AUDI A3 Sportback (2011)

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Refined style, agile driving fun and elaborate technology - the Audi A3, the A3 Sportback, the A3 Cabriolet and the S3 are the sporty models in the compact segment. Audi now displays its premium character even more explicitly through new attentive details on both the exterior and the interior.

The sporty elegance of the Audi A3 models is already perfectly expressed in their design; their harmonious styling now acquires a host of new, exclusive touches. The single-frame grille element and the trims on the B-posts are painted in high-gloss black, the lower air inlets have chrome struts, the exterior mirrors are aerodynamically optimized and there are chrome strips in the door handles (except on the S3). At the rear, all A3 versions have a new diffuser insert with eye-catching separating edge, and the rear lights are tinted on the three-door version.

The paint finishes Volcano Red, Dakota Gray, Amethyst Gray and Scuba Blue are also new. There is a new wheel design for the sporty Ambition equipment line. The wheels available as options also extend the range. There is now a high-gloss 17-inch wheel in ten-spoke design, and two other new wheels are also available from quattro GmbH: a 17-inch aluminum wheel in a five twin-spoke design and an 18-inch wheel in five-arm rotor design.

Refined style: the interior
The interior of the Audi A3 models is likewise even more exclusive. The key features are dials with a gray background, a flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel complete with trim ring, a new selector lever for the S tronic, black rings on the air vents and a high-gloss trim for the optional navigation system plus. There are gleaming aluminum-look trim inserts on the center console, mirror adjuster switch and window lifter buttons.

Powerful and efficient: the drive train
The engine range for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback is very extensive - it comprises nine power units, five of them gasoline and four diesel. All are cutting-edge turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection units badged as TFSI and TDI. They encapsulate all the strengths of Audi engine technology - performance, refinement, high torque and efficiency. Five of the nine engines also feature in the new A3 Cabriolet, with the most powerful version reserved for the dynamic S3 and S3 Sportback - the 2.0 TFSI developing 195 kW (265 hp).

The entry-level gasoline version is the 1.2 TFSI; it is a prime example of the merits of Audi's downsizing strategy - prioritizing supercharging ahead of displacement. This four-cylinder power unit develops an ample 77 kW (105 hp) from a swept volume of 1,197 cm3 and generates a hefty 175 Nm of torque (129.07 lb-ft), yet averages just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (42.77 US mpg). The most powerful spark ignition engine for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback is the 2.0 TFSI with an output of 147 kW (200 hp). It is trumped only by the 2.0 TFSI on 195 kW (265 hp), which is reserved exclusively for the S3 versions.

The TDI range extends from the 1.6 TDI developing 66 kW (90 hp) to the 2.0 TDI, with an output of 125 kW (170 hp). The most efficient engine version in the car line - and one of the most efficient compact models on the market - is the Audi A3 1.6 TDI developing 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. It is available in three different versions, the most economical of which is an Audi A3 three-door version averaging 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (61.90 US mpg). In-detail modifications to the body and running gear contribute towards this excellent figure, which equates to CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per km (159.33 g/mile).

Audi fits a start-stop system including energy recovery on five engines in the three-door A3 and the Sportback - the 1.2 TFSI, the 1.4 TFSI, the 1.6 TDI developing 77 kW (105 hp), and the two 2.0 TDI versions with outputs of 103 kW and 125 kW (140 hp and 170 hp). In a new departure for compact cars, it is irrelevant whether a manual transmission or the S tronic dual-clutch transmission is fitted. It proves a big advantage in city traffic - it deactivates the engine while stationary and restarts it when the clutch is pressed or, on S tronic versions, the brake pedal released.

An energy recovery system that captures the energy released during braking is a standard feature of the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) engine and the 1.8 TFSI.

The range of transmission technologies is equally very diverse. Most engines in the Audi A3 car line come with six-speed manual transmission as standard; Audi can also supply the lightning-fast, extremely convenient S tronic in conjunction with many of its engines. It is fitted as standard with steering wheel shift paddles on the Ambition equipment line and S3. Depending on engine version, the dual-clutch transmission has six or seven speeds. The seven-speed version operates with dry clutches; the absence of an oil supply improves the transmission's efficiency yet further.

The option of power transmission to all four wheels likewise underscores the exceptional position that the Audi A3 enjoys in the premium compact class. Audi supplies quattro permanent all-wheel drive for four engine versions. The Cabriolet is the exception; on the other hand, quattro drive is standard on the S3 and S3 Sportback. Its electronic-control multi-plate clutch, mounted on the rear axle for a balanced weight distribution, apportions most of the engine's power to the front wheels in normal driving conditions. If need be, it diverts drive torque swiftly and adaptably to the rear wheels.

Smartly sporty: the running gear
The running gear of the Audi A3 car line combines a sporty character with superb safety and high comfort. Its precision and poise stem from technically elaborate solutions such as four-link rear suspension, which handles longitudinal and transverse forces independently, and the electromechanical power steering, which is as responsive as it is efficient.

On all versions with front-wheel drive, the ESP electronic stabilization program incorporates an electronic differential lock. When close to the limits of handling on bends, this intelligent software solution manages how the drive torque is distributed among the wheels by small, barely detectable brake applications. These suppress any understeering, improve traction and further enhance driving safety.

For the engines developing 103 kW (140 hp) and upwards, except on the Cabriolet, Audi supplies the adaptive damper control system Audi magnetic ride, which exploits the properties of an electromagnetic fluid. The dampers can be set for a comfortable or sporty characteristic. Within the parameters, the system adjusts the damping forces in milliseconds depending on the road conditions and the driver's style. The body sits 15 millimeters (0.59 in) lower with this system. There are also the options of conventional sports suspension and the supple S line sports suspension from quattro GmbH. The S3 comes complete with specially tuned 25 mm (0.98 in) lower S sports suspension.

Extensive: the equipment
The improved models in the Audi A3 family will be arriving at dealers in the early summer. Their extensive range of high-end options demonstrates their high technological caliber. These include the dynamic cornering light system adaptive light for the xenon plus headlamps, the high-beam assistant and the navigation system plus with MMI operating logic. It calculates routes particularly fast, has a higher resolution and features three-dimensional map graphics.

The parking assistant is another very attractive feature. When driving at slow speeds (up to 30 km/h, 18.64 miles) its ultrasound sensors scan the parking spaces parallel with the road; when it detects one that is large enough to reverse into, it then indicates this in the instrument cluster. All the driver need do is engage reverse and operate the accelerator, clutch and brakes - the car maneuvers independently and precisely into the space.

AUDI R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro (2011)

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Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro - exceptional performance and breathtaking dynamism coupled with the intense sensations of open-top driving. Its lightweight cloth top opens and closes fully automatically; several body parts are made of a carbon fiber composite material............... 

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro - exceptional performance and breathtaking dynamism coupled with the intense sensations of open-top driving. Its lightweight cloth top opens and closes fully automatically; several body parts are made of a carbon fiber composite material.

The V10 engine produces 386 kW (525 hp) and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 313 km/h (194.49 mph). Featuring technologies such as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), quattro permanent all-wheel drive, full-LED headlights and with an innovative seatbelt microphone available as an option, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is the new top-of-the-range Audi.

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro makes a powerful statement. The sculptured lines of the emotion-packed, high-performance sports car are a fascinating and unique interpretation of its dynamism. Unlike the Audi R8 Coupé, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. The side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite. Two arched cowls, which extend to the spoiler lip and include large, integrated air vents, give the rear of the open-top two-seater a powerful profile.

Like every open-top Audi, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro has a cloth top - an uncompromising solution for a high-performance sports car. The soft top's approximate weight is a mere 30 kilograms (66.14 lb); it thus keeps the vehicle's total weight and center of gravity low. The top takes up little space when open and is a harmonious design element when closed. It tapers off to two slim fins extending to the trailing edge of the car, emphasizing the elongated silhouette.

The electrohydraulic soft top opens and closes in 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). When opened, it folds like a Z into its storage compartment over the V10 engine. The compartment cover opens and closes automatically. The heated glass window, which is separate from the cloth top, is lowered into the bulkhead. It can be independently raised and lowered at the press of a switch, with the top up or down. An additional net-like wind deflector comes standard and can be latched into the bulkhead behind the seats in two easy steps.

The top, which comprises an outer skin of a leakproof textile fabric and the headliner, is fully compatible with high-speed driving. When driving at moderate speeds with the top up, interior noise levels in the Audi R8 Spyder are barely higher than in the Coupé. The bulkhead includes integrated rollover protection in the form of two strong, spring-tensioned plates. Head/thorax side bags in the backrests protect the passengers in the event of a side impact. Full-size airbags stand at the ready in the event of a head-on collision. In a rear-end collision, the integral head restraint system reduces the risk of whiplash injuries.

In the version with manual transmission, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1,720 kilograms thanks primarily to its aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body. Despite reinforcements in the area of the sills, the center tunnel, the rear wall, the floor pan and the A- and B-pillars, the body weighs only 216 kilograms (476.2 lb) - just 6 kilograms (13.23 lb) more than that of the Audi R8 Coupé. The high stiffness of the ASF body, which includes an integrated engine frame of ultra-lightweight magnesium, provides the foundation for the car's dynamic handling and superior safety.

Close attention to detail: the design
Numerous details demonstrate that the Audi designers put their hearts into the design of the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The air inlets in the nose, which direct air across the three radiators, and the lip of the front skirt are painted high-gloss black. The struts in the broad, low, single-frame grille are finely coated with chrome. The standard full-LED headlights are technical works of art. Their reflectors resemble open mussel shells; the daytime running lights appear to be a homogeneous strip, but actually comprise 24 individual LEDs that form a curve at the lower edge of the headlight.

The full-LED headlights from Audi are unmatched by its international competitors. Light-emitting diodes are used for the low beams, the high beams, the daytime running lights and the turn signals. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, the LED light is very similar to daylight, making it easier on the eyes when driving at night. Additional strengths include excellent light distribution, long service life and extremely low energy consumption.

The side sills of the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro are broad and angular. V10 badges on the flanks allude to the power of the engine. A dark surface between the rear lights emphasizes the car's width. The chambers of the lights are colored dark red, with LEDs generating a three-dimensional light pattern. The exhaust system ends in two large, oval tailpipes, and the fully lined underbody ends in an upturned diffuser. The rear spoiler extends automatically at higher speeds.

Audi offers the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro with a choice of three colors for the top. The body is available in eleven paint finishes, with metallic and pearl effect finishes standard. The windshield frame is coated with anodized aluminum.

Sporty luxury: the interior
The open-top two-seater from Audi features a generously spacious interior. The three-spoke leather multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom as in a race car, and the low-mounted, electrically adjustable seats guide and support the body perfectly.

Quality of fit and finish is extraordinary and the controls are clear and logical. The standard driver information system includes a lap timer for recording lap times. The instruments and the gear lever knob feature red rings. The pedals, the footrests and the shift paddles of the optional R tronic are in aluminum look. Highlighting the list of standard equipment are a generous full-leather package featuring Fine Nappa leather, an excellent sound system from Bang & Olufsen, a deluxe automatic air conditioning system and heated seats. Six different interior colors are available.

Many additional fine features documents the top status of the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The leather for the seats are colored with pigments that reflect the infrared component of sunlight, which keeps the seats up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler.

Door sill strips coated with aluminum and adorned with black satin finish applications impart an air of luxurious sportiness. Three storage compartments are integrated into the rear bulkhead, one of which contains the optional CD changer or Audi music interface, if desired. There is a front compartment for 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) of luggage.

The latest version of the navigation system plus with MMI operating logic is also standard in the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. It features higher resolution and particularly fast route calculation. The system's most visible new feature is the high-resolution, 6.5-inch display. The topographic view can be scrolled in any direction. The system can be combined optionally with a rearview camera that serves as a parking aid.

Audi offers custom extras, such as exclusive leather packages and special inlays. A worldwide first is the optional seatbelt microphone for the hands-free unit, which makes it possible to talk on the phone even with the top down on the highway. Three small, flat microphones are integrated into both seatbelts. At least one of them is ideally positioned relative to the speaker when the belt is on. There is a fourth microphone in the windshield frame.

Uncompromising power: the engine
The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, which was developed in cooperation with quattro GmbH, dazzles with uncompromising performance. The V10 engine with the aluminum crankcase, much of which is hand-built, follows in the grand motorsports tradition at Audi. The normally aspirated engine produces 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm. Peak output of 386 kW (525 hp) is reached at 8,000 rpm, and the rev limit is not reached until 8,700 rpm. Specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement; each hp only needs to move 3.3 kilograms (7.28 lb) of weight.

Performance reflects this awesome potential: 0 - 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds; 0 - 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in 12.7 seconds; top speed is 313 km/h (194.49 mph) with the six-speed manual transmission. As load and revs increase, the engine unfolds the rich, unmistakable Audi ten-cylinder sound - a powerful, throaty roar with musical undertones.

The 5.2-liter engine features FSI direct fuel injection. The high 12.5:1 compression ratio that this enables contributes to the high performance and good fuel efficiency. Equipped with a manual transmission, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro consumes an average of 14.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (15.79 US mpg) - a good figure given its power. With R tronic, this figure improves to 13.9 liters (16.92 US mpg). Dry sump lubrication, another motorsports technology, ensures that the supply of oil is maintained even at the maximum lateral acceleration of 1.2 g.

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI is also available with an optional automatic six-speed transmission. The R tronic offers a normal and a sport program as well as a fully automatic and a manual mode. The manual mode allows the driver to make lightning-fast gear changes using the joystick on the center tunnel or with the paddles on the steering wheel. The open-air sports car also comes with "Launch Control" - a program that manages engagement of the clutch perfectly to maximize acceleration at start.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive features a central viscous coupling and distributes power to all four wheels with a heavy rear bias. It works together with the locking differential on the rear axle to provide significantly greater traction, stability, cornering speed and precision. It is the superior technology - in particular for a high-performance sports car.

Dazzling performance: the chassis
The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro has a 2.65-meter (8.69-ft) wheelbase and a 43:57 axle load distribution. Like in a race car, there are double triangular wishbones made of aluminum at all four wheels. The hydraulic rack-and-pinion power steering conveys highly precise road contact.

The chassis is tuned for good comfort, thanks in part to standard Audi magnetic ride technology. This uses magnetic fields in the shock absorbers to adjust their response to road conditions within milliseconds and adapt to the driver's style. The driver can choose between two base characteristics. A sports suspension with conventional shock absorbers is available as an option.

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro rolls on 19-inch wheels of 10-spoke Y design. The front rims are shod with 235/35 tires, with 295/30 tires at the back. 305/30 tires are optionally available. The brakes offer impressive performance: The four discs are internally ventilated and perforated, with eight-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the back. Optionally available from Audi are oversized carbon fiber-ceramic discs that are extremely lightweight, robust and long-lived. The ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can also be completely deactivated. The brake system includes an assist function that facilitates starting on gradients.

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is built by quattro GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant. The vehicle, including the ASF, is largely hand-built. The open-top two-seater will be launched in Germany in the first quarter of 2010. Its base price will be 156,400 euros.

Flush Audi TT2S with Full Carbonfiber Body Kit

Specification :
Basic Car : Audi TT
Car : Flush Audi TT2S
Engine : The Turbo engine K04T
Engine Power : 380 Horse power
Suspension : KW variante 3 suspension setup
Wheel : The three piece rims in 18" fitted with stretched Toyo tires
Eksterior : The body kit is made in full carbonfiber and is original from Audi,OEM RS6 LED lights,The Miltek exthaust line and mufflers in combination with the carbon,Miltek race cat and a RS intercooler completing the package

Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet

The Audi A4 Cabriolet will be replaced with a drop-top version of the Audi A5. It has also added an S5 soft-top to the range and replaced the S’s V8 engine with the new supercharged V6 from the recently launched S4.

The Audi A5 Cabriolet uses a traditional fabric roof rather than a folding metal hard-top; the new unit takes 15 seconds to open and 17 seconds to close. The cloth roof helps to preserve boot space, leaving 320 litres when folded; that’s 135 litres down on the coupé.

The Audi A5 Cabriolet is available with a choice of five engines: three petrols and two diesels. A pair of 2.0 litre petrol TFSI units produce 178bhp/236lb ft and 208bhp/258lb ft. There’s also a 3.2 litre V6 that puts out 261bhp and 243lb ft. Both diesels are V6s; one is a version of the 3.0 litre engine, with 237bhp and 367lb ft, and the other, a 2.7, has 187bhp and 295lb ft.

All petrol engines are available with a CVT gearbox, while a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox is an option on the higher output 2.0 TFSI and the V6. The 3.0 litre diesel comes with S-tronic as standard.

The S5’s supercharged V6 puts out 328bhp and 324lb ft, allowing the car to reach 62mph in 5.6sec. This engine will also replace the S5 coupé’s V8 next year. S-tronic and four-wheel drive are standard, and a sport differential is an option. This can acheive upto 29mpg/24.5mpg U.S/9.6 litres km combined.

Audi is billing the A5 Cabriolet as a four-seater, saying that it provides plenty of legroom because it has the longest interior of any car in its class.

Standard equipment includes 17in alloy wheels, air-con, and audio system with a CD player. Options include leather seats with a special coating to keep them cool in the sun, sports seats, electric seat adjustment, xenon headlights, and optional neck-level heating.

Audi Drive Select, which allows the driver to switch between three engine maps that control throttle and gearbox response as well as the car's steering, is available as an option when a sports differential, adaptive shock absorbers or dynamic steering is ordered.

There’s no UK pricing from Audi yet, but in Mainland Europe, the base 4 cylinder petrol starts at €37,300, equivalent to £31,485. That’s close to what the car will cost when it goes on sale here in late Spring 2009.

Press Release:

Dynamic and wonderful to look at, the new A5 Cabriolet is a real Audi, and an especially exciting one at that. The four-seater with the fabric top combines a sporty character with the fascination of open-top driving, refined comfort, and great everyday utility.

Seven powerful engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi model the most attractive mid-range convertible. The top-of-the-line model of Audi's new family of convertibles is the S5 Cabriolet. The engine of the S5 Cabriolet is the newly developed, supercharged 3.0 litre V6 with gasoline direct injection. Prices start at €37,300 for the 1.8 TFSI with 118 kW (160bhp) and six-speed manual transmission. Delivery of the first A5 Cabriolet models will begin in the second quarter of 2009.

Like all open-top Audi models, the new A5 Cabriolet too has a classic fabric top - which endows it with a striking silhouette of dynamic elegance. The lightweight softtop opens in 15 seconds - and closes in 17 seconds. The fully automatic open/close drive comes as standard. An acoustic top is optionally available, which reduces wind noise almost to the hardtop level. When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up - leaving 320 litres (11.3 cu ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors.

The softtop compartment lowers itself automatically when the top is opened. Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest with the large pass-through between the luggage space and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 litres (26.49 cu. ft.).

Automatic seat belt extenders round out the comfort in the interior. Neck-level heating is optionally available for the front seats. The optional leather seats are coated with a special layer to reduce solar heating. There is comfortable room for four persons. The refined ambiance combines with exemplary ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure maximal rigidity and crash safety. The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three petrol engines and two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 132 kW (180bhp) to 195 kW (265bhp). All five powerplants are fueled via direct injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available power trains include a six-speed manual transmission, the continuously variable multitronic, and the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic.In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport differential, which variably distributes the propulsive power between the rear wheels, is optionally available to make quattro even more dynamic and even safer.

Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select:

The perfect addition to this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic and multitronic, and the mode of operation of the servotronic steering system. If the MMI operating system is installed, a fourth, freely programmable level is also available. Audi drive select is only available in combination with one or more of three additional technologies - the sport differential, the adaptive control for the shock absorbers, and dynamic steering. This is an additional high-tech solution: Its superposition gear varies the gear ratio as a function of the driving speed by up to 100 percent.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, and an audio system with a CD player. One of the highlights among the optional equipment is the third-generation MMI operating system, which provides many attractive navigation and entertainment functions.

As the dynamic top-of-the-line model of the new production series, the S5 Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its 3.0 litreTFSI - a V6 with turbocharger - unfolds its 245 kW (333bhp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque impressively: It responds tenaciously to the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The quattro drive, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of special equipment details underscore the athletic power of the Audi S5 Cabriolet.

The exterior design The Audi A5 Cabriolet combines Audi's progressive styling with the fascination of an open-top car. The long engine hood, the sharp lines, the sweep of the shoulder contour, the elegantly curved surfaces, the large wheels, the distinctive front end, and the expressive tail all interact to create a sculptural, sensuous whole. The A5 Cabriolet is 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.85 meters (6.07 ft) wide, but only 1.38 metres (4.53 ft) tall: the sportiest proportions in its class.

The styling of the front end is dominated by the single-frame grille, which is flanked by large air intakes. The exquisite design of the headlights makes them look like technical jewels. The daytime running lights of the optional xenon plus headlights consist of LEDs. An aluminum molding lends high gloss to the windshield frame. The looks of the tail end are sharpened by horizontal lines, broad tail lights, straight tailpipes, and a distinctly colored diffuser insert. The trunk lid bears an unobtrusive spoiler lip. The xenon plus headlight option comes complete with LED taillights, which create a distinctive light pattern. The convertible topThe fabric top with the large glass rear window fits smoothly into the design profile. This is one of several reasons why Audi preferred it to a folding steel roof. What's more, its construction is much lighter in weight, which reduces the overall weight of the Cabriolet and lowers its center of gravity. The outer skin of the top is available in a choice of four colors, the inside in three. The softtop consists of three layers. The intermediate layer is a cushioning pad. In the optional acoustic top, which reduces wind noise almost to hardtop level, this is replaced by a foam layer up to 15 millimetres (0.59 in) in thickness. The acoustic top comes with a ceiling light for the rear seat - a solution usually only found in the topmost convertible luxury segment.

In both versions, a hydraulic pump and four operating cylinders that move the top are actuated when a pushbutton on the central console or on the optional remote access assistant is depressed. It takes 15 seconds to open the top, 17 seconds to close it. Both actions can also be actuated while driving at up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph) - which makes driving much more comfortable. When opened, the top is retracted underneath a fixed cover, where it is folded down into an extremely compact shape. Its storage compartment, which automatically lowers itself into the trunk space, only takes up a few centimeters in height - and only 60 litres (2.12 cu ft) of the 380 litres (13.42 cu ft) of luggage space. The remaining 320 litres (11.3 cu ft) with the top open are by far the best value among comparable vehicles. What's more, the low position of the loading lip makes loading and unloading easier. The wind deflector, which is supplied as standard, can be stored in the spare-wheel well to save space.

A very convenient feature in the Audi A5 Cabriolet are the split folding rear seat backrests. They can be easily unlocked by actuating levers in the trunk and drop automatically onto the seat cushions. The standard pass-though is 70 centimetres (27.56 in) wide. The loading space behind the front seatback is 1.76 metres (69.29 in) long, providing a total storage volume of 750 litres (26.49 cu ft).

The body As is typical of Audi models, the A5 Cabriolet has an extremely rigid body. This is a prime reason for its precise driving performance, its high comfort level, and its maximized crash safety. In the construction of the body-in-white, several innovative technologies are used. A prime example are the ultra-high-strength steels with their extremely high tensile strength, which Audi manufactures in-house using hot forming. The front fenders of the A5 Cabriolet are made of aluminum to lower the weight and to optimize axle load distribution. An enclosed underbody improves the airflow and thereby the fuel efficiency. A whole array of additional reinforcement parts compensates for the absence of a solid roof. They are located in the front section, in the side skirts, in the windshield frame, and in the rear section. Located between the interior and the luggage section is the rollover protection. When a rollover threatens, spring-loaded aluminum braces are raised behind the rear seat headrests. Door-mounted head and chest sidebags provide protection in the event of a lateral impact.

The interior:

With its generous wheelbase of 2.75 metres (9.02 ft) and the longest interior in its class, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has plenty of room for longer trips. That's also true for the rear seats, which can be optionally divided by a center console with two cup holders. Elegance in flowing lines, functional ergonomics, and top-quality craftsmanship are the principal characteristics of the interior - and this too is typically Audi. The teardrop-shaped settings of the instruments have already become modern classics. The centrally mounted onboard monitor is standard equipment. The formed-plastic console focuses on the driver. Flowing lines link it to the central tunnel and the door linings. If the customer has ordered either one of the two navigation systems it comes with the highly convenient MMI operating system - the best solution on the market. The low standard seats provide excellent control and support. Using seatbelts is facilitated by electric seat belt extenders. Special solutions are available as alternatives: firm sport seats, electric seat adjustment and heating - as a separate option also for the back seats. In the climate-controlled comfort seats, small fans and an automatic auxiliary heater ensure luxurious comfort. This option provides neck-level heating - ducts on the topside of the seatback emit warm air that keeps the back of the head and neck warm. With its three-level control, the headroom heater is also available for sport seats. It prolongs the open-air season in the Audi A5 Cabriolet. Another special feature is provided in the optional leather upholstery: a special coating inhibits solar heating while the Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down. This coating reflects infrared radiation and thus lowers the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius. Audi offers a choice of several seat coverings up to and including Fine Nappa leather. Inlays come as standard in Micrometallic platinum; aluminum and three different kinds of wood are available as options.

The engines:

In the propulsion system of the A5 Cabriolet too Audi has consistently relied on innovative technologies: All five engines - the two TDIs and the three petrol engines - use direct injection. They are impressive evidence that, at Audi, efficiency and dynamics go together and are interdependent. The most powerful petrol engine in the Audi A5 Cabriolet is the 3.2 litre FSI. It operates with the innovative Audi valvelift system, which varies the lift of the intake valves in two stages. As a result, the gas exchange improves and the throttle can be left open more often, minimizing throttling losses - which in turn boosts the torque and the power output while reducing fuel consumption. The V6 delivers up to 195 kW (265bhp) as well as 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and multitronic it accelerates the A5 Cabriolet in 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) - and up to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.86 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is an impressive 8.6 litres/100 km (27.35 US mpg). An optional alternative is quattro all-wheel drive, combined with the new seven-speed S tronic.

The 2.0 TFSI likewise attests to Audi’s leadership position in engine design. This four-cylinder engine also uses the Audi valvelift system - but here it acts on the exhaust valves, with similar advantages as in the V6. Audi sells the 2.0 litre turbo in two versions. In the entry-level version, which comes with front-wheel drive and multitronic, it delivers up to 132 kW (180bhp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. This version completes the standard sprint in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 219 km/h (136.08 mph). Average fuel efficiency is an excellent 7.4 litres per 100 km (31.79 US mpg).

The more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211bhp) as well as 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. It is available with three powertrain versions: with the quattro drive package and the seven-speed S tronic, and with front-wheel drive and either multitronic or manual transmission. In the latter version the A5 Cabriolet reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 241 km/h (149.75 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is an impressive 6.8 litres per 100 km (34.59 US mpg). The two V6 TDIs also set the standards in their class. With their enormous torque and consistent running smoothness they represent the leading-edge sportiness of Audi TDI technology. The 3.0 litre engine generates 176 kW (240bhp) and applies 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes 6.4 seconds. Top speed is 247 km/h (153.48 mph). This top-of-the-line diesel, which powers all four wheels via the seven-speed S tronic, is content with an impressive average of 6.8 litres/100 km (34.59 US mpg).

The second TDI in the program is even thriftier. The 2.7 litre powerplant with 140 kW (190bhp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) between 1,400 and 3,500 rpm consumes a mere 6.3 litres/100 km (37.34 US mpg)*. The smaller V6 diesel comes with front-wheel drive and manual transmission. It goes from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds; 230 km/h (142.92 mph) is its top speed (preliminary values).

The transmission Audi provides a choice of three different transmissions for the A5 Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211bhp) comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, which excels in its short shifting travels and high operating precision. Both the 2.0 litre engine and the 3.2 FSI are available with the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission as an option, which combines smooth operation with high efficiency and a fuel-saving transmission ratio. For a dynamic driving style the multitronic is available with a sport program and a manual mode with eight fixed speeds. For the more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI and for the 3.2 FSI, the seven-speed S tronic is available as an option; in the 3.0 TDI it is standard equipment. This new high-tech dual-clutch transmission changes gears in a few hundredths of a second, and so smoothly that the driver hardly notices it. What's more, it is highly efficient and fuel-saving. The driver can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or interact, if desired, via rocker switches on the steering wheel. The seven-speed S tronic has been designed for use with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. It is optionally available for the high-end diesel series and for the two powerful petrol engines. The quattro drive system is dynamically designed - during normal driving it distributes the forces in a 40:60 ratio between the front and the rear. If one wheel skids, a center differential that operates purely mechanically transfers most of the power to the axle with the better traction. The new sport differential makes the driving dynamics of the quattro drive even more fascinating. This innovative control system steplessly distributes the propulsive torques among the rear wheels depending on the driving situation. This form of torque control makes the steering response of the A5 Cabriolet even more spontaneous and direct and further improves the vehicle's stability. Transverse acceleration is further improved while understeering or oversteering is completely prevented.

The chassis:

The Audi A5 Cabriolet leads its class in all relevant sporty criteria - steering response, stability and agility - yet it provides a very smooth ride. The reason for these strengths is the perfect distribution of axle loads. The front axle is located far forward in the front section - a configuration made possible by an unusual solution: the differential is mounted in front of the clutch or torque converter. The chassis design too is technologically advanced: The front wheels are mounted on a five-link axle. The front axle support is firmly bolted to the body in order to maximize rigidity. The steering forces are transmitted to the wheels directly via the steering box, which is mounted very low within the chassis. The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides a very responsive and highly precise connection to the road. Optionally available is the servotronic, which adjusts its support level to the driving speed. The rear-wheel suspension of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is supported by a trapezoidal-link axle, which combines a smooth ride and maximum driving stability. The essential parts of both the front and the rear suspension are made of aluminum. The large brakes ensure powerful deceleration and react very precisely to the degree of pedal pressure. 16-inch or 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard, depending on the engine version. Optionally available from Audi and quattro GmbH are 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Another high-tech feature in the new A5 Cabriolet is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system. It influences the characteristics of the fuel feed, the speed change points of the seven-speed S tronic, and the operating mode of the servotronic steering system. The driver presses a key to select a comfortable, intermediate, or dynamic operating mode for these subsystems. If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation system - and the MMI operator control that comes with it - a fourth engine map is provided, which the driver can program to suit. Audi drive select is only available in combination with one or more of three additional technologies - the differential, the adaptive shock absorber control, and dynamic steering. Its superposition gear varies the gear ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of the driving speed. The dynamic steering operates directly in city traffic. In highway driving it uses a more indirect ratio. To maximize driving safety, it cooperates closely with the ESP stabilization program - at the handling limits it keeps the A5 Cabriolet on course by lightning-fast small interactions.

The equipment:

The Audi A5 Cabriolet comes with an impressive array of standard equipment. This includes a fully automatic convertible top, 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, a fold-down rear seatback with a large pass-through, and automatic air conditioning; the chorus audio system comes with integral CD player. Electric seat belt extenders and an electromagnetic parking brake are also standard. Further luxury is available in the options: The adaptive light option combines xenon plus headlights with dynamic cornering lights; the high-beam assistant changes automatically between low beam and high beam. The advanced key provides keyless access and allows starting the car as well as opening and closing the top remotely.

The deluxe automatic air conditioning manages the temperature separately in three zones in the vehicle. The acoustic top further lowers the wind noise level. And the climate-controlled comfort seat in combination with the neck-level heating creates a perfectly tempered environment. When it comes to the chassis, the program is complemented by the Audi drive select system, the sport differential, and two conventional sport suspensions. The S line sport package plus combines the stiff set-up with performance features such as 10 millimetres less body height, 18-inch wheels and 245/40 tires with a package of special details for the interior. The S line exterior package, on the other hand, endows the vehicle with an especially dynamic look. Further highlights are the two infotainment systems MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus - members of an entirely new equipment generation. Even the lesser model includes navigation imaging featuring 3D color graphics, a versatile reader for memory cards, and a DVD drive.

Optionally available from Audi is a module for digital radio reception, a Bluetooth interface for the mobile phone, and an interface for full integration of the iPod. The top version comes with exclusive technologies: an especially high-definition monitor, a big hard drive for music files and addresses, plus a special joystick function for the MMI control unit. With refinements such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system or a digital TV tuner, the MMI navigation plus can be turned into a high-end media center. Innovative assistant systems from the luxury class make driving in the A5 Cabriolet even more supremely relaxed. Audi optionally equips its open-top four-seater with high-tech solutions including adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist and Audi lane assist. They control the distance from the vehicle in front and assist in staying in lane or in changing lanes. The luxury-class Audi parking system advanced uses a rearview camera to display the area behind the vehicle on the onboard monitor.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet:

The top-of-the-line model of the new Cabriolet production series from Audi is the S5 Cabriolet. The letter "S" stands for Sport - for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet's engine is a newly developed, supercharged, 3.0 litre V6. The pressure in the 3.0 TFSI is generated by a mechanical supercharger - with impressive results: The power output tops out at 245 kW (333bhp), the torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm remains constant at a generous 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft). The powerful thrust and the spontaneous, aggressive response make for a fascinating driving experience. The S5 Cabriolet is catapulted in 5.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and accelerates up to a preset top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Yet at 9.6 litres* per 100 km (24.5 US mpg), its fuel efficiency is highly impressive (preliminary values).

Standard equipment of the Audi S5 Cabriolet includes the servotronic, the seven-speed S tronic and the quattro drive system package. The sport differential is optional. A sport suspension keeps the body close to the road. The 18-inch cast aluminum wheels are equipped with 245/40 tires. The black brake calipers are emblazoned with S5 emblems. The acoustic top, xenon plus headlights, electrically adjustable sport seats with Alcantara leather upholstery, and a multifunction sport steering wheel are also standard equipment. Diverse design features contribute to a distinctively sporty styling, including modifications at the lower front and back panels, at the air intakes and at the tailpipes. In the interior, special seat upholstery, door sill trims and inlays in matt brushed aluminum underscore the high-quality, dynamic style of the high-end model. The pointers of the instruments are illuminated white to contrast with the gray scales.

Audi R8 V10

 At the Detroit motorshow next month, Audi will debut the R8 V10, the fastest production R8 yet. The R8 V10 will come with a 5.2 litre V10 engine producing 528 hp, the same as in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. This power plant has also previously appeared in the R8 LMS GT3 racer.

Unique to the R8 V10 are the LED headlights for the main and dipped beams, a first, and daytime running lights. A new rear diffuser creating more down force is also special to this model and twin oval tailpipes tag the rear of the V10, as opposed to the quad chrome exhaust of the V8 version.

The V10 also features magnetic ride dampers and comes with a choice of a 6 speed manual or an R tronic semi-automatic gearbox.

The numbers: 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph.

Inside, you get a Bang and Olufsen system, which, for the average reader, costs about as much as your current car is worth. There's a Nappa leather finish too.

The R8 V10 will cost around £121,800 in the UK.

Press Release:

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: breathtaking performance

The new 5.2-litre, 10 cylinder engine puts out 525bhp

Sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 316 km/h

High-performance sports car with striking design

Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2 litre, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525bhp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks – in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525bhp).

The specific power output is 100.9bhp per litre of displacement – and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569lb) – that's only 31 kilos (68lb) more than the V8.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine – all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

The 5.2 litre powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 litres per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).

For maximum dynamics: low centre of gravity engine:

The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity.

The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range.

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel – with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip – both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive – it's the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It's not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability 44 to 56 percent – the ideal axle load distribution.

The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent.

The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear – a classic racing technology – are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tyre pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tyre sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.

The car features a high-end damper technology as standard:

Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves .In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system – eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimetres (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimetres (14 in).

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won't corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometres (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription "Audi ceramic".

Typically Audi:

Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof:

The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.

The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the "World Car of the Year Awards 2008". In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more. The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world's first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life.

Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.

When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road – thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes.

Audi sets the example – in body weight and rigidity:

The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463lb), and the quality of its lightweight design – the relation of weight to torsional rigidity – is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 metres (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws.

The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto – a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams.

Many customising solutions are available:

Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements. The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 metres (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 litres (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 litres (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish.

The list of options includes other highly attractive features – such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of €142,400.

Related links:

2009 Audi R8 sold out (U.S)

Audi R8 waiting list grows

Buy an Audi R8 for £45

Audi S4 pricing announced (UK)

Audi has released prices for its new four-wheel drive supercharged S4. The S4 will come in both saloon and estate bodystyles producing 329bhp from the 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine.

The S4 saloon will cost £34,225, while the estate version, the Audi S4 Avant, will cost £35,570. Customers will also be able to specify a new 7 speed twin-clutch DSG transmission, which costs an additional £1,420 in the saloon and £1,230 in the estate.

The new V6 engine is cleaner and more efficient than the outgoing 4.2 litre V8, and will return 29.1mpg on the combined cycle. The new Audi S4 will also be quicker than the previous model, reaching 62mph in 5.1 seconds. The S4 will launch in April 2009

Audi R8

Spy photographers just spotted Audis club sport racer the Audi R8 CS. With its big fixed rear wing, big round exhaust pipes, bigger diffuser and re-designed rear bumper (air outlets on the sides) it really sticks out compared to a “normal” R8 V10. Front bumper is also different with its small wings on both sides. Except for a power boost, we expect it to have lost some weight as well to make the CS package complete.