Saturday, July 7, 2007

AUDI ABT AS5 Coupe










The new Audi A5 combines a sporty and an unobtrusive design to a powerful, elegant and individual appearance. “A uniquely beautiful car and thus a real challenge for us,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing director of Abt Sportsline raved about the new Coupe from Ingolstadt, but he emphasizes that “our designers and engineers were able to improve the outstanding base model even more”. The character of the noble sportscar still maintains but after getting a special treatment in the Allgaeu it appears more dynamical. The body kit, especially tailor-made for the Abt AS5, is a spectacular package: a front skirt with a grid element which emphasizes the singel-frame grill and the fog lights, the slightly curved, laterally
mounted body parts and the sleek gill-shaped air-inlets, as well as the well-proportioned rear.
With the unobtrusive but striking rear spoiler and the rear skirt inset in diffuser optics, the design of the Abt AS5 is
gracefully rounded off. The 4-pipe rear muffler is perfectly fitting and additionally recontoures the rear view.
Needless to say that the car sounds as a real Abt car should.
Even when standing still, the Abt AS5 is a sensual car, which eagerly wants to be driven. And when it is allowed to go on the road, it shows how much sports spirit it has. First of all, the 3.0 TDI engine gets a significant “power treatment”. The extremely powerful, self-igniting engine perfectly fits to the A5 and, in addition, offers moderate consumption values. By means of improved motor management, Abt turns the serial 240 hp (176 kW) into powerful 272 hp (200 kW). With an extra Abt turbo charger, the power even increases to 300 well feeded horses. Diesel and sportiness belong together since long. Certainly, Abt
Sportsline will successively modify later developed A5 engines.
To ensure a perfect handling of the noble power package, Abt also makes use of its adjustable sports suspension, besides the serial Quattro engine. All the more, the Abt AS5 will be brought to a standstill by means of the Abt brake system with a disc diameter of 380 millimeters.

AUDI ABT AS400











The Audi A4 of the Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is presenting one of the most powerful and exclusive car from their history: AS400. The new Abt AS400 is equipped with a 2.7 litre V6-Bi-Turbo-engine and has 400 HP (294 kW), 290 km/h top speed and 4.7 seconds from 0 to 100.

The new Abt AS400 keep its suitability for daily use as a sport station wagon and will be launched on the market in a small series of 25.

“With the new AS400 we want to and will set new standards in the field of high performance vehicles'', says Managing Director Hans-Jurgen Abt.''The vehicle is a combination of Audi quality control and the large technical know-how of Abt Sportsline when tuning such a car''.

Incorporated into the design of the AS400 is the experience gained from decades in the tuning business. Under the bonnet the 2.7 litre V6-Bi-Turbo-engine providing a maximum torque of approximately 368 ft lbs (500 nm). Via the permanent all-wheel-drive Quattro system, the concentrated power of 400 hp (298 kw) is transferred to all four wheels which are equipped with 18 inch titanium coloured Abt sport wheels. The sport brake system and the sport suspension kit are responsible for safety and optimal control on every road.

As for all Abt tuning projects, Christian Abt signs himself responsible for the development. For the technical Manager of Abt Sportsline and Audi works driver in the DTM, the AS400 is the highlight of the year: ''Normally no road vehicle is good enough for a race track. However the AS400 is a special case: With the power, acceleration and the sportive handling you really have the feeling qualifying starts any minute.''

An interesting design with its new front grill, front spoiler and side skirts as well as rear skirt and rear wing the AS400 looks like a sport car. The 4-pipe stainless-steel exhaust system is not only responsible for the right sound, but proves its Kempten origin when admired from the probably most often seen perspective of the Abt AS400. The trend is continued inside with Abt entrance panels, instrument clusters (speedometer up to 320 km/h), aluminium pedals and foot rests as well as further details.

The Abt AS400 is available for 94 900 Euro (inclusive Value Added Tax) at Abt Sportsline in Kempten or one of the more than 100 Abt partners in Germany. Also Abt Sportsline offers a power upgrade to 450 HP (331 kW). Additionally an Abt sport brake system and Abt sport wheels SP1 in 19 inch-size are available as optional equipment.

Friday, July 6, 2007

AUDI R10 Le Mans Race Car










PARIS - AUDI AG is once again one step ahead of the opposition: The inventor of ‘TDI’ will become the world’s first automobile manufacturer to fight for overall victory with a diesel engine at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The all-new Audi R10, which was unveiled on Tuesday in Paris, is powered by a totally new 5.5-litre, twelve-cylinder bi-turbo TDI engine, which is extremely quiet and economical.

The Le Mans Prototype, with over 650 hp and more than 1,100 Newton metres torque, significantly exceeds the power produced by the majority of previous Audi racing cars – including that of its victorious R8 predecessor. Audi ventures into previously unexplored diesel-engine terrain with the V12 power plant manufactured completely from aluminium. As with the TFSI technology, which triumphed initially at Le Mans before being adopted for mass-production, Audi customers should benefit once again from the lessons learnt in motorsport.

"With the A8 4.2 TDI quattro, Audi already builds one of the most powerful diesel cars in the world,” explained Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, at the R10 presentation in Paris. "The Le Mans project will help our technicians to extract even more from TDI technology. Nowadays, every second Audi is delivered with a TDI engine. We expect that the percentage of diesel engines will be even larger in the future.”

The R10 prototype’s V12 power unit, which is equipped with two diesel particle filters, is hardly recognisable as a diesel thanks to the engine’s smooth running nature. The TDI engine’s specialities presented the Audi Sport engineers with a whole list of challenges. The injection pressure easily exceeds the 1,600 bar achieved in production cars. The usable power band lies between 3,000 and 5,000 revs per minute – an unusually low rev range for a racing engine. The driver must change gear in the R10 far less often than in the R8 because of the TDI engine’s favourable torque curve.

The enormous torque of over 1,100 Newton metres does not only make extreme demands of the R10 transmission system – even the latest generation of engine dynamometers at Audi Sport had to be re-equipped with special gearboxes capable of withstanding the unusual forces.

Additionally, radical changes to the chassis were also necessary. The Audi R10 has a significantly longer wheel base than the R8. The overly wide front tyres are, up until now, unique for a Le Mans Prototype. New technologies were also implemented during the development of the carbon-fibre monocoque. Chassis, engine and gearbox form an extremely rigid, fully stressed unit.

"The R10 project is the biggest challenge ever to have been handed to Audi Sport,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "TDI technology has not been pushed to its limits in motorsport yet. We are the first to confront the challenge. The demands of such a project are accordingly high. Long-term technology partners such as Bosch, Michelin or Shell support us in our quest. Together we have the chance to write new chapters in the history books of motorsport and diesel technology.”

The new Audi R10 successfully completed its first test at the end of November. An extensive test programme, including the 12-hour race at Sebring (USA) on 18 March, is scheduled before the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 17/18 June 2006. The development team from Audi Sport is supported by Reinhold Joest’s squad, which also performed this task during the R8 project.

AUDI Locus Concept














Design by Ugur Sahin review:

The name LOCUS means a condition that defines a continuous figure which is a curve.

The main characteristics of the design are the way its surface shapes are formed with a continuous flow from front until the back of the car. Inspiration for that was obviously the Mother Nature we deal with daily but somehow we usually do not realize that everything in the nature has somehow its specific curves and flowing lines it is very rarely to spot perfectly straight lines. The main goal was to implement this design aspect into a car which creates a relaxing, energetic, vibrant and confident feeling.

It is clear to see a curved sharp edged line that starts at the very front, flowing through the middle section, slightly curved down after the A pillar and then going back up again at the rear wheel arches to follow its way back until the diffuser. This same curve language is also applied to the greenhouse and the way windows are shaped. The front is somehow aggressive looking with the traditional AUDI grill and air intakes that are shaped very much like the headlights to create a coherent feeling. The rear section is obviously very organic with defined curves and subtle details, tail lights are designed to have integrated air outtakes underneath them to avoid any unnecessary details. With dual exhaust and fairly empty rear section, it creates a feeling of subtleness. Another feature is the air intake at the end of the roof which is designed to avoid any distracting design elements on the top of the car combining elegance with functionality.

AUDI TT Roadster






Sheer sportiness, a genuine driving experience plus high power reserves – cue the new TT Roadster from Audi. The open-top sports car retains the distinctive lines of its tremendously successful predecessor, but instils them with even greater emotion, performance and dynamism.

Audi offers a choice of two engines for its new TT Roadster. The 3.2-liter V6 power unit generates 250 hp and is coupled to the quattro drive system as standard. The 2.0 TFSI engine, which blends turbocharging with gasoline direct injection technology, delivers 200 hp to the front wheels. Both model variants can be ordered with the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual shift.

The chassis of the new Roadster is also built for impressive sporty performance. Its highlight is Audi magnetic ride, the optional suspension damping technology that allows drivers to choose between an uncompromisingly dynamic ride or more comfort-orientated characteristics.

To mirror the puristic character of open-top motoring, the boldly styled body is crowned by a lightweight cloth hood. The TT Roadster 3.2 quattro comes as standard with a quick-action, fully automatic softtop which is available as an option for the 2.0 TFSI.

The soft top

Audi made a conscious decision to keep the cloth hood for the new TT Roadster. The soft top concept fits in perfectly with the philosophy of puristic open-top motoring and also offers a number of benefits over a folding steel hard top.

The cloth hood, incorporating reinforcements made from steel and aluminum as well as a large glass rear window, has a very lightweight construction – not only does this reduce the overall weight of the TT Roadster, it lowers its center of gravity too. It sleekly blends in with the car's lines and takes up only a small amount of space when folded down. Thanks to the new Z-fold, the front section of the roof lies on top of the cloth like a cover. It locks into place to lie flush with the body, dispensing with the need for a tonneau cover. The soft top is available in the colors black and dark grey.

The TT Roadster 3.2 quattro comes as standard with an electrohydraulically powered soft top, which is available for the 2.0 TFSI as an option. This version of the soft top opens in just 12 seconds at the push of a button, and can even be operated on the move at speeds of up to 30 mph. The fully automatic hood incorporates an additional layer of soundproofing beneath the black headliner for even better acoustic and thermal insulation.

The manually operated roof is operated by means of a central catch. A mesh wind deflector that extends and retracts electrically can be ordered as an option to smooth the air stream in the interior – none of the competitor models are able to offer such a convenient solution.

The body and safety

Like the TT Coupé, the body of the TT Roadster is also built on the principles of Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology, featuring a pioneering hybrid construction that showcases the brand's tremendous expertise in lightweight design. The body is made from 58 percent aluminum and 42 percent steel. This material mix makes the Roadster extremely light, with the 2.0 TFSI tipping the scales at just 2,894 lbs. when unladen.

To ensure that the load is distributed evenly between the axles, the steel components are located principally at the rear of the body – the bulkhead behind the passenger compartment, for example, is made from steel. This particular component, which anchors the high-strength roll-over bars with their elegant plastic covering, has a fundamental role to play in the body's overall rigidity.

The side sills are also specific to the Roadster: they consist of extruded aluminum sections containing numerous reinforcing ribs. The A-pillars have been strengthened too and a high-strength steel tube integrated into the frame of the windscreen. Already impressive in the outgoing TT Roadster, static torsional strength has been more than doubled in the new model – this translates into outstanding comfort and precision handling.

A full ensemble of restraint systems promise the greatest possible passive safety. In the event of an impact from the side, aluminum beams and padding in the doors are called into action along with the head and thorax side airbags. Two-stage full-size airbags and the Audi backguard system are on hand to limit the consequences of a collision from the front and rear respectively.

The exterior design

With its rigorous geometry and clarity, the design of the first TT Roadster elevated it to the status of a cult classic. Audi has preserved the charismatic design idiom and carefully honed it for the new model.

Whereas the tail end and the roof section seem to flow into one another at the rear of the TT Coupé, the soft top of the TT Roadster forms a clear contrast that gives the overall design a more geometric look. The body's lines brim with power and forward thrust. This impression is underscored by the athletic curves of the vehicle's flanks just as much as by the rising dynamic line above the sill area and the taut, muscular shoulder line. The eye-catching fuel filler cap positioned above the rear right wheel sports a classic aluminum design.

The face of the new Audi TT Roadster has an expressive feel. Wing-shaped plastic elements are embedded into the slanted, sharply tapered headlights to emphasize the three-dimensional depth of the lamp units. At the rear of the car, it is the large tailpipes and the wide diffuser which stand out. The tube-shaped reflectors seem to hover inside the tail light units. As on the Coupé, an electrically powered spoiler rises up out of the boot lid when the speed reaches 75 mph.

Compared to the model it replaces the new TT Roadster has undergone a growth spurt, with the new proportions accentuating its sporty nature. Length is now 164.5 inches (+ 5.4 in), width 72.5 in. (+ 3.1) and height 53.5 in. (+ 0.3 in), while the wheelbase has been extended by 1.8 to 97.1 in. Despite the extra size, however, the drag coefficient of the 2.0 TFSI is just 0.32 with the soft top up.

The interior

The interior of the TT Roadster is noticeably larger too, offering extra headroom and elbow room. The width at shoulder height is now 53.6 in, an increase of 1.1 in.

Deep-set sports seats provide firm lateral support for both the driver and passenger. The standard-specification leather sports steering wheel features a flat-bottomed rim. The optional Impulse leather trim with its distinctive topstitching already attained cult status when it was offered for the outgoing model; it is one of four different leather trim packages. The 3.2 quattro is upholstered in a combined Alcantara/Leather trim as standard.

The three circular air outlets and the dome shrouding the instrument cluster dials inject the cockpit with characteristic TT flair. As is to be expected of an Audi, the ergonomic concept is perfect and the workmanship of the very finest standard. The increase in the body's dimensions has also benefited luggage space, which has expanded from 210 to 250 litres

The drive train
Like the TT Coupé, the new Roadster is available with a choice of two transverse-mounted engines. Both generate high pulling power and impressive peak output, resulting in out-and-out sporty performance. The four-cylinder engine directs its power to the front wheels, while the V6 powers all four wheels based on the quattro principle offering dynamism and sure roadholding in equal measure. Apart from a sporty six-speed manual shift, both engines are also available in conjunction with the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox for lightning-fast gear changes without any interruption in the power flow.

The four-cylinder unit bearing the initials TFSI musters up 200 hp and a constant 207 ft.-lbs. of torque between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm from its capacity of 1,984 cc. The TFSI technology combines a turbocharger to optimum effect with Audi's own gasoline direct injection, which produces a distinct improvement in combustion efficiency.

In both 2005 and 2006, the responsive and extremely refined two-liter turbocharged FSI unit was voted "Engine of the Year" by an international jury of experts.

When fitted with the S tronic shift, the Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in just 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 146 mph. It burns an average of just 7.8 litres of fuel for every 100 km.

The V6 unit with its capacity of 3,189 cc delivers 250 hp and a peak torque of 236 ft.-lbs. which is on tap between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. The sonorous, ultra-compact long-stroke engine features two continuously adjustable camshafts. The TT Roadster 3.2 quattro sprints from 0 – 62 mph in 5.9 seconds with the S tronic gearbox and can, if necessary, go on to reach a governed top speed of 155 mph. It returns average fuel consumption figures of 9.5 l/100 km.

The chassis

The sporty chassis has undergone complete redevelopment for the new TT Roadster. Its chief features are the complex four-link rear suspension, wide track widths, elastokinematics that have been heavily reworked, plus large wheels. The 2.0 TFSI rides on 16-inch and the 3.2 quattro on 17-inch alloy wheels. The wheels may be specified with run-flat capabilities as an option.

The front wheel suspension, which is linked to a separate subframe, has a McPherson construction that has been refined by the use of lightweight aluminum components. The electromechanical power-assisted steering combines a direct ratio with sensitive precision.

The construction of the four-link rear suspension, which also operates using a subframe, separates the coil springs and the shock absorbers from one another. The longitudinal links – which have a relatively soft set-up for enhanced ride comfort – absorb the propulsive and braking forces, while the rigid connection of the three transverse links for each wheel allows them to direct the lateral forces into the bodyshell with great precision.

The redeveloped electronic stabilization program (ESP) has been optimized for a sporty driving style and to help produce the steering balance of the TT Roadster, which varies between neutral and slight understeer. If necessary, the brake assist system takes action to ensure that the four large disc brakes build up maximum braking power as fast as possible.

The optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system is a high-tech feature that is unique in the roadster segment. At the push of a button, drivers can choose between either an extra-comfortable or a decidedly dynamic suspension set-up. Circulating inside the shock absorber struts is a special fluid containing minute magnetic particles. Applying a voltage to this fluid alters its viscosity – and therefore the damping characteristics – within milliseconds.

The equipment

All variants of the new Audi TT Roadster come generously equipped as standard, with the specification including the new "chorus" audio system and a driver information system, and in the 3.2 quattro, automatic air conditioning. There is a choice of two optional navigation systems, both DVD-based and featuring the exemplary MMI operating logic. Universal mobile phone preparation and the resonant Bose surround-sound system are also available.

An extra touch of class can be added to the interior's sophisticated and sporty ambience by opting for either of the two aluminum styling packages. The standard storage facilities, featuring deep compartments in the doors and two cup holders, can be supplemented with the storage package, comprising three storage nets and four extra, practical compartments. Customers who lead a sporty, active lifestyle are also able to opt for a load-through facility in the rear panel, including a ski bag which is large enough to accommodate two pairs of skis up to 1.90 m in length – something which no other model in the roadster segment is able to offer.

Xenon plus headlights with the adaptive light cornering function can also be found on the extensive list of equipment options.
They are fitted in conjunction with a headlight styling package that Audi includes as standard on the 3.2 quattro.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

AUDI ABT Q7




-a special version of the performance SUV:


Abt Sportsline`s presentation of the tuned version of the Audi Q7 coincides with the sales launch of the multifunctional sports car from Ingolstadt

Combined experience: For 25 years Audi has been manufacturing all-wheel driven cars and the successful Kempten-based company Abt Sportsline has been upgrading vehicles for just as long. In the Abt Q7 the know-how of both companies is combined in a car that meets highest demands.

It is more than a mere successor of the legendary Quattro: The Audi Q7 is the perfect car for every opportunity, as it not only is suitable for all terrains, but a convincingly comfortable car for travelling long journeys at the same time. Since the Q7 innately is a true all-rounder, it proves to be a perfect tuning model. Once again Audi supplies the perfect basis for Abt Sportsline`s experts. The vehicle was optically and technically upgraded without changing its characteristic features.

At first glance the Abt Q7 looks brawnier than its original counterpart which is mainly due to the fender extensions lending the vehicle a more powerful appearance. You can tell that it easily masters difficult terrains. The rear wing completes its harmonious look and ensures that the Abt Q7 never loses wheel grip. By means of a two-coloured contrasting paint in white aluminium on the marked front skirt, the elegant rear skirt and side skirts, the Abt SUV reveals itself as an exclusive cruiser. The vehicle sides are eye-catching as a result of the lateral white aluminium insets which give the Abt Q7 unmistakeable features and dignified and agile looks at the same time. The sporting impression is highlighted by the double twin-pipe exhaust system with a pipe diameter of 84 millimetres and the one-piece wheels. Abt Sportsline`s wheels type AR with diamond-machined surface and exclusive exchange system are already available in the sizes 20 or 22 inch with tyres 275/45 R20 or 295/30 R22 Conti CrossContact. Another wheel option is the 22-inch SP-wheel.

Abt Sportsline`s modifications meet all the Q7`s demands, no matter whether off-road, on motor ways or in front of a luxury hotel – the Abt Q7 is the perfect car for every opportunity. Looks and technology form a unified whole; the Abt Q7 does not only look husky, it really is. Abt Sportsline`s engineers succeeded in clearly enhancing the innately powerful 3.0 TDI power unit. The modified six cylinders V-engine now provides 272 HP instead of the standard 233 and an explosive torque of 580 Nm (standard: 500 Nm).

AUDI ABT R8





There are cars and dream cars. The latter includes Lamborghini’s Gallardo, Ferrari’s F430 or Porsche’s 911 Turbo.

These cars make your heart beat faster and show the perfected magic of speed on the roads. Abt Sportsline’s R8 will also be among these outstanding super sports cars and is getting ready to overtake them in the prestige duel.

The design studies already show the first impressions of Abt’s sportiest creation – and prove that the Kempten-based tuner manages to perfect an excellent serial model like the R8 to detail and accentuate its racing genes already in the drawing. The front of the Bavarian R8 shows the marked Abt face. Together with the unique and beautiful rear with its four inclined arranged exhaust end pipes, the rear diffuser and the extravagant rear wing, the front of the Abt R8 is part of an overall concept that brings about phenomenal roadholding. The add-on parts of the super sports cars from the Allgäu-region improve downforce and ensure perfect balance of the front and rear axis. This is especially notable in speed ranges reserved for only a few cars. The sideblades which were developed especially for the Abt R8 and the Abt side skirts give the Abt R8 a new and individual design besides aerodynamical advantages. The aerodynamically efficient Abt body kit, which also includes carbon-fibre parts, is a real eye catcher but also shows the state-of-the-art Bavarian precision work. With the ingenious construction, which also includes a carbon-fibre bonnet, not only a maximum reduction in weight is achieved but it also ensures optimized weight distribution of the Abt R8 – the pure presence of the model athlete already shows this.

Technology and design milestones do not only come from Maranello or Sant’Agata-Bolognese but also from Kempten. The Abt R8 will be a gorgeous dream car with the genes of a top-class race car. This special automobile will belong to one of the fastest among the fastest; the Abt R8 will also challenge the Lamborghinis and Porsches. With regards to the anticipated performance data the Bavarians are traditionally discreet. But this data already amazes sports car fans and makes them want to spur the hot-blooded Bavarian horses. 530 HP (390 kW) are to be drawn from the 4.2 litre-V8 thanks to the Abt supercharger. Compared with the serial model which already shows impressive performance data this means an increase of 110 HP (81 kW). The brand new Abt 20-inch BR wheels stylishly transfer this power onto the asphalt. The all-wheel-drive dream car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h. These values are synonymous with magic and this extraordinary super sports car desperately wants to be driven. By means of the Abt suspension which is adjustable in height, pressure and rebound, the performance and driving comfort of the super sports car can be adapted perfectly to the requirements of its driver.

AUDI RS4 Cabriolet




Audi of America, Inc. announced today that the RS 4 Cabriolet model will come to U.S. showrooms as a 2008 model, and the RS 4 sedan will have new features and option packages. Approximately 300 of the limited-production RS 4 Cabriolets will be sold in the U.S. The RS 4 Cabriolet models will arrive in fall of 2007.

The RS 4 Cabriolet shares the same high-revving 4.2 V8 FSI engine found in the RS 4 sedan. It produces 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and 317 ft-lbs. of torque at 5,500 rpm. Like the sedan, the Cabriolet will only be available with a six- speed manual and quattro(R) all-wheel drive featuring the asymmetrical dynamic torque split. Like the sedan, the Cabriolet will have 19" RS 4-style alloy wheels with 255/35/19 performance tires, a four-link front and trapezoidal- link rear sport-tuned suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), and 14.4" front and 12.8" rear brake rotors.

The RS 4 sedan also gets some new and unique features for 2008. Two new option packages, the Titanium package and Audi exclusive package, will be available. The $750 Titanium package consists of titanium colored 19" RS 4- style alloy wheels, black front grille, black side window moldings, black interior headliner, and piano black interior trim. The $3,800 Audi exclusive package has Crimson red leather seat centers (black leather side bolsters and head rests) and door trim, contrasting red seat piping, red stitching on the shift boot and steering wheel, piano black interior trim, carpeted floor mats with RS 4 logo and contrasting piping, and Audi exclusive badging. Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth will become standard equipment on the RS 4 sedan.