2010 Audi TT ABT RS

NEWS & REVIEWS Five cylinders and plenty of power with four-wheel drive, that sums up the original "ur-Quattro.” The original Audi Quattro caused a furor 30 years ago and is also one of the highlights of the 50-year tuning history of ABT. Then, as now, a fully-charged 5-cylinder engine provides optimum power. The ABT version of the new Audi TT-RS provides 420 hp, thanks to ABT POWER, i.e. a charge air cooler and optimization of the engine electronics. That is enough to catapult the Bavarian super sports car to an electronically-regulated tempo of 175 mph. The athlete from the Alps can thereby manage the sprint from zero-to-62 mph in 4.3 seconds. An ABT TT-RS is able to keep up with the quickest of the quick at all times or even pass them by. This is precisely what the ur-Quattro from ABT was also able to do. There is, however, one difference between then and now: contrary to the classic from the 80s the TT-RS is not just available as a sports coupe, but also as a cool roadster. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Audi TT -RS MTM

NEWS & REVIEWS The tuning specialists at MTM present their take on the TT-RS. With the rebirth of the Audi five-cylinder engine, the new more-powerful motivator suits drivers who like their car being suitable for racing. After the MTM power therapy, Audi performance car now produces 424 hp and 413 lbs.-ft. of torque and wears a new aerodynamic body kit. The secret: love for details and understanding of the new engine from Audi. In addition to the adjustment of the engine control unit, MTM has also worked on the exhaust system. The result is a high-revving engine, lots of torque in every range, and an impressive sound. The MTM TT-RS can be ordered in 3 different stages of power enhancement. Besides the maximal stage of 424 hp—84 hp more than the 340-hp base car—MTM also offer 2 stages with 404 and 408 hp and 406 lbs.-ft. of torque. MTM sports rims with the original 19- or 20-inch rims in a BIMOTO design. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Audi S5 MTM Cabrio Michelle Edition

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS The engine specialists at MTM have a power enhancement for the new Audi S4 and the brand-new Audi S5 Cabriolet. Using its approved control device M-Cantronic, both cars, which are motorized by the 3.0-liter TFSI V-6 engine, become more powerful sports cars with incredible power reserves. The tuning specialists from MTM have different stages of performances, starting with at 380 hp and 354 lbs.-ft. of torque, which means about 47 hp more than the stock model. Selecting the new exhaust system with throttle valves in all four rear pipes has access to the ultimate power enhancement of 430 hp and 380 lbs.-ft. of torque. The S5 Cabrio Michelle Edition wears nine-spoke Bimoto 21-inch rims wrapped in huge Michelin tires. The brakes have been upgraded to 15-inch rotors with 8-piston calipers and the suspension is a new lowered unit. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Exceptional performance and breathtaking dynamism coupled with the intense sensations of open-top driving: Audi presents the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro. Its lightweight cloth top opens and closes fully automatically; several body parts are made of a carbon fiber composite material. Unlike the Coupe, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. The side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite. Two arched cowls, which extend to the spoiler lip and include large, integrated air vents, give the rear of the open-top two-seater a powerful profile. Like every open-top Audi, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro has a cloth top—an uncompromising solution for a high-performance sports car. The soft top’s approximate weight is a mere 66 pounds; it thus keeps the vehicle’s total weight and center of gravity low. The electrohydraulic soft top opens and closes in 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 31 mph. The open-top two-seater from Audi features a generously spacious interior. The three-spoke leather multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom as in a race car. The latest version of the navigation system plus with MMI operating logic is also standard in the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro. It features higher resolution and particularly fast route calculation. The system’s most visible new feature is the high-resolution, 6.5-inch display. A worldwide first is the optional seatbelt microphone, which makes it possible to talk on the phone even with the top down at speed. The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro dazzles with uncompromising performance. The normally aspirated engine produces 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Peak output of 525 hp is reached at 8,000 rpm, and the rev limit is not reached until 8,700 rpm. Performance reflects this awesome potential: 0 – 62 in 4.1 seconds; 0 – 124 in 12.7 seconds; top speed is 194 with the six-speed manual transmission. The 5.2-liter engine features FSI direct fuel injection. The high 12.5:1 compression ratio that this enables contributes to the high performance and good fuel efficiency. Equipped with a manual transmission, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro consumes an average of 15.7 mpg – a good figure given its power. With R tronic, this figure improves to 16.9 mpg. Dry sump lubrication, another motorsports technology, ensures that the supply of oil is maintained even at the maximum lateral acceleration of 1.2 g. The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI is also available with an optional automatic six-speed transmission. The R tronic offers a normal and a sport program as well as a fully automatic and a manual mode. The manual mode allows the driver to make lightning-fast gear changes using the joystick on the center tunnel or with the paddles on the steering wheel. The open-air sports car also comes with “Launch Control”—a program that manages engagement of the clutch perfectly to maximize acceleration at start. The Quattro permanent all-wheel drive features a central viscous coupling and distributes power to all four wheels with a heavy rear bias. It works together with the locking differential on the rear axle to provide significantly greater traction, stability, cornering speed and precision. It is the superior technology – in particular for a high-performance sports car. The R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro rolls on 19-inch wheels of 10-spoke Y design. The front rims are shod with 235/35 tires, with 295/30 tires at the back. 305/30 tires are optionally available. The brakes offer impressive performance: The four discs are internally ventilated and perforated, with eight-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the back. Its base price will be 156,400 euros. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Audi TT S Roadster

NEWS & REVIEWS Even with its new longer, wider body and harder-edged lines, Audis’ cute-as-a-basket-of-spaniel-puppies TT still has a tough time shaking off its ‘chick car’ image. Apart from handing out loaners to Ice-T, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, you’re best solution as a car maker is to crank up the horsepower; which is exactly what Audi has done with the TT. Enter the TTS with more oomph from a new direct injection version of its 2.0-liter turbo ‘four’. Max power goes up from 200 hp to a more serious 265 hp—which is 15 more horses than the 3.2-liter V-6. Mated to it is Audi’s latest six-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox, enabling the TTS to gallop from standstill to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Direct injection also gives the four-banger a locomotive-like 258 lb.-ft. of torque that comes on tap from just 2,500 rpm. Take your pick of coupe or roadster versions when the TTS goes on sale this November. Just don’t call it cute. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Audi TT S

NEWS & REVIEWS Even with its new longer, wider body and harder-edged lines, Audis’ cute-as-a-basket-of-spaniel-puppies TT still has a tough time shaking off its ‘chick car’ image. Apart from handing out loaners to Ice-T, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, you’re best solution as a car maker is to crank up the horsepower; which is exactly what Audi has done with the TT. Enter the TTS with more oomph from a new direct injection version of its 2.0-liter turbo ‘four’. Max power goes up from 200 hp to a more serious 265 hp—which is 15 more horses than the 3.2-liter V-6. Mated to it is Audi’s latest six-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox, enabling the TTS to gallop from standstill to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Direct injection also gives the four-banger a locomotive-like 258 lb.-ft. of torque that comes on tap from just 2,500 rpm. Take your pick of coupe or roadster versions when the TTS goes on sale this November. Just don’t call it cute. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Audi TT RS

NEWS & REVIEWS Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one at that. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with direct gasoline injection; it produces 340 bhp and 331.90 lb.-ft. of torque. The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a top-notch sports car – available as a coupé or roadster. Audi has resumed using this recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct gasoline injection to elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 340 bhp from a displacement of 2,480 cc a specific output of 137.1 bhp per liter. The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 3,196.70 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds; the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 155.34 mph is merely the official figure for both versions; as an option, Audi can increase it to 173.98 mph. The Roadster has a weight of 3,328.98 pounds thanks to its extremely lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle. Almost even more impressive is the aggressive pulling power. The maximum torque of 331.90 lb.-ft. is always available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. In addition, the TT RS overtakes without the slightest effort. Last but not least, its engine makes passengers’ skin tingle time and again thanks to its speedy and powerful response, its inspiring free-revving character, and its unmistakably guttural tailpipes: five-cylinder classical music by Audi! When an Audi TT RS driver pushes the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, a flap installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the exhaust noise even more robust and intense while boosting engine responsiveness. An optional Sport exhaust system is available with matt black tailpipe trims and sound flap. The Audi TT RS features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its heart lies at the rear axle: an electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. If a situation calls for it, the clutch redirects a majority of the torque input from the front wheels to the rear wheels. The standard sports chassis, which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 inches), features tightly tuned springs and shock absorbers. The optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system allows the driver to select one of two modes for the shock absorbers by simply pushing the Sport button. Dynamic mode enables the TT RS to hug the road; Comfort mode provides a pleasantly balanced ride perfect for long journeys. The sportiest version in the TT model line boasts 18-inch wheels fitted with 245/45 tires. They are complemented by mighty ventilated disc brakes, which measure 14.57 in. in diameter at the front and 12.20 in, at the rear. At just 13.78 feet in length, the vigorously compact Audi TT RS hints at its explosive potential from the very first glimpse. The front spoiler tapers downward into a splitter, reminiscent of a racing car. The large and squared air inlets have diamond-shaped inserts. And the high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matt aluminum look and the TT RS badge bear the same styling. The xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights notify faraway drivers that an Audi TT RS is approaching. Sales of the Audi TT RS begin in March; deliveries are scheduled to begin this summer. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Audi S8

NEWS & REVIEWS Word on the street is that Audi is planning a major makeover for its A8 luxo-barge in 2009 for the 2010 model year. It’ll get a fresh platform, more engine options – including the big V-12 TDI diesel boasting around 740 lb-ft of torque, plus a V-6 hybrid. The performance S8 version is also expected to get a power hike for its Lambo-derived V-10 bumping it up to an impressive 520 horsepower. That’s what the crystal ball gazers say. Until then the big S8 soldiers on, providing the mouth-watering cocktail of a luxury flagship that goes like absolute stink. While 450 hp might not seem too thrilling in these days of 500-plus AMG Benz super-sedans, it feels like a lot more courtesy of the S8’s lightweight aluminum body. Adaptive air suspension gives the car a magic carpet-like ride quality while all-wheel drive helps keep it rock-steady at 150-plus mph on the Autobahn. And inside its interior design still sets the standard. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Audi S6

NEWS & REVIEWS Nein, nein, nein! Zee wee-10 engine in zee Audi S6 is not from zee Lamborghini Gallardo. Believe that and you’ll believe Michael Jackson is an alien. Wait a sec. Let’s call it ‘loosely derived’ from the Lambo V-10 – after all Audi and Lamborghini are part of the VW Group, so the corporate parts bin is open to all. What matters is that there’s a big 5.2-liter 10-cylinder under the S6’s hood punching out 435 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque—enough to launch this sleek ’n sexy four-door to 60 mph from standstill in a whisker over five seconds. Standard Quattro all-wheel drive takes care of delivering all that muscle to all four wheels, while surgically precise steering makes it amazingly agile through the twisties. No, it’s not in the same power league as the 500-hp duo of BMW M5 and Merc E63 AMG, but it’s arguably just as much of a joy to drive. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Audi S5 CABRIOLET

NEWS & REVIEWS The top-of-the-line model of the new Cabriolet production series from Audi is the S5 Cabriolet. The letter "S" stands for Sport - for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency. The Audi S5 Cabriolet's engine is a newly developed, supercharged, three-liter V6. The pressure in the 3.0 TFSI is generated by a mechanical supercharger - with impressive results: The power output tops out at 245 kW (333 hp), the torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm remains constant at a generous 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft). The powerful thrust and the spontaneous, aggressive response make for a fascinating driving experience. The S5 Cabriolet is catapulted in 5.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and accelerates up to a preset top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Yet at 9.6 liters* per 100 km (24.5 US mpg), its fuel efficiency is highly impressive (preliminary values). Standard equipment of the Audi S5 Cabriolet includes the servotronic, the seven-speed S tronic and the quattro drive system package. The sport differential is optional. A sport suspension keeps the body close to the road. The 18-inch cast aluminum wheels are equipped with 245/40 tires. The black brake calipers are emblazoned with S5 emblems. The acoustic top, xenon plus headlights, electrically adjustable sport seats with Alcantara leather upholstery, and a multifunction sport steering wheel are also standard equipment. Diverse design features contribute to a distinctively sporty styling, including modifications at the lower front and back panels, at the air intakes and at the tailpipes. In the interior, special seat upholstery, door sill trims and inlays in matt brushed aluminum underscore the high-quality, dynamic style of the high-end model. The pointers of the instruments are illuminated white to contrast with the gray scales. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge