automotive directory, hot cars pictures, automotive catalog, automotive blog

Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, Audi

We knew that the new Audi S4 was due to be unveiled within the next six months, but CAR was able to confirm that the supercharged sled will make an official appearance at the Paris Motor Show this September. As previously reported, the new S4 will ditch its 4.2-liter V8 in favor of a new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing around 350 hp - a few ponies more than the current S4’s output.

CAR got the details about the new S4 while running the twin-clutch-equipped S5 through its paces, and is able to confirm that the S-badged sedan will benefit from the same seven-speed gearbox, with shifts taking place in 200 ms. Naturally, the S4 will be equipped with quattro all-wheel-drive, and sales will begin in the UK in early 2009, with wagon and convertible variants following thereafter.

As for the future of the RS4, Audi isn’t confirming any specs yet, but they’re confident that when the new M3-fighter hits the streets in 2010, the new S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox’s shifts will be reduced to around 140-150 ms.

[Source: CAR]

Following our first post on the R8 V12 TDi Concept yesterday, Audi came out with an official press release and a high-res image gallery on its diesel powered supercar. Rumoured to go into production before the end of the decade, the R8 V12 TDi is powered by a 5.9-liter V12 turbodiesel that generates 500 HP and 1,000 Newton-meters (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. According to Audi, the diesel-powered R8 sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 sec while its top speed is in excess of 300 km/h or 187 mph.

AUDI R8 V12 TDI Concept: Detroit 2008

Audi is presenting a revolution in the top class at the North American International Auto Show 2008 – the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance roadgoing sports car. The V12 TDI with a displacement of six liters powers a concept car based on the Audi R8. This unit generates a huge 500 hp and 1,000 Newton-meters (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. Audi is writing a new chapter in diesel technology with this power unit. Equipped with the expertise that Audi has built up through its motor sport activities, the R8 V12 TDI in matt “Grace Silver” embodies superb road handling, pioneering technology and fascinating design. The V12 TDI is closely related to the engine in the Audi R10, the two-time Le Mans winner – so it catapults the Audi R8 into supercar terrain concerning performance too. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.2 seconds and its top speed is well over 300 km/h (186.41 mph). The peak torque, reached at only 1,750 rpm, paves the way for effortless acceleration that is unrivaled even at this level. 

The new V12 TDI belongs to Audi’s family of V engines but has the ideal included angle for this engine type of 60 degrees between cylinder banks. Its highlights include the new chain drive layout that includes the two newly developed high-pressure pumps for the common rail injection system. 

Its sound is as thrilling as you’d expect in a sports car of this caliber. For all the subtle smoothness that typifies this design principle, the twelve-cylinder unit is full-bodied and equipped with energetic overtones that make no secret of its performance potential.

Filed under: Tuners, Audi

There are those who can never be satisfied with near perfection. Kicherer just couldn’t leave well enough alone, and just had to go and improve Audi’s new supercar, the R8.

The German tuner smartly left the mechanicals alone, and focused on altering the R8’s aesthetics and handling. A new front spoiler reduces front lift, while a new rear spoiler adds downforce. Original 19″ rims were replaced with larger but lighter 20s. But the most obvious, and perhaps most effective, change is the new set of springs that takes the car down 15mm in front and a whopping 30mm in front the rear.

No word on how these changes affect the R8’s already phenomenal handling, nor is there any word on how phenomenally these changes will affect your wallet. But we’re pretty sure if you’re seriously interested in buying one, you know who to call to find out.

For more photos, check out our gallery.

[Source: Motor Authority]

The Audi S5 is a unique competitor among high-performance coupes, thanks to its combination of V8 FSI technology and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The eight-cylinder engine with its superb power delivery has worthy counterparts in the specially tuned sports suspension and high-performance brakes. Subtle, but clear design elements inside and out serve to distinguish this coupe as a high performance athlete in a league of its own. The Audi S5 goes on sale with the launch of the Audi A5 series.

Engine and running gear: Fascination no figures can express

The figures alone are fascinating enough, but they only hint at the impressive driving experience the S5 offers. The eight-cylinder engine has a rated power output of 260 kW (354 bhp). Its peak torque is 440 Nm, which it already delivers at 3,500 rpm. Within just 5.1 seconds the Audi S5 can sprint to 100 km/h. But no figures can adequately describe the supreme free-revving character, the spontaneous response, the continuous power build-up, or the thrilling sound of this eight-cylinder engine. The V8 naturally derives its enormous power potential from the innovative FSI direct injection technology with high compression and optimum fuel mixture formation.

The six-speed manual gearbox with its very precise guiding of the gear lever and short throw action makes every gear change a pleasure. The quattro permanent four-wheel drive of course provides perfect traction with variable torque distribution from its basic setting of 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear axle. Within a fraction of a second, the dynamic drivetrain system adapts to the current driving conditions and constantly delivers the ideal distribution of drive torque.

The Audi S5’s sports suspension is tuned to enhance the coupe’s performance with particularly dynamic handling. The special high-performance brakes, recognisable by their black painted brake calipers, always ensure precise deceleration. And finally, the ESP electronic stabilisation programme can be deactivated in two stages whenever the driver wishes to exploit the potential of the Audi S5 to the full on a suitable stretch of road.

Design and interiors: Sporty aesthetics with clear functionality

While the design of the Audi A5 forms a balanced synthesis of sportiness and elegance, the Audi S5 displays the more vigorous features of a powerfully built athlete: the radiator grille possesses the specific look of an Audi S model – painted in platinum grey and fitted with vertical chrome inlays. The front and rear bumpers have a more pronounced outline and the air inlet grilles are more striking. The aluminium-look exterior mirror housings make an overtly sporty impression, as do the colour-keyed door sill trim and the dual-branch exhaust system with four oval tailpipes. Nevertheless, the model’s sporty attributes always have a functional aspect: for instance, the more pronounced spoiler in the boot lid yields additional aerodynamic downforce.

However, true strength comes from within and the interior design of the Audi A5 thoroughly underscores its athletic character. The sports seats, sports steering wheel, instruments with grey dials and aluminium door sill plates provide a dynamic and refined atmosphere. The programme does, of course, provide ample scope to fulfil individual interior design wishes: the inlays are one example – here the choice is between carbon, aluminium, stainless steel or wood. After all, the Audi S5 should perfectly match its owner’s individual ideas and expectations.

Alongside the coupe’s 18-inch wheels with the new S design and 245/40 R 18 tyres, the standard equipment specification for the S5 features items such as xenon plus headlights with impressive daytime running lights in the form of an LED light strip, or sports seats with electronic adjustment.

Motoren Technik Mayer GmbH from Wettstetten, Germany, laid their hands on the new referee within the sport compact car arena. The Audi S3 creates great competition within its own corporation to Golf GTI and R32 as well the bavarian colleagues BMW with the mighty 130i. Through the mtm-provided components for motor, breaks, exhaust system and suspension, they have distanced themselves even more from their competitors raising the S3 to an uncompromising racer!

Power between 310 & 330 HP and torque of 400 to 420 Nm
Vmax up to 264 km/h, acceleration 0-100 in 5,1s
stainless steel exhaust system with metallic catalytic converter,
double-flow resonator
variety of brake systems for the best deceleration
sport springs or coilover suspension
Better performance and higher torque

The TFSI-motor borrowed from parent company VW, is really ideal for tuning revisions. Directly off the assembly line, the turbo engine of Audi S3 already has an impressive 265 HP. One would imagine this alone is enough. Yet, just experiencing the difference proves a visit to mtm is really worth while. In its first stage, mtm replaces the motor electronics. This procedure alone upgrades power to 310 HP/228 kW as well as torque to 400 Nm (Series: 350 Nm). Whoever selects a mtm resonator and the mtm rear silencer receives an additional 5 HP and 5 Nm. The hottest version receives even more components from mtm to boot. With the mtm front silencer and a front pipe with metallic catalysatic converter, performance increases to a powerful 330 HP and torque of 420 Nm. With this addition, in just 5,1 seconds 0 to 100 km/h is reached and a maximum speed up to 264 km/h obtainable.
Naturally, mtm ensures durability for all its parts. Customers benefit from the extensive experience mtm has gathered for example from the TT bimoto®.

As can be expected, all parts described above for the exhaust system are available seperately for the Audi S3 2.0 TFSI. Either the rear silencer with exhaust flap control alone or together with the complete catalytic converter system. Both tail pipes, each with a diameter of 80 mm, look far more impressive than the series-produced parts. From each excapes a sound that one generally only experiences on the race track.

“Races are won on brakes”

Implimenting power upgrades alone, with complete disregard for adequate deceleration, would be operating completely irresponsibly. For this reason, mtm offers cars of all classes specifically designed brake systems.

In the case of the S3, mtm improves deceleration on the front axle in three upgrades. For the first upgrade, mtm provides the S3 with 8-piston-fixed calipers and 330×32 mm diameter sized semi-perforated brake discs. Even more impressive is the next higher upgrade of completely perforated brake discs with diameter dimension of 356×34mm. They must sustain pressure from 8-piston-brake calipers. Last mentioned, mtm also uses within the largest of the three brake systems. Here the semi-perforated brake discs measure 380×34 mm in diameter and when they are gripped by the calipers, the driver has the feeling of grabbing an anchor. The saying “races are won on brakes” is not to be taken lightly. The racetrack beckons! Every package contains both the steel flex brake lines as well as additional parts. The semi-perforated brake discs are, by the way, a custom-made product from mtm. A unique element for the these discs is the semi-perforations as they do not go through the disc completely. They show optics and characteristics of a completely perforated-through disc, but avoid the normally found crack formations followed by extended use.

Clearly, the standard equipped S3 is an outstanding vehicle. However, those who prefer no comprimises will choose from the mtm price-list a coilover suspension which provides lowering the S3 between 35 and 65mm. Its set-up can be regulated by adjustment of the compression and rebound of the damper. Alternatively, mtm offers shorter sport springs that lower the S3 by 45 mm. For better road holding ability, mtm furnishes spacers for track widening of 20 mm per axle.

In regards to wheels, mtm comes up with its own creation “bimoto”. These spectacular features come in finishes of “shiny silver”, “titanium” and “diamond cut”. mtm offers the “bimoto”-wheels for the S3 in the size 8,5×19″ ET50. Additionally available is a wheel set with tyres in the dimensions 235/35ZR19.

The general rule at mtm is “special wishes will be granted”. Modifications can be made on an individual basis!