Tuesday is generally a low-key day around the track. It’s the only down time the teams have to practice pit stop strategy and make sure their garages are cleaned and organized. It’s also the day for fans to meet their favorite drivers and get their autographs and take pictures with them.

The pit stop practice is my favorite part of the day as it’s the only time you can see the teams trying out each of their strategies for any issues that might arise. Audi Engineer, Brad Kettler, was explaining that with the latest iteration of the R18 the cars have even further reduced turning radius so the position of the cars when entering the pitbox is even more critical. Each and every possible deviation has been documented and studied. It’s up to the race engineers to effectively communicate and train their crew. 

If spots 1 and 3 are occupied the car must enter the two pitbox at an angle and if this angle is not perfect they may need to put the car up on the skates and rotate it around and loose critical time. The mechanics must compensate for this and execute fueling and tire changes outside of the expected conditions.

With the Toyotas gaining a fuel advantage over the R18s this year the pit stops strategy becomes even more critical. 

The Audi R8 is the perfect everyday supercar  it’s precise, composed, focused. It is even Iron Man’s ride of choice. The steering input provides instant feedback to the driver. The 30:70 split quattro all-wheel drive system allows the tail to kick out when pushed but also helps the driver remain in full control. The throttle is snappy; it takes the slightest inputs and reacts instantly. The massive carbon ceramic brakes stop the R8 with the power of a super hero. The magnetic suspension is firm and helps keep the car well planted.

Oh, and the engines are the stuff of legends. The V10 is the same exact power plant that comes in the R8 LMS racecars. The monstrous 550-hp 5.2-liter V10 beast is engineered to produce the greatest symphony ever written–while positioned just a few inches from your head. The 4.2-liter V8 has been increased to 430-hp and paired with the 6-Speed manual makes it one of the most affordable supercars available. 

Audi invited us to Malibu, California to spend the day driving and putting the all-new 7-speed S Tronic through its paces. Stepping out of the back seat of a brand new Audi A8L TDI and onto the Stone Manor driveway I was greeted by a line up of 7 2014 R8s. 

Audi isn’t new to dual-clutch gearboxes. It has been using them for many years with great success across their whole range. This is the first time one is feeding the quattro all-wheel drive system of the R8. The new 7-Speed S-Tronic, which swaps gears faster than your brain can process the changes, is incredible. Driving normally the gear changes are smooth and the only indication of the switch is the engine RPMs. The S-Tronic is very happy driving around town at normal speeds.

Unlike the past R Tronic gearbox, which the S Tronic has replaced, is a transmission that’s easy to live with everyday. The R Tronic, which was best when driven in manual mode, wasn’t very smooth when drive in Auto. When in M mode it was a great gearbox when driven hard. The new S-Tronic has rounded out the car to make it a truly everyday super car.

My first car of the day was a Samoa Orange R8 V8 Spyder. I couldn’t think of a better way to start the day. I got in, turned the key and the V8 roared to life. The second thing I did was to open the roof.  Which, would later lead to the optional sunburn.

Many Spyders variants have a tendency to weigh more than their coupé variants. Audi has put a lot of effort into make sure this isn’t an issue. Starting with the all aluminum space frame, which is designed from the start to accommodate the lack of a fixed roof. For 2014, Audi made some additional changes to the Spyder: the weight of the top has been reduced to just over 92 pounds thanks to the use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), aluminum and magnesium.

I moved the gear selector to A1 and followed a Sepang Matte Blue V10 Plus out of the driveway and into the Malibu Canyons. This would my first test of the new S-Tronic gearbox. The first thing I noticed was just how smooth the gear changes were driving in automatic and with the sport button off. There was no fuss, extra noise, and abrupt shifts, just a nice smooth drive. Next, I activated the sport button and the car woke up. The exhaust note became more apparent, the gears were being held longer, the shifts were quicker and it would automatically rev-match downshift as I was slowing down. Clicking the gear selector to the left switched over to M1. Pressing the throttle the car quickly climbs towards the red line before I pulled the upshift paddle for an incredible fast shift. With the combination of the Sport button and Manual mode the Spyder was quickly transformed into a topless rocket ship.

The latest version of the R8, the R8 V10 plus, the next top model and the most advanced R8 road car to date. Audi engineers have managed to reduce the weight by 110 lbs. when compared to the R8 V10 Coupé. A majority of the R8 V10 pluses weight savings comes from Audi’s use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Many of the exterior pieces including the sideblades, side mirror housings, front spoiler and the rear diffuser are all constructed using CFRP. The weight savings and extra power was quickly apparent especially when driving it back-to-back with the R8 V10 Coupé.

Driving the Plus through the Canyon was pure bliss. With the sport button engaged, manual mode selected the car really comes to life. I never once felt as if I had taken the car to the edge as when you push the R8 the edge seems to always keep it’s distance. Some people may fault the car for this reason but I only see it as a positive. A driver shouldn’t have to fear his car to enjoy it and the R8 could be enjoyed from the edge to the grocery store parking lot. The monstrous 5.2-liter V10 in the Plus is also increased by 25-hp over the V10 Coupé brining it to 550-hp. 0-60 arrives in 3.5-seconds which is even faster than the previous R8 GT. The extra power and the new S Tronic gearbox make this possible.

While the interior is mostly unchanged for 2014 . Audi has an added an option for diamond pattern stitched leather.  The stitching  covers the door panel inserts and also the center seat inserts and looks amazing. 

The R8 is a timeless car that everybody can enjoy. It’s able to quickly adaptable to any driving condition and situation that you can find yourself in. With the quick press of a button or the sliding of a gear selector you can quick transform the R8 from a track monster to an everyday supercar.

Near the end of my time with the R8s, I pulled over at an overlook to admire the view and to listen to the sounds of the other R8s filling the canyon. The unique sound of the harmonic Audi R8s echoing off of the canyon walls was a perfect time for retrospect. It is one thing to going into this day thinking that it might just be the greatest day that I’ve experienced professionally, it is another thing altogether to look back on the day that just happened and realize that it actually was.

The Audi R8 is truly the everyday supercar. It has the looks, the power, and the engineering. And oh, it has the sound too, that sound, which I won’t ever forget. If you have the means, I highly recommend making everyday like the one I just experienced.

• Pricing starts at $51,900 for Audi SQ5 high-performance luxury crossover
• SQ5 is the first-ever S variant of any Audi Q model
• Audi SQ5 achieves 354 hp, 347 lb-ft of torque

Scrutineering is a very important stage of any race, at Le Mans especially, as it’s arguably the most important event in motorsports. Many media, fans and residents of the town gather to catch a glimpse of their favorite car and or drivers. Le Mans scrutineering typically happens on the Sunday/Monday before race weekend.

The teams and their cars arrive just outside of the city center, the teams will then unload the cars and push them into corral which the ACO as constructed. Then it goes into a technical tent, which is blocked from view, this is where Audi unveils their engines, suspension setups to the ACO. If any of a number or pre-determined criteria are not meet the car will be ineligible to compete.

The ACO stewards go over every detail on the cars. By taking careful measurements and using pre-measured pieces of aluminum, wood and scales to make sure the cars are up to their exacting specifications. The external safety features of the cars are also double checked such as the brake lights, headlights and windshield wipers.

As expected, Audi Sport Team Joest passed the inspections with no issues. The teams then follow this with a fun photo shoot where the center square of town plays backdrop to the team’s group pictures. We were lucky enough to have front row seats and hopefully this set of pictures shows you what this process is like! Full Gallery after the jump.

• Audi momentum continues with multiple new and freshened models for the 2014 Model Year
• The introduction of the Audi RS 7, SQ5,expansion of the R8 model line, and the addition of four new TDI® clean diesel models highlights a robust choice of new product offerings

Audi today announced its complete lineup for the 2014 Model Year, including full line pricing and numerous vehicle additions and enhancements. 

Continuing its growth strategy with a focus on balanced performance solutions – enhancements in technology, innovative design and driving dynamics that improve efficiency and performance, Audi announces numerous additions and enhancements to its 2014 Model Year lineup. Audi now offers TDI® clean diesel variants of the A6, A7, A8 and Q5, marking the first time Audi features a full lineup of TDI clean diesel vehicles in the U.S. The RS 7, the most powerful RS model ever offered in the U.S., joins the lineup this fall, representing the epitome of aesthetic design, innovative technology and track-tested performance. Also new to the lineup is the high-performance SQ5, the first-ever S variant of any Audi Q model. The R8 model line is now optimized with a new incredibly fast-shifting double-clutch transmission and the all-new R8 V10 plus model.

In addition to new model introductions, highlights of the 2014 Model Year line-up changes are as follows:

2014 Audi A4 Model Line 
The Audi A4 receives several enhancements for the 2014 Model Year, including a turbocharged 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine with horsepower increased to 220. The Convenience package – which includes Bluetooth®, Homelink®, Audi music interface and driver information system – is standard on the Premium model. It also offers a new attractive S line style package, rear split folding seats in the Cold Weather package, and Audi MMI® Navigation. The Premium Plus and Prestige models feature a standard S line exterior and a new 18-inch 10-spoke exclusive RS-design wheel, giving the A4 a sportier overall appearance. Audi advanced key is offered as part of the Premium Plus package, and Audi drive select is now standard on all S4 models. New for 2014, both A4 and S4 models offer a Black Optic package with new high gloss black exterior trim and 19-inch Titanium Rotor design wheels.

2014 Audi allroad Model Line 
For the 2014 model year, improvements have been made to the legendary Audi allroad, which returned to U.S. shores last year after a seven year hiatus. The allroad’s 2.0 TFSI engine is increased to 220 horsepower, and the Convenience package is now standard on all models. The allroad is available in two new metallic colors: Cuvée Silver and Dakota Gray. Audi advanced key is now included in the Premium Plus package, and Prestige models will include manual side window sunshades. Audi side assist* will be optionally available as a standalone feature on the Premium Plus model.

2014 Audi A5 Coupe and Cabriolet Model Line 
Similar to the Audi A4 and allroad, the A5 2.0 TFSI also receives a boost in horsepower to 220, as well as the Convenience package as standard equipment. All A5 and S5 Premium Plus packages include Audi advanced key with Audi side assist* available as a standalone option, and the S line exterior will now adorn all A5 Prestige models. The S line competition package, which was introduced late in model year 2013, will continue to be offered on Premium Plus and Prestige A5 coupes. Additionally, the Black Optic package will return as an option on A5 and S5 Coupes, and the 19-inch Titanium Rotor wheel will be available on A5 and S5 Cabriolet models. Audi drive select will be standard on S5 models and included in the optional A5 Sport package.

In Model Year 2014, both the RS 5 Coupe and the newly-added open-air RS 5 Cabriolet continue to represent maximum performance in the A5 model line and feature the unfiltered exhaust note of the high revving 450 horsepower naturally aspirated V8. The Audi advanced key start button features a red ring surround, and Audi side assist is part of the Audi MMI Navigation plus package. The Comfort seat package with ventilated seats is now also available on the RS 5 Coupe, while the Cabriolet offers the Black Optic package.

2014 Audi A6 Model Line
Model Year 2014 brings an expansion of the technologically-advanced A6 model line with the highly efficient 2.0T, 3.0T, high performance S6 and new 3.0 TDI clean diesel model. Resulting in longer range and fewer trips to the fuel pump, the A6 TDI achieves an impressive EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 city/ 38 highway/ 29 combined MPG, while at the same time producing an impressive 240hp and 428lb-ft of torque. 

The A6 3.0T and TDI now both start with the Premium Plus trim level, which offers a multitude of technologies including standard Audi Navigation plus with Google Earth™ mapping, Audi connect®, Audi advanced key, Xenon plus headlights, Audi parking system plus and 18-inch wheels. The 2.0T entry-model offers the legendary Audi quattro® all-wheel drive and has a new optional package that includes Xenon plus headlights and an 18” wheel upgrade. A Black Optic exterior package is also available on the A6 3.0T, TDI and S6.

2014 Audi A7 Model Line
The A7 model line expands with the new track-tested RS 7 model as well as a TDI clean diesel variant – the first five-door clean diesel coupe. The highly-anticipated RS 7 is built with the twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, producing an astounding 560 hp that launches the RS 7 from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It is the most powerful RS model to date. More information on the RS 7 will become available in the coming months ahead of its on sale date in late Fall 2013.

Like the A6 TDI, the A7 TDI provides a powerful 240hp and 428lb-ft of torque with an outstanding EPA estimated fuel economy 24 city/ 38 highway/ 29 combined MPG. The A7 3.0T and TDI both start with the Premium Plus equipment level, which comes standard with a host of technology features, such as Audi Navigation plus with Google Earth and Audi connect® analogous to the A6.

For 2014, A7 variants are now five-passenger cars, while the S7 and RS 7 are offered exclusively in a four-passenger configuration. An available Black Optic and bicolor package for the A7 and S7 features a black optic grille with high-gloss Singleframe® surround and gloss-black window surround.

2014 Audi A8 Model Line 
The A8 L TDI went on sale in April and provides an astounding class-leading fuel economy of 24 city /36 highway /28 combined MPG. Normal wheelbase models in the A8 model line now have the Convenience package standard, including power door closers, Audi advanced key with hands-free power trunk release and Audi parking system with rearview camera. The Premium package option includes Audi side assist, full LED headlights, and 22-way front seats with ventilation and massage. Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear are now standard on S8 and W12 models. 

2014 Audi TT Coupe & Roadster Model Line 
As was announced when it was first introduced, the top Audi TT performance model, the TT RS – with its exceptional five-cylinder turbocharged engine and fitted exclusively with a manual gearbox – will no longer be available for the 2014 Model Year. There is now a single trimline for all TT/TTS models, and the TT will now come standard with S line exterior and all the equipment offered in the 2013 Premium Plus model, plus LED interior lighting and BOSE® Sound System. The TTS now includes heated front seats and Audi adaptive headlights, and both TT and TTS offer an upgraded Navigation package that includes the Audi parking system with rear acoustic sensors and Audi music interface. The S line competition package, now also available on the TT Roadster, will include new Gray-painted brake calipers. TTS models will be available with a new Black Optic package, which includes a new 15-spoke Titanium wheel, Carbon Fiber exterior mirror housings and Phantom Black interior inlays. The TTS bi-color Audi exclusive Fine Nappa packages will be further enhanced with color leather on the flat portion of the steering wheel.

2014 Audi Q5 Model Line 
New for 2014, the successful Q5 model line is enhanced with the highly-anticipated, fuel-efficient TDI clean diesel model that achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/ 31 highway/ 27 combined MPG and generates 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The Convenience package will now be standard on the 2.0T models, which are increased to 220 horsepower. Audi advanced key is now included in all Premium Plus and Prestige trim lines, and Premium Plus models will now have Audi side assist* available as a standalone option.

Also brand new to the Q5 model line is the SQ5, the first-ever S variant of any Audi Q model. The supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 with 354 horsepower and 347 lb-ft. of torque propels the SQ5 from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. The SQ5 will bear all the signature elements of Audi S models, including S model front and rear bumpers with Platinum Gray grille and diffuser, Aluminum exterior mirror housings and quad exhaust tips. Leather/Alcantara sport seats are standard and Fine Nappa interior and comfort package (Milano leather seats when equipped with comfort seats), is available. The SQ5 will have standard 20-inch wheels and will also offer 21-inch wheels.

2014 Audi Q7 Model Line 
The seven-passenger Q7 continues its strength in the competitive mid-size luxury SUV market with enhancements for the 2014 model year. All Q7 models now have Xenon plus headlights standard, while Premium Plus includes Audi advanced key and a power steering column.

The Q7 TDI clean diesel will continue to be offered in 2014, providing excellent efficiency and functionality in the seven-seater SUV segment (EPA estimated 19 city/ 28 highway / 22 combined MPG).

2014 Audi R8 Model Line
For the 2014 Model Year, the Audi R8 – officially on sale as of April 2013 – has been further optimized and is now more dynamic than ever. The all-new 550 hp R8 V10 plus coupe with a new seven-speed S tronic transmission sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and offers improved comfort through smoother gear shifts and greater efficiency. The 2014 R8 features a revised exterior with standard full LED headlights, round dual-outlet exhaust, and high-gloss Singleframe® grille. The interior now features controls in high-gloss black and available diamond-stitched leather seats and inserts.

Model Year 2014 Suggested Retail Prices & Retail Release Dates**
(Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges)

• Digital rear-view mirror eliminates blind spot
• LED headlights with matrix-beam principle define new standard
• Additional functions on the steering wheel as a valuable strategic tool

Two more weeks until the Le Mans 24 Hours celebrates its 90th anniversary. The passive safety of a car protects the driver against injuries in an accident and helps absorb impact energy. But active safety has long been gaining importance in racing as well. Modern assistance systems such as the ones used in the Audi R18 e-tron quattro defuse dangerous situations in the preliminary stages.

Audi customers have long come to value assistance systems in everyday driving. ‘Audi side assist’ facilitates lane changes; ‘Audi pre sense’ helps avoid accidents; the night vision assistant marks pedestrians – to name just a few examples. Not everything that is available in the entire range of technology is suitable for racing though. Race drivers are expected to demonstrate their skills on the wheel instead of having their most challenging tasks performed by electronic assistants.

Still, at Audi, new synergies between production and racing have been created with respect to assistance systems as well:

-In lighting technology, Audi has improved its capabilities in LMP racing by having extended the headlight sight distance by 85 percent since 2006. When driving at night at Le Mans, the drivers today benefit from a light beam that is more than 800 meters long. Every headlight consists of eight LED units. The matrix-beam principle now makes it possible to divide the light into individual segments. In production vehicles, this allows glare-free driving with high beams. In the race car, Audi uses the technology as cornering light. The LEDs on the outside of the corner are dimmed and the ones on the inside of the corner emit a brighter light. As a result, the driver clearly notices that illumination of the track in his line of sight has improved.

-The Audi R18 e-tron quattro is equipped with a digital rear-view mirror. As the rear of the monocoque facing the engine compartment has no window on a closed LMP model, a conventional mirror cannot be used. A small rearward camera is mounted on the roof above the driver. It captures the traffic behind the car with a field angle of 60 degrees. The electric signal is transmitted to a display in the cockpit, featuring innovative AMOLED technology. The acronym stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode, in other words an organic light emitting diode with active matrix technology. Contrast is ten times better and energy consumption 30 percent lower compared to a liquid crystal display. With a screen diagonal of 6.8 inches, the display has a resolution of 600,000 pixels. Each pixel can be discretely controlled. The race drivers benefit from the system in several ways. Unlike a mirror, the screen remains free from vibrations. The blind spot behind the car has been eliminated. When lapping other cars, it is easier for the drivers to judge when they can change lines. And in a duel, they can tell whether a rival attacks from the left or right. Audi is testing the digital mirror in the R8 e-tron. The system has the potential of being suitable for use in road traffic in the future as well. 

-With its additional functions, the steering wheel, in view of today’s strategy, is turning into an important assistance system in racing. 13 buttons are located on the front. They can be used to control functions such as brake force distribution, traction control, the radio, drink supply, the starter and electronic functions. In addition, there are rotary controls which the driver uses to influence the engine and traction control system maps. A digital display indicating absolute lap times, times in track sectors, the difference to previously clocked lap times or tire inflation pressure is located in the center of the driver’s field of vision. It is complemented by alarm functions. Two-way radio communications make fast exchanges of essential information, such as tactical decisions, possible between the driver and the pit crew. They allow the driver to respond quickly and to influence the car’s handling by using the steering wheel functions, for instance in the case of decreasing grip. Steering wheels with additional functions have long been making the everyday life of Audi customers easier as well. 

“Our race drivers have come to value the constant technological improvements so much that they wouldn’t want to do without modern assistance systems anymore,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “They make an indispensable contribution to active safety. And as Le Mans has long turned into a sprint, the systems are of help in the battle for every second as well.”

• Around 640,200 deliveries worldwide since January – up 6.7 percent
• Sales chief Luca de Meo: “Sales performance driven by double-digit rates of growth in Asia and the Americas”
• New A3 family and SUV models strengthen business

• Audi presents new drive technologies in “tron-experience”
• Media technology has augmented reality application, 3D animation and holographic displays

• Best engine in 2-liter to 2.5-liter category for fourth year in a row
• Ninth category award win in a row for Audi TFSI technology

• Audi sold 13,228 vehicles in May, up 15%; YTD sales also up 15%
• Sales momentum continues across the product lineup as demand continues at an all-time high 
• Audi CPO sales also sets new May record