Tuesday, November 30, 2010

2012 Audi A6 Officially Revealed

. Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The wait is finally over. The latest generation of the Audi A6 has been officially revealed. While the car's styling is hardly a surprise - taking cues from both the A7 Sportback and new A8 - the new 2012 Audi A6 features a lightweight body, sporty chassis and a wide array of new assistance and multimedia systems. Under the hood, the new A6 will feature five powerplants to start (2 gas, 3 TDI), generating between 177 and 300 horsepower. Sales are set to begin at German dealerships in early 2011. Full details after the jump.

At a glance: The new Audi A6

Body
- Light, extremely stiff body, with a significant proportion of aluminum and high-strength steel
- 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long, 2.91-meter (9.55 ft) wheelbase, 530-liter (18.72 cubic ft) trunk capacity
- Optional xenon plus and LED headlights with LED tail lights, as well as adaptive light with headlight range control

Interior
- Spacious interior offering an ambiance of luxury
- Standard MMI radio operating system, engine start-stop button, multifunction steering wheel, two screens, and high-efficiency two-zone automatic air conditioning system
- Head-up display and ambient lighting available as options
- Optional front seats with ventilation and massage function

Engines
- Wide selection of engines, two gasoline engines and three TDI units at launch
- Redeveloped 130 kW (177 hp) 2.0 TDI, emitting 129 g CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile)
- A6 hybrid with system performance of 180 kW (245 hp)
- Manual transmission, multitronic, or S tronic for the drivetrain
- Four-cylinder with front-wheel drive, V6 with quattro drive standard or optional
- quattro drive with new crown-gear center differential, optional sport differential

Chassis
- Sophisticated chassis design, wheels ranging from 16 to 20 inches in diameter
- High-efficiency electromechanical power steering
- ESP with electronic limited-slip differential on front-wheel-drive models
- Selective torque vectoring with quattro drive
- Audi drive select dynamic handling system standard
- Optional adaptive air suspension with controlled damping

Assistance and infotainment systems
- Optional MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and 8-inch display, Internet services by Google, and Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System
- Advanced safety and assistance systems such as Audi pre sense, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, Audi active lane assist, Audi side assist, night vision assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians, speed limit display, and park assist

The new Audi A6 Sedan: setting the standard in innovation

Audi has redesigned its flagship executive class model. The new A6 is set to make its market debut in early 2011. With its light body, sporty chassis and a wide array of new assistance and multimedia systems, the full-sized sedan is packed with innovative solutions in every area of technology. The range of available engines and drivetrains is equally extensive. Combining the power of a V6 with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder engine, the soon-to-be-available A6 hybrid will be one highlight of the lineup.

Much of the body of the new Audi A6 consists of aluminum and high-tech steels, rendering it exceedingly light, stiff and safe. State-of-the art design methods and materials ensure extremely low interior noise levels. Precision tuning of all components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings provide excellent vibrational comfort.

The design of the new Audi A6 embodies athleticism and elegance. The sedan is 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long and 1.87 meters (6.14 ft) wide, but just 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) high – sporty proportions that are unrivaled by the competition. The long engine hood, the low, sweeping roofline and the prominent lines on the flanks create a dynamic overall appearance. Optional LED headlights emphasize the striking expression at the front.

The roomy interior of the new Audi A6 echoes the sinewy style of the exterior. The salient element is the “wrap-around” – an inlay encircling the driver and the front-seat passenger. The elegantly curved dash panel places the driver at the center of the interior.

Every detail of the interior is a testament to the care that Audi invests in carmaking. All materials, including an innovative layered-wood veneer, have been selected and crafted with the utmost care. As an option, the front seats can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions. Classy ambient lighting in the lighting package provides small points of light throughout the interior.

The new Audi A6 features the logical ergonomics concept that distinguishes all of the brand’s models. A highly efficient automatic air conditioning system and the latest-generation MMI radio operating system are standard; Audi also offers an optional head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield. The MMI touch operating system is also available as an option. This enables much of the hard-drive MMI navigation plus system to be controlled by means of a touchpad.

The online services, developed though a partnership between Audi and service provider Google, connect the full-sized sedan to the Internet via the Bluetooth car phone online. A UMTS module pulls images and information from Google Earth up on the monitor and integrates them with the navigation route. A WLAN hotspot provides contact to mobile terminals on board. The top of the hi-fi line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

MMI navigation plus works closely together with the optional assistance and safety systems in the new A6. It forwards the route data to the control units for the headlights, the automatic transmission and the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. This enables these systems to recognize complex scenarios and assist the driver. In many situations, the Audi pre sense safety system is able to reduce accidents and their consequences, or even prevent them altogether. The Audi active lane assist helps the driver keep the A6 on course, and the park assist system relieves the driver of the chore of steering when parallel parking.

Audi offers the A6 with a choice of five powerful, highly efficient engines: two gasoline engines and three TDI units. These powerplants develop between 130 kW (177 hp) and 220 kW (300 hp). All of these engines make use of important technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system, the energy recovery system, and the innovative thermal management concept.

Throughout the entire model line, fuel consumption in the A6 has decreased by up to 19 percent compared to the previous model. In terms of consumption figures, the A6 outperforms the competition.

The most powerful unit in the range is the 2.0 TDI. In conjunction with a manual transmission, it requires on average just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (48.00 US mpg) and emits just 129 g CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile). The A6 hybrid will be available from Audi at a later date. Serving up 180 kW (245 hp) of system performance, its 2.0 TFSI plus electric motor will achieve efficient and sporty acceleration with an average fuel consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 US mpg) (provisional figure).

As was the case with the previous model, the new Audi A6 is also available with a wide range of drivetrains. The choice, based on the engine version, will include a manual six-speed transmission, the continuously variable multitronic, and the brand-new, sporty S tronic. Each unit is precisely tuned and features a wide gear-ratio spread, thereby making a significant contribution to the sedan’s efficiency.

Depending on the engine version, power is funneled via the gears to the front wheels or to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, whose crown-gear center differential and torque-vectoring function achieve the ultimate traction, stability and dynamic response. For the top-of-the-line engines, Audi will offer an optional sport differential.

The chassis of the new A6 combines sporty precision with supreme comfort. Its links are made of aluminum; the redesigned power steering features a highly efficient electromechanical drive. The executive sedan has wheels ranging from 16 to 20 inches in diameter.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard, and the front-wheel-drive models have the sporty ESP with electronic limited-slip differential on board. For enhanced comfort, adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is available as an option. Dynamic steering will be available soon, also as an option.






*The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.*

Source: Audi AG

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Audi TT GT4 club sport concept revealed

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In an effort to expand the company's popular customer sport program, Audi has announced the development of the TT GT4 concept. Offering an entry-level alternative to the Audi R8 LMS and SP4T-class TT RS, the new TT-based racer from Audi was designed specifically for the amateur GT4 racing series. The Audi TT GT4 boasts a full motorsport body with 340-hp TFSI engine and will be available in 2012. More info and photo gallery after the jump.

- Audi TT for club sport
- Demo laps by Frank Biela at the DTM in Shanghai

- Asia is an important market


Ingolstadt/Shanghai, November 28, 2010 – On the occasion of the DTM race in Shanghai, Audi presented the concept of a GT4 car based on the Audi TT. The TT, developed by the Technical Development and the Production divisions plus quattro GmbH, is intended to extend Audi’s new modular customer sport program from 2012 forward.

With the production-based TT GT4, Audi wants to offer potential customers a base option for affordable motorsport. The vehicle’s platform is a motorsport body with a roll-over cage, a safety-optimized fuel tank box and further modifications which will be identical for all future customer sport versions. The Audi TT is equipped with a TFSI engine delivering about 250 kW (340 hp). The front apron, rear apron and the rear wing stem from the production Audi TT RS. The hood, doors and trunk lid are made of CFRP and the windows of plastic. The TT is fitted with a S-tronic transmission with a differential lock, a modified production suspension with adjustable dampers, plus 9.5 x 18 inch light alloy wheels.

The Audi TT GT4 is planned to sell for about 120,000 euros. Audi is not only targeting Europe but also the Asian market. On the occasion of the DTM race in Shanghai the Audi TT is being launched in the Chinese market as well.

The five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela did some demo laps in the new Audi TT on the street circuit in Shanghai. Other cars that could be seen in action in Shanghai as well were the SP4T version of the TT RS and the Audi R8 LMS.


Source: Audi Motorsport

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Audi makes strong showing at DTM finale in Shanghai

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Last weekend marked the world finale of the 2010 DTM season. The year's final contest however, was staged far from both DTM's and Audi's European roots, with Sunday's race taking place in Shanghai, China. Despite a wreck in qualifying; two-time DTM champ, Timo Scheider managed a third place finish for Audi, followed by Martin Tomczyk in fourth. In addition to a strong finish, Audi Sport Team Abt driver, Miguel Molina was named 2010's DTM Rookie of the Year. All in all, a very notable ending to a fairly successful - albeit trying - DTM season for Audi.

- Timo Scheider makes strong showing in DTM’s world finale
- Martin Tomczyk clinches fourth place

- Miguel Molina is best DTM rookie of the year 2010


Ingolstadt/Shanghai, November 28, 2010 – Audi impressed the fans at the DTM’s world finale in Shanghai (China) with a strong showing. For many of the 19,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) and 1,400 Audi guests Timo Scheider was the man of the race.

Just one day after his serious accident in qualifying, the two-time DTM Champion, assisted by a perfect strategy of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, pushed forward from position four on the grid to third place. An early end of the race deprived the German who lives in Austria of an even better result.

"My A4 was perfect today. If I had started from the front row I could have fought for victory,” said Scheider. "I’ve got to thank the guys who prepared the car again overnight.” The mechanics worked until 2 a.m. and continued at 7 a.m. to give their driver an optimal car again – which they clearly managed to do.

After the many incidents on both of the practice days the DTM finale was started behind the safety car and only went green after three laps. Timo Scheider put pressure on his rival in front, Jamie Green, from the outset and managed to bump him from third place thanks to well-timed pit stops. After the second tire change Scheider also caught up with Paul Di Resta in second place and put him under massive pressure. But before the Audi driver was able to start his first overtaking attempt the race was stopped early, eight minutes before the end, due to a mid-field collision and was not re-started.

Impressive performances were shown by Martin Tomczyk and Miguel Molina as well who took fourth and fifth place. After starting from position eight Martin Tomczyk proved that it is certainly possible to overtake on the street circuit in Shanghai. With a bold but fair maneuver he bumped Jamie Green from position four on lap 33. Tomczyk also posted the fastest race lap of all Audi drivers.

Miguel Molina shone with an overtaking maneuver against David Coulthard and came in for both of his pit stops very late which enabled him to pass Jamie Green as well. In the end the 21-year-old Spaniard in fifth place was the best driver of a 2008-specification vehicle. In tenth place of the standings and with a score of 15 points Molina finished the season as the most successful DTM rookie.

Markus Winkelhock (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) in seventh place scored points for the second consecutive time and confirmed the strong performance he had shown at Adria. Mattias Ekström had to let David Coulthard pass him shortly before the end of the race and in ninth place just missed out one point.

Mike Rockenfeller, Katherine Legge and Oliver Jarvis finished the race in positions twelve, 14 and 17. Rockenfeller collided with Susie Stoddart in the final phase. The incident caused the stopping of the race because the track was blocked. Oliver Jarvis had to come in for an additional pit stop after a component from another car became stuck under the left front wheel of his A4 DTM. Darryl O’Young was unable to start because the frame of his car had been damaged in his accident in qualifying.

"This race was a mirror image of our season,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Things just weren’t running smoothly for us this year. Today again showed how quick our Audi A4 DTM is. But due to the accidents in qualifying we actually lost the chance of victory as early as yesterday – because on a street circuit overtaking is particularly difficult. That the race was started behind the safety car, which was without doubt absolutely the right decision, obviously didn’t improve our prospects either. Timo (Scheider), Martin (Tomczyk) and Miguel (Molina) squeezed the optimum out of the situation. Timo’s third place is primarily a nice reward for the mechanics who worked so hard last night. We’ll cross off the season now and will do everything we can to strike back in 2011.”

Source: Audi Motorsport

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Senner Tuning boosts Audi TT RS to 430 horsepower

. Saturday, November 27, 2010

Senner Tuning has announced a new development to the company's already potent, Audi TT RS POWER TT tuning program. An upgraded ECU program along with other performance modifications help boost the TT RS to 430 horsepower. Additionally, the generous use of carbon fiber, 20" Varianza wheels and a lowered sport suspension all give Senner's new TT RS the looks to match its new power figures. More details and photo gallery after the jump.

Performance enhancements include an upgraded ECU, power converter, intercooler, sport air filter, valve-controlled exhaust system (with sport catalyst) and a KW coilover sport suspension. All told, Senner's TT RS tuning program adds 90 horses over stock, for a total 430 horsepower and 428 lb/ft of torque. Enough for a 0-100km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds.

Exterior upgrades include 20" Varianza T1S wheels in diamond black polish, carbon fiber rear spoiler and carbon fiber mirrors - all matched to Audi exclusive Suzuka Grey paint. Inside, carbon fiber is still prevalent; with the steering wheel, instrument cover, center console and numerous other accents all receiving the carbon treatment.

Senner Tuning's new Audi TT RS program starts at 19.900 Euro.






Press Release:

POWER TT with 433 hp - by Senner Tuning AG

The finishing specialist Senner Tuning AG from Ingelheim near Mainz offers a wide range of accessories for the Audi TT RS, Which clearly identify appearance and performance of the sports car.


The Audi TT RS is already configured as a powerful vehicle. But Senner Tuning found a large potential to make the POWER TT even more powerful. A newly programmed engine control unit, a power converter and a valve-controlled exhaust system with sports catalyst in conjunction with an intercooler and a sport air filter increase the power of the series up to 433 hp. TT for all engines, a sports exhaust system with tailpipes is also available by demand.


Senner Tuning TT Assesses each individually, regardless of the engine. And Senner Tuning provides light alloy wheels as well. 9x20-inch rims of VARA T1S type together with Sport 255/30-20 tires complete the outlook. In addition, a good road grip with the large-scale tire support surface and lowering sport suspension are provided.


Furthermore, the tuner adds a few small carbon applications for the body. The package includes a carbon carbon housing and a spoiler on the trunk lid. Senner uses so expensive carbon fibers in the interior - enhancement of the interior is also available on demand. This Relates to the finishing of the sport steering wheel, tachometer, center console and door handles.


Price: 19,900 €


Source: Senner Tuning AG

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Friday, November 26, 2010

Video: Audi quattro Concept meets Audi Sport quattro

. Friday, November 26, 2010

Earlier this week, the Audi quattro Concept was conspicuously spotted on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. As the photographer of those spy shots noted, the quattro Concept escaped the glitz and glitter of the 2010 LA Auto Show for a very special photoshoot and joyride with an original Audi Sport quattro. The following videos not only show the quattro Concept on the road but also a meeting of two iconic four-ringed five-cylinders from Audi's past and future.





The first video contains a full overview of the Audi quattro Concept narrated over various beauty shots and driving scenes. The second is a six and a half minute video beginning with exterior and interior detail shots followed by about 4 minutes of uninterrupted driving scenes set to a lovely five-cylinder soundtrack. And of course, both videos feature a red 1984 Audi Sport quattro as a special guest star.

Source: Audi

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