Just like the BMW Group did with its MINI-branded cars, Audi is planning to offer a variety of customisation options and packages for its new entry-level A1 model. This includes the S-Line sport kit, which is expected to be one of the most popular options amongst buyers.

The S-Line kit is featured in the gallery below for the first time in official photos. With two options available, the S-Line Exterior package adds some aggression to the new A1’s looks with chiseled sill tops, a larger roof spoiler, a more concave front bumper with side air-vents and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and matte optics.

The second kit, the S-Line Sport Package, adds 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.

At this stage there are no performance upgrades available, a’la John Cooper Works for MINI, but the Audi S1 will benefit from the company’s 155 kW 2,0-litre TFSI and offer Cooper S rivaling thrills. For more details on the A1 check out our previous story by clicking here and watch a video here.

 

Audi has revealed the A8 Hybrid, at Geneva today, showcasing a new petrol-electric hybrid powerplant that is expected to be added to the A8 range in 2011.

The Audi A8 hybrid will be powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine and an electric motor, both of which are linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi says the A8 Hybrid has the same performance figures as a model powered by a large-capacity conventional six-cylinder engine. The petrol part of the power equation comes from Audi’s 2,0-litre turbocharged engine producing 155 kW and 350 N.m of torque, while the electric motor puts out 33 kW and a healthy 211 N.m of torque. When both are operating simultaneously, a total of 180 kW and 480 N.m are available.

Electric drive power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the rear of the car, and ancillaries such as the power steering, air-conditioner compressor and brake vacuum are now electrically-run rather than engine-driven. The battery pack does intrude into boot space, however a full 400 litres of cargo volume is still available.

Despite weighing in excess of 1 800 kg, the A8 Hybrid is still capable of accelerating from 0 – 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and running up to a top speed of 235 km/h – thanks to the 2,0-litre TSFI engine. Average fuel consumption is claimed to be just 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 144g/km, and city traffic sees the A8 Hybrid using 20 percent less fuel than a petrol-engined model. Fully-electric operation can be sustained for over two kilometres at speeds up to 65km/h, and regenerative braking enables the battery to be topped up while on the move. When coasting or at rest, the petrol engine shuts down to conserve fuel.

Audi has yet to announce precise launch dates for a production version of the A8 Hybrid, but the German automaker acknowledges the hybrid design study is “near-production” and industry pundits expect it to go on sale in Europe and the USA by late 2011. So far there’s no indication on a South African release for the A8 Hybrid, and the car will likely be built in left-hand drive only.

Much of the technology showcased in the A8 Hybrid will transfer to Audi’s upcoming Q5 Hybrid mid-size SUV, which was confirmed for a 2011 debut late last year and will be sold almost exclusively in the United States. Specific details on the Q5 Hybrid have yet to be released, but expect much of its tech specs to echo those of the A8 Hybrid concept.

 

Adapted from TheMotorReport

Audi used the Geneva Motor Show as a platform not only to show off the A1, but also to introduce the Audi A1 e-tron. The small car expands the e-tron brand for Audi, and is capable of running on electric power alone, making use of a combustion engine as a generator.

Engineers selected an electric motor that produces up to 75 kW for propulsion, which is transversely-mounted at the front of the vehicle. The motor’s continuous output hovers around 45 kW, though quick boosts are possible for short periods of time. The motor puts out 150 N.m of torque continuously, with peak torque rated at 240 N.m. The motor is powered by a T-shaped 12 kW lithium-ion battery pack installed below the floor of the vehicle, which weighs just under 150 kilograms. All-electric range is rated at 50 kilometers, with a 254 cc single-rotor engine recharging the battery as needed. The small engine is installed under the luggage compartment, and combines with the generator, cooling unit, exhaust, insulation, intake, and subframe for a bit over 70 kilograms. Weight does not include the car’s 12-litre fuel tank.

Audi claims their range extender system is an intelligent model that works with the car’s GPS system. If the driver programs a destination for the navigation system, it will automatically choose the most efficient time to use the generator and engine. The range extender can also be turned on manually by using a push button mounted below the single-speed gear selector. The 1 190 kg car is only capable of a sluggish 0-100 km/h sprint of 10.2 seconds. Not surprisingly, Audi is marketing this concept as a ‘Mega City Vehicle’. With a top speed of only 130 km/h, the vehicle would be a poor choice for people who commute to work from the suburbs. Still, with a full range of about 250 km, the car is more than capable of occasional longer distance travel.

Those who pay attention to their vehicle’s direct emissions will be pleased with the 45 grams of CO2 released per kilometer the extended range engine is in use. Audi claims fuel consumption is rated at about 1,9-litres of fuel per 100 km. Efficiency is helped by the electro-mechanical power steering and regenerative brakes.

 

Adapted from WorldCarFans

A sharp-eyed car fan took these photo’s of the brand-new Audi A1 in the city of Barcelona, Spain.

This specific model appears to be equipped with the S-Line package, which includes 17 or 18-inch cast aluminium wheels, sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, a larger roof spoiler at the back and unique bumpers (notice the protruding insert on the rear bumper). The interior is said to feature a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.

Audi’s Mini Cooper chasing A1 hatch will have its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Find out more about the new Audi A1 here.

Images from Autoblog

A German agency appears to have ‘mistakenly’ released the official brochure of the new Audi RS5 Coupe ahead of time, as the car’s world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2 isn’t due for another week or so.

The high-resolution photos from the leaflet show that the RS5 Coupe gets its own unique body treatment to differentiate it from the less powerful S5 Coupe. Look closely and you’ll be able to spot the slightly blistered fenders above the wheel arches that hark back to the original Quattro coupe, the new front bumper with larger air vents at each corner, the honeycomb grille without the horizontal bar, the redesigned rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and the two large oval tail pipes. The revised LED tail lamps, the specific alloy wheels and what looks like a retractable boot lid spoiler round off the exterior styling tweaks.

The interior shots suggest that there won’t be any cosmetic upgrades over the S5 Coupe. We’re still in the dark about what’s lurking under the hood, but it is believed that Audi’s BMW M3 rival will most likely be powered by a V8 engine, quite possibly, turbocharged.

 

Adapted from CarScoop

After months of spy photos, teaser images and videos, the 2011 Audi A1 has been revealed today ahead of its official unveiling at Geneva next month. Based on the 2007 A1 Metroproject concept, Audi says its new entry-level premium hatch is aimed at young buyers ‘looking for a stylish car designed for the urban environment’.

The 2011 Audi A1 will be offered with two trim levels: Attraction and Ambition. A media package will also be available, focusing on infotainment systems and interior design.

The A1’s style-conscious focus, evident in the unique exterior roof arch, extends to interior options such as coloured air-vent nozzles, LED interior lights and coloured seat covers. The best of Audi’s infotainment systems will also be available for the A1, including the MMI Navigation Plus and a 465 watt Bose surround-sound system.

Power in the A1 comes from a choice of four direct-injected, turbo-charged engines: two diesels and two petrol units. On the petrol front, the A1 kicks off with the 1.2 TFSI, producing 63 kW and 160 Nm of torque between 1500 and 3500 rpm. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the entry-level A1 makes its way to 100 km/h in a leisurely 12.1 seconds. The 1,2-litre TFSI lists a fuel consumption rating of 5.1 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.

Next in the petrol duo is the 1.4 TFSI, developing 90 kW and 200 Nm of torque, available between 1500 and 4000 rpm. Mated to Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission, the 1.4 TSI reaches 100km/h in a sharper 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. A six-speed manual transmission is also available with the 1.4 TSI, getting the A1 from zero to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds. Average fuel consumption for the 1.4 TSI is listed as 5.1 l/100km for the S tronic setup and 5.4 l/100km with the manual.

Moving on to the diesel options, the 1.6 TDI is offered in two versions. The first produces 66 kW and 230 Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm, and, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, reaches 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is a Toyota Prius beating 3.8 l/100km, with CO2 emissions listed at just 99g/km. Top speed is 179 km/h.

The second and slightly more powerful version of the 1.6 TDI produces 77kW and 250Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm, also coupled with the five-speed manual transmission.
Zero to 100 km/h is covered in 10.8 seconds, with fuel consumption a similarly low 3.9 l/100km. Top speed is 187 km/h.

Weighing in at only 1 045 kg, the A1 is one of the lightest offerings in the ‘premium compact’ class. With a relatively wide track and balanced weight distribution, Audi claims the front-wheel-drive A1 is the sportiest car in its class (although that might be a judgment best left to an independent review). Depending on the engine, between 61 to 63 percent of the weight rests on the front axle. Front suspension comprises a MacPherson setup with lower triangular wishbones. Steering is managed by an electrohydraulic rack-and-pinion power steering system rather than a straight hydraulic system.

The Attraction trim level includes relatively standard fare such as power-adjustable side mirrors, power windows and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The range-topping Ambition trim level features 16-inch wheels and fog lights. Inside, Ambition-specific features include aluminium-look highlights, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and a driver information system. The Ambition’s sports seats offer adjustable lumbar support, and the passenger seat is also height-adjustable. Optionally available for the Ambition trim line is the S line sport package, which includes 17 or 18-inch cast aluminium wheels, S line sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.

The A1 will be built at the Audi plant in Brussels. A South African debut is unknown at this point, but Audi SA is expected to reveal its plans in the coming weeks.

 

Adaped from TheMotorReport

Not that far behind the Audi A5 Coupé and Cabriolet comes the A5 Sportback and, although nominally a platform member of the A5 trio, it is a distinct model in its own right with very specific styling to accommodate the sloping hatch back end.

Possibly not that easy to spot at first glance, the styling is a carefully considered exercise and stylist, Markus Gleitz, points to the narrowing flanks saying: “We had to design this as a four seater to allow the lines of the car to flow together elegantly to support the look of the rear hatch.”

So a four-seater it is – with the rear seats lowered slightly to give adequate headroom beneath the downward curving roofline. The A5 Sportback is 36 mm lower than the A4 Sedan, while the short front overhang, long wheelbase and wide track emphasise the car’s athletic disposition set off by four frameless doors with slim window lines.

The tailgate is seamlessly integrated into the extended, tapered tail end with the slender C-pillars and even the high-level brake light is new and elongated to fit neatly into the overall architecture. The luggage compartment volume of 480 litres nearly matches that of the A4 Avant and can be increased to 980 litres by folding the rear seats down.

The front is dominated by the single-frame grille, distinguished here by horizontal bars and a narrow surround of anodised aluminium. Xenon headlights and daytime running lights are standard, as are the fog lights with their chrome surrounds mounted in the side air intakes. The daytime running light feature light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in an arched strip.

The A5 Sportback’s sporty character is also immediately apparent when viewed from the side. The large wheels are framed by a powerful body with a slender window strip. The C pillar runs rearward in a long, elegant wave and integrates a narrow third side window with an upward pointing tip – homage to the Audi 100 Coupé S from 1969.

“Audi South Africa’s 3,6% market share represents a 24% improvement in market penetration compared to 2008, and is also Audi’s highest ever market share,” says Ryan Searle, General Manager of Audi Sales and Marketing.

For the South African market, The A5 Sportback is initially offered with a choice of two petrol and one TDI engines. The petrol engine line-up comprises the 2,0-litre TFSI unit with power and torque maximums of 155 kW and 350 Nm respectively, and the 3,2-litre FSI V6 with 195 kW and 330 Nm. Both petrol power plants are equipped with the Audi valve lift system for variable control of valve lift. The intelligent technology boosts performance, while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.

The front-wheel drive A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI is equipped with Audi’s multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission with eight ‘virtual’ ratios linked to both manual and sport modes. The 3.0 V6 TDI delivers 176 kW of maximum power and a torque peak of 500 Nm.

The two top variants share the same seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and deliver their muscle to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. These two models are also optionally available with the newly developed sport differential, which variably distributes power between the rear wheels. The front-wheel-drive A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI is equipped with the latest generation ESP stabilisation program that now includes a new electronic differential lock. The system works like a mechanical locking differential and makes the handling more neutral by preventing understeer and improving traction. This enhances the driving dynamics when cornering under load and on both wet and dry road surfaces. As soon as the electronics detect the load on the inside, front wheel is reduced too much and the wheel is losing traction, the system initiates brief, controlled braking. This redirects the excess torque to the outside wheel, which due to the greater dynamic wheel load is capable of delivering more power to the road.

Standard equipment includes servotronic steering, climatronic three-zone air-conditioning, multifunction three-spoke steering wheel with gear shift controls, concert radio/CD player with Audi Sound System, driver information system with colour display, tyre pressure monitor and electrically operated front seats with lumbar support for 3.0 TDI and 3.2 V6.

Pricing starts at R414 500 for the 2.0T FSI 155 kW multitronic, moving up to R503 500 for the 3.2 FSI quattro S-tronic with the 3.0 TDI quattro S-tronic at R511 500.

As with all Audi products there is a whole raft of optional add-ons from the must-have to nice-to-have and our launch cars were fitted with the optional 18-inch wheels (17-inch are standard).

On a run from Durban to Eshowe and back, what used to a beautiful and suitably winding road is now breakdance around potholes big enough to swallow an entire informal settlement. Suffice it to say the Audi – and we had only the two V6 versions to try out – makes rapid changes of direction with alacrity, the brakes word just fine and steering input is instantly translated accurately.

The low profiles tyres on those roads did make the ride quite choppy and, perhaps a compromise with wheel and tyre size might be the way to go for South Africa owners. Nit picking, the steering felt slightly wooden as there is far less returned to the driver than one would possibly expect from a car with this sporting heritage.

Colin Windell is the editor of Fleet magazine and contributor to SACarFan.

 

Audi has unveiled yet another version of its e-tron electric über coupé at the Detroit Motor Show. But unlike past events purely showcasing the car, Audi has revealed a production date. 2012 is when they say their Tesla rival will enter production.

The new e-tron functions much like designs on-show at Frankfurt and Los Angeles. For example, the latest e-tron retains the two electric motors delivering a combined 150kW and the 45 kWh li-ion battery pack that Audi claimed will be good for a “realistic” 240 km range. Drive will be sent to all four wheels, with a 60:40 split in favour of the rear. The car’s top speed will be electronically limited to 200 km/h. Apart from the obvious styling changes made to e-tron’s front-end between the various models, the latest car is a whopping 250 kg lighter than before and just over 203 mm shorter than its petrol-powered R8 brother. The improved packaging and diet will see the e-tron hit 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and cover a 60 – 120 km/h sprint in just over five seconds.

Audi has also confirmed that ‘e-tron’ will become a sub-brand eventually filled with a range of alternative models. Ford now though, Audi is keeping quiet about details of what these ‘alteranative models’ could be, as well as the potential price of its 2012 e-tron.

 

When the Audi A5 Coupé was launched in April 2008 it was, and still is, admired for being an athletic, elegant, handsome and stylish grand tourer. So when the cabriolet version arrived just shy of 18 months later, we were keen to discover what the new model’s effect would be on these adjectives.

Interior
Stylish and elegant are two adjectives that are certainly applicable to Audi’s current interiors, no matter which car in their range you refer to. This means you’ll find four very comfortable leather covered seats and steering wheel, ergonomic layout for driver controls and instrumentation, as well as everything you’d expect to find in terms of convenience such as climate control, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel and Audi’s MMI system with colour screen, to name but a few. Additional features are electronically adjustable front seats that move forward to provide easy entry and exit for rear passengers, as well as a seatbelt extender that moves forward from the B-pillar to ‘hand’ you the seatbelt and save you from having to search for it over your shoulder. With the canvas roof up, adult passengers will still find enough headroom in the rear, although legroom is lacking and is likely to result in some shuffling after an hour or so of travel time.

This car’s party trick is of course its fabric roof with glass rear window that can be folded away in just 15 seconds, or closed again in an extra two. Being able to open or close the roof while on the move, at speeds of up to 50 km/h, adds an element of practicality more useful than one may think. A one-touch button on the centre console lowers all four windows to give you true ‘wind in your hair’ motoring. Alternatively, Audi provide a wind deflector that covers the rear seats while keeping your precious hairdo in place and that can be folded and stored in the boot when not in use. Speaking of the boot and luggage space, the A5 Cabriolet has 380-litres on offer, which shrinks to 320 with the roof down, enough space to store luggage for a couples weekend getaway.

Whether the top is up or down, it’s a feel-good cockpit and one which can be enjoyed for hours on end.

Exterior
Audi has taken away none of the A5’s appeal in choosing to remove the roof. In fact, the A5 Cabriolet looks even better with the top down. With the now traditional Audi single-frame grille and eye-catching daytime LED running lights, crowned by the aluminium look windscreen frame, the A5 forges ahead with confidence. A taut and sweeping shoulder line, together with bold wheel arches, housing optional 19-inch wheels on our test car, make for a solid and elegant profile. The cabriolet is rounded off at the rear with a subtle integrated lip spoiler that differs from the hardtop with an integrated third brake light. Distinctive LED tail-lights and sleek diffuser framed by exhausts on either side complete the muscular yet elegant appeal of the car.

The Drive
An easy car to drive and a pleasure to live with, the A5 Cabriolet exudes class. The seating position is low, offering a sense of sportiness and security, with the car still wrapping itself around you even with the top down. We experienced some fierce south-easterly winds with the topless A5, certainly no conditions for top down motoring. However, the car always felt planted on the road and the fabric roof performed well to fend off the relentless wind, conceding a slight whistle only on rare occasions. A 15 mm thick insulating foam layer is also available to further reduce wind noise. When the weather plays along however, the A5 Cabriolet is best enjoyed with the roof neatly tucked away in the boot and the supplied wind-deflector in position, which works well even at high-speed.

Handling from the cabriolet is positive and the car tackled corners with alacrity, thanks to accurate steering, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the optional low profile 19-inch tyres. The ride was firmer than expected partly due to the large 19’s, but they add to the car’s sex appeal and we’d have no regrets in adding them to our list of options.

Although there are no obvious signs of scuttle shake with the A5 Cab, the torsional rigidity of a car with no roof is always an issue and they’re prone to chassis flex when compared to their hardtop counterparts. Audi has done a commendable job of remedying this by strengthening strategic points of the chassis, in particular the walls of the side sills, transmission tunnel, front and rear cross members as well as the A-pillars. As a result the cabriolet weighs a hefty 250 kg’s over its coupé counterpart, which takes the edge off the 3.2 FSI’s sprinting performance. However, cruising is the cabrio’s forté and as such, the added weight and associated performance penalty are not too much of an issue.

Performance
The 3,2-litre V6 in the A5 Cabriolet 3.2 FSI produces 195 kW and 330 N.m of torque from 3 000 rpm to 5 000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 0.5 seconds slower than the lighter coupé model at a claimed 6.9 seconds, but the car doesn’t feel this quick. In reality this cabrio is not going to blow off any hot hatches, but then that’s not a game this car cares to play. Mated to Audi’s 7-speed S tronic gearbox, progress in the 3.2 FSI cabrio is swift and wonderfully smooth. However, the 7th gear does not make as much sense matched with this petrol engine as it does with Audi’s 3,0-litre diesel, which has 170 N.m more torque that saves you having to shift down as often. As a result we preferred using the S tronic’s sport mode, which made use of only 6 gears and is more responsive. With a top speed of 246 km/h the cabrio is no slouch and covers distance quickly and comfortably. Our pick of the range would be the diesel though, as it is quicker off the mark, has lower fuel consumption and works better with the 7-speed S tronic box.

What we like…

• Great looking, classy 2-door cabriolet makes for superb drop-top motoring.
• Solid and well-built feel in every aspect.
• Good handling and road manners mean grace with sufficient pace.

What we would like…

• Better sound quality from the standard sound system – it lacked a bit of depth.
• Slightly more vocal exhausts to hear the great sounding V6 more often.

 

The Black Performance Edition is MR Car Design’s tuning take on the latest Audi S3 hot hatch, which benefits from performance and styling modifications. The S3’s 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been reworked, increasing power to 247 kW through the use of a Stage III kit that includes among other upgrades, a reprogrammed engine control unit, a sport exhaust and cat system and a larger intercooler. Apparently, it’ll be faster than the standard 195 kW model that hits 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (manual gearbox). The modded S3 rides on black 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sportmaxx high performance 235/35 ZR19 tyres, while buyers can also opt for an upgraded braking system from StopTech and adjustable coilovers from KW Automotive.

 

Adapted from DubDaily