We already know that Audi plans to fit the standard R8’s 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 into its all-new Spyder variant early next year, and now comes word that at least one more version of the R8 is in the pipeline and that the R tronic sequential automatic might not be long for this world.

According to company insiders speaking with Car and Driver, the herky-jerky gearbox will likely be dispatched in favor of Audi’s new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s no word on the amount of torque the DCT can handle, but considering how much better the R8 V10 performed with the standard sequential tranny, we’d suspect that the dual-clutch setup will make its way onto the V8 models only. And if you’re worried about the gated six-speed manual being nixed from the options list, don’t be - it will continue to be available on all models.

C&D also reports that a sportier version of the R8, inspired by the LMS model, could be in the cards, packing more power (think: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera) and a not-so-insignificant weight reduction thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber.

In what is currently raw footage but what will soon undoubtedly be slickly produced promotional material, the brutalicious 2011 Audi RS5 growls around a track and on various European roads. For a brief spell it even shares the screen with one of its spiritual brethren, the

Filed under: Classics, Technology, Audi, Chrysler

Unintended acceleration didn’t start with Toyota, nor did it start with the Audi 5000 - it’s probably been around since the first man put a leg over what he thought was a tamed horse.

Automobile Magazine takes a look at the phenomenon of accidentally wide-open throttles circa 1957, when Chrysler began the process of putting Bendix Electrojet fuel injectors into four of its models. At one point, a test car flooded when the injector’s signals were confused while passing a radio broadcast tower. It’s a good read so we won’t spoil it for you - follow the link below for the full story. And if you see the only remaining Electrojet-equipped Chrysler - the rest were retrofitted with carburetors - keep an eye on it…

[Source: Automobile]

Automobile takes a look at the early history of ’sudden acceleration’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Rumormill, Electric

Seeing the Audi A1 and A1 e-tron concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show provides proof that the quad-ring automaker is putting a much larger focus on its small car offerings. With that in mind, new rumors are cropping up about a possible successor to the A2 - the quirky little hatch that never came to the U.S. and only had minor success in Europe.

“There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1,” Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told AutoWeek during the Geneva Motor Show. The new A2 would likely be A1-based and use an electric powertrain, possibly sourced from the A1 e-tron concept. European media has reported that the A2 successor is expected to debut by 2014, and no word has been given about a possible U.S.-spec version. However, with Audi keeping the A1 away from American soil, it’s likely that the A2 would be a Europe-only affair, as well.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Audi working on successor to A2? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Audi, Racing

2009 proved to be a very successful opening campaign for Audi’s new customer race car, the R8 LMS. Eight cars were sold to a variety of teams and between them, the cars won 23 races and three national and international GT championships. For 2010, Audi has produced a new evolution version of the R8 LMS, and by mid-April, the German automaker expects to have delivered a total of 20 cars.

The alterations to the 2010 evolution R8 are apparently targeted at improving service life and making the car easier for crews to work on, with plans calling for changes including a new six-speed gearbox. An upgraded cooling system is designed to help the R8 perform better in high temperature conditions and new openings in the body work will allow crews to inspect wear parts without pulling everything apart. The first two 2010 cars were have been delivered to UK-based United Autosport, and another 10 are slated to go out over the next several weeks. Teams running 2009 cars will also have an upgrade kit available to bring their cars up to the new spec.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teams

Audi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teams originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

The not-for-U.S. (at least not for now) Audi A1 just made its public debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and we’re eager to see how the new hatch stacks up to the likes of the much-loved Mini Cooper. We’re especially fond of this S Line model, which gives the A1 a much more aggressive appearance and tweaks the hatch’s dynamics ever so slightly.

The S Line kit is made up of two separate packages. The exterior package adds a larger roof spoiler, a revised front bumper with side air vents, more chiseled sill tops and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Beyond the host of exterior changes, the S Line sport package adds a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, a sport suspension, and a choice of either 17- or 18-inch alloys. In all, the whole S Line treatment looks great and gives us more reason to lust after the A1. Click through our gallery to see dozens of high-res shots of the A1 in its hot hatch-like S Line guise.

[Source: Audi via Carscoop]

Pics Aplenty: 2011 Audi A1 S Line in the color of lust originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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quattro four-wheel drive enjoys a lengthy tradition. The principle involves distributing the engine’s power permanently and optimally between all four wheels.

We got our first peek at Abt’s R8 GTR late last year, but like with many cars, it was a whole different experience to see it in person. To say carbon fiber has been used liberally is an understatement, as the entire car is clothed in the lightweight material. The look suits the R8, and Abt has managed to give the car a more aggressive look without going overboard. The interior is lathered in carbon fiber as well, and lightweight Recaro racing seats help reduce weight even further. In total, Abt has managed to take 220 pounds off the R8’s heft.

In addition to changing the look of the car, Abt has given the R8 more power as well. Its 5.2-liter V10 is now rated at 620 horsepower, good for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. Other performance upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension, ceramic brake system, lightweight 18-inch wheels and Michelin Sport Cup tires.

In the Them’s Big Words department, Audi is calling its A8 Hybrid “the efficiency standard.” And it’s not exactly untrue since the top-of-the-peak, 211-horsepower V6 sedan boosted by a 45-hp electric motor has more power than an A3 TDI and a faster 0-to-60 sprint, yet the gas mileage comparison isn’t unfavorable: the A3 gets 34 miles per gallon combined, the A8 Hybrid does 38 mpg. And you get all that A8 size and panache. And 21-inch rims. Responsibly.

All that is certain to cost you come negotiating time: It remains a concept so Audi hasn’t released a price, but when you’re talking about getting the moon, it’s safe to figure it’ll cost you a few stars.