The Audi RS 3 Sportback - back by popular demand

Strictly limited second run of UK specification 340PS RS compact hatchbacks is now available to order

  • Audi RS badge returns to compact hatchback class in strictly limited numbers priced at original £39,930 OTR – 250 remaining build slots available
  • Turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine linked to standard seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission delivers 340PS and 450Nm of torque”
  • 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, governed 155mph top speed, 31mpg capability, 212g/km CO2 output
  • quattro drive, 19-inch alloy wheels, flared lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced polymer wings, widened track, sport button controlling throttle response and exhaust note

Following its initial sell-out performance in the UK, the Audi RS 3 Sportback is making a comeback, albeit one that is likely to be fleeting. In response to consistent demand, an additional, strictly limited production run has been secured, and just 250 slots now remain for UK customers. These examples will be available at the same £39,930 OTR price as the original 500 car quota which was rapidly snapped up in 2011.

A turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine punches the RS 3 Sportback at the horizon to the tune of a rich, bass-heavy five-cylinder soundtrack that can be further intensified at the touch of a dashboard-mounted Sport button. A total of 340PS and 450Nm is split between the four driven wheels thanks to quattro all-wheel-drive, and passes through a standard seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission with rapid fire shifts.

As befits an RS model the impressive output of this engine is reflected in an exceptional 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.6 seconds and an electronically governed 155mph top speed. Yet less predictably, this rapidity doesn’t rule out the potential for up to 31mpg according to the combined cycle test.

Carbon fibre aids weight reduction

A delivery on demand oil pump and a regeneration system that recovers energy during deceleration help to shore up the engine’s impressive economy performance. Equally importantly, features such as the vermicular graphite engine block and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer front wings work in favour of a relatively modest 1,575kg kerb weight and a suitably strong 216PS per tonne power-to-weight ratio.

The benefits of these measures can be felt not only in the intensity of the RS 3 Sportback’s pace, but also in the agile and animated handling delivered by its lowered McPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension. Its balance is boosted by a widened, 1,564 millimetre track, and its grip is maximised by 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/35 series tyres at the front and 225/35 at the rear. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with its electronically controlled multi-plate clutch also oversees proceedings, granting the RS 3 Sportback an extra measure of traction, composure and stability.

The RS 3 Sportback can also move more freely thanks to its specially developed electronic stability control (ESC). It features a Sport mode that activates later intervention of the braking and acceleration retardation functions to enable greater adjustability without compromising safety, and can be switched off entirely for circuit use.

Highly efficient electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering provides a suitably direct gear ratio of 16.2:1 for keen turn-in, while internally ventilated disc brakes with four-piston fixed calipers modulate speed powerfully and progressively.

A deeper front apron that incorporates enlarged air intakes, an anthracite coloured single-frame grille and xenon plus headlamps indicate to drivers in front that the RS 3 Sportback is a force to be reckoned with.

Its side view is dominated by its flared, lightweight front wings covering 19-inch alloy wheels, prominent sill extensions, mirror housings in matt aluminium look and a large roof spoiler. A high-gloss black diffuser insert and two elliptical exhaust tailpipes on the left accentuate the styling at the rear.

Inside, Fine Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats with silver contrasting stitching, Piano black or Aluminium Race look inlays, a flat-bottomed RS steering wheel and RS-specific instruments highlight this car’s status. Its Driver’s Information System is also unique to the RS 3 Sportback, displaying boost pressure and oil temperature and doubling as a lap timer.

Standard equipment includes acoustic rear parking sensors, electronic climate control, DVD-based satellite navigation with MMI (Multi Media Interface) functionality and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. Optional features include front bucket seats, roof rails in matt aluminium look and styling packages in black or matt aluminium. Five exterior colours are available, plus an unlimited selection of custom paint finishes.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Audi R8 e-tron sets a Nurburgring lap record

Sports car sets a new lap record for electrically powered production vehicles on famously challenging circuit.

    • Racing driver Markus Winkelhock pilots new electric sports car with 280 kW (equivalent to approximately 380PS) output to new lap record
    • R8 e-tron will enter production in late 2012
    • Michael Dick: “To us, electric mobility means dynamics and driving pleasure”

During preparations for its production debut in late 2012, the all-electric Audi R8 e-tron has just set a world record for a production vehicle with an electric drive system on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – the toughest test track in the world. Racing driver Markus Winkelhock piloted the high-performance, all-electric sports car around the demanding 12.92-mile track in 8:09.099 minutes. With this Audi has achieved yet another milestone in its history, following overall wins at the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Le Mans.

“The R8 e-tron has given a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world,” said Michael Dick, AUDI AG Board Member for Technical Development. Dick, who completed a fast lap himself in the R8 e-tron, added: “The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track. To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure.”

A comparison with the current record lap driven by a production car with a conventional combustion engine shows just how impressive the 8:09.099-minute time really is. The record time of 7:11.57 minutes was achieved by a Gumpert Apollo Sport, which is powered by a 700PS Audi V8 petrol engine.

The drive system of the Audi R8 e-tron that Markus Winkelhock drove to the world record is identical to that of the road-going model that will enter production towards the end of the year. The car’s electric motors generate a combined output of 280 kW and 820 Nm of torque; more than 4,900 Nm (3,614.05 lb-ft) is distributed to the rear wheels virtually from a standing start.

The Audi R8 e-tron accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is normally limited to 124mph; 155mph was approved for the record-setting lap.

133-mile range

The R8 e-tron’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery stores 49 KWh of energy – enough for a distance of about 133 miles. Its “T” shape allows it to be installed in the centre tunnel and in the area between the passenger compartment and the rear axle. It is charged by energy recovery during coasting and braking.

The ultralight body of the Audi R8 e-tron is made primarily of aluminium, along with CFRP components; this is the main reason why the high-performance sports car weighs just 1,780 kilograms, despite the large battery.

In order to further underscore the production-relevance of the R8 e-tron and the capability of its drive technology, Audi has set another record on the Nordschleife in addition to the single lap record time. Immediately afterwards, Markus Winkelhock drove two fast laps in one go in a second R8 e-tron that was limited to 124mph. At 8:30.873 and 8:26.096 minutes, both laps were well under the important nine-minute threshold.

“The record drives were a fantastic experience for me,” said Markus Winkelhock. The 32-year-old, who lives near Stuttgart, has a high standard for comparison – the Audi R8 LMS ultra, in which he, along with Marc Basseng, Christopher Haase and Frank Stippler, won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring a few weeks ago.

“Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics,” Winkelhock emphasized. “But with its low centre of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me. In places where I really need traction, the torque vectoring – the displacement of the torque between the powered wheels – really helps me.”

Michael Dick proudly summed up events after the record-setting drive at the Nürburgring. “Within just a few weeks we’ve taken on some big challenges and in the process we’ve shown that we are at the forefront with all of our drive concepts,” he said, adding: “We won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in May in the Audi R8 LMS ultra with a ten-cylinder engine. In mid-June we triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro – the first overall victory for a hybrid-electric vehicle in the toughest race in the world. And now we’ve set another record with the all-electric-drive R8 e-tron on the most demanding track there.”

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Audi range insurance premiums are lowest of the 'Big Three'

Award winning security measures and competitive repair costs cut insurance premiums for Audi drivers

  • Average 50 Group ratings for Audi models are lower than equivalent models from key premium sector competitors
  • Competitive repair costs calculated following crash tests conducted by Research Council for Automotive Repairs contribute to low ratings
  • Vehicle purchase prices, replacement part costs and theft of/from security protection measures also factor in determining insurance group ratings

Audi drivers can expect to pay considerably less to insure their cars than owners of equivalent models from the German premium sector brands, according to data sourced from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) group ratings database.

Managed by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham on behalf of the ABI and Lloyds Syndicates, the insurance group ratings database has been updated monthly with new car insurance rating data since the 1980s, and includes all trim levels, variants, body styles and engine types. This data has been used to calculate average insurance group ratings for Audi models and their equivalents wherever applicable from German premium sector competitors. In virtually every range, Audi models post considerably lower average ratings than competitors, meaning that owners will generally pay lower insurance premiums.

These ratings are defined using a system which allocates penalty points to each vehicle based on a number of factors, including the purchase price, the cost of key parts and the ease, and cost, of repair following an independent crash test undertaken by the Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR). The higher the outright purchase price or parts and labour charges, and the more costly and labour intensive the crash repair, the higher the points tally, and consequently the higher the insurance group rating.

Crucial security performance

Security performance is of course also a critical factor in determining each rating, and four British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards and three What Car? Magazine Security Awards for ‘Best Overall Manufacturer’ attest to Audi expertise in this area. Held by Audi for four consecutive years since 2006, the top BIVSA award for ‘Best Overall Manufacturer’ highlights the fact that the brand offers more ranges in which every variant has achieved the maximum five star rating for ‘theft of’ security and of at least four stars for ‘theft from’ security than any other entrant.

Award-winning security protection is achieved right across the Audi range through features including Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser technology with interior ultrasonic protection and anti-tow sensors, Thatcham Category 4 locking wheel bolts and extensive covert and overt marked parts.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

370l Roof luggage box for Q7

Application

Universal

Information

Length 1390, Width 900, Height 390

Description

The compact, aerodynamic Audi Genuine 370 litre roof box is the smallest in the Audi range and its low-profile, aerodynamic design minimises wind noise. A quick-release fastening system makes installation to Audi Genuine roof bars quick and easy. All Audi Genuine roof boxes are fully city crash tested and fulfil all the stringent Audi quality requirements. The box is also easy to clean and suitable for use with high-pressure power washers. The roof box is lockable and has the Audi logo on both sides.

Part number

8P0071175

Price

from £383.00

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Audi throws more light on 2011 TT range

  • LED daytime running lights now standard for S line versions, new interior trim elements
  • Engine efficiency improved by up to 14 per cent thanks in part to newly adopted energy recuperation technology – new 2.0 TFSI engine with 211PS featuring Audi valvelift technology offers significant economy gains
  • TT Enhanced exterior design, new colours inside and out, xenon headlamps with Coupe 2.0 TFSI 211PS with manual transmission - 0-62mph 6.1 seconds (TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI 200PS 6.6 seconds), top speed 152mph (149mph), combined MPG 42.8 (36.7) , CO2 154g/km (183g/km)
  • New sport button first seen in TT RS available as an option across the range - alters throttle response, steering servo assistance and engine note
  • S tronic transmission option for TT RS due in 2010

Audi designers and engineers have risen to the unenviable challenge of enhancing the celebrated TT for the 2011 Model Year, creating a new generation model that combines measured yet distinct styling refinements with efficiency boosting technology, including a newly adopted 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which improves fuel economy by up to 14 per cent.

The upgraded 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine is the technological highlight in the latest range, employing Audi valvelift technology to effect improvements in power, torque and overall efficiency compared with the 200PS version it replaces. Delivering 211PS between 4,300rpm and 6,000rpm and a 350Nm torque peak between 1,600rpm and 4,200rpm, it enables the TT 2.0 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission to reach 62mph from rest in 6.1 seconds – 0.5 seconds more rapidly than its predecessor - and raises its top speed from 149mph to 152mph. Even more impressively, it boosts economy potential from 36.7mpg in the combined cycle test to 42.8mpg, and pares back CO2 output from 183g/km to 154g/km.

The Audi valvelift system adjusts the lift of the exhaust valves in two stages depending on need. This reduces flushing losses in the combustion chamber and also ensures that the optimal flow of the exhaust gas is directed to the turbocharger, which in turn ensures that torque is developed quickly. The combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection also reduces the combustion chamber temperatures and the resulting tendency to knock. This allows a high compression ratio of 9.6:1, which improves efficiency.

New energy recuperation

The gains made possible by this new technology are augmented by a recuperation system which recovers energy during braking and coasting phases in this latest generation TT, and which also extends to the 160PS 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine that continues to power the TT Roadster and the 170PS 2.0-litre TDI unit used by the TT Coupe and Roadster.

A ground breaker in the sports car sector, the TT 2.0 TDI continues to set the efficiency standard, covering up to 53.3mpg according to the combined cycle test, which corresponds to only 139 grams of CO2/km. With 170PS and 350 Nm of torque – the latter available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm – the high-tech common rail injection engine powers the TT to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to 140mph. The 2.0-litre TDI is mated to a manual transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The quattro configuration provides substantially greater stability, traction and driving enjoyment, and is another unique selling point of the Audi TT in its class. It is also available in conjunction with the new 2.0-litre TFSI unit, and is a standard feature of the TTS and the TT RS.

A precise shifting six-speed manual transmission transfers power to the wheels regardless of the engine, with the S tronic dual clutch transmission available as an option for the new 2.0 TFSI. This transmission switches between its six gears with virtually no interruption to the supply of power either fully automatically or manually. Manual shifts can be made using the optional paddles on the steering wheel.

The much praised formula for an excellent compromise between comfort and handling agility  in the TT - McPherson struts at the front and four-link trailing arms at the rear – continues as before. The Audi magnetic ride shock absorber system that offers even greater poise for TT models as an optional extra, and is fitted as standard to the TTS, has, however, undergone some additional development work. ‘Normal’ mode now offers an even more finely judged balance between ride refinement and handling composure, and when the ‘Sport’ mode is selected an even tauter and more focused handling bias is elicited.

New Sport button

Another new development that will please sporting drivers can also be incorporated at extra cost in conjunction with Audi magnetic ride. The Sport button, which has been a standard feature of the TT RS since launch and now becomes available as an option for all other models, allows the driver to alter the throttle pedal response (in manual versions), the degree of servo boost provided by the electromechanical steering and the engine note.

Subtle enhancements inside and out

Combining aluminium and steel content in a 58% to 42% ratio that favours optimal weight distribution, the ‘standard’ version of the lightweight TT ‘hybrid’ body now subtly incorporates a more striking front bumper design with deeper air intakes based on the look that was previously reserved for S line versions. New alloy wheel designs raise the profile view, and at the rear a diffuser inset into the rear bumper and also adopted from S line versions adds even more sporting emphasis. 2011 Model Year TT models will also be more distinct thanks to five new metallic and pearl effect paint options.

S line models adopt an even more resolutely sporting stance than before through a bumper and grille treatment which closely resembles the look of the TTS in its familiar current form, and which is further enhanced by standard xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. Notable features also include deeper TTS-style side sills and a new platinum grey diffuser at the rear. The TTS, in turn, now signals its even more serious sporting intent with a new front bumper design featuring horizontal aluminium look double bars which also extend down to the fog light surrounds, and a new look rear bumper treatment.

Widely regarded as the benchmark for quality of finish, the interior features new aluminium-look applications for the steering wheel, the centre console and the door liner, and a new high gloss finish for switches, panel surfaces and air vent inner sections. The aluminium strip above the glove box door is now brushed grey. There are three new interior colours from which to choose – nougat brown, titanium grey and garnet red.

The specification range in the UK has also been simplified. A ‘Standard’ trim level is now reserved solely for the TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI, and at extra cost this can be upgraded to Sport or S line specification. All other versions of the Coupe and Roadster (excluding the TTS and TT RS) begin at Sport level and can be upgraded to S line.

Onboard computer with new efficiency program

Another key efficiency boosting measure can also be found in the cockpit, where a new efficiency program within the onboard computer displays all consumption-related data on the central display, and gives the driver tips for efficient driving. A gear-change indicator also indicates the optimal gear for fuel-efficient driving, while another function provides information on which vehicle systems, such as the climate control system, are consuming energy and how that affects fuel consumption.

The Audi TTS and the Audi TT RS

The Audi TTS, both in Coupe and Roadster body styles, combines outstanding performance with an equally high degree of comfort. Its extensively modified 2.0-litre TFSI engine with large turbocharger pumps out 272PS and 350 Nm of torque, the latter from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. It accelerates the TTS Coupe with the optional S tronic from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 155mph. When the S tronic transmission is specified, the Coupé has the potential to cover up to 36.7mpg. The TTS is fitted as standard with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive shock absorber technology.

Visual cues to its status in the range are provided by 18-inch wheels with size 245/40 tyres and a new grille combined with chrome air inlets. A new colour combination – spectral silver/black – is also available for the interior.

The dynamic spearhead of the TT model series is the TT RS, which is also available as a Coupe or a Roadster. Its turbocharged, inline 5-cylinder engine draws 340PS of power from 2.5 litres of displacement. 450 Nm of torque is available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. In spite of this formidable power, up to 30.7mpg is possible according to the European cycle test.

The TT RS Coupe rockets from 0 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, and can reach a governed top speed of 155mph which can be raised to 174mph at extra cost. A sound flap in the exhaust system further intensifies the distinctive five-cylinder sound. A manual six-speed short-shift transmission currently channels power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and later in 2010 a newly developed version of the S tronic twin-clutch transmission will also be offered as an option. The compact layout of the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission makes it suitable for transverse mounting in combination with the quattro all-wheel drive system.

Equipped with S tronic, the TT RS Coupe launches from rest to 62mph in 4.4 seconds – a fraction more quickly than the manual transmission version. Distinctive design details, 18-inch wheels and a powerful brake system are standard with the TT RS.

Standard equipment – TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI Standard Model Only

Wheels, tyres and suspension

  • 17” x 8.5J ‘7-Y-spoke’ design alloy wheels with 245/45 R17 Y tyres
  • Tyre Mobility System

Audio and communication

  • Audi Chorus radio, with front-loading CD player

Seats

  • Front Sports seats with Tetrus cloth upholstery

Safety and security

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) – traction control
  • Anti-theft device – Thatcham Category 1 approved
  • Driver and front passenger airbags
  • Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) – traction control
  • Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
  • Front ISOFIX and front passenger airbag de-activation switch
  • Roll-over protection hoops
  • Servotronic – electromechanical, speed-sensitive, power-assisted steering
  • Side airbags for front seats

Interior equipment

  • 3-spoke Sports ‘flat-bottom’ design leather steering wheel
  • Aluminium Laser interior detailing
  • Black leather handbrake grip, centre console armrest pad and door handle
  • Driver’s Information System (DIS)
  • Electronic climate control
  • Front floor mats
  • Fully automatic electrically-operated soft-top which opens in 12 seconds, with integrated wind deflector.

Exterior equipment

  • Door mirrors – electrically operated and heated
  • Electric front windows
  • Exhaust pipes – twin on left-hand side
  • Front and rear fog lights
  • Halogen headlights
  • Retractable rear spoiler

 

TT Coupe and Roadster Sport models standard equipment (in addition to Standard)

Wheels, tyres and suspension

  • 17” x 8J 10 Spoke design alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres

Audio and communication

  • Concert audio system – MP3 file-compatible single CD player and radio with 9 loudspeakers (140 Watt) and 5-channel amplifier including AUX-IN socket

Seats

  • Leather/Alcantara upholstery
  • Split-folding rear seat (Coupé only)

 

TT Coupe and Roadster S line models standard equipment (in addition to Sport)

Wheels, tyres and suspension

  • 18” x 9J ‘5-spoke’ design alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 tyres
  • S line Sports suspension lowered by 10mm

Seats

  • S line embossed front Sports seats.
  • Leather/Alcantara (4-cylinder models)

Interior equipment

  • 3-spoke S line multi-function leather steering wheel (includes gear-shift paddles for S tronic models)
  • Black headlining
  • Door sill trims with S line badge
  • Matt-brushed aluminium inlays
  • Short-shift manual gearbox

Exterior equipment

  • Chrome plated tailpipe
  • Headlight washers
  • S line exterior package: S line design front and rear bumpers, side grilles and diffusers in platinum grey
  • Xenon headlights with LED running lights

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

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  3. Sky is the limit for new open-air Audi R8 GT Spyder

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