Category Archives: Audi RS & R

Audi RS5, Audi R8

Audi adds even more power for best ever Silverstone driving experience

Latest RS models and R8 V10 bring over 1,300PS to new format Audi driver training events at world famous race circuit

  • New format Audi Driving Experience using TT RS, RS 5 and R8 V10 high performance stars begins in April and runs through to October
  • Course price of £499 inc VAT includes plenty of tuition time behind the wheel of all course cars, plus a high-speed passenger lap of the circuit
  • A range of dates available to book by calling 08000 274787 or emailing info@ade.audi.co.uk

Dreams of deftly tackling Silverstone in the formidable Audi R8 V10 can now be lived out in all their glory as part of the Audi Driving Experience, the 2011 version of which not only includes plenty of circuit time in the celebrated ten-cylinder, 187mph super car, but also the 450PS RS 5 and 340PS TT RS coupes.

This thrilling line-up, which delivers an exceptional combined output of 1,315PS, has been placed in the extremely capable hands of race and rally-proven Audi Driving Experience instructors, who provide expert insight into the key aspects of safer, more rewarding driving. Throughout the day-long event they are on hand to train drivers in every aspect of car control, including managing understeer and oversteer, high speed lane changes and avoidance manoeuvres and general methods for balancing the car to extract the very best from its chassis.

Tuition begins with ABS braking, slalom and cornering techniques, after which drivers can enjoy ample lap time behind the wheel of the R8 and the other course cars at gradually increasing speeds, all the while receiving technique tips via two-way radio from the instructor in the ‘pace car’ on the track.

The thrilling conclusion to this action packed day is a high-speed passenger lap of the circuit given by the Audi Driving Experience instructors, which will leave guests in no doubt as to the significant advantages in grip, stability and overall control the quattro all-wheel-drive system holds over more traditional sports car drive configurations.

Respect for speed
The Audi Driving Experience is of course about more than just thrills though. The graduated on-circuit training and incident simulation will be invaluable to drivers of all classes of car as a means of preparing for the ‘worst case scenario’ in complete safety, and will also instil a greater respect for, and understanding of, speed and its implications.

Director of Audi UK Jeremy Hicks, a firm believer in the benefits of specialist driver training, says: “Power outputs in our range are rising, and thanks to advances in quattro drive and our increasing use of high-tech materials in production our cars are becoming lighter and ever more agile, so they are offering more and more for keen drivers to enjoy. This training is designed not only to ensure that they do exactly that, but also do it as safely as possible. I would encourage everyone – enthusiast or not – to take the time to come and polish their technique.”

The full-day Audi Driving Experience can accommodate up to 30 guests each day, and takes place on specific dates through to October of this year. It costs £499 including VAT and is open to all Audi enthusiasts aged over 21 holding a driver’s licence containing no more than eight penalty endorsements. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and break-time refreshments all freshly prepared on site. Spectators are welcome to attend at a cost of £79 including VAT per person, however places are limited so early booking is advisable. .

On completion of the Audi Driving Experience course at Silverstone, guests also have the option to progress to the International Audi Driving Experience, featuring circuit-based days in famous locations such as Germany’s challenging Nurburgring Nordschliefe circuit and Spain’s Circuit de Catalunya, as well as winter driving training in Scandinavia.

For full details of all the courses, customers can visit www.audi.co.uk, click on ‘About Audi’ on the home page and then select ‘Audi driving experiences’. More information on course dates and availability can also be obtained by calling the dedicated Audi Driving Experience Hotline on 08000 274787.

Audi RS3

Five-cylinder firepower for new Audi RS 3 Sportback

2.5-litre TFSI engine instils historic quattro character and modern day RS pace in new Audi compact hatch flagship

  • First ever compact class Audi RS model opens for UK ordering in December priced at £39,900 OTR. First deliveries are expected to begin in April 2011
  • 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 plastic wings, widened track, sport button controlling throttle response and exhaust note

The revered RS badge is about to adorn a compact class Audi for the first time as the new RS 3 Sportback waits in the wings with suitably spectacular performance and an evocative five-cylinder soundtrack for a spring 2011 UK debut. The formidable yet usefully practical newcomer will be available to order in the UK from next month priced at £39,900 OTR.

Audi high performance engineering division quattro GmbH takes the five-door Sportback version of the A3 as the foundation for the latest RS model, and in deference to the classic quattros of the Eighties endows it with a turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine that employs 21st Century TFSI turbo charging and direct injection technology.

First seen in the TT RS, this all-new unit fills the cabin with a rich, bass-heavy five-cylinder tone as it channels 340PS and 450Nm of torque to the road through a standard seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive. A sound flap in the exhaust branch intensifies the sound even further when the driver presses the Sport button, which also varies throttle response.

Maximum torque is readily available at the low end of the rev range, from around 1,600 rpm, and remains constant up to 5,300 revolutions, making for excellent flexibility and response.

The large turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure, and downstream of it is an intercooler which achieves an efficiency rate of more than 80 per cent. The combination of the latest forced induction technology with FSI direct injection facilitates a high compression ratio (10.0:1) along with a correspondingly high efficiency ratio. Flaps in the intake tract mix the air as it flows in. The two camshafts, each adjustable by 42 degrees of crankshaft rotation, also enhance the efficiency of the mixture formation.

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
The efficiency of the RS 3 Sportback is due in large part to a delivery on demand oil pump and a regenerative system that recovers energy as the car decelerates, but is also facilitated by weight-saving measures including the use of strong but light vermicular graphite for the engine block and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the front wings. These help to keep the kerb weight of the new RS 3 down to 1,575kg, to keep CO2 output down to 212g/km and, equally importantly, to elevate the power-to-weight ratio to an impressive 216PS per tonne.

The extreme performance is gainfully employed by a chassis that lowers the RS 3 Sportback by 25mm compared with the standard A3, and comprises McPherson struts upfront and a four-link rear set-up. Balance and composure are boosted by a widened, 1,564 millimetre track, and grip by 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/35 series tyres at the front and 225/35 at the rear. The standard wheel finish is a machine-polished titanium look, but a black finish with red rim inserts is also available as an option.

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 measuring 370 millimetres in diameter at the front and 310 millimetres at the rear modulate speed powerfully and progressively. Their aluminium covers are encircled by four-piston fixed calipers painted a high-gloss black and bearing RS logos. To support them, the electronic stability programme (ESP) features a Sport mode that activates later intervention of the braking and acceleration retardation functions to enable greater adjustability without compromising safety. It can be switched off entirely for circuit use.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system oversees proceedings, granting the RS 3 Sportback an extra measure of traction, composure and stability. Its central component is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, mounted at the end of the propeller shaft to achieve a favourable axle load distribution. Located in its interior is a plate package bathed in oil.

Thanks to quattro, the propulsive power can be distributed to each axle as needed. Whenever slip occurs at one of the axles, an electric pump intervenes at lightning speed to increase the oil pressure. The pump presses the clutch plates together, thereby permitting the torque to be redirected accordingly. Thanks to a powerful accumulator, this process takes just a few milliseconds.

Audi RS hallmarks
The latent performance potential of the new RS 3 is conveyed subtly but unequivocally at the front end by a deeper front apron that incorporates enlarged air intakes, an anthracite coloured single-frame grille with diamond-patterned styling and xenon plus headlamps.

The side view is dominated by the flared, lightweight front wings covering 19-inch alloy wheels, prominent sill panels, mirror casings 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, sports seats are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather with silver contrasting stitching, and inlays are finished in Piano black or the new Aluminium Race look. A flat-bottomed RS steering wheel and an exclusive design for the instruments and S tronic selector lever also highlight this car’s status, as does a specially configured Driver’s Information System which displays boost pressure and oil temperature and doubles as a lap timer.

The array of standard equipment also includes the Sport button, 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.