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Audi Quattro concept – a revision of an 80′s legend

October 1, 2010 at 2:33 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under 2010 Paris Motor Show, Audi, Cars, International News

Audi has released pictures and details of the Audi Quattro concept, which draws inspiration from the 1984 Sports Quattro. In essence the car is a modern Audi as it looks like it is largely based on the RS5 design-wise, apart from the shorter wheelbase and lower roofline.

As the name suggests it will be four-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear biased torque split. It has an excellent power to weight ratio, performance is said to be on par with the 525hp R8 V10! It has a kerbweight of just 1300kg.

This has been achieved by employing Audi Space Frame (ASF), while the hood, rear hatch and various components made out of carbon fibre. When coupled with the concept’s 408hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine, it propels the car to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

Inside the weight saving theme continues with leather lined Sparco seats that only weigh 18 kgs. You can still expect modern comforts, as it still has an Audi MMI infotainment system. While on the outside you can find Audi’s signature LED headlamps, that adjust vertically and horizontally.

Pictures available after the jump.
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Federal Auto launches flagship ABT showroom in Malaysia

September 28, 2010 at 3:22 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Audi, Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

Federal Auto Holdings Bhd. has officially opened an ABT showroom at Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The showroom which is Asia’s largest for the famous German tuner is 12,000 square feet in size and costs over a RM1 million to set up. The ABT dealership is specifically run by Federal Auto Sports Tuning Sdn. Bhd. or FAST which is a subsidiary of Federal Auto. The launch of the new showroom, blessed by ABT Managing Director, Hans-Jurgen Abt himself (son to founder, Johann Abt), comes after the appointment of FAST as ABT’s exclusive local dealer in March 2010. This means that Cartrade-ABT no longer represent the tuner here in Malaysia.

The dealership is responsible for selling official ABT products that range from aesthetic kits such as polyurethane body kits and wheels to engine performance upgrades as well as sports suspension springs. It also covers exhaust and brake upgrades. Apart from catering for the usual suspects, which are Volkswagens, the dealership also offers parts for Audis.

The scope of Volkswagen models that are covered by FAST include the Golf Mk6 (both 1.4 TSI and GTi models), the Scirocco (both 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI models) as well as the Tiguan. Golf Mk5 owners should be happy to know that FAST offers upgrades for the previous generation hatchback too.

As for the four-ring cars, owners of the TT, the A4 (both sedan and avant models), the A3 (5-door, Sportback and S3 models), the Q5 and lastly the R8 speed demon will find kits at the showroom. FAST confirmed that all ABT parts can be made available for the above models, with some already in stock.

The company also confirmed that the parts come with ABT’s 1-year warranty (against defects) and mentioned that esthetic upgrades will not harm your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty. However, engine upgrades such as ABT’s high-performance ECU kits can void the warranty. Nevertheless FAST said that it is in talks with the manufacturers in regards to the issue.

In terms of price, we don’t have the full price list just yet but upgrade kits for both the Golf and Scirocco models can be anywhere between RM6,363 for an engine chip tuning to RM43,610 for a complete set which includes a full body kit, sport springs, wheels and tires. An example of an ABT upgrade is the chip tuning for the Golf GTi Mk6, which bumps power from 210hp to 260hp and 280Nm of torque to 360Nm.

FAST plans to open another showroom in Petaling Jaya later this year, followed by at least two more in Penang and Johor Bahru by end of next year. Since we are on the topic, ABT is pronounced as ‘abt’ and not ‘A.B.T’ which is a common misconception. Continue reading to view more images of the launch event.
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Not the S1: Paris bound hot Audi A1 is just called 1.4 TFSI

September 21, 2010 at 6:16 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News


Click to enlarge

Looks like the range topping Audi A1 that’s set for its debut at Paris isn’t the “S1″ as rumoured, but a more humbly named A1 1.4 TFSI. So no hot name, but the ingredients to rival the Mini Cooper S are there – the 1.4 TFSI uses a Twincharged engine with a dual-clutch gearbox to crack 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds on to a 227 km/h top speed, which is a lot of performance for such a small car.

The 1.4-litre engine utilises a supercharger and a turbocharger to produce 185 bhp and 250 Nm of torque here, which is more than what it makes in the VW Golf TSI. The supercharger springs into action at 1,500 rpm and in most situations is disengaged at 2,400 rpm. From 3,500 rpm at the latest, the turbocharger takes over. Because it doesn’t have to do as much work at low revs, the VW Group was able to use a large turbo and design it for high efficiency. With the 7-speed S tronic box, this A1 uses just 5.9 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined).

The McPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension is maintained, but the 1.4 TFSI gets separate springs and dampers plus bigger brake discs. Its ESP stabilisation program comes with an electronic limited slip differential that detects an impending loss of traction at the inside wheel in hard cornering, and brakes that wheel for better handling.

View live and official pics of the Audi A1 here.

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Audi e-Tron Spyder rumored to debut in Paris

September 21, 2010 at 9:22 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Audi, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Could this be a leaked sketch of the upcoming Audi e-Tron Spyder? According to Caradisiac it is. They have reported that this car will make a Paris Motor Show debut, likely as a concept. The Spyder is a convertible based on the Audi e-tron concept that was recently previewed at the Detroit Motor Show. According to the publication, only a thousand units will be built in 2012.

No information have been provided on the powertrain running this car, but if it is for real, it will probably feature something similar to the e-Tron concept. This would be four electric motors, creating a total power output of 204hp and 2,650Nm of torque. The original e-tron concept was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show featuring 313hp and 4,500Nm of torque.

However some are saying that the topless e-tron will be powered by a 3.0 litre V6 TDI paired with two front-mounted electric motors and a dual-clutch transmission. This means that there is a possibility of the e-tron Spyder being a hybrid instead of a pure electric vehicle. All we can do for now is wait for the Paris event to confirm these reports.

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Audi A1 e-tron with rotary engine range extender!

September 14, 2010 at 9:45 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Audi will be unleashing a total of 20 specially prepared Audi A1 e-tron range extender electric cars onto the streets of Munich as part of the “eflott” joint venture pilot project between Audi, E.ON, the Munich municipal utility company Stadtwerke München (SWM) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

The Audi A1 e-tron is powered by a electric motor that delivers an output equivalent of 102 PS, drawing power from a lithium-ion battery mounted within the floor assembly in front of the rear axle of the A1 e-tron. This electric motor can take the A1 e-tron up to a top speed of 81 mph and it can go about 31 miles in city traffic.

But what happens beyond 31 miles? A small combustion engine will be started up to generate power to recharge the batteries, and what’s most interesting is that this small combustion engine is a small single-rotor Wankel rotary engine, with 15 kW of charging output. It would be interesting to find out why exactly Audi chose to use a Wankel rotary engine design for its range extender combustion engine.

Supporting these A1 e-tron cars are a total of 200 newly installed charging stations. These stations will enable experts to address a number of issues, from the data transfer between the driver, vehicle and electric filling station to the power grid and the use of smartphones as the central interface for the driver.

According to a draft standard for the calculation of fuel consumption for range extender vehicles, the A1 e-tron will be able to achieve a fuel economy figure of 148.7mpg and a CO2 output of only 45 g/km.

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Audi S1 set for Paris debut, first S car without quattro

September 14, 2010 at 10:57 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

It is confirmed that next month’s Paris Motor Show will see the debut of the new Audi S1, the hot version of the A1 that will go after the Mini Cooper S. The four rings brand has yet to release tech details, although undisguised test mules have been spotted in Germany.

Autocar UK’s sources say that the S1 will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbo engine from the VW Group, producing around 180 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Competitive with the Cooper S and sounds pretty much like the 1.4 TSI in the VW Polo GTI, which does 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds on to a 225 km/h top speed. Audi’s 7-speed s-tronic dual-clutch gearbox will be used, and steering paddle shifters will be standard.

The looks will be a sportier version of the standard car’s S-line package (pic above), including lowered suspension, 17-inch alloys and a small roof spoiler, while a larger exhaust will also feature. What one won’t find on the S1 is a quattro badge – this will be the first S badged car to do without Audi’s trademark AWD system.

The hot A1 should start selling in Europe early next year. Click here to see more of the A1.

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New Audi service centre at Jalan Chan Sow Lin, KL

September 2, 2010 at 11:54 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, Local News

Audi distributor Euromobil has opened a new service centre located along Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur. The new facility spans a total area of 17,900 square feet and is equipped with five service bays and one Direct Reception bay, which is a specially designated bay for customers to have individual consultation with their service advisors.

The opening of this KL Service Centre brings the total of authorised Audi service centres to four. The other outlets are in Shah Alam (Glenmarie), Johor Bahru and Penang (Juru).

Euromobil is currently having promotions for Audi owners at all authorised service centres till the end of September 2010. The deals include 20% discount on all parts, 15% discount on Audi genuine accessories and imported Audi merchandise, 10% discount on engine oil and free car inspection and wash.

The Audi KL Service Centre is situated at 44, Jalan Chan Sow Lin and the contact number is 03-9222 0390.

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Audi A1 to be sold outside EU, but not the USA?

September 1, 2010 at 11:32 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

Audi’s has changed its sales strategy by announcing that they will be making the Audi A1 available in markets outside Europe. This was down to an increasing global interest in the entry level Audi, according to Peter Schwarzenbauer Audi’s sales chief.

A website that Audi set up attracted more than 150,000 interested customers, a big change as sales was originally planned for just the European market. “Many of the Asian markets are now showing a trend toward smaller vehicles, For that reason, it’s right to sell the A1 also in those regions.”

Unfortunately for Chinese and American customers, they’ll have to wait. The A1 is said to go on sale in China sometime after 2011, while the US will only receive the car “at the earliest” with the second generation.

In preparation for global sales, Audi will be bumping up production by 20 percent for the A1. Audi also plans to dethrone BMW as the world’s largest luxury car maker by 2015, with a target sales figure of 1.08 million cars and SUVs this year.

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Audi Gentleman’s Racer concept – powerful beauty

August 13, 2010 at 12:28 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

Audi used to be part of Auto Union, which represented four German manufacturers and was established in 1936. The company, like its German counterpart Mercedes, enjoyed a rich racing history within the Silver Arrows period – named so due to silver German cars’ domination of motoring events. One of the most notable Auto Union race cars was the C-Type. Here, an Audi fan took it upon himself to create a modern interpretation which he called Audi Gentleman’s Racer.

Mikael Lugnegard, a freelance designer, developed a concept inspired by American hot rods. In the concept, he combines design lines that is now synonymous with Audi, along with the most recognizable thing about Audis today, which is their front grille. This shows up in the concept albeit being slightly elongated.

When a design is created in the mind with no regards to financial viability, anything is possible. Thus a performance driven approach was taken and Audi’s lightweight aluminium spaceframe is used for the chassis, Ohlins racing suspension system, Brembo brakes and a body entirely made out of carbon fibre.

Powering this lightweight hot rod, will be the 5.2-litre V10 found in the R8 V10, which in stock form pumps out 525 horses, which will go straight to the rear wheels. A specialised gentlemen’s race car should have the luxuries, and no expense seems to have been spared with the use of carbon fibre, aluminium and Alcantara leather for the interior. Catch more beauty shots of the hot rod in a picture gallery after the jump.
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Petronas Syntium Team admits difficulty in defending MME title; Audi works team plays down favourite tag

August 6, 2010 at 1:57 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, BMW, Local News, Motorsports

The 11th edition of the Merdeka Millennium Endurance race happens this weekend at Sepang (flag off on Saturday midnight), and the competition is getting tougher. Petronas Syntium Team (PST) is the defending champion following a 1-2 finish at last year’s race, but it won’t be easy for the Super Taikyu series pacesetters (four wins out of four so far) to retain their “home race” title.

“The quality of the participants will definitely add to the level of competition we will be up against. This year, we are returning to take on the challenge in the new GT-Class with the two BMW Z4M Coupes. Looking at the level of competition in the class, it will be difficult to expect a repeat of the fantastic feat we achieved here last year. Notwithstanding, everyone on the team has been working hard preparing for this race and we are optimistic that we can be competitive,” said David Wong, PST Team Principal.

PST’s challenge will be spearheaded by 27-year old Malaysian Fariqe Hairuman who will be joined by young Malaysian Melvin Moh Chun-Ho in his MME debut. Also driving car No. 1 is experienced Japanese Tatsuya Kataoka. In car No. 28 Masataka Yanagida and Nobuteru Taniguchi will drive with Malaysian rookie Imran Zaharias Shaharom.

They should be up against a strong team in Audi Race Experience Team Joest, which will bring their Le Mans winning Audi R8 LMS here for its Asian debut. This Audi works team will also boast two former LeMans winners in drivers Frank Biela and Marco Werner. They will be joined by former MME and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion Daryl O’ Young.

“Yes, we have some big names. Frank won it (Le Mans) 5 times as a driver and I did it 3 times. Everyone says we are the leader in the race, but I see ourselves as a beginner,” said Werner. “The circuit is new for us, not only for the drivers, but also for the team. I’m new to the GT class. I did only 5 or 6 races with the R8, mostly on the Nurburgring, but there is a huge difference when compared to racing on an F1 Grand Prix circuit like this one here in Sepang,” he added.

Partner Biela shared the same tone. “When you come here it looks pretty easy, but when we went out there, we discovered that finding a good rhythm is not as easy as it seems when you’re looking at it for the first time,” he said.

It should be a good fight, stay tuned for updates!

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