The Auto Blog .ru

Downsizing? What downsizing? While rivals may be replacing cylinders with turbochargers – heck, even Audi itself has done that with the twin-turbo V8 succeeding the V10 in the S8 and such – the new RS4 is reportedly on its way in full-fat 4.2-liter V8 FSI trim.

The report comes courtesy of AMAG, the importer for Audi in Switzerland, which has confirmed that the RS4 Avant (oft spied in prototype guise) is scheduled to debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this coming March. Along with it, we’re told to expect a series of new TSFI engines and an upgraded TT-RS with 360 horses.

As for the RS4 Avant, we’re looking at 450 horsepower with all-wheel drive and enough cargo capacity to make any luxury crossover buyer reconsider (much like the S4 Avant pictured above, only more so). That is, buyers in Europe, anyway, as we’re not expecting the RS4 to make the trek across the Atlantic.

2013 Audi RS4 Avant headed to Geneva

Audi apparently has a mind to turn out a convertible version of the RS5. A slew of patent drawings depicting the high-performance drop-top have made their way to the internet via our Spanish-speaking sister site.

Judging by the drawings, we can tell that the vehicle will have room for four occupants and use the same power electric folding soft top as both the A5 and S5. The rest of the vehicle wears the same facelifted garb as the new S5 unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Under the hood, chances are buyers will see the same naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 found in the RS5 coupe. The kicking eight pot is good for 450 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and will likely be mated to the company’s S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox. As you may have guessed, all-wheel drive will be standard.

Thus far, Audi hasn’t made mention of where the vehicle will debut or exactly which markets will get to enjoy the convertible heathen. Stay tuned.

Trademark filings suggests Audi RS5 Convertible imminent

A light nip and tuck is often all that a stylish sports car needs as it gets older. The Audi RS5 isn’t even old yet, but’s gone in to have some work done anyway. With a refreshed face, the RS5 has emerged on the internet ahead of its global debut at this week’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The handsome coupe is propelled by way of a 450-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine that revs to over 8,000 rpm. As before, forward momentum is metered out through the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and helps the RS5 run from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.

Updated for the coming model year, the Audi RS5 wears a new face that features restyled headlamps, new daytime running lamps and a revised lower fascia. (Apparently the RS5 shown above will buck conventional fog light trends and go with a singular lamp – that, or perhaps Audi is rocking some sort of special offset radar-based cruise control sensor). Either way, we’re finally looking at the RS5 that will be sold in North American Audi dealerships, and we couldn’t be more excited. Check it over in our gallery and then look past the jump for all of the official details.

Continue reading Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut

Facelifted 2012 Audi RS5 breaks out before Frankfurt debut

If you’ve been hankering for a new two-door Maserati but the 400-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 in the base GranTurismo and the 434hp 4.7-liter V8 in the GranTurismo S just aren’t cutting it, Maserati North America has good news for you, as a pair of more powerful versions are ready to hit American and Canadian roads.

First up is the GranTurismo MC that packs the same aggressive aerodynamically optimized bodywork as the more hardcore GranTurismo MC Stradale available overseas, but with four seats instead of two and a torque-converter six-speed ZF automatic instead of the sequential paddle-shifter.

Also reaching our shores is the GranTurismo Convertible Sport, which is the same as the GranCabrio Sport sold overseas, just with a different name. (Apparently the Modense automaker doesn’t feel those on this side of the Atlantic know what a cabrio is.)

Now here’s the juicy bit: both the MC and Convertible Sport pack the more powerful version of the 4.7-liter V8 with 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC carries a base price of $139,900 in the U.S., while the 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport goes for $147,500. Follow the jump and scope out the high-res images in the galleries for more.

Continue reading Maserati NA prices GranTurismo MC and GranTurismo Convertible Sport

Maserati NA prices GranTurismo MC and GranTurismo Convertible Sport

Here she is, the refreshed 2012 Audi A5. And while we’ve always been quite fond of the current model’s styling, the subtle touches to the front and rear fascias of the new car make it look even more elegant than ever before. As for the S5, well, it just looks downright mean now. We approve.

The A5’s new nose now uses styling cues found elsewhere in the Audi lineup, specifically, the new-for-2012 A6. Unlike the A6, however, the A5 and S5 do not get Audi’s adaptive LED lighting treatment, instead relying on an attractive wraparound LED running lamp combined with a standard projector-beam xenon unit. Out back, the taillamps are only slightly different than the ones found on the current car, save for a larger, thicker running lamp right through the center of the light cluster.

Powertrain options don’t change much for 2012, with the A5 coming standard with Audi’s turbocharged 2.0-liter, 211-horsepower inline-four. The big news for the new car, however, is that the S5 Coupe will no longer be available with the excellent, free-flowing 4.2-liter V8 – the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is the only powerplant available. In the S5, it carries over unchanged, rated at 333 hp, though a new, 272-hp version of the 3.0-liter engine will be offered up in the A5, as well.

Look for the refreshed A5 and S5 to go on sale later this year, with prices only expected to increase very slightly. Follow the jump for Audi’s official press release.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A5, S5 get a nip/tuck

2012 Audi A5, S5 get a nip/tuck

The Transporter film series is taking a detour from the silver-screen to arrive in TV land. Called – crazily enough – Transporter, the new Cinemax series stars a man who is not Jason Statham quite good at … transporting. Lead actor Chris Vance’s preferred method of transportation will reportedly be the redesigned Audi A8, which we think should fit the bill quite nicely. After all, a 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 paired with Quattro all-wheel-drive, excellent seats and a 1,400-watt B&O sound system should be enough to keep driver, passengers and cargo moving along quickly and comfortably.

Of course, were we the appropriately named Transporter in question, we might wait for Audi to hand over the next S8. How about you – What would be your preferred tool for the Transporter gig? Have your say in Comments.

Audi A8 to star in new Transporter TV series

Audi has worked up a special edition version of the company’s R8 to commemorate the German automaker’s victories at Le Mans. Powered by the same 430 horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 found in the base coupe, the R8 V8 Limited Edition models are available with special titanium-effect paint with titanium-toned wheels to match. Those rollers are 19-inch double Y-spoke bits that were crafted in the spitting image of the hardware found on the R8 GT Coupe. Buyers can also expect to find a set of red brake calipers tucked behind the wheels. All of the company’s standard metallic and pearl effect paint options will also be available on the commemorative cars.

Inside, the R8 V8 Limited Edition comes with satellite navigation and Audi Music Interface with a Bang and Olufsen sound system as well as a unique interior lighting package and Bluetooth hands-free calling. Prices start at £93,935 in the UK. That figure translates to around $150,000 (including Britain’s costly Value Added Tax), though there’s no clear indication as to whether or not any of the 100 examples will make their way to the States or how much Audi will ask U.S. buyers to pay. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading New R8 Limited Edition celebrates 10 Le Mans victories for Audi

New R8 Limited Edition celebrates 10 Le Mans victories for Audi

Despite the rumors of its demise, the next-generation Audi RS4 appears to be on track (literally) based on this mule that our spy shooters have just spied on Germany’s Nürburgring. Seen here testing in the all-too-desirable Avant body style, the next RS4’s final design will likely be a bit more aggressive, incorporating a much more pronounced front fascia complete with lower air intakes similar to those on the RS5 Coupe. On this mule, we can clearly see the larger wheels (straight from the RS5 – how ’bout that), bigger brakes and slightly wider track.

As for power, the safest bet is to expect that the RS5’s high-revving 4.2-liter V8 will carry over to the RS4, producing somewhere around 450 horsepower. Other rumors have suggested that an all-new 4.0-liter turbocharged V6 could be put to use here, but based on all of the scuttlebutt we’ve heard, the 4.2-liter V8 still looks to be the safest bet. Since the RS4’s key competitors will be the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Audi would probably be wise to use the 450-hp mill in an effort to keep things as competitive as possible. The RS4 will surely be no slouch, and we’re bursting with eagerness to see (and drive) the end result.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track

When the Maserati GranTurismo made its debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, it came equipped with a 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 made by Ferrari. A year later, Maserati shoehorned a larger 4.7-liter unit under the GT’s hood, boasting 434 horsepower. But when the GranCabrio – known as the GranTurismo Convertible in the United States – hit the market, the Modense automaker opted to skip the smaller engine and go straight for the 4.7 from the S. Now the Trident marque is doing one better with the new GranCabrio Sport.

Due to be unveiled in Geneva, the top-spec four-seat convertible packs an upgraded version of the 4.7-liter V8. 450 horsepower are driven through the same ZF six-speed auto as the standard model, but re-calibrated with the MC Auto Shift programming for quicker response. The Skyhood active suspension has also been optimized, along with the upgraded brakes, and as you can see from the images in the gallery below, the automaker has also applied a number of sporty touches to the styling as well. You can read the full press release after the jump

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Maserati to present more powerful GranCabrio Sport in Geneva

Maserati to present more powerful GranCabrio Sport in Geneva

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from Spyker that didn’t have to do with its acquisition of Saab. The Dutch automaker has apparently had its hands full taking the reins in Trollhattan from General Motors – so busy in fact that it has apparently missed production targets. Like with the new C8 Aileron Spyder.

The convertible version of the stretched and updated C8 debuted about a year and a half ago in Pebble Beach, and was supposed to enter production in the first half of 2010. Well, 2010 has come and gone and apparently production still hasn’t started. But we do have some news.

According to reports from the company’s native Netherlands, Spyker is planning on keeping the C8 Aileron Spyder very exclusive, with a production run of just 99 units. That’s a mighty limited edition, but there’s more: according to the same report quoting CEO Victor Muller, Spyker will be ditching the Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 for the 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Considering that, at 638 hp, the LS9 produces over 50% more power than the 400-horse Audi mill, the commensurate drop in the previously estimated 4.5-second sprint to 60 should be well worth the work involved in turning the blown eight around and mounting it in the middle of the Spyker. Either that, or this could all amount to nothing – but the notion that the door between GM and Spyker could be swinging both ways is certainly intriguing.

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

Report: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder trying catch up to 99 units with ZR1 power?

Automakers are always looking to add a tinge of green to their fleets, and Audi is reportedly ready to drop a few cylinders on its flagship sedan. The 2012 Audi A8 will be offered as a hybrid, with a four-cylinder gasoline engine being paired with an electric motor. The A8 Hybrid will likely be offered after Audi has launched a front-wheel drive six-cylinder diesel version, both of which should provide quite a different driving experience compared to the 372 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 currently available.

The move to a smaller cylinder count comes as automakers begin to prepare for tougher CAFE standards. Audi, not wanted to be left behind, sees that Mercedes-Benz and BMW are already moving to more efficient powertrains. Mercedes, who already launched its S400 Hybrid, is also adding a four-cylinder version of its flagship model – a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel in the S250 CDI model. BMW has a different take on how it will produce more efficient luxury sedans. Rather than reducing the number of cylinders, BMW will add electric motors to its six and eight cylinder engines, so for the time being there are no plan to put a four-cylinder in the engine bay of a 7 Series.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Audi bringing four-cylinder A8 in 2012

Are you ready to write a check for a true German luxury sedan stunner? If so, you’ll surely be interested to hear that pricing has arrived for the 2011 Audi A8. Base MSRP for this Bavarian beauty is $78,050 including all extra charges, which puts it squarely between its two main rivals: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ($87,950) and the BMW 7 Series ($70,150). The long-wheelbase A8L starts at $84,000 and both versions will be in dealer showrooms starting late November 2010.

It’s an enticing price for the finest luxury sedan to wear four rings. The all-new A8 packs brand new features into a sleek body wrapped around a wonderful 4.2-liter V8 engine. The car and engine work so well together that the A8’s 17 mile per gallon city/27 mpg highway rating put it right next to the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid in the fuel economy category. Those figures are also enough to surpass the V6, V8 and Hybrid versions of the 7 Series.

No word yet on how many organs we need to sell to purchase the W12-equipped A8.

For more information on the 2011 Audi A8, as well as pricing for the rest of the 2011 Audi lineup, you can read the full release after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL [Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 to start at $78,050

2011 Audi A8 to start at $78,050

The Euro-spec Audi R8 Spyder will soon be available with a more powerful version of the automaker’s 4.2-liter V8 engine. The EU5-approved FSI unit gets ten more horses, going from 420 to 430 horsepower. It also gets an energy recuperation system that comes into effect during coasting and braking. The run from zero to 62 miles per hour takes 4.8 seconds, and a 186-mph top speed is possible “in the appropriate circumstances” (i.e., out on the Autobahn).

For the six-speed manual you’ll need £95,545 ($147,759 USD based on current exchange rates), while the not-so-great R-Tronic will require £100,855 ($155,966 USD). The hardtop R8 will also be getting this upgraded engine, and both will be available in January of next year. Don’t worry – the new engine will be coming to the U.S., as well. The press release on Audi UK’s new V8 is after the jump, and high-res photos are in the gallery below.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi UK offering upgraded 4.2L V8 for R8 Spyder

Audi UK offering upgraded 4.2L V8 for R8 Spyder

The clever wrenches at the German tuning powerhouse MTM have gotten a hold of the Audi RS5. Always ones to turn fast faster, the group claims to have squeezed the car’s top speed to 188 mph. But instead of focusing on pulling even more horsepower from the already staggering 4.2-liter V8, the company simply upped the factory speed limiter to allow for a more potent v-max. MTM will politely ask for a check for $1,429 (at current conversion rates) for the upgrade, which isn’t exactly pocket change. According to MTM, the car still produces 450 horsepower, though the company will be happy to supply you with a new free-breathing exhaust system that just might turn an extra pony or two loose.

In addition to the lofty top speed, MTM has rolled out a hefty selection of wheels just for the RS5. We’re guessing a new set of tires will probably be in order if you plan on bumping up against that new 188 mph top end, too. Eventually, the company plans to roll out a complete suspension for the car. And here’s hoping they come up with some equally competent brakes in the process.

[Source: MTM]

MTM releases first round of upgrades for RS5, raises top speed to 188 mph

After running around the rumormill for several months, Audi has finally confirmed it will offer a 4.2-liter V8 powered version of the R8 Spyder, in addition to the V10 model. Thankfully, the R8 Spyder 4.2 is available with a six-speed manual in addition to the R-Tronic semi-automatic gearbox.

Like other R8s – with the exception of the recently announced GT – the 4.2 Spyder is packing standard Quattro all-wheel drive and the top mechanism remains the same fully-powered fabric unit found in the V10 model. Those who opt for the lesser engine will have to make do with conventional dampers and 18-inch wheels, although the magnetic ride dampers and 19-inch rolling stock that are standard on the V10 are available at a “slight” increase in cost. The eight-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) calipers remain standard issue with the optional carbon ceramic rotors and pads still available as an option in Europe. Since Audi has not issued any new images of the Spyder 4.2 yet, there are probably no visual differences aside from the wheels and badging.

The V8 Spyder goes on sale in Europe in the third quarter, but no announcement has been made about U.S. availability… yet.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Officially Official: Audi announces 4.2 V8-powered R8 Spyder

Officially Official: Audi announces 4.2 V8-powered R8 Spyder

If there’s to be a singular automotive theme guiding us into this second decade of the 21st century, it’s downsizing. If not in dimensions, then in displacement. Automakers, forced to adhere to higher government-mandated fuel economy standards and lower CO2 emissions, are beginning to collectively reduce engine size while attempting to maintain the thrust consumers demand.

The newest posterchild for this movement comes in an unlikely wrapper: the 2011 Audi Q7. Packing the same supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the S4 sports sedan, Audi bids adieu (or is that Auf Wiedersehen?) to the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year and brings with it the 2011 A8’s eight-speed automatic transmission. We tackled the congested highways and byways in and around Ingolstadt to see if the revised Q7 has the goods to placate both bureaucrats and buyers, while taking a deeper look into Audi’s new powertrain strategy. Click through to the jump to see if we can make sense of it all.

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7 downsizes with an upside

First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7 downsizes with an upside

Even though we won’t see the production version of the standard Audi A7 until this year’s Paris Motor Show, the men and women in Ingolstadt are already prepping a hotted-up version of the swoopy four-door coupe (we still aren’t used to typing that), as seen here in this latest set of spy shots. Rumors have stated that a RS7 Sportback might debut alongside the A7 in Paris, complete with a 580-horsepower V10, and it would certainly be show-stopping if Audi could pull off having all three variants of the A7 range on hand.

As for the car spied here, we spot larger air intakes, a more robust wheel/tire package, bigger brakes and quad exhaust pipes, seemingly proving that this A7 will definitely arrive wearing an S badge. However, the camouflaged beast isn’t as muscular as Audi’s RS models, which leads us to believe that the mid-range S7 is what’s under all of the swirly paper. As for what’s housed beneath the hood, your guess is as good as ours, but something along the lines of Audi’s new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 or the free-breathing 4.2-liter V8 could be in order. Scroll through the gallery below to see the S7 prototype from all angles.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First look at Audi S7

The all-new A8 and updated Q7 won’t be the only vehicles in Audi’s line-up to benefit from the automaker’s new eight-speed gearbox. According to dealer order guides released for the 2011 model year, the octo-cog-swapper is set to proliferate throughout the Audi line-up in the next year, with the automaker aiming for around 70% of it U.S. sales volume to come equipped with the new gearbox.

For the 2011 model year, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro sedan and Avant will come packing the eight-speed tranny, along with the A5 2.0 TFSI quattro coupe and cabriolet (the manual six-speed will only be available on the coupe). In addition, the revised Q7, with its new high- and low-output 3.0-liter supercharged V6s (cribbed from the S4 and A6), will replace the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year. Both engines, along with the new 3.0-liter TDI, will come equipped with the eight-speed auto.

Finally, Audi quietly revealed the 2.0 TFSI inline-four-equipped Q5 at the New York Auto Show, and part of the new package will also include the eight-speed ‘box.

Sales of the eight-speed automatic-equipped models will begin this fall, each delivering improved fuel economy, quicker downshifts and, thanks to its compact packaging, no additional weight gain over the standard six-speed tiptronic.

Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton – Click above for high-res image gallery

As impressive of a vehicle as the seminal Volkswagen Phaeton may have been, the uber-luxe German sedan was an unqualified flop of an experiment here in the United States. In some other parts of the world, though, VW’s BMW and Mercedes-Benz (not to mention VW-owned Audi) competitor is still going strong.

Hence, VW has seen fit to give the Phaeton a mild update for the 2011 model year, and it tellingly used the Beijing Motor Show as the platform to reveal its top-shelf sedan. In case you missed the exterior changes, take a closer look at the front and rear fascias, where you’ll find tighter lines and new LED lighting.

It’s inside the cabin where the Phaeton gets the bulk of its improvements. Included in the refresh is VW’s latest navigation technology, along with a helpful seeing-eye camera that can monitor speed limit and no passing signs and inform lazy drivers of the data. There is also a lane-departure system that keeps the car between the proper lines and Dynamic Light Assist that adjusts the headlights to keep from blinding oncoming traffic.

Powertrain options remain the same as before, with a 450-horsepower 6.0-liter W12 engine taking top billing over a 335-hp 4.2-liter V8 and a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 280 ponies. Finally, those looking to save a few bucks at the pump can opt for a 3.0-liter diesel V6. Check it out for yourself in the high-res image galleries below.

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Beijing 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton ups the luxe

Beijing 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton ups the luxe

German tuning company MTM doesn’t necessarily do things the conventional way. Remember the Bimoto, the twin-engined Audi TT that could hit 244 mph? Yeah, different. That’s why we weren’t surprised to see this modified Audi R8 come across our desks. MTM has done some conventional tuning with the car – like supercharging the 4.2-liter V8 – but it’s also performed a procedure we’ve yet to see. The front-wheel drive portion of the Quattro system has been removed, making the car a pure rear-driver. According to MTM, this change provides a “complete new driving experience behind the Audi steering wheel and pure driving pleasure.”

To share this experience with their customers, MTM is now offering a GT3-2 conversion for any V8-powered Audi R8. The package includes the aforementioned supercharger system, which is good for 560 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, carbon fiber aero parts, larger front and rear brakes, adjustable Bilstein suspension, MTM’s unique Bimoto forged wheels and more. Hit the jump for more details and check out the high-res images in the gallery below.

[Source: MTM]

Continue reading MTM Audi R8 GT3-2: 560 horsepower and rear-wheel drive

MTM Audi R8 GT3-2: 560 horsepower and rear-wheel drive