A race that consisted of some cars stretching across 2,700 miles, the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona was again a stressful run that tested the limits of machinery and people. In the GT class for the Grand Am Rolex Series opener, a field of 44 cars represented 8 unique vehicles. The 50th anniversary event at the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway featured the first presence of the new Audi customer race car, the R8 Grand-Am. Like every entrant into the 24-hour race, a pair of 2012 Audi R8 Grand-Am cars (fielded by the #51 APR Motorsport team and the #74 Oryx Racing group) was given a baptism by fire against the established BMW M3, Porsche GT3 and the Mazda RX-8 vehicles.

Oryx Racing (Humaid Al Masaood, Saeed Al Mehairi and Steven Kane)- Finished 32nd in GT Class, 45th Overall

The Oryx Racing Audi R8 started 15th in the GT class, 27th in the overall Rolex 24 at Daytona running order. The Oryx Racing supported #74 Audi R8 Grand-Am car crept up to 21st in the race in the early but quickly in encountered on-track issues.

Driven by Steven Kane at this point of the event, the Oryx Racing car limped with a cut left rear tire until stopping low on the race track. Fortunately for the #74 car, the car lost pace close to the pit lane within turn 12 (known during stock car races as the Daytona oval’s turn 3-4 complex). An extended service from the after the tire change allowed the #74 Audi R8 Grand-Am to rejoin the event. Drawing a full course yellow on the Daytona International Speedway, safety crews administered a quick recovery of the Oryx Racing car. The Audi R8 Grand-Am also encountered its first mechanical hiccup in racing competition with a clutch problem. The Audi R8 Grand-Am car was repaired in the garage area, in a relatively quick time, returning to the Rolex 24 at Daytona event but ran several laps down. By the early evening, the #74 Audi R8 Grand-Am then found itself in the turn 8 through 11 bus stop chicane’s retaining barrier. For the second time, the Oryx Racing car drew a full course yellow.

APR Motorsport (Dion von Moltke, Emanuele Pirro Ian Baas, Jim Norman, Nelson Canache)- Finished 31st in GT Class, 44th Overall

The APR Motorsport Audi R8 Grand-Am finished 15 laps ahead of the Oryx Racing car but only one position ahead. Similar to the Oryx Racing Audi R8, the APR Motorsport vehicle but an off-course issue at the bus stop section of the Daytona road course. Sliding off the track within the closing 15 minutes of the event, the APR Motorsports car almost affected the outcome of the entire race if a full course caution was required to move the stopped Audi R8. In the case of the #51 car, the double-yellow flag was spared as the Audi R8 Grand-Am was able to rejoin the sports car event. Despite a five-car driving team that consisted of Audi Sport’s veteran prototype driver Emanuele Pirro, the APR Motorsport group also faced a challenging entrance into the Grand Am Rolex Series’ GT category.

Though neither the #51 APR Motorsport nor the #74 Oryx Racing achieved great contention in the GT category, the resilience characterized with the Four-Ring badge shined through for the striking new R8 Grand-Am racers. Despite eventful 24-hour runs, both Audi R8 Grand-Am race cars were classified running at the checkered flag in its debut.

With the Rolex 24 at Daytona completed, the Audi R8 Grand-Am car is positioned for a full 2012 Grand Am Rolex Series season that will resume in two months time at Barber Motorsports Park.

Information source: Audi AG, Grand Am
Photo source: Audi AG

Debuting at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Audi’s entrance into the popular sub-category where sedans and coupes merge. A premium car grouping popularized with the entrance of the Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz CLS, vehicle designs began to conceive the sporty athleticism of a coupe with more than the conventional two passenger doors.

Audi is considered a late adopter to the bold fusion trend waiting this year to enter the unique vehicle segment. Creating the captivating, new A7 Sportback five-door coupe, the new Audi was presented to the United States with a 310 horsepower supercharged V-6 powerplant. Capable of delivering luxury comfort and excitement, Audi fans awaited the high-powered version of the A7 Sportback. Dropping a V-8 engine into their five-door coupe, the Audi S7 Sportback unleashes heightened performance in concert with the slippery shape.

Unlike the S6 and S8 cars debuting to the public alongside at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi S7 Sportback has no previously established benchmark. The premiere of a high-performance five-door coupe, the Audi S7 Sportback starts on the aggressively elegant exterior design of the A7 featuring Audi’s extensive use of aluminum body panels. Depending on only subtle, shiny enhancements to dress up the modern vehicle look, detailing is provided to the grille, front and rear bumper as well as to the side mirrors of the Audi S7 Sportback. Admirers of the Audi S7 Sportback will also take note of the vivid badging identifying the special vehicle with ‘V8 T’ and ‘S7’ markings. A diffuser is integrated with the S7 Sportback’s rear companioning with the fastback window. Presented in 9 exterior colours, Estoril Blue and Prism Silver is added to the S7 Sportback edition selection list. While the colours give the Audi S7 Sportback definition during daylight, night time has powerful xenon headlamps and LED signals.

The meat of the Audi S7 Sportback allure comes with the introduction of a 4-liter twin turbocharged engine. Much stronger than the A7’s 3-liter engine, Audi’s 4.0 TFSI powerplant belts out 420 horsepower and just under 406 foot-pounds of torque under the S7 Sportback’s hood. Contrary to the powerful nature of the 4.0 TFSI engine, cylinder on demand and direct injection insures highly evolved fuel consumption. Average fuel economy for the Audi S7 Sportback is above 24 miles per gallon.

Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive performance is the centerpiece to the S7 Sportback’s handling package. Audi has lent the adaptive air suspension for a driver tailored ride through standard 19-inch aluminum wheels. Optional sets of 19 and 20 inch wheels are available on the Audi S7 Sportback customizing the exterior look. Standard equipped four-wheel disc braking can also be upgraded to carbon-ceramic units.

With the 4.0 TFSI and the quattro all-wheel drive system working in concert, the Audi S7 Sportback is a certified performer. Accelerating from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds, the S7 Sportback registers a time about 0.3 seconds faster than the Audi A7 model. Top speed of the Audi S7 Sportback is 155 miles per hour limited electronically.

Providing motorists with an option for how they wish to experience the merger of performance and luxury, the Audi S7 Sportback’s cabin projects a wide-open space. Featuring special S brand trim, buyers can opt for two types of wood, aluminum or even carbon inlays to modify the interior appearance of this Audi Sportback model. Despite reasonable rear seat comfort and the firm comfort of sport seats for the forward passenger, the driver experiences the real pleasure of the Audi S7 Sportback. Taking full advantage of the S7 Sportback’s performance reach, the driver punches through Audi’s S Tronic gearbox. Audi’s MMI system is included with a full range of control functions. An additional feature the Audi S7 Sportback delivers is something few would except from a 155-mile per hour vehicle. With the rear seats folded down, there is 49.1 cubic feet of cargo storage room inside the sizable cabin.

Expected stateside by 2012, further details on the Audi S7 Sportback including pricing will be provided at a later date.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Preparing to show off the radical urban concept design at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi’s inventive look to a motoring future could be seen as a little too distant. For North American motorists in particular, the small, ultralight concept car would instantly come into conflict with the desire for cargo room and passenger space. Planning a sensational arrangement of production and design evaluations for the auto show at Frankfurt, Audi has recently announced the addition of a compact, electric vehicle fitting more easily into today’s driving lifestyle. Registered as a concept car, the Audi A2 explores advanced technology integrating with contemporary automotive fashion.

Residing within tight quarters, the Audi A2 concept car advocates the incredible packaging potential of an electric powertrain platform. A total length of 3.8 meters (149.61 inches), the A2 concept is 19.37 inches shorter than the smallest North American Audi, the A3. Featuring Audi’s aluminum construction techniques along with a dark glass roof, the A2 concept is a four-door hatchback configured with a mature sport utility crossover gracefulness.

An all-electric powertrain on the Audi A2 concept keeps items such as the battery and motors positioned to maximize interior space. Though a small vehicle, four passengers are still positioned comfortably inside the Audi A2 concept. Thin seats manufactured using plastic blow molding is positioned individually in the cabin. Also included in the Audi concept vehicle‘s cabin is a center storage spot ideal for carrying a bicycle with front wheels removed. A flat floor area made of recycled polyester covers beneath the feet of the passengers of the Audi A2 concept car while gentle light enters overhead through the glass roof with press button operation. Inside the minimalist cabin, touch control panels and a 7-inch screen continues to inspire innovation of the Audi A2 concept.

Beyond exhibiting effective of space, the Audi A2 concept is highlighted by charming illumination inside and outside. Employing LED lighting for the headlamps and taillights, Audi touts their presence as “the next phase” in the technology‘s development. Positioned in what is known as a matrix beam, the headlamp construction involves diodes combined with microreflectors to create a better quality view of the road. In assisting other motorists, a rear fog light incorporating laser diodes provides superior warning to following drivers. With the use of lasers diodes, a warning triangle projected by the A2 concept can penetrate even inclement weather conditions such as fog.

Along with the LEDs found in the conventional lit positions of the Audi A2 concept, an application known as dynamic light. A pair of light bars runs under the A2 concept’s side windows delivering a number of functions. An extension of turn signal lighting when the vehicle is motion, Sensors included within Audi’s dynamic light assemblies offer driver and passengers touchless entrance through simple gestures.

A design exercise at the Frankfurt Motor Show for 2011, the implementation for a production-based compact Audi electrified powerplant has been a topic of automotive rumour mills. During the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Audi revealed an A1 concept utilizing the company’s e-tron plug-in hybrid technology. Recent tests of a converted version of previous generation A2 compact showed immense potential. Said to have crossed a distance of 372 miles on a single charge, the experimental A2 was powered off an experimental battery created by Mirko Hannemann. Assembled through a partnership between Lekker Energie and DBM Energy, their Audi A2 electric was not an official factory prototype leaving uncertainty if Audi AG engineers have realized the battery technology for the new concept car.

Joining the urban concept and three new ranges of the Audi S model family debuting at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt starting September 15th, the A2 concept shows another dimension of the premium German brand’s automotive expression.

Information source: Audi AG, Engadget.com
Photo source: Audi AG

Away from its regular role as a commuter for diplomats and other dignitaries, Audi’s largest sedan has been given the change to venture into super sedan territory since 1994. Available in the United States since 1999, the Audi S8 became a high-powered extension of the Germany premium car brand’s biggest four-door. Success of the first generation model brought forth the second generation S8 in 2006 utilizing the Audi’s quattro drive amongst many performance tweaks for an all-out battle with BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG competitors.

With the base A8 receiving a modernization during the 2011 model year, Audi left observers waiting a year until presenting the third and latest generation of the S8 sedan. Worth the wait, the Audi S8 debuts at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of its upcoming release.

Designed on the refreshed lines of the Audi A8, the S8 sports sedan is shaped with an abundance of aluminum. The look of aluminum is accented within the Audi S8’s front grille, mirrors and along the vehicle’s bumper. Apart from the look of aluminum surfaces, the Audi S8 comes in 13 exterior colour tones including Daytona Gray and Prizm Silver (two colours not available on the A8 model). A diffuser insert is found on the backside of Audi S8 with twin oval exhaust pipes presented on the rear corners. The Audi S8 wears S-line exclusive 20-inch wheels as standard with an optional choice of 21-inch wheel and tire combination available. LED headlights and taillights are equipped on all Audi S8 models are standard.

Driver and passengers in the lavish sports sedan will appreciate the fine leather seating as well as the performance trim pieces including aluminum-look pedals. The Audi S8 is handsomely equipped with many of the A8 sedan’s optional items as well as some S model exclusive touches. A 360 degree parking camera, Audi’s MMI with navigation, adaptive cruise control and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System are all standard S8 equipment.

The heart and soul of the newest Audi S8 is the return to a V-8 engine. Debuting with a 340 horsepower, 4.2 liter V-8 powerplant in the S8‘s first generation, the Audi sedan performance upgrade added a larger, more powerful engine the second generation. Competing in a German battle of high cylinder count with the previous generation BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz S63 rivals, the Audi S8 upgraded from a V-8 to a 5.2 liter V-10 powerplant in the 2006 model year. Propelled by 450 horsepower, the past V-10 variation of the Audi S8 delivered unhindered performance and fair fuel economy through FSI gasoline direct injection rated at almost 18 miles per gallon average by the auto company.

For the third-generation Audi S8, the newly developed V-8 engine features the highest horsepower-per-liter ratio of any incarnation of the German luxury car brand’s top four-door. A 520 horsepower engine using twin-turbochargers, the 4.0 TFSI powerplant of the Audi S8 engine accounts for 130 horsepower per single liter of engine displacement. Pounding out 70 horsepower more than its replacement engine, the 4.0 TFSI also delivers over 479 pounds-feet of torque through the A8’s quattro drivetrain. A high output engine combining the multiple turbochargers with gasoline direct injection for dynamite performance, the Audi S8’s 4.0 TFSI layout contributes to more efficient power creation. Cylinder deactivation and start-stop systems assure the new S8 muscular performance is available at just the right time. For the rest of the driving journey, the Audi S8 sedan accomplishes vastly improved fuel economy compared to its predecessor. Rated in consuming 23 percent less fuel than the 2010 model Audi S8, 4.0 TFSI V-8 engine of the latest S8 moves the 4,354-pound super sedan an average of 23 miles per gallon.

Channelling the 520 horsepower through an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, the Audi S8 supplies the driver with a sensation of sport driving while also respecting luxury car smoothness. The all-wheel drive quattro system is supported by two differentials including the added sport differential added to the rear axle of the S8 for ideal wheel movement. Calibrated specially for the S8, Audi has fitted their adaptive air suspension with variable tuning that can be driver adjusted to an ideal ride quality. When tapping into the performance zenith of the car, the Audi S8 acceleration provides a take-off from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited on the sedan at 155 miles per hour on the Audi S8 sedan.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

The kick-off to the world indoor auto show season, 2011 is the lucky biennial year where automotive enthusiasts get to relish in the spectacle of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Guaranteed already to be a showcase of new ideas in the ever-evolving auto industry, production and concept vehicles are presented in abundance for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show even as more than two weeks separate the exhibit’s grand opening. A motor show of world intrigue, Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been wetting the appetites of potential show goers through previews of their Frankfurt Motor Show presentations. An exhibition based in their home country, Volkswagen’s luxury car brand Audi will also be making a strong showing on September 15th.

In preparation for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show, Audi has a history of bringing profound guidance for where they want to take their brand’s image. In the last Frankfurt show in 2009, Audi presented their e-tron concept for the very first time to the public. Since the showing almost two years ago, Audi’s continuing development of e-tron is likely to directly lead to a production-based vehicle. Audi also publicly premiered the R8 Spyder at the 2009 show generating some more tradition open-motoring performance buzz. As their world sales increased by 15 percent in 2010 (just one year following the Audi’s last Frankfurt display), the German auto company’s success will garner more focus on their upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show plans. Supplying samples for performance and low-impact driving, Audi seems ready to entertain the German city’s crowd.

Presented in early to mid August, Audi’s prospect for exploiting a full city car design led to the urban concept brainchild. The urban concept car was unveiled ahead of the Frankfurt show in illustrated form ahead of the lightweight 1+1 passenger vehicle’s presentation in real life. Since the debut of the Audi urban concept sketches on August 10th, Audi immediately followed-up the early images with an open top version of the unique smaller car. The Spyder version of the urban concept shares the impressive sport style in a small, electric vehicle package.

Aside from the debut of a radical new way of motoring, Audi will use Frankfurt as the official public introduction of three new models of their S performance line. Added to the 2012 Audi portfolio, the S6 (including the S6 Avant) and the large S8 sedan will debut as new generation vehicles. For the first time since its introduction last year, the Audi A7 Sportback receives its initial taste of S line enthusiasm. Receiving its first eight-cylinder powerplant, the S7 Sportback, along with the S6 and S8, will receive a new generation engine engineered to provide top performance along with improved fuel economy.

Taking a similar approach as with Mercedes-Benz and BMW by consolidating engines used in their performance line-ups, a new 4.0 liter V-8 engine will beat under the hood of all three S models. Smaller than the S line’s previous benchmark, the more compact Audi engine is just as exciting as the next generation models. Providing up to 520 horsepower of sheer driving excitement, the S6, S7 Sportback and the S8 will be guided by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

As a third separate feature ready to attract spectators at the Audi pavilion, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will debut a concept version of the A2. The Audi A2 concept displays a compact car form optimizing cargo space thanks to an electric powertrain. Just recently announced, the Audi A2 concept has become the latest edition to a flashy auto show presentation.

Starting September 15th, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to more than 850,000 spectators and over 13,000 members of the esteemed media. With only two weeks remaining until Audi’s near and distant future vision of premium motoring is unveiled to the public, Audisite.com will provide fans of the German luxury brand with in-depth information on the vehicles being profiled.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Higher end automotive are always under the test of social ideals and economic factors. Emerging as a challenge for future auto industry is limiting environmental impact. The reality of incorporating for fuel-efficient products into future vehicle line-ups is causing all luxury carmakers to envision their brand images much different forms.

While Mercedes-Benz allows the Smart car to advertise some type of more urban-directed content, BMW has most recently pressed the start of their electrified vehicle-oriented BMW i sub brand into the 2014 model year. For the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, American car company Cadillac explored more conservative proportions with their Urban Luxury Concept. In these cases, the premium carmakers, often challenged to prove their vehicles to be the best examples in the world, has risen to the occasion building smaller, lighter, fuel-efficient designs while preserving the best of their brand identity. Entering itself in a position to best what the world premium car industry has to offer, Audi will show up the latest edition in their e-tron electric vehicles in the smallest possible shape. Debuting a practical two-passenger concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show upcoming in September, the Audi Urban Concept car launches Audi onto an all-new wave of thought.

Existing in such a small confide the Urban Concept vehicle appears brilliantly relay common Audi exterior qualities. Though actual dimensions are not defined at this time, the Audi Urban Concept is certain to measure as one of the smallest design concept ever conceived by the Germany luxury brand. Likely to be more aesthetic than functional, the large simple front grille opening boldly holds the Audi rings. Primarily light silver exterior in the images issued by Audi, the Urban Concept is accented by a red stripe traveling upwards along each side of the vehicle. Massive 21-inch wheels complete the Audi Urban Concept further enhancing the sense of smallness for the design study.

Audi has been one of the leading auto brands in the implementation of lightweight technology throughout their product line. Relying on the properties of aluminum in creating the structure of current production vehicles, Audi ventures into design exploration with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) creating the small Urban Concept car. The use of CFRP applied to the small vehicle should guarantee a relatively feather-light existence compared to production cars.

Powerplant has only been announced as featuring two electric motors propelled by energy stored in a lithium-ion battery. Benefiting from Audi’s e-tron program, the range and speed of the Audi Urban Concept was yet to be provided ahead of the unveiling at Frankfurt.

Opening up the interior through the movement of a single panel, the Audi Urban Concept introduces an interesting cabin layout. Called a 1+1 seat vehicle, the passenger sits slightly further back than the driver‘s position. Providing the passenger with a performance feel, the design should also be helpful in furnishing a greater field of view to the driver of the Audi Urban Concept.

Audi fans and small car enthusiasts can expect more information on the Urban Concept design to be revealed at the Frankfurt exhibit.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

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.

Audi S4

Well, we just got back from the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. While it isn’t quite as big or flashy as it used to be, there are still plenty of great cars, concepts, and exhibits to check out. Audi didn’t have any big news so they didn’t hold a press conference, but they have a large display full of their line-up.

Interestingly, almost every Audi vehicle present is white, except for the R8, R8 Spyder, and S5 Cabriolet, which are a special dark gold color unavailable in the production models, and the 2011 Audi A8, which is silver. Check out the photos below for a look at the Audi display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show:

Audi R8 V10

Audi TTS

Audi S5 Cabriolet

Audi Q5

2011 Audi A8

Audi A3 TDI

Audi A3 TDI rear

Audi R8 V10 Spyder

Audi Q7 S-line

Audi A5

Audi Q7 side

Audi Q7 front

Audi Q5 side

Audi Q5 rear

Audi A6

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi A4 Avant