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

While the Audi R18 was foiled at the Petit Le Mans race by Peugeot for the third year in a row, the German automaker did have reason to celebrate a major road race victory on the east side of the Atlantic Ocean. In the second to last event in the popular DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) series, a 2.517-mile road course in Valencia, Spain hosted what was the race weekend Audi Sport Team Phoenix driver Martin Tomczyk secured the 2011 DTM Championship. In a dominant race where Audi A4 sedans took the top six spots, Audi has one race remaining in an effort to capture a team championship in DTM. The ABT Sportsline organization is 5 points ahead of a Mercedes-Benz heading into a late October race at the Hockenheim track.

Since 2009, the technical regulations for the DTM Series have been frozen in the interests for controlling costs for competitors. For the upcoming 2012 series, the series is allowing the entrance of new cars, opening the door for German carmaker BMW to join Mercedes-Benz and Audi. For the existing program fielded by Audi, the auto company hopes the blow the doors open on the competition with two fewer doors. Campaigning a car based on the A4 sedan since 2004, Audi is set to unleash a new DTM race vehicle based on the A5 two-door.

Presented as the 2012 race machine, the Audi A5 DTM was revealed ahead of the past Frankfurt Motor Show. More than a year and a half in development as the R17 project, the two-door Audi A5 DTM car measures 5.01 meters (197.24 inches) in total length and is 1.95 meters (76.77 inches) in width. Compared to the 2012 model year Audi A5, the A5 DTM car is more than 15 inches longer and 3.77 inches wider for race track competition. In compliance with rules of the DTM sanctioning body, the Audi A5 racer rides within a mandated 2,750 millimeter (108.27 inch) wheelbase.

A departure from the four-door A4, the Audi A5 DTM for 2012 exhibits the refined exterior of the street vehicles. The new body structure created through the combination of carbon fiber and steel also sees the additional use of aluminum for suspension parts. Adhering to new aerodynamic regulations as well as to take advantage to improved airflow sciences, the Audi A5 DTM where a larger rear wing. Overall, Audi says the design is also more resistant to damage due to race contact (fender-to-fender contact is a main ingredient in DTM racing).

Along with the constraints for wheelbase length, other technical requirements of the motorsport series meant Audi needed to build the 2012 A5 DTM race around over 50 components that are shared among the other automakers. Meant for safety and a method for controlling costs, the new Audi is able to boast a total cost reduction of more than 40 percent over the previous A4 race car. While the DTM series preserves their exclusive tire supplier deal with Hankook and electronic control units from Bosch, this racing organization is careful to ward off the runaway costs that killed the previous edition of the European road racing category.

One of the ways Audi was able to control the price on the new A5 DTM is to reuse the tried and proven four-valve V-8 engine. Producing around 460 horsepower, the Audi A5 DTM will feature a new six-speed gearbox. For 2012, the Audi A5 DTM car will be more driver-friendly with a steering wheel paddle-shifter.

As Audi feverishly strides to compete with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the sales marketplace, the fight in the 2012 DTM Series should be just as aggressive.

Information source: Audi AG, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters
Photo source: Audi AG

If you think the standard Audi R8 supercar is a bit too “posh” for you, check out what German tuning firm Abt Sportsline just churned out.

The ABT R8 GT R isn’t just your standard tuned car, but a lightweight, high-powered race car for the road and track. The first thing Abt did to this monster is take of Audi’s stock hood, front and rear aprons, rear wing, tailgate, and even the outline edge on the rear, external mirrors, and the door panels – replacing them with their own versions made completely from carbon fiber. The side windows are even replaced with a high-strength, lightweight material called Makrolon. All this stripping down doesn’t sacrifice anything but bulk, and makes for a weight savings of over 220 lbs – a significant number when flying down a track.

As you might expect, Abt didn’t leave the engine alone in this beast. The monstrous 5.2-liter, 525 hp V10 engine in the factory car has been tuned to 620 hp, allowing the Abt R8 GT R to travel from zero to 62 mph in only 3.2 seconds. Keep that right pedal down and the car will reach 124 mph in 9.9 seconds, up to a top speed of 202 mph.

Abt also added a sports suspension and adjustable dampers to fine-tune the performance, along with modified brakes to deal with the extra power. Lightweight 19-inch Abt alloy wheel were added for style and function.

To give it its race track ability, Abt added Recaro racing seats with a 4-point seat belt system, stainless steel roll-over bar with seat belt attachment, hand-held fire extinguisher and a carbon fiber ABT Sports steering wheel.. They’ve even added a an on-board video system and the expandable data module for tracking and recording your lap times and other metrics.

This is truly a track-worthy beast for those who want the gorgeous looks, blistering performance, and overall refinement of an Audi R8 V10 supercar, but also want a highly capable race car.

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:

Abt AS7 Audi Q7 Facelift

After a couple years, it’s easy to get bored with a car you drive every day, especially if it’s not a particularly exciting car in the first place. Take the Audi Q7 for example. It’s not a bad vehicle in any way, but just like every other SUV on the road, it’s a bit…mundane. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a new car every couple of years though. Bored with your Q7? Hand it over to ABT for an energizing facelift and overall upgrade. Not only will it make you love your SUV again, but you’ll stand out from all the other standard Q7s on the road.

Once you hand the keys over to German tuner ABT, they’ll make enough changes to convince you it’s a different vehicle altogether.

First on the list, ABT will tune the Q7′s engine for a beefier output. If your Q7 is equipped with the 240 hp 3.0 TDI, choose the upgrade for 282 hp or have them add a turbocharger for 310 hp. Owners of the 326 hp Q7 4.2 TDI can get an increase to 365 hp. Audi’s 3.0 TDI clean diesel also has an upgrade available taking the total power output from 240 hp to 278.

In addition to the increased power, ABT will add a complete aerodynamics kit for the AS7, including side skirts, rear skirt, end pipes, fender extension, and rear wing. Special ABT BR one-piece casted wheels round out the exterior changes and add some serious aggressiveness.

A few interior changes are also available, including aluminum pedals and footrest, ABT floor mats, and an ABT trunk mat.

ABT AS5 Sportback

German tuner Abt Sportsline just got their hands on the A5 Sportback, before most of us can even see it. The Audi A5 Sportback is described “As comfortable as a limousine, elegant as a coupé and almost as practical as an Avant.” After being given the Abt treatment, the new AS5 Sportback can further be described “as dynamic as a true sports car.”

The fact that the name AS5 looks suspiciously like ASS is only an unintended benefit.

Abt tuned up two available engines on the Sportback:

2.0 TFSI
Audi A5 Sportback: 180 hp
Abt AS5 Sportback: 275 hp

3.0 TDI
Audi A5 Sportback: 240 hp
Abt AS5 Sportback: 282 hp

3.0 TDI “POWER S”
Audi A5 Sportback: 240 hp
Abt AS5 Sportback: 310 hp

The “POWER S” tuned 3.0 TDI engine with 310 horsepower is able to propel the AS5 Sportback from zero to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds. Bigger brakes provide quicker deceleration and special ABT wheels, available from 18- to 20-inches, add to the style. A new muffler and suspension system add to the sportiness of the car.

An ABT-styled body kit helps with aerodynamics and style by adding a front skirt, front grill, rear wing inserts, and a rear skirt set.

Abt Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

The Audi R8 V10 hasn’t reached US shores yet, but it’s been in Europe for some time now. This has given tuning companies such as Abt plenty of time to make the already insanely powerful 525 hp, 5.2-liter V10 even better.

Abt took the R8 V10 and added 75 hp for a total of 600 asphalt-blazing ponies by remapping the ECU and adding a new 4-pipe exhaust system. The extra oomph helps the Abt R8 get from 0 to 62 mph in only 3.8 seconds and lets the supercar join the 200 mph club with a top speed of exactly 200 mph.

Not only that, but it looks badass too. Abt replaced much of the R8′s gorgeous body with their own carbon fiber aerodynamic bits to lighten it up and increase downforce. The result is one mean looking R8; especially with those red accents you see here.

Lastly, Abt replaced the R8 V10′s wheels with their own 20-inch monsters, which are some of the best looking wheels I’ve seen on any car.

The stock Audi R8 V10 could compete just fine on its own, but with the additions from Abt Sportsline, this thing is a whole different beast. 600 horsepower is nothing to laugh at, and the carbon fiber bodywork looks nothing short of exceptional. Good job on this one, Abt.

Check out more pictures below:

Abt Audi Q5

German Tuner Abt Sportsline’s latest project included the new Q5 Crossover SUV. While this isn’t the first vehicle I would have thought of them doing, it turned out pretty cool.

On the outside, Abt modified the Q5 very tastefully, giving it a front spoiler and prominent front grill, fender extensions, and door trims. They modified many details all-around, ending at the rear with a rear wing, rear apron, and an Abt exhaust with four tailpipes. 22-inch BR alloy wheels are optional, but look particularly good with this Q5. In the interior, the extent of the additions are carbon leather inserts.

Abt also gives the Q5 extra power for each trim level. The 2.0 TDI goes from 170 horsepower to 190. The 3.0 TDI engine gets 310 horsepower, and the 2.0 TSI gets 240 hp, up from 211. Abt will be upgrading the 2.0 TSI to 275 hp soon. The tuned Q5 also receives an upgraded suspension to lower center of gravity, and an upgraded braking system.

More pictures below: