2012 Audi S5

Along with the introduction of the regular versions of its refreshed A5 series, Audi also presented the updated S5 range. The most important change concerns the S5 Coupe in which the outgoing model’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine with 354-horses and 440Nm (324.5 lb-ft) is replaced with the same 3.0-liter supercharged V6 found in the Sportback and Convertible S5s.

The 3.0 TSI makes 333-horses and 440Nm (324.5 lb-ft), accelerating the S5 Coupe from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds or 0.2 seconds faster than the V8-powered model, while its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h (155mph).

Audi says the supercharged V6 not only offers improved performance over the naturally aspirated V8 unit, but also consumes on average 20 percent less fuel per 100 kilometers returning 8.1 liters (29.04 US mpg) on the combined cycle.

Across the range, Audi updated the S5’s quattro all-wheel drive system with the crown-gear center differential and electromechanical power steering, while visual changes include the new front lights, modified body details and new crystal-effect paint finishes on the outside, and refreshed trim and material options on the inside.

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Audi R8 V8 With 565-Horses

Owners of the entry-level Audi R8 with the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 seeking a healthier output may want to take a look at O.CT. Tuning’s latest offering. The European tuning firm has developed a new performance package that bolts on compressor to the Audi model’s V8 engine while also tweaking the ECU and adding a custom exhaust system.

As a result, output is lifted from 430HP and 430Nm to 565-horsepower and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of peak torque. O.CT. Tuning says the force-fed R8 completes the standard 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint 0.7 seconds faster than the regular model while it can reach 250km/h (155mph) in just 24 seconds.

Other available options include a carbon-fiber bonnet and front grille surround, plus a high-performance braking system.

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UK Insurer Parts the Most Unreliable and Costly Car

In an article on a BMW-faced Honda Accord we found for sale on Craigslist back in 2008, we wrote that in a perfect world, our ultimate car would be “designed by Italians, engineered by Germans, built by Japanese and marketed by Americans”.So, what’s the worst car one could imagine? Well, if we played around with the above statements, we’d say one designed by Japanese, engineered by Americans, built by Italians and marketed by Germans.
But UK insurance firm Warranty Direct had something a little bit different in mind. Instead of playing the origin card, the company decided to check out its database of 50,000 live policies on cars aged five years on average to part the UK’s most unreliable vehicle that would break down every other month and cost an average of £2,050 (equal to US$3,270 - €2,330) to fix each year.
By studying its Reliability Index tool that measures car reliability by considering average cost of repair, frequency of failure, age and mileage, the UK firm came up with an owner’s nightmare, which it calls the Monster Mk1.
The most unreliable car would be powered by an MG TF engine, ride on the suspension of a BMW M3, and have the electric workings of the Renault Megane, the air-conditioning system of a Seat Alhambra, the heating system of a Seat Toledo, the ignition of a Mercedes V-Class, the steering system of a Volvo C70, the gearbox of a Land Rover Freelander and the brakes of an Audi A8.
Commenting on the results, Warranty Direct managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher, said: “The Monster Mk1 represents the worst-performing vehicles in every sector, from suspension to electrics, on our roads today. The wide range of cars included in our special blend highlights how mostly reliable cars can be dragged down by one problem part.”
According to the British company, nearly 40 percent of BMW M3s require repairs to axle and suspension components alone each year, while the same percentage of Renault Meganes report an electrical fault on an basis.
Furthermore, one in five Land Rover Freelanders suffer transmission glitches each year and the same number of Audi A8s will need repairs to their brakes.
The company also found that almost a fourth of MG’s TF sports car owners will experience engine troubles, while more than one in eight SEAT Alhambra MPVs will need their air-con fixed during a typical year.

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Pole Turns 1991 Audi 100 V6 into a 2008 Audi A4

The latest addition to our automotive travesty replica section comes from Poland and it concerns a 1991 Audi 100 2.8 V6 Quattro (the A6’s predecessor) which has been stylistically converted to remind a 2005 Audi A4 sedan. To achieve the look, the Polish owner of the car crafted the front and rear end sections of an A4 to the 100 saloon. But that’s not all he did.

As you can see in our photo gallery, the German sedan also features a matte black paintjob contrasted by red side stripes while the same color makes its appearance on the outer rim of the alloy wheels and brake calipers. And oh, he also shaved off the rear door handles for a more….coupe-like look…

If you live in Poland, this masterpiece could be yours for the low, low price of 11,500 PLN or about US$4,150 / €2,910.

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New 2012 Audi TT RS

After giving the green light to the U.S. specification TT RS last year, the flagship version of Audi’s sports coupe has finally arrived in the States. It will go on sale within the next few weeks with prices starting at $56,850 (*) excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

Interestingly, the North American version of the TT RS is more powerful than its European sibling as the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine is said to deliver 360-horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm. The European market model is rated at 340HP and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The brand with the four-rings says the TT RS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in just 4.1 seconds en route to a top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

The TT RS also gets the Audi magnetic ride, which allows the suspension characteristic to be actively altered, bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, a fixed rear wing, prominent body sills and exterior mirror housings in matte aluminum.

Standard features include special interior appointments such as the contoured 3-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with the RS logo, and RS-specific interior door handles, along with 10-way power sport front seats with three-step heating, leather seat coverings, brushed aluminum interior inlays, and available LED ambient lighting.

Specifications
ENGINE: 
Type: 2.5 liter turbocharged, in-line five-cylinder, spark-ignition engine with TFSI direct injection, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts [DOHC], turbocharger with intercooler.
Arrangement: Front mounted, transverse
Bore: 3.25 in (82.5 mm)
Stroke: 3.65 in (92.8 mm)
Displacement: 151 / 3.25 / 3.65 (2480 / 82.5 x 92.8)
Compression ratio: 10:01
Fuel: Unleaded Super, 95 RON (unleaded regular, 91 RON, as an alternative with slight reduction in performance)
Horsepower (SAE): 360 hp @ 5,500 - 6,700 rpm (265 kW)
Max. torque: 343 lb-ft @ 1,650 - 5,400 rpm (465 Nm)
ENGINE DESIGN:
Cylinder block: Cast iron
Cylinder head: Aluminum
Valve train / intake: DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
Battery: 380 amp, 80 amp/hr
Alternator: 140 amp
DRIVETRAIN:
Transmission: 6-speed manual, fully synchronized
Gear ratios:
1st 3.570
2nd 2.160
3rd 1.890
4th 1.430
5th 1.160
6th 0.097
Reverse 4.500
STEERING:
Type: Eletromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance
Ratio: 16.9 : 1
Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.9
Turning circle
(curb-to-curb): 35.96 ft (10.96 m)
SUSPENSION:
Front: MacPherson strut (gas charged) with aluminum 3-point lower control arm, aluminum sub frame, tubular anti roll bar, track stabilizing steering roll radius
Rear: Four-link rear suspension with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement
BRAKES:
Service brake: Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESC, hydraulic brake assistant, front and rear disc brakes ventilated
Front size: 14.6 in (370 mm)
Rear size: 12.2 in (310 mm)
Parking brake: Mechanically actuated at the rear wheels
WHEELS (standard only):
Size: Aluminum, 9Jx19
TIRES (standard only):
Size: 255/35 R19 Y
BODY:
Material: Hybrid ASF construction: Lightweight construction concept, which is a mixed construction using aluminum and steel
Corrosion protection: Multi-step anti-corrosion protection
CAPACITIES:
Engine oil: 6.9 qt (6.5 l)
Fuel tank: 15.90 gal (60 l)
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 97.2 in (2,468 mm)
Track front / rear: 61.2/ 60.9 in (1,555/ 1,546 mm)
Overall length: 165.3 in (4,198 mm)
Overall width: w/o mirrors 72.5 in (1,842 mm)
Height: 53.1 in (1,348 mm)
Curb weight, quattro: 3306 lb (1500 kg)
Drag coefficient: 0.32
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Seating capacity: 2 + 2
Head room
front / rear: 37.7/ 32.6 in (957/ 829 mm)
Shoulder room
front / rear: 53.2/ 47.5 in (1,352/ 1,206 mm)
Leg room
front / rear: 41.1/ 29.3 in (1,044/ 743 mm)
Int. vol. (EPA)
front / rear: 47.7/ 26.2 cu ft
Luggage capacity
standard / seats folded: 13.1/ 24.7 cu ft (290/ 700 l) 
PERFORMANCE: 
0-60 mph 4.1
Top speed 174 mph
EFFICIENCY/ENVIRONMENT:
EPA estimate:
City mpg: Not available at present time
Highway mpg: Not available at present time
Combined mpg: Not available at present time

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Audi RS3 Sportback Vs BMW 1 M Coupe

The Audi RS3 Sportback and the BMW 1 M Coupe represent two very different approaches on the compact sport model segment.

Ingolstadt’s proposal is a five-door model that looks more like a hotted-up small station wagon than a hatchback. It features a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five producing 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) linked to Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro system and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Munich’s proposition on the other hand is a more traditional take on the category boasting a coupe body style and a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six pushing out an identical 340-horses (in EU-specification) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

UK car magazine Autoexpress brought the two Germans sport models to the track to see which one is the king of straight-line performance. Even though their mechanical layouts should give you a hint about the winner, we won’t spoil the surprise. Scroll down to watch the duel for yourself.

VIDEO

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New Audi R8 Limited Edition Celebrates 10 Le Mans Victories

Audi has wοrked up a special edition version οf the cοmpany's R8 to cοmmemorate the German autοmaker's victories at Le Mans. Pοwered by the same 430 hοrsepower, 4.2-liter V8 found in the base cοupe, the R8 V8 Limited Edition mοdels are available with special titanium-effect paint with titanium-toned wheels tο match.

Those rοllers are 19-inch double Y-spοke bits that were crafted in the spitting image οf the hardware found οn the R8 GT Coupe.

Buyers can alsο expect tο find a set of red brake calipers tucked behind the wheels. All οf the company's standard metallic and pearl effect paint οptions will also be available οn the commemοrative cars.

Inside, the R8 V8 Limited Edition cοmes with satellite navigation and Audi Music Interface with a Bang and Olufsen sοund system as well as a unique interior lighting package and Bluetοoth hands-free calling. Prices start at £93,935 in the UK.

That figure translates tο around $150,000 (including Britain's cοstly Value Added Tax), though there's nο clear indication as tο whether or not any οf the 100 examples will make their way tο the States or how much Audi will ask U.S. buyers tο pay.

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Video: Audi Q3 RS Prototype Fitted with RS3’s 2.5-liter Turbocharged

What more proof that Audi is seriously considering the introduction of a high-performance S or RS version of its newly launched Q3 compact SUV than the creation of a prototype model shown at a media event?
According to the folks over at Sweden’s Sportbilen, the prototype was uncovered during the European press launch of the new Audi Q3in Zurich, Switzerland. And mind you, this wasn’t a static presentation as the media had the chance to drive the pre-production model on the road.
The high-performance Q3 is said to be fitted with a de-tuned version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine found in the RS3 hot hatch and the TT RS sports models, delivering 300-horsepower instead of 340HP. Power is transferred to all-four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and a 7-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission.
Watch the super-Q3 in action in the video below.

VIDEO

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Audi Q3 RS Rumors

The latest news from Audi is that the Ingolstadt automaker is working on a high-performance version of its new Q3 compact SUV. According to inside sources quoted by Auto Motor und Sportmagazine in its most recent issue, the brand with the four rings has even decided on the powertrain, which is none other than the 340HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five found under the hood of the TT RS and RS3 hot hatch.
Power of course would be transferred to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
These yet to be officially confirmed rumors have lead photoshop resident and Carscoop reader L il-k Amaru to use his talent on the creation of two renderings depicting the possible styling of the Q3 RS.
The artist’s proposal includes all the usual design cues of Audi’s RS models such as the prominent front bumper with a honeycomb grille, side skirts, five-spoke alloy wheels, aluminum trim accents and a rear apron with a diffuser.

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