Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:49:39 +0000 http://rs246.com/ RS246.com News Feed en-gb http://rs246.com/images/logo.gif http://rs246.com/ webmaster@autowebmedia.com http://rs246.com/Article75.html New Audi R8 V10 ready for the road (and track) Acclaimed aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car now available with both ten and eight cylinder power * Second R8 model powered by 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine scheduled to open for UK order in January 2009 for first deliveries next spring * Available with manual gearbox at £99,575 OTR, or with R tronic sequential shift transmission at £104,665 OTR (R8 4.2 V8 £77,405 OTR and £82,495 OTR) * 5,204cc V10 produces 525PS at 8,000rpm and 530Nm at 6,500rpm (R8 4.2 V8 420PS at 7,800rpm, 430Nm at 4,500rpm) * 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed 196mph, combined mpg 20.6 (R8 4.2 V8 R tronic 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph, combined mpg 20.7) * Combines classic mid-engine configuration with advanced all-aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction and quattro permanent four-wheel-drive * World's first all-LED headlamps as standard, plus Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and Bang & Olufsen audio system Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:49:39 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article74.html After Hockenheim win, Timo Scheider clinches first DTM title . . . Mattias Ekström secured third place overall . . . DTM title crowns AUDI AG’s most successful motorsport year Ingolstadt/Hockenheim – The most extensive motorsport programme in the history of AUDI AG is now the most successful one as well: following the triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title wins at the Le Mans series in North America and Europe, Timo Scheider with a victory at the finale at Hockenheim also secured the title in the DTM. This means that, for the first time since 1990/1991, Audi successfully defended the title in the most popular international touring car racing series. In addition, with eight pole positions and six victories, the new Audi A4 DTM in its debut year was the most successful car of the season and superior to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. "Sincere congratulations to Timo Scheider and the entire Audi squad. With his strong performance, his consistency and his strong nerves, Timo is a worthy champion, who thrilled the fans this season," said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, who watched the gripping finale at Hockenheim from the garage of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. "This triumph in the DTM crowns what has been a successful motorsport year for Audi anyhow, in which – in addition to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – we were able to celebrate the titles in the American Le Mans Series and the European-based Le Mans Series. During the course of the year and particularly here at Hockenheim, Timo and Paul di Resta delivered thrilling, top-calibre motorsport. This makes us all the happier about our triumph in front of this impressive turnout at the finale. The Audi A4 was unbeatable during this DTM season and led the standings from the first to the last race. We’re already looking forward to the opportunity of defending the title in the next season." Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:43:12 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article73.html Compact five-door model with hybrid drive shows another possible direction for forthcoming production A1 New five-door interpretation of A1 project quattro show car first shown in Tokyo in 2007 Combines 1.4 TFSI petrol engine driving the front wheels and delivering 150PS at 5,500rpm and 240Nm from 1,600 to 4,000rpm with a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor capable of adding up to 150 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, 124mph top speed, 72.4mpg, 92g/km CO2 3,990mm in length, 1,750mm width, 1,400mm high Capacity of lithium-ion batteries makes a range of up to 62 miles possible without petrol engine intervention - emissions and consumption reduced by around 30 per cent as a result Automatic start/stop facility, brake force regeneration Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and Audi drive select Innovative Audi mobile technology enables many in-car functions to be controlled remotely via WLAN using a standard mobile phone Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:31:12 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article72.html Acclaimed double-clutch transmission's rapid fire changes perfectly complement fast-paced 265PS sports hatch S tronic six-speed twin-clutch transmission available to order at an extra cost of £1,450 from October 1st for S3 and S3 Sportback models S3 three-door including optional S tronic £28,920 OTR, S3 Sportback including optional S tronic £29,420 OTR 265PS @ 6,000rpm, 350Nm from 2,500 - 5,000rpm, 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds (three-door), top speed limited to 155mph, combined mpg 34.0, CO2 193g/km Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping available at extra cost New faster-reacting quattro four-wheel-drive system From this month the Audi S3 becomes available with a new 'two pedal' option courtesy of the much lauded S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which not only quickens shifts compared with the continuing manual version, but also slows down fuel consumption. Available to order from October 1st at an extra cost of £1,450, the super slick transmission takes OTR prices for S3 models to £28,920 for the three-door and £29,420 for the five-door Sportback. UK deliveries are expected to start in mid-December. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:28:20 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article71.html High performance A4 model downsizes to more economical but no less exceptional six cylinder supercharged FSI engine All-new S4 and S4 Avant models debut at 2008 Salon de l'Auto in Paris, running from October 2 to 19 Available to order in UK from late November priced from approximately £36,000 for first deliveries in April 2009 Supercharged V6 TFSI with 333PS and 440Nm from 2,500-4,850rpm replaces naturally aspirated V8 Six-speed manual or optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission that actually further improves fuel economy Evolution of quattro system with active sport differential capable of varying torque not only between front and rear axles but also between each rear wheel Optional Audi drive select adaptable dynamics system enables fine-tuning of throttle response, shock absorber settings and steering feel S4 Saloon 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds (outgoing S4 5.6 seconds), top speed limited to 155mph (outgoing S4 155mph), combined mpg 29.1 (outgoing S4 21.2mpg) Making its Paris Show debut next month will be a new Audi S4 that gives equally high priority to thrills and thrift thanks to a new six cylinder TFSI engine that not only decisively outperforms its V8 predecessor but does so with a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and 29mpg-plus fuel economy. The new S4 and S4 Avant will open for order in November priced from approximately £36,000 and will reach their first UK customers in April 2009. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:24:25 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article70.html Ingolstadt – For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ. "The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle." Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:48:05 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article68.html Extensive engine updates and subtle restyle for latest A6 line-up crowned by new Saloon version of V10 RS 6 New A6 range opens for UK order in August 2008 for first deliveries in late October 2008 – Saloon prices from £24,800 OTR, Avant from £26,370 OTR RS 6 Saloon also introduced to complement existing Avant version – available from August for November delivery priced at £76,160 OTR (RS 6 Avant £77,730 OTR) Benefits from styling revisions inside and out, a major update of the engine line-up bringing fuel efficiency gains averaging 12 per cent and reconfigured suspension for improved comfort Latest generation quattro system with 40/60 torque split New petrol engine range highlight - supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI unit with 290PS and 420Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,850rpm New headline engine in TDI range – 2.0-litre TDI now featuring ultra-efficient common rail fuel injection with piezo injectors – all TDI engines now common rail-equipped New ‘e’ model achieves 53.3mpg and 139g/km CO2 output through technical and aerodynamic refinements Enhanced cabin incorporates new third generation Multi Media Interface infotainment system with high capacity hard disk-sourced navigation mapping and 3D display Smarter both aesthetically and technically, the new Audi A6 range makes its international debut this week, underpinning enhancements to visual appeal, refinement, convenience electronics and equipment with improvements in fuel economy and emissions control averaging 12 per cent courtesy of new or updated engines. Priced from £24,800 OTR for the new economy-targeting 2.0 TDIe model, delivering in excess of 53mpg with 139g/km of CO2, the range is available to order now and will reach its first UK customers in October. At the same time, the eagerly awaited Saloon version of the potent ten-cylinder RS 6, which like the A6 allroad quattro and S6 line-ups incorporates many of the new enhancements, moves to the head of the range priced at £76,160 OTR. Its Avant counterpart, like all Avant versions, carries a premium of £1,570. Two all-new engines in particular will be among the headline-makers in the latest range – a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol unit which makes its debut here to effectively replace both the 3.2 FSI V6 and the 4.2 V8, and the advanced 2.0-litre TDI with common rail piezo fuel injection, whose impressive frugality makes the new A6 TDIe model possible. This 136PS diesel unit replaces the 2.0-litre pump jet injection engine with 140PS, and later in 2008 will also become available in the A6 in 170PS form. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:05:15 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article67.html Performance Audis with a combined output of over 1,000PS provide a new challenge for enthusiasts at Rockingham Audi drivers and enthusiasts can now progress to new Advanced Audi Driving Experience at Rockingham Motor Speedway on completion of Silverstone-based foundation training Advanced Driving Experience will allow trainees to further improve their skills in high performance cars including TTS, RS 6 and R8 2008 and 2009 places still available on Audi Driving Experience and Audi Advanced Driving Experience – courses cost £499 and £599 The most impressive roster of very high performance models ever gathered together by Audi awaits enthusiasts on a new and even more advanced series of driving courses available throughout the summer and autumn at Northamptonshire’s Rockingham National Motor Speedway. The thrilling line-up, which will include the 420PS R8, the 580PS RS 6 and the 272PS TTS Coupe, provides the highest horsepower count ever offered at an Audi driver training day, and is combined with expert insight into the key aspects of safer, more rewarding driving delivered by race and rally-proven instructors. After honing their skills at Silverstone behind the wheel of performance stars like the RS 4, S5 and TT 3.2 quattro on stage one of the Audi Driving Experience - a pre-requisite - Audi enthusiasts can now progress to the newly launched ‘Advanced’ course, held for the first time at the ultra-modern Rockingham circuit. This second stage builds on the lessons delivered during the elementary training, which covers everything from cornering and braking techniques to methods for balancing the car to extract the very best from its chassis, but does so at more challenging speeds, and in a line-up of even more exhilarating Audi models including the widely acclaimed, 187mph R8. Tuition begins on the infield, where the instructors impart knowledge on all aspects of high speed manoeuvring and braking gained through years of top level competition experience. In the afternoon the programme moves to the circuit itself, where guests are given ample lap time behind the wheel of the R8 and the other course cars at gradually increasing speeds, all the while receiving technique tips from the instructor in the ‘pace car’. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:55:29 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article66.html RS246 was established in 2002 and in the past 6 years, with your help, we have built possibly the world’s most recognised Audi S & RS site. The wealth of information available to our members is vast and covers all angles of Audi S & RS ownership. Today, RS246 averages 4.5 million hits per month from in-excess of 20,000 unique visitors!!! In 2006 RS246 won Silver at the Audi Driver Annual Awards for "Best Audi club - communications", in 2007 RS246 won Silver for "Best Audi-related club - information", and this year we need your vote to realise our vision of gaining a Gold award in at least one of the above categories. Please help us make this reality by voting for us in sections 13 & 14 by completing the ADI form available by clicking the image below: Voting closes on September 1st, and by voting you will be entered into a prize draw to win a free 2-year subscription to Audi Driver magazine. You may even wish to vote for our Site Sponsors for the other categories. The awards will be presented at the Audi Driver International Gala Dinner on October 11th 2008. The Gala Dinner follows the Audi Driver International Event at Castle Combe where once again we have reserved one of the best locations for our club stand, enabling you to display your prized Audi S or RS in the heart of the event. If you would like to attend, please post your interest in this thread Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:48:48 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article65.html Top Gear is one of the world's best known motoring programs in which everything revolves around 4 wheels. The show is estimated to have about five million viewers in the U.K. and more than 350 million viewers worldwide. On Sunday 27 July 2008 the star of the show was GUMPERT apollo . Richard Hammond and 'The Stig' drove the 700bhp apollo sport on the test track to fully appreciate its maximum performance. The result is sensational. With an incredible lap time of 1.17.1 the apollo is the new king of the road and swept away his rivals. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:53:08 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article64.html Audi, the inventor of TDI, is about to blaze another trail in the field of engine manufacture with the A3 TDI clubsport quattro, a one-off show car featuring the most extreme incarnation to date of its advanced four-cylinder TDI engine. One of the stars of the forthcoming 27th annual Lake Wörther Tour in Austria, the A3 TDI clubsport quattro extracts an incredible 450Nm of torque and maximum power of 224PS from its 2.0-litre, common rail fuel injected TDI unit, allowing it to race from rest to 62mph in just 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro will leave show-goers in no doubt as to its capabilities, emphasizing them both acoustically through its sonorous exhaust and visually with a series of exclusive parts mounted on the body and in the interior. Exterior components such as the large DTM-look rear spoiler and the bolt-on wheel arch extensions give the car a dynamic air, while the racing bucket seats and open gear lever gate in aluminum form the highlights of the interior. The show car is a true high-tech sports car. Power is directed to the 20-inch wheels via a six-speed transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. At the front wheels, stopping power is provided by six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs. The Audi drive select driving dynamics system allows the driver to vary the throttle response characteristics, the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system and the operating mode of the dampers. The dampers deploy Audi magnetic ride technology, enabling them to react to changes in the driving situation with lightning speed. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:47:55 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article63.html Updated version of open-top TT show car with over 300PS is unveiled in Austria A new version of the crowd-pulling, speedster-style Audi TT clubsport quattro show car makes its debut this month at the Wörthersee Tour, the annual gathering of Audi and VW enthusiasts in Austria. The latest generation of the car that caused a sensation at the event in 2007 bears slightly more resemblance to the road-going TT models, but its classic speedster inspiration is still very much in evidence, as is the extra special, 300PS version of the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine - the most powerful example of this popular unit to date. The show car’s A-pillars are nearly invisible, making the continuous window strip appear to be a single casting. Instead of the compartment for the soft top there are two humps behind the passenger compartment to further emphasise the speedster theme. Mounted in front of the humps are two massive rollover bars, which together with the strong A-pillars protect the driver and passenger if the car should roll over. The front end is dominated by the powerful single-frame grille painted in high-gloss black. Beneath the headlamps, which feature a strip of LED daytime running lights, are large air inlets covered by horizontally split black grilles. A distinctive spoiler lip optimizes downforce. When viewed from the side, the sharp contours in the sill area are every bit as striking as the boldly accentuated wheel wells, which house polished 19 inch wheels shod with 255/35 tyres. The track has also been widened by 66 millimetres (2.60 inches) compared with the production TT, giving the car an even more squat, purposeful stance. The fascia between the two large tailpipes of the stainless steel exhaust system emphasizes the horizontal lines and makes the car look even wider from behind, as does the rear bumper, which doubles as a diffuser. The purist style of the exterior carries over to the interior of the Audi TT clubsport quattro. The newly designed sill area emphasizes the width of the vehicle. The driver and passenger sit in racing bucket seats that offer excellent support even in extreme driving situations. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:44:05 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article62.html As some of you may already know Custom-Code is sponsoring GTI international 2008. We will be offering a unique performance software experience. We will be centrally located and our software flashing bay will be accessible from anywhere on the site. For this event only, we will be offering a massive 40% discount off the regular retail price, as well as a FREE ¼ mile sprint run. This is an exclusive offer not to be missed and an ideal opportunity to test your new-found performance! There is no need to book just turn up on Saturday or Sunday, pop your car round to our tuning bay which is going to be located at the start of the ¼ sprint and 30-40mins later you will have Custom-Code and be ready to rip it up the strip for free! Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:16:33 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article61.html Latest Audi TTS is Official Car for 2008 Tourist Trophy (TT) Motorcycle Races For the first time in more than 100 years, a car sharing the same name as the world’s oldest car races - the TT - will become the official car at the famous Tourist Trophy motorcycle races next month on the Isle of Man. The latest and most powerful model in the iconic Audi TT range – the new 272PS TTS – will make a fittingly dynamic debut in Britain. The most powerful ever production Audi TT coupe to date has been chosen by the TT organisers as the prestigious “Official Car” at this year’s world-famous event which runs from 24 May-6 June. Thu, 08 May 2008 09:07:32 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article60.html Design study based on acclaimed R8 road car adopts 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder TDI engine first seen in Q7 V12 TDI Debuted on Press Day at the North American International Auto Show on January 13 6.0-litre bi-turbo TDI engine develops 500PS and 1,000Nm of torque from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm. 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, top speed in excess of 186mph Already complies with proposed EU6 emission limits expected to apply from 2014 thanks to highly efficient common rail injection with piezo injectors, twin particulate filters and new ultra low emission system Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and specially developed version of Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system with Sport and Race settings Satellite navigation system incorporates race circuit information and centrifugal force / boost pressure data when in Race mode Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:52:57 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article59.html Milltek says, "The fastest fitting of a Milltek exhaust to the slowest car Audi ever built!"More information at www.MilltekSport.com Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:14:02 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article57.html Audi UK is investing more than �6 million to support its R8 high-performance sports car with one of the most ironic claims in the history of advertising: "the slowest car we�ve ever built". The new campaign featuring the sought-after all-aluminium, quattro four-wheel-driven, V8-powered two-seater breaks this week, and represents the largest investment ever made by Audi UK in the launch of a new car Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:20:40 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article56.html Successor to the acclaimed V8-powered Audi RS flagship upgrades to ten cylinders, two turbochargers and 580PS Frankfurt debut for Audi RS 6 � The most powerful production Audi of all time � the new 580PS RS 6 quattro Avant � makes its debut next week at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The biturbo V10-powered super Avant is expected to cost in the region of �75,000 when it opens for UK order in November. Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:17:03 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article55.html Yes we did it again a silver award at the prestigious Audi Driver Awards, voted by readers of the magazine and users of the website A very successful trackday was held at Castle Coombe circuit with a hugh turnout from RS246 drivers Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:32:36 +0100 http://rs246.com/Article54.html Breathtaking new aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car revealed in production-ready form in Paris World public d�but of new Audi sports car on the Audi stand at the Mondial de l'Automobile (September 30th � October 15th) Combines classic mid-engine configuration with advanced all-aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction and the reassurance of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive Six-speed manual transmission or optional R tronic sequential shift gearbox with �shift-by-wire� technology and joystick or paddle control Optional Audi magnetic ride system UK ordering opens in late 2006 � R8 with six-speed manual transmission estimated at �77,000 , R8 with R tronic sequential-shift gearbox estimated at �82,000. Mid-mounted 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine delivers 420PS at 7,800rpm and 430Nm from 4,500 to 6,000rpm 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph Mon, 30 Oct 2006 13:34:45 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article53.html Total Audi�s Tom Saunders samples the latest (and possibly greatest) RS saloon, the RS4 Is this a new era for Audi? I�m beginning to think so. I was lucky enough to spend a day with the RS4, currently one of the world�s most sought after saloons, on Wednesday at Audi UK's official launch. Held at the famous Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit I was given a choice of 16 cars to choose from, in various colours and wheel options. It was the stuff of dreams� Thu, 02 Mar 2006 14:51:01 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article52.html From this summer, Audi will for the first time be offering additional versions of the RS 4. Following the successful market launch of the saloon at the end of last year, the Avant and Cabriolet versions will be appearing at dealers from the summer. This will round off the RS 4 family. This highly emotionally charged, high-performance product from quattro GmbH unites the characteristics of a sports car with supreme everyday qualities. This is as true of the saloon version as it is of the Avant and the four-seater Cabriolet. The RS 4 has numerous new features to distinguish it. Most notably, there is the V8 engine with an output of 420PS. This is the first time that a manufacturer has combined petrol direct injection with a high-revving concept. Engine speeds of up to 8,250 rpm are possible. Another highlight is the suspension with the latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Dynamic Ride Control. The Cabriolet and Avant have likewise been subjected to a rigorous regime of weight reduction measures to make sure that they are equally sporty. Even though the engineers have systematically applied lightweight construction principles, all RS 4 versions feature luxurious equipment that singles out the Audi RS 4 as a high-performance vehicle suitable for everyday driving. Wed, 22 Feb 2006 11:28:12 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article51.html See how the story develops Thu, 02 Feb 2006 22:57:33 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article50.html RS246 have been working closely with Audi UK to relay information regarding the delays for delivery of the B7 RS4. Audi UK have asked us to relay the following: "We recently wrote to customers with orders for the new Audi RS 4 quattro placed with Audi UK by Audi Centres before our published deadline of March 24th 2005, and therefore originally scheduled for completion in late 2005. We wanted to make them aware of an unfortunate delay in the production schedule that was beyond the control of Audi UK, and meant that the first right-hand-drive cars would begin to reach UK customers in March 2006...... Mon, 28 Nov 2005 16:29:14 +0000 http://rs246.com/Article49.html Audi S quattro Series flagship debuts at Tokyo with new 10-cylinder FSI engine developed with Lamborghini input Return of the ultimate Audi A8 begins with unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show (Oct 22 � Nov 6) Scheduled to open for UK order in April 2006 for first deliveries in June 2006 First ever 10-cylinder Audi model 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine developed using Lamborghini Gallardo�s 5.0-litre unit as its technical basis, linked to six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission 450PS at 7,000rpm, 540Nm at 3,500rpm, 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, electronically limited 155mph top speed, 20.3mpg Modified adaptive air suspension Sport with latest generation quattro drive incorporating 40/60 rear biased torque split All-up weight of 1,940kg, giving impressive power-to-weight ratio of 232PS per ton A spectacular fusion of German luxury saloon and Italian super car makes its debut on the Audi Stand at this month�s Tokyo Motor Show. The new Audi S8 quattro, featuring a 10-cylinder FSI petrol engine developed using the Lamborghini Gallardo�s acclaimed unit as its foundation, is scheduled to open for UK order in April 2006, with first deliveries expected in June 2006. Wed, 26 Oct 2005 11:31:22 +0100