Audi R8

Audi R8

The Audi R8 is a mid-engined sports car introduced by the German automaker Audi in 2007.

The first appearance of the car was in 2006, appearing at auto shows and events all over the world. The R8 is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, as Audi has full ownership of subsidiary Lamborghini S.p.A..

Audi announced in 2005 that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, appearing at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show and 2003 International Motor Show. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There is some confusion with the name, which the car shares with the Le Mans winning R8 LMP and also the 1989 Mk 11 Rover 200, codenamed R8.

The Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V8 engine developing 420 PS (309 kW/414 hp) and 430 N·m (320 ft·lbf), and is basically the same engine used in the B7 Audi RS4, but modified to use dry sump lubrication. A variant with a 5.2 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V10 engine was added on the 9th of December 2008, which produces 386 kW (525 PS/518 hp) and 530 N·m (390 ft·lbf).

The transmission is either a manual gearbox with metal gate for the shift lever, or an "R-tronic" gearbox (single-clutch semi-automatic sequential manual transmission). These options are the same as those available on the Lamborghini Gallardo. A double-clutch gearbox (Direct-Shift Gearbox - DSG, now badged by Audi as "S-tronic") is not currently (as of December 2008) available.

The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological dampers.

As Audi AG owns Lamborghini (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.), 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine, and pricing.

Safety features include Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme with ABS, front dual-stage airbags, and side-impact airbags.

Amongst the options list for the Audi R8 are a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and "Audi Ceramic" Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composite brakes with monobloc alloy Brembo calipers on all four wheels (6-piston at front, 4-piston at rear) with SGL Carbon ceramic discs.

Production

In the production of the Audi R8, 70 workers fit 5000 unique parts by hand - the factory produces 15 cars a day. It has also been credited as the only car in the world to undergo a CT Scan. Ninety-five lasers inspect the entire car in 5 seconds, to ensure that over 220 measurements are within 0.1 mm of the programmed plans. The 2-seat coupé is currently available in Europe as well as the USA, Canada and Japan. In addition, an open-top roadster, Porsche Carrera GT-like model is rumored to follow in 2009.

Reviews

Many publications were hailing it as the first car to truly be able to beat the Porsche 911 — considered by many to be one of the best sports cars ever made, and the leader in its class. Initial comparison tests have proven quite positive in this respect; Evo Magazine listed it as a "supercar", compared the R8 to the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and BMW M6 and after praising the R8's "amazing stability, traction and grip, unparalleled steering accuracy and bite, (and) its uncannily flat and disturbance-free ride", claimed that as a result of "the sublime effortlessness of it all", the Audi is a better sports car. The article concluded that "Audi humbles Porsche. A new dawn starts today".

Hennessey an American Tuning firm created a package for the Audi R8 with 700HP.It is currently available for 2008.

Other publications have also written similar reviews of the Audi beating the Porsche in comparison tests.

Top Gear compared the Nissan GT-R to the R8, and remarked that the R8 was "simultaneously less impressive and yet somehow more involving". On the R8 they wrote that "it rewards driver input", calling it "fantastic in a way that will appeal more to true car enthusiasts" but also remarked that it was "much slower" and the Nissan GTR was cheaper. On their test track, the car performed better than a Lamborghini Gallardo and an Aston Martin DB9.

On Bedford Autodrome, tested by Evo Magazine, the R8 was faster than the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Koenigsegg CCX.

Audi TT

Audi TT

A preview of the second-generation TT was provided in the form of the Audi Shooting Brake concept car, shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. This concept was based on the new TT, but featured angular styling and a "shooting brake" 2-door hatchback body style.

Audi revealed the second-generation TT, internal designation Typ 8J, on April 6, 2006. It is constructed of aluminium in the front, and steel in the rear, to enhance its balance and is available in front- or four-wheel drive. The production car uses either the 3.2 L VR6 engine, with 250 PS (184 kW), or a 200 PS (147 kW) version of Audi's direct injection 2.0 L four. Better known as FSI, Fuel Stratified Injection, the technology was derived from the Le Mans race cars, and offers improved fuel efficiency as well as an increased power output. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with the Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) as an option, and quattro four-wheel drive is standard with the VR6.

Audi's new active suspension, Audi Magnetic Ride, is available as an option, and is based on Delphi's MagneRide magneto rheological dampers (which means that the suspension will automatically adjust depending on the current road conditions). The new TT also features an improved rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds greater than 120 km/h (75 mph), and retracts again at 80 km/h (50 mph). The spoiler can also be manually controlled by the driver via a switch on the dash. It is again offered as a 2+2 coupé and as a roadster.

Audi S8

Audi S8

In the last quarter of 2005, Audi introduced the latest Typ 4E S8 5.2 FSI quattro, based on its Volkswagen Group D3 platform stablemate, the Audi A8.

Audi's factory performance claims for the V10 S8 indicate a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.1 seconds (whilst consuming "SuperPlus" / "EuroSuper" 98RON unleaded petrol). This places the S8 in a competitive range with the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and S600 (powered by a twin-turbo V12), the BMW 760Li (powered by a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder engine), and the company's own A8L W12. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (160 mph).

Powertrain

This latest D3 S8 is powered by an all aluminium alloy 5,204 cc (317.6 cu in) Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) 40-valve 90° V10 petrol engine, derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo 5.0 litre V10. A longer stroke and wider bore increases the displacement of the engine, and produces more torque at lower revs, making it more suitable for the larger and heavier Audi. It has been retuned to produce 331 kW (450 PS/444 bhp) at 7000 rpm and 540 N·m (400 ft·lbf) of torque at 3500 rpm. It utilises twin chain-driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves. Engine management is by way of Bosch Motronic MED 9.1 engine control unit, which controls the mapped direct ignition, ten individual spark coils, common rail cylinder-direct sequential mulit-point fuel injection, and drive by wire throttle.

A sports-optimised six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (gear ratios - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691) with "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP) and "sport" mode, with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters, is the only offering. Output is transmitted via the trademark quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, initially using the Torsen T-2 50:50 dynamic centre differential, and from 2008 model year, utilising the latest Torsen T-3 asymmetric dynamic centre differential, with a 'default' torque distribution of 40% to the front axle and 60% to the rear. Final drive ratio is 4.055, and is assisted with Audi's "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL).

Suspension, steering, brakes, tyres

The S8, like its related A8 utilises a multi-link suspension layout front and rear, with pressurised air springs. However, for the S8, the effective spring and damper rates are noticeably firmer, along with re-engineered suspension mounts. "Servotronic" speed-dependent power assisted rack and pinion steering point the S8 in the desired trajectory.

The brake system consists of radially ventilated discs all round, the fronts sized at 386 mm (15.2 in) in diameter by 36 mm (1.42 in) thick, and the rears at 335 mm (13.2 in) by 22 mm (0.87 in). The discs are clamped with black painted dual-piston calipers up front, and a single-piston sliding caliper at the rear, coupled to an electro-mechanical parking brake. A Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake assist, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) complete the brake system.

Standard alloy wheels consist of 9Jx20" cast aluminium alloy "S design", shod with 265/35ZR20 99Y performance tyres. A direct-acting tyre pressure monitoring system is also standard.

Body and interior

The S8 includes subtle detailing to distinguish it from its related A8. The trapezoidal "single-frame" grille bears the characteristic Audi "S" model vertical strut detail which are highlighted in a chrome finish. "S8" badging is displayed front and rear, whilst "V10" badges are displayed on each front wing below the side-repeater indicators. The rear boot-lid incorporates a subtle rear spoiler, and the rear is finished with four oval exhaust tailpipes.

Adaptive xenon-plus high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps include static turning lights, along with 'swiveling' dynamic cornering lights. Daytime running lamps are five LEDs incorporated into a cloverleaf designed reflector, incorporated into the main headlamp housing.

The interior equipment includes two-colour leather-clad sports seats, a widescreen colour display for the Multi Media Interface (MMI), and white illuminated needles for the instrument dials.

An optional 1000 watt digital Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System can be specified to replace the standard BOSE surround sound system. Other notable options include the "Advanced Parking" system, which includes a rearview camera, whose output is displayed on the colour MMI monitor, with "trajectory" lines which move in conjunction with steering wheel movements.

Audi A8

Audi A8

The second-generation A8 built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in early 2003. The model was longer than the previous generation, with room for four or five large adult occupants in the cabin, depending on rear seat configuration.

Two body variants of the second generation A8 are offered, the A8 (standard, or short wheelbase), and the long-wheelbase (LWB) A8L. The A8L adds 5 in (127 mm) of rear legroom.

Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly in 2005, endowing all variants with a taller, wider trapezoidal single-frame grille, inspired by that of the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The top-of-the-line W12 engined W12 version was the first model to be equipped with this grille; V8 engined models were fitted with the new grille the following year. In addition to the styling update, new engines became available to European and Asian market customers. The entry-level 3.0 L V6 engine was replaced with a new 3.2 L unit featuring Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), which it shares with the B7 Audi A4.

This generation A8 introduced the 4.2 L turbodiesel V8 engine. Generating 240 kW (326 PS/322 bhp) of power, this is the most powerful diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile, before the debut of Audi's 6.0L V12 TDI engine in the Audi Q7. The engine uses two turbochargers and two intercoolers, with each turbocharger functioning exclusively for one bank of four cylinders. The 2.8L V6 FSI, which is recently added to the A8 range, has a class leading 199g/km of CO2 emission.

For 2008, the A8 received a facelift and also received new electronic safety systems. "Audi Side Assist" detects cars in the A8's blind spots. "Audi Lane Assist" helps when the driver attempts to change lanes without signaling first.

Audi RS6 Allroad Quattro

Audi RS6 Allroad Quattro

Debut in Detroit: Audi is proudly unveiling the allroad quattro concept at this year's North American International Automobile Show in Detroit. This unique crossover has been developed especially for this presentation at the most important car show in the USA - indeed an appropriate highlight enter­ing the 25th anniversary of quattro drive. At the same time this concept car serves as a spearhead in technology demonstrating innovative electronic sys­tems destined to enter series production in just a few years.

Through its design alone, the Audi allroad quattro concept clearly demonstrates its versatility: The elegant sporting character of the Audi Avant is visibly linked to the functional elements of an off-roader, creating a vehicle just as much at home on the highway as on a snowbound mountain track.

The visual appearance of the allroad quattro concept measuring 4.93 meters in length and 1.89 meters in width provides a perfect match for the many new highlights in technology it has to offer. Features quite natural on an Audi of this caliber are the powerful engine, permanent quattro all-wheel drive, and highly advanced suspension, simply perfect both for excellent ride comfort at high speeds and for supreme dynamic performance both on-road and off-road.

A brand-new power unit is all set for action within the engine bay: Displacing four liters, the V8 TDI boasting common rail fuel injection and piezo injectors is the world's most powerful and advanced eight-cylinder self-ignition engine. Maximum output of 210 kW (286 bhp) and peak torque of 650 Newton-meters ensure the muscle and performance of a thoroughbred sports car: Featuring six-speed automatic transmission, the allroad quattro concept accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds, with top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h. And fitted with a particle filter, the allroad quattro concept is the first eight-cylinder TDI to outperform the strict EU 4 European emission standard.

Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive featuring a torsen centre differential conveys the power of the engine to all four wheels both on-road and off-road, ensuring maximum traction and lateral stability at all times as essential prerequisites for the very best in driving dynamics and motoring safety.

The chassis and suspension of the Audi allroad quattro concept also offer genuine all-round qualities: Adaptive air suspension, a combination of air suspension and electronically controlled dampers, offers a perfect synthesis of dynamic handling and suspension comfort. Variable ground clearance adjustable from 160 to 210 millimeters enables the Audi allroad quattro concept to take even rough terrain without problems.

An outstanding world-first achievement is Audi road vision, an optical sensor system able to recognize the condition of the road and its surface, thus providing a quantum leap in terms of driving safety: The system not only informs the driver on potentially critical conditions such as gravel or black ice, but also gives the ESP electronic stabilization program and the adaptive cruise control additional, crucial parameters for even better proactive control.

Audi lane assist, a further feature of the concept car, induces vibrations on the steering wheel to inform the driver as soon as he inadvertently leaves his lane. Audi side assist, in turn, incorporates radar sensors monitoring the area behind and next to the car. So once the system detects vehicles approaching the Audi allroad quattro concept or driving in the car's blind angle, the driver is informed accordingly by a warning light coming on in the exterior mirror on the appropriate side

Audi RS 6

Audi RS 6

A second generation RS6 5.0 TFSI quattro (Typ 4F) based on the Volkswagen Group C6 automobile platform was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. Available in Europe from April 2008, and as of July 2008, it is Audi's single most powerful car ever to be produced by the marque, and positions the car ahead of its main competitors, the BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG in terms of engine output.

The RS6 Avant will not be available in the U.S. market. However, a saloon (sedan) was unveiled in August 2008, and is likely to be offered in North American markets.

Official performance figures for the Avant: 4.6-second 0-100 km/h (62 mph), 14.9 seconds 0-200 km/h (124 mph), and top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.3 mph), with a factory option to derestrict the top speed to 274 km/h (170.3 mph). In standard form, CO2 emissions are rated at 333 g/km.

Powertrain

The engine is an all-aluminium alloy 4991 cc 90° V10 twin-turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), with a dry-sump lubrication system, and a unique firing order. It has four valves per cylinder, with twin chain-driven double overhead camshafts, and variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust camshafts. Charged intake air is cooled with two side-mounted intercoolers (SMIC)s. The engine produces 580 PS (427 kW/572 bhp) at 6,250 to 6,700 rpm, and 650 N·m (479 ft·lbf) of torque from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm. Engine management is by way of Bosch Motronic ME 9.1.2 engine control unit, incorporating two integrated control units which act as "master" and "slave" concepts. It also uses mapped direct ignition with ten individual spark coils, an electronic drive by wire throttle ("Bosch E-Gas"), cylinder-selective knock control, and cylinder bank adaptive lambda control, utilising eight lambda sensors.

A total of seven radiators, and four electric cooling fans are needed to cool the engine and related components under the bonnet of the RS6.

This RS6 overtakes the position (in engine output) from the BMW M5, making about 70 bhp (52 kW) and 150 N·m (111 ft·lbf) more than BMW's naturally-aspirated V10 engine.

Drive passes through a modified six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (gear ratios - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691), with shortened shift times, with "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP) and "Sport" mode. It has paddle-shifts mounted behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, similar in design to the B7 RS4. The gearbox is set by default, in conventional automatic mode, to delay up-changes during acceleration, and change down earlier to maximise engine braking. Downchanges in all modes of operation include the Powertrain Control Module ECU "blipping" the drive by wire throttle, for smoother shift changes. The hydraulic torque converter includes a lock-up function.

Like all Audi RS models, the RS6 is fitted with quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard; including the latest asymmetric dynamic 40:60 front-to-rear default torque distribution from the Torsen T-3 centre differential. This latest incarnation of the Torsen quattro, first seen in the B7 RS4, can dynamically apportion up to a maximum 100% torque to the rear axle, or up to 80% to the front, dependent on traction conditions.

The front and rear axle final drives are conventional "open" differentials (ratio 3.317), and use the Audi "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL). EDL is a part, or "function" of the Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme, which also includes "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR) traction control system.

Steering and suspension

Like the previous RS6 and the B7 RS4; this generation RS6 includes Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) Sports suspension system. The system is mainly mechanical; using a pump to provide additional pressure in the diagonally linked shock absorbers during cornering, to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can dynamically adjust the stiffness at each shock absorber constantly to maintain both a comfortable ride and high grip. On this version, it has a three-way level control, selectable from the Multi Media Interface controls.

The steering system includes rack and pinion speed-dependent "servotronic" power steering, with a ratio of 12.5, and a turning circle of 12.2 metres.

Brakes, wheels & tyres

Standard brakes on the RS6 consist of drilled, radially vented and floating iron discs, the front discs sized at 390 mm (15.35 in) in diameter by 36 mm (1.417 in) thick, and the rears at 356 mm (14.02 in) diameter by 28 mm (1.102 in). The front discs are clamped by gloss black 6-piston fixed Brembo monobloc alloy calipers incorporating the "RS" logo, and black single-piston floating calipers, with integrated electro-mechanical parking brake linkage actuating on the rear discs.

Optional "Audi Ceramic" Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composite front brakes are available, only with 20 in wheels, which use 420 mm (16.54 in) diameter by 40 mm (1.575 in) thick drilled, vented, and floating SGL Carbon discs, with grey painted 8-piston fixed Alcon monobloc alloy calipers. Irrespective of the type of disc constrution, all brake discs are mounted via high strength steel mounting pins which connect the 'working' surface of the disc to lightweight alloy disc hubs.

A "sport-biased" Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme is standard, and includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Standard road-wheels (in the UK) are 9.5Jx20 inch '5-segment-spoke' design alloy wheels running on 275/35 ZR20 102Y tyres (rated at 850 kg (1,874 lb) per tyre), with a no-cost optional 9.5Jx20 '7-arm double spoke' design (identical style to B7 RS4), or 9Jx19 inch '10-spoke' design alloys with 255/40 ZR19 tyres.

Bodywork and styling

Initially, the new RS6 will only be available as a five-seater, five-door Avant (estate/wagon) version. Constructed from steel in a monocoque (unibody) design, the RS6 uses aluminium for its front wings and bonnet. A four-door saloon/sedan is scheduled to be available from late 2008.

Visually, the RS6 differs from its related Audi S6, having flared front and rear wheel arches, to allow for a wider track, and the deletion of front fog lights to allow for larger frontal air intakes (for the twin side-mounted intercoolers and additional radiators). The ten (per side) front light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights (DRLs), found on the S6 adjacent to the fog lamps in the lower front bumper, are now found within the main headlamp housing on the RS6. LED lighting technology is implemented in the rear lights. The new RS6 also includes adaptive headlights, which swivel around corners in conjunction with steering wheel movements.

Luggage capacity in the Avant ranges from 565 litres (L), to 1660 L.

Other notable features

* Electro-mechanical parking brake, which doubles as a full emergency brake whilst in motion (applying maximum braking effort to all four wheels, activating the anti-lock braking system (ABS)),
* Three-stage sports-biased Bosch 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) - standard full protection mode, ESPsportmode, ESPoff.
* DAB digital radio tuner with DVD-based satellite navigation and Multi Media Interface (MMI), with optional hybrid digital/analogue TV tuner.

Audi S6

Audi S6

The latest Audi S6 quattro model (Typ 4F) was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. It is based on the current C6 Audi A6, and uses the Volkswagen Group C6 platform, and is available in saloon/sedan and Avant (estate/wagon) bodystyles.

Powertrain

The C6 S6 features an all aluminium alloy 5,204 cc (317.6 cu in) Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) 40-valve V10 petrol engine, derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo, re-tuned to produce 320 kW (440 PS/430 bhp) at 6800 rpm and 540 N·m (400 ft·lbf) of torque between 3000 - 4000 rpm. It utilises twin chain-driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves.

The same engine is used in the Audi S8, where it develops 331 kW (450 PS/444 bhp).

A six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (gear ratios - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691), with steering wheel-mounted "paddle-shifers" is the only transmission available. Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive, and from 2007 model year with the latest 40:60 front:rear asymmetric/dynamic Torsen T-3 differential, are standard. The final drive ratio is 3.801, and traction is assisted "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL) and "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR) (commonly known as traction control system).

For the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph), the S6 takes 5.2 seconds, with the quarter mile passing in 13.5 seconds.

Brakes, wheels and tyres

The brakes consist of radially ventilated discs front and rear. The fronts are sized at 385 mm (15.16 in) in diameter, and the rears at 330 mm (12.99 in). An electro-mechanical parking brake works on the rear.

A Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake assist, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) completed the brake system.

Standard alloy wheels consist of 9Jx19" cast aluminium alloy "5-arm wing design", shod with 265/35ZR19 tyres. An optional 8½Jx18" cast alloy "S design" with 255/40ZR18 tyres are also available. A direct-acting tyre pressure monitoring system is also standard.

Other features
The S6 features a row of 5 distinctive LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) along the bumper as a point of differentiation from other A6 models. Bi-Xenon HID adaptive headlights which swivel around corners compliment the LED DRLs.