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

An exotic flavour reserved for the European market, the Audi RS3 made its premiere early this year as a 340-horsepower interpretation of their compact car. Assuming the form of the unimposing five-door Audi A3 Sportback, the RS3 asserts itself in 0 with 62 mile per hour acceleration in only 4.6 seconds. While North Americans receive only the word of this hyper-powered A3-based car’s existence, the commuters on the Autobahn are able to indulge in the full thrill of this quattro all-wheel drive powered RS3 factory sport compact. With less than a year on the market, there is one performance tuner so bold to believe they could pull even more from the Audi RS3 Sportback.

Residing little more than a seven kilometer traveling distance from the Ingolstadt headquarters of Audi, MTM (Motoren-Technik-Mayer GmbH) began building supped-up versions of the premium auto brand’s quattro since 1985. Envy beyond envy, German aftermarket performance house MTM has approached the Audi RS3 Sportback thinking how they can make something great even better. Augmenting the five-door car to the tastes of even finer performance tuning, the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI is born by the small-volume vehicle producer.

Strikingly similar to the Audi RS3 Sportback in exterior and interior looks (with exception to the multi-colour paint scheme assembled on the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI show vehicle), the treatment conducted by the Ingolstadt performance tuner is limited largely to performance gains. Playing with the Audi 2.5 TFSI engine (found in the RS3 as well as the TT RS), MTM enhances their version of the compact Sportback with 472 horsepower. Credited for pushing up the output from the 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine by 132 horsepower are some tweaks MTM made to the turbocharger unit, high-flow air intake and some optimized spark plugs. The MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI is also given a unique voice with a new exhaust system.

As 472 horsepower funnels through the sport-oriented quattro all-wheel drive system, MTM made special modifications to the A3-based sport compact. An adjustable air suspension system is added for improved sport handling and electronic lowering. The MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI rides on bimoto alloy wheels featuring a 9-spoke racing-inspired design. Enhancing the dynamic performance, the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI strengthens the stopping power of the quattro driven wheels. Eight-piston Brembo brake calipers supplies firm, controlled vehicle deceleration of the super-tuned compact car.

A 15-hour procedure, the conversion to the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI costs 10,600 euros (equal to about $14,180 US) in addition to the stock Audi RS3 Sportback’s retail price.

Information source: Audi AG, MTM
Photo source: MTM

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

Project Kahn, the British specialty car design firm, just released their newest kit for the Audi TT. Starting with a standard TT, Kahn added new front and rear bumpers, mesh inserts and a new front grille that looks like the grille found on the R8. In addition, they’ve added a new rear spoiler, stainless steel quad exhaust system, lowered suspension, a front lower bumper lip and door mirrors in a billet steel finish to match the dark gray exterior paint of the Audi. Of course, the first thing you probably noticed is the signature colored sideblade as found on the R8. Audi connoisseurs like yourself aren’t going to be fooled into thinking that the TR8 is a real R8, but a few “commoners” might be fooled at a glance. Even if you’re not trying to convince others that you own an R8, the TR8 still looks quite a bit better than your standard TT, so it may be worth a look if only for the uniqueness factor. No word yet on its cost, but I’ll update this article when I know.

Check out more pictures below:

They’re calling the car the MTM R8 V10 BiTurbo, and if you buy one, you’ll get 777 HP, a top speed in excess of 217 mph, and a zero to 62 mph time of 3.0 seconds. MTM is debuting the car at the Geneva Motor Show early next month. The shiny finish took 700 working hours to polish, which means that if the car does go on sale, chances are that polished finish won’t be standard.

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.

MTM Audi RS5

If you have a little more patience (and around 3000 Euros,) you can have MTM install their custom stainless steel exhaust for the RS5, adding a new sound, new look, and a little more performance. They also have an adjustable-height suspension in the works.

Those wheels you see in the images above and below? Those are MTM’s 9-spoke Bimono rims, available in 19, 20, or 21-inch varieties. Cost for those? 2249 Euros, or around $2900 USD for the 19-inch set. Pricey, but damn they look good.

Just as we hear reports of Audi planning a race-ready but street-legal R8 GT3, MTM comes out with this – a massively fast, supercharged, lightweight, Rear-Wheel-Drive version of the V8-powered supercar called the R8 GT3-2. The “2″ at the end represents its drive wheels, differentiating it from the standard AWD cars.

While the performance enhancements are significant (and we will go over those in the following paragraphs,) what we really need to focus on here is that this is an Audi R8 without its quattro AWD system; it’s only driven by the rear wheels. While that may seem like a disadvantage to some, others (especially racers,) will consider this a godsend and buy one based solely on that fact. Not only does getting rid of quattro lighten up the car, but gives it an entirely new driving dynamic. RWD cars are more fun to drive, for one, but can also be driven more aggressively and can be taken around turns sideways (powersliding, drifting,) whereas AWD cars have trouble doing that.

So, what else has been changed? MTM supercharged the R8, effectively giving the 4.2-liter V8 engine 560 HP – 35 more than the V10 version with significantly less weight. It’s only boosted to 8 psi, so crank up that boost and you’ll get even more power. Zero to 62 mph comes in only 3.9 seconds, up to a top speed of 197 mph. MTM also tacked on a special exhaust to increase performance and make the modified R8 sound unmistakable. A special adjustable suspension is added to the car, along with 20-inch lightweight forged wheels wrapped in high-performance Dunlop tires.

Outside, MTM kept it mostly stock, save for replacing the front spoiler, side skirt and rear wing with their own lightweight (and more aerodynamic) carbon fiber pieces. Inside, MTM gets you some Recaro carbon racing seats.

If you’re interested in an MTM Audi R8 GT3-2 – and who would blame you – you can order one from MTM directly or give them your existing R8 for a conversion.

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.

Behold the newest creation from the ENCO Exclusive factory – the ENCO Audi Q5. The German tuner has taken the compact SUV and applied a body kit to loosely simulate the Q5′s biggest brother – the Q7 V12 TDI, of which few of us could afford (somewhere along the lines of $135,000…right.)

Specifically, ENCO added those big black air inlets in the front bumper along with the integrated LEDs, and a new hood with two chrome vents for a muscular and slightly “blingy” look. Along the sides, they’ve added mudguard and door extensions, and out back they’ve added a rear spoiler and new bumper with oval exhaust pipes integrated, just like the Q5 V12 TDI.

Along with the new body, buyers get new 22-inch 7-spoke Enco wheels in any color. Inside, Enco will replace the trim with carbon fiber pieces.

Pricing? The body kit will cost €4,165 Euros (about $5,700 USD,) which isn’t actually all that bad for this kit. Get the hood for an extra €1,785 Euros ($2,440.) If you want Enco to install and paint the kit, tack on another 2,678 Euros ($3,660.) A lowering kit runs €595, and the wheels…€4,641 ($6,345) and an extra €476 to paint them a different color. I’ll pass on the wheels, thanks. Want that carbon fiber interior? Expect it to run you €1,428, or around $1,952. Me…I think I’d take the body kit (maybe the carbon fiber interior) and call it quits. Check out more pictures of the kit below: