Drawing inspiration on the recent vampire television and movie craze, the latest 60-second Audi Super Bowl commercial features the brand’s newest S7 Sportback. Though the ad features an exclusive cast of vampires, these Audi luxury car TV spot have not be the blood-like elixir fans of the myriad of romantic drama-based vampire flicks will enjoy.

Capturing the modern vampire depiction as young and stylish rather than the legendary Dracula, this latest Super Bowl advertisement has the popular nocturnal creatures partying in the woods around a bonfire. As the crowd of vampires celebrate in the darkness, one of their comrades was rushing to the party in the five-door coupe. Showing up with the vampire’s equivalent of a keg of beer (a cooler of blood), the 2013 Audi S7 Sportback illuminates the night with its available LED headlamps. Serving as one of the more recognizable features obtainable on Audi vehicles, the LED headlights are not only four times more efficient than convention halogen light but project a much higher intensity of white light. As the vampire drives his S7 Sportback to the ‘blood-sucker’s’ social gathering, the pure white light energy from the Audi S7 Sportback (an innovation that helped Audi win the 2010 and 2011 Le Mans 24-Hour race) resulted in a side-effect from the partying clan. Once arriving at his destination, the vampire driving his Audi S7 Sportback unknowingly brought a plague to forest. The bright light of the S7 Sportback’s LED headlamps destroyed almost every vampire around the bonfire.

The 2012 commercial isn’t the not time Audi has attempted to poke fun at pop culture signatures. In 2009, the automaker make light of the culture trend that made words like “Going Green: and “Carbon Footprint” a nemesis to many automobile fans.

In the commercial that ran during Super Bowl 44, Audi rose against a fictional force of near draconian environmentalist. The advertisement depicted an environmentally friendly world radically enforced by a large and forceful squad called the “Green Police”. To the musical background of a rerecorded version of the Cheap Trick classic “Dream Police”, the Green Police aggressively carried out arrests of people deemed to be making decisions harmful to the environment. At the end of the 2010 Super Bowl commercial, a Green Police member at a highway checkpoint observed the German luxury brand’s newest Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel. Satisfied with the clean diesel powerplant, the Audi A3 TDI was allowed to proceed.

The 2012 Super Bowl advertisement is the 5th year that Audi has provided a car commercial during the most-watched annual sporting event on television. Since launching this promotion during an American football broadcast, their objective has always been to break into the lucrative United States premium car market. Achieving record sales in 2011, Audi has shown a winning ability to score touchdowns in the marketplace.

Information and photo source: Audi USA

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

At this weekend’s Rolex 24 of Daytona, the debut event in the 2012 Grand Am Road Racing schedule brings to light several all-new race teams and cars anxious about the wide-open prospect of an upcoming year. Two new team joining the grid for the 24-hour, high-speed torture test at Daytona International Speedway is GT category entrants Oryx Racing and APR Motorsport. Operating in the production-based class in the Rolex Sports Car Series, both race organizations enter the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona with the extra challenge of a brand new race vehicle, the Audi R8 Grand-Am.

Similar to the Audi R8 LMS vehicle that has run in several European sport car championships in the past three seasons (inspiring the Audi R8 GT road car), the Grand-Am version of the German luxury supercar differs in several aspects. Complying the vehicle with the Rolex Sports Car Series GT category, the Audi R8 race car underwent many subtle changes. Tighter bodywork constraints meant the front splitter could only extend 35 millimeters (1.38 inches) and the rear spoiler could only be 152 millimeters (5.98 inches) wide. Along with a flat vehicle underbody and a higher minimum ride height, Audi Sport accounted that around 70-80 percent of the aerodynamic grip of the Audi R8 LMS has been lost in configuring the supercar to Grand-Am specifications.

Besides a new aerodynamic profile, the Audi R8 Grand-Am car needed to adjust to the Rolex Sport Car GT category’s spec Continental tire compound. During December testing at the Daytona International Speedway’s 3.56-mile road course, the Audi R8 Grand-Am sailed around the race course for two days completing 600 miles partially to acquaint themselves to the new racing rubber. The Audi R8 LMS race car’s anti-lock braking and traction control programs have been deactivated for the Grand-Am.

Still an unmistakable Audi supercar, the R8 Grand-Am will be propelled through competition by the race-prepped 5.2 liter FSI V-10 powerplant. Horsepower from the R8 Grand-Am’s V-10 engine is expected within the 450 to 500 range restricted in efforts to put the vehicle on an equal playing field with other GT category sports cars.

Through a customer-supported racing effort, Audi has the full intent that entrance into the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona will be the latest chapter for what has been a prosperous existence on North American race tracks. Participating in the 1988 SCCA Trans-Am Series, a pair of Audi 200 turbocharged quattro sedans made waste of the competition winning 8 of 13 races in its maiden season. So intimidating, the SCCA changed its rulebook the following year to effectively outlaw the all-wheel drive Audi 200 from future involvement. Of course, Audi’s more recent claim to fame has been with their exceptionally prepared prototype cars. Between variants of the R8 race car, R10, R15 and now the R18, the Audi Sport Team Joest organization has steamrolled the competition in the United States. Winning nine 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the nine consecutive Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, Audi’s brand recognition in North America has enjoyed equal success in a competitive luxury car sales environment.

For the very first event, the Oryx Racing car will feature Humaid Al Masaood, Saeed Al Mehairi and Steven Kane as the planned drivers behind the wheel over the 24-hour run. APR Motorsport will run the Rolex 24 at Daytona with a driver line-up including Ian Baas, Nelson, Canache, Jim Norman, Dion von Moltke and veteran Audi Sport prototype driver Emanuele Pirro. APR Motorsport had said their Audi R8 Grand-Am arrived just two days before Christmas. As the team prepares for their inaugural race with the new R8 Grand-Am car at Daytona, several members of the APR Motorsport organization is confident on the race car’s braking and driveability. The race team is also ready to embrace the new vehicle knowing there is potential in the Audi R8 Grand-Am remaining untapped. Being campaigned as a customer program, the Audi R8 Grand-Am has and will continue to receive racing support from Audi Sport.

At the 2012 Rolex 24 of Daytona, the next page for Audi will take place over the course of a single day.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Last month, an article was posted on Audisite.com noting that German luxury car Audi would entering into 2012 without a wagon or Avant version of their vehicle for the United States. Considering the fact that Audi was a long-time hold-out in the crossover vehicle arena, it was becoming far more likely that the auto company was giving up on presenting car-based wagons stateside. Just as a minor crisis was developing for the lovers of the Avant products, Audi made a New Year’s resolution at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to bring a brand new wagon to the United States. More than just a basic Avant wagon, the Audi reintroduced the more aggressive Allroad vehicle as a 2013 model year product.

At the beginning of the sport utility vehicle surge in the United States auto market in 1999, Audi addressed the craze in a rather European manner. Instead of developing a truck-like vehicle, the Audi company created specialized version of the A6 Avant called the Allroad. Making more aggressive use of the quattro all-wheel drivetrain, the Audi Allroad defined itself as a rougher terrain luxury vehicle with matte black body panels and a raised ride height accomplished through an air suspension system. Though the Allroad would continue to be sold in Europe, the disappointing sales of the innovative wagon caused Audi to pull the vehicle from North America. Audi would concede to the conventional wisdom in the North American marketplace by adding their full-sized Q7 crossover vehicle in 2005. As Audi added the Q5 as well as the Q3 in the future product portfolio for the United States, the ever-changing complexion of the crossover vehicle market has grown to appreciate characteristics that made station wagons popular from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Changing automotive consumer tastes and a luxury car marketplace seeing companies, as such Audi, carrying a record-high product line-up has given the German brand encouragement that the Allroad could make meaningful inroads into the current United States auto environment.

While many crossover vehicles claim to have a car-like ride and handling, the Audi Allroad position as a car instantly enters it in a situation of advantage. Built on the updated Audi A4 platform, the new Allroad is a bigger, wider vehicle than the A4 Avant predecessor. This third generation Allroad is the first version to utilize the Audi A4 after previously versions of the model wee offered as relatives to the A6. Smart and sophisticated, the 2013 Audi Allroad stands 1.5 inches taller in ground clearance rated at around 5.7 inches. Like the last time the North American market saw the Audi Allroad, the new all-terrain wagon receives the distinguishing matte black finish along with bumper covers and flared wheel arches. Audi owners not in favour of the noticeable bodywork touches can opt to coordinate the Allroad matte black surfaces to match the other bodywork at an additional price. Stainless steel skid plates, aluminum-optic roof rails and 18 or 19-inch wheels complete the 2013 Audi Allroad utilitarian look. For a little vanity and natural light inside of the Allroad’s cockpit, Audi will include a standard panoramic sunroof on every version of the unique wagon.

Powered by a 2-liter TFSI inline-4 engine, the 2013 Audi Allroad provides usable performance without jeopardizing fuel economy. The Allroad’s standard quattro all-wheel drive churns with 211 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque from the turbocharged, direct-injected powerplant. An eight-speed tiptronic transmission insures the power is well managed from the Audi TFSI engine. Fuel economy for United States bound 2013 Audi Allroad has yet to be assessed by the EPA, but expect it to come within the average range of 25 miles per gallon.

As can be expected from the interior of a wagon, the Audi Allroad is spacious even with 5-passenger seating. With a full capacity of occupants, 27 cubic feet worth of cargo can be secured inside of the 2013 Audi Allroad. Only 2.1 cubic feet less than the Q5 crossover featuring a similar full passenger layout, the Allroad’s initial interior cargo space is roomier than the Acura TSX Sport Wagon and Mercedes-Benz R-Class. When the rear seats are folded down, the Audi Allroad will offer 50 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

With quattro all-wheel drive optimized with increased ride height and ample cargo capacity, Audi engineering has found plenty of room to infuse luxury into the Allroad wagon’s interior. The 2013 Audi Allroad features Aluminum Trigon inlays along with 8-way power seats as standard. Choices of wood trim, heated seats and front seats power adjustable for up to 12 ways can be optioned on the Allroad for extra interior enjoyment.

Beyond the simpler luxury comfort items, the Audi Allroad’s high-tech array of available features is extensive. Bang & Olufsen supplies the Audi Allroad an optional 505-watt sound system. Providing factory-installed wireless internet access, Audi connect relays important driving information relating to weather, traffic and even gas prices in the driver’s area. Audi connect is also designed to handle up to eight mobile wireless devices at the same time inside the Allroad. Powered through Google, map information can be downloaded directly to the Audi MMI Navigation System.

Pricing for the 2013 model year Audi Allroad is expected ahead of its United States introduction later in 2012.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

While some automotive cultures define performance by the amount of cylinders or even through outrageous horsepower, an astute group of car fanatics realize a true sports car as a well-rounded creation. Weight, handling and usable engine power cemented into perfect form has the ability to cultivate a four-wheeled legend. The original Mini Cooper or even the Porsche 911 has proven formidable matches to much more powerful cars in some motorsport arenas. Best exercised by Japan and European brands, engineers have a knack for realizing performance potential from otherwise vanilla economy cars.

A popular upscale compact car, the Audi A1 has been an important part in appealing to European buyers including the ones found in the auto brand’s German homeland. Filling a small vehicle niche the German luxury car company had not occupied since the discontinuation of the Audi 50 in 1978, the three-door A1 hatchback charmed a younger, hipper group of motorists with the Volkswagen Polo-based compact. Announcing the five-door A1 Sportback’s addition just last month ago, the shift towards practicality for the model will be accompanied by a product capturing clients expecting excess thrill. Just ahead of Christmas, Audi delivers news of a limited production A1 quattro sport compact car. Part of what will be a quick production run of 333 cars in 2012, the Audi A1 quattro trails deeply into European factory sport compact culture.

For this special edition quattro model, Audi has added some standard expressions of aggression only giving a preview to the car that is the A1 quattro. Tinted rear windows, a blackened rear diffuser and Glacier White painted 18-inch alloy wheels are mild tell tale signs of this compact’s differentiation from its economy car siblings. Xenon plus headlamps and adaptive brake lights is high-end A1 quattro touches guaranteed to win over the Audi faithful admiring the division’s emphasis on technology integrated with design. Maybe an unimposing image on the roadway, the power that lurks inside of this premium sport compact will allow the Audi A1 quattro to effectively stand out when in motion.

Powered by Audi’s 2.0 TFSI inline-four engine, the A1 quattro performance is launched to levels close to the TTS sports car. Combining a turbocharger and intercooler assembly with gasoline direct injection inside the engine bay, the Audi A1 quattro claws pavement under the momentum of 256 horsepower. Accelerating under the force of 258 pounds feet of torque, the Audi 2.0 TFSI powerplant storms from 0 to 62 miles per hour in an advertised 5.7-second time. The Audi A1 quattro top speed is appraised at 245 kilometers per hour (152 miles per hour).

The surge of quattro all-wheel drive keeps the Audi A1 quattro extremely stable under heavy performance load. The only chance to buy a quattro-equipped version of the A1, this car is Audi’s smallest production exercises into all-wheel drive motoring. In between the 2.0 TFSI engine and the quattro drivetrain is a six-speed manual gearbox. Electronic stability control and differential lock of both axles assures steady control on the vehicle when placed on the verge of instability.

Inside the cockpit of the Audi A1 quattro, a serious black interior relays the sense of ultimate sports car driving. Featuring red as a faint support colour, black Silk Nappa leather covers the armrests on the doors as well as the well-bolstered sport seats. Along with red stitching, the generous use of aluminum or aluminum-like pieces on the shifter knob and door handles contrasts the dark interior of the Audi A1 quattro. Automatic air conditioning and LED interior lighting will insure that the black automotive cabin is very liveable for pursuing comfortable yet enthusiastic driving. An occupant operating the Audi A1 quattro will benefit with driver-oriented interior design featuring a multi-function steering wheel as well as a highly legible instrument console including a bold red-faced tachometer.

Along with the shear thrill occupants will feel as the Audi A1 quattro rockets through European roads and across highways, the compact is equipped with a far-reaching assortment of infotainment gear to companion the motoring experience. Bose supplies a 14-speaker, 456-watt sound system suited for the optimal enjoyment of audio tracks through the A1 quattro’s CD changer or through MP3 tracks. The Audi A1 quattro’s infotainment connectivity includes the technology to connect with Google Earth. Passengers can also link to the Internet with the A1 quattro’s integrated WLAN hotspot through their portable computing devices.

Overall, the Audi A1 quattro will be a rare opportunity to capture a piece of S-Line performance in a smaller package. An automotive delight that North American customers will not realize, the limited 333-car production of the Audi A1 quattro who leave many potential European customers leaving dealerships saddened to miss their ownership opportunity. Please forgive the jealous residents west of the Atlantic Ocean expressing schadenfreude to that kind of misfortune.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

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

Wearing Audi’s brand new exterior appearance philosophy, the A6 and now the smaller A4 enters the 2012 European market under the optimism they are providing vehicles the customers want. While the four-door sedans are the hot commodity of almost any automotive marketplace, the European marketplace for Audi for the A4 and A6 includes the Avant wagon model. Picked as one of the favourite cars from 2011 by Motors.co.uk, the Audi A6 Avant was appreciated by the reputable British on-line marketplace site for its superior build, performance choice and larger size. Some would definitely think that the A6 Avant could be a hot seller in the United States premium car community. Unfortunately, the entire Avant line is on a hiatus from the United States market through the 2012 model year.

A prized automotive marketplace that had completely divested from wagons during the late 1990s, North American appetites first turned to minivans evolving into the sport utility craze. Thanks to the car-based crossover vehicle, the wagon has made a recovery of sorts undercover of all-wheel drive propulsion and taller rooflines. Returning in a similar manner as the five-door hatchback to United States, the wagon configuration is seen in a less conventional form.

In the mainstream auto marketplace, vehicles like the Nissan Juke, Kia Soul and Toyota Versa has been romancing the typical wagon family crowds. Luxury motorists also demand a car with extended cargo capacities mobilizing cars like the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the Lexus CT200h as elegant yet creative approaches to premium utility. As buyers seek the unique interpretations of crossover utility motoring, the traditional wagon configuration of the Audi Avant models places the vehicles in a sub-category less likely to be success. Even though quattro all-wheel drive would play a part through the acceptance of both the A4 and A6 Avant, these wagon’s face a tough American automotive audience.

Traditional wagon vehicles based on the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and the Acura TSX have fought with mixed success for automobile market share against the premium crossover utility products. Existing as the Honda Accord Tourer in Europe, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon was introduced to the North American product line-up for 2011 has sold 2,915 examples (accounting for less than 10 percent total TSX model produced in 2011). Acura had initially released the TSX Sport Wagon with the anticipation of selling 4,000 a year in North America. Along with sales difficulties for new releases, add to equation reduced competition in the segment with the fact Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have either decreased or completely eliminated their conventional looking wagons from the United States car line-up.

Another obstacle to the prompt appearance of the Avant versions of the Audi A4 and Audi A6 in North America comes directly from their own four-ring badged vehicles. Audi’s own crossover vehicles (the Q5 and Q7) are already entrenched in the North American sale plans. Audi is still mulling over whether the compact crossover Q3 will arrive stateside. For American premium car buyers desiring more usable cargo room, Audi believes that their newly released A7 Sportback captures the intentions of utility without the stigma of a wagon.

The Avant’s return to the United States marketplace will be guided by customer demand. Based on the arrival of the Audi TT RS and the upcoming US arrival of the RS5 in 2012, the Germany luxury badge has developed a good track record for recognizing the allure North American consumers have for their European vehicles. Perhaps with enough coaxing, the Audi A6 Avant could be a matter of a few requests away.

Information source: Audi AG, American Honda Motors
Photo source: Audi AG

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

Introduced in Europe, the A1 came to life from the same chassis used for the Volkswagen Polo (another car some American have summoning unsuccessfully) as the Audi brand’s challenger against the BMW 1 Series or Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Sharing similar expense pressures of driving, the motorists inside countries like France, Germany and the United Kingdom have been battered hard by higher fuel prices on top of car insurance costs. Luxury cars like the Audi A1 are creations based on necessity returning the market as a sporty personal hatchback. Spawned initially in three-door form, the Audi A1’s five-door version charms the tight European roads with youthful looks and practicality.

The 2012 Audi A1 Sportback is another product the German auto company wishes to link thoughts of performance with practicality. While the Sportback name appears more common on the European Audi vehicle line-up, the S7 Sportback brought to the United States lends understanding to the marketing and design principle the five-door A1 looks to accomplish. Adding two additional doors for the rear passengers, the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback’s persona is casually altered. Rather being a nifty sport look, the five-door version of the A1 Sportback is propelled as a more considerate, mature existence. Measuring a total length of 3.95 meters (155.52 inches), the Audi A1 Sportback is more than 14.5 inches shorter than the smallest North American Audi offering, the A3. The A1 Sportback incorporates the new Audi brand design traits including the flared wheel wells and the furious-looking front headlamp housings. Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights can be optioned on the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback. On the back of the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback, SuperRed LED taillight units quickly warn following vehicles. Showing that Audi’s knowledge of materials stretches beyond aluminum, one-third of the five-door A1 Sportback consists of high strength steel.

Structurally stable on a front-wheel drive train (there is no mention of quattro all-wheel drive), the Audi A1 Sportback invokes a strong sense of control with an electronic stability program, strong brakes featuring front ventilation and an electronic limited slip differential. In different trim levels, the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback sports a trendy assortment of wheels. 2012 Audi A1 Sportback models trimmed in the Attraction version wears rather basic 15-inch steel wheels. The Ambition trim model of the A1 Sportback upgrades the outer look with 16-inch alloys with optional 17-inch cast aluminum and quattro GmbH sourced 18-inch wheels perfecting appearances. An additional outside styling touch is a two-tone colouring scheme on the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback accenting the roof against the list of 12 exterior colours.

With the cabin opened by the two new passenger doors, occupants inside the Audi A1 Sportback partake in a delightfully spacious interior surrounding. Up to 32.49 cubic feet of cargo room is created in the Audi A1 cabin when the rear seats are folded. Helping to create a comfortable environment for adult passengers, the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback comes standard equipped as a four-seat vehicle. Optional features provided on the 2012 A1 Sportback includes five-passenger seating, 14-speaker Bose surround sound system, Audi MMI navigation plus with a 6.5-inch screen and the Internet equipment as well as software that can turn the vehicle into a WLAN hotspot.

In touch with the European tastes for diesel power and small gasoline engines, the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback is propelled by a selection of six power plants. Thee gasoline and three Audi TDI engine choices all configured with four cylinder banks, entry-level power comes from a 1.2 TFSI powerplant producing 86 horsepower. Top gasoline power for the 2012 Audi A1 is realized with a supercharged and turbocharged 185 horsepower, 1.4 liter inline-4 that allows the premium subcompact to run from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a stout 7 seconds flat. The performance-leading diesel for the 2012 A1 Sportback is a 2.0 TDI that combines 143 horsepower with average fuel economy said to be over 57 miles per gallon. Five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions and a 7-speed twin-clutch S tronic gearbox are available through the Audi A1 Sportback’s engine line-up.

While the potentially lower rates of van insurance could tempt for more financially strapped families, the more energetic presence of smaller utility cars is a solid way to retain a zest for life. Soon to be a realization of automotive customers in Munich in 2012, motorists in American cities are not expected to see the A1 Sportback for the immediate future. However, Audi has a history of being receptive to North American interests in European-only vehicles. Just like the TTRS and the RS5, the Audi A1 Sportback could only be a matter of a petition away.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Once a chore for well-established automakers to incorporate electrified powerplants in a realistic production vehicle, the task has become much easier in recent model years as high volume and even premium car builders have embraced the technology. In reality, optimizing electric vehicle technology is likely to be the only method for some automakers to meet fleet fuel economy regulations without drastically removing our favourite high fuel-consuming cars. Under the pressure of higher fuel prices than on North American roads, European auto companies have long been providing customers with smaller gasoline engines and longer-range diesel powerplants. However, the push for all-electric as well as electric-assist automobiles is receiving the same enthusiasm for promoting more fuel savings.

Since 2009, Audi has delighted the taste buds of green-conscious auto show goers with the promise of their e-tron technology to premium vehicle customers. Putting electric-sourced movement at the forefront of a future involving luxury-branded motoring, the latest Audi e-tron Spyder introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the best of everything a fan of the four-ring division would want.

Started as an all-electric showcase, Audi’s e-tron has begun to embrace the plug-in hybrid propulsion model. Chiefly moved by two electric motors mounted to the front axle through urban travel, 88 total horsepower drives the e-tron Spyder as far as 50 kilometers or 31 miles on a single charge. Under more performance-based driving experiences, the German auto company adds a twin-turbocharged, 3-liter TDI engine to back up the electric power. Setting the Audi concept vehicle in motion through 300 horsepower, this is the same TDI engine revealed on the European Audi A8 with a 50 horsepower boost. The Audi e-tron Spyder also providing “boosting“ under acceleration as the two electric motors shoots the car movement in concert with the turbocharged diesel engine. Combining 388 horsepower and a collective 739 pounds-feet of torque, the experimental sports car proposed by e-tron is estimated to send performance-seeking riders from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. Using a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Audi e-tron Spyder maximizes performance and vehicle efficiency.

An urban-centric sport convertible, this latest Audi e-tron Spyder shows off a striking performance ambition. Within 13.32 foot in length by 5.94 feet in width, the Audi e-tron Spyder accomplishes a race car appearance inspired by the R8 LMS vehicle. Looking over the road with LED headlamps, the highly-aluminum Audi Space Frame is based around a mid-engined design configuration. Carbon fiber touches such as a spoiler and rear diffuser creates a sporty accent to the Audi e-tron Spyder’s outer surface. Hind side area engine cover allows the upper stack of the Audi TDI powerplant to poke through the Audi e-tron Spyder. Completing the theme of a thrilling street rod or race car, 20-inch aluminum wheels formulates into a turbine blade design. With the notable exception to the chopped windscreen, the Audi e-tron Spyder displays a consider production car grace.

Including the full-array of exterior lighting and wearing side view mirrors, the interior of the Audi e-tron Spyder is clean but practical. Given a light and breezy appearance with a gentle degree of curves, Audi’s sports car concept features two racing-inspired bucket seats. For a high-tech interior touch, the Audi MMI system is behind the comfort as well as entertainment in the snug spyder. Instead of the center-mounted control display, the Audi e-tron Spyder instrument panel embeds the MMI setup between gauges. The Audi MMI can be controlled either through the traditional center-mounted unit or via a touch-sensitive steering wheel panel.

Buying time before the first e-tron powered Audi joins cars for sale in the 2014 model year, Audi has begun selling the Audi A6 Hybrid sedan. Once released, the Audi e-tron sports car will not be alone in exploring the world of plug-in hybrid premium personal vehicles. A Chevrolet Volt-based Cadillac ELR and a BMW i8 are set for arrival in showrooms over the next several years.

Information and photo source: Audi AG