ABT Sportsline reveals facelifted Audi AS4 and AS5 range

German tuning firm, ABT Sportsline has revealed their take on the newly facelifted Audi A4 and A5 range with the ABT AS4 and AS5. Sporting a fresh aero kit, the AS4 and AS5 feature an upgraded front spoiler, side skirts, fender inserts, rear skirt insert, rear spoiler and choice of 19" and 20" CR Silverlight or DR alloy wheels; a total package that ABT describes as "unobtrusively assertive." Under the hood, power ranges from 270 horsepower in the AS5 2.0 TFSI all the way to 435 hp from the S4-based AS4 3.0 TFSI. Full report after the jump.



The new ABT AS4 is sporty, assertive and chic!

Congratulations! With the launch of its very latest version, the Audi A4 turns 40! This means a full four decades of success, first for the Audi 80, then for the A4 – and ABT has been part of this success from the very beginning. “The A4 is an important car for us, too. It always
re-defines the premium standard for medium-sized cars,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The renowned Bavarian tuning company’s CEO is proud to be able to present the new ABT AS4 on the occasion of the series model’s fortieth anniversary: “Our AS4 is definitely state-of-the-art. It combines sportiness and assertiveness,” Hans-Jürgen Abt explains. The AS4 is a most dependable car in every situation. But it also means sheer pleasure!

In terms of better performance, ABT Sportsline always provides balanced packages that are fully geared to the respective car and the requirements of the owner. An ABT is always a dynamic vehicle, and for its whole life at that! And what the engineers came up with for the new AS4 has been mercilessly endurance-tested, of course. The figures read as follows. ABT POWER lends the top model 435 hp (320 kW), up from the original V6 petrol engine’s 333 hp (245 kW): this fast ABT only needs 4.8 seconds to go to 100 km/h from a standstill and is very torquey indeed, with a top speed of 282 km/h. And the 3.0 TDI is a real fierce car: In its ABT POWER version, the turbo diesel engine shows 282 hp or 207 kW (serial version: 245 hp/180 kW). Its torque is 560 Nm, up from 500 and certainly enough for every situation. And the “little” four-cylinder version, the 2.0 TFSI, has also undergone an ABT POWER treatment. Up from 211 hp (155 kW), the petrol engine now shows 275 hp (202 kW). Whatever engine you may want to buy, you will always get a lot of added sportiness and agility.

And of course you will always be able to tell a true ABT from a less powerful car. That was so 40 years ago and it also applies to the new AS4. ABT has developed body parts that underscore the car’s character and make it self-confident and dynamic but without seeming arrogant, as it were. The front air dam is fully in line with the striking lights of the AS4, almost pressing the car down onto the road. This sporty approach is continued by the ABT Sportsline designers in the side sills and wing inserts. Aerofoils, rear apron inserts and the two two-pipe exhaust systems round off this very, very sporty – and stylish – car’s design. And last but not least, there are the ABT alloy wheels: Be it CR Silverlight or DR – they are all perfect for the new ABT AS4. Needless to say, they are also available in combination with high-speed tyres. After all, the AS4’s success story is to be continued – on blacktop!



Sporty elegance – the new ABT AS5

The A5 is a fast coupe and a comfortable travel companion to begin with. But in its
ABT Sportsline version this extravagant car is even more sporty. The latest edition of the ABT AS5 combines a precise and harmonious design with dynamic technology. “For us, it was important to combine this car’s extraordinary design with our ideas and thus to underscore the car’s character. Its increased performance and its body parts form a unit”, says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The traditional Bavarian company’s managing director is very excited about this automobile. “If you look at the AS5, you want to take in every inch of its marvellous silhouette, and if you sit in it, all you want is to get it on the road. This coupé is really a power pack.“

This sports car in its “tailor-made suit” is so much fun to drive because it has undergone a real ABT Sportsline treatment. The car is always assertive and second to none: ABT POWER turns the 3.0l diesel engine from its original 245 hp (180 kW) to a torquey 300 hp (221 kW). For the 2.0 TFSI, it is a dynamic 270 hp or 199 kW (original version: 211 hp/155 kW). Other engine variants are being developed and will be presented at a later stage.

To be sure, this additional ABT POWER also has to be put on the road. So a lowered suspension has been geared to the AS5, which make for a very effective lowering of the car’s centre of gravity – in visual terms, too. This is part of the overall design concept. Front spoiler, side skirts, fender inserts, rear skirt insert, rear spoiler and the typical four-pipe exhaust system make the chic ABT appear unobtrusively assertive from wherever you look at it. As an ideal complementary feature, ABT recommends the CR Silverlight or DR alloy wheels. Depending upon your taste, they will underscore either the new ABT AS5’s sportiness or its elegance. And in visual terms they are fully in line with the sport braking system, which is available with discs of 345 or 380mm in diameter.

The new ABT AS5 has been developed by the globally largest tuner of cars produced by the Volkswagen Group, with its designers and engineers making no compromises. After all, what driver of this unique coupe would want to make compromises? “They want a maximum of automotive sophistication, dynamism, roadworthiness, design and assertiveness”, Hans-Jürgen Abt says. So the new AS5 is a benchmark five times over!

Source: ABT Sportsline

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Audi A5 DTM officially revealed

Ready to take on both BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the 2012 DTM season, Audi has officially revealed their all-new A5 DTM race car today. Dubbed the "R17," the new A5 DTM is Audi's first two-door DTM racer since the ABT-Audi TT-R retired in 2003. Under the hood, the A5 DTM features a 460-horsepower V8 that, when coupled with Audi's Ultra lightweight technology, should make for some very exciting racing in next year's season. Full press release, photo gallery and videos after the jump.












Press Release:

Ingolstadt/Frankfurt, 2011-09-12 - On the eve of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt Audi presented its new DTM vehicle: After the V8 quattro (1990 to 1992) and the A4 (2004 to 2011) the brand with the four rings has opted to use a two-door coupe in the most popular international touring car series for the first time.

The new Audi A5 DTM, which bears the internal project name “R17” at Audi Sport, conforms to the new Technical Regulations that will come into effect in the 2012 season. The project was premised on three key aims: the safety of the vehicles, reduction of the costs by up to 40 percent and a spectacular exterior design.

IAA visitors will have the opportunity to get a first-hand impression of the new car’s look at the Audi Hall from September 13th to 25th. The Audi A5 DTM appears lower and sturdier than its successful predecessor with which Audi has won four of the last seven DTM titles. Underneath the body, which is completely made of carbon, a new type of chassis features a hybrid construction. The combination of a carbon fiber monocoque and steel cage sets new standards in terms of safety for a race touring car. In addition, the chassis is one of more than 50 components which are identical for all DTM vehicles.

“Due to these shared components it was possible to achieve the cost reduction target of up to 40 percent without compromising on the safety and attractiveness of the DTM vehicles,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who has been in charge of the new Audi A5 DTM development.

The A5 DTM is 5.01 meters long, 1.95 meters wide and 1.15 meters low. The wheelbase of all DTM vehicles is identical, i.e. 2,750 millimeters. Like its predecessor, the A5 DTM is powered by a V8 engine with an output of about 340 kW (460 HP). The six-speed transmission, now pneumatically operated using paddle shifters in the steering wheel, is a new development. The shifting events are more precise compared with conventional manual gearshifts and allow the mileage of the unit to be quadrupled to up to 24,000 kilometers.

The engine electronics (Bosch MS 5.1), which operate without fuses, and the central display that is already being used in the Audi R8 LMS are state-of-the-art as well. The exclusive tire partner Hankook is supplying larger and wider tires with dimensions resembling those of LMP2 sports cars.

A safety fuel tank with a capacity of 120 liters is integrated with the carbon fiber cell of the Audi A5 DTM. It would allow the current distance of a DTM race to be covered without a refueling stop. For longer races a quick refueling system is in development.

The engine sub-frame at the front and the transmission at the rear are identical for all DTM cars and limit the freedom of the engineers with respect to the suspension, which has to be mounted to these shared components. In addition, steel as the material for the A-arms and the tube dimensions are specified. For the hub carrier, the regulations define the material and the production process to be used. A milled aluminum part with a minimum weight is prescribed. Furthermore, a strict provision in the regulations defines the wheel hubs and the rims for all entrants.

The possibilities in the area of aerodynamics are restricted as well. Air flow through the body, as in the case of the current A4 DTM, and complex additional wings at the rear are no longer allowed. This creates a stronger visual resemblance between the race car and the production model. At the same time the new DTM vehicles are to respond less sensitively to body contact with other vehicles and deliver slipstream improvements – also thanks to the larger rear wing.

“In the past, Audi has had very innovative solutions particularly in the area of aerodynamics in the DTM,” says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Engineering at Audi Sport. “Since these areas have been subjected to severe restrictions good detailed solutions will now be crucial to achieving advantages over the competition.”

The “R17” project was launched in May 2010 and a month later the decision was made that the A5 would serve as the base model. Trials in the model wind tunnel have been run since February 2011. The roll-out was successfully performed on July 29, 2011 by Martin Tomczyk. Since then testing of the A5 DTM has been in progress. The homologation of the A5 DTM is scheduled for March 1, 2012 – until then the engineers at Audi Sport in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm still have time to fine-tune the detailed solutions.

Source: Audi Sport and Audi AG

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Video: Facelifted 2013 Audi A5/S5 driving scenes and details

In addition to the press release and photos revealed in July, Audi has now provided us with a set of videos showcasing the Audi A5 and S5's new facelift for the 2013 model year. Although met with mixed emotions from many fans when first unveiled, we feel - after viewing these videos - that Audi's new design cues are a welcomed upgrade to the A5 model line. We've included official driving scenes and exterior/interior detail videos of the 2013 Audi A5 coupe, S5 cabriolet and S5 Sportback after the jump.













Source: Audi via our YouTube channel

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Audi UK introduces "Black Edition" range

Following in-step with Audi AG's "Black Optics" package and Audi USA's "Titanium" package, Audi UK is now offering the "Black Edition Range." As it's name suggests, the Black Edition offers black exterior and interior trim, titanium finish "rotor" alloy wheels and tinted privacy glass. The Black Edition range is currently available on A3, S3, A4, A5, TT and TT S models in the UK.


Check out Audi UK's website for more information on the new Black Edition range.

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2013 Audi A5 / S5 officially revealed

To help match the updated A6, A7 and A8, Audi is now refreshing the A5 model line. This mid-cycle facelift subtly revises styling and adds a few changes to powerplants, drivetrain and technology. The most noticeable (and perhaps most controversial) styling change can be seen at the face of the A5 and S5; now sporting a design very reminiscent to that of the 2012 A6, specifically noting the grille and lighting. More info, photo gallery and press release after the jump.

Outside, the A5 model line receives new headlights (optionally available in xenon plus technology with homogenous LED daytime running lights), fog lights, beveled grille, chiseled hood, revised lower front air intakes and taillights. As Audi explains, the new front-end styling makes "the entire front end appears even flatter and wider." As always, S-Line styling gives the new A5/S5 a more "dynamic" look, though appears slightly less aggressive than that of the current model.

Inside, the refresh includes the addition of new multifunction steering wheels (including an optional 'flat bottom' design), ignition key, gear lever, the button for the optional Audi drive select system, air conditioning controls and displays are now illuminated in white. Lastly, a new selection of upholstery colors and inlays are available; including aluminum trigon, walnut or natural fine grain ash.

Under the hood, the only major change for U.S. buyers pertains to the S5. Like the Cabriolet did, the S5 Coupe says goodbye to the venerable 4.2-liter V8 and will now sport the 333 hp, 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6. As for the A5, U.S. buyers will again be limited to only the 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder which remains unchanged at 211 hp. Other parts of the world get to enjoy a wide range of new powerplants; including two gas engines (a 177-hp 1.8T to a 272-hp 3.0 TFSI) and a choice of four diesels (one 177-hp 2.0T and three, 3.0-liter V-6s ranging from 204-245 hp).

Also new for A5/S5 vehicles equipped with quattro and a S-tronic transmission, is the addition of the RS5's coveted torque vectoring crown-gear center differential and optional sport rear differential. The S5 will also receive electromechanical power steering and a special "S" sport suspension mated to standard 18-inch wheels for optimal handling.

Currently there's no word on U.S. pricing. However, in Germany, the A5 2.0 TFSI Coupe sees only a subtle €200 price increase. Look for the new 2013 Audi A5 and S5 to reach U.S. showrooms next year (A5/S5 Sportback not available in North America). Full press release can be found following the photo gallery below.

















Press Release:

Beauty, power and efficiency – the new Audi A5

Audi is refreshing the A5 model series. Advanced technologies are being added to the Sportback, Coupé, Cabriolet and S5 models in the areas of the engine, quattro drive and infotainment for even more efficiency, sportiness and intelligence. The updated design visually underscores the technical expertise involved in these versions.

The A5 models are now more distinctive than ever. The rear lights and the headlights have been redesigned and are optionally available in xenon plus technology with homogenous LED daytime running lights. New colors and materials accentuate the interior, and many details of the operating concept have been fine-tuned.

Each of the four TDI diesel and three TFSI gasoline units in the new engine lineup include forced induction and direct fuel injection. The new 1.8 TFSI features a number of groundbreaking innovations. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 11 percent on average. The start-stop system and the recuperation system come standard with all engine-transmission configurations.

Each engine is matched with the ideal drivetrain – six-speed manual, multitronic, seven-speed S tronic, front-wheel drive or quattro drive. When combined with S tronic, the quattro drivetrain uses the crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring; the sport differential is the perfect complement. The chassis has been more finely tuned, with the optional Audi drive select system and dynamic steering making the A5 even more fun to drive. The electromechanical power steering is new to the A5 family.

The new A5 is a highly intelligent car. Its driver assistance systems have undergone intensive further development. The range of infotainment options now includes the Bluetooth online car phone, which delivers a number of special services and connects the A5 to the Internet.

The Audi A5 – A winner is now even more attractive
A successful family is now even more attractive: Audi is refreshing the A5 model series. New solutions for the engines, quattro drive and infotainment are being added to the Sportback, Coupé, Cabriolet and S5 models, making them even more sporty and efficient. The design is now even more dynamic.

Exterior design and body
Ever since their debut, the models of the A5 family – the Sportback, Coupé and Cabriolet – have impressed with their elegance. The flowing silhouettes, the sharp lines and the muscular surfaces make strong statements. The product improvement adds sharp new accents to the design.

The upper corners of the single-frame grille in high-gloss black are beveled. The grille’s lateral bars and the Audi rings appear to be sculpted. The new bumper features pronounced air inlets with massive struts, revamped grilles and flat fog lights. Sharply chiseled edges give the engine hood a three-dimensional look; the entire front end appears even flatter and wider.

The headlights have also been updated. Their lower edge forms a wave; their interior has been restructured. With the optional xenon plus headlights, the LED daytime running lights form a narrow, homogenous clasp framing the headlight. Audi also offers the adaptive light system with dynamic cornering light and turning light. The rear lights have also been redesigned and are optionally available with continuous LED light strips. The bumper includes a number of additional details.

The product improvement has added a millimeter (0.04 in) to each of the exterior dimensions. The A5 Sportback is 4.71 meters (15.45 ft) long; the Coupé and the Cabriolet 4.63 meters (15.19 ft). The range of colors has been reshuffled and now comprises 16 colors. The fully automatic acoustic top of the A5 Cabriolet is available in four colors. The S line exterior package is available for those who appreciate an even more dynamic look.

The vehicle bodies impress with high rigidity, outstanding crash safety, high vibrational comfort and low weight. The front fenders are made of aluminum for improved axial load distribution. Aerodynamic fine-tuning measures include a lined underbody.

Interior design
A harmonious balance of proportions and surfaces, fine materials and top-quality fit and finish: The interior of the A5 models reflects the Audi brand culture. It is now more elegant than ever – with new steering wheels, including an option for a flattened ring, new steering column stalks and with narrow chrome clasps framing the control elements.

A button is used to directly adjust the optional seat heating and seat ventilation in three stages. Also updated were the ignition key, the selector lever for the automatic transmission, the button for the optional Audi drive select system and the controls of the high-efficiency air conditioning and multifunction steering wheel. All displays are now illuminated in white.

New paint covers the bezels on the instrument cluster and the center console, and there is also a new selection of upholstery and inlays. The latter are available in Aluminium Trigon or in walnut or natural fine grain ash. Almost all of the interior colors are new. Fine Nappa leather replaces Valcona in the Sportback, and the armrests can also be covered in leather, if desired. The A5 Sportback is also now optionally available as a five-seater.

Another attractive option is the S line sport package. It drapes the interior in black and accentuates it with elegant applications. A sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in), and 18-inch wheels round out the package. Buyers looking for that special something will find many more customization options in the Audi exclusive range, including the stylish Audi exclusive line with two-tone seat coverings.

Engines
The A5 family sets new standards for sportiness and efficiency. All engines feature forced induction and direct injection for tremendous pulling power. Even the entry-level engine produces 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. The start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard with all engines – no other manufacturer takes such a rigorous approach. The lineup comprises three gasoline engines and four TDI units. CO2 emissions have been reduced by as much as 22 percent.

The completely redesigned 1.8 TFSI showcases the full extent of Audi’s expertise. Groundbreaking innovations can be found in the control of the valves and their lift, the thermal management concept, the injection system, the turbocharger and the integration of the exhaust manifold. In the A5 Coupé, the high-end four-cylinder unit consumes on average just 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (41.27 US mpg). This best-in-class value corresponds to 134 grams CO2 per km (215.65 g/mile) and is 21 percent lower than before. With 125 kW (170 hp), the 1.8 TFSI accelerates the A5 powerfully.

The output of the 2.0 TFSI remains unchanged at 155 kW (211 hp). New to the Audi A5 lineup is the 3.0 TFSI, a supercharged V6 producing 200 kW (272 hp).

The diesel engines are also impressively efficient, and the four-cylinder units feature modifications in numerous areas. Equipped with the 130 kW (177 hp) 2.0 TDI and a manual transmission, the A5 Coupé consumes on average just 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (50.05 US mpg) – a CO2 equivalent of 122 g per km (196.34 g/mile) and a milestone in the coupe segment.

Three V6 diesel units round out the lineup on the top end. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) is the most fuel-efficient six-cylinder unit in its class worldwide. In the A5 Coupé with multitronic, it consumes on average 4.9 liters (48 US mpg) of fuel and emits just 129 grams CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile). The second variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 180 kW (245 hp). Arriving somewhat later is a particularly low-emissions clean diesel model that will make the A5 the first coupe on the market to meet the Euro 6 diesel standard.

Drivetrain
Audi offers the ideal drivetrain for each engine. A manual six-speed transmission and the continuously variable multitronic are available for models with front-wheel drive. The quattro models come with a manual transmission or the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic. All of the transmissions shine with their convenience and precision, high efficiency and wide gear spread. The long ratios in the upper gears reduce fuel consumption.

Members of the A5 family equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the S tronic transmission also feature the crown-gear center differential with torque vectoring. During normal driving, the mechanical component sends the engine’s power primarily to the rear wheels. If necessary, it redistributes the power lightning-fast and smoothly. Up to 70 percent can flow to the front axle, 85 percent to the rear axle. Torque vectoring uses targeted, minor braking interventions to make the handling even more precise.

Available as an option in all A5 quattro models, the sport differential provides for maximum precision and high traction. It uses two superposition stages engaged via multi-plate clutches to actively distribute the torque between the rear wheels as needed.

Chassis
The A5 models set standards for sporty dynamics, luxurious ride comfort and excellent driving safety. Most of the components of the five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum. The rear suspension bearings and the damper tuning have been updated for more precise handling and even greater comfort.

The ESP stabilization program with electronic limited slip differential is standard in all front-wheel drive versions of the A5. ESP uses minimal braking interventions at the inside front wheel for even more agility during dynamic driving. The large brakes – with ventilated front and rear discs in many variants – offer excellent stopping power and are very easy to modulate.

17-inch wheels with 225/50 tires are standard. Options include wheels up to 20 inches and 265/30 tires as well as four new wheel designs.

Among the high-end features in the model series is Audi drive select. In the basic configuration, it adjusts the power steering boost, the accelerator characteristic, the shift points of the automatic transmission and the automatic air conditioning. Using a button in the cockpit, the driver can determine whether these components should work in “comfort,” “auto,” “dynamic” or “efficiency” mode. The latter helps to drive the A5 particularly efficiently. If the car is equipped with a navigation system, there is also an “individual” mode that the driver can largely configure him or herself.

Audi drive select can be combined with additional modules, if desired. These are the sport suspension with damper control, the sport differential and dynamic steering, which steplessly varies the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of speed.

Another new standard feature in the A5 model series is the electromechanical power steering. An electric motor generates the right amount of boost for the speed being driven. The electromechanical power steering features a direct ratio, reacts instantly and provides precise road feedback. It intervenes slightly to support the driver when braking on a surface with less grip on one side of the car.

The system reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters per 100 km and up to 7 g CO2/km (11.27 g/mile) because it consumes no energy at all while driving straight.

Assistance systems
The assistance systems in the Audi A5 model series use a variety of technologies to make driving even more controlled. Some of them have been improved with new functions. Among the standard features is the new driver information system with recommendations to take a break. It uses steering motions and additional parameters to detect when the driver is getting tired and issues an appropriate warning.

Audi side assist supports the driver when changing lanes by using radar to monitor the space behind the car. Audi active lane assist – a new feature in the A5 – helps the driver to maintain the lane. A camera detects the lane markings and the system makes slight corrections to the electromechanical steering, if necessary. The adaptive cruise control uses radar technology to maintain a constant interval between the A5 and the vehicle ahead. At speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), it initiates maximum braking in the event of an impending collision.

Infotainment systems
The infotainment systems in the A5 have been significantly upgraded. Audi equips all models in the A5 lineup with a CD radio and eight speakers.

The optional top-of-the-line unit is MMI navigation plus with a large hard drive, seven-inch color monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player. Its controls have been improved. The number of hard buttons has been reduced from eight to four and the volume control now features a joystick cap to make it easier to choose songs. Voice control and digital radio reception also received some fine-tuning.

An additional option is the Bluetooth online car phone. Audi connect is the catchword for the attractive services this phone brings to the A5, which include Google POI search, navigation with Google Earth images and a WLAN hotspot. The hotspot enables passengers to surf the Internet and send and receive e-mail with their mobile devices. Audi traffic information online is an additional service that does a much better job than the familiar TMC standard of providing the driver with extremely precise and current information about the traffic load along the selected route. All the driver needs to use these functions is a data-capable SIM card.

Prices
Despite the extensive product improvement, Audi is raising prices only slightly. The price increase for the A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI is only €200, for example. The base model, the Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI, costs €33,350.

The Audi S5
The top models in the series – the S5 as Sportback, Coupé and Cabriolet – have also been refreshed. All S5 models, including the Coupé, are now equipped with the 3.0 TFSI producing 245 kW (333 hp). Compared to the 4.2-liter V8 it replaces in the Coupé, the supercharged V6 consumes on average 20 percent less fuel per 100 kilometers. Average fuel consumption is just 8.1 liters (29.04 US mpg) while performance remains impressive. The S5 Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.9 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

Visual cues to the updated S models include new lights, modified body details and new crystal-effect paint finishes. Subtle changes can also be found in the interior. The most important technical updates for the Audi S5 are quattro drive with the crown-gear center differential and electromechanical power steering. The special S sport suspension and the standard 18-inch wheels deliver the power to the road.

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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