With only 6 days until Christmas, those struggling to find a gift to satisfy those with specialized German luxury tastes are engaged in a desperate search. For others, the after holiday shopping sends some searching for that one indulgence to ring in the new year. Luxury carmaker Audi provides a collection of pleasure-filled options that requires neither a driver’s license nor insurance to enjoy.

Sold under the Audi Collection, the lovers of the Audi TT or R8 sports car be rewarded or award themselves with lifestyle items. The Following list of available Audi Collection items are a few suggestions that could be found at the company’s official outfitter website in the United States.

Audi Leather Business Card Case
Price: $35.00 US

Looking to make a powerful statement for the important power lunch? Mixing business and pleasure, the businessperson would find themselves returning to work with an extra spring in their step for the new year thanks to a powerful business card case. The Audi Leather Business Card Case is a stylized organizer wearing the four rings logo discretely on the corner. Also suitable for containing important plastic such as credit cards or a driver’s license, the Audi Leather Business Card Case would fit easily in a jacket pocket.

Audi Silk Tie
Price: $76.83 US

For the gentleman looking to proudly advertise their allegiance to Audi in a formal setting, the Audi Collection offers a proper piece of clothing for the occasion. The Audi Silk Tie is a hand-sewn, high quality cut from 100% Italian fabric. Available in two of Audi’s most popularly exhibited colours, the high-end silk tie can be ordered in red or gray.

Audi R8 GT Scarf
Price: $59.60 US

Perfect for the Audi drop-top fan (especially those cruising in an R8 Spyder), there may be encouragement from the sheer forces of open-air performance motoring to ride with the roof retracted on a cooler than average day or night. While the driver may be caught up in the emotion of driving to be focused on temperature, maybe a passenger gains a chill from the rushing breezes. Offered in brown, gray and silver, the Audi R8 GT Scarf is a high performance item against uncomfortable coldness. A blend of 45 percent cotton and 55 percent linen, the quality Audi R8 GT Scarf is also a stylish fashion item inside or outside of an Audi product.

Audi Comforter with Teddy Bear Head
Price: $24.74 US

A novelty item guaranteed capable of bringing delight to the faces of children or even some adults, the Audi Comforter is a cute and assuring product. A comforter designed to infuse Audi motorsport interests, the appliqué of a 1930s era Auto Union racer is attached to the corner. Serving as a centerpiece to the Audi Motorsport comforter is a plush teddy bear wearing what appears to be an old-style race car driver headgear. When cheering on the Audi R18 prototype through the upcoming sports car racing season, the Audi Comforter with Teddy Bear Head could be a viewing companion for a budding child fan.

Audi Chronograph Wristwatch
Price: $272.17 US

When a motorist is lost in the adventure of quattro all-wheel drive or wrapping their hands around the performance of Audi’s newest TFSI engine, time can be easily lost. Perhaps a companion timepiece to the sleekest Audi S7 Sportback or Audi TT RS could act as a friendly warning that family and friends are missing the German performance aficionado. A product of Germany (just like the Audi brand), the Audi ‘double-stop’ Chronograph is a water resistant wrist piece operating on Swiss Ronda 5030.D quartz movement. A silver, gray and black chronograph is an extension of Audi’s modern elegance. A cow skin leather strap features a gentle stitching similar to the pattern found on S-Line Audi cars. The large numbers on the hour face are reminiscent a tachometer read-out like that of a 2012 Audi S6 or A7 Sportback.

Information source: Audi AG

photo source: Audi AG, Chris Nagy

A vehicle assembled at a maximum production run of 20-30 cars per day, the exotic mystique of the Audi R8 quattro supercar could sell itself on rarity. However, after five years of annual production capacity averaging 3,800 vehicles, the Audi halo car is now a bit less exclusive. For the higher social crowd that prefers to be noticed as unique individuals, performance and style tuner sources outside of the Audi factory can restore the unique allure of the favoured supercar.

TC Concepts R8 Toxique

A recent addition to the world of modified Audi R8s, the direction TC Concepts took with the German supercar aimed at creating a distinct automotive identity at an approachable price. Helping to keep customers from completely overextending their budgets, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique is created from the 4.2 liter V-8 version of the Audi R8 Coupe. Without involving any extraordinary engine enhancements other than a high-performance air filter and a reconfiguration of the engine electronics, TC Concepts positioned the bulk of the handiwork on the styling of the Audi R8.

Casting the supercar in their own image, the tuner group of TC Concepts dedicated themselves around the R8 supercar’s front end as well as the side panels. Given a racier look, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique’s enlarged front air intakes features recessed black mesh guarding. Subtracting the R8 Coupe’s body colour-contrasting side panels, a sleeker surfacing for the R8 Toxique plays host to more aggressive air openings reminiscent of the R8 Spyder. Exterior touches such as a fixed carbon fiber rear wing and TC Concepts Parle 7-spoke wheels completes the outer modification setting up the bewilderment of the R8 Toxique’s interior. Driver and passenger inside the TC Concepts R8 Toxique cabin will find a handsome use of Alcantara as well as carbon fiber surrounding them as they nestle into custom Bentley Beluga-Nero leather seats.

EDO Competition Audi R8

Furnishing the premium automotive marketplace with greater vehicle personalization, EDO Competition larger and growing portfolio of represented brands include BMW, Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari. EDO Competition also wrenches up the Audi R8 with some quaint but nonetheless mentionable modifications. Given a refined aerodynamic form on the outside through the generous application of carbon fiber, the EDO Competition Audi R8 increased downforce potential more effectively plants the supercar. Offering two sets of sport wheels, the Edo Competition Audi R8 can be fitted with either 19-inch or 20-inch forged stainless steel/aluminum rims. If Audi R8 owners desire an alternative from the metallic look, customers can request their selected EDO Competition sport wheels to be painted to a custom colour.

A modest power increase is acquired on the Edo Competition Audi R8 through the addition of lighter weight, sportier sounding stainless exhaust. Bumping horsepower from the 4.2 liter FSI engine to 442, the EDO Competition exhaust reduces the Audi R8’s total weight by 18 pounds.

STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition

Almost $56,000 cost on top of the purchase price of the V-10 powered Audi R8, the American-based firm STaSIS unlocks what could be the maximum street-legal potential of the German supercar with the Challenge Extreme Edition.

Ultimately, the presentation of the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition initially pulls off the attitude of a ‘street sleeper’ as little more than Anthracite ultra-lightweight forged aluminum wheels define the vehicle as a modified creation. In the engine bay is where STaSIS feeds new life into the Audi R8. Boosting the 5.2 FSI engine, a 7.5 PSI Eaton / Magnusson TVS 2300 supercharger and CNC machined intake plenum is a performance keys that elevates horsepower to 710 horsepower. Promising 0 to 60-mile per hour acceleration times in just 3.1 seconds, the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition is one of the fastest launching examples of Audi’s finest sports car creation.

A more responsive suspension along with an improved braking system allows the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition to move with an increased confidence. Shown as lateral and brake acceleration both exceed 1.0 G, the STaSIS R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition performance is beyond Audi factory specifications for the stock R8. Despite stretching the performance of the Audi R8, STaSIS stands behind the quality of their work with a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

ABT R8 GT S

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, ABT Sportsline ventured deep into the maximization of the standard V-10 powered Audi R8 Spyder. The ABT R8 GT S sports radical appearance and performance enhancements making the vehicle a true super supercar.

Decorated in two-tone bodywork combining red chrome with carbon fiber, the ABT R8 GT S projects an endearing high-performance look. Structurally, the ABT R8 GT S body panels have been optimized with carbon-reinforced polymer construction.

The gripping two-tone treatment displayed on the exterior of the ABT R8 GT S is a theme asserted to the two-seat cabin. Red and gray ABT seating is showcased along with an interior upholstered generously with leather. Gripping onto a carbon fiber steering wheel, the driver of the ABT R8 GT S will quickly realize the impact of 620 horsepower as the car is launched from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds. Motivated by an extra 95 horsepower over the stock 5.2 FSI V-10 engine, top speed for the R8 GT S supercar tops out at 200 miles per hour. Despite the extreme performance potential of the R8 GT S, ABT Sportsline claims the supercar is tempered enough for everyday driving.

MTM Audi R8 4.2 V-8

A company derived from the creation of a modified Audi Ur-quattro in 1985, performance tuner MTM GmbH has remained a faithful supporter of the VW Group vehicles. Centered on building functional but thrilling products, MTM magic is so brilliantly released on the Audi R8 supercar. Providing parts for both the V-8 and V-10 versions of the R8, MTM customization is opened to the coupe, Spyder as well as the Audi R8 GT.

Available for the 4.2 liter FSI V-8 engined version of the Audi R8 has the widest selection of pieces under MTM. Brembo brakes with 8-piston calipers, an electronic lowering kit and an unpainted carbon appearance kit is a sampling of clearly visible MTM enhancements. A choice of two 20-inch MTM Bimoto wheels completes the aesthetic enhancements the Audi R8. Guaranteed to the most invigorating MTM-sourced component optional for the Audi R8 supercar is the company’s supercharger kit worth 140 extra horsepower over the eight-cylinder stock counterpart. With horsepower elevated to 560 horsepower, the MTM Audi R8’s 0 to 62 mile-per hour acceleration is registered at 3.9 seconds (0.7 seconds better than the factory’s version). Capable of 188 miles per hour with the standard final gear, an available longer gear allows the MTM Audi R8’s velocity to almost approach 197 miles per hour.

Information and photo source: ABT Sportsline, EDO Competition, Motoren Technik Mayer GmbH, STaSIS, TC Concepts

First appearances are everything, and Audi are certainly making a good impression…

The striking Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak – also known as ‘the car that can drive itself’ – boasts a new exterior design, inspired by the rally cars of the 1980s. The revolutionary model features two computers in its trunk which enable the TTS to handle a variety of surfaces and drive under different speeds and conditions.

SEMA visitors will be in for a treat when Audi rolls out the TTS Pikes Peak for a live demonstration. Let’s just hope it goes more smoothly than the commercial shoot, in which the helicopter filming the car crashed, forcing a temporary closure of the Pikes Peak summit. Ooopps!

Also making an appearance alongside the TTS Pikes Peak is a modified 5.2-litre, 710-horsepower R8 Custom Spyder. The modified Audi R8 Spyder boasts a new body kit and was built by STaSIS Engineering. A new range of dealer-installed car accessories, cabin technology and “extreme sports” Audi gear will also be unveiled at the show by the German manufacturer.

“Let’s just say we’ll have a few distinctive, concept items on the stand that definitely won’t disappoint the unique SEMA audience,” commented David Tait, Audi’s U.S. After Sales boss.

Watch out Ford, Hyundai, and Honda, I think someone is stealing your SEMA limelight…

The 2010 SEMA Show kicks off on November 2nd and takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. Audi’s booth will be located in the Mobile Electronics Area of the North Hall, Booth 11245.

We knew it was coming, we just didn’t know when. Audi just officially announced production of the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro – the latest in the R8 supercar lineup. We already have the R8 Spyder 5.2, featuring Audi’s 525 hp V10, but now those seeking a bit less performance can opt for the excellent 4.2-liter V8 producing 430 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

The drop-top R8 is similar to the coupe – standard quattro (AWD) powertrain, available in 6-speed manual or R tronic gearbox, optional LED headlights and seatbelt microphone. The soft top weighs only 93 lbs, controlled with an electrohydraulic system that closes up in 19 seconds.

And for those of you afraid the soft top R8 is for wieners – well, you’re probably right, but it can still scoot. 62 mph from a stop comes in only 4.8 seconds, up to a top speed of 186 mph. That’s with both the manual or R tronic gearbox. And since fuel economy is apparently a concern in a supercar nowadays, the car comes with a regenerative braking system that recoups energy normally wasted while slowing down. This helps the car get an impressive 17 mpg (16 mpg with the manual) combined highway/city miles.

Germany will start seeing the R8 Spyder 4.2 on showrooms within the next few months; no word on bringing the car to the States.
Me, I’ll pass on the silly-looking convertible and head straight for the R8 GT, thank you.

Readers of German magazine “Auto Zeitung” recently gave Audi a few design awards. First up, Audi was voted “Brand with the most beautiful cars,” beating out over 50 other carmakers. In addition, the R8 Spyder was awarded “most beautiful convertible,” also finishing third for “most beautiful car model,” while Audi got additional props for the A5 Sportback finishing right behind it in fourth.

I don’t particularly agree with the R8 Spyder being very pretty, but you know those Germans…

photo by Mert Esmer

Abt’s latest creation they’ll be displaying at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, which is their take on the Audi R8 Spyder. Abt squeezed 75 more horsepower out of the 5.2-liter V10 engine, bringing the power up to nearly 600 hp. The results: The Abt R8 Spyder will reach zero to 62 mph in only 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 199 mph. Just couldn’t squeeze out that extra mph, huh Abt?

Aesthetics are all Abt, as usual, with modifications to the front, rear, and sides. Abt 20-inch and 19-inch wheels are available as well, giving the car an extra aggressive look. We should know more info about the car in a few days. In the mean time, check out the photos below, courtesy of gtspirit.com:

2011 Audi R8 Spyder

Audi is officially unveiled the long-awaited R8 Spyder at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and just released details on the car. The R8 Spyder is set to compete directly with the Ferrari F430 Spider, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (sort of,) and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet Carrera 4S. The 525 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine is phenomenal, and will be mated to a six-speed manual or dual-clutch R-tronic transmission. This combo will help the R8 Spyder reach 0-62 mph in only 4.1 seconds, to a top speed of 194 mph.

If you’ve been reading this blog, you’ll know I’m not a fan of the R8 Spyder. I think it’s ugly, and is one of those cars that aren’t meant to be convertibles. They got rid of the sideblade, which really gave the coupe character and helped visually shorten the body. The engine cover, which is clear on the coupe, is now opaque since nobody wants to see the folded-up top stored, but no longer allows you to see the engine bay; one of the great visual features on the R8. The aluminum-coated windshield frame catches the eye in a weird way and simply looks awful. And brown for the signature color? Come on Audi.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder rear

Despite my overall disdain for the R8 Spyder, I have to hand it to Audi for the engineering. While they need to fire the designers of this thing, the technical specs are impressive. Since it sports the same 5.2-liter V10 engine as the R8 V10, we already know the engine specs, but the Spyder version offers a few more features. All-LED headlights are a first, and a step in the right direction. I expect those to be in all Audis after a while. The top is made from a soft fabric to reduce weight and storage space – just like all other open-top Audis – and can be folded up or down in 19 seconds up to 31 mph.

A few interior changes round out the package, which turns out is not much different than the V10 coupe, just much, much uglier. Sales in Germany will begin early next year and start at 156,400 Euros, or somewhere around $228,563 USD. A big price to pay for such an ugly car. If you somehow like how it looks and like the idea of the R8 being a drop-top, you’ll be happy with the car. It’s very well-made and I’m sure it will be a blast to drive.

Check out the photo gallery and video below:

Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder was meant to be officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th, but it looks like some photos leaked out online a bit earlier than that. From the looks of things, the R8 Spyder will feature a foldable soft top. While this keeps weight down and cargo space up, I’m sure it looks terrible with the top up.

The R8 Spyder, as previously reported will probably only be offered with the 5.2-liter, 525 hp V10 engine seen in the R8 V10 coupe. Other visual changes include the unfortunate removal of the sideblades, and a different, silly-looking engine cover.

I really wish they wouldn’t make this thing.

source: CarScoop

The good fellows at AutoExpress spotted the Audi R8 V10 Spyder used during filming of the movie Iron Man 2. The 525 horsepower car will exclusively use the 5.2-liter V10 engine at first, but will probably get the 4.2-liter V8 down the road as well. I still think the Spyder is an abomination and should be buried far, far away. For God’s sake, it doesn’t even have the sideblade! I’ll stick with the R8 coupe, thanks Audi.

Head over to AutoExpress for a few more pictures.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder V10

More spy shots have surfaced of the R8 Spyder, this time wielding the beastly 5.2-liter, 520 horsepower V10. The car was spotted circling the German Nurburgring test track, of course, and is expected to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Weight savings seems to be a focus of the convertible model, with a soft top instead of the heavier but more attractive retractable hard top. For the Spyder version, Audi has unfortunately removed the signature aluminum side blade, which added a sense of aggressiveness and broke up the long wheelbase, which otherwise looks a bit awkward. The coupe version of the R8 is a gorgeous car, and the convertible version destroys what made the coupe so pretty.

Some cars should not be made into a convertible, and the R8 is one of them. The R8 is one of my all-time favorite cars, but the Spyder version is disappointing.

More spy photos below.