2011 Audi A6 and a little History about the A6

The Audi A6 is a luxrury sedan offered in the U.S. since the mid 90's. Before it adopted its current name, the car was named Audi 500 and also was known as the Audi 100 and Audi 200 for a short time. Though it's typically front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is available, the Audi A6 competes against other rear wheel drive cars like the Mercedes-Benz E Class, the BMW 5 Series, the Infinit M37 and M56, and the Cadillac STS.

The first American market A6 arrived in showrooms as a 1995 model. In that generation, the A6 name merely moved to the existing Audi 100 chassis with a light facelift. A more distinct new A6 arrived in 1998, both in sedan and wagon forms. Again offered with a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, the A6 also had front-wheel drive, available quattro all-wheel drive, and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, along with new features like stability control, side airbags and a navigation system.

Audi Makes new Quattro Concept

Audi has redesigned the old Quattro, for its 30th birthday. It has all wheel drive which is nice, it's a 408hp, turbocharged inline-5 engine. With almost an all carbon fiber interior, when and if this car comes out, it will be nice to see an old legend on the street, and the real meaning of Audi.

Pure Power - ABTs new super sports car, the AS5-R

ABT Sportsline has achieved plenty of success with the AS5, which is based on Audi’s A5 - as the coupe has a dynamic and elegant design, is full of technical power and also quick. All this makes it a "real” ABT. Now the company from Kempten has brought out the jewel in this range - the AS5-R. This vehicle is an ab(t)solute super sports car, nothing more and nothing less. Thanks to ABT POWER R, i.e. the change to the engine management and the insertion of an ABT Compressor, the performance is increased by an impressive 156 HP (115kW) to a powerful 510 HP (375kW). The AS5-R reaches 0-62 mpg in 4.5 seconds and continues on powerfully up to its maximum speed of 181 mph. In spite of this enormous increase in performance, consumption and thereby emissions still remain at the level of the series-produced vehicle.

As is normal with ABT, all the components are perfectly adjusted to the enormous power of a top sports car. The ABT braking system with 15 inch disc diameter this provides maximum braking power even in extreme circumstances, and the ABT Coil-over suspension system also helps to bring the potential power onto the road. Motor sport professional Christian ABT has made this perfectinteraction of power with his know-how. The result is a top-class driving machine, which is also enjoyable in everyday use and is pleasant to drive on long journeys. The ABT AS5-R is therefore a maximum of a car – and a statement which shows the high level at which the engineers from Allgaeu work.

Its "suit” fits, of course, like a glove: The front spoiler accentuates the ABT grill and the striking section around the fog lights, inner fender skirt and the gill-shaped air inlets provide contours to the side of the ABT AS5-R. They have also succeeded on the side which most drivers only rarely get to see: The rear with the ABT rear skirt and 4-pipe rear muffler shows that this model athlete on wheels is more than “just” a car. The designers of ABT recommend the 20 inch BR alloys as the perfect accessory. Wheel-tyre combinations with height performance tires are, of course, also available. Only with these accessories can the fast AS5-R safely unleash its power. And it has lots of it.

Audi R8 Mercury Cougar Replica

The thing about replicas is that most of the times you're impressed with the effort that went into building one rather than the overall result. But in the case of the Audi R8 replica that was made out of a European 2001 Ford Cougar 2.5 V6 by Alberto Gavach Fuertes from Zaragoza, Spain, we must admit that we're also amazed from the outcome. For those that are swift to criticize, bear in mind that Alberto managed to approximate the looks and proportions of a mid-engined sportscar using a front-engined, front-wheel drive coupe.

Sure many will find that some exterior details are either wrongly presented (front spoiler) or missing (tailpipes), or even that the interior of the car, with the exception of the unnecessary 'R8' badge on the steering wheel, is all stock, but you have to hand it to this guy for doing a spectacular job.

Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans Concept

The age of the diesel supercar has dawned. Ferrari should worry.

New: Volkswagen Golf GTI

Since the debut of the first and the discontinuation of the fifth generation, more than 1.7 million buyers made the GTI to the world’s bestseller. Now the new GTI is at the ready: at the Paris Motor Show (4th to 19th October 2008) Volkswagen will be demonstrating the design study of the new Golf GTI at its world premiere.

The GTI suspension with a new electronic limited-slip diff (XDS) defines curves and traction in a completely new way. A GTI with a top speed of 240 km/h that with its 155 kW / 210 bhp strong turbocharged engine is even more fun and, on average, only uses 7.5 litres.

The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 – as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine. The engine develops already at 1,800 rpm a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The sprint from 0 to 60mph is achieved in 6.9 seconds. A stand-off between wind resistance and output occurs only just at 240 km/h.

Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. Furthermore, the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

"We wanted a purposefully clear GTI design. A car that has power but also style," summarises the Volkswagen AG's chief designer Walter de’Silva. The design study of the sixth generation presented in Paris blends in both style elements of the GTI icons. Details like the typical honeycombed radiator grill and the V-shaped bonnet, stretching over the head lights, contribute to the GTI V. The clean and horizontal structure clearly originates from the GTI I. Because of the styling as well as the underlining horizontal graphic of the front section the Golf GTI design study appears visually wider (1.78 meter), lower (1.47 meter) and more dynamic than any other car in its class.

Audi R8 is Now Also Available for the Water

This catamaran is heavily inspired by the Audi R8, Design ordered from a Dubai race boat company. Will use one V10 diesel or 2 regular V-8s and will be run on bio fuel for the diesel. Boat is 8.8 meters and expected speeds are in the 100-110 MPH range. The coupe has gull wing doors for access to cockpit area.

MTM Tunes Audi R8

MTM has been tuning  Audis for more than 20 years, and they have put that experience into developing a new twin-screw supercharger system that pairs up to the 4.2-liter V8 in the Audi R8. The addition of forced induction brings a total output of 552 hp, coincidentally matching the output of the R8's cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. In addition to the supercharger kit, MTM also offers a complete line of products for the R8 including brake upgrades, 20" forged wheels, high-flow exhaust system, and a variety of exterior style upgrades.

Audi Metroproject Quatro A1 Concept

The small car market is heating up fast, even for carmaker brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the latter of which has the majority of the market cornered with its MINI sub-brand. The Bimmer competitor from Ingolstadt plans on attacking that market with its A1 subcompact, but unlike the Metroproject concept from Tokyo, the new A1 due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show will sport four doors. Europeans are likely to get a production model spawned from the concept, which will likely be built in Brussels, Belgium and be introduced as a 2009 model. An electric model could follow shortly thereafter. Will the U.S. be blessed with another Germanic mini car? Audi's elusive Magic 8-Ball tells us "Not Likely," but with sales of the MINI going strong it's entirely too early to count it out completely.

Audi Q5 by ABT

The Audi Q5 is not yet available in the U.S., and we can already show you the second tuner package for the car. After Digi-Tec, the Audi Q5 received another tuning program from another major German tuner, ABT. The new body kit consists in a new front grille in the ABT style, a completely re-designed front bumper with integrated fog lights, new stylish side sills, a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust system and rear air diffuser and a rear roof spoiler.

Under the hood, the 2.0 TDI engine received a power boost of 20 hp, developing now 190 hp, while the 3.0 TDI engine develops now 310 hp. The 2.0 TFSI engine was also boosted from 211 hp to 240 hp. More details when the official information will be released.

Source: Top Speed

2009 Audi RS 6 - Twin Turbo V10, AWD, Coming to the United States!

The 2009 Audi RS6 is among the most beautiful luxury sports cars in the world. In the German horsepower war that is now bordering on ridiculous, Audi has positioned the RS6 against mid-size super luxury sport sedans from BMW M-Power and Mercedes-Benz AMG. Audi's RS line falls somewhere between the BMW ideal, that is to say making complete, well-tuned drivers cars with servicable amounts of power, and the AMG model of outputting as much horsepower as possible, and then trying to surround the AMG dream motors with components that can handle that incredible thrust.

Audi's RS6 Sedan, complementing the Avant, a wagon model that has been released in Europe, has been long awaited by Audi fans worldwide. The 2009 RS6 has styling following Audi's new design direction. All of the German luxury automakers are shifting away from the design fad toward shapely -- if perhaps overstyled -- models in favor of a more simple and clean designs. The RS6 does a performance number on the Audi A6 and S6 models, managing to look refreshingly exciting without screaming, "Hey, look at me, I have money and my car is faster than yours!" 2009 RS6 performance numbers are astounding. The mid-size luxury sedan, which can hardly be called a sleeper but will still surprise many a hardcore tuner at a stoplight fight, runs the 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, according to Audi. Real-world tests are not yet available, but as the RS6 has 580 horsepower on tap from a twin-turbocharged V10 (!!) it is possible that the RS6 will run slightly quicker numbers than Audi admits.

Like nearly all German performance cars, the Audi RS6 is electronically limited to 155 mph, but for those speed buffs who want to utilize the whole force of this sweet V10, Audi offers a performance boosting option for the RS6 that will raise the governer to 174 mph. Read on for the official Audi news release, with all the details on the forthcoming RS6 luxury sport sedan.

Engine

Power bhp: 580

Torque lb-ft: 479

Type: Twin Turbo V10

Performance

Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.6 Seconds

Top Speed: 174 mph

Audi Q7 - The Je Design

What do you get when JE DESIGN combines its special paintwork “Red Rocket” with its Audi Q7 aerodynamics kit “Street Sport”? JE DESIGN “Street Rocket”! An elegant luxury vehicle with integrated show-effect.

The JE DESIGN “Street Rocket” gets its really sporty look from the body construction set "Street Sport" (€5,719). JE DESIGN unites a new front spoiler, double headlights including headlight shutters, side rocker panels and a new lower back apron extension to create an appearance bursting with dynamic energy. It harmonizes perfectly with the Audi lines making the refined Q7 continue to radiate its typical elegance. The JE DSIGN double trapezoid tail pipes in chromium-plated stainless steel (€988) present a further highlight. The LED door exit lights on the vehicle underside (rocker panels x 5 / lower back aprons x 6) for €1,500, are guaranteed to steal the show, particularly at night.

Thanks to its special paintwork "Red Rocket", with special low gloss effect and superior brilliance which JE DESIGN offers for €15,000 , JE DESIGN’s “Street Rocket” definitely stands out well among the crowd.

2008 B&B Audi S5

The new Audi S5, tuned by B&B, reaches in the B&B level 1 modification having 300 hp and impressive 325 hp in level 2, as 3.0 TDI version. The classical Audi S5 4.2 V8 can be optimized in 5 stages up to a maximum of power of 400hp. This allows speedup to 62 mph in under 5 seconds and possible top speed of 175 mph in association with the annulment of the speed limiter.

To stabilize the A5 steering performance B&B uses a special sport chassis which reduces the height of the original chassis by max. 40mm. In combination with the new B12 wheels in
9” x 20” with maximum tyres in 255/30-20 the whole modification allows higher rates of turn and a firmer handling of the car.To meet the risen requirements an adapted aerodynamic program including B&B sport end pipes “RS-Style” is as well available and finishes the aesthetical appearance of the Audi A5.

Audi S3 - Review

Put to one side for a moment all the elements that put the S3 in the premium car sector and it's soon apparent that it also performs the primary task of a hot hatch: providing an engaging and fun drive.The turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-litre engine generates an impressive 261bhp and 258lb-ft of torque, with the turbo lag of old greatly reduced, thanks to changes made by Audi's engineers.

All this power means that the 0-62mph sprint takes place in just 5.8 seconds, putting it in the same territory as cars such as the BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z and Lotus Elise. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.The six-speed manual gearbox - which is crisp and provides accurate changes - is the only option available at the moment, but Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic will become available a later date.Thanks to the Audi's Quattro system, the power is distributed to all four wheels as and when required by road conditions, so the car always has plenty of traction and high levels of mechanical grip.

Read Full Review at Channel 4

2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur is more comfortable, more refined, and more opportunities for customer personalization. It is the most powerful four door saloon in the world with a V12 twin turbo engine. Which produces 600 hp and 553 lb-ft torque. It goes from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and has top speed of 195 mph. Which is really not the purpose of this car. The purpose of the car is to ride in style and let everyone know you have money to buy something like. Instead of buying a Ferrari you buy this because you have kids and a wife, meaning you need a car that has more than 2 seats. This car is more than expected when you find out what kind of features the British manufacturer Bentley offers you. Park distance control system with new graphics on infotainment screen, new, follow-to-stop precision radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control with five time-gap settings, new optional full width rear seat with electrically adjustable outboard positions and fixed central seat, and there is just too much to list.

Engine
Power bhp: 600
Torque lb-ft: 553
Type: V12 Twin-Turbo 6.0L

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.9 Seconds
Top Speed: 195

Base Price For Bentley Continental Flying Spur: $176,285

ASI Tetsu GTR: Flower Power

The Bentley ASI Tetsu GTR, is a Japanese-modified Bentley Continental GT, that proves it's not only the Europeans who have bad taste in accesorizing their cars.

I'm not sure what offends me the most about the Tetsu. Is it the awful R8-mimicking rear end with DTM-spec rear wing? Maybe it's the jarring juxt aposition of the carbon-fibre bonnet with flower decals, which is apparently the work of renowned Japanese artist Nakamura Tetsui.

Which doesn't make it any more acceptable.

ASI has fettled an extra 250bhp from the Conti's six-litre W12 engine - bringing overall power to a nice round 800bhp - but doesn't specify how. Alchemy and witchcraft, perhaps. Over all the Tetsu is just one ugly car, that looks like it was designed by a crack head on lsd.

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept

Audi brings you a new A3 TDI model, a true high tech sports car, made by TDI who exceeds in the field of engine manufacturers. The Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro, is a two door A3 which makes the new design cleaner and more appealing then ever. The drive power is connected to 20 " rims with a six speed transmission. A Four cylinder engine that produces up to 224 hp and does 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds. The A3 TDI is pure power with turbo chargers or supercharges to boost it up. Most importantly the A3 TDI is safe to the environment with an engine which is low on emissions and high on efficiency.

Engine

Power bhp: 224

Torque lb-ft: 331.90

Type: Four-cylinder TDI with common rail injection

Performance

Acceleration 0-62 mph: 6.6 seconds

Top Speed: 149 mph

2007 Audi S8

Audi S8 has always been one of my favorite luxury sedan. Although you can't say they copy Mercedes or BMW they have a style of their own. Providing comfort with performance and style. With a ration of 40:60 (front/rear) the new s8 is an idealistic performance car, that carries Audi's first V10, with an all famous quattro all wheel drive system, stabilizing control and handles of the vehicle. The engine provides 450 hp and 400 torque and can do 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The price is not as much as I thought it would, after all it competing with other luxury performance vehicles, the pricing starts at $92,000 compared to a BMW 760li which is $122,000, also a V12 and does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. The 760li in result is just a little bit slower off the line.

Engine

Power bhp: 450

Torque lb-ft: 400

Type: V10

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds

Top Speed: 155 (electronically limited)

Lamborghini Reventon Arrives in Las Vegas

Sometimes people say the best gifts come in small packages. We beg to differ, because if someone were to deliver us the big 'ol box you see above, we'd probably think it was the best gift ever. In that box is Lamborghini Reventon number one of twenty. Apparently, it's the only example which will be sold privately via a traditional dealership -- in this case, Lamborghini of Las Vegas. The other nineteen were all spoken for before ever leaving the factory. If you're a Zsports Cars reader vacationing in Vegas, you know what to do if you jackpot one of those hundred-dollar slots.

1.5 Million Audi A3 Cars Built

Audi has sold 1.5 million units of its successful A3 model since market launch in 1996. The jubilee car of the compact model built in Ingolstadt is destined for the US market. It is an A3 3.2 quattro in Misano Red, with a 3.2-litre V6 engine generating an output of 250 hp and 236 ft.-lbs. of torque."

The Audi A3 can boast outstanding quality in its class and has hallmarked the market by being the first real premium car in the compact class", says Frank Dreves, Audi Plant Manager in Ingolstadt. Along with the A3, Audi also builds the A4, the A4 Avant and the body of the new Audi TT at its Ingolstadt plant. Further future-oriented models, in the guise of the A5 midsize coup� and the Audi Q5 SUV, are designated to be built at the Ingolstadt plant.

Production of the Audi A3 began at the Ingolstadt plant in 1996. The second generation of the A3 followed in 2003, and June 2004 saw the launch of the five-door A3. At the moment, more than 800 units of the A3 leave the production halls each day and are sent out to customers all over the world. Almost 127,000 units of the Audi A3 were sold worldwide in the first half of 2006 alone. This represents a growth rate of 16.3 percent compared with the same period of last year.

The Audi A3 has made a very significant contribution to the overall success of the brand. "The outstanding way in which the A3 has progressed is thanks to its highly motivated and well-qualified team of workers", Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council at AUDI AG points out. With just under 463,500 vehicles sold in the first half of 2006, Audi has achieved a growth rate up 9.8 percent compared with the same period of last year.