Thursday, June 28, 2007

Audi RS 8




So, you think the R8 is all you need? Well think again, if you want to keep up with your neighbours Porsche Turbo you will need some more power. And for that case Audi is developing the R8 into a RS8. Let the R8 join the Carreras and Astons Vantage, but if you want to play with the big boys you will need something else.

The RS8 is your answer, the V10 comes from the Lamborghini Gallardo but probably detuned to 490-500 bhp but the speed and sound are there. The main visible difference to the R8 are the bigger air intakes on the sides and newly designed side skirts. Also the front brakes appear to be bigger. Looking at it, driving high-speed test at the Nürburgring it really shows how well balanced the RS8 is. Smoothe in and out through every curve, and very quick on the long straight. The RS8 is developed by Audi's sport division, Quattro GmbH who also develop the RS6.

Will it beat the Porsche Turbo? Well it got the looks and it got the speed, so I guess we just have to wait for the first duell between those two.

Audi RS TT







Audi is presenting its TT sports car for the first time with a six-cylinder engine and innovative transmission technology. This enables a particularly dynamic transmission of power with an uninterrupted power flow during gear changes. The combination of the high-torque 3.2-litre engine with innovative sports gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive emphasises the dynamic driving qualities of the Audi TT in a unique way. The new TT 3.2 quattro will be offered as both Coupé and Roadster versions.

The 250 bhp version of the Audi TT Coupé 3.2 quattro completes the sprint from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 6.4 seconds, whilst its top speed is gently governed at 250 km/h. This model has an overall fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 km. These figures speak for themselves, even when compared with vehicles with a classic 6-speed manual gearbox. The differences compared with the conventional geared automatic transmission with torque converter are even more impressive, since the latter is prone to significantly higher transmission losses due to its fundamental concept.

The source of the power is the proven 3.2-litre V6 engine with four valves per cylinder. The six-cylinder engine is particularly well-suited to the sporty Audi TT by virtue of its outstanding torque and power characteristics, especially in combination with the new twin-clutch transmission. The engine now delivers 184 kW (250 bhp) and a broad peak-torque range with a maximum value of 320 Nm from 2,800 to 3,200 rpm.

With its cylinder angle of 15 degrees, the V6 is extremely compact – a basic requirement for installation transversely to the direction of travel. The valve control process generates only little friction thanks to the use of roller cam followers with hydraulic adjustment. In order to reduce emissions and further improve efficiency, the inlet and exhaust camshafts are continuously adjustable. The compression ratio is 11.3:1.

Other technical details such as the variable intake manifold and the modified intake ports give the six-cylinder engine superior torque and power output, coupled with low emissions. A great deal of detail work has once again been invested particularly in the area of the cylinder head and air intake in order to improve still further on peak output and torque characteristic for use in the TT. In its new role in the TT, the engine complies with the strict emission standards that apply for the USA and Japan, and of course with the EU4 standard.

Throttle valve actuation is designed for an exceptionally agile, spontaneous engine response to accelerator pedal movements. The way it interacts particularly with the ultra-rapid, precise control technology of the new Direct-Shift Gearbox with twin clutch opens up an entirely new dimension in propulsive power. The close connection between throttle and transmission control is made particularly apparent by active throttle blips during downshifts in the selector lever position S and in the manual gate.

Audi RS 5





The RS5 will be bestowed with a more toned-up body kit, to make it a worthy BMW M3 rival. Expect a similarly discrete-but-muscular treatment as the RS4; if Audi gets gets the new two-door right, it could be the closest we've come to a successor to the original 1980 Quattro.

We expect the free-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the current RS4 to be installed in the A5's new platform. Count on at least 414bhp and 317lb ft - enough for rampant acceleration of the 911-worrying variety.

The new layout moves the front axle 120mm further forward for better weight distribution, effectively nudging the motor back in the engine bay for a more even 55:45 front-rear balance. The A5's engineering boss, Stefan Härdl, told CAR Online that the new layout dramatically improves the handling. 'It really helps the steering - it's more precise and direct than even the RS4, we've removed all the elasticity.

Audi RS 3




Turbocharged 3.2-litre v6 : 350 hp : 2006
The Audi RS3 will take the hot hatch brigade by storm and it is expected that this super car will have a power output of about 260kW. Audi insiders say that there will also be a less powerful S3 model.
At the heart of the 2006 RS3 will be a modified version of the current A3 range topper's 3.2-litre V6 engine. This unit will be turbocharged and will also feature FSI direct-injection technology and torque will be about 450Nm.

The RS3 will get a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifts and will also have electrically assisted power steering. It will also feature upgraded brakes similar to that of the RS4.

Of course Audi's famous quattro four-wheel drive system will also be standard on the RS3.

The car's exterior will reflect its sporty nature. Like the new A6 and A8 W12 the RS3 will get the new Audi single frame grille which will dominate the nose design. A deep spoiler with large air intakes will finish of the muscular front-end.

Other sporty touches include wide side sills, heavily flared wheelarches and a tailgate spoiler.

Audi will also launch the RS3 in Sportback guise. The Audi A3 Sportback, which is a estate car, will be introduced later this year.

Early next year Audi will introduce an S3 model which will rival cars such as the Alfa 147 GTA. It will get a naturally aspirated version of the 3.2-litre V6 engine with a power output of about 210kW.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Audi RS 6


The RS6 is the highest-performance version of Audi's C5 body style A6. Production began in late 2003 and ended in early 2004. The C5 RS6 (2004) was the second model to come out of Audi's quattro GmbH; first was B5 RS4 (2001); and the current is the B7 RS4 (2006). It was the first RS model to reach North America (U.S.A. and Canada).

Model Information (2002 - 2004)

The first RS6 was the top-of-the-line of C5 (2nd generation, 1997-2004) A6 and was available as both a sedan and a wagon (called Avant by Audi). Derived from the C5 S6, the RS6 also shares aluminium structure from the firewall and forward with the C5 V8 A6s (A6 4.2 V8 quattro, S6 sedan/Avant).

The "RS" stands for RennSport, and is positioned above the "S" ("Sport") line of Audi's regular line-up.

Engine

The RS6 featured a twin-turbocharged version of the corporate 4.2 Litre V8 engine (code BCY) tuned by Cosworth Technologies (Now known as Mahle Powertrain), which had originally been developed for the 1994 A8. With the aid of the turbochargers, output rose to 450/331 bhp/kW and 415 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque. The combination of the 4.2 litre V8 and twin turbochargers gave the RS6 an exceptionally wide power band, with peak torque available from 1950 to 5600 RPMs.

Transmission

The RS6 was available only with Audi's Quattro All-Wheel Drive 5-speed "Tiptronic" transmission, a modified unit that was being used in the 6.0 litre W12 powered D1 A8.

It is an electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter. It has "hill detection" capability, and is programmed to blip the throttle for gear change. There are over 200 shift programs to suite the driving style.

The front differential is open, with electronic differential lock ("EDL"); the center is a Torsen unit; and the rear is open with EDL. The power from the engine is first routed to the Torsen center unit, and then divided to front & rear.

Suspension (U.S. model)

The RS6 also served as the debut model for Audi's Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system. The system is mainly mechanical, and uses a pump to keep pressure in the shock abosorbers during cornering to counteract rolling and pitching. The system is "intelligent", it is able to adjust the stiffness at each shock absorber constantly to maintain both a comfortable ride and high grip. However, DRC's main advantage is that it operates without the need for most of the complicated electronics required in similar systems from Mercedes-Benz and other competitors.

Brakes (U.S. model)

The front features Brembo 8-piston fixed caliper (4 pads per side) working with cross-drilled, floating vented disc sized 14.37" (1.3" thickness). The rear had single floating caliper (2 per side) with parking brake mechanism, mated to cross-drilled, floating vented disc sized 13.19" (0.9" thickness).

Both front and rear floating discs are held in by metal pins to the hub, and allow 1mm of thermal expansion from the hub center.

ABS and EBD was standard.

Tyres & Wheels

There were total of three OEM wheels types produced for the RS6, and one for RS6 Plus. In Europe and elsewhere, 19" wheels & tyre package was standard with optional 18" package for those who wish it. However, only 18" package was offered in the U.S. market. 18" winter package was universally available. RS6 Plus saw the addition of "anthracite" (dark gray) 19" package as standard. For 18" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was 255/40-18 with extra load (XL) rating. This is often stressed and the only recommendation by Audi as RS6 does weigh a hefty (approx.) 4100lb. Tires that are not rated XL may not be safe for use. Owners reported finding Continental ContiSportContact 2, Dunlop SP Sport 9000, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, and Pirelli P-Zero Rosso as OEM suppliers for the tires.For 19" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was 255/30-19 with extra load (XL) rating. However, there were debates as to how safe are 19" tires as XL rating will only get to 96 (1565 lb load rating). (In contrast, the 255/40-18 XL will get you 99, good for 1709 lb per tire.) Also, 19" wheel & tire package may rub against the strut if not properly fitted. At least from one U.S. owner reports Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, part number 14875, will fit as the tire does not come with rim protector "lip" on the inner side of the tire.

Statistics

According to testing by Car and Driver magazine, the RS6 can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 4.7(Avant 4.9) seconds, 0-124 mph in 17.6(Avant 17.8) seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), although many people reported to have gone well over this limit. It can stop from 60 mph (96.6 to 0 km/h) in 118 feet (35.97m), thanks to its large 365/335 mm (14.4/13.2 in) front/rear brakes, and an uncommon eight-piston design in the front.

In addition, Automobile Magazine ran the RS6 from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, and 0-100mph in 10.4 seconds, and 0-150mph in 26.8 seconds. Road and Track recorded a quarter-mile run of 12.63seconds@109mph. Motor Trend achieved 60-0mph braking in 113 feet, rounded the skidpad at .90g, and ran the slalom at 68.7mph. These are the best figures, respectively, recorded on the RS6.

About 8000 RS6s were produced worldwide. Originally Audi of American planned to sell approximately 860 units in United States, total of approximately 1200 were sold at the end. In 2003, it was priced at $82,000 for the U.S. market (Car and Driver estimate).

RS6 Plus

Towards the end of production in 2004, there was a run of higher-performance RS6 named RS6 Plus, producing over 480bhp/353kW @ 6000-6400rpm and 413lb-ft/560Nm @ 1950-6000rpm(engine code BRV) - topping out 280km/h(174mph). This performance was achieved with a new ECU and two additional radiators behind the intercoolers(which were available to RS6 in hotter climate countries). A mere 4.6 seconds elapse for the standard discipline of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h. The Quattro RS6 Plus hits 200 km/h in just 17.3 seconds. The RS6 Plus came with DRC as standard, also a Sports Suspension Plus(lowering the standard sports suspension by 10mm) was available with no extra cost. The wheels were uprated from 255/40 R18 to 255/35 R19 size. The car came only as an Avant and was sold only in European markets. It lasted for just one model year but quickly sold out once it was released(999 units total). The last three digits of the VIN are reproduced on a plaque inside the car, displayed on the centre console.

Racing

The RS6 has recently been used in the Speed World Challenge

2008 RS6

Audi is currently in the process of creating a new twin turbo V10 engine derived from the current S6 5.2L V10. This engine will produce 580 hp.

This is sure to rival (or out-do) the performance of the BMW M5 and M6 and the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG.

Awards

The 4.2 V8 engine in its base configuration was named as one of the Ward’s Auto World "10 Best Engines for 2005".

The RS6's combination of performance, handling (AWD), luxury and available space was why it was chosen over its closest competitors, Jaguar S-Type R, and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG by Car and Driver magazine.

Audi RS 4



The Audi RS4 is a high-performance version of the Audi A4, a compact exclusive car produced by German automaker Audi. It slots above the Audi S4 as the fastest model in the A4 range.

B5 RS4 (1999-2001)

Audi introduced the first generation RS4 in late 1999 as the successor to the Porsche developed/RS2. The vehicle, like its predecessor, was available only as an Avant (station wagon), and was built on an existing platform, in this case the "B5" generation A4/S4. Base price was around 103,584 Deutsche Mark. The RS4 was available for sale in most of Europe and in some Latin American countries.

Power came from a modified version of the B5 S4's 2.7 L, twin-turbocharged V6 engine tuned by Cosworth Technology, featuring enlarged intake/exhaust ports on the cylinder heads, turbochargers and intercoolers, new induction and exhaust systems and a re-calibrated engine management system; a six-speed manual transmission and Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system were part of the package. The modifications were enough to bump the engine's power output from the 265 PS (195 kW/261 hp) and 400 Nm (295 ft·lbf) of the S4 to 380 PS (280 kW/375 hp) and 440 Nm (325 ft·lbf).

Even with a curb weight of 1620 kg (3568 lb), the RS4's powerful engine gave it the performance of a sports car. The 100 km/h (62 mph) mark could be reached in just 4.7 seconds and the 160 km/h (100 mph) could be achieved in just 11.6. Brakes were also developed in house by Audi/Cosworth Technologies not by Porsche as with the RS2. It now has 360 mm (14.2 inches) discs at the front and 312 mm (12.2 inches) at the rear gave the RS4 braking to match, needing less than 50 m (155 ft) to come to a full stop from a speed of 110 km/h (69 mph).

Audi produced 6030 units between 1999 and 2001.

B7 RS4 (2006-present)

After a long hiatus, the second generation RS4, now built on Audi's "B7" A4 platform, became available to European customers in the summer of 2006. It was introduced at the 2006]] North American International Auto Show in January and arrived in August 2006 in North America.

The B7 RS4 is an almost complete departure from previous RS cars, as it was launched as a sedan, with an Avant and Convertible version arriving later. Only the RS6 has gone this route before, the previous RS4 and RS2 were available exclusively as Avants. In addition, power comes from an FSI equipped, normally aspirated 4.2 L V8. This engine is very powerful, producing a total output of 420 PS (309 kW/414 hp), over 100 PS/litre. The engine also produces 430 N·m (317 ft·lbf) of torque. Curb weight is stated at 1650 kg (3634 kg). The RS4 is also equipped with the 14.3 inch front brake discs and eight-piston calipers from the Lamborghini Gallardo.