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Audi RS5 brochure images leaked!

February 22, 2010 at 2:03 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Cars

A hot RS version of Audi’s sleek A5 coupe has been rumoured for long, and now we can confirm its existance and possible debut at next month’s Geneva show, thanks to these leaked brochure images.

Not much is known technically, but some parties have said that the RS5 will be powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 with around 450bhp and 450 Nm.

From these images, we can see that the RS5′s redline is set at about 8200 rpm, so we’re looking at a high revving screamer here. Also gathered from the brochure is the lack of a manual option; Audi’s S-tronic auto transmission is pictured here. Options will include three types of front seats and four wheel designs. But no flat bottomed steering wheel?

This blog will be in Geneva to cover one of the main events in the motor show calendar, so stay tuned for live pictures and info, should the RS5 make a blazing debut in Switzerland. More images after the jump!
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Audi A1 premium compact car unveiled – Geneva debut on schedule!

February 10, 2010 at 6:01 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

After months of releasing teaser by teaser, Audi has finally unveiled the production Audi A1 in full on the internet. For those who want to see the car in real space, it’ll be shown to public in the metal for the first time at the Geneva show at the end of this month. A baseline price has been revealed – about 16,000 Euros will be the minimum price you’ll have to fork out for this compact.

Audi claims the A1 is the first in the premium compact segment – and that’s some pretty strong words to say. Is he saying that Mercedes-Benz’s smart and BMW’s MINI brands are not premium enough? MINIs definitely have premium pricetags here in Malaysia, or is he saying that the A1 has far superior materials compared to the MINI? We’ll only find out if we get to see an actual production car.

According to the press release, customers can customize various features to their own personal tastes. Among the selections that an owner can make include colored air nozzles, LED interior lights, different colours for the roof arch and various colours for the seat covers. Audi also says the A1 offers the best audio system options in its segment – you are able to specify stuff like MMI navigation plus and even a 465 watt Bose surround sound system.

The A1 will debut with two petrol engines and two diesel engines. The petrol engines make either 86 horses and 122 horses, so they aren’t exactly going to be any threat to the Cooper S or JCW models from BMW, but that could be reserved for a model like an “S1″ or an “RS1″? The diesels are both 1.6 litre TDIs in different states of tune – 90hp and 106hp. The car comes standard with a manual but can optionally be equipped with a 7-speed Audi S-Tronic (DSG) dual clutch transmission.

Look after the jump for a full 23 page press release chock full of details as well as high res photos and a video. The video shows a German bloke explaining the design features of the A1.
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Audi shows off the compact A1′s headlamps

January 16, 2010 at 3:32 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, Videos

Audi’s new MINI competitor will feature a daytime running light system similar to the one found on all new Audi models recently.

The “eyeshadow”-shaped lights seem to have been refined over its first appearances – from what I can see in the video (as with the A8 too) it is now looks like a single solid line instead of noticeable individual LEDs forming a shape. The new “solid line” design is achieved using fiber optics combined with LED lighting, which enables Audi to create the smooth uninterrupted line.

Apparently the design is meant to resembled “wings of an eagle”, according to Audi at least. It is also meant to display “decisiveness and concentration” like an athlete all ready to go at the starting line with a sparkle in his eye.

Watch the video showcasing the headlamp design after the jump.
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Compact Audi e-tron rumored to become the R4 sports car

January 14, 2010 at 6:24 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Audi, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Audi’s recent e-tron which is now smaller than the version that was showcased at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show may carry the R4 designation when it goes into production in late 2012. The R4 is also expected to feature more conventional fuel-powered versions apart from an all electric version previewed by the e-tron. This reworked e-tron that is being showcased at the Detroit Motor Show has shrunk in size and definitely resembles the size of an Audi TT.

Instead of four electric motors that were used in the Frankfurt 2009 version, this concept has only half of that and both are mounted on the rear axle. Total output is rated at 201hp and a massive 2,650Nm of torque. The torque figure is definitely mind-boggling however a report by Automobile Magazine revealed that the original e-tron’s 4,500Nm figure was based on different set of calculation.

Usually torque is measured at the output shaft but the magazine reported that the e-tron’s torque figure is measured at the wheels which multiplies the output shaft-based figure. The magazine estimated that the torque, if calculated according to the industry standard should be about 341Nm of torque. This means that the 2,650Nm of torque figure above is about 200Nm if measured at the output shaft.

Nevertheless the compact e-tron can hit 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and can return a governed top speed of 200 km/h. The e-tron can deliver 250 kilometers over a full charge. You can enjoy an array of live pictures after the jump.

Source
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Detroit 2010: flagship A8 at the Audi stand

January 13, 2010 at 7:21 am By Paul Tan Filed Under 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Audi, Cars

The new batch of Audi cars all look good – you name it and it’s sure to be an eye catcher – the A4, the A5 both coupe and sportback, the R8 and even the cute A1. They’re all pretty good looking. So when their unbelievably boring flagship Audi A8 came out, I was thinking maybe it looked better in the metal. I was wrong. It was just as boring. Just a big fat and sparse inflated version of the Audi A4. The interior is gorgeous though, perfect to take a little nap in after looking at the sleep-inducing exterior. Check out the live photo gallery after the jump, or read more about the new Audi A8.
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Detroit 2010: More compact, lighter Audi e-tron

January 12, 2010 at 2:37 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Audi, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

The e-tron, Audi’s electric sports car concept, continues to evolve since its debut at Frankfurt 2009, and this version in Detroit features a more compact aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic hybrid body that’s closer to the production car, which will go on sale in late 2012.

The latest e-tron measures 3.93m long (from 4.26m), 1.78m wide (from 1.9m) and 1.22m tall (from 1.23m). Its 1,350 kg gross weight is also lower by 250 kg.

While the Frankfurt e-tron had four motors, it’s now down to two asynchronous electric motors mounted on the rear axle. With a combined output of 201 bhp and 2,650 Nm, the e-tron accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds with a limited 200 km/h top speed. The monumental torque propels the Audi from 60 to 120 km/h in a mere 5.1 seconds. Range is 250 km. The e-tron is charged with household current (230 volts, 16 amperes) via a cable and a plug. Full charging time takes 11 hours.

Audi claims agile “go-kart” handling from the e-tron’s torque vectoring system, low weight, short wheelbase and weight distribution (rear biased at 40:60). The 399 kg lithium-ion battery pack is located behind the passenger compartment and ahead of the rear axle for optimal centre of gravity.

More pictures after the jump.
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Hofele Design’s R8-inspired Audi A5 styling kit

January 4, 2010 at 3:52 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, International News

What’s a successful halo car? In our opinion, a halo car has fulfilled its purpose if models below it start to ape big brother. The Lancer Evo is a classic example, and Audi seems to have executed a similar masterstroke with its R8 supercar. The mid-engined beauty that Tony Stark drives is so cool that it’s inspiring “R8 style” kits for cars like the Audi A5 and TT.

German tuner Hofele Design takes a shot at this direction with kits for the A5 Coupe, Convertible and Sportback. It comes with an R8-look front bumper with the air vents below the headlamps. Coupe and Convertible owners can even match it with the R8′s signature side blades and a rear bumper with faux air-outlets and integrated diffuser. Four exhaust tips complete the “transformation”.

Style is subjective – some might like it, but we think that these add-ons contaminate the sleek, classy design of the A5. Not to mention proclaiming to the whole world that “I can’t afford an R8″. I have seen an Audi TT with similar looks in the Klang Valley and was nearly fooled, from a distance I must add.

More pictures after the jump!
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Audi A3 1.6 TDI is the most efficient premium car

December 29, 2009 at 4:01 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

A new green version of the Audi A3 1.6 TDI – already the most fuel efficient and clean premium badged car – has been launched. Available only in three-door form with Standard spec (image above is a 2.0T), it emits only 99g/km of CO2 and has exceptional combined fuel consumption of 26.3 km/l. The standard A3 1.6 TDI does 24.4 km/l and emits 109g/km of CO2.

Key elements responsible for the efficiency gains include a modified final drive ratio for the five-speed manual transmission, reduced ride height, under-body revisions to reduce drag and the use of 15-inch alloys shod with low rolling resistance tyres. These combine with existing A3 1.6 TDI features such as engine start-stop and brake energy recuperation.

Performance is identical to the standard car – the 1.6 TDI produces 104 bhp and 250 Nm of torque from just 1500 rpm, good for 0-100 km/h in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h. As usual for modern diesels, real-world performance is much more impressive than the bare figures, and needs to be experienced to believed.

Now, some of you might wonder why European manufacturers keep harping on CO2 emissions. Besides being more environmentally aware than us, countries like the UK align their road tax structure with how much CO2 a car emits, not their engine capacity. Cars that dip below the 100g/km mark, like this A3 TDI, are rewarded with full road tax exemption. I think this is a fairer system than our “big cc, higher tax” method which is too simplistic and does not do much for the introduction of new green tech.

Unfortunately there are very few of such cars available here in Malaysia, except for the sole range of excellent diesels recently launched by BMW.

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Audi to launch five new models in 2010

December 29, 2009 at 9:32 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, International News

Audi has announced its plans for 2010 and it looks exciting. The four rings will launch the A1, A7, A8, R8 Spyder and Q5 Hybrid next year, with the latter reaching the market at the start of 2011 as the brand’s first full hybrid model.

The A1 will be a premium small car that rivals BMW’s MINI. The A8 limo we’ve already seen, and the R8 Spyder is a drop top version of Ironman’s car. The A7 meanwhile, is a big four-door coupe which was previewed by the Audi Sportback concept at the 2009 Detroit show. It will play in the same segment as the A8, but for more bold tastes.

Audi has also commited to invest in new products and technologies. In coming years, Audi will set aside 5.9 billion euros (about 80 per cent of its total investment in fixed assets) for new product development, further optimization of conventional drivelines and the development of electric and hybrid models. The target is that by 2015, the Audi range will have 42 models from the current 34.

From now to 2012, approximately 2.5 billion euros will be invested at Ingolstadt and about 1.3 billion euros at Neckarsulm. A new transmission and emissions center will be opened at the Ingolstadt plant, and other investment priorities will be stamping tools for the new Audi A1 and the manufacturing structures for the A3 and A4 models. The investment focus in Neckarsulm will be on the A6, A7 und A8 models and new engine-function test rigs.

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VIDEO: Audi designers discussing the A1′s design

December 18, 2009 at 4:23 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, Videos

Audi metroproject quattro
The Audi metroproject quattro at Tokyo 2007

Watch Audi head designer Stefan Sielaff discuss the new Audi A1′s design with a colleague. Apparently Audi has some interesting things in store for us with the A1′s design. Let’s hope that the new A8 ended up being the bore that it is because they diverted all attention to the A1!

“The new A1 has Audi design in its genes. Like all Audi models, the ratio of greenhouse to body is between 1:3 and 2:3. The front overhang is short, but the wheel wells are pronounced, giving the A1 a wide road stance. The roof arch is a unique characteristic of the Tokyo showcar; there is a certain dynamism in the flow of the A- and C-pillars. The single-frame grille – a central Audi design feature – will identify the A1 as an Audi. But there’s a surprise in store. We’ll do something here, maybe with the corners and the width of the grille. But more on that in January 2010,” says Sielaff.

Look after the jump to watch some videos of the A1.
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