2012 Audi R8 / Review

2012 Audi R8

Audi first unveiled the R8 -- its first ever mid-engine sports cars -- for the 2008 model year, and the model has continued largely unchanged in base trim since.
The base 4.2 R8 has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and starts at $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.
The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. LEDs are also used in the engine bay to make the impressive V8 visible even at night.
Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered. Claimed zero to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative.

Interior

The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.
With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customization options for the interior.

The drivetrain

At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-meters from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides ample thrust in most driving situation.
The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick gear-shift on the center console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. 'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.
The car is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.

The chassis
The chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.
Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.
Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.
Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.
The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tires at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low center of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.

Equipment and trim

Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to maneuver into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format color monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.
A total of eight exterior colors are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.
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Specs:
Curb Weight (lbs)     3605
City (MPG)     11
Hwy (MPG)     20
Horsepower     430@7900
Torque (lb-ft)     316@4500
Wheelbase     104.3
Length (in.)     174.5
Width (in.)     79.9
Height (in.)     49.3

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Audi Motorsport to Launch much improved New R8 LMS Ultra for 2012 Season

Audi Motorsport 's New R8 LMS Ultra

To replace a car that has scored 115 wins and 12 international and national titles in just three years. This is the challenge undertaken by the engineers of Audi's quattro GmbH who had to develop an even more competitive version of the successful R8 LMS named Ultra.
The managing director of the department, Werner Frowein, says: "Our customer teams provided us with valuable suggestions and stated the wishes for the various fields in which the car is used. We analyzed them, and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details.”
First of the “to do” list was reduce the car's weight. The new doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in combination with high-energy absorbing new crash foams shave pounds while at the same time, along with the new PS1 seat, increase the level of passive safety.
Next up was the chassis. The R8 LMS ultra has an inch larger front wheels (12- instead of 11-inches) along with wider 30-65/18 Michelin tires.
Bilstein has developed new, lighter compression- and rebound-adjustable dampers, while the silent rubber mounts of the suspension transverse control arms now have uniball joints, and the optimized cooling at the front wheels ensures better durability during the race.
The 5.2-liter, mid-mounted V10 that is based on the production car’s unit and, according to regulations, delivers up to 570HP, has been fitted with a new exhaust system that features race catalytic converters and increases torque at lower revs.
In the name of reliability, which is of the utmost importance in endurance races, quattro GmbH has updated the transmission as well as the cooling system. The R8 LMS Ultra sports larger coolers for the engine oil and transmission fluids, enlarged side vents for increased air flow to the engine and better air supply to the front radiator.
The tweaked aerodynamics complete the changes over the 2011 model. The R8 LMS Ultra has a wider front hood, which according to the homologation rules of every series, can be equipped with louvers.
Work in the wind tunnel has dictated a more efficient positioning for the larger rear wing to maximize downforce and minimize drag on the rear end, while at the front a new front plate helps achieve the optimal aerodynamic balance.
The new R8 LMS Ultra costs €329,900.00 plus VAT and deliveries will commence in March 2012. Audi can also retrofit the 2012 package to all existing R8 LMS racers.
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2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

Basic Specs
City (MPG) : 21/Hwy (MPG) :29  Horsepower : 211@4300-6000  Torque (lb-ft) : 258@1500-4200

Audi took the wraps off its redesigned A4 Avant station wagon for the latest model year. Based directly on the new A4 Sedan, the Avant model is larger and more advanced than its predecessor.
Compared to the old model, the proportions have been adjusted noticeably. The front overhang has been shortened, and the hood and the wheelbase have gained considerably in length. The newly developed five-link front axle has been shifted farther forward. This ensures that the axle loads are better distributed, thereby improving handling.
The new A4 Avant measures 15.42 feet in length, 4.72 inches longer than the previous model. The body structure is considerably more rigid and stronger, yet is around 10 percent lighter at the same time.
Visually, the Avant is very similar to the new Sedan. The flat D-pillars create a more dynamic silhouette than those of past A4 wagons. The new A4 Avant will roll off the production line on 16 inch and 17 inch alloy wheels.
As with the sedan, the interior is all-new, featuring more legroom, improved materials, and more comfort overall. The driver-oriented cockpit borrows many features from the larger A8, Audi says. Thanks to the new electro-mechanical parking brake, the manual parking brake was no longer necessary, creating more space in the center console area.
Audi claims a maximum storage space of 50.50 cubic feet is the largest luggage capacity in the wagon's competitive field. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats also come with the option of a load-through hatch with separate ski and snowboard bag.

2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon interior

Engine
While Europe will get the Avant with a choice of three diesel engine and two gasoline ones, Audi says the sole engine for North America will be a new turbocharged four-cylinder.
Gone are the multiple engine offerings, and in place of six and four-cylinder offerings is a single, 2.0-liter TFSI engine. This turbocharged four-cylinder engine is good for an impressive 211 horsepower from 4,300 to 6,000 rpm, and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.
For the A4 Avant, the only transmission choice is the Tiptronic eight-speed transmission, rated at 21 city, 29 highway miles per gallon. This model is only available with quattro all-wheel drive.

Safety
Collision safety is improved by a combination of adaptive airbags, belt tensioners with variable belt force limiters and seat position sensors on the front seats to best protect occupants. In case of a rear-end collision, the backs of the front seats and the head rests support the upper body.
An electronic stabilization program (ESP) is standard, and can be partially switched off when driving under 44 mph. A new variable steering ratio system adjusts by nearly 100 percent depending on the speed driven.

High-tech features
Optional high-tech systems include the Audi parking system (a parking aid; standard for the A4 Avant Ambiente), Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist (which warns of hazards when changing lane). Adaptive cruise control maintains the distance to the vehicle in front.
The Audi Music Interface (AMI) allows iPods and similar devices to be connected. The navigation systems with MMI Basic plus or with DVD including MMI are also further upgrade options. They permit the integration of cell phones as Bluetooth car phones and are combined with the MMI operating system. A high-performance Bang & Olufsen audio system is available with a 505 watt, ten-channel amplifier that controls 14 speakers.

Packages
The new Audi A4 Avant will roll off the production line in the Attraction, Ambition, and Ambiente equipment lines. The dynamic S line offers the options of an exterior package and a sports package. The range of options includes luxury-class features such as air-conditioned comfort seats, the triple-zone climate control system, the advanced key which allows keyless access to the vehicle and vehicle start-up at the press of a button, and the dynamic cornering light system known as adaptive light. The large panoramic glass sunroof lights up the interior.

WATCH VIDEO

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Special Cars/Audi Q3

There's been a gaping hole in luxury makers lineups between entry-level sedans and entry-level crossovers and small SUVs. Audi is looking to change all that. Based on the affordable, compact VW Tiguan crossover, the new Audi Q3 (€30,000; roughly $43,500) improves on Veedub's formula with more agressive, Audi-esque styling, LED lighting, your choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and options like Quattro all-wheel drive, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, lane change assist, a park assist system, an MMI navigation system with a seven-inch color screen, Bluetooth, a hard drive, and GPS, adaptive cruise control, and adaptive xenon headlights. In other words, everything you'd expect, just in a smaller package.

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Special Cars/Audi E-tron Spyder Concept

Audi keeps on growing its e-tron family. The automaker pulled a fast one by unveiling yet another electrified monster at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, only this time, the low-slung hybrid came sans-top. The concept is powered by two electric motors and a 300-horsepower twin-turbo TDI V6 that comes to the fight with 479 pound-feet of torque. Audi says that despite the hefty 9.1 kilowatt-hour battery mounted up front, it managed to keep the weight low and distribute the pounds evenly across the chassis. As a result, this e-tron should be plenty flingable if it ever makes it off of the stage and onto a public road.

The Audi E-tron Spyder Concept is a further development of the E-tron coupe shown at the Detroit auto show earlier this year. In addition to its obvious lack of a roof, the E-tron Spyder is also slightly bigger than the last concept and features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain in place of the pure electric setup shown earlier.

The system relies on torque vectoring rather than electronic traction control to control wheelspin. The engineers calculate the 0-to-62 mph run at 4.4 seconds, and a top speed that would need to be electronically limited to 156 mph. Alternately, one can hit the ZEV button, and the 9.1-kWh battery will whir you along noiselessly for up thirty miles, at a maximum velocity of 37 mph. This e-quattro system is planned for the next generation of hybrid Audis, although in front-engine applications the electric motors will power the rear wheels.

For the conventional engine, why did Audi opt for the diesel and not for a small gasoline direct-injected turbo? “Because for us, diesel equals sportiness and high-performance as well as economy and environment-friendliness,” explains Michael Dick, board member in charge of research and development. “We won Le Mans with a diesel, we are selling an increasing number of TDI-powered TTs [in Europe], and we proved with the R8 V12 TDI concept that even a diesel-engine supercar does have its charm.” 

This show car is proof that Audi has a lot of ideas brewing when it comes to alternative propulsion. We can expect conventional Audi hybrids soon—an A8 is likely to come first and a Q7 shouldn’t be too far behind—but it’s anyone’s guess as to when, or if, a diesel-electric with this type of layout will be on the product schedule. Audi of America head Johan de Nysschen told us that he thinks traditional diesel engines make more sense than hybrids for most Americans, but that the company would sell hybrids because of consumer demand. Marrying the two concepts in a passenger vehicle is a good idea, but doing so in a sexy sports car like this is an even better one.

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2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder Officially Announced/ A Review

Audi has finally lifted the wraps off its much awaited R8 GT Spyder, the new V10 powered convertible that promises to deliver breathtaking performance. As you may know already, the Audi R8 GT Coupe was unveiled one year ago and the German manufacturer sold all the 333 units of the car. Just like the coupe, the R8 GT Spyder will also be produced on a limited edition of just 333 units, each carrying a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.

Sprinting from 0-62mph in a Lambo-beating 3.8sec before hitting a 197mph top speed, the R8 GT Spyder has had 187.39 lb (85kg) stripped from the R8 Spyder’s aluminium frame thanks to carbon-fibre skin and seats. The mid-engined supercar weighs 3,615.58 lb (1640kg), thumps out 552bhp and 398lb ft from its 5.2-litre, direct-injection V10 engine and is based around an aluminium space-frame chassis weighing just 471.79 lb (214kg).

Visually, the R8 GT Spyder sets itself apart with a dual-lip front spoiler, carbon fiber winglets on the front bumper, round tailpipes, a larger rear diffuser and dark LED taillights.

Made in limited run of 333 units, it is listed with a base price of €207,800 ($300,000) in Germany. Keen buyers in US have to wait as pricing of the 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder is not yet announced in their part part of the globe.

Press Release:

Even lighter, even more powerful, even more captivating: The Audi R8 GT Spyder delivers breathtaking performance. The open-top flagship version of the high-performance sports car develops 412 kW (560 hp) and – thanks to Audi ultra – has trimmed a full 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) from an already low weight. The R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph).

One year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT in coupe form as the new flagship model of the R8 model line. It wasn’t long before all 333 units in the limited series were sold out. Now the open-top version of the high-performance sports car is being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each car sports a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.

The Audi ultra lightweight technology is the key to the R8 GT Spyder’s weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb). That’s 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 214 kilograms (471.79 lb) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.

The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 5.5 kilograms (12.13 lb).

Visual modifications accentuate the styling of the R8 GT Spyder. These include add-on parts in contrasting titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi offers an optional windshield frame in matt CFRP.

Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels and brakes. In the interior, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), saved 31.5 kilograms (69.45 lb) of weight.

In classic Audi fashion, the R8 GT Spyder features a lightweight fabric soft top that is extremely quiet and fully suitable for highway cruising. Its electrohydraulic drive brings it up or down in 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The extendible glass rear window is nestled in the bulkhead, separate from the soft top. Integrated in the bulkhead is a rollover protection system comprising two pretensioned plates.

Prodigious power: the drivetrain

The performance offered by the new top-of-the-line model in the R8 family is formidable. The 5.2-liter V10 with an aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil even under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration.

With its modified electronic management, the long-stroke engine produces 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and its peak output is 412 kW (560 hp). Each unit of horsepower has only 2.93 kilograms (6.46 lb) to move.

The R8 GT Spyder catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph). In every situation, the engine impresses with its thrust and bite – and that unmistakable sound of an Audi ten-cylinder.

The R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick. At high load and revs, gear changes take only one-tenth of a second. The launch control program manages the starting sprint with high engine speed and precision-control of the tire slip.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a strong rear-wheel bias, granted by the axle load distribution. If the situation calls for it, the system sends additional torque to the front axle. In tandem with the limited slip differential at the rear, it provides an added measure of traction, stability and cornering speed, giving it a strong lead over the rear-wheel-drive competition.

The suspension, too, is unrivaled in its performance. Aluminum double wishbones locate the wheels, and the rack-and-pinion power steering provides intimate contact with the road. Taut tuning lowers the body by approximately 10 millimeters (0.39 in). The open high-performance sports car has 19-inch wheels, with 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear. The large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the car with supreme ease. The ESP stabilization program has a sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

Pure comfort: the interior and equipment

Great attention to detail is evident in the materials and workmanship inside the car. The salient aspect of the controls is their logically structured design. The open two-seater offers a roomy interior, and its front end can accommodate up to 100 liters (3.53 cu. ft) of cargo. The rear bulkhead houses three storage compartments.

The interior is black and can be adorned with stitching in a choice of titanium gray or crimson for added refinement. Alcantara upholstery comes standard – on the sport steering wheel and windshield frame, too.

Audi also offers leather in Fine Nappa quality. Numerous details – including white dials and R8 GT logos – provide classy accents. The distinctive R8 “monoposto,” a large arch encircling the driver’s cockpit, is made of matt CFRP.

Audi ultra requires no sacrifice on the part of R8 GT Spyder owners. The standard equipment includes LED headlights, LED tail lights, an automatic air conditioning system, the navigation system plus, an alarm system and the driver information system with a built-in laptimer.

Audi also offers a sophisticated sound system from Bang & Olufsen and a Bluetooth interface including a seatbelt microphone for carrying on a phone conversation conveniently. Options specific to the R8 GT include bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chassis, matt CFRP applications and embroidered logos on the seat upholstery.

The R8 GT Spyder will have a base price in Germany of 207,800 euros.

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