The German bearer of automotive legacy has finally unveiled the first 12-cylinder diesel engine Audi, the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept car. This high-performing sports car was introduced to a drooling crowd at the Detroit Motor Show. It boasts of an engine that is similar to the two-time Le Mans winning powerplant, the Audi R10, but this baby generates a manly 500 horsepower, and has the speeding ticket officer raging because of its above 300 kilometers per hour top speed.

The 100 kilometers per hour flag will be raised from zero within just 4.2 seconds, and its peak torque will be attained at 1,750 rpm. This wondrous beast works well because its V12 TDI belongs to Audi’s breed of V engines. But what is really interesting about this concept, is that its “chain drive layout” includes two neophytes high-pressure pumps for the common rail injection system. But, while these may be neophytes in service, they have already attained the ideal as they carry all the developments of the technology.

Donning a matte “Grace Silver” bodywork and adorned with “accentuated” wheel arches and bigger air apertures, the R8 V12 TDI looks quite wider than its predecessor. However, its glass roof which is just above the passenger compartment is the one that makes this Audi stand out. The roof is even divided with two big transparent sections. Together with the glazed engine compartment, make a whole new look for the R8 V12. Inside, the wide arc running around the three-spoked, flattened and lowered racing edition steering wheel and the instruments are very striking details for the interiors.

Wanna go for a drive? Just activate the start/stop button to wake the engine, and pick choose between the Drive Select and Dynamic Sport/Race modes which are to be found on the steering wheel. According to a release by earthtimes.com, “the latter controls the engine and transmission electronics as well as the magnetic ride dampeners in each of three different modes. In Race mode, the instrument lighting changes from white to red. The navigation system shows a combined display with lap timer and navigation information for the racetrack being driven. Supplementary information such as centrifugal force and boost pressure can be called up.”

Source: earthtimes.com

One of the prestigious awards for vehicles, the “SportsCar” of the year is only given to eligible model having only the pure sports car breed. The award is given by the board of specialists for the Autobild SportsCars monthly magazine. Declared as the overall winner for “SportsCar 2007”which is one of the desired awards of the German automaker, the Audi R8 also achieved its success in the magazines issue in March 2007.

As part of the Essen Motor Show, one of the highlights of the magazine’s event which is the Race Night” included the presentation of trophy to the Managing Director of quattro GmbH, Werner Frowein. The R8 is the product of committed and capable workers at the quattro GmbH located in Neckarsulm. The automaker’s subsidiary is likewise in charge for manufacturing and developing the R8 sports car equipped with 420 bhp mid-engine.

The careful selection of the magazine’s panel for the sports cars was done in conjunction with the TÜV Rheinland inspection authority. Stringent on-road assessments on an ongoing basis are conducted to determine the qualities of the most recent sports cars in the market. After that, they present their choice as the monthly winners for every new magazine issue.

For the final remarks, the experts said, “The Audi R8 wins because it is currently the most complete vehicle with the hottest body in the sports segment and, despite being a newcomer, displays no serious weaknesses.”

News via theautochannel.

Produced in Audi plant in Neckarsulm, the 2008 Audi RS is an all wheel drive boasting a 420 horsepower V8 engine that powers it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 301 km/h. The 4.2 liter engine delivers a whooping 309 kW or 420 bhp power output at 7,800 rpm. From 4,500 to 6,000 rpm, the maximum torque is 430 Newton meter. Power is distributed variably to the front and rear axles by a clutch through its integrated four-wheel drive system.

A selection of LED or Xenon headlamps with LED running lights and indicators can be used. LED is also located under the hood to illuminate the engine even at night. The parking system with acoustic and rear camera assists the driver during parking. A user-friendly large-format screen and MMI keypad on the radio/ navigation system is a big plus.

Teams of specialists supervise the production from the chassis to the final assembly. These ensure that in every step of the way, the car is subjected to intense inspection and quality checks. The production process guarantees that the 15 or so Audi cars produced per day is at par with the superior standards Audi demands on its production vehicles.

Sources:

leftlanenews.com
theautochannel.com

Australia can now enjoy the high performing Audi R8 sports coupe. This Audi is based on the Le Mans Prototype LMP R8 race car. The designer of the R8 race car incorporated the superior performance, reliable and smart use of power and style to its road version.

The R8 will make its debut at Phillip Island Raceway in Victoria and costs $259,900 for the 6-speed manual variant and $274,900 for the six-speed sequential R-tronic version.

It is said that the R8 was the Audi’s first high-performance sports coupe and according to Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Joerg Hofmann, the R8 is raises Audi’s image in Australia.

“We are a successful brand, with year-on-year record sales in Australia as proof of our growth and our future potential in this market. The Audi R8 will become an icon for Audi and albeit niche, this is a car that clearly embodies our Vorsprung durch Technik. It will be instrumental in further boosting our brand image and awareness in this market,” Hofmann said.

Audi’s design team headed by Walter de’Silva made the Audi R8 look sportier. In a recent review done by autoweb.com, it said, “the wide, full shape of the R8 seems to hug the road. It demonstrates its potential through its imposing proportions, accentuated wheel arches and substantial air apertures. It is like no other Audi before it – with the unmistakable proportions of a mid-engine car.”

The R8’s performance is backed up by a 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine with 309kW and 430Nm, resulting to a stable and powerful ride.

The latest technology is also incorporated in the vehicle such as all-LED headlights, ceramic brakes, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear view camera and Audi’s Multi Media Interface MMI.
This story is based on the review done by autoweb.com