goodies such as shell seats and Audi's black optics package, along with red accented rotor design wheels (which may or may not be your particular cup of tea). Time to start building!
Click here to launch the configurator at Audi.de. (Note: configurator is in German).
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Senner Tuning releases 506-hp Audi RS5
With 450 horsepower in stock form, the Audi RS5 is certainly no slouch in the power department. That however, hasn't stopped Senner Tuning from extracting a few extra horses from the RS5's 4.2-liter V8 - fifty six extra to be exact. Upgrades of Senner Tuning's 506-hp RS5 include a new performance exhaust, Bilstein coilover suspension, 20" Varianza wheels and a few added touches of carbon fiber. Full details and photo gallery after the jump.
Surprisingly, only one major performance modification was needed for Senner's Audi RS5 to cross the 500 horsepower barrier. Senner Tuning replaced the RS5's stock exhaust with a valve-controlled stainless steel exhaust system along with an adjustment to zero-pressure monitoring. The result is a total of 506 horsepower and 352 lb-ft of torque. Enough for a run from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, on to a delimited top speed of 186 mph.
Handling and ride height of the Senner RS5 is modified thanks to a new Bilstein coilover suspension system; which allows for 10-stage adjustable damping in both the compression and rebound cycles. Matched to the new suspension are the choice of two different wheels from Varianza. Both 20-inches in size, the show car (pictured) displays the SC1 design on the drivers side and T1S on the passenger side.
Rounding out the package, are carbon fiber side mirror covers, carbon fiber interior accents and "Black Edition" grille and window moldings. The total cost of the complete vehicle is about 113.900 €. The cost of reconstruction is 18.900 € including taxes and TÜV-registration.
Press Release:
MAXIM À LA Senner Tuning - Audi RS5 with 506 hp and 478 Nm
The experienced team of the Senner Tuning AG Company from Ingelheim willingly undertakes any possible challenges. This time it was an Audi RS5 again - undertake a great power increase - the most powerful version of the model. And as Benno Senner never leaves things to chance, there was not an unexpected result.
The Bilstein coilover kit, called B16 PSS10, allows for 10-stage adjustable damping in both the compression and rebound cycles. For the demonstration purposes, different left and right rims of the vehicle were coated with respective coating: diamond black polish in dimensions of 9.5 x 20 inch at the front and 11x20-inch at the rear. Driver side spider SC1 and passenger side Varianza T1S admire everyone with the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta (XL) front 255/30R20 and rear 295/25R20 wheels.
To increase performance, the valve-controlled stainless steel exhaust system was added, and zero-pressure monitoring was adjusted. As a result of such modification, the 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine, which has already provided 331 KW / 450 hp / 430 Nm ability, accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds and provided an electronically limited top speed of 250 km / h, now provides 372 kW / 506 hp / 478 Nm and a sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.2 seconds. The maximum speed limit has been raised to 280 km / h. It is possible to reach even 300 km / h, of course, only with changed tires.
In a kind of elegance, the outer shell of the Audi features mirrors in shiny black 245 carbon fabric, additional front grille and window frames in the Black Edition. With regard to the electronics, it should be mentioned a power converter for amplifying the electronic gas signal and the possibility of DVD-activation while driving.
In addition, optional carbon fiber and custom leather trim are available on request.
The total cost of the complete vehicle is about 113.900 €, the cost of reconstruction is 18.900 € including taxes and TÜV-registration. Incidentally, Senner Tuning AG also gladly assists in the purchase of new vehicles, and also addresses issues with regard to financing and/or leasing.
Source: Senner Tuning
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Audi breaks annual U.S. sales record
As mentioned in earlier U.S. sales reports, Audi has been expecting to break an all-time sales record in America this year. As of Monday night, Audi of America reports that the company has sold 93,507 vehicles in 2010; a new all-time U.S. sales record. While this news is plenty to celebrate in its own right, today's report notes that - for the first time in company history - Audi is on pace to sell over 100,000 vehicles in America this year.
- Audi sold its 93,507th vehicle of 2010 Monday evening
- The old record of 93,506 models sold was set in 2007
- Audi sales executives confident of surpassing noteworthy 100,000 mark
HERNDON, Va., Dec 14, 2010 - Audi broke its annual vehicle sales record in the U.S. Monday evening when it recorded its 93,507th transaction of 2010. The sale eclipsed the old U.S. record of 93,506 vehicles sold in 2007.
“This is truly an historic moment for Audi as the brand continues on its established course to become the most successful premium brand in the U.S. and globally,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “Setting a new sales record reflects on the exceptional work done by the Audi team and our dealer partners. But credit for this achievement also belongs to the American premium car consumer who is choosing the advantages of Audi engineering innovations.”
Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America said there is no question that the brand will exceed 100,000 2010 vehicle sales by the end of December and that it will aim for another record-breaking year in 2011.
“We are on target to surpass the 100,000 mark,” Del Rosso said. “And, with an energized dealer body and exciting new products still to come, we believe that topping the new record is our next objective.”
The U.S. will be the fourth market for Audi globally with sales exceeding 100,000 vehicles, joining China, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Source: Audi of America
Monday, December 13, 2010
Rob Austin Racing returns Audi to British Touring Car Championship
Thanks to Rob Austin Racing, Audi will again compete in the British Touring Car Championships. Confirmed to enter two Audi A4 "Next Generation Touring Cars," Austin's choice to field the four rings marks the first time Audi has entered the BTCC since 1998. Austin notes that the cars are on order from GPR Motorsport Ltd. set for delivery in early March 2011, just in time for the start of the 2011 season.
Commenting on the move, Rob Austin said, “This is a great step for us and a fantastic challenge. We are convinced that the NGTC concept is going to make the BTCC even more competitive and exciting and that the Audi will be a race winner.”
Austin notes that the photo is purely an artists interpretation of what their 2011 BTCC Audi A4 will look like. Render or not, we're more than excited to finally see an A4 back in touring car livery for the BTCC! Also, for any British touring car racers out there, Rob Austin is still looking for drivers, saying the team "will welcome enquiries from interested parties."
Source: Rob Austin Racing
Video: Fifth Gear tests Audi TT RS vs. Porsche Boxster S and Nissan 370Z
British motoring show, Fifth Gear recently took the liberty of testing the Audi TT RS versus the Porsche Boxster S and Nissan 370Z. While the TT RS has more horsepower and torque than both rivals, its relatively heavy weight and quattro all wheel drive actually put it at a disadvantage in a couple of tests, namely the drift competition (in the real world, you want traction). Also, you may have noticed a new driver in Fifth Gear's crew: Ben Collins AKA "The Stig." Check out the video after the jump to see which car came out on top.
Source: YouTube
Friday, December 10, 2010
Audi R18 Le Mans Prototype Revealed
For the Audi motorsport enthusiast, this week has been one spent anxiously awaiting the debut of the successor to the Le Mans winning Audi R15 TDI Plus. Unveiled this evening at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt is the future of Audi Sport - the R18. Aside from looking like the love child of Darth Vader's helmet and the Batmobile, the R18 marks the first closed cockpit Audi Le Mans prototype in over 10 years. We imagine the folks at Peugeot choked on a few croissants after seeing this bad boy.
As the powers that be at Le Mans have changed the rules for the 2011 season, a significantly smaller engine had to be used than that found in the R15 Plus. That said, Audi opted to use a 3.7-liter V6 TDI unit (retaining the company's trademark Le Mans winning diesel technology). The R18's six-speed transmission was also significantly modified for use with the smaller engine.
"From our point of view, the TDI continues to be the most efficient technology,” says Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport. "There are good reasons why the share of TDI units among Audi’s production models is as high as it is.”
With regard to the chassis, the R18 separates itself from other closed cockpit cars by using a single component carbon fiber monocoque rather than two separate halves. This one-piece design both saves weight and increases stiffness. As you may imagine, Audi engineers drew on many experiences with the R8C (Audi's last closed LMS racer) when designing the R18. In fact, engineers not only drew inspiration from the R8C, but also from "sister," Bentley's 2003 LMP1 car which was also a subject.
One bit of information that we found particularly interesting is what Audi calls "progressive electrification," leading on to various hybrid applications. "But efficiency is always the crucial factor for us,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "No matter which form of energy recovery we may choose the key aspect for Audi – in motorsport as well as on the production side of the house – is that it provides a true advantage.”
Finally, a small, yet very cool features of the new R18 is the car's headlights. If you notice from the photos, the LEDs create a number "1" nodding to Audi's historic brand logo (though we rather think it denotes the place in which Audi will finish this year's 24 hours of Le Mans).
While the R18 is completely new to you and I, Audi says that development has been on-going since mid-2009 and the car's V6 TDI has been running on the dynamometers since the summer of 2010. The R18's first test run took place last month with none other than Allan Mc Nish at the wheel.
The racing debut of the Audi R18 is planned for the Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) 6 Hours on May 8. Three R18 cars will then contest the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans in addition to the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), consisting of a total of seven endurance races on three continents (including the Le Mans 24 Hours) with two cars. Unfortunately, the R18 will not race at Sebring in 2011. Instead, the R15 TDI Plus will compete for Audi in the 12 hour race.
Press Release:
Audi extends motorsport commitment
- New Audi R18 for the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours
- Dual project in the DTM
- Endurance races with the Audi R8 LMS
Audi aims to continue its string of victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours with a completely new LMP1 sports car development. Since its debut in 1999, the brand with the Four Rings has won the world’s most important endurance race as many as nine times with the R8, R10 TDI and R15 TDI models. In doing so, Audi has equaled this feat in the race’s roll of honor with Ferrari. With the new R18, which was presented at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt on the evening of Friday, December 10, 2010, Audi is aiming for its tenth Le Mans success in 2011.
For the first time since 1999, Audi will contest Le Mans with a closed coupe again. "In the future, aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "A closed car has clear advantages in this respect. Our computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests.”
Significantly smaller engines than those used before will be prescribed at Le Mans in 2011 as the rule makers aim to achieve a substantial reduction of engine power. By opting for a 3.7-liter V6 TDI unit, Audi retains the diesel concept that saw its first victorious fielding in 2006. "From our point of view, the TDI continues to be the most efficient technology,” says Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport. "There are good reasons why the share of TDI units among Audi’s production models is as high as it is.”
Through the innovative V6 TDI engine for the Le Mans 24 Hours, motorsport is yet again performing pioneering work for the production arm at Audi where there is a growing trend towards smaller, more economical but yet powerful engines.
Another new development is the six-speed transmission in the R18 which has been specifically modified for use with the smaller engine.
Numerous detailed solutions
With regard to the chassis Audi Sport wants to live up to its promise, expressed in the brand’s "Vorsprung durch Technik” tagline. Unlike those of the closed Le Mans prototypes, the carbon fiber monocoque of the R18 does not consist of two halves but features a single-component design. This saves weight and increases stiffness.
For the development of the closed R18, engineers at Audi Sport were able to draw on the experiences gained in 1999 with the R8C and in 2003 with the LMP1 of the corporate "sister brand” Bentley that was victorious at Le Mans. "Also the Audi A4 DTM, which for example, features a heated windshield, allowed us to shorten the development cycle with respect to the ventilation of the cockpit, the doors and the heating of the windshield,” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Engineering at Audi Sport.
The chassis and aerodynamics package contains a lot of know-how from the R8, the R10 TDI and the R15 TDI whereas the fitting of identically sized front and rear wheels is new to an Audi Le Mans sports car. This configuration allows a more balanced weight distribution.
The R18’s headlights, which are the first to completely consist of LEDs with optimized amount of light, are a technical highlight. The new generation of headlights was developed in close cooperation between Audi Sport and the Technical Development (TE) division of AUDI AG and by using at Le Mans, will be prepared for future use in production vehicles. Audi’s light designers had the chance to make their mark on the development as well: The LEDs of the daytime light form the shape of a "1” which is intended to inspire associations with Audi’s historic brand logo.
The Audi R18 has been designed for progressive electrification, which Audi Sport is planning to drive forward step by step. "But efficiency is always the crucial factor for us,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "No matter which form of energy recovery we may choose the key aspect for Audi – in motorsport as well as on the production side of the house – is that it provides a true advantage.”
The development of the new Audi R18 started in mid 2009. The V6 TDI engine has been running on the dynamometers since the summer of 2010. The R18, with Allan McNish at the wheel, completed its first test on a racetrack at the end of November.
The racing debut of the Audi R18 is planned for the Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) 6 Hours on May 8. Prior to the event, the new prototype will be able to do its first laps on the race track at Le Mans during the official test day on April 24 and gather important data for the race on June 11 and 12.
Audi is planning to field three Audi R18 cars at Le Mans, which will be entered by Audi Sport Team Joest, the most successful Le Mans team of all time. In addition, Audi Sport Team Joest will contest the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), consisting of a total of seven endurance races on three continents (including the Le Mans 24 Hours) with two cars. At the opening race at Sebring on March 19, the team will use two "R15 plus plus” cars. "Sending the R18 into a race at such an early point in time would be difficult in terms of logistics and interfere with our development program,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.
Dual project in the DTM
In parallel to the commitment with the R18 in the sports prototype class, Audi aims to bring the DTM title back to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. As the DTM technology freeze continues in 2011 the main focus for the engineers at Audi Sport during the winter will be placed on development work with the DTM’s new exclusive tire partner. "In 2010 the tires were a really crucial topic which caused us to fall a little behind our competitor,” says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier. "This mustn’t happen again.”
As before, Audi Sport is again planning to field a total of nine vehicles entered by the proven Audi Sport teams Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. The driver line-up will only be decided in January of next year.
But not only the twelve DTM events (including one show race at the Olympic Stadium in Munich) have to be tackled in 2011. In addition, Audi Sport is working on the successor model of the current Audi A4 DTM, internally designated as the "R17,” for the new Technical Regulations that will come into effect in 2012. The first tests are planned for next summer.
Customer sport to be expanded and restructured
AUDI AG’s customer sport program that was launched in 2009 will be expanded and restructured. The responsibility for the further development of the Audi R8 LMS, sales of the vehicles and technical support for the worldwide customer and importers teams has been delegated to quattro GmbH.
Whereas the main focus was previously on Europe, the Asian market will be served as well in 2011.
The participation in the 24 Hour races at the Nürburgring (June 25/26) and at Spa-Francorchamps (July 30/31) spearheads the customer sport commitment with the Audi R8 LMS. Audi will also support entries at other endurance races such as the 12 Hours at Bathurst (Australia) as part of its customer sport commitment.
In addition, Audi is planning a modular customer sport concept that will include an endurance version of the TT RS and a GT4 version of the Audi TT. The TT RS has already successfully completed first runs on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and will continue to be developed during the winter. A concept of the TT GT4 was presented at the DTM race meeting in Shanghai. Delivery of the first customer vehicles is planned for 2012.
Audi Motorsport Events in 2011
Audi R15 TDI
Mar 19 Sebring 12 Hours (USA)
Audi R18
Apr 24 Test day, Le Mans (F)
May 08 Spa-Francorchamps (B) 6 Hours
Jun 11/12 Le Mans (F) 24 Hours
Jul 03 Imola (I) 6 Hours
Sep 11 Silverstone (GB) 6 Hours
Oct 01 Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta (USA)
Nov 12 China (CN) 6 Hours
Audi A4 DTM
May 01 Hockenheim (D)
May 15 Zandvoort (NL)
Jun 05 Spielberg (A)
Jun 19 EuroSpeedway Lausitz (D)
Jul 03 Norisring (D)
Jul 17 Show event Munich (D)
Aug 07 Nürburgring (D)
Sep 04 Brands Hatch (GB)
Sep 18 Oschersleben (D)
Oct 02 Valencia (E)
Oct 23 Hockenheim (D)
Nov 06 Shanghai (CN)
Audi R8 LMS
Jun 25/26 Nürburgring (D) 24 Hours
Jul 30/31 Spa-Francorchamps (B) 24 Hours
Source: Audi Motorsport
