Audi to unveil production version of A8 hybrid

Audi will unveil a production version of the A8 hybrid sedan at the Frankfurt auto show.



Audi said the A8 hybrid uses a four-cylinder gasoline engine for the first time in the A8 range. The 245hp 2.0-liter unit is combined with a 54hp electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack weighing 37kg.



The car has a range of 3km while driven on battery power alone.



Audi says the A8 hybrid will reach 0-100kph (62 mph) in 7.7 seconds and it has a top speed of 235kph (146mph). It uses 6.4 liters of fuel per 100km (44 UK mpg; 36.5 U.S. mpg) and has CO2 emissions of below 148g/km.



The hybrid has an aluminum construction, which Audi says will make it one of the lightest sedans in its category, weighing 231kg, about 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel construction.



The car will go on sale in Europe in late 2012.

Audi RS5 by Senner Tuning

Senner tuning has a new package for the Audi RS5 that adds more than 50 horses to the super sport coupe.

First off is the power upgrade on the 4.2 liter V8 FSI engine which is achieved by the addition of a valve-controlled stainless steel exhaust system and ajustments to the zero-pressure monitoring. By those means, the German tuner dials output up to 506 PS (372 kW / 499 bhp) and 478 Nm (353 lb-ft) from the series 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp). The top speed limiter is also lifted to 280 km/h from the factory 250 km/h setting. Senner even offers to raise it even further to 300 km/h if the car is equipped with the proper tires.

That power boosting makes the Senner-tuned RS5 good for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just 4.2 seconds.

Senner Tuning also adds a B16 PSS10 Bilstein coilover suspension kit with 10-stage adjustable damping for both the compression and rebound cycles.

The tuner then fits the RS5 with 20-inch wheels, 9.5 x 20 for the front and 11 x 20 at the rear, wrapped in Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta (XL) tires in 255/30R20 and 295/25R20 dimensions, front and back respectively. For demonstration, the car pictured here features two sets of rims - Spider SC1's on the driver's side and Varianza T1S on the passenger's.

There's also carbon fabric side mirrors, a new front grille and window frames in Black Edition trim.

For the cabin, the tuner also offers additional carbon fiber and leather trims upon request.

Price for the total package including the fitting, taxes and registration in Germany is €132,800.

Audi Q7 by MR Car Design

MR Car design has a tuning kit that turns the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI into the 'Floating on a Cloud Q-Seven'.

The German tuner, headed by Marc Reilly, starts with a few touches to the body including new LED daytimers and LED indicator strips.

For an output upgrade, the 4.2 liter TDI diesel engine gets a new K & N air filter and some ECU optimization that dials power up to 374 PS/275 kW (series 326 PS/240 kW) and 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) of torque (series 760 Nm/560 lb-ft). MR Car Design also offers to lift the "tiresome" (as they describe it) Vmax and remove any electronic speed limit.

The Erftstadt-based tuner provides the Q7 with new 22-inch alloy wheels, MRGT22, in 9.5 x 22 dimensions with Icebear (polar bear) W300 tires sized 265/35R22. Electronic suspension lowering is also on offer.

For the cabin, customers can opt to borrow the steering wheel from the current Audi RS6 - a special request option by MR Car Design.

Audi A1 1.4 TSI by Senner Tuning

Senner Tuning has unveiled a new styling and performance package for the Audi A1 1.4 TSI.

To give the car some extra pep, the tuner installed a new air box, a revised ECU, and a stainless steel dual exhaust system. Thanks to these tweaks, the four-cylinder engine produces 115 kW (156 PS / 154 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 25 kW (34 PS / 34 hp) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).

On the design front, the car boasts a 35mm reduced ride height and 18-inch Corniche Monza wheels with Hankook S1 Evo tires.

The package is priced from €4,590 ($6,125), but owners can opt for additional items including a sport suspension, carbon fiber trim, and LED tail lights.

2001 Audi A4 trouble starting

I have an Audi A4 2001. sometimes when I start it, after moving it, just cant start even though the radio lights came on. But after say one hour, when I try to Start the engine, it comes on.What could be the problem? And the brakes are hard to press.



Response:

Thus could be caused by a bad starter assembly. Best way to test this is to check for voltage at the starter when it will not start…. if it is getting voltage and not turning over, you guess it = replace the starter.



Brake pedal feel is firm, but brakes lack sufficient stopping power or fade

1.Check the operation of the brake booster and brake booster check valve. Replace worn or failed parts.

2.Check brake linings and brake surface areas for glazing and replace worn or damaged parts.

3.Check for seized hydraulic parts and linkages, and clean or replace as needed.

http://www.freeautomechanic.com/brakes.html

Audi TT-RS with 460hp by AVUS

Avus Performance has unveiled a new tuning package for the Audi TT-RS.

Dubbed the "new Ur-Quattro," the car features a modified ECU, a revised turbocharger, and a high performance exhaust system with racing catalysts. While this doesn't sound like much, the changes enable the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine to produce 460 bhp and more than 472 lb-ft (639 Nm) of torque. In terms of performance, the car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and the top speed is a breathtaking 194 mph (312 km/h).

For comparison, the standard TT-RS "only" has 340 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. It runs from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited 155 mph (250km/h).

Avus also equipped the car with an adjustable coilover suspension (€1299), a matt black vinyl wrap (€1999), and gloss black 20-inch Sportec Mono wheels outfitted with 255/30/20 Hankook S1 Evo tires.

Electric Modles expected to make up 5% of Audi's Car Sales

Audi A1 e-tron

GENEVA – About 5 percent of Audi's new-car sales could be electric models in 10 years, the brand's technology chief Michael Dick said.



At the Geneva auto show last week, Audi unveiled the A1 e-tron, a nearly production-ready concept developed from its new A1 subcompact.



The A1 e-tron is the third electric car concept from the German brand. Audi unveiled larger e-tron cars at the Detroit auto show in January and in Frankfurt last year.



Audi has already said it will bring an e-tron sports car to market in 2012. A prototype will soon be tested and Audi will head into intensive trials with three to four vehicles by the end of the year, Dick said.



Audi's management board hasn't officially made a decision on the A1 e-tron, but it's very likely that the concept will be built, Dick told Automobilwoche. He expects a three-year development period.



The range of the 102-hp A1 e-tron is about 50km in city traffic. A small single rotor Wankel engine achieves an additional range of 200km. When needed, the engine charges the lithium ion battery like a generator.



Audi is developing components and systems that could also be used in smaller electric cars. For example, the battery cell is the same for both the A1 and a larger e-tron sports car concept.

Dick said that, with its e-tron range, about 5 percent of Audi car sales could be electric models by 2020.

Audi TT-RS with 420hp by Abt

ABT Sportsline now has its own interpretation of the iconic Audi ur-Quattro which is based on the new Audi TT RS coupe and Roadster range. That car made not only history but headlines around the world when it took on opponents on the rally circuit and proved itself a more than capable competitor. After 50 years of tuning cars, ABT Sportsline General Manager Hans-Jürgen Abt makes a link between the legend and his company's newest creation.

"Our ur-Quattro is a big banger," he says, "a sports machine which played in the Champions league. Quattro technolog

y and performance are in perfect harmony. The TT RS brings this magical combination back on the road."

The TT RS uses the 5-cylinder layout made famous by the ur-Quattro. What ABT has done is to take it from its standard 250kW (340hp) to 309kW (420hp) by utilising a charge air cooler and optimising the engine electronics. Its 0 - 100km/h time is 4.3 seconds and it can go all the way up to 282km/h (175mph).

ABT is confident that the combination of quattro AWD and its power package gives the compact car exceptional agility and handling abilities.

Q7 Facelift styling kit by Caractere

Belgium-based Volkswagen/ Audi specialist tuner Caractere has released some details regarding the body kit fitted to the facelift Audi Q7. According to the company most of the old vehicle's kit, apart from the front grille, can be used in the new SUV.

Components making up the exterior include the complete front bumper with original fog lights. It is compatible with all the cars whether they come equipped with Park Distance Control or not. The same goes if Adaptive Cruise Control was installed. It even works with the original headlight washers.

Customers who choose the 10-piece set of wheel arch extensions can only have it in conjunction with the Caractère front bumper. Two choices are offered for wheel sizes; a 20-inch and a 22-inch package. The rear features a spoiler with left and right tips to accommodate cars with or without a tow bar.

Caractère assures that the body kit is not affected by the S-Line exterior package and that it is TÜV certified.

Caractere styling kit for Audi A5 Cabrio

After unveiling their sexy body kit for the Audi A5/S5 coupe last year, Caractere has decided to offer a similar series of styling accessories for the new A5/S5 Cabrio.

The most noticeable change is an aggressive front bumper which features massive air intakes and integrated fog lights. Out back, the sporty styling theme continues as Caractere offers a bold rear diffuser with optional tailpipe exhaust tips. The company also markets their unique CW1 wheels which are available in 19" and 20" sizes.

Although pricing information wasn't released, the styling accessories are currently on sale.

Audi A5 Black and White by Senner Tuning

Audi customizer Senner Tuning has released details about their latest modification. The German company's Audi A5 Black and White is now available.

Engineers first attacked the cars aerodynamics and weight by installing a carbon fiber spoiler apron with matching side-mirror housings. Carbon fiber is also used on a new rear bumper, one of many alterations at the back. Also found is a new rear spoiler and lip, new LED taillights, and a customized stainless steel quad-exhaust. Total cost of these mods: €3377.

New 20-inch ASA GT1 alloy wheels were also mounted. The wheels are available in either Shiny Silver or Matte Black, with the possibility of a separate color ring trim near the wheels' edge. Choices for the rim lip include orange, white, red, and silver. Measuring 9x20 in front, 10.5x20 in back, the wheels are wrapped in Vredestein ultra Sessanta XL tires. The company mounted a Bilstein B16 PSS10 fully adjustable coilover suspension to enhance the handling capabilities. These changes cost just under €4600.

Track wheels are also available for an additional €250.

Senner Tuning also retuned the engine to make it more powerful and performance-driven. The 3.0-liter TDI now produces 300 horsepower and a maximum 600 Nm of torque. Speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h. When combined with the new sport air filter, the cost of the under-the-hood modifications is €1649.

Last, designers looked at the car's interior, and decided some further changes needed to be made. They used silver-lined carbon fiber to surround the ashtray cover, center console, and both the front and rear door panels. Total price for this is €1690. The company charges an additional €395 to trim out the instrument cluster.

All in all, the car does look pretty hot with all these changes. But for over €11,700, maybe mix-and-matching only select modifications is a better decision than getting the full package.

New ABT AS3 based on Audi A3

ABT has released a tuning kit for the facelift Audi A3. The tuner calls it AS3 and it's more than just a cosmetic surgery. Getting into the exterior detail first we see that ABT has modified a few components such as the front grille, the bonnet, the fenders and the front bumpers. Even the front LED lights have changed shape form the standard bulbs.

The rest of the bodywork is made up of new side skirts, a front spoiler insert, fender inserts and a rear apron. ABT's recognisable four tailpipe unit gives the cars more presence. ABT AR or BR alloy wheels measuring 18 or 19-inch are recommended for the AS3. The suspension has been lowered by 35mm to improve handling and agility.

For power ABT extracted even more juice out of the standard units in order to match looks with performance. So the baseline 1.4 TSI which normally comes in at 92kW (125hp) has been increased to 118kW (160hp). Audi produces a standard 118kW (160hp) 1.4 TSI as well but that has been bumped up to 154kW (210hp). The 2.0-litre petrol gets the most boost from what is comparatively a pedestrian 147kW (200hp) to 177kW (240hp).

On the diesel side the 2.0 TDI is puffed up to either 125kW (170hp) or 140kW (190hp) depending on where in the power band it starts in its normal life. ABT says fuel consumption and engine reliability have not been affected by these power increases.

Audi R8 by Project Kahn

Afzal Kahn is a busy guy. He's CEO of Kahn Design and head of Project Kahn, which brings us this Audi R8. He's also working on Kahn Pizza delivery, which promises to deliver your pizza in a supercar over 200,000 dollars in value or your money back.

Anyway, Project Kahn does the Audi R8. Kahn lowers the suspension and slaps on 20" F1-X rims made of lightweight carbon fiber. There are no more details than that, just the pic.

Project Kahn says on its website that, "You do not need to worry about the engine," referring to Audi's 4.2 liter FSI, 414 hp (309 kW) V8. Which we can interpret to mean that there won't be any engine tuning to this Kahn creation.

But maybe Kahn has a point. Sometimes tuning squeezes too much out of an engine and takes away its suppleness and character. A 3.77kg/hp ratio is very respectable territory for a supercar and, to paraphrase the late Paul Newman, avid race driver, its the driver that makes the car.

JMS new Audi A5 Coupe Racelook

German tuning firm JMS has taken a more discreet approach with their Audi A5 tuning kit compared to their recent Audi A3 Sportback. The new Audi coupe starts with the JMS Racelook body kit which includes a front bumper lip spoiler (Euro 269) which sits only 3cm closer to the ground, side skirts (299 Euro) and rear apron (Euro 259) with diffuser look that is a perfect fit with the standard bumper fascia. For the S5 look JMS has also created a stainless steel exhaust system with 4 oval tips which JMS says provides a little more horsepower and torque. JMS is planning to make available the same Racelook kit for all S5 and S-line models.

For the chassis JMS has added H&R lowering springs (EUR 239) which drop the front end by 40mm and the rear by 35mm. The springs are compatible with the standard Audi shock absorbers. In the footwear department JMS has fitted 3-piece racing wheels 9.5x20 and 10x20 with 255/30R20 Dunlop tires (Euro 5699).

Audi A8 by RDX RaceDesign

Have a previous generation Audi A8 and tired of getting a lack of respect when you pull up in your once prestigious ride? If so, perhaps the latest styling package from RDX Racedesign might be up your alley.

Featuring a new front bumper with S6 daytime running lights and Audi’s new signature single frame grille, your old A8 can appear several years younger to less trained eyes. With the addition of lower front air intake grilles, which are available in four different designs, the whole front end takes on a new more aggressive appearance. Out back a new bumper gives the rear a muscular look by offering grille inserts and easy paintability for the rear diffuser section, especially if you choose to paint it in a contrasting color.

The complete Audi A8 D2 package can be bought individually, or as a collection for a discounted price of €925 in Germany.

Audi R8 by MTM

It has been a while hasn’t it? Six months to be exact, since we ran a piece on MTM working on their supercharged R8. Of course every tuner even remotely affiliated with the Audi brand is doing some form of conversion on this halo car. MTM is done now and they have released details of what sort of monster their Dr Frankensteins have created. On the 4.2-litre V8 a belt driven srew supercharger has been screwed to release a good dose of 560PS (412kW) at a screaming 7750 rpm. Forwarding this power is 580Nm of torque available at 5500 rpm. As a result the MTM R8 sends itself into a flying frenzy of 0 – 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, 0 to 200km/h in 12.5 seconds. After that effortless drive we cut out at 301km/h with the limiter on, 315km/h with no limiter.

The quattro drive system is still responsible for some handling, grip and shove as per the normal car. It puts power into Michelin Sport Cups rated at 245/30-20” and 315/25-20” front and back, wrapped around MTM Bimoto forged rims. Although Audi hasn’t said much regarding the R8 V10 yet, the feeling is it may just hover around these figures too.

Audi RS6 by Imsa

IMSA Tuning usually focus their efforts on the Lamborghini but in a rare shift to the mellow side they have taken on the Audi RS6 with this new performance package.

Power output of the stock 5.0-liter V10 engine rises from 580hp up to a respectable 650hp and 745Nm of torque, further complimented with a stainless steel exhaust system. A ride-lowering suspension system hugs the model to the road and a set of 20 inch wheels featuring a central locking system that is usually saved for just the Lambo range provides the grip that the additional performance will require.

The upgrades result a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds down from 4.6 seconds on the regular Avant model and it reaches 200km/h in 13.8 seconds.

Audi Q5 by Abt

Abt Sportsline are hardly a company that shys away from the SUV market, admirable efforts on the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Tiguan are testaments to this fact. Therefore it was only a matter of time before the tuning house took on the all-new Audi Q5 and they have released the first details today.

The Abt engineers have thrown the book at the Q5's engine range with tuning for three of their different power units. Starting with the diesel offerings, the base 2.0-liter TDI has been boosted by 20hp up to 190hp thanks to the application of Abt Power, whilst the more potent 3.0-liter TDI is treated to the Abt Power S kit which takes the power output up by a massive 70hp to 310hp. The 2.0-liter TFSI engine is also treated to the Abt Power upgrade bringing total power up to 240hp from 211hp.

Other modifications alongside the engine tuning include a fine tuned suspension which lowers the car's center of gravity as well as a new Abt Sports brake system featuring 380mm brake disks.

The exterior package adds to the overall drive experience whilst simultaneously creating a eye catching look. The model's body kit includes a completely remodelled front fascia sporting larger air intakes, the extravagant design style continues to the rear and a mild widebody look is also achieved with the aggressive wheel arches around the 20 inch wheels. Functional front and rear skirts (better known as diffusers) contribute to the aggressive styling.

RSStreet based on Audi RS6 by Kicherer

The hub of this latest performance upgrades centers around the 580 bhp 5.0-liter FSI twin turbo V10 engine laying in the engine bay. Kicherer modify several individual components on the power unit although they fail to state exactly what these are, nonetheless it still results in a power increase that takes overall output to 700hp and 780Nm of torque. Other performance upgrades are available including a 4-flow stainless steel exhaust system and a set of sports springs which lowers the model by 25mm.

All put together, the RSStreet can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in a little under 4.3 seconds and it reaches 200km/h in 13 seconds flat, top speed lies rises to 280km/h. These times are a little slower than previous tuning packages seen, however it would be hard to compare these models other than side by side on a racetrack.

Kicherer also gives the RS6' exterior are quick going over with a set a 22inch rims and a two tone color scheme along with mirror shells, front spoiler and rear diffuser all made from genuine carbon.

Audi RS6 by B&B

When the RS6 was released it was considered that Audi's power war addiction had gone to their head, the 5.0-liter FSI twin turbo V10 monster found under the hood pumps out a massive 580bhp, but judging by the array of tuning kits coming out for the model, the engine is capable of far more.

One of the first to come out was an effort by MTM which brought power output to 656bhp and 579lb-ft (785Nm) of torque and that was just through a bit of ECU tuning. More recently Abt entered the fray with their own version pumping 700bhp and 590lb-ft (800Nm) of torque. However both have been put in their place with a new package released by Audi expert's B&B which possesses a massive 715hp.

The huge increase in power is achieved with B&B's special race exhaust system with high performance racing catalyst along with modifications to the air intake system, and air cooling system as well as a bit of ECU tuning. A set of sports springs lowers the vehicle by 25mm and B&B also offers a special threaded chassis which improves cornering speeds through its adjustable height.

But what is the result of all this tuning? How fast does it really go? Well, figures state that the B&B RS6 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds – that's 0.9 seconds quicker than the factory produced version.