Free Cars Wallaper: 01/20/11

Thursday, January 20, 2011

2013 Audi e-tron

Although technically not an electric version of Audi’s R8 supercar, the e-tron concepts places a heavy emphasis on all-out performance and shares a considerable amount of design language as well. The e-tron features independent electric motors at all four corners, giving the concept a true quattro all-wheel drive system. Combined output is 313 horsepower and a staggering 3,319 lb-ft or torque.

That power is enough to accelerate the e-tron from zero-to-62 in 4.8 seconds. The rush from 37-75 mph is accomplished in 4.1 seconds, according to Audi.The e-tron utilizes a lithium-ion battery back, located low and behind the passenger compartment for optimal weight distribution (42/58). Audi says the e-tron carries enough juice for a 154 mile optimal range. Audi enlists all LED lighting and other power saving features ensure that maximum range.

Aside from the massive 1,036 pound battery pack, the e-tron is fairly light at its total weight of 3,527 pounds. Its low weight comes courtesy of an Audi Space Frame designed aluminum structure. All of what Audi calls the “add on” parts, like doors, hoods, roof and fenders are composed of fiber-reinforced plastic for added weight savings.

The show car features a production-like interior with simplistic controls and a revised MMI scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the steering wheel, as well as a unique smart phone integration setup. The car is designed to allow users to insert specially-equipped smartphones into a slot in order to utilize the phone’s built-in audio and video capabilities.

Audi has confirmed that it will use its newly established and dedicated e-tron sub-brand to develop the production version of the e-tron. Audi set a target run of 1,000 units worldwide, but said it will only produce units that are pre-ordered, meaning the final number produced could fall short if the demand isn’t there.

2012 Audi A4

A definite release date has not been announced for the 2012 Audi A4. However, it will probably make its debut in the fall of 2011 - September or October are the two most likely months.

As always, many rumors have been swirling around about changes to the 2012 Audi A4’s body style. A mid-cycle update wouldn’t be surprising for this vehicle, so drivers should be on the lookout for a slightly revamped A4 for 2012.

In terms of performance, the 2012 Audi A4 should excel just as its predecessors have. Primarily, the A4 is prized for its responsiveness and for its exceptional handling. An optional 8-speed automatic transmission was introduced with the 2011 model year and should enhance the A4’s performance. When it comes to reliability, a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance is included with the A4.

One free maintenance appointment has been included with past A4s, and should be offered with the 2012 model as well; the same is true of the 12-year rust warranty. Resale values for Audi A4s have always been great, so the 2012 A4 is sure to be a worthwhile investment.

The Audi A4 has always excelled in terms of safety; the 2012 Audi A4 is sure to continue that tradition. Impeccable crash test scores have always been par for the course with the A4 and should keep safety-conscious drivers happy. A huge range of airbags are included in the A4, including side head curtain airbags, front and front-seat side airbags and even rear-seat side airbags. Additional safety features that you can expect with the 2012 Audi A4 include traction control, stability control and antilock brakes.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

The 2012 A7 follows the pattern set by the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the BMW 5-series Gran Turismo. It is a four-door, but with its swooping roofline and hatchback rear end, its shape resembles a coupe more than sedan.

While European buyers will get the choice of gasoline or diesel V6 engines, Americans will be offered only the 3.0-liter, twin-cam gasoline V6 with a Lysholm-screw, positive-displacement supercharger nestled in the vee.

It’s a lovely device, with double overhead camshafts driven by cam chains set at the back of the block and in front of the flywheel, and ancillary belt drives at the front. Cam timing is variably adjusted to increase low-end torque. It produces 296 hp at 5250 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 2900 rpm, which is enough to achieve an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, zero-to-60 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds and a combined mileage rating of 28 mpg.

The Audi A7 is a formidable device, capable of generating enough lateral grip to make your head swim, but little steering feedback. No matter. Opt for the S-line package with lower ride height and 19-inch rims, and there’s a newfound positivity to the handling. Even better is the 20-inch rim option, with Yokohama Advan tires. I race an old Aston Martin on these tires and can vouch for their outrageous grip and sensitivity. Exactly how those tires and the increased wheel size conspire to benefit the ride is difficult to pinpoint, but we can say that with the S-line option, 20-inch wheels and Yokohamas, the A7 transforms from a supreme road burner into a serious performance machine. The electronic steering should take some credit for this newfound agility, and Audi is proud of the strides it has made in this area.

The U.S. market will get the A7 in late Spring. Prices have yet to be finalized, but the base MSRP is expected to be just under $70,000. Definitely worth waiting for.

2012 Audi A6

Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that's not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW's old "One sausage, three sizes" design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

No word yet on U.S. availability or pricing, but we'll have more news on the hybrid model shortly, so stay tuned. While you're waiting, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

2012 Audi A2

The Audi A2 is set to make a comeback by 2012. The 2nd generation A2 will get rid of the expensive spaceframe assembly of its older sibling and give way for the more conventional monocoque made of steel similar to the A1.

The decision by the German car manufacturer will make the price of the new A2 competitive against the products of rival brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Audi has not released details about the styling lines of the upcoming A2 but had hinted that it will borrow elements from its predecessor with a high one-box design and narrow tracks.

Rupert Stadler, Audi chairman, also disclosed that the electric drivetrain is top priority and they are also considering implementing the range extender similar to that of the A1 e-tron for the upcoming A2.

2012 Audi RS3

The RS 3 arrives with a unique front fascia, sporting larger air inlets to keep the car’s engine and brakes cool. The overall look isn’t radically different from the standard A3, but the changes are enough to let you no this isn’t just any ordinary hatchback.

Beneath the RS 3′s hood resides the same 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder used in the TT RS. Power is rated at 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, but the RS 3 Sportback still returns a respectable 25.85mpg.

That power is routed through Audi’s seven-speed S tronic gearbox, arriving at all four wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. The RS 3′s performance is brisk, with the sprint from 0-62 taking just 4.6 seconds. The RS 3 Sportback tops out at 155mph.

In addition to the new engine, the RS 3 also sports plenty of suspension tweaks, including a one inch lower ride height and a wider track. The hatch’s brakes have also been upgraded.

2012 Audi E1 City Car

Audi engineers and designers have been given the green light to produce the E1 – a super-efficient small car that, at least in spirit, replaces the discontinued, slow-selling A2 city car. The unnamed Audi would go up against the new Ford Ka and the Fiat 500, and we’ve received renderings of the upcoming Audi E1 city car based on the Volkswagen Up! concept car.

Audi’s new small car is reportedly capable of 95 mpg and fewer than 100 g/km, which would put the car in the lowest possible tax brackets in Europe. Engines are speculated to be a pair of two-cylinder, 600cc turbocharged units, one powered by diesel and the other by unleaded. An all-electric version has already been given the go-ahead as well.

We expect the E1 city car to be front-wheel-drive and front-engined, unlike the smaller Smart ForTwo. Like the Smart ForTwo, the Audi E1 will feature a 2+1 layout that will seat two adults in the front, and room for luggage and a child in the rear.

Initially, sales in North America aren’t very likely, though Audi might test the waters in Canada – a market prone to purchase small cars – and then import the car to the United States. But this is all unconfirmed speculation.

2012 Audi A1 Convertible

The Audi A1 is based on the Metroproject Quattro that debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The A1 hard top is scheduled as a 2011 model and is scheduled to enter production before the release of the convertible the following year. So how might the A1 Convertible look? Our artist put together an illustration of what to expect.

A1 used hybrid powertrains — with electric motors providing Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive — but the production version will likely use conventional drivetrains. Power for the MINI-fighting drop top could come from a wide range of small engines at Audi’s disposal thanks in part to VW. One possible engine derivative is the TSI engine range found in the Golf GT Sport. That means a turbo and supercharged 1.4L, good for either 140 or 170 horsepower. A 150 horsepower 1.8L turbo unit and a 102 horsepower 1.6L are expected to round out the gas engine offerings.

Also possible are the several versions of Audi’s 1.4L TFSI engine. If so, the base model would likely put out 120 horsepower. Performance oriented S1 and RS1 models are believed to be in the works, generating 180 and 220 horsepower, respectively. Audi’s DSG dual-clutch transmission will at least be optional on A1 models. In true European style, the A1 cabrio will also likely offer two version of the company’s 2.0L TDI, producing 140 and 170 horsepower respectively.

There are also reports that Audi is readying an S1 version of the A1 convertible, which will likely use the same 261 horsepower engine found in the S3.Also worth noting is the expectation for the A1 to feature automatic engine stop/start and brake energy regeneration, improving overall fuel economy by about 15 percent, regardless which engine(s) it receives.

The A1 is expected to hit the European market shortly after its Geneva debut, but U.S. sales are still in question. However, the latest photos were sourced from a Los Angeles photo shoot, but it remains to be seen if that has any bearing on where the A1 will be sold. Audi has reportedly set a sales target between 100,000 and 120,000 units annually.

2012 Audi R8 V12 TDI

R8 supercar has caused quite a stir with its V8 and V10 gas variants, but Audi thought it would change things around by adding a V12 diesel into the mix for good measure. This R8 concept car deviates wildly from traditional gas-powered sports cars, but with a race-proven turbocharged diesel it might be one of the most promising exotic concept cars ever created.

Power for the concept comes from the automakers race-derived 6.0 liter V12 diesel motor, which was first used in the R10 Le Mans competition car, and is now available in the Audi Q7. The engine produces 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The peak torque, reached at only 1,750 rpm.

The car sprints to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, according to Audi. Like most German automakers, Audi is probably reporting a very conservative acceleration time for this car.Other highlights of the show car include a glass roof, an increased use of carbon fiber, revised front and rear aprons, and larger air intakes all around.

The car also features all-LED headlights, which are visually very appealing, not to mention very energy efficient and bright. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, the light emitted resembles daylight much more closely than xenon or even halogen light.

Earlier reports suggested that Audi would equip the R8 with a diesel engine for the 2009 model year, but the latest word is that the TDI R8 may never make it into production. Audi engineers are reporting that fitting the turbochargers into the allotted space is proving impossible, and the costs associated with making it fit would make it impossible for Audi to ever turn a profit from a TDI R8.

2012 Audi S8

The S8 disappeared from Audi’s lineup for the 2010 model year, but the sports sedan looks primed for a 2012 model year revival. Our spy photographers recently spotted the high-performance 2012 S8 undergoing some shakedown testing.

At first glance, this may just look like a blacked-out, 2011 Audi A8. However, all it takes is a quick look at the details of this car to know we’ve just captured the first up-close photos of Audi S8 test vehicle.

This S8 test car is an early development vehicle, so it is not wearing any of the sportier “S” bodywork just yet. What it does have are large brake rotors and calipers along with a quad tip exhaust setup — obvious signs this is no ordinary A8.

The S8 will get the usual upgraded suspension, brakes and powertrain that all “S” models get. Exactly which powertrain the S8 will receive seems to be a mystery so far, with the strongest rumors suggesting that a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 will be under the hood of the 2012 S8.

2011 Audi S1

Aside from letting us know when the S1 will debut, Audi has not yet released any further details on the car, but our spy photographers sent us the first images of an Audi S1 prototype just a few weeks ago.

Set to do battle with cars like the MINI John Cooper Works, Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA and Fiat 500 Abarth, the Audi S1 will likely get a tweaked version of the 1.4-liter supercharged and turbocharged TFSI four-cylinder used in the VW Polo GTi, producing at least 180 horsepower.

Backing the S1′s forced induction engine will be Audi’s latest seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The S1 will be Audi’s only S product not to offer Quattro all-wheel drive, but the hot hatch should still be capable of accelerating from 0-60 in under 6 seconds.It is also expected that the S1 will feature a stiffened suspension set-up with magnetic dampers.

The S1 will look the part thanks to flared wheel arches, 19-inch wheels, a roof-mounted spoiler, a front splitter and daytime LED headlamps like the rest of the Audi line – including LED running lights.As the current-generation A1 won’t be sold in North America, don’t expect to see the hotter S1 on our shores anytime soon. However, Audi has indicated that the second-generation A1 will be sold in the U.S., so here’s to hoping the next S1 also makes the journey.

2011 Audi Q3

The next Q3 to be fairly rugged and aggressive in design. It is also easy to see the similar design cues in the front fascia with the bigger Q5.

Expect moderately larger wheels – something in the realm of 18 to 20-inches. The Q3 will essentially fill the role of an upscale and more luxurious VW Tiguan – of which it shares a platform.

The Q3 is set to ride on the same VW chassis that the Golf and Tiguan use. We also hear it will have a Haldex all-wheel drive system instead of the usual Torsen all-wheel drive system found on most other Audi vehicles.

In the U.S. market, the Q3 will likely only be available with a 211 horsepower 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder. However, the supercharged V6 used in the S4 may find its way under the Q3′s hood. A next-generation version of Audi’s dual clutch “S-tronic” manu-matic transmission is also a likely bet.

European Q3 buyers will likely have the option of VW’s 1.4-liter TFSI inline-four engine — tuned to somewhere in the neighborhood of 125-150 horsepower — as well as two turbo-diesels powerplants, one of which may boast as much as 200 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

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