The new Audi TT RS Plus has finally arrived. the German carmaker has just released the first official info and a massive photo gallery of the new model, that will be made available in both coupe and roadster configurations. The car is powered by the well-known 2.5-litre 5-cylider TSFI engine with direct injection equipping the ‘regular’ TT RS, but its delivery has been boosted to 360 hp and 465 Nm of peak torque, marking a +20 hp and a +15 Nm over the output of its ‘plus-less” counterpart. This unit, in combination with its S-Tronic ‘dual clutch’ transmission, allows the car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in just 4.1 seconds (4.2 seconds for the roadster), with a limited top speed of 280 km/h (173 mph). A 6-speed manual transmission option is also available, but with this gearbox the TT RS Plus loses a little in terms of performance as the 100 km/h mark is reached in 4.3 seconds by the coupe and 4.4 seconds by the roadster.

The model obviously uses an all wheel drive powertrain and boasts an average fuel consumption of 8.5 l/100 km for its coupe variant and 8.6 for the convertible. Thanks to its light bodyshell, 2/3 of which is made of aluminum, the Coupe version with manual gearbox weighs only 1,450 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 4.0 kg/hp (4.2 for the Roadster). The Audi TT RS Plus rolls on exclusive 19″ burnished alloys with contrasting red outline, fitted with 255/35 tyres and coupled to 4-piston calipers on the front axle. “Magnetic Ride” suspension are also available as an optional extra.

Aesthetically, the Audi TT RS Plus distinguishes itself from the “regular” TT RS by its glossy single-frame grill, the wing mirror shells made of CFRP, the matt aluminum outline of its diffuser, the front lip spoiler and its burnished oval-shaped mufflers. By the way, the ’sound’ of the car can be adjusted by acting on the flaps integrated in the exhaust system. To find out more about the model, please check the official Press Release right after the jump.

View the full Audi TT RS Plus photo gallery

Even more dynamic: the Audi TT RS plus

• Coupé and Roadster boosted to 265 kW (360 hp)
• Zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds; top speed increased to 280 km/h
• Average fuel consumption just 8.5 liters per 100 km

Even more powerful, even faster, even more dynamic: Early 2012 will see the launch of the Audi TT RS plus. This compact sports car, in both Coupé and Roadster versions, stands out for its awe-inspiring performance. Its power-boosted five-cylinder turbo delivers 265 kW (360 hp), sufficient for a top speed of 280 km/h (173.98 mph).

The 2.5-liter TFSI in the Audi TT RS plus is a high-performance engine. Compared with the engine on which it is based, this turbocharged direct-injection unit delivers 15 kW (20 hp) more power. It produces 465 Nm (342.97 lb-ft) of torque, 15 Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more than before. Customers can choose between a manual six-speed transmission and the seven-speed S tronic with its lightning-fast gearshifts. The dual-clutch transmission comes with a launch control function which optimizes acceleration from a standing start. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which operates with a multi-plate clutch, transfers engine power to the road in supreme style.

The TT RS plus unites dynamics and efficiency in a most impressive way. Against the backdrop of the five-cylinder engine’s characteristic roaring and growling, the Coupé with S tronic catapults from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.3 seconds). The Roadster completes the same exercise in 4.2 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.4 seconds). Top speed is limited to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) for all versions of the car. The Coupé with S tronic uses an average of just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg); the Roadster uses 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.35 US mpg).

Alongside numerous efficiency-improving measures, these top figures are due primarily to the extremely lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) bodies made of aluminum at the front and sheet steel at the rear. The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb); its power-to-weight ratio is 4.0 kilograms (8.82 lb) per horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio of the Roadster is 4.2 kilograms (9.26 lb) per horsepower.

The high-performance brake system is able to cope with the engine’s power at all times. Four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks are installed on the front axle. The Audi TT RS plus is fitted with 19-inch cast wheels of five-arm “Rotor” design; they are painted black with contrasting red rim flanges. The wheels are fitted with 255/35 tires. The adaptive damping system known as Audi magnetic ride is available as an option. A large, fixed rear wing increases downforce at the back of the car.

The Singleframe radiator grille also sets the Audi TT RS plus apart visually: Its diamond-pattern mesh is in highly polished anthracite, its trim frame has a matt aluminum-look finish. The housings of the exterior mirrors are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The dual-branch sport exhaust system has black oval tailpipe trims. A sound flap further intensifies the sound of the engine. The Carbon design package gives the engine compartment a more exclusive look. The knob on the gear or selector lever features an aluminum-look trim ring and a TT RS plus badge.

The TT RS plus Coupé with manual transmission costs €60,650 in Germany or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.

Audi has released a new official video starring their new Q3 Vail Concept, which was premiered at the last North American International Auto Show of Detroit. This particular version of Audi Q3 anticipates shape and contents of the RS variant - which is expected to surface pretty soon - and has been developed on the same platform used for the A3 hatchback. The model is equipped with a 2.5-litre TFSI engine producing 314 hp and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of peak torque and, according to the carmaker, it can push the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.5 seconds, with 262 km/h (163 mph) of top speed.

The Audi Q3 Vail Concept has been named after the famous Colorado ski resort - underlining the fact that Audi designed it for winter sports fans - and comes with an exclusive Energy Red paintjob and matt gray add-on body parts. The black-gray-red theme continues in the cabin, where innovative leather/fabric material is used for the upholstery.

We have just received this set of spy shots picturing the next Audi RS6 Avant during a winter test on the cold roads of Sweden: the model is wearing very little camouflage and uses wider wheel arches hiding a larger track. The final version is expected to use a similar front fascia, but shape and size of the integrated air-intakes might not be the definitive ones. Besides, we would expect some LED technology to appear in the fog-light area, and we wouldn’t be surprise to see some CFRP bit here in there as in the case of Audi RS3. As for the rear end, the new RS6 Avant might end up replacing that double pair of exhaust piped with on pair of oval-shaped cans as in the current version of the model, while other subtle cosmetic changes might also be in the cards. We also notice big ceramic brakes underneath A8 wheels, which is a further confirmation of this car’s RS status.

La new Audi RS6 Avant will probably be equipped with a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 delivering 580 hp, meaning the same output of the model it will replace. It should be the same engine that - in different power steps - will be used for S8, S7, S6 and the recently unveiled V8 range of the Bentley Continental GT. The new model is expected to emerge in its definitive form by the end of this year.

View the fullAudi RS6 Avant spy shots photo gallery

Audi releases a one-minute-and-a-half long video dedicated to the A2 Concept, which was premiered at the latest Frankfurt Motor Show. This futuristic footage shows us a 3D reconstruction of the design of the car, also emphasizing some of its most distinctive features such as its all-electric powertrain. The actual prototype of this model measures 3.80 meters in length, 1.69 meters in width and 1.49 meters in height, and is also an anticipation of the next generation of the A2, the little compact hatchback that the house of the four rings produced between 1999 and 2005.

The A2 Concept boasts such features as a photochromic roof with a command on the inside of the car, LED technology for the head lamps, an adaptable light control and an innovative lighting system for the interior, which the above video explains quite well. Besides, the lights running along the length of the car detect the owner’s approach and can open the doors with a “gesture control”.

The whole videoclip is made in CGI, but if you want to see the A2 Concept ‘in-the-metal’, check out the official photo gallery of the prototype showcased in Frankfurt by clicking on one of the thumbnails below.

Audi presents the A3 Limited Edition, an especially valuable trim for its successful hatchback coming at a low price. Every Audi A3 body-type variant will be made available in this ‘Limited Edition’ version, which also brings along an update of the infotainment system of the car.

For the 3-door hatch and Sportback, the Limited Edition package include xenon head lamps and a set of 17″ alloys fitted with 225/45 tyres lifted from the ‘S-Line’ aesthetic package. Inside we find a Concert radio, central armrest, BlueTooth connectivity, rear parking aid and Cruise Control. The Sportback also gets a panoramic rooftop while the 3-door receives an electric sunroof. The A3 Cabriolet also gets the same xenon lights, larger wheels and parking assistance system, but with the addition of an automatic soundproof hood, leather seats and a so called Vienna trim package with aluminum inserts.

The Limited Edition package for A3 and A3 Sportback costs 1,900 €, for the Attraction variant it is priced at 1,700 € whereas for the Cabriolet it will come for an extra 1950 €.

View Audi A3 Limited Edition images

Audi America has released a quite funny one-minute long video celebrating its world-famous Quattro system. Audi’s own pioneering permanent AWD system debuted over 30 years ago on the permanent four wheel drive Audi Quattro, and it has since become a trademark feature (if not synonimous) of the four rings house.

The video is a sort of reinterpretation of the novel ‘Moby-Dick’ (aka ‘the Whale’), written by American author Herman Melville and published in 1851, and feature a modern-day Captain Ahab who works as a snow plough driver and can hook any sort of stranded car but one, a white one. Definitely a well-made ad.

Audi has revealed the interior of the next Audi A3 at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), currently ongoing in Las Vegas, where the German carmaker also brought some already known model of its range as well as the Urban concept car. Frankly, the dashboard of the new A3 looks elegant but pretty minimal. Among its most distinctive there is the electrically deploying dash-mounted 7″ LCD screen - which allows for 3D graphics - and the original “Phone Box”: it is an area located in the center console that works as a signal amplification chamber, passing the signal of the mobile phone to an antenna mounted on the outside of the car. This device allows for better reception, less dropped calls and faster data speeds. The electronics of the car are based on a MMX board (Multi-Media eXtension), a plug-in module whose highlight is a powerful 1.2 GHz Tegra 2 processor, courtesy of Nvidia. The new 2013 Audi A3 will be officially unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show, in March.

The other highlight at the Audi’s stall in Vegas is the Urban Concept, a futuristic compact two seater powered by a 20 hp electric engine. This model can go from 0 to 60 km/h (37.2 mph) in about 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), with 50 km (31 miles) of range and charging time between 20 minutes and 2 hrs, depending on the voltage. Rumor has it that Audi Urban could actually become available to the general public in 2013 in the form of a 999 units limited edition series, but there is no official confirmation on the matter.

Here is an exclusive photo gallery of the Audi stand at the 2012 CES (courtesy of our buddies at Autoblog.it) as well as an official photo gallery released by Audi with the new interior of the next A3.

View the full Audi at the 2012 CES photo gallery
View the full 2013 Audi A3 interior photo gallery

In the wake of its recent unveiling at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi releases an official photo gallery starring the Q3 Vail concept, the model that somewhat anticipates the future ‘RS’ version of the popular compact SUV from the four rings house. This all-wheel drive concept car shares its platform with the A3 hatchback and is powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 314 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of peak torque that - in combination with a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission - provides the model with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 262 km/h (163 mph).

The Audi Q3 Vail concept has been named after the famous Colorado ski resort, hinting at the fact that Audi designed the model targeting a young custom base made of winter sports fans who love skiing and snowboarding. The model uses an exclusive Energy Red paintjob with matt gray add-on body parts are in its lower body. However, the most striking elements are the flared fenders and running boards, which Audi will soon add to the already wide range of Q3 accessories. Another interesting feature is the front roof-rail support with integrated LED lights that can illuminate the area around the vehicle.

As for the interior, the Audi Q3 Vail Concept comes with a combination of color matching black, gray, and red elements. The headlining is made from titanium gray Alcantara and large parts of the interior, including the carpet, are black and edged with red velvet-finish leather. To find out more about the Audi Q3 Vail Concept, see the official Press Release after the jump.

View the full Audi Q3 Vail Concept photo gallery

Winter sports and functionality – the Audi Q3 Vail

- Compact SUV as a themed vehicle at the auto show in Detroit
- New, practical solutions and many individual design highlights
- 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft)

Audi is unveiling a themed vehicle of a special kind at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – the Audi Q3 Vail with an output of 231 kW (314 hp). The compact SUV, which is named after the famous winter sports venue in the United States, unites a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle. The Q3 Vail is a highlight of the young model series that only launched in 2011.

The Audi Q3 Vail represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. The themed vehicle has been designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding. The Audi Q3 Vail is a sporty and robust compact SUV offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual design highlights.

The themed vehicle is painted in the color developed specially for it – Energy Red. The red paint contains golden pearlescent particles. The add-on body parts are in matt gray quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.

Vertical struts made from aluminum are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille. In the area of the horizontal panel, which carries the license plate on series-built vehicles, they are pulled outwards to striking effect.

The struts exhibit the bicolor theme that the Audi designers developed for the Q3 Vail: their lateral edges are painted in matt quartz-based paint, and the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

In the headlights the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which generate the daytime running lights, are painted anthracite. The side air inlets further emphasize the themed vehicle’s powerful appearance; their top areas are covered by solid aluminum panels. The underbody guard beneath the front end is also made from aluminum.

Eyecatching features on the sides of the Q3 Vail are the flared wheel arches and running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The restyled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis and snowboards – these two items of sports equipment are made from carbon fiber.

The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient, wide-angled LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 Vail. They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.

The Audi Q3 Vail is fitted with five-arm wheels in 8.5 J x 20 format. Mirroring the single-frame grille, their visible edges have a high-gloss finish, while the inside areas feature the same matt quartz-based paint. The off-road tires are size 255/45. Track width has increased 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) at the front and rear compared to series-built models, and the body is 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) higher. The themed vehicle also features unique solutions at the back – the two tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system are integrated in the diffuser and underbody guard area.

In the interior of the Audi Q3 Vail, three colors offer an ambience of sophistication and sporty elegance – black, gray and red. The headlining is made from titanium gray Alcantara; large parts of the interior, including the carpet, are black. The black, ribbed floor mats are edged with narrow strips of red velvet-finish leather.

An innovative leather/fabric material is used for the upholstery – thin strips of leather just a few tenths of a millimeter wide, are interwoven with yarn. The upholstery features piping with double seams; like the contrasting stitching, the piping is red. Small sections of the upholstery are made from red velvet-finish leather – a hardwearing material that looks similar to nubuck leather at first glance, but in fact has a finer structure. The segments integrated in the door trims are also in red velvet-finish leather, trimmed in steel gray Fine Nappa leather.

The entire instrument panel in the themed vehicle is trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. Contrasting stitching in titanium gray is an elegant highlight. The leather across the hood of the instrument cluster is steel gray with red contrasting stitching. This color scheme is replicated on the door armrests at the front and rear. The front section of the center tunnel also has a leather trim.

The inlays around the S tronic selector level, at the front of the cockpit and in the doors comprise a three-dimensional stainless steel mesh that requires a complex manufacturing process. The selector lever features a high-gloss black ring and an aluminum badge with a milled “Q3 Vail” signature. The lever gaiter is enhanced by red stitching.

Aluminum takes center stage in the instrument cluster. The most striking elements are the metal dials around the speedometer and rev counter. They were made using a rotary-grinding process. Metal is also used on their rings and around the edges of the control lights. Horizontal bars and small fins give the dials and needle centers a sporty, three-dimensional look. The leather steering wheel features red contrasting stitching and an aluminum trim. Behind it are two large shift paddles for manually controlling the seven-speed S tronic. The footrest and the pedals have thin pads made from rubber. Slits offer a glimpse of the stainless steel beneath the pads.

In some parts of the interior the trims are in high-gloss black – the display and control elements on top of them appear to float. This applies to the area surrounding the driver information system, the zone around the air vents, the periphery of the MMI terminal and the row of switches on the center console. Aluminum inserts give the black switches an air of sophistication. Chrome trims adorn the controls of the air conditioning system; the air vents have black ribs and chrome-trimmed rotary knobs.

The soft keys for the MMI navigation plus system are made from aluminum, while the control terminal benefits visually from narrow strips of the same material. The monitor, which can be folded out manually, has a trim that matches the surface of the instrument panel. The system includes an animation showing the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the Audi Q3 Vail. In regions that are not included in the map data, the MMI navigation plus system logs the GPS coordinates of the route – for assistance during the return journey.

The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail includes two practical devices for winter sports fans. The side wall of the trunk houses a charging station. It can be used for storing flashlights and charging them inductively at the same time. The same technology is used for the Thermos bottle. It is located in the cup holder between the front seats and is able to chill or warm drinks. Both devices have LEDs that show the current charge level. One attractive extra is that, in addition to LED lighting, the flashlights incorporate an infra-red heating element that can be used for warming your hands or a pair of ski boots.

Another intelligent solution in the themed vehicle is the trunk mat, which has integrated heated seat cushions. The mat can be folded out and laid over the loading lip. This protects the trunk edge while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and also provides a warm area to sit on when putting on or taking off your ski boots. Small LED spotlights on the inside of the tailgate provide light.

The Audi Q3 Vail features a 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging that generates an output of 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 2,480 cc.

The engine’s five cylinders are consecutively numbered; red wrinkled-finish paint has been applied to the cylinder head cover. A panel made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) partially covers the engine, and the air filter is also protected against dirt. There is a decorative trim made from plastic around the engine compartment. The acoustic mat on the inside of the engine hood has a “Q3 Vail” logo embroidered in dark gray.

The power of the turbocharged five-cylinder unit is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The Audi Q3 Vail accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and continues to a top speed of 262 km/h (162.80 mph).

Audi showed up at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with a few interesting models. Arguably the most sought-after model of the lot is the Q3 Vail Concept, a show car that anticipates the ‘RS’ version of the popular Q3 SUV from the German carmaker. Under its bonnet pulses a 2.5-litre TFSI engine producing 314 hp and 400 Nm of peak torque, which provides the car with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.5 seconds with 262 km/h (163 mph).

Another interesting presence at the Audi stall in Detroit is the new generation of the Audi A6, the new sedan from the four-ring house, powered by a brand new 4.0-litre twin turbo TFSI V8 delivering 420 hp and 550 Nm of torque. It is the same unit used by the Audi S8 and the newly unveiled Bentley Continental GT V8 range, although with modified supercharger and electronics.

The third important model brought to Detroit by the Ingolstadt-based carmaker is the Audi A4 Allroad, which has just undergone its mid-life restyling. Check them all out in our photo gallery taken at the Audi stand in Detroit.

View the full Audi at the 2012 NAIAS photo gallery

Audi unveils the new A6 Allroad by releasing the first official pictures and info of the third generation of its successful crossover estate. Measuring 4.94 meters in length, 1.90 meters in width and 1.47 meters in height, and with a wheelbase of 2.91 meters, the new version is slightly bigger than the model it is about to replace, and is said to be also 20 % more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. Thanks to the fact that about 20% of its whole body is made of aluminum, the new A6 Allroad is also 70% lighter than the current version. The design language of the car stays loyal to the style adopted by the previous generations, launched in 2000 and 2006: the ride height 6 cm higher than the A6 Avant - the model it basically derives from - also retaining its typical plastic fenders.

The passenger compartment is roomier than ever, while the loading capacity is rated at 565 litres, a figure that can go up to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The new A6 Allroad shares the same infotainment systems in use by Audi A6 ed A6 Avant, including the MMI radionavigator with touchpad, 4-zone air conditioner, cruise control with radar and the advanced audio system by Bang&Olufsen.

The whole engine range is made of either petrol or diesel 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 units. The only gasoline option is the 3.0 TFSI with direct injection, producing 310 hp with 440 Nm of peak torque. This unit pushes the A6 Allroad from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and an average fuel consumption of 8.9 l/100km. As for the diesel line-up, we have the 3.0 TDI producing 204 hp and 450 Nm of maximum torque, with an average fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100 km and 159 g/km of CO2 emissions. Then we have a more performing version of this engine, with an output of 245 hp and no less than 580 Nm of torque, which will soon become available in a low-emission configuration. Last but not least, at the top of the range we have the new 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit delivering 313 hp and 650 Nm of peak torque, coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. With this powertrain, the A6 Allroad accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds only, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). All the other aforementioned versions come with a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission.

View the full Audi A6 Allroad photo gallery

Apparently, an Audi R8 GT has been sold to an inhabitant of the quiet town of Lake Forest, Illinois - US, and the local Audi dealer thought it was a good idea to let everybody know that there is a new dangerous beast haunting their nice and peaceful town. The best way to do that? A massive placard on the highroad with a clear warning, of course. Can’t read that? Click on the picture for the high-res version.

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German tuner JE Design presents an upgraded bodykit and a range of 22″ alloys suitable for all Audi Q7 S-Line models of the Facelift generation.

The bodywork kit includes OEM-quality wheel arches (widening the vehicle by 60 mm at the front and by 80 mm at the rear), front-spoiler corners, a PDC-suitable (Park Distance Control) rear-apron extension, roof wing with side covers, door trims and two double-tailpipe covers. This tuning program also includes an electronic adjustment of the Audi “adaptive air suspension” that can lower the chassis by around 35 mm. For the various engines of the Audi Q7 Facelift, JE Design offers several performance enhancements: for instance, the Q7 4.2 TDI tiptronic’s 335 hp standard power is increased to up to 405 hp thanks to optimized programming of the control electronics; this also increases the maximum torque to 895 Nm, providing the vehicle with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 6.1 seconds.

View the full Audi Q7 Facelift by JE Design photo gallery