100 years of Audi. A truly special anniversary, commemorated with an exceptional chronograph: the new Audi Centennial Timepiece. It embodies the brand’s incomparable values: tradition and innovation, design and precision, sophistication and perfection. A magnum opus of horology, this chronograph boasts a tachometer function as well as a unique design and a patented caliber.

This exclusive chronograph was conceived by Audi Design; our development and production partner is Chronoswiss, the Munich-based watchmaker. Audi and Chronoswiss alike devote themselves to precision and flawless quality. Moreover, both companies boast rich legacies, yet also strive for innovative excellence and pioneering solutions.

The Audi centennial timepiece—the Tachoscope—uniquely combines a regulator dial, a chronograph featuring a stopwatch operated by a single push-button, and a tachometer dial. The exception to the classic regulator principle is the offset configuration of the hour hand and the second hand, as only the minute hand is positioned in the center of the watch dial.

The chronograph hand is also centered on the Tachoscope. This layout ensures excellent readability, regardless of a watch dial’s complexity. The Tachoscope’s chronograph is complemented by the tachometer dial on the bezel. This dial measures velocity in kilometers or miles per hour.

As unique as the watch’s design is its dial, which is made of genuine enamel. Inspired by the instrumentation of the legendary Auto Union racing car, Audi Design created customized, crystal-clear lettering for the watch’s face. It is dominated by the second hand’s numerals, which are reminiscent of the tachometers in the Type C Grand Prix racing car of the 1930s.

Audi Design created a crown in the shape of a gearwheel; the case exudes elegance and is well-proportioned. In the mechanical movement, the rotor—visible through the glass back cover of the case—features engraving that proclaims the years of Audi’s anniversary.

Chronoswiss engineered the technology beneath the face. The interior of the Tachoscope contains the exclusive C. 125 caliber, for which Chronoswiss recently received a European patent (Number 1243984). By means of a complex mechanism, this caliber allows the chronograph to be operated via a single push-button integrated in the winding device’s crown.

The limited-edition Audi Centennial Timepiece will be manufactured in platinum (CH A 1520) and white gold (CH A 1521 W). A total of just 100 units will be made: one for each year in Audi’s history. Each of the 35 platinum and 65 white-gold wristwatches will be packaged in a wooden jewelry box with a black matte finish; accessories include a watchmaker’s loupe and screwdriver. The price for the platinum wristwatches is € 24,900, the wristwatch in white-gold € 14.900. Information on how to order the watches contact Audi quattro GmbH on (+49 (0) 841 89 46 599) or at quattro@audi-shop.de.

Visitors to AMI Leipzig 2009 will witness the world premiere of the Audi TT RS Roadster at the Audi exhibition stand at the Leipzig Motor Show, Hall 1. From March 28 to April 5, visitors will be able to view a total of 20 production models, two show cars and two historic cars at the roughly 2,100 square meter (22,604.21 square feet) exhibition stand. The spotlight will also be on the German premieres of the new Audi A4 allroad quattro, the Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets and the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro.

Audi is forging a link with its 5-cylinder tradition with the Audi TT RS Roadster and TT RS Coupé. Customers will begin taking delivery of the sports car this summer. The 2.5-liter engine with turbocharging and direct fuel injection generates 340 hp (250 kW) and accelerates the sports car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds – with average fuel consumption of just 9.5 liters (24.76 mpg). The permanent all-wheel drive quattro, a suspension fine-tuned to match the powerful engine, and high-performance brakes make the car a star in its class. With its light Audi Space Frame (ASF) car body, constructed primarily from aluminum, the TT RS is a road machine through and through.

With its greater ground clearance, the fun with the Audi A4 allroad quattro really begins where the asphalt ends. The youngest member of the A4 family features innovative technology – including its powerful, highly efficient engines and Audi drive select, the new driving dynamics system.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI with 170 hp (125 kW), consumes an average of just 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (36.75 mpg). Customers looking to get the most powerful engine should order the A4 allroad quattro featuring a V6 TDI with 240 hp (176 kW).

Dynamic, self-assured and picture perfect – that describes the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The new A5 Cabriolet features the soft top Audi is known for. It can open in just 15 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The A5 Cabriolet rolls up to the starting line with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines. The range of performance starts at 170 hp (125 kW) in the 2.0 TDI and tops out at 265 hp (195 kW) in the 3.2 FSI. The A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI will be arriving on the scene later. The top model for the new model line is the Audi S5 Cabriolet. The letter S traditionally stands for confident sportiness, for dynamics, performance and power, and for amazing efficiency. The Audi S5 Cabriolet is powered by a newly developed, turbocharged V6 engine with 333 hp (245 kW).

In the second quarter of 2009, Audi will add more building blocks to its modular efficiency kit, including an on-board computer with efficiency program and the start-stop system. The start-stop system reduced consumption in a standardized driving cycle by 0.2 liters/100 km (0.05 mpg), or 5 grams of CO2 per kilometer (8.05 g per mile). The system is being used for the first time in all of the new A5 Cabriolet models that have a 2-liter engine – TDI or TFSI – combined with a manual transmission. It will be added to more models during the course of the year, including the Audi A4 allroad quattro. Visitors will also be able to view the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI with start-stop system at the exhibition stand. The on-board computer with efficiency program displays all consumption-relevant data in the center console, offering potential savings of up to 30 percent.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be exhibited for the first time in Germany at the AMI Leipzig. The 10-cylinder engine of the R8 generates 525 hp (386 kW), making it possible to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). Top Audi technology like the quattro drive system, the lightweight aluminum body and all-LED headlights – the first of their kind used in series production – make the R8 a technological forerunner in its segment.

The most efficient member of Audi’s high-volume A3 model line will also be on display at the AMI Leipzig: the Audi A3 1.9 TDI e. To achieve average consumption of 4.5 liters (52.27 mpg) and thus a CO2 level of 119 grams per kilometer (191.51 g/mile) and a range of more than 1,000 kilometers per full tank (621.37 miles), changes made to the A3 1.9 TDI included adjustment of the transmission ratios. The gearshift indicator shows which gear is the best choice. In addition, with the Audi A6 2.0 TDI e and Audi A8 2.8 FSI, Audi is exhibiting two more e models that set the pace in their segment when it comes to consumption.

Audi is working tirelessly on further reducing consumption and emissions. The groundbreaking Audi A4 TDI concept e, with its innovative technical concept, delivers the agile handling Audi is known for while consuming an average of just 3.99 liters of fuel per 100 kilometer (58.95 mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km (168.98 g/mile). The drive system of the Audi A4 TDI concept e is a direct-injection TDI with 120 hp (88 kW).

The Audi stand will also feature the Audi A1 Sportback concept show car, a compact five-door four-seater. The car, which is 3.99 meters long and 1.75 meters wide (13.09 feet long by 5.74 feet wide), combines trendsetting dynamic styling with optimized space efficiency and superb quality. Under the hood, there’s a 1.4 liter TFSI 150 hp (110 kW) engine that powers the front wheels via S tronic. A 27 hp (20kW) electric motor integrated into the drive train delivers up to 150 Nm of additional torque when accelerating.

To mark its 100th anniversary, the brand with the four-ring logo will also be exhibiting historic cars in Leipzig. Construction of the 1938 Auto Union Silver Arrow Type D took four years. The original version of the car won two Grand Prix races in its heyday. The Audi 920, which generated 75 hp, will also be on display at the exhibition stand. With its 6-cylinder in-line engine, this car made a splash as a powerful and sporty midsize car when it was first sold in December 1938.

Audi will also be showing the A8 with an exclusive interior and design package. The Audi A8’s comfort plus style package features Night Blue, pearl effect exterior paint, 12-spoke forged aluminum wheels, adaptive light with LED daytime driving lights, Valcona leather seat covers and Fine Nappa full-leather interiors, front and rear seat heating, and front seat air conditioning combined with massage function. The Audi product program also includes the Audi sport plus style package with all-new Panther Black crystal effect paint, which was developed especially for the Audi A8. Additional features include adaptive light with LED daytime driving lights and S design cast aluminum wheels in a dark steel color.

Audi will participate once again this year in the “AMI fuel efficiency hour” with two e models. During this event, sponsored by the German Motor Vehicle Importers Association (VDIK), exhibition visitors can learn highly efficient driving techniques from an instructor in an Audi A3 1.9 TDI e and an Audi A6 2.0 TDI e.

Visitors can take part in a daily drawing for a DTM Fan Package at 2.30 p.m. at the Audi stand. The package includes two tickets for grandstand seats and free access to the DTM paddocks.

Audi is also supporting the special “Movie Stars” show in the Glass Hall at this year’s AMI Leipzig. The show features cars from TV and movies, including the Audi A8 W12 from the movie “Transporter 3”.

Here is photo gallery update of Audi A8. Enjoy!

Not content with shaking up the automotive order among the likes of the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage with its stunning R8, the company is now planning a new mid-engined model to take on the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK.

The high-performance two-seater cabriolet is codenamed R2, and is being developed with VW. Audi’s sister firm is also believed to be putting the finishing touches to a production version of the BlueSport concept car revealed at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show.

The mid-engined R2 gets an all-new chassis and suspension derived from the MkV VW Golf. A four-wheel-drive variant is also a possibility, using a development of the Golf R32’s Haldex system. Plus, there are rumours that a hybrid – with electric power driving the front wheels – is planned, to help Audi reduce the CO2 emissions of its range.

The engine line-up is certain to include a mix of 2.0-litre four cylinder and 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol units. A diesel is under consideration, but it’s unlikely to be offered from launch. All models will offer a choice between six-speed manual and seven-ratio R tronic semi-automatic gearboxes.

Performance should be stunning, with power outputs ranging from 200bhp to a spectacular 380bhp. Top speed will be limited to 155mph, while the 0-60mph time is likely to drop below six seconds.

The R2 continues to develop Audi’s successful design theme as the tail-lamps of the new car will be sculpted to mimic the Q of its famous Quattro badge, just as they are on the R8.

A third rear brake light will sit above Audi’s badge, while the engine cover is to be kept free of aerodynamic extras. Instead, an underbody diffuser helps to improve the car’s stability at speed.

Inside, the high-quality cabin is likely to share much of its equipment with the BlueSport. That means an enormous touchscreen cabin control set-up, as well as lightweight sports seats.

In addition, a clever heating system inspired by the innovative ‘headscarf’ system offered in Mercedes’ SLK is integrated into the seatbacks.

The R2 also gets dramatic gaping side vents, designed to feed cold air to the powerplant, providing clues to the car’s mid-engine layout. Expect the baby R8 to be launched in 2012, with a starting price of around £30,000.

Audi longs to join Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the luxury big league in the United States, but its brand isn’t strong enough yet to support selling small cars such as the A1 in the U.S., says Audi’s global sales and marketing boss, Peter Schwarzenbauer.

And he ruled out a separate small-car brand similar to Mercedes’ Smart or BMW’s Mini.

Audi is engaged in an aggressive campaign in the U.S. market to build brand awareness. Until that takes hold, Audi won’t be bringing small cars such as the A1 to the United States, Schwarzenbauer told Automotive News this month at the Geneva auto show.

The A1, which goes on sale in Europe in 2010, is about 10 inches shorter than the smallest Audi sold in the United States, the A3. Schwarzenbauer said Audi is “looking seriously” at bringing the A1 to America.

But he remains unconvinced that U.S. consumers are ready to embrace small cars, especially ones with big price tags.

“If you look at Mini or Smart, you say, ‘Yeah, maybe.’ On the other hand, if you look at the real numbers, it’s not huge volumes,” Schwarzenbauer said.

“I’m not so sure yet we really see a trend to small cars in the United States.”

www.worldcarfans.com

The new customer sport program of AUDI AG has reached the next stage with delivery of the first Audi R8 LMS to Audi Sport Italia. Twelve examples of the over 500 hp GT3 sports car will be delivered during the forthcoming weeks to six customer teams. The first races for the R8 LMS are scheduled for April.

Audi Sport Italia receives the Audi R8 LMS with chassis number 101. The symbolic handover of the first customer car was made on Tuesday in the Audi Forum Neckarsulm. Emilio Radaelli, Team Manager of Audi Sport Italia, accepted the R8 LMS from Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

“In the future our new customer sport program represents Audi Sport’s third business field alongside our factory programs in the DTM and in sport prototypes,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “2009 is a test and development year during which we aim to collect as much experience as possible with the R8 LMS. We are delighted to be able to do this with teams with which we are familiar and have established a solid partnership over the years.”

In the 2009 season, Abt Sportsline, Argo Racing, ORECA, Phoenix Racing and Team Rosberg also trust the new GT3 sports car from AUDI AG. Audi Sport will start the delivery to customers for the 2010 season from fall 2009.

The six customer teams plan to race in five European GT3 championships as well as in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring for which Audi Sport has developed an endurance version of the R8 LMS.

Twelve R8 LMS sports cars will be in action in more than 40 events at almost 30 European circuits throughout the 2009 motorsport season. “This allows us to collect a lot of experience which will flow into the development of the R8 LMS,” says Oliver Straube who is responsible for marketing of the R8 LMS at Audi Sport.

With the GT3 race version of the R8, Audi Sport developed a racing sports car specifically for use in customer sport with the GT3 race version. Pure “factory” entries are not planned with the R8 LMS.

The assembly of the race cars including the body shells is made by quattro GmbH in Heilbronn-Biberach in a factory hall specifically for the customer sport program. The Audi factory in Györ, Hungary, deliver the V10 engines.

The new Audi R8 LMS competes in GT3 race series for the first time over the Easter weekend (10 to 13 April). The French GT Championship and the ADAC GT Masters start at the same time at Nogaro (France) and in the Motorsportarena Oschersleben (Germany).

2009 Schedule

FIA GT3 European Championship (Phoenix Racing, Team Rosberg)
05/03 Silverstone (GB)
05/17 Adria (I)
06/21 Oschersleben (D)
09/13 Algarve (P)
10/04 Paul Ricard (F)
11/14 Dubai (UAE)

ADAC GT Masters (Abt Sportsline, Argo Racing, Phoenix Racing, Team Rosberg)
04/13 Oschersleben (D)
05/10 Assen (NL)
06/07 Hockenheim (D)
07/05 EuroSpeedway (D)
08/23 Nürburgring (D)
09/20 Sachsenring (D)
10/18 Oschersleben (D)

French GT Championship (ORECA)
04/13 Nogaro (F)
05/10 Dijon-Prenois (F)
05/31 Magny-Cours (F)
07/05 Val de Vienne (F)
09/06 Albi (F)
10/04 Paul Ricard (F)
10/18 Lédenon (F)

Italian GT Championship (Audi Sport Italia)
05/31 Vallelunga (I)
06/07 Magione (I)
06/21 Mugello (I)
07/19 Misano (I)
09/06 Imola (I)
09/27 Mugello (I)
10/18 Monza (I)

Belgiam GT Championship (Phoenix Racing)
04/26 Zolder (B)
05/10 Spa-Francorchamps (B)
06/06 Spa-Francorchamps (B)
07/11 Spa-Francorchamps (B)
08/22 Zolder (B)
09/20 Algarve (P)
10/11 Zolder (B)

Long distance championship Nürburgring (Phoenix Racing)
04/04 Nürburgring (D)
04/18 Nürburgring (D)
05/02 Nürburgring (D)
06/13 Nürburgring (D)
06/27 Nürburgring (D)
07/18 Nürburgring (D)
08/29 Nürburgring (D)
10/03 Nürburgring (D)
10/17 Nürburgring (D)
10/31 Nürburgring (D)

Following its annual meeting in Germany, Audi released photos and more details of its all-new R15 TDI race car. After some spy shots and one official pic of the R15 being tested in unpainted carbon fiber, we can now see the new LMP1 car in its standard Audi livery of silver and red. Audi is billing the R15 as the first second-generation diesel racing sports car and the company has focused on creating a vehicle that can consistently beat its French challenger, the Peugeot 908 HDi.

When the R10 debuted it was the first diesel-powered Le Mans Prototype and reliability was put ahead of outright speed. This time around, Audi has optimized the aerodynamics, reduced the weight and built an all-new smaller, more efficient powertrain. The 5.5-liter V12 has been supplanted by a new V10. and although Audi hasn’t disclosed its displacement, the automaker admits it’s more compact, has a lower mass and features new smaller and lighter particulate filters.

While the car doesn’t use a hybrid KERS system, it does have a lithium ion battery for its electrical system. The advanced battery provides higher voltage with lower weight — always a boon in a race car. The R15 will make its racing debut March 21 at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show that runs from March 5th to 15th, Audi pulled the covers off the most potent version of the TT, the RS which revives the spirit of the Audi quattro coupes of the 1980s with its 340-horsepower five-cylinder turbocharged engine. Available to order in Europe -but unfortunately, not in the States- in Coupe and Roadster forms from late March, Audi’s new high performance sports cars will reach their first customers this summer.

The modern-day successor to the 200HP-plus quattro coupes of the Eighties gets a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine derived from the U.S.-market Jetta that develops 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. Power is channeled to all four wheels through a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox.

In the case of the Coupe, which weighs in at 1,450 kilograms (3,197 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is 4.3 kilograms per HP while the Roadster that weighs in at 1,510 kilograms (3,329 pounds) is 4.4 kilograms per HP.

The TT RS Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62mph) in 4.6 seconds while the Roadster needs a tenth of a second longer (4.7 sec). In both cases the top speed is limited electronically at 250 km/h or 155 but Audi does offer buyers the option to increase it to 280 km/h or 174mph.

The standard TT’s aluminum McPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension has been retuned while at an extra cost the basic sports chassis can also be equipped with Audi’s magnetic ride adaptive damping system. Braking power is provided by sizeable ventilated disc brakes with black four-piston aluminum calipers and diameters of 370mm at the front and 310mm at the rear.

With the exception of a few details such as the high-gloss black single grille with a frame in matt aluminum look and the fixed rear wing and, the RS does not differ much from the TTS models. Inside, the sports interior is finished exclusively in black, with brushed aluminium inlays and aluminium footrests and pedals, Silk Nappa leather sports seats and a thickly-rimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel.

For those looking for maximum differentiation, Audi offers 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, bucket seats with folding backrests and even Ibis White or Phantom black painted interior inlays at extra cost.