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Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Audi, Diesel, Racing

Audi R18 TDI in full livery testing at Paul Ricard – Click above for high-res image gallery

The domination of racing teams and the factories that support them wax and wane across countless motorsports disciplines around the world from year to year. But arguably none has continued to dominate like Audi at Le Mans. Since the turn of the millennium, Audi has won the iconic French endurance race every year but two: In 2003 when its own sister company Bentley took top honors, and in 2009, when its chief rival, Peugeot took the win.

Audi has introduced a succession of sports prototype racers to uphold its honor, from the original R8 through the R10 TDI and the R15 TDI that won last year. The latest is the closed-cockpit R18 TDI, which the German automaker has yet to field in an actual race but which has now undergone its first test sessions in the full battle livery you see here.

The trio of silver and black racers will again be differentiated by the red, yellow and black highlights, and feature a number of body parts crafted from carbon fiber, giving the R18 TDI a lightweight form on which Audi is banking to fend off Peugeot, which started off the season strong by defeating the outgoing R15 at Sebring.

Will the new R18 prove capable of shutting out its French rivals for the title event at Le Mans this coming June? We’ll have to wait and see, but with the preliminary test sessions at the Circuit de la Sarthe reinstituted this past weekend after a two-year absence, the Audis were on top of the time sheets, the Peugeots only narrowly beating out the third of them. Follow the jump for press releases from the Paul Ricard and La Sarthe test sessions and take a closer look in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Audi R18 TDI (final livery)

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans

Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Origami Audi A7 created completely from paper

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Videos, Audi, Toys/Games, Luxury

audi a7 origami car

2012 Audi A7 Papercraft – Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you need a paper airplane, boat, or hat, we’re your guys. If you’re looking for far more intricate Origami, well… you’re probably going to need an expert like Taras Lesko.

The Origami wunderkind decided to ply his trade in an effort to create the Audi A7 Papercraft, and the results are breathtaking. Lesko used 285 pieces of paper and 750 individual parts to create the blue beauty, and he had cameras rolling to capture the action. Tricky post-editing was used to condense 245 hours of work into less than three minutes. Lesko didn’t just create a four-foot-long body shell with wheels, either – he added a very convincing interior as well. Hit the jump to watch the video.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A7 Sportback: First Drive

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Video: Origami Audi A7 created completely from paper

Video: Origami Audi A7 created completely from paper originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Audi R8 GT delivered to customer

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

2011 Audi R8 GT

2011 Audi R8 GT – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi had no problem selling its entire allocation of R8 GTs after the car debuted at the Paris Auto Show. It shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the GT is Audi’s ultimate version of the R8 with a 560-horsepower V10 engine and extensive use of carbon fiber components. The Four Ringed Automaker claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of a touch under 200 mph. Only a limited number will be produced as well, with a scant 333 available worldwide.

Those lucky few customers will soon be getting their hands on the cars, as Audi has announced it has recently started deliveries of the R8 GT. The very first customer, a UK resident, took possession of his new car painted in Phantom Black. Color us jealous. Audi’s PR on the delivery of the first R8 GT is after the jump. Feel free to ignore that entirely, though, if you find yourself caught up in the high-res image gallery below… we understand.

Gallery: 2011 Audi R8 GT

2011 Audi R8 GT

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading First Audi R8 GT delivered to customer

First Audi R8 GT delivered to customer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: EVO pits Audi RS3 vs. Subaru WRX STI Spec C vs. Ford Focus RS vs… Ferrari Enzo?!

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Ford, Subaru, Ferrari

Evo Magazine hot hatch comparison

Evo Magazine hot hatch comparison – Click above to watch video after the jump

Occasionally, we can’t help but think we were born in the wrong corner of the globe. With our penchant for diesel fuel, wagons, hatchbacks and forced-induction four-cylinders, something tells us we would have been right at home growing up on the old continent.

Why all this musing on our misplaced youth? The goons at Evo Magazine have just released a new teaser video for the rag’s upcoming issue, and the cover story is rife with all sorts of metal we don’t get to play with here in the Land of the Free. The editors lined up three of the meanest hatchback bruisers available in the EU and matched them up against a mighty Ferrari Enzo. That’s right, an Enzo. Go big or go home, fellas.

The contenders include a Ford Focus RS, a Subaru WRX STI Spec C and the blistering new Audi RS 3 Sportback. For those of you who are keeping score, our chubby yank hands won’t even get close to touching any of that hardware in our neck of the woods. How’d the three musketeers stand up to the might Italian stallion? Your guess is as good as ours. We’ll have to pick up the next Evo Magazine to find out. In the meantime, check out the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Georgian!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: EVO pits Audi RS3 vs. Subaru WRX STI Spec C vs. Ford Focus RS vs… Ferrari Enzo?!

Video: EVO pits Audi RS3 vs. Subaru WRX STI Spec C vs. Ford Focus RS vs… Ferrari Enzo?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belated April Fools? Audi A5 leans into corners like a motorcycle [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Audi

audi a5 prototype

This Audi A5 thinks it’s a motorcycle – Click above to watch video after the jump

We recently tried to find all the April Fools-related automotive items that the Internet served up for 2011. We thought we had ’em all… but we may have just found one more to add to the list, courtesy of Spanish-language site Cochesafondo.com.

It reports that Audi is working on a suspension system that allows a car to lean into a turn. It’s installed the setup into an A5, prompting a pair of engineers to bring a very stable cup of coffee along for a test ride. Of course, one bump and your lap would be pain soup regardless of the suspension being tested.

Click past the jump to watch the clip. Then sound off in the Comments and let us know if you think this is real or not.

[Source: Youtube via Cocheafondo.com]

Continue reading Belated April Fools? Audi A5 leans into corners like a motorcycle [w/video]

Belated April Fools? Audi A5 leans into corners like a motorcycle [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Q3 made Officially Official ahead of Shanghai Motor Show

Filed under: Crossover, Audi, Shanghai Motor Show, Diesel, Luxury

2012 Audi Q3

2012 Audi Q3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi is apparently done teasing us with rendering after rendering of its new Q3 crossover. Instead, the German automaker has gone ahead and let the cat completely out of the bag ahead of the cute ‘ute’s official unveiling at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show.

As you’re likely already aware, the Q3 is Audi’s take on how to make a Volkswagen Tiguan into an entry-level luxury model. Naturally, that means entirely new sheetmetal with Audi’s well-known gaping grille along with LED lighting all around and a steeply sloping rear hatch. Add it all up and Audi says you get an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.32.

That shapely rear hatch means there are a few concessions inside. There’s 16.24 cubic feet of storage capacity with the rear seats in place, and 48.2 with them folded down. The Tiguan, by way of comparison, offers 18.6 and 56.1, respectively, and even that is about 25 percent smaller than a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Judging by the shape of the hind quarters, large and bulky items may be a bit tough to fit inside as well.

You won’t be asked to skimp on options, though. Adaptive light technology that points the way forward, electronic parking assistance and Audi’s hard drive-based MMI infotainment and navigation system will all be available at launch, and an option to turn the Q3 into a wireless hotspot will come in the near future.

Two gasoline and one diesel engine, all with direct injection, will be offered at launch, offering between 140 and 211 horsepower. The two most powerful engines will be mated to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. A 170-horsepower gasoline engine will also be offered with front-wheel drive. We’ll have to play a game of wait-and-see to find out which of these powertrains make their way Stateside.

Base price in Germany for the 2012 Audi Q3 will be 29,900 euros when it goes on sale in June. For those keeping track, that’s about $43,000 at the current exchange rate, though we wouldn’t go by that figure when estimating its cost when it eventually hits the U.S. Want to know more? Find all the details in the exhaustive press blast after the break.

Gallery: 2012 Audi Q3

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi Q3 made Officially Official ahead of Shanghai Motor Show

Audi Q3 made Officially Official ahead of Shanghai Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi S4 facelift spied on the ‘Ring

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Audi

Audi S4 Avant spy shots

Audi S4 Avant spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The piping-hot Audi RS4 may not be destined for consumption here in the United States, but its little brother, the S4, will continue to live on in America. Our spy photographers recently spotted this S4 prototype – in delicious Avant flavor – testing on the Nürburgring, showing off a newly facelifted front end.

Much like the A6 and A7, the revised S4 will wear Audi’s reshaped grille with slanted upper corners – a design element that will also trickle down to the base A4 and the A5. Additionally, it appears that the front bumper has been tweaked, with larger lower air intakes that are reminiscent of what we see on the smaller TTS. Our spies also suggest that the S4’s taillamps will receive a once-over, looking more akin to what’s currently used on the A6/A7.

Mum’s the word on powertrain upgrades, but we expect that Audi has a few tricks up its sleeve to keep the S4’s performance prowess in check. Some minor tweaks to the car’s cabin will likely be in store, as well. Look for the facelifted S4 to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Gallery: Audi S4 Avant: Spy Shots

Audi S4 Avant: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi S4 facelift spied on the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Audi TT RS blasts from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds with Car and Driver

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi

Audi TT RS

2012 Audi TT RS tested by Car and Driver – Click above to watch the video after the jump

When Car and Driver tested the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 FSI, the magazine managed a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds. That’s supercar territory, which is to be expected of a $165,00 Audi with 525 horsepower and all-wheel-drive.

The 2012 Audi TT RS should hit dealer lots this summer, with a much more reasonable Monroney somewhere in the $60,000 territory. The hot coupe features “only” 335 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, so it shouldn’t even come close to challenging the V10-packing R8 from 0-60, right? According to C/D, the TT RS can do more than just “challenge” the R8 Spyder, as the little hatch managed to hit 60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds (note: C/D conducts acceleration testing with a rollout). That’s quicker than the R8 and a lot of very expensive Porsche 911 variants. Could this stupendous performance be an aberration?

Hit the jump to watch the action-packed video of the TT RS. It’s only 50 seconds long, and it’s worth your time if only for the amazing sounds coming from Audi’s boosted five cylinder. Top tip, JimmyX!

[Source: Car and Driver via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Audi TT RS blasts from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds with Car and Driver

Video: Audi TT RS blasts from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds with Car and Driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi previews next-generation A3 hatchback

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2013 Audi A3 rendering

2013 Audi A3 preview rendering – Click above for image gallery

Audi has taken an interesting approach forecasting the next-generation A3 with a sedan concept at the Geneva Motor Show – even though the current model is principally a hatchback. When it does hit showrooms sometime next year, however, the next-gen A3 is expected to be offered first with a tailgate before a trunked version comes along – the three-door model leading the five-door, then the sedan and finally the soft-top convertible.

The news comes along with a trio of sketches released by Audi to the British motor press alongside those of the R8 GT Spyder. The renderings depict the three-door hatchback, the four-door sedan and the cabin of the next-gen A3 production model, which is tipped to be even more diverse in its engine offerings than it is in its bodystyles: expect gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid and full electric versions to be rolled out in succession.

The cabin, meanwhile, is tipped to feature the latest technologies, including Audi’s MMI controller and a pop-up infotainment screen. Look for the production 2013 A3 – in one body form or another – to debut in Geneva next March, a year after the sedan concept we saw there last month.

Gallery: 2013 Audi A3 preview renderings

[Source: Audi via Autocar]

Audi previews next-generation A3 hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi teases hard-core R8 GT Spyder

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Audi

Audi R8 GT Spyder rendering

Audi R8 GT Spyder preview sketch – Click above for image gallery

It’s onwards and upwards at a rapid pace over at Audi, which after releasing pricing and availability for the hard-core R8 GT coupe has now reportedly confirmed plans for an open-top version.

Destined to be previewed at Le Mans in June before its proper unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the R8 GT Spyder has been teased with these preview sketches released to the British motor press.

Expect the same 560-horsepower V10 as the coupe, mated to Audi’s R-tronic six-speed automated manual transmission. But with the droptop’s interrupted aerodynamics and added weight, the R8 GT Spyder expected to top out at 193 mph – six mph shy of the coupe’s top end. The rear spoiler, front splitter, upgraded brakes and weight reduction regime (less sound isolation, thinner glass and carbon-fiber components) should carry over, as should the Alcantara interior.

Production is expected to be capped around the same as the coupe’s 333 units worldwide, likely with a slightly higher price tag. We’ll have to wait another couple of months for a closer look, but you can scope out the teaser sketches below in the meantime.

Gallery: Audi R8 GT Spyder preview renderings

[Source: Audi via Autocar, WhatCar?]

Audi teases hard-core R8 GT Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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