Motoren Technik Mayer from Wettstetten, Germany, puts the Audi S5 under pressure. As “MTM GT Supercharged” the sporty coupe’s supercharged engine demonstrates impressive performance data. Together with bigger brakes, a coilover suspension and other minor changes, the result is an overall package which can take on the race track.

Pressurized

Watch out, when it gets loose! At the slightest pressure on the accelerator the MTM S5 GT Supercharged rockets forward with brute force. The compressor added to the Audi 4.2 liter V8 by MTM is what makes this possible. An MTM intercooler housing with integrated water cooling ensures that the engine can always generate maximum performance. Overall, instead of the stock 354 hp, there is now all of 505 horsepower at 7190 rpm available. This makes an engine output of 120 hp per liter! The torque boost by 106 to 546 Nm emerges in vehement intermediate bursts, to which the driver can get addicted. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes 4.3 seconds, turning many super sports cars green with envy. And up to its top speed of 300 km/h it can hold its own with any of them.

At MTM the general rule is: special wishes are met. Customization is also carried out on an individual basis!

The PPI PS TT Coupe – the second generation

The history of PPI Automotive Design is inextricably linked with the Audi TT. The PPI RS TT was the name given to the first generation of Audi TTs tuned by PPI, which became the top seller and foundation for the success of this Audi tuning specialist from Swabia, Germany. With the PPI PS TT, PPI is now following up on this success story, and is presenting the second generation. Equipped with an innovative and sporty design, you might be tempted to think that interior values would only play an inferior role. If so, you would be wrong – the PPI PS TT offers advanced, masterful technology and driving pleasure which will satisfy even the most discerning requirements.

Advanced technology for supreme power increase

At the heart of PPI’s comprehensive tuning suite is the performance kit I for the 2.0 l Turbo FSI engine of the Audi TT. 180 kW / 245 bhp at 5.100 r.p.m. and 366 Nm torque between 1.800 and 5.000 r.p.m. are performance figures that are also clearly noticeable on the stopwatch. Sprinting in 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h, the PPI PS TT is 0,3 second faster than its production counterpart. Governed by the maximum speed, the car is capable of a top speed of 250 km/h.

The designers at world’s leading tuner of cars from the Volkswagen group, Abt Sportsline, felt the unmistakable Audi front grille was simply not striking enough and have given it a redesign more in line with the Abt design philosophy.

Available immediately for the AS4, AS5, AS7 and AS3 Facelift tuning packages at 380 Euros (including tax) the most prominent feature are the five massive longitudinal fish gills which Abt calls ribs. Looking more like lawnmower blades, the Abt gill grille is also available for the standard Audi A3, A4, A5 and Q7 models.

The new Audi V6 3.0 TFSI which will be featured first in the new Audi A6, and we hear Audi S4 as well, will be Audi’s first ever compressor engine ever instead of a turbocharger!

The Audi V6 3.0 TFSI will deliver 290 bhp and consume in average 9.5l per 100 km and AMS is calling it already a “great achievement”, just based on their figures.

The Audi V6 3.0 TFSI will be featured also in other models from Audi A4 and above.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro:
Open-top driving machine with over 300 hp

* Audi presents its showcar at the Wörthersee Tour
* Speedster-like body with dynamic accents
* Racing-like engine and suspension performance

An open cockpit, an engine producing more than 220 kW (300 hp) and a host of technologies borrowed from the world of motorsports – the Audi TT clubsport quattro is an uncompromising driving machine. Audi is presenting an updated version of the spectacular showcar and sensation of 2007 at the Wörthersee Tour, the big meet for Audi and VW enthusiasts in Reifnitz (Kärnten), Austria, from May 21 to 25.

Purism at a premium level – this was the goal that the designers and engineers set themselves for the Audi TT clubsport quattro. The low windshield is extremely flat. The 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 – the lines of the showcar painted in Suzuka Gray, pearl effect are intensely evocative of a speedster. 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 grill 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 grills.

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 impressive (polished) 9×19 inch wheels shod with 255/35 tires. The track was widened by 66 millimeters (2.60 inches) versus the production TT. The rear bumper is designed as a diffuser. 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.

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 – on the race track, for example.

Typical Audi: aluminum in the interior

Typical for Audi is the generous use of aluminum in the interior of the showcar. The clubsport quattro sports a high-grip version of the flat-bottomed steering wheel from the production TT with aluminum shift paddles. The door pull handle and door opener are also made of aluminum, and their cut-out appearance emphasizes the lightweight design character of the concept car. The pedals also shine with aluminum.

The second distinctive feature of the interior of the TT clubsport quattro is the color orange. Leather in this color provides bright highlights to the arm rests, the sides of the center tunnel, the backs of the bucket seats and the instrument cowl. The orange and white graphics of the instrument cluster clearly distinguishes it from its counterpart in the production model.

The TT clubsport quattro is a true sports car, and technology borrowed directly from the world of motorsports emphasizes this character. Even more power has been coaxed out of the 2.0 TFSI engine – the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine breaks the magic 300 hp barrier. The exhaust system was designed to be particularly easy-breathing, and a powerful racing sound exudes from the oval tailpipes.

Audi high-tech: S tronic und quattro

The two-liter engine delivers its full power to an S tronic transmission. Thanks to its dual clutch, gear changes occur extremely quickly without interrupting the flow of power and thus go virtually unnoticed. The driver can change gears manually using the shift lever or the paddles on the steering wheel, or can choose a fully automatic mode. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system transfers the power to all four wheels.

The powerful brake system from the new Audi TTS provides the stopping power. Its ventilated discs measure 340 millimeters (13.39 inches) up front and 310 millimeters (12.20 inches) at the rear.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine combining the performance of a sports car with the unique design language of Audi. Small-series production of this model cannot be ruled out.

Audi will beat its German rivals in the hybrid race with the launch of a petrol-electric Q7 SUV due at the end of the year. The announcement was made by Audi board manager Frank Dreves, who revealed today that the hybrid SUV is being developed together with Porsche and that future collaboration on electronic architectures with the sports carmaker was possible.

Dreves also revealed that Audi would increase its modular design practice and standardization of components – a process where a number of different models in different segments are all based on the same platform – in order to reach its target of 1.5 million vehicles by 2015.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Dreves also pointed out that Audi will lift its model range from the current 26 vehicles to 40 all up by 2015. The key will be to improve productivity, shorten the production cycle of each model and increase the level of component sharing.

Audi has ruled out launching the Q7 hybrid in the U.S. because of the weak dollar and low demand for petrol-electric hybrids in general. However, Audi’s U.S. chief Johan de Nysschen revealed that a hybrid Q5 was in the works and would be a likely option for North America.

The new Q7 hybrid due at the end of the year will feature a 34kW electric motor sandwiched between a 280hp (206kW) 3.6L V6 FSI petrol engine and the vehicle’s torque converter. The electric motor provides an additional 285Nm (210lb-ft) of torque to the internal combustion engine’s 375Nm (277lb-ft). From standstill, the concept vehicle reaches 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and can accelerate from 60 to 120km/h in fifth gear in just under 12 seconds. Despite weighing 2,480kg, average fuel-consumption measures 24mpg (9.8L/100km).

Audi, the inventor of TDI, blazes a trail in the field of engine manufacture. At the 27th annual Lake Wörther Tour being held at the end of May in the Austrian province of Carinthia, the brand behind the four rings is showcasing this technology’s potential with a sensational study. The two-liter TDI unit under the bonnet of the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro delivers 165 kW (224 hp) and musters up 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque – the sort of pulling power normally associated with a sports car. The show car races from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.6 seconds and attains a top speed of 240 km/h (149.13 mph).

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro projects its power with supreme confidence – both acoustically courtesy of 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. The drive 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 at will the throttle response characteristic, the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system, as well as 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.

Engine
- Four-cylinder TDI with common-rail injection system
- Displacement of 1968 cc, output of 165 kW (224 hp) and torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft)
- Optimized exhaust system, sonorous soundtrack
- 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.6 seconds, top speed 240 km/h (149.13 mph)

Power transmission
- High-efficiency six-speed manual transmission with a lightweight casing, open gear lever gate made of aluminum
- quattro all-wheel drive with extremely fast-action multi-plate clutch

Chassis
- Four-link rear suspension for dynamic handling and good comfort
- Power steering with highly efficient electric drive
- Wheels measuring 9 J x 20, tire size 265/30
- Six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs at the front wheels
- Audi drive select driving dynamics system with Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control

Body and interior
- Length 4,254 millimeters (167.48 inches), width 1,825 millimeters (71.85 inches), height 1,385 millimeters (54.53 inches)
- Motorsport-look design, large rear spoiler
- Racing bucket seats and extra aluminum components in interior

There’s another niche model in town – the ‘premium’ compact drop-top. Audi’s new A3 cabriolet and BMW’s 1-series convertible are leading the charge, but which is the better buy? We put the pair head-to-head…
Typical – you wait ages for a new premium convertible to turn up, and then two arrive at once! So what better way to greet the new Audi A3 Cabriolet and BMW 1-Series Convertible than by putting them head-to-head in an exclusive twin test?

It was only a matter of time before Audi and BMW entered the compact cabrio sector. With prices for drop-top versions of the larger A4 and 3-Series starting at £26,545 and £31,025 respectively, the German firms were in danger of abandoning the lower end of the market, handing the advantage to models such as the Volkswagen Eos and Vauxhall Astra TwinTop. But now Audi cabrio ownership starts at £20,745 for the new model, while BMW’s drop-top is available from £22,335. In order to keep costs down, both use fabric roofs and proven underpinnings – the A3 is based on the three-door hatchback, while the 1-Series Convertible follows on from the coupé launched last year.

Both of these four-seater soft-tops hit dealers within a month of each other. The BMW arrived two weeks ago, while the Audi will appear in showrooms on 10 May. Among a raft of tempting features, both have roofs that can be lowered on the move, while Audi’s lid claims to be one of the world’s fastest.

There are two petrol engines and two diesels available in the A3 from launch, and here we try the 197bhp 2.0T FSI with optional £1,400 S tronic twin-clutch gearbox. It’s up against a car costing just a few hundred pounds less, the BMW 125i SE, which employs a 3.0-litre six-cylinder 218bhp powerplant.

Both are very evenly matched on paper. Will that continue to be the case as we hit the roads of southern France?

Verdict
These two cars are well matched in many areas. Both are similarly priced and are close in terms of performance, economy and running costs – they even have identically sized boots.

But in terms of philosophy and execution, the Audi A3 Cabriolet and BMW 1-Series Convertible are poles apart, and will consequently appeal to very different buyers. If you regularly carry four people and want a convertible to be easy to drive and live with, then you won’t be disappointed by the new A3. It offers the benefits of a hatchback with a quick, well constructed and insulated roof. In 2.0-litre turbo guise it’s also a strong performer, but it’s not that much fun to drive.

That’s where the BMW scores well. It has a stiffer chassis which resists shake better, while its rear-drive layout, sharp steering, firm brakes and refined suspension mean it’s more rewarding.

However, drop-tops are bought to look great and make a statement. With that in mind, both are excellent cars that we would have no trouble recommending. But our money would be spent on the BMW, as it comes across as better engineered and more upmarket.

Does diesel power detract from a Coupe’s desirability? Audi doesn’t think so, and has launched a TDi version of its popular TT for the first time. We put it up against BMW’s diesel 1-series Coupe!

Diesel has long been the default fuel of choice for buyers on a budget. But could the widening gap between its price and that of petrol at the pumps see oil-burners start to slide down the sales charts?

As black pump models no longer have the appeal of saving owners so much money, they need more than frugal economy to be a success – genuine desirability is a must to survive in the market. And one manufacturer that has total confidence in the future of the fuel is Audi.

The firm has dominated the Le Mans 24 Hours for the past two years with its R10 prototype. Then there was the proud unveiling of the R8 TDI supercar at January’s Detroit Motor Show. So it’s clear that Audi is leading the way when it comes to making the most of diesel power in performance models. Now, for the first time in its 10-year history, the TT will be available as an oil-burner, too.

When the new model arrives in UK showrooms this summer, powered by Audi’s common-rail 2.0-litre TDI engine, it aims to attract buyers with its blend of versatile performance and fuel-sipping economy. But does the addition of a heavy diesel powerplant compromise the TT’s desirability and handling finesse?

The coupé faces stiff competition, as Audi isn’t the only firm selling performance diesels – the new BMW 123d Coupé fulfils a similar brief. So which of the duo comes out on top? We went to the Audi’s launch in Germany to find out in an exclusive head-to-head.

Verdict
Each has its own personality, although both models use well engineered diesels to prove that oil-burners can successfully be fitted to coupés without affecting desirability.

While the 123d is the better performer, it can’t rival the TT for styling. And even though it has usable rear seats, the cabin isn’t nearly as upmarket as the Audi’s.

What’s more, the chassis doesn’t give the BMW the dynamic edge you might expect. The TT isn’t as thrilling on a twisty road, but its light weight, quattro traction and smooth ride mean it’s composed and agile enough for most drivers.

The TDI engine is smooth, and while it lacks the thrust of the BMW unit, it’s quieter at idle and provides enough pace to make the most of the TT’s chassis. Audi has done an excellent job of engineering its coupé with diesel power, and the model has lost none of its appeal in TDI trim.

What counts above all else in the coupé class is image – and the TT remains the most desirable and attractive car in the sector.

Audi has revealed more details about its forthcoming supercharged V6 engine, which will power the next S4 and feature in next year’s A6 refresh.

The 3.0-litre, direct-injection unit produces 286bhp at 4850rpm, and 310lb ft torque at 2500rpm. It’ll be known as the 3.0-litre TFSI, even though the ‘T’ traditionally stands for ‘turbo’.

The new engine uses an Eaton supercharger and has an air-to-air intercooler rather than a water-to-air unit.

Speculation was rife that Audi would fit its 3.2-litre V6 with twin turbos in an effort to rival BMW’s similarly specified 3.0-litre unit, which has just won Engine of the Year for the second year in succession. But the Ingolstadt engineers decided that the increasing weight of cars demanded a solution promising greater torque at low revs.

Audi bosses believe that larger models like the Q7 and A8 – also likely to get the supercharged V6 – will benefit from low-down power delivery. Packaging a supercharger is also simpler than a twin-turbo, because it sits between the cylinders, although this does raise the centre of gravity.