Audi RS4 (B7 Second Generation)

In 2007 the Audi RS4 won the “World Performance Car” award. Among its competitors, we had Porsches, Ferraris and Jaguars. Do we need to add anything else?

Design: Based on the A4 B chassis, the RS4 is practically a racing car masked under an executive station wagon frame. Simple yet beautiful.

Performance: Powered by a 4.2-litre engine, with 8 cylinders in V formation, it produces an output of 414 horse power. It accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4,2 seconds, and it also comes with Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control to provide an even better driving experience.

Chick Factor: High. Some women just don’t like the aggressive look of sporsts car. That is where the RS4 comes handy: elegant style and stunning performance.

2008 Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro

Audi, the inventor of TDI, blazes a trail in the field of engine manufacture. At the 27th annual Lake Wörther Tour being held at the end of May in the Austrian province of Carinthia, the brand behind the four rings is showcasing this technology’s potential with a sensational study. The two-liter TDI unit under the bonnet of the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro delivers 224 hp and musters up 331.90 lb-ft of torque – the sort of pulling power normally associated with a sports car. The show car races from 0 to 62.14 mph in just 6.6 seconds and attains a top speed of 149.13 mph.

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro projects its power with supreme confidence – both acoustically courtesy of its sonorous exhaust and visually with a series of exclusive parts mounted on the body and in the interior. Exterior components such as the large DTM-look rear spoiler and the bolt-on wheel arch extensions give the car a dynamic air, while the racing bucket seats and open gear lever gate in aluminum form the highlights of the interior.

The show car is a true high-tech sports car. The drive power is directed to the 20-inch wheels via a six-speed transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. At the front wheels, stopping power is provided by six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs. The Audi drive select driving dynamics system allows the driver to vary at will the throttle response characteristic, the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system, as well as the operating mode of the dampers. The dampers deploy Audi magnetic ride technology, enabling them to react to changes in the driving situation with lightning speed.

Press release

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro

A TDI from Audi is more than just another diesel – it is, in fact, a dynamic power unit and a rich source of driving pleasure. At the 27th annual Lake Wörther Tour being held in the Austria province of Carinthia from May 21-25, Audi is demonstrating the potential of TDI technology with a very special concept study: the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro is powered by an engine delivering a whole 165 kW (224 hp) from its displacement of two liters. And with a torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), it endows the premium compact model with the pulling power of a sports car.

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro qualifies as an uncompromising sports machine in all other technical respects too. A six-speed transmission channels the engine’s power to the quattro all-wheel drive. 20-inch wheels keep the drive force glued to the road; behind the wheels at the front can be found brake disks made from carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic. Using the Audi drive select driving dynamics system the driver is able to adjust the throttle response and exhaust sound characteristics, the steering’s power assistance, the ESP control and the damper characteristics as desired.

The dynamic image presented by the scintillating A3 study is rounded off by spectacular body styling and a high-class, sporty interior. Parts such as bolt-on wheel arch extensions and a large rear spoiler lend lasting impact to the exterior’s looks; the interior is dominated by the racing bucket seats in the front and the open aluminum gear lever gate.

The design

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro has a distinctly confident air about it. Sensational styling instantly sets the three-door show car apart from the standard production Audi A3. It measures 4,254 millimeters (167.48 inches)
millimeters/2.36 inches), but just 1,385 millimeters (54.53 inches) high, – a reduction in height of 36 millimeters (1.42 inches) in spite of the large wheels. The track width measures 1,568 millimeters (61.73 inches) at the front
(+ 34 millimeters/1.34 inches) and 1,553 millimeters (61.14 inches) at the rear
(+ 46 millimeters/1.81 inches).

The design team has kitted out the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro with a whole array of new exterior parts to give it an extremely sharp and dynamic look – almost like a racing car. The paint finish is also a picture of vibrancy: the engine hood, tailgate and roof are Ibis White and the flanks Brilliant Red, while a large white figure "8" is emblazoned across each door in reference to the year 2008. The color scheme is an allusion to the colors of the Austrian national flag.

The single-frame grille has grown slightly in width, which also entailed modifications to the engine hood. The grille’s bars – including pronounced vertical sections – have a high-gloss black finish. The bi-xenon headlamp assemblies are embellished by LED daytime running lights and wings. The front bumper incorporates large, square-edged air intakes, together with a blade section that juts a long way forwards and is slightly raised in the centre.

The modified front fenders feature bolt-on wheel arch extensions. The doors and the rear side sections – again with muscular wheel arch paneling – have been given a new, boldly contoured flare at the bottom. This blends together harmoniously with the door sills, which have themselves been restyled. The exterior mirror housings, with their arms that look to have been crafted by the wind, are likewise new. The tinted glass used for the rear windows gives the model yet greater visual presence.

The tail of the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro sports a dark grey diffuser. It is a variant on the design of the front blade, and incorporates the two large circular tailpipes of the separate exhaust branches. Modifications have also been carried out to the tail light assemblies. The most striking impression, however, is made by the spoiler atop the rear window that bears a close resemblance to the part featured on the new A4 race car from the German Touring Car Masters (DTM).

Inside the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro, the eye is immediately caught by the illuminated door sill trims with their "TDI Power" badging. Awaiting the driver and front passenger are anatomically shaped bucket seats, just like those found in motor racing cars. The rear seats sport the same upholstery design, with special foam padding used to sculpture them into roomy and comfortable individual seats.

The driver takes hold of an elegantly styled steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim that is reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. The scales of the dials are colored white, the monitor for navigation and entertainment together with its control panel stems from the R8. The jet-style air outlets have multi-way adjustable louvers, and the usual buttons in the center console have given way to classic, sporty toggle switches. The bars underneath the console are covered in leather, the door handles have been milled hollow to save weight. The door linings and floor mats have been newly designed.

The drive train

The high-performance TDI under the bonnet of the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro is like nothing that has gone before it. From its displacement of just 1,968 cc, it summons up an output of 165 kW (224 hp). Torque – the true measure of effortless motoring ability – peaks at an exhilarating 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), which is on tap from just 1,750 rpm; in other words, the very bottom of the rev range. As for in-gear flexibility, the diesel model leaves its gasoline-powered rivals standing.

The mighty TDI bestows the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro – which tips the scales at just 1,475 kilograms (3251.82 lb) – with pulling power befitting of a sports car. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) is over in a fleeting
6.6 seconds and the speedometer needle keeps rising all the way to 240 km/h (149.13 mph).

The four-valve sports engine is smart too; it responds spontaneously to the throttle and pampers the occupants with the low-vibration running of its mechanics. On an acoustic level, however, it proudly proclaims its abilities for all to hear: the exhaust system is a new development, with controllable resonance chambers on both tailpipes to amplify the rich, sonorous sound.

The engineers took as a basis the undersquare engine (bore x stroke = 81.0 x 95.5 millimeters) with an output of either 103 kW (140 hp) or 125 kW (170 hp), depending on the configuration, and added to it an optimized turbocharger. The advanced design of its blades allows it to supply more air; as in the series-production version, the variable geometry of the turbine’s blades ensures spontaneous response.

The 2.0 TDI, which is managed by one of the most sophisticated control units currently available on the market, is brimming with high tech. Fuel injection is handled by a common-rail system with piezoelectric injectors and eight-hole nozzles. The high-precision metering of as many as five injections of fuel per power stroke has the effect of audibly reducing the noise level. The system operates at a pressure of 1,800 bar – this results in extremely fine atomization of the fuel which, together with the revised piston geometry, makes the combustion process a highly efficient one.

The engine’s intake manifold houses swirl flaps that generate a tumbling action in the inflowing air; electric motors regulate the flaps’ position so that this tumbling motion is always perfectly suited to the current load and engine speed. Two balancer shafts in the engine reduce the degree of vibration in the crank drive. The drive unit for the belt that propels the two camshafts has also been reworked with a view to improving the engine’s acoustics.

The engine: low on emissions, high on efficiency

In its high-performance 165 kW (224 hp) version, the 2.0 TDI unit is still able to make use of a high proportion of recirculated and sharply cooled exhaust gas to achieve cooler combustion with lower oxygen levels – this brings about a substantial reduction in untreated nitrogen oxide emissions. The four-cylinder power unit already complies with the limits of the Euro 5 emissions standard, which is not due to come into force until September 2010 and whose foremost aim is to cut NOx emissions.

The ultra-efficient two-liter engine attains a power-to-displacement ratio of 83.8 kW (113.8 hp) per liter, and torque-to-displacement ratio of 228.7 Nm (168.68 lb-ft) per liter – figures which comparable gasoline engines are simply unable to match.

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro has been designed strictly in accordance with the principle of maximum efficiency. Power is transferred by a compact, transverse-mounted six-speed transmission whose casing is made from lightweight magnesium. The short-throw gear lever can be moved swiftly and precisely through a classic open gate made of aluminum. The transmission ratios have been adjusted and the components reinforced to make allowance for the TDI engine’s extremely high performance.

The engine’s power is transferred to the road with virtually zero losses thanks to the quattro all-wheel drive. The system’s key component is a multi-plate clutch which is positioned at the rear, thereby further optimizing the weight distribution. Under normal driving conditions, the electronically controlled and hydraulically operated clutch directs the engine’s drive power to the front wheels; whenever necessary, however, an infinitely adjustable proportion of the propulsive force can be diverted rearwards.

When altering the power split, the plates inside the clutch are subjected to high oil pressure, pushing them together – a procedure which is completed in a matter of milliseconds thanks to a newly designed pressure reservoir for the pump. The quattro drive constitutes the perfect power transmission system for the mighty two-door model, significantly enhancing traction, handling characteristics, stability and straight-line running, whatever the weather.

The chassis

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro comes equipped with a sports suspension that is more than capable of handling the formidable power. The front suspension – a classic McPherson layout – is pivoted on a light, high-strength aluminum subframe. A rack-and-pinion steering system with a direct ratio produces a sensation of close contact with the road. Power assistance is generated by an electromechanical drive unit for high efficiency, and its level decreases as the speed increases.

The rear suspension comprises four links per wheel which fulfill all manner of tasks. The trailing links absorb the propulsive and braking forces. As an aid to ride comfort, their configuration is relatively soft. The connections to the three transverse links, on the other hand, are rigid in order to direct transverse forces into the body with absolute precision. In this instance, the coil springs and shock absorbers are also kept separate from one another. The set-up is decidedly firm, while the body has been lowered by 36 millimeters (1.42 inches) compared to the standard production version.

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro rides on impressive ten-spoke wheels measuring 9 J x 20, which are in turn shod with size 265/30 ZR 20 tires.

Whereas the brakes at the rear wheels were borrowed from the series-production A3, their counterparts on the front would not be out of place on a supercar: six-piston calipers exert a vice-like grip on brake discs measuring 356 millimeters (14.02 inches) in diameter. The discs themselves are made of a material which has been of tremendous value to the aerospace industry, consisting of high-strength carbon fibers embedded in hard silicon carbide.

They have a lightweight construction, can withstand extreme levels of strain, are corrosion-free and have a service life in the region of 300,000 km (approx. 186,400 miles).

Motoring à la carte with Audi drive select

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro boasts yet another highlight in the form of the Audi drive select driving dynamics system. This system has control over a number of technical components that mould the motoring experience. By simply pushing a button, the driver can determine at will whether these components should work in the comfort mode, the dynamic mode or even the "Individual" mode that allows partial manual programming of the way in which they interact.

In the show car, Audi drive select influences the engine’s throttle response, the sound from the exhaust system, the power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system, as well as the damper characteristics. This is where the adaptive damping system Audi magnetic ride comes in: a magneto-rheological fluid circulating in the shock absorber pistons alters its viscosity – and, by consequence, the damping characteristics – in an instant when a voltage is applied.

The interplay between all these cutting-edge technologies makes the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro a thrilling road machine that is tremendously fun to drive. It darts into bends with exceptional spontaneity, and corners with stolid stability and at high speed, guided with unfailing precision by the sensitive steering. Its handling limits are extremely high, with just a minimal amount of understeer kicking in as the limits are approached. A sense of effortless, assured controllability is a key virtue of the A3 study – just as it is on all Audi models.

TDI engines – the superior drive force

Power, refinement and efficiency – ever since they first made their debut in 1989, the TDI engines from Audi have been synonymous with a sophisticated and smart form of sportiness, blazing a trail for the rest of the motor industry to follow. The triumphant advance that the diesel-engin\ been enjoying for two years now on race tracks around the world has delivered a powerful demonstration of its potential.

The R10 TDI has been causing a sensation since spring 2006, with its twelve-cylinder diesel powerplant ushering in a new era in the world of motor racing. The 5.5-litre TDI develops in excess of 1,100 Nm (881.32 lb-ft) – a torque figure that positively eclipses its gasoline-powered competitors. Its output of 650 hp translates into a top speed of around 330 km/h (205.05 mph).

One of the fortes of the R10 TDI is its low fuel consumption. And fewer fuel stops means a higher average speed – the car’s high efficiency was one of the key factors in its two successive victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Frank Biela (Germany), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) won in 2006 and 2007 in emphatic style. It is a similar story in the American Le Mans Series, where the diesel race car bearing the four Audi rings has racked up a string of successes, easily securing the constructors’ title in the large LMP 1 category in both years.

For the first time ever, superior TDI power from the race track can now be experienced in a series-production sports car – both the Audi TT Coupé 2.0 TDI quattro and the Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro feature a diesel engine. The two-liter four-cylinder unit delivers dynamic thrust, with a power output of 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque. Despite this, the TDI engine in the Coupé burns just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg) on average – a benchmark value in the sports car segment.

Also on show at the Lake Wörther Tour is the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans, whose drive train technology is closely related to that of the R 10 TDI. The high-performance sports car is driven by a six-liter V12, whose 368 kW (500 hp) of output and 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque propel the world’s most powerful series-production TDI model to a top speed far in excess of 300 km/h
(186.41 mph).

2008 Audi TT TDI

Audi launched the TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro - the first series-production sports cars in the world to be powered by diesel engines.

The new two-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers dynamic thrust, with a power output of 170 hp and 258.15 lb-ft of torque.

The TT Coupe quattro with the 2.0 TDI sprints from zero to 62.14 mph in only 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 140.43 mph. The Audi TT Roadster, likewise featuring quattro permanent all‑wheel drive, takes just two-tenths of a second longer in the standard sprint discipline and has a top speed of 138.57 mph.

The Coupe consumes on average just 5.3 liters of fuel over 100 km (44.38 mpg), representing CO2 emissions of only 139 grams/km; the figure for the Roadster is 5.5 l/100 km (144 grams of CO2/km).

Purist sportiness and compelling performance, combined with sensational efficiency – Audi is setting the trends yet again. The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro are the first series-production sports cars in the world to be powered by diesel engines. The two-liter four-cylinder engine delivers dynamic thrust, with a power output of 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque. On average, however, the TDI in the TT Coupe requires only 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg) – unbeatably low consumption in the sports car segment.

Trendsetter: Audi sets the pace

Audi is setting the pace with this synthesis of excellent dynamism and low fuel consumption, as it has been doing for many years: Since first appearing in 1989, the TDI engines of the brand with the four rings have set trends for the rest of the automotive industry. Today, these powerful, refined but highly efficient engines represent a modern, smart take on sportiness. The run of victories achieved by the Audi R10 TDI diesel racing car at the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the American Le Mans Series is impressive evidence of the tremendous potential of this technology.

The production versions of Audi’s diesel engines, too, are noted for their dynamic performance. The TT Coupe quattro with the 2.0 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The Audi TT Roadster, likewise with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, takes just two-tenths of a second longer in the sprint discipline and has a top speed of 223 km/h (138.57 mph).

The TT’s low weight is a key factor in this impressive performance. The TDI Coupe tips the scales at just 1,370 kilograms (3,020.30 lb) and the Roadster, with its numerous reinforcing plates, at 1,415 kg (3,119.51 lb).

Both body versions use the hybrid design pioneered by Audi. Their forward structure is made from lightweight aluminum, the rear section comprised of steel – a concept that optimizes weight distribution.

The power transmission for the TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro is sheer high-tech, too. An ultra-efficient, precise and easy-to-shift six-speed manual transmission delivers the engine’s torque to the all-wheel drive, itself featuring a hydraulic multi-plate clutch as its nerve center. The clutch can redirect power as needed from the front to the rear wheels with lightning speed.

Audi’s two new diesel sports cars move along on sporty 16-inch alloy wheels. Their chassis, with electromechanical power steering and elaborate four-link rear suspension, is a highly complex structure. It guarantees a comfortable ride and ensures the car’s handling is both dynamic and safe – the key to thrilling, carefree driving enjoyment.

The diesel engine puts its particular strengths into play as part of this package – its smooth running, ample pulling power and outstanding efficiency.

The TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro will be available on the market in the second quarter, starting at EUR 34,850 and EUR 35,900 respectively. Audi, the creator of TDI technology, is set to extend its lead.

Power and efficiency

Audi is setting the standard once again, this time with the new Audi TT and its TDI engine – a model that blends purist sportiness, powerful performance and sensational efficiency. The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro are the first series-production sports cars in the world to use a diesel engine as their power source. A fascinating combination: The new two-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers dynamic thrust, with a power output of 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque.

The TT Coupe quattro with the 2.0 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The Audi TT Roadster, likewise featuring quattro permanent all‑wheel drive, takes just two-tenths of a second longer in the standard sprint discipline and has a top speed of 223 km/h (138.57 mph). The Coupe consumes on average just 5.3 liters of fuel over 100 km (44.38 mpg), representing CO2 emissions of only 139 grams/km; the figure for the Roadster is 5.5 l/100 km (144 grams of CO2/km). With the TDI in the TT series, Audi once again establishes its role as trendsetter on the diesel market. The brand with the four rings is pushing back the frontiers – starting at the very top.

The engine

The new four-cylinder TDI with its capacity of 1,968 cm3 signals the advent of a new generation of dynamic, ultra-efficient Audi diesel engines. It interprets the consistently impressive qualities of the TDI concept in a fundamentally new way. The two-liter power unit, featuring two camshafts, builds on the strengths of its predecessor, once the most-manufactured diesel engine in the world – high pulling power, impressive efficiency and refinement.

The new common rail injection system, run by one of the most advanced control units on the market, features ultramodern piezo injectors. Its eight-hole injectors can achieve up to five separate injection processes per combustion cycle. This fine-tuned approach produces a gentle pressure increase in the combustion chambers, decisively reducing the noise level. The single-piston high-pressure pump develops a system pressure of 1,800 bar. This allows fuel to form a fine dispersion, enabling precise, highly efficient combustion.

The turbocharger, too, belongs to a new generation. For a swift torque buildup it operates with adjustable vanes, and a special damper reduces its vibration. The engine’s intake manifold houses swirl flaps that generate a tumbling action in the inflowing air; electric motors regulate the flaps’ position so that this tumble is always adapted perfectly to the load and engine speed. The geometry of the engine’s pistons has been optimized, and the acoustics of the camshaft drive belt overhauled. Two balancing shafts reduce the second-degree inertial forces produced by the crankshaft drive.

High exhaust gas recirculation: low nitrogen oxide emissions

The cumulative result of this progress is a high maximum engine speed of 5,400 rpm and, most importantly, a significant improvement in thermodynamics in the combustion chambers. What this means is that the engine can run to a very large extent on recirculated exhaust gas that has been thoroughly cooled by the radiator. The cooler combustion process involving less oxygen drastically reduces engine emissions of nitrogen oxide.

Although the high exhaust gas recirculation rate is in and of itself detrimental to engine efficiency, in typical Audi style the engineers averted any undesirable increase in consumption and in fact turned this state of affairs to their advantage through intensive fine-tuning.

The 2.0 TDI in the Audi TT, with a compression ratio of 16.5:1, delivers 125 kW (170 hp) at 4,200 rpm. It puts a hefty 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) onto the crankshaft at engine speeds ranging from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm – the range where power really makes a difference to driving.

The four-cylinder power unit runs with little vibration and responds intently to the accelerator. Its superlative pulling power is available at virtually every engine speed, from rock-bottom upwards. It gives the 2.0 TDI an utterly distinctive, strong character – that of a beefy, clever sport engine.

The road performance reflects this character. The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro easily leaves behind the competition with equivalent gasoline engines in mid-range acceleration and it sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 7.5 seconds, not looking back until it reaches 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The TT Roadster accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds and keeps going up to 223 km/h (138.57 mph).

The TT Coupe and TT Roadster achieve average fuel consumption of just 5.3 and 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 and 42.77 US mpg) – equating to emissions of 139 and 144 grams of CO2/km respectively. In so doing, Audi is setting a benchmark that represents a veritable quantum leap in the sports car segment. The operating range of over 1,100 km (683.51 miles) on a single tank of fuel (Coupe) expresses this superiority in a directly tangible and impressive way. The Audi slogan "But where’s the tank?" from the classic TV commercial now has equal validity for its sports cars.

The TDI version of the TT easily shrugs off the challenge from its gasoline-engined competitors, too, when the figures that really count are closely scrutinized. Its specific output is 63.5 kW (86.4 hp) per liter of engine capacity, and its specific torque is all of 177.8 Nm (131.14 lb-ft) per liter. But the most impressive ratio is power to fuel consumption and CO2 emissions: At just 0.90 kW (1.22 hp) per gram/km, the TT 2.0 TDI quattro is truly in a league of its own when it comes to efficiency.

The drivetrain

In keeping with the theme of sporty performance, Audi has equipped its diesel-engine sports cars with highly effective manual six-speed transmissions whose short lever travel allows the driver to shift quickly, easily and precisely. The housings for these transmissions are made of lightweight, high-tech magnesium. Relatively long final transmission bring the drivetrain into line with the character of the TDI engine.

In light of their immense torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft), Audi is equipping both of its new TT models with quattro all-wheel drive as standard. This decisively improves traction, slip-free acceleration, drivability, stability and straight-line running in all weather conditions.

The nerve center of the quattro drive in the TT is an electronic-control, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located at the end of the propshaft at the vehicle’s rear end – a position that improves the weight distribution. It distributes the torque continuously between the front and rear wheels depending on the driving situation. Thanks to a new pressure reservoir, the clutch works twice as fast as before, within a matter of milliseconds.

The chassis

The sports suspension likewise offers extraordinarily dynamic features. The front suspension – a classic McPherson layout – is pivoted on an aluminum subframe. A highly precise rack-and-pinion steering system with a direct steering ratio provides an intimate link between the driver and the road. Power steering with servo assist, which decreases as speed increases, is generated by an electromechanical drive far more efficient than a hydraulic pump.

The coil springs and shock absorbers in the four-link rear axle are situated in separate areas. The control arms, too, are carefully configured: The trailing links, which absorb the propulsive and braking forces, have a relatively soft characteristic to promote ride comfort. The connections to the three transverse links per wheel, on the other hand, are rigid in order to direct transverse forces into the body with precision.

Audi equips the Coupe and Roadster with 16-inch cast alloy wheels as standard, fitted with size 225/55 R 16 tires. Behind the wheels are large disk brakes with pads that develop high coefficients of friction. They measure 312 millimeters (12.28 in) at the front and 286 millimeters (11.26 in) at the rear; the front disks are ventilated. The ESP electronic stabilization program is optimized for a dynamic style of driving. A brief press of a button at lower speeds – e.g. when driving on snow chains – is all it takes to increase wheel slip. A longer press of the button takes the TT driver into a second, sporty operating plane in which the ESP permits controlled sideslip angles. The brakes intervene somewhat later than in normal operation and engine manipulation is suppressed.

Audi magnetic ride, a high-tech shock-absorber system available as an option, is an adaptive system that resolves the traditional conflict of interests between comfort and handling. A magneto-rheological fluid circulating in the shock absorbers changes its flow properties within milliseconds when a voltage is applied; this, in turn, alters the damping characteristic. The driver can choose between "Normal" and "Sport" programs by flipping a switch.

The body and interior

The intelligent lightweight design of the Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro is a key factor in its sporty performance. The 2+2-seater Coupe tips the scales at only 1,370 kilograms (3,020.30 lb) when unladen, with the two-seater Roadster weighing only slightly more at 1,415 kilograms (3,119.51 lb). The open sports car has a classic sport top – this is lightweight, keeps the center of gravity low, blends harmoniously with the overall styling, and occupies minimal space when folded down.

The low weight is the result of an innovative hybrid-design body developed by Audi. The forward structure is made of light aluminum components assembled using the space frame principle; steel is used for the rear structure.

This solution guarantees that the frame is as rigid as possible and optimizes load distribution between the axles. The bodyshell of the Coupe weighs 206 kilograms (454.15 lb); it weighs a bit more in the case of the Roadster – 251 kilograms (553.35 lb) – in view of the special reinforcements it incorporates.

Fascinating: the design

Both body versions present a fascinatingly powerful, emotional design. The 4,178 millimeter (164.49 in) long body comes across as muscular and dynamic. The nose end is dominated by the large single-frame grille, and there is an integral automatically extending spoiler at the rear. Subtle quattro badges identify it as a fundamentally all-wheel-drive vehicle. With drag coefficients of 0.30 (Coupe) and 0.32 (Roadster), Audi demonstrates how good design can produce a low drag coefficient, which translates into a higher top speed and better fuel efficiency.

The flowing dynamic style is echoed in the car’s interior. The driving area with its clear-cut instruments makes reference to the classic circle motif, as do the air vents and rotary controls for the automatic air conditioning, which has been integrated into the center console angled slightly towards the driver. The sport steering wheel with the flat-bottomed rim rests snugly in the hands. Perfect ergonomics and uncompromisingly high standards of build quality are a question of honor for Audi.

The height-adjustable sport seats are deep-set, providing a sporty seated position and firm lateral support. The backs of both rear seats fold down in the TT Coupe, making the trunk space grow from 290 to 700 cubic liters (10.24 – 24.72 cubic ft). The TT Roadster (250 liters (8.83 cubic ft) whether the hood is up or down) can also be supplied with the option of a useful load-through facility with removable ski bag.

The equipment

The standard equipment highlights the sporty character of both diesel-engined TT versions. The interior is accentuated by aluminum-look components in conjunction with inlays in Micrometallic gray. The sports steering wheel comes with a Nappa leather skin. The automatic air conditioning (optional for Roadster) regulates the heating and ventilation.

In the event of an accident there are two front and head/thorax airbags ready to protect each occupant of the front seats; the specially shaped seat backs and head restraints shield the driver and front passenger in a rear-end collision. Electric windows and exterior mirrors, the driver information system, front fog lights and the chorus audio system round off the standard specification.

The equipment options include an extensive range of high-tech features. These include the electrically adjusted front seats, the dynamic cornering light system by the name of adaptive light, a navigation system that shares the same operating principle as Audi’s incomparable MMI concept, and an ultramodern generation of audio systems. In addition to various leather equipment lines, three leather packages are available.

The TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro will be arriving at dealers in the first half of the year. The enclosed sports car version has a starting price of EUR 34,850 and its open-top counterpart EUR 35,900.

TDI engines in motor racing

Since first appearing in 1989, Audi’s TDI engines have been setting trends for the rest of the automotive industry to follow. With their power, refinement and efficiency, they have come to represent a modern, smart interpretation of sportiness. The run of victories celebrated by the Audi R10 TDI diesel race car at the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the American Le Mans Series is impressive evidence of the tremendous potential of this technology.

The Audi R10 TDI has been blazing a trail since early 2006 – with its twelve-cylinder diesel engine it has entered an entirely new dimension. The 5.5 liter TDI is a race engine of superior pedigree. Its torque far surpasses that of any gasoline engine, developing more than 1,100 Nm (811.32 lb-ft). At nominal engine speed it delivers over 650 horsepower, producing a top speed of around 330 kilometers per hour (205.05 mph).

The only minor problem encountered right at the start was due to the specific nature of the twelve-cylinder TDI – its very quiet running. The drivers of the open-top prototype – including multiple Le Mans winners such as the Dane Tom Kristensen and the German Frank Biela – had to get used to this fundamentally different attribute. Whereas they had previously been able to rely on the engine’s sound as a guide to its performance, above a given speed it was now no longer audible.

They soon adapted to the new situation, and the mighty diesel engine has since been demonstrating its strengths with resounding success. Among its virtues is fuel efficiency. Compared with its predecessor, the already very efficient R8 with gasoline direct injection, the Le Mans version of the R10 TDI was markedly more economical. Furthermore the Le Mans circuit, with its long straights and scope for 75 percent use of full throttle, does not provide a true reflection of its strengths.

Fewer stops for refueling mean faster times – so high efficiency was the key to two successive victories in the tradition-steeped French endurance race. In 2006 Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) emerged as clear winners, completing 380 laps equivalent to 5,187 km (3223.05 miles) at an average speed of 215.409 km/h (133.849 mph). The same team of drivers again won in 2007, even though the organizers had capped the tank capacity of the R10 TDI. In difficult weather conditions Biela/Pirro/Werner clocked up 369 laps at an average speed of 209.152 km/h (129.961 mph).

The R10 TDI embarked on an impressive string of victories in the American Le Mans Series in the first half of 2006 – it won all eight heats in which it participated during the season. It again went from triumph to triumph in 2007, clinching the Constructors’ Trophy in the large LMP 1 category. The 2008 season got under way in mid-March, and Audi again relishes this sizeable challenge.

Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro to be priced at 180,000 euro?

Posted on 04.8.2008 15:58 by Simona
Filed under: Audi | suv | luxury cars | Audi Q7 | diesel cars

The first orders for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro has already been placed, despite the fact that the car is not on sale yet. But the diesel SUV launched this year at the Geneva Motor Show comes with a very bad news: it will be priced around 180,000 euro (that’s around $283.000 - almost 5 times the price of the Audi Q7 4.2 Premium! - $58,600). Sales of the Q7 V12 TDI quattro will start by the end of the year.

The Q7 V12 TDI quattro is powered by the world’s first V12 diesel engine that generates 500 hp of power and 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds while the top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (but on the speedometer, the range extends up to 310 km/h).

2008 Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

Audi previewed today the Q7 V12 TDI quattro, a new version of the Q7 SUV that will debut in Geneva. The diesel version of the Q7 will go on sale in the second half of 2008.

The Q7 V12 TDI quattro is powered by the world’s first V12 diesel engine that generates 500 hp of power and 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds while the top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (but on the speedometer, the range extends up to 310 km/h).

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro’s powerful engine torque flows through a rapidly and gently shifting six-speed tiptronic that was specially designed for the six-liter diesel engine’s immense torque. The driver can shift the gears of the automatic transmission either with the selector lever or manually with the standard chromed shift paddles on the three-spoke steering wheel.

The quattro drive distributes the power to the front and back wheels in a 40:60 ratio – giving the vehicle a sporty, rear-focused driving style that guarantees maximum agility and driving enjoyment. When needed, the inter-axle differential transfers most of the power to the axle with better traction. Great care has also been devoted to reinforcing all key components in the quattro driveline.

Audi is taking TDI technology to a whole new level with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro, the most powerful diesel-powered passenger vehicle in its class. The V12 engine under the hood generates 368 kW (500 hp) of power and 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement, enabling the big SUV to perform like a sportscar. The new Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro represents a combination of superior power and efficient fuel consumption, an Audi hallmark. With its sporty chassis, modified body and exclusive equipment, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is the consummate high-performance SUV. quattro GmbH, a wholly owned Audi subsidiary, is responsible for production and development of the vehicle. Series production of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI will begin this year.

Audi, the inventor of TDI technology, is penning a new chapter in the history of diesel engines with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro. The world’s first V12 diesel engine in a series-production vehicle moves this big, high-performance SUV with supreme confidence and composure. On demand, the six-liter engine catapults the Audi Q7 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds like a top-class sportscar. Speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The 12-cylinder diesel engine is no less impressive when it comes to fuel consumption. On average, it requires just 11.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (19.77 mpg), a surprisingly good figure in light of the strength of the engine. The six-liter TDI uses significantly less fuel than any competing gasoline engine in the high-performance SUV sector; thanks to efficient combustion and the complex exhaust emission control system, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro already complies with future emissions standards.

Totally refined, high-tech engine

The V12 TDI captivates its drivers with sheer inexhaustible power and highly cultivated operation – the subtle engine sound takes on a voluminous, strong note when the throttle is open. The six-liter unit is a member of the modern family of Audi V engines, all of which have center-to-center spacing of 90 millimeters (3.54 inches) between cylinders. Instead of the usual 90 degrees, however, its cylinder angle measures 60 degrees. This method of construction is ideal for the V12 as it prohibits any undesirable free inertial forces and moments of inertia.

Another factor contributing to the vehicle’s smooth running characteristics is the high rigidity of the crankcase. Made of cast vermicular graphite, it is approximately 15 percent lighter than conventional gray iron. The six-liter unit is extremely compact at just 684 millimeters (26.93 inches) in length. The crankshaft is held in place by a rigid main bearing bracket. The V12 TDI’s engine capacity of 5,934 cc is derived from a bore measurement of 83.0 millimeters (3.27 inches) and a stroke of 91.4 millimeters (3.60 inches), just as in the 3.0 TDI.

The aluminum cylinder heads consist of three elements: the lower section where the intake and escape channels are integrated, the upper section which guides the flow of oil and a reinforced ladder frame containing the two camshafts driven by two simplex chains on the back of the engine. The valves are actuated by low-friction roller cam followers. Map-controlled flaps in the intake channels cause the induced air to swirl. This improves combustion, thus reducing emissions and enhancing performance.

High pressure: 2,000 bar in the common rail system

The common rail injection system, with high-pressure pumps driven by chains, can create pressure of up to 2,000 bar. The high pressure level permits intensive mixture formation of the fuel in the combustion chamber, thereby facilitating especially smooth, acoustically satisfying combustion. Shifting very rapidly and precisely, the eight-hole injectors working on the piezo principle can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle.

Two turbochargers are positioned on the exterior of the V engine, each supplied with a cylinder bank. Thanks to their adjustable guide vane geometry, they respond quickly even at low engine speeds and reach high levels of efficiency, applying a relative maximum boost pressure of 1.6 bar. Two large charged air coolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air, paving the way for the high output of 500 hp.

Outstanding performance paired with exceptional efficiency

The six-liter TDI unit is further impressive proof of the technological leadership embodied in Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” slogan. Back in 1989, the brand with the four rings put the TDI principle into series production and has been continually advancing it ever since at the forefront of the field. The most powerful diesel in its class generates an extremely high specific torque of 169 Nm (124.64 lb-ft) per liter of capacity; 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) is available at a range of 1,750 to 3,250 rpm. Specific power output is 62.0 kW (84.3 hp) – equivalent to that of a sportscar.

The new V12 TDI in the Audi Q7 is closely related to the engine that twice powered the Audi R10 TDI racing car to overall victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours – a 5.5-liter V12 that delivers approximately 480 kW (over 650 hp).

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro’s powerful engine torque flows through a rapidly and gently shifting six-speed tiptronic that was specially designed for the six-liter diesel engine’s immense torque. The driver can shift the gears of the automatic transmission either with the selector lever or manually with the standard chromed shift paddles on the three-spoke steering wheel.

The quattro drive distributes the power to the front and back wheels in a 40:60 ratio – giving the vehicle a sporty, rear-focused driving style that guarantees maximum agility and driving enjoyment. When needed, the inter-axle differential transfers most of the power to the axle with better traction. Great care has also been devoted to reinforcing all key components in the quattro driveline.

High tech from Audi: The aluminum chassis

The chassis of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is a marvel of high-tech construction. Elaborate double wishbones guide the front and rear wheels; the axle components are made primarily of aluminum. Thanks to the extreme precision and directness of the servotronic steering, the driver remains in close contact with the road. This is where the handling characteristics, driving safety and comfort of the high-performance SUV set new standards. With maximum ground clearance of 205 millimeters (8.07 inches), the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro also proves itself easily capable of handling the demands of rough terrain.

The adaptive air suspension works with sporty new tuning. In combination with electronically controlled shock absorbers incorporating dynamic roll stabilization, the air suspension can be adjusted in three zones ranging from extremely comfortable to highly dynamic. The driver can also adjust ground clearance in five stages via this system and lower the tail end by 71 millimeters (2.80 inches) for comfortable loading.

Standard carbon-fiber ceramic brakes

The ultimate high-performance SUV from Audi takes to the road on sporty 10-spoke wheels of 20 inches in diameter. Alternatively, the wheels are also available in a 20-spoke design or as 21-inch variants in three different designs. Behind the large wheels is a powerful 20-inch brake system. Made of ceramic reinforced with carbon fiber, the internally ventilated disks are notable for their low weight, robust performance and minimum wear. The front disks are gripped by eight-piston brake calipers, while the rear brakes function with four pistons each. The calipers are titanium gray and the front ones bear the “Audi ceramic” logo.

The visual styling of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro gives it an unmistakable look. Daytime running lights consisting of twelve white LEDs per headlight announce the vehicle’s presence even at a distance. They are located on the upper edge of the air intake slots, replacing the turn signals that were moved to the bi-xenon headlights. Further honing the vehicle’s profile is a chromed grid in the single-frame radiator grill and a shiny underbody protector made of stainless steel. The newly designed bumper groups the side air intake slots into large units.

When viewed from the side, both the 20-inch wheels and the matt aluminum caps on the exterior mirrors catch the eye. The wheel arches have been widened a total of 26 millimeters (1.02 inches) at the front and 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) at the rear; the lower edges of the doors flaunt striking new moldings. The windows are framed by matt aluminum cover strips, the roof rails sport the same look. The taillights are set in a dark-colored background, while the newly designed bumper incorporates two large, oval exhaust tailpipes. At the rear, the underbody protector is also made from stainless steel. A metallic or pearl effect finish comes standard.

Sophisticated: Highlights on board the Audi Q7 V12 TDI

In the interior of the most powerful Audi Q7, passengers will find shiny door sill trim with aluminum inserts and velours carpet. Carbon covers and the aluminum-look selector lever give the center tunnel a high-tech ambience, exclusive wood trim is available as an option. The buttons of the MMI operating system, which has proven a superior concept in numerous independent tests, gleam in silver, the air vents in aluminum, the pedals and footrest in stainless steel. On the speedometer, the range extends up to 310 km/h (192.63 mph).

Verano leather covers the electrically adjustable sport seats, the deluxe center armrest and the armrests in the doors are upholstered with leather as well. The front and rear seats can be heated; a special lighting package softly illuminates the interior.

Also included in the luxurious standard specification are the leather package, leather multi-function sports steering wheel, black roof lining, folding exterior mirrors, DVD navigation system, Bose Surround Sound system with CD changer, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, alarm system and tire pressure monitoring system. The tailgate opens and closes electronically. Partially overlapping the D-pillars, it gives the vehicle a brawny rear body.

There are four optional high-tech assistance systems for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: The adaptive cruise control system, Audi lane assist and Audi side assist aid the driver in maintaining the proper distance to the vehicle ahead, staying in lane and changing lane, while Audi parking system advanced incorporates a camera for a clear view behind the vehicle.

The optional Audi music interface offers a convenient iPod interface. Available on request, the B&O Advanced Sound System creates an unparalleled acoustic experience. An even more comfortable interior can be achieved with the advanced leather package that includes, among other things, exclusive leather covering of the instrument panel and center console.

The large glass roof open sky system is available to crown the spacious interior – optionally with four, five, six or seven variable seats – as is a rail system for the cargo area of up to 2,035 liters in size.

Presales of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI will begin in the second half of 2008. The most powerful diesel vehicle in its class is the exclusive top-of-the-line model in the Q7 range.

2009 Audi A4 Avant

Audi will unveil at the Geneva Motor Show the Avant version of the all-new A4. Sales will begin in Spring, at a price starting €27,550 for the Audi A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI Attraction.

The A4 Avant will be offered with five engine types to begin with: two gasoline engines and three diesel engines with an output between 143 hp and 265 hp. A new TDI engine that will develop 170 hp will be added later.

The new 3.2 FSI is the most powerful engine that comes with the new A4 Avant. It has an output of 265 hp and reaches 330 Nm (243.40 lb-ft) of torque between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. It powers the A4 Avant from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.4 seconds and on up to a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). At the same time, fuel consumption has dropped by 1.5 liters.

The 1.8 TFSI, too, is a highly efficient engine. The compact and light four-cylinder unit has an output of 160 hp and reaches 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. It powers the car from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.9 seconds and on up to a top speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph).

The 3.0 TDI engine has an output of 240 hp and reaches a torque of 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. Its performance figures – from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.3 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) – demonstrate this engine’s dynamic character.

The 2.0 TDI is offered in two versions: one developing 143 hp and 236.02 lb-ft of torque and the other generating 170 hp and 258.15 lb-ft of torque. Both ensure powerful propulsion – the basic TDI accelerates the A4 Avant to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.7 seconds and facilitates a top speed of 208 km/h (129.25 mph). The more powerful of the two accelerates the Avant to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds and on up to a top speed of 222 km/h (139.19 mph).

Dynamic, elegant, and emotional; with the A4 sedan, Audi has already advanced into a new dimension. In a few weeks, the A4 Avant will follow: The most successful premium station wagon of its class offers, along with excellent drivability and uncompromising quality, a higher utility value for sports and recreation. This vehicle combines elegance and intelligent functionality.

The Audi A4 Avant is extending its lead. Based on the same technology layout as the sedan, the newly developed five-link front axle has been shifted farther forward. This ensures that the axle loads are perfectly distributed, thereby guaranteeing the highest precision and agility when it comes to handling. The Avant therefore also offers a new and fascinating driving experience similar to the one that led media experts to pronounce the sedan the best automobile in the midsize range.

Audi is launching the A4 Avant with five engine types to begin with: two gasoline engines and three diesel engines. These engines offer superior performance while reducing fuel consumption by more than 14 percent compared to the previous model – proof of Audi’s successful efficiency strategy.

Audi’s high technological competence is also expressed in the broadly diversified range of powertrains and in its numerous sport and comfort technologies – many of which originate directly from the premium class.

Attractive station wagons called Avant: the design

The design of the new Audi A4 Avant is as exciting and dynamic as one would expect from a brand as design-oriented as Audi. The headlights are staged like a technological work of art. The Avant comes with daytime running lights as a standard feature; the xenon plus headlights consist of 14 white light-emitting diodes.

Compared to the forerunner model, the proportions have been reconfigured in a new and even sportier design. The front overhang has been shortened, and the engine hood and the wheel base have gained considerably in length. The flat D-posts lend the Audi A4 Avant a dynamic, coupe-like silhouette, while the rear design emphasizes its width with powerful, horizontal lines. The new A4 Avant measures 4.70 meters (15.42 feet) in length, almost 12 centimeters (4.72 inches) longer than its forerunner model. Its body is considerably more rigid and safer in build than its predecessor, yet is around 10 percent lighter at the same time.

With up to 1,430 liters in volume (50.50 cubic feet), the latest addition to the Audi family has the largest luggage capacity in its competitive field; in its basic configuration it holds 490 liters (129 gallons). The 60/40 split-fold rear seats also come with the option of a load-through hatch with separate ski and snowboard bag. The A4 Avant’s trunk is lined with fine carpet and features intelligent details as standard such as a reversible cargo floor and a convenient cargo cover that retracts at a touch. Audi also offers luxury features such as an electro-mechanical drive for the rear tailgate or tie-down eyelets for securing luggage.

Light and spacious: the interior

The ambience inside the new A4 Avant is light and spacious. The interior reflects Audi’s strengths – the highest quality of workmanship, sophisticated looks, and logical, intuitive operation. The cockpit is driver-oriented; it borrows many features from the larger A8. Thanks to the new electro-mechanical parking brake, the manual parking brake was no longer necessary.

Even the standard climate control system has been completely redesigned. It supplies ten percent more cooling capacity, yet operates more efficiently than the previous system, thus saving about 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 km.

When it comes to safety, Audi has raised the bar, for example, with its combination of adaptive airbags, belt tensioners with variable belt force limiters and seat position sensors on the front seats. With this system, the force of the airbag deployment and belt tension level are selectively controlled depending on the seat position and the accident severity. In case of a rear-end collision, the backs of the front seats and the head rests support the upper body. This system is called Audi backguard and has received special praise during independent tests.

The engines: more performance, less fuel consumption

The new Audi A4 Avant will be launched on the market with two powerful gasoline engines and two diesel engines, thus covering a range of 105 kW (143 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp). The 2.0 TDI generating 125 kW (170 hp) will be added later to round out the range. All the engines have FSI and TDI direct fuel injection technology and the three four-cylinder engines reach high torques thanks to turbocharger technology. On average, the engine performance in this model series has increased by almost eight percent. At the same time, fuel consumption in the gasoline engines has dropped by almost 12 percent, and the TDI engines by almost nine percent.

The new 3.2 FSI is the most powerful engine that comes with the new A4 Avant. It has an output of 195 kW (265 hp) and reaches 330 Nm (243.40 lb-ft) of torque between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. Enhancements to the V6 include considerably lower inner friction and a valve actuation system called the Audi Valvelift System, which varies the stroke of the intake valves.

The 3.2 FSI delivers sport-driven performance in any situation. It powers the A4 Avant from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.4 seconds and on up to a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). At the same time, fuel consumption has dropped by 1.5 liters (0.40 gallons) compared to its predecessor.

The 1.8 TFSI, too, is a highly efficient engine. The compact and light four-cylinder unit has an output of 118 kW (160 hp) and reaches 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. Direct gasoline injection and turbocharging create the ideal combination in this model. The 1.8 liter engine responds spontaneously and provides a highly refined driving experience. It powers the car from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.9 seconds and on up to a top speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph).

The 3.0 TDI engine in the Audi A4 Avant comes across as a widely new engine, particularly when it comes to the fuel injection system and the turbo. This three liter diesel unit, which is firmly coupled to the manual transmission, has an output of 176 kW (240 hp) and reaches a torque of 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. Its performance figures – from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.3 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) – demonstrate this engine’s dynamic character.

The 2.0 TDI has a new common rail fuel injection system that guarantees refined running; other innovations include the turbo and the piston geometry. Audi offers the two liter diesel engine in two versions: one developing 105 kW (143 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque and the other generating 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque. Both ensure powerful propulsion – the basic TDI accelerates the A4 Avant to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.7 seconds and facilitates a top speed of 208 km/h (129.25 mph). The more powerful of the two accelerates the Avant to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds and on up to a top speed of 222 km/h (139.19 mph).

When it comes to power transmissions, customers can choose from a broad range of high-tech components. Six-speed manual and tiptronic transmissions (optional for the 3.2 FSI) transfer the engine’s torque. For the 1.8 TFSI unit and the 2.0 TDI engine generating 105 kW (143 hp), the continuously variable multitronic transmission is also an option.

The 3.2 FSI and the 3.0 TDI come equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive as a standard feature. It distributes the forces under normal driving conditions at a ratio of 40 : 60 between the front and rear axle – a configuration that perfectly harmonizes the overall dynamic character of the new A4 Avant. If needed, the Torsen differential transfers the majority of the torque to the axle with the better traction.

In the driveline of the new A4 Avant, the differential has moved directly behind the engine. It has switched places with the clutch or the torque converter.

It was therefore possible to move the front axle 154 millimeters (6.06 inches) forward. This solution provides for a longer wheel base and for the perfect distribution of the axle loads, thus improving both handling and ride comfort equally.

Redesigned from top to bottom: the dynamic suspension

The dynamic suspension of the new Audi A4 was redesigned from top to bottom. The pivot bearing and the five links of the front axle are also made of aluminum, just like the beam, which makes the front end of the body more rigid. The steering box is located far to the front and deep down to enable the steering impulse to go directly to the wheels via the tie-rods. The highly efficient servo pump in the sensitive rack-and-pinion steering improves fuel consumption by about 0.1 liter/100 km.

In the rear axle, Audi applied the track-controlled trapezoidal link principle from the larger A6 and A8 series. The suspension is made largely of aluminum; the separate layout of the springs and shock absorbers guarantees sensitive responsiveness. The new A4 Avant will roll off the production line on 16 inch and 17 inch alloy wheels, behind which are located powerful brakes. The electronic stabilization program (ESP) can be partially switched off when driving under 70 km/h (43.50 mph).

A package of innovative technology makes the driving experience even more dynamic and exciting. The optional Audi drive select control system accesses various technology components, depending on which upgrade the customer has selected. In the basic version, it influences the engine’s gas intake, the tiptronic shifting points, the multitronic and the power steering as well as the steering angle of the steering wheel. By pressing a button, the driver determines whether these components should work in a comfortable, average or sporty mode. If the car is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth, individually programmable mode is available.

Audi drive select requires at least one of the following two high-end components. One is an adaptive controller for the shock absorbers which is connected to a sports suspension and lowers the body by about 20 millimeters (0.79 inches).

The second component is the Audi dynamic steering that operates with a superposition gear. It varies the steering ratio continuously by almost 100 percent depending on the speed driven. In the limit range, it stabilizes the new A4 Avant thanks to its lightning-fast steering interventions. The system is also extremely useful when understeering occurs.

Even greater supremacy: assistance systems

Audi equips the new Avant, upon request, with a complete range of high-tech systems that make driving an even more supreme and relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking system (a parking aid; standard for the A4 Avant Ambiente), Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist (which warns of hazards when changing lane). Adaptive cruise control maintains the distance to the vehicle in front.

Even when it comes to multimedia, the Audi A4 Avant sets new standards. The Audi Music Interface (AMI) allows iPods to be connected. The navigation systems with MMI Basic plus or with DVD including MMI are also further upgrade options. They permit the integration of cell phones as Bluetooth car phones and are combined with the competition-beating MMI operating system. The top of the line when it comes to hi-fi enjoyment is the car’s sound system from the leading Danish company Bang & Olufsen: A powerful 505 watt, ten-channel amplifier controls 14 speakers.

The new Audi A4 Avant will roll off the production line in the Attraction, Ambition, and Ambiente equipment lines. The dynamic S line offers the options of an exterior package and a sports package. The broad range of options includes luxury-class features such as air-conditioned comfort seats, the triple-zone climate control system, the advanced key which allows keyless access to the vehicle and vehicle start-up at the press of a button, and the dynamic cornering light system known as adaptive light. The large panoramic glass sunroof lights up the elegant interior. A new headlight assistant will be an additional feature in the future.

The A4 Avant will be available for sale in the spring in Germany and other European markets. The basic price of the Audi A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI Attraction model with an output of 88 kW (120 hp) will be €27,550 and it will be available in the fall.

Audi A4 and A5 get new engines

Audi continues to expand its successful A4 and A5 model lines. The new entry-level units add to the range of available engines. The 1.8 TFSI engine is available for the Audi A4, where it generates 88 k (120 hp) in combination with a manual transmission, and for the A5, where it develops 125 kW (170 hp) in combination with the continuously variable multitronic transmission.

With a power output of 88 kW (120 hp), the 1.8 TFSI in the Audi A4 has proven to be an especially efficient version. The four-cylinder engine, which combines the technologies of turbocharging and gasoline direct injection, is offered with manual six-speed transmission and front-wheel drive. Maximum torque of 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft), meanwhile, is reached at just 1,500 to 3,650 rpm. This enables fuel-efficient driving with fewer gearshifts.

The Audi A4 1.8 TFSI accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 208 km/h (129.25 mph). Its average fuel consumption of 7.1 liters per 100 km (33.13 mpg) makes the four-cylinder unit an efficient engine. The Audi A4 1.8 TFSI can now be ordered starting at €25,900 (Attraction).

The Audi A5 is also offered now with either the 1.8 TFSI with manual gearshift or the continuously variable multitronic transmission. The maximum torque of 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) is available between 1,500 and 4,800 rpm. The high-revving gasoline engine handles the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds and can achieve speeds of up to 218 km/h (135.46 mph).

The Audi A5 1.8 TFSI, with its continuously variable automatic multitronic transmission, unites ride comfort with superior driving performance and low fuel consumption – using an average of 7.4 liters per 100 km (31.79 mpg). The Audi A5 1.8 TFSI with multitronic starts at €34,900.

Audi will unveil GTL Fuel Concept next week

Audi will premiere a new fuel concept at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 in Davos, Switzerland, from January 23 to 27. The brand with the four rings, which provides a chauffeur service at the World Economic Forum, will power its complete fleet of Audi A8 models with environmentally sound ‘GTL (gas-to-liquid) Fuel’ for the first time. In combination with efficient Audi TDI diesel engines, the fuel will allow CO2 emissions from the Audi fleet to be reduced by about 13 percent compared to last year.
“We develop innovative premium cars that are environmentally friendly to drive. Our highly efficient TDI and TFSI engines are proof of this. The fact that our Audi A8 diesel fleet in Davos will be using GTL fuel also shows that we are working intensively toward achieving sustainable mobility,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.

Preparations include construction of a GTL filling station next to the Audi pavilion in Davos. The synthetic fuel, made from natural gas, will be provided by Shell. Thanks to the combination of TDI and GTL, fuel consumption is also cut by about 10 percent, while carbon monoxide emissions drop an amazing 93 percent. Sulfur dioxide emissions are completely eliminated. A total of 81 Audi A8 sedans with 3.0 TDI diesel engines will be deployed at the WEF in Davos.

GTL Fuel is produced synthetically through a chemical reaction, is crystal-clear and is free of sulfur and aromatics. This results in nitric oxide (NOx) being reduced by up to 30 percent. And most notably, the fuel can be used for all Audi models fitted with a TDI engine without requiring any retrofitting measures.

Audi has already tested GTL Fuel under extreme conditions – and with excellent results. In the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006 and 2007, the race-winning Audi R10 with a TDI engine was powered with a special diesel mixture that consisted largely of GTL fuel. These victories were the first for a diesel-powered racing car in this major sports car endurance event.

The chauffeur service for participants at the WEF will employ an 81-strong fleet of silver Audi A8 models – all of them long-wheelbase versions featuring quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Another first is that these luxury sedans are all fitted with a 3.0 TDI diesel engine. This six-cylinder engine generates 233 hp, yet requires an average of just 8.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers. There are also twelve armored Audi A8 models for transporting VIPs who require higher security.

Audi has been the exclusive provider of this service in Davos since 1987. The annual meeting of economics experts and politicians in Switzerland has become something of a tradition for the Audi chauffeur service. Monarchs, heads of government, ministers, business leaders and other prominent personalities from all over the world have been chauffeured in the comfort of an Audi A8 at this event.

What will 2008 bring for Audi?

Here’s a very nice list made by Autobild of all the new models that Audi will launch in 2008. Just a few of them: Audi A4 Avant, RS6 Sedan, A3, TTS and the list keeps going!

Audi A5 Convertible

Audi A4 Avant

Audi Q5

Audi RS6 Sedan

Future Audi R8 Spider wil be featured in Super Bowl XLII

Audi has announced that the future R8 Spider will be featured in a 60-second spot on Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLII. Audi wants to keep it all secret until the day will arrive, but is good to know that we have to expect: "We are going to keep our cards close to the vest until Super Bowl day actually arrives, because I think we have a dramatic message."

The ad’s only broadcast TV airing will be during the Super Bowl telecast February 3.

The R8 is a so-called "halo" car, designed to draw attention to the brand. It first hit dealerships in October with a starting price of $109,000. Audi sold 104 of the R8 that month, and 67 in November.

The ad buy marks Audi’s return to the Super Bowl after more than 20 years. The spot will kick off a bid to position the brand as a top-tier luxury car on the biggest stage in advertising.

Audi wins two "red dot design awards"

This year, AUDI AG has won two prestigious “red dot awards: communication design” in the category of dialog marketing. Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen paid tribute yesterday to Audi’s creative agency gingco.net for the outstanding design of the Audi mailings.

The awards were made for the mailing campaigns for the presales phase of the Audi A5 and Audi S5, and for the market launch of the Audi R8. In its A5 mailing, Audi said goodbye to its customary catalog format, surprising readers with a high-quality, semi-transparent photo folder. What was so convincing about the Audi R8 mailing was an innovatively folded box containing an elaborately designed brochure about the super sports car.

“Audi is the leading automobile brand when it comes to design – in choosing an Audi, you’re choosing the utmost in design quality,” says Peter Zieten, Head of Communication Germany at AUDI AG. “We are pursuing the high demands that we place upon design and the language of form in all aspects of brand management. Winning two 2007 red dot awards once again demonstrates that we are setting the standard in brand communication,” stresses Zieten.

The red dot design award is one of the most prestigious honors on the worldwide design scene and has been given since 1955 by the Design Center in Essen to reward innovative, quality design. This year, the jury of twelve international design experts received over 7,000 entries from 34 countries in the categories of “red dot award: product design,” “red dot award: communication design” and “red dot award: design concept.” The winners and their clients will be featured in the “red dot communication design yearbook 2007/2008” and presented at a special exhibition to be held at the red dot design museum in Essen.

Audi R8 - "SportsCar 2007"

Only pure-bred sports cars are crowned “SportsCar” of the year by a panel of experts in the Autobild SportsCars monthly magazine. Following its victory in the March 2007 issue, the Audi R8 has now been awarded top place overall, and has thus secured the title of “SportsCar 2007”, one of the German car industry’s most sought-after awards.

The trophy was presented to Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH, during the magazine’s “Race Night”, which formed part of the Essen Motor Show. The Audi subsidiary was responsible for developing the 420 bhp mid-engined R8 sports car, which it also manufactures. The R8 is hand-built at quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm.

Together with the TÜV Rheinland inspection authority, members of the magazine’s panel conduct demanding on-road tests on an ongoing basis to assess the qualities of the very latest sports cars. They then present their favourites as the monthly winners in each new issue. At the end of October, the jury cast a discerning eye on the twelve winning vehicles at the Contidrom test circuit in Hanover.

The experts’ concluding remarks: “The Audi R8 wins because it is currently the most complete vehicle with the hottest body in the sports segment and, despite being a newcomer, displays no serious weaknesses.”

Audi R8 by ABT Sportsline

Design milestones of sports car construction do not only come from Sant’ Agata Bolognese or Maranello but also from Kempten. Because there, in the picturesque Allgäu region, Abt Sportsline, the greatest tuner for vehicles from the Volkswagen group, is based.

With the new Abt R8, the term "improvement" is set one level higher as this car combines technical competence and brilliant design from Abt and results in an automobile masterwork. Not more and not less. The Abt R8 is a fantastic super sports car, playing in the same league as Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430.

No doubt, even the basis model of the R8 is something special - and therefore a real challenge, emphasizes Hans-Jürgen Abt. "The fluently dynamic form of the car is unique, it looks like having a lot of power, even when standing still," admits the managing director and therewith he raises the bar for his engineers and designers. As it is usual for Abt, the result is quite respectable and can be driven with fascination.

The light and sporty high-tech material Carbon well visibly shapes the rear skirt, the side blades and the side skirts. The exciting body kit of the two-seater was developed by the motor sports professionals from Kempten who also optimized the car in reducing weight and in distributing mass evenly. That optical features do not obviate technical sophistications but, on the contrary, lead to perfection clearly show the contours of the Abt R8. Front skirt, side skirts, and rear skirt form a unit in which the rear wing, the side blades and also the exhaust system are harmonically integrated. A special highlight is the front skirt partially made of sight carbon.

It is a component of the equipment version "Extravagant". The customer is able to provide his Abt R8 with attachment parts, at his own option with elements of sight carbon. A two tone structure is also possible by request. Another alternative ist the equipment version “Exclusive”, which offers the customer the possibility to beautify his R8 with an Abt body kit made of high-quality GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic). Also the new BR wheel from Abt with its bi-colour paint perfectly fits the car. The front axis presents it in the size 9x20 inch, the rear axis in 11x20 inch. Thus the R8 appears much more dynamical. With Abt suspension springs and car lowering the team from Kempten improves the road holding even more as Christian Abt and his specialists exactly adjusted the suspension. With the Abt sports brake system (380 millimeters diameter), the fast super sports car from the Allgäu sets standards also in matters of delay.

The new Abt R8 is a car which makes hearts beat faster. It perfectly brings the magic of speed onto the road even when standing still.

Audi MTM Bimoto - fastest modified car in the world

A new episode from the annual tuner confrontation took place at the speed track Nardo in Italy. Purpose? To find out who is the fastest modified car in the world. And this years winner id the MTM Audi Bimoto.

Based on the Audi TT, the MTM Bimoto is equipped with two four cylinder turbo-engine. Even the starting performance makes overwhelming driving powers possible. Because of further engine-modifications together is a maximum 1000 HP possible. At Nardo Bimoto hit a top speed of 390.6 km/h or 242.7 mph.

Second place was taken by Sportec’s Porsche 997 SPR1 with a top speed of 378,4 km/h and third place by Porsche 911 997 by TechArt with a top speed of 358,2 km/h.

Final results:

1. Audi MTM Bimoto: 390.6 km/h
2. 997 Sportec SPR1: 378.4 km/h
3. 997 Techart GT Street: 358.2 km/h
4. Murcielago LP640 Edo Competition: 345.7 km/h
5. 997 Techart turbo convertible: 344.2 km/h
6. 9ff CT-78336.3 km/h
7. Brabus Maybach 57: 330.6 km/h
8. Mercedes E63sme: 330.5 km/h
9. Golf R36 HGP 327.6 km/h
10. Mercedes SL Lorinser Biturbo: 325 km/h

Audi S3 by O.CT Tuning

The Austrian tuner O.CT Tuning has taken the Audi S3 to the next level and upgraded the car with an even sportier look as well as an extra helping of power. An extensive engine modification boosts the output of the sporty compact to 328 hp.

Located at Lake Constance, O.CT Tuning modifications help the S3 achieve performance usually attributed to high-end sportscars. The O.CT-engine package Step 3 (5886.- Euros) includes a revised engine management fine tuned on the companies own dynamometer.

In addition to this, the stock Y-pipe is replaced with a Y-pipe connected to a catalytic converter by HJS designed for racing purposes. A sport exhaust with a butterfly valve enhances the throaty engine note Air intake and intercooler are also modified. The results: 328 hp and 425 Newtonmeters (313 pound feet) as opposed to 265 hp and 350 Newtonmeters (258 pound feet) in stock form.0-100 km/h times (0-62 mph) drop from 6,4 to 5,7 seconds, 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph) is reduced from 14,3 to 12,74 seconds. Top speed also increases from 250 km/h (155 mph) to 265 km/h (165 mph).

A fully adjustable O.CT-coilover suspension (1499 Euros) designed especially fort he S3 significantly increases comering prowess and speeds.

Of course, the brakes cannot be left unchanged in light of this dramatic increase inperformance. An 8-piston brake caliper system with 372 mm discs/rotors (3850 Euros) at the front axle is more than a match for the O.CT Tuning S3s acceleration.The rear stock discs/rotors can also be exchanged for slotted versions.

O.CT D7 19-inch alloy wheels (8,5 x 19 inch, 2440 Euros without tires) in various colors (black, super polished, etc.) complement the sporty look of the O.CT Tuning S3.

Audi R8 Spider - official images?

We just found this images of the R8 Spider. Source said they are official images of the R8, but we suppose is just a simple photoshop. In any case, the car looks amazing!

The R8 spider will be powered by the same 4.2-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine found in the RS4 and R8 tin-top. The maximum output is 414 hp.

the Audi RS4 Convertible available in the US ?

Miami Auto Show is opening today and look what we’ve found on the Audi booth.. A nice Audi RS4 Convertible ! If you feel like cruising ’missile style’ with the top down. You need to get one of there ;)