Archive for the ‘Audi’ Category

03
May

Audi TT GT4 Audi TT, bientôt en GT4It was on the occasion of the stage of China’s DTM championship thatAudi unveiled the prototype of the competition version, GT4 class , itscoupe TT. A new model designed to make access to the race more “affordable.”

Based on the TT coupe, it receives a 2.5 TFSI 340HP engine and a speed S-Tronic. Besides the necessary equipments for the race (bucket seats with harness, roll cage …), she received a hood, doors and a tailgate made of carbon fiber, polycarbonate glazing (except the windshield of course), a differential limited-slip and adjustable dampers.

This new model that Audi intends to propose in 2012 intends to make access more affordable in the competition, targeting primarily the Asian markets. Hence his presentation in Shanghai . The term affordable forcar racing in this category means an access price around € 120,000 …

30
Apr

Essai Audi A1 1 Essai Audi A1 1.6 TDI : Vorsprung durch diesel.Since arriving at dealerships in October last year, the Audi A1 is a success ( according to official sources, at least ) to the point where production rates have been revised upwards in the plant Forest, near Brussels. After testing the petrol versions of the smaller Audi, we have ownership in its diesel version. When elegance and refinement go hand in hand with economics.

For it is not because we want a ride in car that is above all a sudden purchase of heart, that reason should not be taken into account. Moreover, the success of HDI DS3, Fiat Multijet 500C and other Mini Cooper D confirms this desire on the part of buyers. So, brand “Diesel” as Audi could not possibly do without one swallowing diesel engine. Sipping would also be a more appropriate term, since the 1.6 TDI has 105 hp its average consumption of 3.9 l/100km.

Audi A1 2 Essai Audi A1 1.6 TDI : Vorsprung durch diesel.

Although this was not the first time I tried the new 1.6 TDI Volkswagen, I was rather surprised. The noise level first, because even if I stressed the enormous progress already at that level in my last test of the Golf Variant, it seemed even more particularly careful in this case, either on board Auto or next. A very good point, which allows the A1, coupled with excellent soundproofing of the cabin, to show himself quite worthy of its four rings.The other surprise was the flexibility of the block, much less hollow now when drops below 1.800tr/min. A very good point, which no longer requires to play constantly shifter. Shifter which we would have preferred it commands a six-speed gearbox instead of five, which would have allowed a longer gearing in top gear.

Of course, the 105 horses are more than just move the car, giving it a certain dynamism which agrees fairly well with the behavior of the small Audi bluffing. The first harsh winter has emerged during this test, I was able to see the exceptional handling of the car on wet roads, icy or snowy, even though it was not (yet ) mounted tires winter. High efficiency, which in its attendance, unfortunately forgets the small grain madness that makes a car fun to drive. It is true that this is probably not what the customer requires that A1 …

Audi A1 3 Essai Audi A1 1.6 TDI : Vorsprung durch diesel.

Let’s speed on the carrier, already detailed in great length, to notice the quality craftsmanship at the highest level of this range, although compared to its competitors are all designated as the Mini and the DS3, the atmosphere is less “crazy”. If legroom in the rear is rather correct for teenagers, it will not, however, they decided to grow up too fast, the headroom is very limited in rear seats. They will also manhandled by the buttocks very firm suspension of the rear axle. Better to consider the A1 as a 2 +2 seater with extra than a true 4-seater.

Audi A1 4 Essai Audi A1 1.6 TDI : Vorsprung durch diesel.

In the end, we exceeded the average consumption of a certified, 1l/100km exactly, since the trip computer showed 5l/100km. An average rather interesting given the journeys, which makes the TDI A1 economical to use. A purchase by cons, it’s a different story since the tariff finish entry level Attraction starts at 19,400 euros (18,950 in Belgium) … which must be added the inevitable with options, including small stinginess, manual air conditioning billed more than 1,000 euros, and personalization elements to brighten the interior somewhat. For example, our test car multimedia system with GPS, heated seats, multifunction steering wheel, the trip computer and automatic climate control cost over 28,000 euros!

Conclusion
The small Audi A1 TDI is a true success, and deserves its reputation and acclaim. With an absolutely flawless performance and a sober and quiet engine, do not however expect to fill up the driving experience with it. Even if it is classified as urban, it may also take you without fatigue for long journeys (car) road. It also counts!

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06
Apr

Electric vehicles have a considerable advantage over their urban counterparts engine: they are silent and it is an immense gain to reduce noise pollution. This advantage is however one major flaw in terms of safety for pedestrians because the perception of the vehicle is made difficult by the absence of noise.

Electric vehicle manufacturers already equip their vehicle with a buzzer to warn pedestrians, this is the case of the Nissan Leaf or Renault Twizy to name a few. This alarm is active up to 30 km / h. Beyond that, the sound oftires is quite big and makes the vehicle audible.

In the case of the R8 e-tron, the system used, called e-sound, is a speaker with a 40W power attached to the frame. Under normal conditions, only 5-8 watts are needed to make e-tron audible for pedestrians and cyclists. On the other hand, the occupants can enjoy the sound from the speaker, either by air (as passers-by) or by structural (vibration transmission through the frame).

A picture of a vehicle engine, the acoustics of the R8 e-tron has been first developed on a chassis dynamometer in a semi-anechoic chamber. This room, whose walls and ceiling are covered with an absorbent device (dihedral or so pyramids), allows a precise analysis of sounds emitted by the vehicle while avoiding sounds emitted or reflected in a natural environment.Once validated solutions in the Room, the prototype is validated by outside conditions.

The sound is modulated as a function of various parameters such as the rotational speed of the electric motor, the vehicle speed, the depression of the accelerator pedal, etc.. All these parameters are analyzed directly by the CPU of the vehicle (ECU) and the sound is updated in a millisecond.

With e-sound, Audi has therefore not only developed a horn for pedestrians, but has extended the use of loudspeaker at full speed for reproducing with vehicle electrical experience a vehicle internal combustion engine. With an acoustic pressure, the occupants of the R8 e-tron and passersby to find the pleasure of driving and hear a sporty vehicle.

03
Apr

Today, Tuesday, April 3, 2012, we welcome another front characteristic, that of the Audi R8 GT.
After three consecutive victories (2000, 2001, 2002) in the 24h of Le Mans sports- prototype R8, Audi presents its concept in 2003 Le Mans Quattro Concept. In 2004 and 2005, the Audi R8 is always victorious and the brand in 2006 decides to transfer its know-how to the road … with the R8. Visually, one has to do with concept car Le Mans Quattro Concept reviewed and adapted to certification standards. The car is impressive, especially with this futuristic front where we find the single-frame radiator grille feature of the mark on rings and ph ares LED that enhance the look.
In its GT version, the R8 sees his aggression with a reinforced and two small front spoiler fins by either side of the shield.

Audi-r8-030412 (1)

For photography enthusiasts, the EXIF data of this photo:
Case: Pentax Kr
Focal Length: 50mm
Speed: 0.8s
Aperture: F/2.8
ISO: 100

28
Mar

Audi has used the Frankfurt Motor Show last September to unveil its A8 Hybrid. The German flagship, in its ecological, will be priced starting at 77,700 euros in Europe
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Alongside the A6 and Q5 Hybrid Hybrid, the road to the rings is also a manufacturer of Germanic models to benefit from a hybrid engine. Audi had already presented the world premiere of its A8 Hybrid at the Frankfurt Motor Show. If at the biennial German we had discovered this new vehicle, there was an unknown price. Today, the brand from Ingolstadt has released the base rate of its A8 Hybrid for the Old Continent. The sedan starts so at a price of 77,700 euros.However, we do not have the prices of different options, just the entry level. Declination long wheelbase A8 L Hybrid it has a base rate of 85,400 euros. remember that there is virtually no difference in style between the thermal version and the hybrid variant of the A8 if n ‘ is the presence of slightly smaller wheels on the A8 Hybrid. The flagship hybrid is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI that has received some modifications. An output of 211 horsepower, it is associated with an electric motor of 54 horses for a combined output of 245 hp. Regarding performance, the A8 Hybrid can have a maximum speed of 100 km / h in all-electric mode and can run for three miles at a constant speed of 60 km / h with a reciprocating engine. According to the German manufacturer, the sedan has an average consumption of 6.3 l/100 km, while the rejection rate of CO 2 is estimated at 147 grams per kilometer. The letting of new Audi A8 and A8 L Hybrid Hybrid will begin in early summer.

10
Jun

Buick Regal Volvo S60, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima all readjusted. The team of Consumer Reports found in favor of the infinte G25 and Audi A4. The strengths of the Infiniti G25 is the handling, transmission, front seat comfort, finish and fuel economy. As for the A4 it demonstrates a good agility, good acceleration, good transmission, fuel economy, a nice finish and test results of a collision.

For full results you can obtain the Canadian edition of the July Consumer Reports on newsstands now.

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10
Jun

Audi introduced the A1 clubsport quattro at Worthersee Tour 2011 which is the 30th edition of the large gathering of fans of Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW.

The program for this bombinette to look demonic, we find the five cylinder 2.5 liter supercharged by a turbocharger with direct injection. Compared with the engine that was the basis and the team and the Audi TT RS RS 3 Sportback, TFSI power was still significantly increased and reached 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm maximum torque is available from 2500 to 5300 rpm. The turbocharger, the cooler air from the supercharger and intake manifold as the exhaust system were optimized. Like the Audi A4 DTM exhaust ends on the left side, just before the rear wheel.

With this pedigree, the A1 clubsport quattro is catapulted from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.7 seconds. It accelerates from 0 to 200 km / h in 10.9 seconds and from 80 to 120 km / h in fourth in just 2.4 seconds. Its weight of 1390 kg the help though.

Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a manual six-speed transmission and quattro permanent four, both come from the TT and RS were strengthened. The maximum speed is limited to 250 km / h.

To keep the pavement, the A1 clubsport quattro is shod 255/30 low profile mounted on light alloy wheels 19 “style turbine. Behind the wheels are large ventilated disc brakes. At the front, the discs perforated ceramic reinforced with carbon fibers include six-piston calipers, rear discs are larger steel. The chassis Coilover the A1 clubsport quattro has an adjustable suspension.

What a look!

When BMW unveiled its series whose home is at least mISPUTES ( see here ), Audi treats the look of the A1! On the bodywork painted matte white glacier, many patches pose colored buttons. The arch supports a gloss black roof roof composite fiber reinforced carbon rings at the front are solid aluminum.

The front skirt with modified design includes large air intakes divided by strips of carbon. The single-frame grille has a black honeycomb structure, the projectors are dull bars and a “wing” painted red. Two large air vents in the hood can better remove heat from the engine compartment.

Aimed at the road, but designed for the circuits, the A1 Clubsport has no back seat. It is replaced here by a beautiful bar strut carbon storage offers a welcoming and racing helmets. A starter battery weight-optimized after thecompetition is housed under the two rear pockets. On a high performance vehicle, an infotainment system, an MMI screen and speakers are unnecessary. The bucket seats are lightweight construction from the Audi R8 GT – the chassis is made ​​of composite material reinforced with carbon fiber seat belts in red belt and four points to ensure maintenance of the driver and passenger.

The interior is dark gray. Many parts are coated with composite material reinforced with carbon fiber and painted matte, like the walls in the rear frames of air diffusers or tip that terminates in the center console. On the sports steering open arms, the composite material reinforced with carbon fiber is coated with leather. The switches on the steering wheel column and the doors are replaced with toggle switches housed in the center console. Three additional instruments indicate oil pressure, boost pressure and tension of the onboard network.

The center console and seats upholstered in leather, the stitching is done tone on tone. The gearshift lever is aluminum, the ends of the pedals and the top of the footrest in stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and map pockets.

The Audi stand at the lake Worthersee

Besides the A1 clubsport quattro, 17 production vehicles from the current range of Audi models were present on the Audi stand at the rally GTI. At Lake Worthersee, the brand with the four rings has also presented its new fans Q3. In addition, the public could admire an Audi TT RS white ibis and RS 3 Sportback Misano Red.

Many accessories fitted to the Audi A1 clubsport will soon be offered in the range of accessories for the A1 family: adhesive films in contrasting colors Amalfi white, silver and gray metal glacier Daytona Pearl are available for the wings. The aerodynamic racing kit for the A1 will also be available!

The front fenders, doors and rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro has been widened a total of 60 millimeters. This expansion forms a horizontal structure that recalls the first Audi quattro. The rear ends of the wings have air outlets. The new stickers on the rocker panels were made of composite material reinforced with carbon fibers.Exterior mirrors evoke the sleek high-performance sports car Audi R8.

The roof spoiler with its double spoiler provides sufficient downforce on the rear axle. Darkened rear lights and a great broadcaster closed round off the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro .


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02
Jun

Unveiled at Los Angeles last fall, the Q5 Hybrid is already available for order. The opportunity to discover the rates of the first hybrid vehicle sold by Audi.
Meanwhile a hybrid diesel / electric, the brand with Rings has built on its 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to an electric developing 245 hp to convince and be more sober than the 3.0 V6’s cousin Porsche Cayenne Hybrid .

Thanks to this system using two energy gasoline / electric independently or simultaneously, the Q5 Hybrid limit its consumption averaged less than 7 l/100 km combined cycle.

At the level of standard equipment, the Q5 Hybrid is pretty well supplied with, among other things: a GPS with 3D map display, joystick, DVD and HDD included, rims 19 “or even the Audi sound system including amplifiers 6 Channel, 10 HP with a central dashboard and a low HP tank in the spare wheel for a total power of 180 W.

Hybrid version requires the combined instrument embeds a specific counter and the central interface allows you to view energy consumption in real time by a diagram and the energy recovered by the electric motor depending on driving style. The logo “Hybrid” tattooed everywhere on and inside the vehicle will remind the absent-minded he is not riding in any car.

Note that the chassis was lowered by 25 mm to reinforce the sporty character of the vehicle and reduce a little more consumption.

Offered at € 55,800, the Q5 Hybrid costs € 1,050 more than the 3.0 TDI engine 240hp S-Tronic and 5,900 € more than 211 bhp 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic.

However, if the basic model do enough, you still have the Q5 Hybrid Avus more opulent for € 60,500. Orders are already available and deliveries will take place in Autumn.

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26
May

Dacia has taken up the challenge of Pikes Peak, the hill climb that takes place in Colorado. A monster of 850 hp has been developed specifically for the event to be held on June 26.

Nicknamed the “race to the clouds,” Pikes Peak is a legendary event, contested mainly by American teams. This did not stop to see the participation of foreign teams episodic, some flatly lasting impression. We remember in 1985, the snub made by Michele Mouton, who allowed himself, driving his Audi Sport Quattro, to win the race on the nose and the noses of local pilots. Then there was the famous victory climb to the summit (1,435 m) of the Peugeot 405 T16 Ari Vatanen in 1988.Jean-Philippe Dayraut, pilot and instigator of the Dacia brand engagement, says: “I dreamed of before images in Ari Vatanen Pikes Peak. And so I was excited in this test, c ‘ is that it contains a category ‘Unlimited’ where anything goes technically. It no longer exists elsewhere in the race car. “

The Romanian brand, yet absent from the North American market, has therefore been persuaded to take up the challenge and developed a powerful Duster tube chassis, distant cousin of him who disputed the Andros Trophy . On paper, the machine has everything to win: V6 Nissan GT-R posting 850 hp, prepared by Sodemo, centrally positioned rear-wheel drive and six-speed sequential gearbox. Dayraut believes, hoping to break the record for the climb, 20 km long. But he remains humble: “I have never driven a powerful weapon and we’ll get out on track there. In addition, we are only allowed a surge of recognition, divided into three sections before the race takes place on Sunday. “ The current record (10 min 01 s) date of 2007. It is owned by Japan’s Nobuhiro Tajima on proto Suzuki V6 biturbo 1007 hp.

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