Tuning Audi TT RS

Audi TT RS

Tuning Audi TT RS

Audi TT RS

Audi A1 hybrid concept

Just when you thought Audi couldn’t do any worse, the VW-owned German manufacturer is now planning to release a subcompact hatchback called the Audi A1 Sportback. Currently only shown in concept form at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the A1 wants to take aim at the Mini, but will most likely become known as an overpriced Yaris competitor.

Geeky styling aside, the prototype drivetrain is more interesting. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.4-litre TFSI engine developing 150 hp and 240 Nm of torque, mated to a front-wheel-drive platform and an S tronic dual-clutch transmission. A 20 kW electric motor delivers an additional 27 hp and an extra 150 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating. Acceleration is highest during the boosting phase, which is when the TFSI engine and electric motor operate simultaneously, giving a total of 390 Nm.

Concept features include an ESP-controlled active front differential lock to reduce torque steer due to the front-driven setup, as well as magnetic adjustable shocks, 18-inch wheels, Audi’s useless MMI multimedia system, navigation and a futuristic interior that won’t make it to production.

The electric motor is apparently capable of powering the vehicle alone using lithium-ion batteries, giving the A1 a range of up to 100 km in pure electric mode. The motor can be recharged from any power socket. The automatic start/stop facility, energy regeneration and phases of purely electrical operation reduce the fuel consumption and emissions by almost 30 percent compared to when it is running on the combustion engine alone. Audi says 0-100 kph acceleration happens in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 kph, with a fanciful fuel-consumption claim of only 3.9 litres per 100 km. We’ll believe it when we see it.

Audi Hybrid and More Coming by 2015

In an effort to increase its market share, Audi will boost spending and invest a total of $10.5 billion in new products and future technologies between now and 2012. According to a recent statement issued by the German luxury automaker, that investment includes a hybrid version of the Q5 SUV for 2011. When it’s officially unveiled sometime in 2010, the Q5 will be Audi’s first full hybrid vehicle.

Autoblog says the Q5 “should make a good first hybrid – especially as its size will enable Audi engineers to more easily fit an electric motor and a battery pack into its CUV proportions. Further, the Q5's somewhat hefty price tag might help hide some of the added cost associated with a hybrid powertrain.”

In addition to the Q5 Hybrid, Audi plans to launch several new models beginning next year. These will include the A1 compact, A7 hatchback, A8 and R8 Spyder. Motor Authority comments, “This means a slew of new Audi products are heading for dealerships, even though certain commentators might be convinced that the brand has already covered almost every niche.”

BusinessWeek says, “Audi, which ranks third behind BMW and Daimler's (DAI) Mercedes-Benz brand, will increase its lineup of cars and sport-utility vehicles to 42 models by 2015 from 34 now.”

Picture of New Audi R8

Audi e-tron

The electrifying blazing red paint of the Audi e-tron at the Frankfurt Motor Show preceded the e-tron at the LA Auto Show, already sending excitement to the show-goers. But when the Audi e-tron showed up at the auto show in orange, all excitement fizzled.

Color aside, the Audi e-tron is no doubt a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors, each with a self-cooling system drive the wheels. Two motors each are placed at the front and rear axles, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (

2010 ABT Audi A5 Sportback

As comfortable as a limousine, elegant as a coupé and almost as practical as an Avant - these are the strengths of the new Audi A5 Sportback. A fourth advantage is added with ABT Sportsline: as dynamic as a true sports car. These special features combine to become a harmonious, surprisingly agile entity that bears the name AS5 Sportback. "With a clear emphasis on the word Sport", remarks Christian Abt, the managing director responsible for the technical issues of the world's largest customiser of vehicles from the Volkswagen group. The famous motor sportsman has geared output and bodywork components such as ABT springs and ABT sport coilovers to the many requirements of the Sportback concept and its owners. The result offers driving fun without compromises, but also the full road capability of a car ideal for long distances.

The ABT AS5 Sportback is of course a superior vehicle in any situation. The optimized engines makes sure of this. In particular, the mighty 3.0 TDI stands out due to its superior power without costing you a fortune in fuel costs. With ABT POWER, the mass-produced 240 PS (176 kW) become 282 PS (207 kW). With ABT POWER S, even 310 PS (228 kW). That's enough to catapult the stylish, practical coupé from a standing position from zero to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. 610 Nm torque provide powerful acceleration and dynamic forward thrust. The AS5 Sportback also becomes a true Allgäu athlete with the 2.0 TFSI, which has an output of a proud 275 PS (202 kW) due to ABT POWER instead of 180 PS (132 kW). Consistent with the enormous potential of the fast vehicle, the customiser offers the ABT braking system with a 345 mm disk diameter, or the powerful ABT sports braking system. A tremendous 380 mm disk diameter and eight piston callipers provide optimal deceleration values.

In order for the versatile athlete to show its origins, the ABT team has given the latest addition to the AS5 family very elegant bodywork elements: front apron, front grille, wing inserts and the rear spoiler set allow the coupé to appear even more powerful from every angle. The rear view with the typical 4-pipe end silencer, which powerfully integrates itself into the rear spoiler, becomes one with the "big mouth" of the Sportback. The ABT AR or BR wheels in sizes 18 to 20 inches round off the appearance of the AS5 Sportback. Self-confidence and fast - that's how the newest ABT Sportsline creation looks, even when it's not moving. And that's exactly how it drives on the road.



The new ABT AS5 Sportback – data and facts


ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 2.0 TFSI, 1998 ccm cubic capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 275 HP/202 kW (standard: 180 HP/132 kW)
Torque: 320 Nm

Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm cubic capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance 282 HP/207 kW (standard: 240 HP/176 kW)
Torque: 560 Nm

Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm cubic capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER S
Performance 310 HP/228 kW (standard: 240 HP/176 kW)
Torque: 610 Nm


ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front skirt
ABT front grill
ABT rear wing insets
ABT rear skirt set


ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT AR and BR; 18 – 20 inches; diamond-cut, high-gloss polished or painted;
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires.


ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY
ABT 4-Pipe rear muffler


ABT SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY
ABT suspension system
ABT springs


ABT BRAKES
ABT sports braking system, brake discs 380 mm
ABT braking system, brake discs 345 mm