It's no secret that we're big fans of British auto journalist, Chris Harris. As such, we can't wait for each Wednesday afternoon's new episode of "Chris Harris On Cars" on YouTube's DRIVE channel. Following his ode to Group B and the Sport quattro posted earlier this month, this week's episode again carries a four-ringed theme as 'Monkey' Harris gets behind the wheel of the new Audi A1 quattro on a frozen lake in Sweden. As you can imagine, plenty of hoontastic drifting ensues (along with a very cool guest appearance). Video after the jump.
Source: DRIVE (YouTube)
Photo: Audi UK
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Video: Chris Harris drifts the Audi A1 quattro on ice
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Audi R18 e-tron quattro and R18 ultra officially revealed
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After much speculation, Audi Sport has officially debuted the all-new, R18 e-tron quattro. First off, yes, the word "quattro" has officially returned to Audi's motorsport vocabulary.As part of it's new e-tron, hybrid powertrain, the new R18 e-tron quattro makes use of Audi's dominating all-wheel drive technology in a new and unique way. In addition to the R18 e-tron quattro, Audi Sport has also revealed the R18 TDI's evolution, known simply as the R18 ultra. Full report (including 2012 driver lineup) and photo gallery after the jump.
Ingolstadt/Munich, February 29, 2012 – Motor sport is used yet again by AUDI AG to pioneer new technology: the brand with the four ring’s new Le Mans race car is the world’s first LMP1 car to combine a highly-efficient TDI with a hybrid system. quattro drive also celebrates its comeback to the race track with the prototype – in a entirely new form.
Audi R18 e-tron quattro is the name of the new Le Mans prototype that makes its race debut on May 5 in the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and fights for overall victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) on June 16/17. Audi unites two technologies in a fascinating way to create a new type of drive, which is also already being tested for future use in production cars: e-tron quattro.
Hiding behind this description is the next generation four-wheel drive with which Audi combines the advantages of the proven quattro drive with the potential of electromobility. To this end one vehicle axle is powered conventionally, the second by electric motors.
"Audi has always consciously selected championships and categories in racing that have a close relationship to production and therefore have technical relevance for the Audi customers,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who personally drove the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro onto the stage on Wednesday evening during its world premiere in the Audi Training Center at Munich airport – electrically and almost silent. "quattro, TFSI and TDI are three excellent examples of how motorsport has stimulated production development. A similar tendency is apparent with the e-tron quattro: we test a completely new technology on the race track before it’s introduced to the Audi production line.”
On the Audi R18 e-tron quattro kinetic energy is recovered on the front axle during the braking phase. It is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. During this procedure only the front axle is integrated. The V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) continues to transmit its power to the rear wheels. Both systems complement each other to create the new drive principle e-tron quattro.
Project began in February 2010
The project e-tron quattro for motorsport started in February 2010. Only 18 months passed from the initial conceptual ideas to the first test. "This is a relatively short cycle for a technology that has never been tested in motorsport and which still doesn’t even exist in production,” stresses Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. "The challenge is correspondingly big.”
Audi Sport developed the Audi R18 ultra in parallel to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro – because Audi takes a two-pronged approach this year in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the newly created FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) – the 2012 model year Audi R18 is built with and without hybrid drive. The trick: the base of both cars is completely identical, which is why the additional logistical effort is kept limited for Audi Sport and the race team.
"The TDI engine invented by Audi is still the most efficient drive in the world,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "We are convinced that the TDI has even more potential. This is why Audi not only supports the hybrid in motorsport as it does in production, but in parallel also the further development of the conventional drive.”
Innovation in transmission area
The R18 e-tron quattro’s twin brother more than lives up to its model name ‘R18 ultra’: it is the lightest Le Mans prototype that Audi Sport has ever built. To compensate for the additional weight of the hybrid system the subject of lightweight design and construction was the focus throughout development of the 2011 Le Mans race winning R18 TDI. In addition to the many detail optimizations there is also a genuine innovation in the transmission area: a new gearbox with a carbon-fiber composite housing was developed for the R18 – a premiere for endurance racing.
"The new R18 ultra is a distinct evolution of last year’s Le Mans race winning car,” summarizes Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Our drivers’ impressions were very positive from the first moment. Without the weight optimized R18 ultra we would have not been capable of realizing the R18 e-tron quattro which is absolutely identical with the exception of the hybrid system.”
Le Mans 2012: two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra
Audi Sport Team Joest will field two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra prototypes in the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16/17. The two hybrid cars are driven by last year’s winning trio Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) as well as Dindo Capello (I), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) who boast a total of 13 Le Mans wins between them. New signing Loïc Duval (F) starts together with Timo Bernhard (D) and Romain Dumas (F) in an R18 ultra as do Marco Bonanomi (I), Oliver Jarvis (GB) and Mike Rockenfeller (D).
Audi Sport Team Joest also contests the World Championship round at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on May 5 in the same formation. At the same time the race doubles as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only Mike Rockenfeller will miss this race due to a clashing date with the DTM.
After the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi plans to enter an R18 e-tron quattro and an R18 ultra in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). André Lotterer and Allan McNish have been nominated as the drivers so far.
At the World Championship opener at Sebring (USA) on March 17, Audi Sport Team Joest relies on the proven R18 TDI from last year, which are driven by Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, Dindo Capello/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish as well as Timo Bernhard/Romain Dumas/Loïc Duval.
Source: Audi Motorsport
Audi wins second straight Bathurst 12 Hour race
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Claiming their second-straight Bathurst 12 Hour win last weekend, Audi Sport remains "King of the Mountain” at Australia's most challenging race and track. Taking the first place win was Christer Jöns, Christopher Mies and Darryl O’Young in the #1 Audi Sport Team Phoenix "Kangaroo" Audi R8 LMS. Despite many weather-related challenges, safety car periods and lead changes, the #1 R8 LMS would prevail with 1 minute 13 second lead over the second place Mercedes. Full report after the jump.
Ingolstadt/Bathurst, February 26, 2012 – The Audi R8 LMS remains "King of the Mountain” at Bathurst. On Australia’s most challenging race track the successful GT3 sports car from Audi Sport customer racing defended its title at the 12-hour race. Christer Jöns (D), Christopher Mies (D) and Darryl O’Young (HK) won the endurance classic at Mount Panorama in extremely difficult conditions. Rain, fog, several lead changes and numerous safety car periods repeatedly interrupted the young trio’s race rhythm. But in the end they won with a 1m 13s advantage.
Audi remains unbeaten at Bathurst: For the second time in succession, the R8 LMS prevailed in the most important GT endurance race on the fifth continent. Conditions were far more difficult than they had been a year ago. Varying intensities of rain and dense fog at times caused a number of spins, excursions and yellow periods. The first four hours of the race alone saw the three different vehicles take turns in leading the race. From the fourth hour onward, Phoenix Racing prevailed at the front. Both R8 LMS cars of the squad from Meuspath (Germany) fought a thrilling battle for the top position. Even a spin and an excursion into the gravel trap that temporarily relegated the black number "1” R8 LMS to third place could not prevent Jöns/Mies/O’Young from taking victory. On Saturday, the trio had already been the measure of all things by setting the fastest time in qualifying and capturing position one on the grid. Victory on Sunday completed a perfect weekend. The triumph at Bathurst marked as much as the 119th win in the three-year career of Audi’s successful customer race car.
The second Audi R8 LMS from Phoenix Racing was less fortunate. The Australian trio Warren Luff/Craig Lowndes/Mark Eddy had initially shown a strong performance, advancing to the front of the field after having started from fifth place. In the fourth and fifth hour of the race the number "2” R8 LMS was even the leading car. A five-minute time penalty for a severed refueling hose though caused the white Audi to lose four laps at about the race’s mid-point. Afterward, on lap 157, Mark Eddy lost control of his car in dense fog and heavy rain. He crashed into a concrete wall with the left side of the car on "The Dipper” track section. He was forced to retire with front and rear suspension damage. As early as on lap 60 the Audi R8 LMS of Team United Autosports had become victim to the treacherous conditions as well. Frank Yu from Hong Kong spun and damaged the frame of the vehicle on hitting a wall. Neither of the two drivers sustained any injuries.
Audi has now won four major endurance races within twelve months, having recorded two successes at the Bathurst 12 Hours and one victory each at the 24-hour races on the Belgian circuits at Spa and Zolder, plus GT3 class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This year, the 24-hour classics in the Eifel and the Ardennes are again on the R8 LMS’ agenda. The coming weekend will also see the start of the first of numerous GT3 championships in the 2012 season in which Audi customer sport teams are represented. At Adelaide, Australia, Mark Eddy will be competing as the title defender on the first weekend in March. Together with his team-mate Warren Luff he is aiming to make up in the R8 LMS for what he unfortunately was unable to achieve at Bathurst – the leap onto the podium.
Quotes after the race:
Romolo Liebchen (Head of Customer Sport quattro GmbH)
"After this weekend we can be more than happy because we experienced a pretty rough day. We were fighting for twelve hours straight, from the beginning through to the end, and we did so in difficult overall conditions. We won but on the other hand two of the Audi cars did not finish due to accidents – including our strong Australian car. In the end, one R8 LMS made it, and our youngsters prevailed with a really cool showing. A tremendous performance! The cars were running without any problem from the first meter on. They’d been perfectly prepared at home and were perfectly fielded by Phoenix Racing. And it’s nice for us to be able to beat our core competitors and to finish ahead of Mercedes and Ferrari. That does fill us with a bit of pride. The two 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and at Spa are the next big aims for the R8 LMS. In parallel, we’ll soon be starting into about 20 championships worldwide where the R8 LMS will be fielded.”
Ernst Moser (Team Director Phoenix Racing)
"The balanced performance of the victorious driver trio was the secret of success. They were all very good because conditions at Bathurst were really difficult. The competition was lying in wait up to the final lap. A big ‘well done’ to the drivers and to my squad. In terms of strategy we didn’t have an advantage throughout, as some rivals repeatedly managed to make up ground in yellow periods. But we were always able to recover. We all love endurance races. After the victories at the Nürburgring and at Spa, our team’s track record now shows a success at Bathurst as well. Our second car was in contention for victory too. Craig and Warren consistently remained without mistakes. Unfortunately, Mark reached the limit in rain. Heavily touching the wall after a small mistake is a really tough experience. Otherwise, the car would also have been at the very front in the end. They were leading the race some of the time. They are three tremendous guys. I’d really love to see them travel to Germany and drive an endurance race at the Nürburgring with us some day.”
Christer Jöns (Audi Top Service R8 LMS #1)
"I can hardly believe it! I truly enjoyed watching the scenes at the end of the race on TV once more. This is my first victory in the Audi R8 LMS, and on my Bathurst debut of all times. Darryl (O’Young) safely drove the car to the finish line in the end. That was really a rough, challenging race with a lot of unknown quantities. The weather was unpredictable and the track conditions kept changing. And it was a true battle all the way up to the end.”
Christopher Mies (Audi Top Service R8 LMS #1)
"This victory is fantastic because my race wasn’t exactly easy. A Ferrari overtook us early on. Christer (Jöns) took over the car later and then I was driving in rain again. We were running far in front when my rear wheels locked when I was braking into the last turn. So I slipped into the gravel trap. We truly experienced some highs and lows. In the end, we won with a lead of a little over a minute. In rain we were five seconds faster some of the time than our sister car and the Mercedes that ultimately finished as the runner-up. We also made the quickest pit stops. At the end, I had tears in my eyes because this victory was the result of an ultra-tough battle in incredibly bad weather against strong rivals.”
Darryl O’Young (Audi Top Service R8 LMS #1)
"The team was tremendous. The cooperation between quattro GmbH and Phoenix Racing was fantastic. As well as for Phoenix, Australia was new territory for Christer Jöns, who did a first-class job of driving. For me, it’s been one of my toughest races due to the constantly changing conditions. There was a lot of hydroplaning and at times we had to drive on slicks in the rain. A fantastic showing by all. Many thanks from me to the whole squad.”
Mark Eddy (Audi Finance R8 LMS #2)
"Working with Phoenix Racing was great fun. We were competitive throughout the weekend and the team did a really good job. In the race both Audi cars were running at the front some of the time but as the race progressed conditions became more difficult due to rain and fog. Unfortunately, I then had the accident on the mountain and we retired. I let a warning message on the cockpit display briefly distract me. Now I’m hoping for better luck next weekend when the Australian GT Championship opens at which I’m competing with my own R8 LMS.”
Craig Lowndes (Audi Finance R8 LMS #2)
"It was great having contested a race again in the Audi R8 LMS. Phoenix Racing is top-notch and gave us a very warm welcome. And the R8 LMS is simply a sensational car that is very pleasant to drive and that you don’t mind trusting. Up to the accident we had an outstanding weekend. The conditions were pretty difficult and it’s not easy anyway to be quick at Mount Panorama. Mark Eddy was simply struck by misfortune in the fog. I enjoyed driving again for Audi Sport customer racing. I hope this wasn’t the last run.”
Warren Luff (Audi Finance R8 LMS #2)
"Even though the weekend didn’t end the way we’d been hoping it would it was great driving with Phoenix Racing. Our speed during the first half of the race was good and we were already faster than at our lap record last year. The car was very quick and consistent. When the weather changed Mark (Eddy) unfortunately had an accident on the mountain. But that’s part of racing too. Mark and I are now looking forward to the next weekend. That’s when his title defense in the Australian GT Championship starts and I’ll be running together with him. Hopefully, we’ll be at the very front then in the Audi R8 LMS.”
Race results:
1 Jöns/Mies/O’Young (Audi R8 LMS), 270 laps in 12h 03m 31.375s
2 Slade/Bleekemolen/Hackett/Curtis (Mercedes) + 1m 13.284s
3 Sun/Baird/Griffin (Ferrari) - 2 laps
4 Tinkler/Johnson/Richards (Porsche) - 16 laps
5 O’Donnell/Niall/McLennon (Porsche) - 26 laps
6 Alford/Leemhuis/Beechey (Porsche) - 33 laps
7 Pye/Barbour/Pither (Holden) - 39 laps
8 Thomlinson/Dippie/Maddren (Porsche) - 42 laps
9 Thomson/Klien/Harley (Lotus) - 43 laps
10 Newman/Lillie/Atkinson (Holden) - 48 laps
Source: Audi Motorsport
2012 Audi DTM driver lineup confirmed
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Audi Sport has officially announced their 2012 DTM driver lineup. Notable changes for this year's season include Rahel Frey joining Audi Sport Team ABT Sportsline and Mike Rockenfeller and Miguel Molina joining Team Phoenix. Full report after the jump.
Ingolstadt, February 24, 2012 – At Audi, the current DTM Champion, the "title defense” project is running at full stretch. A week before the homologation of the new Audi A5 DTM on March 1 the drivers and their assignment to the total of three Audi factory teams have been confirmed.
New car, new technology, new rules – particularly because the season opener at the Hockenheimring on April 29 is bringing a lot of changes to the most popular international touring car racing series and ringing in a completely new era in the DTM, Audi, the 1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 DTM Champion, is banking on continuity. The long-standing partner teams, ABT Sportsline, Phoenix Racing and Team Rosberg, are fielding the seven Audi A5 DTM cars and the drivers taking the wheel of the seven Audi A5 DTM vehicles at the Hockenheim season opener on April 29 are well-known quantities too.
Spearheading the Audi squad yet again will be the two-time DTM Champions Mattias Ekström (Sweden) and Timo Scheider (Austria) who will compete for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline as in the past. In the 2011 season, Hans-Jürgen Abt’s team won four of the ten DTM races and clinched the DTM team title for Audi as well. Ekström’s and Scheider’s new team-mate will be the young Swiss Rahel Frey, who will be tackling her second DTM season in 2012.
Audi Sport Team Phoenix that provided the DTM Champion last year will be competing with an all new formation. After a one-year absence from the team, Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller (Germany) is returning to Ernst Moser’s squad for which he successfully competed as early as in the 2010 season. Rockenfeller’s new team partner will be the Spaniard Miguel Molina.
Audi Sport Team Rosberg’s line-up has remained unchanged. Like last year, the Portuguese Filipe Albuquerque and the Italian Edoardo Mortara, who were the two strongest rookies in 2011, will be running for Arno Zensen’s squad.
All three Audi factory teams and the seven drivers were involved in the development of the Audi A5 DTM from the outset and reeled off an intensive test program with the new race coupé in the winter months. "We wanted all of our teams and drivers to start into the new DTM era with the same prerequisites,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "I’m convinced that with our three long-standing partner teams and the proven drivers we’re extremely well set for the new DTM season which promises to become particularly thrilling due to the battle between the three German premium manufacturers, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and will be a tough competition. Not least due to the tightened regulations even the minutest details will count. That’s why continuity with the teams and drivers was important to us. Mattias (Ekström) and Timo (Scheider) know how to win the DTM and each of them is drawing on experience from more than 100 DTM races. Mike (Rockenfeller) won his first DTM race in 2011, Filipe (Albuquerque), Edoardo (Mortara) and Miguel (Molina) all mounted the podium for the first time last year. And I also believe that Rahel (Frey) is able to cause some surprises in her second DTM season. During the winter tests she showed that she has a lot of potential.”
The Audi teams in the 2012 DTM:
ABT Sportsline
Mattias Ekström (Sweden)
Rahel Frey (Switzerland)
Timo Scheider (Austria)
Phoenix Racing
Miguel Molina (Spain)
Mike Rockenfeller (Germany)
Team Rosberg
Filipe Albuquerque (Portugal)
Edoardo Mortara (Italy)
Source: Audi Motorsport
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
After disappointing auto show visit, Audi USA ships RS5, S6, S7 and S8 to customer's doorstep
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
At Audi, employees live by a German phrase known as "Kundenbegeisterung." Loosely translated as "customer enthusiasm," what you're about to read is an unbelievable example of this corporate mantra. Long-time Audi owner, Joshua Smith (known as "audi_s5" on the A5OC.com forums) recently visited the Chicago Auto Show for an up-close look at the new RS5 before placing an order. Much to Joshua's dismay however—after traveling 3 hours from Wisconsin—Audi's show staff "refused" to open the car or allow him to get a closer look. In an effort to explain his experience and possible decision not to buy the car, Joshua decided to write a letter to Audi of America President, Johan de Nysschen; whose response was nothing short of extraordinary.
Rather than paraphrase the correspondence, we've attached Joshua's original letter and Mr. de Nysschen's reply below.
"Mr. Johan de Nysschen,
I am the proud owner of an Audi S5, A6, and A3 and recently drove to the Chicago Auto Show to see the unveiling of the Audi RS5 to North America.
I am writing this short email to make you aware of my experience at the auto show. I asked an Audi representative if he could open up the RS5 as I was interested in ordering a 2013 model this summer. He refused to open the car or even allow me to get a closer look at the features of the car. I expect this does not meet your expectations.
In the BMW booth at the show I spent over 30 minutes with a BMW representative who showed me the M3 and the all new M5, which was also closed to the majority of the public.
The main reason for my drive to Chicago from Neenah WI (3 hour drive) was to see and discuss the possibility of ordering the RS5. I am an active member and participant of the Chicago Audi Club in Illinois and Badger Audi Club in Wisconsin.
I am not sure based on my experience if I am going to place an order. How can I expect to spend 90k without the ability to sit in the seat, or open the hood? (The car in the show featured carbon ceramic brakes. If this is an available option in the US, thank you!) A sincere thanks for all you do from a true Audi enthusiast.
Sincerely,
Joshua Smith"
And Mr. de Nysschen's response:
"Dear Mr Smith,
I regret to learn of your unfavorable experience at the Audi Stand during the Chicago Auto Show.
I can understand your disappointment. Not to offer excuses but to shed some light on the matter, I would like to offer some additional background explanation.
The RS 5 on our exhibit is a pre-production car. The number of RS 5 units currently available worldwide is very limited and thus for the US we only have one car available for the entire Auto Show season. The same car is therefore displayed at about 10 Auto Shows across the US. Since it is a pre-production prototype it is difficult to obtain replacement parts in the event that something is damaged. You will be astonished at what people do to cars at these shows.
From experience we know that when left open a car is not presentable anymore after 2-3 Auto shows. Therefore our Auto show staff are instructed to exercise great caution with these specific cars.
Nevertheless, the cars are to be experienced and thus our staff are also instructed to offer interested attendees to return to the stand at a less crowded time to receive a full walk-around of the car. ( You can imagine that once a highlight car is opened on a crowded floor, it becomes impossible to control access thereafter).
I apologize that this clearly was not offered to you when you were at the stand.
One of my team members will contact you shortly to arrange a private viewing of the RS5 for you. We will be pleased to truck the car to your home so that you can take a close look at this stunning driving machine. The car will be in Chicago until March 9th when it will be moved to the next Auto Show.
I hope this will meet with your acceptance.
Best Regards
Johan de Nysschen
President
Audi of America, Inc"
Now here's the kicker. Not only did Audi of America send Joshua the only RS5 show car in North America, they decided to pack an S6, S7, S8 and Euro-spec A8 3.0T along for the ride. All delivered via tractor trailer, direct to his doorstep.
As for Joshua's decision of buying the RS5? Here's what his forum post had to say.
"Wow!! By far the best example of customer service and experience. This is the reason why I currently own three Audi's (actually have owned six audi's [sic] in the past 7 years) and will be placing my order. Words can't begin to describe it!"
What's more, this is not the first time the Audi of America boss went out of his way to make a customer happy. Long time readers of this blog may remember a story titled Audi goes above and beyond to help long-waiting S4 buyer, in which Mr. de Nysschen personally arranged for a dissatisfied S4 buyer to receive a complimentary S4 loaner for six months, whilst waiting for his car to be built.
Needless to say, Mr. de Nysschen's devotion to Audi customer satisfaction is beyond exemplary. In an age of endless voice mail loops and canned email responses, stories like this are a pleasant reminder that the brand we all care so deeply for, cares just as deeply for us.
Souce: A5OC.com via QuattroWorld
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Audi A1 quattro UK pricing announced
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
With just nineteen, left-hand-drive-only examples destined for the United Kingdom, Audi UK has announced pricing for the A1 quattro will start at £41,020 OTR. Although the A1 quattro officially becomes available for order in early March, Audi UK notes that dealers have already taken deposits for "the vast majority" of their allotment. So, if you'd like to get your hands on this limited edition, 256 horsepower, quattro-driven A1, you should ring your local dealer before its too late. Full press release and new photos after the jump.
Milton Keynes, 17 Feb 2012 - Audi UK has confirmed that the ultra-exclusive 256PS A1 quattro will be priced at £41,020 OTR when an extremely limited quota of just nineteen UK-bound, left-hand-drive examples officially becomes available to order in early March. UK Audi Centres already have deposits for the vast majority of these exceptional high performance subcompacts, which are not only unique in featuring quattro all-wheel-drive, a larger capacity 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and rally-inspired styling, but also an all-encompassing specification including equipment upgrades to the value of over £11,000.
More than 600 components have been either reworked or replaced in the creation of the A1 quattro, one of the most prominent of which is the engine. The turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit has been adopted from the TTS, and delivers its specially tuned 256PS output at 6,000rpm, and its punchy 350Nm torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. It enables the A1 quattro to power from rest to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph, while also returning up to 32.8mpg according to the combined cycle test.
Power is channelled via a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the heart of which is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath. The clutch is mounted on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution. Handling precision and adjustability are also enhanced by an XDS selective differential lock and a specially configured Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which offers a sport mode with a higher threshold for intervention and can be switched off entirely for track use.
The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro also borrows heavily from the TTS, particularly the advanced multi-link rear set-up. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and well balanced configuration, as do ventilated disc brakes with high performance 312mm front discs.
Unique specification
With its Glacier White metallic paint, Glacier White 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels, high-gloss black roof complete with prominent spoiler and deep-set bumpers with 100-millimetre tailpipes at the rear the A1 quattro looks fresh from the rally stage. The quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch further reinforce this.
Purposeful black dominates the interior, a focal point of which is the multi-adjustable Silk Nappa leather-upholstered S sport seats with their pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints, red stitching and quattro insignias. Eye-catching features also include white needles, the red-faced rev counter and the flat-bottomed multi-function sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and an inset limited edition plaque.
As befits its standing at the pinnacle of the range the A1 quattro will be suitably lavishly equipped with virtually the full complement of equipment, which if added to a standard series production A1 would boost its price by over £11,000. Features include xenon plus headlights, the high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control.
Online services
Entertainment and information features will be even more exceptional, with a CD changer, DAB digital radio, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, hard disk-based MMI navigation plus, a 465-watt 14-speaker BOSE sound system with illuminated woofers in the doors and Mobile Phone Preparation High with Online Services all included as standard. The Mobile Phone Preparation High system enables a Bluetooth-equipped online car phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.
Source: Audi UK
Next-gen Audi A3 3-door press photos leak ahead of official debut
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Leaked today by Russian site, ZR.ru are the first "official" press photos of the new Audi A3 3-door hatchback. While powertrain and other technical details are still sparse, we expect Audi to release official details and more photos the new A3 online within the next week (possibly sooner after this leak); ahead of the car's official world debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show. We're particularly excited to see the new A3 in Sedan form, which is hopefully destined for U.S. shores next year. Photo gallery after the jump.
Source ZR.ru via Fourtitude
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Video: Audi A1 quattro and RS5 snow/ice driving footage
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Saturday, February 18, 2012
As part of the A1 quattro's official press launch, Audi invited European journalists to a frozen lake in Jarpen, Sweden to have a go in the most potent version of the brand's smallest car. With 256 horsepower on tap to all four wheels, the result is a mini drift monster that looks like tons of fun on the snow and ice. We realize that we just posted a similar video of an R8 V10 on a different frozen Swedish lake earlier, but we doubt many of you will mind a little more winter hooning to cap off your day. Videos after the jump.
And as bonus, Audi also provided us with some great footage of the RS5 from the same event (seen below).
Source: Audi AG via our YouTube channel
Video: Audi R8 V10 drifts magnificently across a frozen lake in Sweden
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With little more than a set of 'standard' snow tires, the Audi R8 proves itself as a true, all-weather supercar. However, strap on a set of rally-specific snow wheels and studded tires and you have a winter drift machine like no other. Last week, the folks from ACE Competition gave a proper demonstration of this with their Audi R8 V10 on a frozen lake in Boras, Sweden. Video after the jump.
Thanks to Jennifer for the tip!
Source: ACEcompetition (YouTube)
Road Test: 2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI
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Having received such awards as Automobile Magazine's 2011 "Automobile of the Year" and the 2011 "Esquire Car of the Year," it's clear that the 2012 Audi A7 is an amazing automobile. While we'll expand on its many finer points later on, we do want to emphasize the obvious; the new A7 is simply gorgeous. Although, it takes more than just a pretty face and curvacious figure to win our affection. There has to be just as much substance as style. Could Audi's new Sportback be the perfect package? Read on to find out.
Starting first by popping the hood, we find a 3.0-liter V6 that, despite a confusing TFSI nameplate, delivers 310 supercharged horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque. Essentially a less potent version of the S4's mill, the A7's 3.0T managed to expel from me nearly the same number of laughs, grins, "awesomes" and occasional affirmative expletive as the S4; all despite being a larger car. For you left-brainers out there, this equates to a 5.4 second run to 60 mph, on to a limited top speed of 130 mph. Not bad for weighing over 4,000 pounds.
But straight line performance is cheap. In an effort to explore the A7's handling capabilities, we made use of the many winding, Pennsylvania country roads we happen to have nearby. The first step in back-road pleasure in the A7 is to locate the car's ride settings within the MMI system and turn the dial to "dynamic." From there, move the gear lever all the way back, selecting "S" rather than "D." This combination both stiffens the A7's suspension and directs the standard 8-speed automatic transmission to hold gears longer; maximizing as much power and torque as possible, whilst remaining firmly planted at each apex. Coupled with the light feel of the A7's electromechanical power steering and you may forget there is still another row of seats and long hatch behind you.
Which speaking of rear seats and hatch, brings us to the more domestic side of the A7. Coincidentally, Waterfest (the nation's largest VW/Audi car show) happened to fall within the same time as our seven-day road test. This not only provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the new A7 to thousands of VAG-enthusiasts, but also gave us a chance to cram as much stuff into the "trunk" as possible. Unfortunately we forgot to snap a picture of the result but this is what we brought: 2 large coolers (the kind with wheels and a handle), a case of bags of potato chips, 2 folding chairs, 2 backpacks with camera gear and a front-grille from a B7 A4 (for a swap meet). Everything fit with a surprising amount of room to spare, which for us was a perfect testament to the A7's Avant-like utility, without the unjust American stigma of a "station wagon."
Further inside, the A7's cockpit is very reminiscent of the A8. A familiar dash layout and design that is now a standard sight even in the new 2012 A6. We will however give higher marks to A8's center console, boasting a more ergonomic arrangement—thanks to the layout of MMI controls in relation to a brilliantly designed gear selector. Also, for those over 6 feet tall, the A7's rear seating may be slightly uncomfortable, especially getting in and out of the backseats. While headroom was ample for us once seated, we did have to make sure to duck a bit upon entering and exiting the car. An unavoidable consequence of the A7's swooping roof line.
While we were clearly smitten with "our" A7 at this point, the general public doesn't always share the same appreciation as us quattroholics. For instance, when we reviewed the 2011 A8 last March, I explained that "aside from an audacious face, the 2011 Audi A8 is surprisingly understated." Noting how we expected to "turn heads" in our $100k+ (as tested) Audi flagship sedan; when in fact, we received little more than an occasional glance. This was far from the case in the A7. Every moment behind the wheel was like a walk down the runway. From admiring stares by a wide array of passing motorists, to the many "hey, nice car" comments at the car wash and gas station, the A7 easily received more attention than any car we've tested at this point.
After living with the car for seven days, I truly had a hard time finding any significant faults with the new A7. With show-stopping good looks, plentiful power and performance and abundant utility, the A7 had lived up our highest expectations. Finding a special blend of both style and substance, it's clear to us that the 2012 Audi A7 is indeed, the perfect automotive package.
Key Stats:
- 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6 engine
- 310 horsepower and 325 lb/ft torque
- 8-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission w/ DSP
- quattro all-wheel drive w/ ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program)
- 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds
- 130 mph limited top speed
- 18 MPG city/28 MPG highway
As Tested:
2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI quattro Auto Tiptronic Sedan - $59,250.00
Dakota Gray Metallic paint - $475.00
Velvet beige interior with dark carpet - Included
Eight-speed Tiptronic transmission - Included
Prestige Package - $6,330.00
20" wheels with summer performance tires - $1,200.00
Audi side assist - $500.00
Audi Connect/Google Earth - Included
Destination Charge - $875.00
Total price as tested: $68,630.00 (fuel, license, title fees, taxes and dealer installed accessories are not included)
Words: Adam Bush
Photos: Matt Richards
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