Quattro times two: Audi develops new sport differential

According to Motor Authority, Audi has developed a new differential that will find its way into all its Quattro-equipped vehicles next year. The new diff quells Audi's inherent understeer by shuffling torque between the rear wheels, thus improving overall road-holding and lending itself to more sporty (read: rear-wheel drive bias) driving dynamics.
The system, which sends 60-percent of torque to the rear wheels, will sense a loss of traction in less than 100 milliseconds and then send an appropriate amount of power to each individual wheel. Users will have the ability to select between three different preset modes, including "auto," "comfort" and "dynamic," the latter of which provides more competent handling at the expense of ride comfort.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/quattro-times-two-audi-develops-new-sport-differential/

V10 BiTurbo RS 6 Quattro Is Most Potent Production Audi Of All Time

Successor to the acclaimed V8-powered Audi RS flagship upgrades to ten cylinders, two turbochargers and 580PS

* New RS 6 quattro available first in Avant estate form with saloon to follow in mid-2008
* Opens for UK order in November 2007 for first deliveries in spring 2008
* V10 engine is boosted by two turbo chargers, streamlined by FSI direct petrol injection and linked to six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
* 580PS @ 6,250rpm, 650Nm from 1,500-6,250rpm, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, 20.3mpg combined
* Latest generation quattro system with 40:60 front-to-rear torque split
* Hydraulically controlled Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system from RS 4 minimizes pitch and roll
* Sports interior boasting up to 1,660 litres of luggage space

The most powerful production Audi of all time - the new RS 6 quattro Avant - will make 580PS-worth of presence felt to the crowds at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13-23).

The basis for the latest RS flagship is the 435PS S6 quattro with its exceptionally compact, naturally aspirated ten cylinder engine enhanced by FSI direct petrol injection. Two turbo chargers and extensive component refinements boost the output of this acclaimed unit to 580PS at 6,250rpm, and increase torque from 540Nm to 650Nm, available from just 1,500rpm right through to 6,250rpm.

As a result, the RS 6 quattro with optimised six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission can blast to 62mph from rest in 4.6 seconds and to 124mph in just 14.9 seconds, only relenting when the electronic governor cuts in at 155mph.

Yet despite the considerable exertions of its two newly adopted turbo chargers, the mighty V10 nevertheless retains surprisingly 'real world' fuel economy, with up to 20.3mpg possible on the combined cycle, only slightly behind the naturally aspirated V10 powering the S6 quattro. FSI direct petrol injection - which minimises the amount of fuel used in each combustion cycle through injection directly into the combustion chamber rather than via the intake manifold - can be thanked for this impressive efficiency.

Latest generation quattro and Dynamic Ride Control
To reach the tarmac via the suitably imposing 19-inch, or optional 20-inch, alloy wheels, the barrage of power passes through the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with standard 40:60 front-to-rear torque split, ensuring that it translates seamlessly into smooth, safely contained and uninterrupted performance. The feeling of unflappable composure is emphasised further by a new, all-hydraulic version of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system that won plenty of praise in the original RS 6 quattro and has since been used in the RS 4 quattro.

DRC connects shock absorbers on each side of the car diagonally to their counterparts by way of a central valve, which directs a flow of oil to provide additional damping force whenever a shock absorber is compressed, making for impressive gains in handling precision and stability. New to this latest RS 6 quattro is an optional three-stage selectable control for this system, which allows the driver to choose from three damper settings - comfort, dynamic and sport – according to preference and conditions.

Also overseeing proceedings in the most powerful Audi in the range is a specially reconfigured version of the Electronic Stability Programme which has been programmed to intervene as late as possible, maximising driving pleasure without compromising ultimate safety. If required, the ESP system can be completely deactivated.

The most crucial safety feature, namely the ventilated all-disc braking system, is of course more than up to the task of reining in this most extreme of Audi Avants, and an upgrade to ultra high performance ceramic brakes with even more exceptional performance and fade resistance is also available at extra cost.

The incredibly assured handling this advanced set-up permits can be enjoyed from the comfort and support of the cabin's sculpted and ultra-grippy leather and alcantara-upholstered RS sports seats, the driver's positioned perfectly in relation to the flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel with multifunction controls and transmission shift paddles. Additional RS features in the much praised interior also include boost pressure and oil temperature readouts, milled finish door handles and aluminium-look pedals. The familiar A6 Avant virtues, not least its potential 1,660-litre load capacity, are of course very much in evidence.

Source: http://www.carma.com.sg/news/news.php?id=494

Audi TT 3.2 V6 quattro - Audi TT

Well, that first TT was launched way back in 1998, appearing in issue 001 of evo. How times have changed… Back then, B*Witched were big, while in the first issue of evo Jeff Daniels was talking about the possibility of a V10 performance diesel with 450lb ft-plus. Many of us thought he was mad, and yet, nine years on, the VW group offers a V10 turbodiesel with 554lb ft…
 The Magnetic Ride system constantly adapts to road conditions and your driving style to control body movements
Even more amazingly, the original TT still looks as fresh today as it did nine years ago. It's a real testament to its fuss-free design, and perhaps explains why its replacement looks pretty much like an evolution of the old model, with a slight workout at the gym to tone the body and some facial training by Grant Mitchell for a bit of welcome attitude. Grr!

I'd hoped our new long-termer would be a different colour to the usual Audi silver but, as B*Witched used to say, c'est la vie. One thing that doesn't disappoint, though, is the interior. It looks absolutely stunning with its red nappa leather seats, especially with the (expensive) optional extended leather pack that adds matching hide to the centre console and armrests. This truly is a feel-good type of car. So good, in fact, that I washed and waxed it as soon as I got it home.

Our TT arrived with a mere 80 miles on the clock, and the running-in period was agonising, not only because that 247bhp 3.2-litre V6 up front sounded gorgeous, even at tickover, but because it also felt nicely 'loose' and raring to go – unlike the identical engine in designer Carey's R32 Golf, which feels as if its power is being sapped by friction in the front diff.

I'm not surprised that Neil's DSG-equipped Golf has been given a hard time over its jerky drivetrain. My manual TT suffers from a throttle pedal that's too sharp, giving an on/off effect at the top of the travel, but at least with the regular manual gearbox I get to control my own clutch. You can still sometimes experience a jerky ride in slow traffic or as you exit a junction on a light throttle, but it's less of a problem now the car's run-in, meaning I can be heavier on the throttle and bring out the engine's glorious (E46) M3-esque rasp. It's a little muffled maybe, but it's a lot more characterful and special-feeling than the turbocharged 2-litre alternative.

0V07 YMC came with a whole load of extras: Magnetic Ride (£1150), the extended leather pack (£450), Bose stereo (£475), cruise control (£215), metallic paint (£500), multi-function steering wheel (£180), tyre pressure monitor (£75), storage pack (£150) and Bluetooth (£385), bringing the total price to £32,930.

The Magnetic Ride system constantly adapts to road conditions and your driving style to control body movements, adjusting the viscosity of the dampers by changing the voltage supplied to their magnetorheological fluid. Clever stuff, but to find out if it's really worth the expense I've lined up a DSG-equipped TT with the optional sports suspension for a comparison. I'll let you know.

Source: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/209860/audi_tt.html

Quattro times two: Audi develops new sport differential

According to Motor Authority, Audi has developed a new differential that will find its way into all its Quattro-equipped vehicles next year. The new diff quells Audi's inherent understeer by shuffling torque between the rear wheels, thus improving overall road-holding and lending itself to more sporty (read: rear-wheel drive bias) driving dynamics.
The system, which sends 60-percent of torque to the rear wheels, will sense a loss of traction in less than 100 milliseconds and then send an appropriate amount of power to each individual wheel. Users will have the ability to select between three different preset modes, including "auto," "comfort" and "dynamic," the latter of which provides more competent handling at the expense of ride comfort.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/quattro-times-two-audi-develops-new-sport-differential/

V10 BiTurbo RS 6 Quattro Is Most Potent Production Audi Of All Time

Successor to the acclaimed V8-powered Audi RS flagship upgrades to ten cylinders, two turbochargers and 580PS

* New RS 6 quattro available first in Avant estate form with saloon to follow in mid-2008
* Opens for UK order in November 2007 for first deliveries in spring 2008
* V10 engine is boosted by two turbo chargers, streamlined by FSI direct petrol injection and linked to six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
* 580PS @ 6,250rpm, 650Nm from 1,500-6,250rpm, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, 20.3mpg combined
* Latest generation quattro system with 40:60 front-to-rear torque split
* Hydraulically controlled Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system from RS 4 minimizes pitch and roll
* Sports interior boasting up to 1,660 litres of luggage space

The most powerful production Audi of all time - the new RS 6 quattro Avant - will make 580PS-worth of presence felt to the crowds at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13-23).

The basis for the latest RS flagship is the 435PS S6 quattro with its exceptionally compact, naturally aspirated ten cylinder engine enhanced by FSI direct petrol injection. Two turbo chargers and extensive component refinements boost the output of this acclaimed unit to 580PS at 6,250rpm, and increase torque from 540Nm to 650Nm, available from just 1,500rpm right through to 6,250rpm.

As a result, the RS 6 quattro with optimised six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission can blast to 62mph from rest in 4.6 seconds and to 124mph in just 14.9 seconds, only relenting when the electronic governor cuts in at 155mph.

Yet despite the considerable exertions of its two newly adopted turbo chargers, the mighty V10 nevertheless retains surprisingly 'real world' fuel economy, with up to 20.3mpg possible on the combined cycle, only slightly behind the naturally aspirated V10 powering the S6 quattro. FSI direct petrol injection - which minimises the amount of fuel used in each combustion cycle through injection directly into the combustion chamber rather than via the intake manifold - can be thanked for this impressive efficiency.

Latest generation quattro and Dynamic Ride Control
To reach the tarmac via the suitably imposing 19-inch, or optional 20-inch, alloy wheels, the barrage of power passes through the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with standard 40:60 front-to-rear torque split, ensuring that it translates seamlessly into smooth, safely contained and uninterrupted performance. The feeling of unflappable composure is emphasised further by a new, all-hydraulic version of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system that won plenty of praise in the original RS 6 quattro and has since been used in the RS 4 quattro.

DRC connects shock absorbers on each side of the car diagonally to their counterparts by way of a central valve, which directs a flow of oil to provide additional damping force whenever a shock absorber is compressed, making for impressive gains in handling precision and stability. New to this latest RS 6 quattro is an optional three-stage selectable control for this system, which allows the driver to choose from three damper settings - comfort, dynamic and sport – according to preference and conditions.

Also overseeing proceedings in the most powerful Audi in the range is a specially reconfigured version of the Electronic Stability Programme which has been programmed to intervene as late as possible, maximising driving pleasure without compromising ultimate safety. If required, the ESP system can be completely deactivated.

The most crucial safety feature, namely the ventilated all-disc braking system, is of course more than up to the task of reining in this most extreme of Audi Avants, and an upgrade to ultra high performance ceramic brakes with even more exceptional performance and fade resistance is also available at extra cost.

The incredibly assured handling this advanced set-up permits can be enjoyed from the comfort and support of the cabin's sculpted and ultra-grippy leather and alcantara-upholstered RS sports seats, the driver's positioned perfectly in relation to the flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel with multifunction controls and transmission shift paddles. Additional RS features in the much praised interior also include boost pressure and oil temperature readouts, milled finish door handles and aluminium-look pedals. The familiar A6 Avant virtues, not least its potential 1,660-litre load capacity, are of course very much in evidence.

Source: http://www.carma.com.sg/news/news.php?id=494

Audi TT 3.2 V6 quattro - Audi TT

Well, that first TT was launched way back in 1998, appearing in issue 001 of evo. How times have changed… Back then, B*Witched were big, while in the first issue of evo Jeff Daniels was talking about the possibility of a V10 performance diesel with 450lb ft-plus. Many of us thought he was mad, and yet, nine years on, the VW group offers a V10 turbodiesel with 554lb ft…
 The Magnetic Ride system constantly adapts to road conditions and your driving style to control body movements
Even more amazingly, the original TT still looks as fresh today as it did nine years ago. It's a real testament to its fuss-free design, and perhaps explains why its replacement looks pretty much like an evolution of the old model, with a slight workout at the gym to tone the body and some facial training by Grant Mitchell for a bit of welcome attitude. Grr!

I'd hoped our new long-termer would be a different colour to the usual Audi silver but, as B*Witched used to say, c'est la vie. One thing that doesn't disappoint, though, is the interior. It looks absolutely stunning with its red nappa leather seats, especially with the (expensive) optional extended leather pack that adds matching hide to the centre console and armrests. This truly is a feel-good type of car. So good, in fact, that I washed and waxed it as soon as I got it home.

Our TT arrived with a mere 80 miles on the clock, and the running-in period was agonising, not only because that 247bhp 3.2-litre V6 up front sounded gorgeous, even at tickover, but because it also felt nicely 'loose' and raring to go – unlike the identical engine in designer Carey's R32 Golf, which feels as if its power is being sapped by friction in the front diff.

I'm not surprised that Neil's DSG-equipped Golf has been given a hard time over its jerky drivetrain. My manual TT suffers from a throttle pedal that's too sharp, giving an on/off effect at the top of the travel, but at least with the regular manual gearbox I get to control my own clutch. You can still sometimes experience a jerky ride in slow traffic or as you exit a junction on a light throttle, but it's less of a problem now the car's run-in, meaning I can be heavier on the throttle and bring out the engine's glorious (E46) M3-esque rasp. It's a little muffled maybe, but it's a lot more characterful and special-feeling than the turbocharged 2-litre alternative.

0V07 YMC came with a whole load of extras: Magnetic Ride (£1150), the extended leather pack (£450), Bose stereo (£475), cruise control (£215), metallic paint (£500), multi-function steering wheel (£180), tyre pressure monitor (£75), storage pack (£150) and Bluetooth (£385), bringing the total price to £32,930.

The Magnetic Ride system constantly adapts to road conditions and your driving style to control body movements, adjusting the viscosity of the dampers by changing the voltage supplied to their magnetorheological fluid. Clever stuff, but to find out if it's really worth the expense I've lined up a DSG-equipped TT with the optional sports suspension for a comparison. I'll let you know.

Source: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/209860/audi_tt.html

Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6

We see a lot of rumors here at Autoblog, but this one just has to come true. Word around town is that the same engine that powers the 580-hp 5.2L twin-turbo V10 in the recently announced Audi RS6 Avant could also find its way to the back hatch of the Audi R8. We first reported on the possibility of a twin-turbo V10 back in February, and it seems the stat sheet on the RS6 has merely stoked the flames.
With 580 (or more) ponies in tow, the R8 should beat most anything on the road, including its current competition like the Porsche 911 that offers more powerful models in its lineup. Throw in bigger brakes and wheels with a modified suspension, and even the vaunted GT2 should begin to worry.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/enter-the-rumormill-audi-r8-getting-twin-turbo-v10-from-rs6/

Breaking News: BMW, Audi, Mercedes improve sales

Luxury automakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes reported healthy sales increases for August on Friday, with demand from Asia and the US driving gains but with mixed results in their home markets.
BMW AG, the industry's top luxury car company, said its global sales rose 13 per cent last month from a year ago, with 99,755 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce automobiles sold.
The Munich-based automaker said its August sales were led by demand from US buyers, where it sold 30,638 cars, up 19.3 per cent from August 2006. Demand was also up in Germany, with 19,253 cars sold, up 10.8 per cent from last year.
Since January, the car maker said sales were up 7.1 per cent from the same time last year, with 952,929 vehicles sold.
Rival Audi AG said it sold 66,400 cars worldwide in August, up 4.2 per cent from the same month in 2006. Ingolstadt-based Audi, a unit of Volkswagen AG, said it sold some 656,600 cars since January, up 9.2 per cent from the comparable period last year.
The August increases came from higher demand in China, where sales rose 24 per cent from January, while in the United States, sales increased 7.1 per cent. Sales in Britain were up 17.8 per cent while overall growth in Europe was 3.7 per cent.
"Growth in European export markets, meaning both established Western European markets and new markets in Eastern Europe, is a major factor behind our success," said Ralph Weyler, who oversees the company's marketing and sales. "We are steadily and consistently increasing our market share in these regions."
But sales in Germany, Audi's home market, slipped by 7.7 per cent last month to 18,063 cars sold. Joerg Felske, Audi's head of sales for Germany, said that decline was the result of the end of production on the company's A4 model.
DaimlerChrysler AG, meanwhile, said its Mercedes Car Group saw sales increase 9 per cent in August compared to last year, reaching a record 96,200 Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart brands sold.
But the results could not lift its January-August sales, which at 817,600 were still down from 818,200 a year earlier.
By brand, the group said it sold 89,100 Mercedes-Benz cars in August, up 9 per cent from the same month a year earlier, led by demand for its new C-Class sedan and its luxury segment S-Class.
Sales of the retooled Smart fortwo doubled to 7,000 cars, a new monthly high for the two-seater, and up 4 per cent from last year.
Demand for Mercedes Car Group vehicles was strong in Asia, where sales rose 22 per cent, while in the United States sales edged up 2 per cent. The company's core western European market saw sales rise four per cent to 52,700 cars sold in August.

Source: http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=43271&vf=26

Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6

We see a lot of rumors here at Autoblog, but this one just has to come true. Word around town is that the same engine that powers the 580-hp 5.2L twin-turbo V10 in the recently announced Audi RS6 Avant could also find its way to the back hatch of the Audi R8. We first reported on the possibility of a twin-turbo V10 back in February, and it seems the stat sheet on the RS6 has merely stoked the flames.
With 580 (or more) ponies in tow, the R8 should beat most anything on the road, including its current competition like the Porsche 911 that offers more powerful models in its lineup. Throw in bigger brakes and wheels with a modified suspension, and even the vaunted GT2 should begin to worry.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/enter-the-rumormill-audi-r8-getting-twin-turbo-v10-from-rs6/

Breaking News: BMW, Audi, Mercedes improve sales

Luxury automakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes reported healthy sales increases for August on Friday, with demand from Asia and the US driving gains but with mixed results in their home markets.
BMW AG, the industry's top luxury car company, said its global sales rose 13 per cent last month from a year ago, with 99,755 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce automobiles sold.
The Munich-based automaker said its August sales were led by demand from US buyers, where it sold 30,638 cars, up 19.3 per cent from August 2006. Demand was also up in Germany, with 19,253 cars sold, up 10.8 per cent from last year.
Since January, the car maker said sales were up 7.1 per cent from the same time last year, with 952,929 vehicles sold.
Rival Audi AG said it sold 66,400 cars worldwide in August, up 4.2 per cent from the same month in 2006. Ingolstadt-based Audi, a unit of Volkswagen AG, said it sold some 656,600 cars since January, up 9.2 per cent from the comparable period last year.
The August increases came from higher demand in China, where sales rose 24 per cent from January, while in the United States, sales increased 7.1 per cent. Sales in Britain were up 17.8 per cent while overall growth in Europe was 3.7 per cent.
"Growth in European export markets, meaning both established Western European markets and new markets in Eastern Europe, is a major factor behind our success," said Ralph Weyler, who oversees the company's marketing and sales. "We are steadily and consistently increasing our market share in these regions."
But sales in Germany, Audi's home market, slipped by 7.7 per cent last month to 18,063 cars sold. Joerg Felske, Audi's head of sales for Germany, said that decline was the result of the end of production on the company's A4 model.
DaimlerChrysler AG, meanwhile, said its Mercedes Car Group saw sales increase 9 per cent in August compared to last year, reaching a record 96,200 Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart brands sold.
But the results could not lift its January-August sales, which at 817,600 were still down from 818,200 a year earlier.
By brand, the group said it sold 89,100 Mercedes-Benz cars in August, up 9 per cent from the same month a year earlier, led by demand for its new C-Class sedan and its luxury segment S-Class.
Sales of the retooled Smart fortwo doubled to 7,000 cars, a new monthly high for the two-seater, and up 4 per cent from last year.
Demand for Mercedes Car Group vehicles was strong in Asia, where sales rose 22 per cent, while in the United States sales edged up 2 per cent. The company's core western European market saw sales rise four per cent to 52,700 cars sold in August.

Source: http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=43271&vf=26