New Car: 2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

After introducing the hot RS5 coupe in Europe back in 2010, Audi made us wait two years before sending the spicy ride our way, coinciding with a mid-cycle refresh for 2013. The wait was worth it, as we found after driving the RS5 last month, and now the company has revealed a new topless variant called, unsurprisingly, the RS5 cabriolet. Better still, there is a bit of good news on the home front: Audi will be sending the new RS5 convertible our way next year as a 2013 model, around the same time it goes on sale in Europe. That’s a much shorter wait time than we were subjected to for the RS5 coupe, and we like short wait times.

The RS5 cabriolet is hardly a shock—we first learned of Audi’s plans for such a model in a series of patent images the company filed last year, as well as in recent CARB filings—but the car’s near-simultaneous availability in the U.S. is a pleasant surprise. Also not shocking is the cabriolet’s spec sheet—predictably, it essentially mirrors that of the coupe—but that’s not to say the RS5 cabriolet won’t be one hot steer. For starters, the RS5 cab is achingly good-looking; like the coupe, the droptop nicely melds the A5’s handsome looks with menacing touches befitting its RS badge. The key difference, of course, is that the RS5 cabrio substitutes the coupe’s metal roof for a retractable cloth unit.

As is the case with nearly any high-performance coupe that goes under the knife and emerges sans roof, we suspect at least some of the RS5’s hard-edged reflexes may be dulled. That said, any minute losses in performance or chassis rigidity are likely to be outweighed by the convertible’s enhanced aural access to the 450-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 engine’s sonorous soundtrack. Yes, folks, the cabrio is powered by the same high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8 as found in the coupe—and it also will be available with that car’s optional sports exhaust. Lift the RS5 cabriolet’s hood, and you will be greeted by the same glorious engine bay as is in the coupe, down to the red-painted cylinder-head covers and carbon-fiber intake manifold.

The cabrio utilizes the same seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic and variable all-wheel-drive setup as the coupe. The standard front–rear torque split is 40:60, but the center differential can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to the front wheels or up to 85 percent to the rears. Audi is making the coupe’s optional torque-vectoring rear differential available on the cabriolet, too. Braking duties are handled by “wave”-edged brake rotors borrowed from the coupe, which up front are squeezed by eight-piston calipers. Finally, the RS5 cabrio’s suspension is stiffer and 0.79-inch lower than the regular A5 cabriolet (Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control adaptive damper setup is available, too) and rides on forged aluminum 19-inch wheels; 20-inch rims are available, too.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

2012 Audi Q3 Review

The 2012 Audi Q3 comes with a sportier and a more progressive design. The single-frame grille features tapered upper corners and continues with a dynamic curve of the engine hood. The front is dominated by wedge-shaped headlights available as a xenon plus version including LED daytime running lights and large air inlets. On the side the Q3 gets dynamic lines and muscular wheels, while the D-posts resemble those of a coupe.

The Audi Q3 employs a powerful engine. The 2.5 TFSI, a five-cylinder unit with direct injection and turbocharging, produces 228 kW (310 hp) from 2,480 cc engine displacement. The cylinder numbers are marked, and the valve cover is painted red. A cover panel conceals sections of the engine.

The interior is defined by the same sporty lines as the exterior, but is also all about luxury. The driver and the front-seat passenger are encapsulates by the now famous brand’s large curve, while the dashboard with its horizontal layout comes with an optional color display (as large as seven inches diagonally) on the instrument panel is a first in the Q series.

The Audi Q3 weights 3,307 lbs and measures 4.39 meters in 14.4 ft, 6.0 ft in width, and 5.25 ft in height, while the luggage compartment offers 16.24 to 48.2 cu ft of capacity. The Q3 will be available with all the latest technologies, including the MMI navigation plus – a hard drive navigation system – and the Bose surround sound system, with handsomely illuminated woofers up front.

Customers will have the chance to choose from three engines: one TDI and two TFSI units, with power ranging from 140 HP to 211 HP. A new diesel engine will be offered at a later date and will deliver an impressive fuel economy of 45.23 US mpg.

In Germany sales will begin in June at a price of 29,900 euro, or about $43,000 at the current exchange rates.

New Audi R8 Spyder Photos Review

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro makes a powerful statement. The sculptured lines of the emotion-packed, high-performance sports car are a fascinating and unique interpretation of its dynamism. Unlike the Coupé, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. The side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite. Two arched cowls, which extend to the spoiler lip and include large, integrated air vents, give the rear of the open-top two-seater a powerful profile.

The electrohydraulic soft top opens and closes in 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). When opened, it folds like a Z into its storage compartment over the V10 engine. The compartment cover opens and closes automatically. The heated glass window, which is separate from the cloth top, is lowered into the bulkhead. It can be independently raised and lowered at the press of a switch, with the top up or down. An additional net-like wind deflector comes standard and can be latched into the bulkhead behind the seats in two easy steps.

Design

Numerous details demonstrate that the Audi designers put their hearts into the design of the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The air inlets in the nose, which direct air across the three radiators, and the lip of the front skirt are painted high-gloss black. The struts in the broad, low, single-frame grille are finely coated with chrome. The standard full-LED headlights are technical works of art. Their reflectors resemble open mussel shells; the daytime running lights appear to be a homogeneous strip, but actually comprise 24 individual LEDs that form a curve at the lower edge of the headlight.

Interior

The open-top two-seater from Audi features a generously spacious interior. The three-spoke leather multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom as in a race car, and the low-mounted, electrically adjustable seats guide and support the body perfectly.

Quality of fit and finish is extraordinary and the controls are clear and logical. The standard driver information system includes a lap timer for recording lap times. The instruments and the gear lever knob feature red rings. The pedals, the footrests and the shift paddles of the optional R tronic are in aluminum look.

Engine

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, which was developed in cooperation with quattro GmbH, dazzles with uncompromising performance. The V10 engine with the aluminum crankcase, much of which is hand-built, follows in the grand motorsports tradition at Audi. The normally aspirated engine produces 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm. Peak output of 386 kW (525 hp) is reached at 8,000 rpm, and the rev limit is not reached until 8,700 rpm. Specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement; each hp only needs to move 3.3 kilograms (7.28 lb) of weight.

Performance reflects this awesome potential: 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds; 0 – 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in 12.7 seconds; top speed is 313 km/h (194.49 mph) with the six-speed manual transmission. As load and revs increase, the engine unfolds the rich, unmistakable Audi ten-cylinder sound – a powerful, throaty roar with musical undertones.

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is built by quattro GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant. The vehicle, including the ASF, is largely hand-built. The open-top two-seater will be launched in Germany in the first quarter of 2010; sales will start in the coming days. Its base price will be 156,400 euros.

2013 Audi S8 Review

2013 Audi S8 Review

The 2013 Audi S8 there will be some sneak peeks on this car. On the interior, you will be served with fresh looking cabin. It is typically designed with the traditional quality that Audi has. The color combination is applied on the upholstery and inlays. The seats are great since they are equipped with massage ability. You will never have to experience any inaudible frequency when you want to listen to the audio system. The engineers have applied the active noise cancelation to fix such problem. You may also get the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation system, and also 8-inch console display.

The Audi may find it made from aluminum as the main material employed by the Audi engineers. On the other hand, the steel material in used to build the B-Pillar. You may see that this car only has the weight counted less than 4,300 pounds. The suspension is available in sport tuned air system supported with 3 levels of damping. The steering wheel is available in both 2 inches and 21 inches.

The engine used in this S8 edition is similar with what you will find in the S6 and S7 editions. It is powered by twin-turbo of V8 engine in the capacity of 4.0 liters. It boasts the output in the level of 520 hp along with 479 pd-ft of torque. This car can accelerate from zero to sixty mph within 4.2 seconds. The standard drive train comes in All Wheel Drive.

The 2013 Audi S8 for buyers in the market may choose Audi S8 will the lowered price if you compare it with the contenders in its class like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Jaguar XJ Supersport. You may need to spend the cash at $96,000. 

2011 Audi R8 GT Price And Specification

2011 Audi R8 GT Price And Specification

The Audi R8 GT's bodywork is visually distinguished from the standard R8 by a package of aerodynamic pieces developed in the wind tunnel for the R8 LMS. It includes a front splitter with downforce-generating flics on the front corners. Further additions include carbon-fiber housings for the outside mirrors and a fixed rear wing. Four standard exterior color schemes will be available: Ice Silver metallic, Phantom Black pearl, Samoa Orange and Suzuki Grey metallic.

Exterior

In standard form, the Audi R8 is a formidable competitor to any other exotic supercar, but even more changes have been added for the GT. The major dimensions remain the same with the car being only 4.04 ft. high, 14.53 ft. long, and 6.33 ft. wide. Other cars at this level of performance produce great amounts of downforce at high speeds and Audi has been able to increase the R8’s downforce without increasing its low 0.36 drag coefficient. Further increasing the performance is the use of carbon fiber for the front splitter, side blades, diffuser, and rear wing. This material is extremely strong while remaining low weight and Audi has opted to leave most of it exposed from the paint coat to the rest of the car.

Interior

The interior has also been given some new performance inspired elements and includes plenty of options. As opposed to many other high performance cars, Audi has kept many of the creature comforts including automatic climate control, power windows, navigation system, and a 465 watt Bang & Olufsen sound system. The ergonomic feel of the original R8 interior is still very much apparent and the sporty touches give it a racecar-esque feel. Alcantara is used heavily and adorns the steering wheel, roof pillars, knee pad, parking brake lever, and bucket seats. Helping your R8 GT to stand out even further is the addition of an “R8 GT” badge that can be placed in several locations including the numbered badge (1 of 333) placed on the aluminum shift lever.

Power is transferred to all four wheels via the 6-speed R tronic sequential gearbox. This system is capable of making shifts in 1/10 of a second and also features two manual shift modes controlled via the paddle shifters. Ensuring that all the power meets the road effectively is the launch control system and Audi Quattro all-wheel drive. As opposed to other road going Audi models, the Quattro system is rear-biased. The engineers have opted to send 85% of the power to the rear axle and 15% to the front under perfect conditions. This decision was optimal due to the car’s 43:57 weight distribution.

Audi of America has announced prices for the 2012 R8 GT sports car. The lightest, fastest, and most powerful entry in the Audi supercar lineup will be limited to only 333 units, with the US market only getting 90 of them. Prices will start from $196,800.

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback Review

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback Review

Audi certainly made sure that the RS3 was going to look as awesome as it can with an aggressive new fascia on both the front and rear. There’s also an anthracite single-frame grille with diamond-patterned styling, Lamborghini-esque air intakes, xenon plus headlights, a new front apron, and an RS3 badge. The side of the RS3 comes with carbon fiber reinforced plastic fender flares, exterior-mirror casings that have given a matte aluminum look, and a large roof spoiler. As for the rear, the RS3 comes with a high-gloss black diffusor insert and two elliptical exhaust pipes, as well as the same RS3 badge adorned in the front fascia of the car. The RS3 also has a set of 19” alloy wheels and a lower ride height, which is about 25mm lower than a stock Audi A3. Five exterior colors are available, plus an unlimited selection of custom paint finishes.

As for the interior, the Audi RS3 Sportback was also given Fine Nappa leather sport seats with a silver contrast finish, a choice between Piano black or aluminum race trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a specially designed selector level and instruments, and a completely revised driver information system complete with its very own lap timer and information regarding boost pressure and oil temperature.

The Audi RS3 and the TT-RS share more than just a badge, they also have the same turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with an output of 340 horsepower and 332 lb/ft of torque. This engine is connected to Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system with a seven-speed S tronic transmission, enabling the sports car to rocket from a standstill position to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds with an electronically limited 155mph. The figures are already impressive in their own right, but then you can factor in Audi’s claim that the RS3 comes with an average fuel consumption of 25.85 US mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 212 g/km to make it that much more appealing. Audi also outfitted the RS3 with a new high-grade performance braking system measuring 370mm out front and 310mm at the back. Finally, there’ also a new aluminum intensive sport suspension with MacPherson with two different systems on the front and back: struts up in the front and four-link setup out back.

2011 Audi A7 Sportback Review

With the buzz surrounding the new Ford Explorer, the release of the Audi A7 has gone a bit under the radar. The new A7 will follow the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Aston Martin Rapide in terms of style and practicality. We first saw the A7 in Detroit back in 2009 and the model has officially been launched in Munich.

The Audi A7 Sportback, which will be rolling into dealerships in the fall at a base price of €51,600, Audi is taking up a new design line representing elegance on a grand scale. The five-door coupe is 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long and 1.91 meters (6.27 ft) wide, but only 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) high. Its long hood, the short front overhang, the long wheelbase, the sportily flowing C-pillars and the sharply dropping rear create a dynamic overall impression. The five-door coupe is an aesthetic athlete with a wide, powerful road stance.

For the exterior appearance it is clear that this new A7 was designed alongside the new A8. Optional LED headlights reinforce the unmistakable expression of the Audi A7 Sportback and provide all light functions with light-emitting diodes while minimizing energy consumption. Bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights come standard. The innovative all-weather light function has also been integrated into the headlights, replacing the classic fog lights.

Audi will initially offer the Audi A7 Sportback with a choice of four powerful and cultivated V6 engines: two gasoline and two TDI units. Their power output ranges from 150 kW (204 hp) to 220 kW (300 hp), and their efficiency sets impressive new standards in the vehicle class. The new 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic consumes on average just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 139 g per km (223.70 g/mile). All engines use Audi’s innovative thermal management system, a recuperation system and a start-stop system.

2012 Senner Tuning Audi S5 Coupe

The Senner Tuning, has released their new program for the new Audi S5, adding a highly appreciated tuning program for Audi’s resident sports coupe.

SENNER Tuning AG set a task to give the Facelift-S5 a wilder temperament. Better performance including the lifting of throttling of the maximal speed and also the installation of a power converter and performance sport air filters enable the engine to work at 277 kW 377 hp and 500 Nm torque, which emissions come out through stainless steel sport car exhaust system with 100-mm race-looking end pipes.

The exterior program for the S5 Coupe is far from finished and Senner Tuning has said that they’re working on new carbon fiber parts as part of their aerodynamic kit. front and back part of the car body tuned with new front and back lights and also LED lights to make the signs noticeable in the dark. The middle disks and 8,5×20 inch outwardly pushed wheel-tyres combination from the series of Corniche Challenge wheels (with the red Undercut Trim) and Vredestein Wintrac Extreme 245/30R2090W winter set of tyres (speed index W = up to 270 km/h) support the Variant 3 Inox Line-KW coilovers with an individually adjustable height, rebound and pressure level.

Original price of the vehicle including optional equipment and tuning amounts to € 79.900. The tuning measures alone 12.900 €.

A Kahn Design Audi Q7 Wide Track

Staying true to his philosophy of combining mechanical perfection and exterior beauty, Afzal Kahn’s formula of club-class quality and high-tech engineering puts the wide track Audi Q7 (available in ibis and pearl white) somewhere near the top of the premium SUV pile.

The Audi Q7 Wide Track comes with an aerodynamically efficient exterior package consisting of vented front replacement wings, front bumper sections with gunmetal grey detailing, rear vented bumper, large upper roof wing, wide wheel arches with rear vented spats, machined aluminum vented foot pedals, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, replacement wings, LED daytime running lights, Kahn stainless steel exhaust system, liquid gold calipers and mirror backs finished in gunmetal grey, exhibits an increased level of interaction coupled with a sense of motor supremacy and style.

The Kahn Q7 also offers lots of performance – this 3.0-litre TDI diesel isn't disgraced, with 233bhp shoving it to 60mph in just 8.4 seconds.

Equally impressive is the tiptronic transmission, shifting down on hills to improve engine braking. It certainly complements the Kahn foot pedals, and the Q7 has handling to match the performance. The air suspension includes roll control and height adjustability, making the car nimble and composed around corners.

Another unique feature of this model is the amazing interior which has been upgraded to a magnificent level with the front and rear seats in black quilted perforated nappa leather with red stitching along with a speedo and rev counter in red and cream.

However, we provide our customers with the opportunity to express one’s individuality. And they can have whatever they want. We could, for example, design for you a vehicle with an exterior matching your shoes and an interior the same shade of your living room, the choice is yours.

Kahn wheels sit perfectly, on any vehicle, conveying the essence of the vehicle’s identity. Created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology, the 22” Kahn RSX 22” wheels are finished in gunmetal grey and fit all original centre caps.

2012 Audi S5 Sport Car Review

The Audi S5, in comparison with a5, is more aggressive, including a series of lights LED of daytime traffic around the lights see-xenon and a grill chromed with vertical rays. In many levels, the S5 includes like standard of 19 ” alloy rims with greater brakes, sport leather seats, and other characteristics of convenience, some of which are only available like option in a5. Changes for model 2010 include tail lamps LED.

This should result in an ideal balance of weight, however like all Audi cars in the S series, the S5 boasts a sportier suspension, as well as unique rear and front fascias. High performance brakes and wheels make the Audi S5 a beauty to drive. It has also received rave reviews for its carbon fiber interior elements. The Audi S5 can be acquired in either a DSG gearbox or as a six speed manual transmission.

The completely redesigned 1.8 TFSI showcases the full extent of Audi’s expertise. Groundbreaking innovations can be found in the control of the valves and their lift, the thermal management concept, the injection system, the turbocharger and the integration of the exhaust manifold. In the Audi A5 Coupé, the high-end four-cylinder unit consumes on average just 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (41.27 US mpg). This value corresponds to 134 grams CO2 per km (215.65 g/mile) and is 21 percent lower than before. With 125 kW (170 hp), the 1.8 TFSI accelerates the A5 powerfully.

The output of the 2.0 TFSI remains unchanged at 155 kW (211 hp). New to the Audi A5 lineup is the 3.0 TFSI, a supercharged V6 producing 200 kW (272 hp).

The diesel engines are also impressively efficient, and the four-cylinder units feature modifications in numerous areas. Equipped with the 130 kW (177 hp) 2.0 TDI and a manual transmission, the Audi A5 Coupé consumes on average just 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (50.05 US mpg) – a CO2 equivalent of 122 g per km (196.34 g/mile) and a milestone in the coupe segment.

Three V6 diesel units round out the lineup on the top end. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) is the most fuel-efficient six-cylinder unit in its class worldwide. In the Audi A5 Coupé with multitronic, it consumes on average 4.9 liters (48 US mpg) of fuel and emits just 129 grams CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile). The second variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 180 kW (245 hp).

A manual six-speed transmission and the continuously variable multitronic are available for models with front-wheel drive. The quattro models come with a manual transmission or the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic. 17-inch wheels with 225/50 tires are standard. Options include wheels up to 20 inches and 265/30 tires as well as four new wheel designs.

Despite the extensive product improvement, Audi is raising prices only slightly. The price increase for the Audi A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI is only €200, for example. The base model, the Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI, costs €33,350.