Audi R8 e-tron to get digital rear-view mirror

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Audi has announced that the Audi R8 e-tron will be equipped with a digital rear-view mirror come end of the year. Like the Le Mans Audi R18, the R8 e-tron does not have a rear window therefore highlighting the need for the technology to be transferred after its success at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race. This will be the first time that a digital rear-view mirror is used on a passenger vehicle.

A small, lightweight camera located in an aerodynamically optimised housing produces high quality images with a larger field of vision than a conventional rear-view mirror. The AMOLED 7.7-inch colour monitor is positioned where the conventional mirror would be, displaying digital image data from the camera.

The driver is able to dim or deactivate the display at any time and Audi is also considering using the monitor to display additional information in the future.

News Source: Audi

Audi R8 gets Facelift

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The Audi R8 has received an overhaul which has made the 2013 Audi R8 that much more appealing, and there’s no doubt that Audi fans will agree. The R8 now sports new LED headlights along with a new bumper and grille design. The rear-end also receives LED treatment with a more menacing diffuser and large round exhaust pipes.

The updated Audi R8 range also sees the inclusion of the R8 V10 Plus model which produces a hefty 404kW and is not for the faint-hearted. The R8 range now also makes use of a new seven-speed S Tronic dual clutch transmission which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 22g/km. The new R8 V10 Plus will accomplish 0-100km/h in only 3.5 seconds and reaches a blistering top speed of 317km/h.

The R8 V10 Plus is also a bit lighter weighing in at 1570kg thanks to a lighter chassis, interior components, ceramic brakes and numerous carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components which include the front splitter, mirror housings, lateral air inlets and rear diffuser. 

South African Audi fans can expect the updated Audi R8 sometime in the first quarter of 2013.

News Source: IOL Motoring

New Audi SQ5 TDI SUV Good for 230kW

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Audi has revealed the all new diesel SQ5 at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race over the weekend. This new SQ5 SUV is not for the faint hearted displaying the first TDI-powered ‘S’ model in Audi’s history.

The new Audi SQ5 is fitted with a powerful 3.0-litre twin turbo TDI engine that is capable of an impressive 230kW and 650Nm of torque available at 1450rpm and 2800rpm. All this raw diesel power culminates into a 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. Audi is also claiming that the QS5 will accomplish a fuel consumption figure of just 7.2 litres / 100km.

The sport suspension lowers the body by 30mm compared to the current SQ5 and rides on 20” alloys with 21” alloys as optional. The design incorporates a grey single-frame grille with aluminium finishes, revised bumpers and a roof mounted spoiler. The side mirrors are finished in gloss aluminium. Leather power sport seats and aluminium inlays are fitted as standard. The new SQ5 also offers loads of space up to 1560 litres and towing capacity is rated at 2.4 tons.

There is no doubt that this is a serious SUV from Audi and global sales will start early in 2013. So far there is no word that the new SQ5 will be available in South Africa, but there’s always a chance, even if it’s small.  

News Source: Wheels24

Audi RS 4 Avant Unleashed

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Audi has unleashed its new third generation RS 4 Avant and as much as it’s pleasing to look at, it’s also packed with increased performance and comes with a wide range of driver assistance and infotainment technologies to keep Audi fans smiling.

The RS 4 Avant is fitted with a power hungry 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine that kicks out a serious 331kW at 8250rpm. Peak torque is at 430Nm available from between 4000rpm and 6000rpm. This all culminates into a pretty nifty speed package that will see the RS 4 Avant reaching 100km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds while blistering on to a governed top speed of 250km/h. Need more speed? Well you are in luck because the top speed can be increased to 280km/h, but you have to ask Audi nicely. Fuel consumption for the Audi RS 4 is estimated at 10.7 litres/100km.

In terms of handling, the Audi RS 4 is fitted with the Audi drive select system fitted as standard. Additional suspension options include dynamic steering, sport differential and sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Handling is also improved due to the fact that the RS 4 Avant sits 20mm lower than the outgoing model and the electromechanical steering offers excellent road feedback to the driver. 

Braking comes in the form of large internally ventilated discs and the front callipers making use of eight pistons. If that’s not enough, carbon fibre-ceramic discs are available but again you have to ask Audi nicely.

The elegant, all-black cabin with carbon inlays offers a classic yet modern interior. The multifunction leather sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom for a more sporty appeal and the head restraints are integrated into the backs of the S sport seats. Luggage space abounds in the RS 4 Avant and can range anywhere from 490 to 1430 litres of space, depending how you choose to fold the rear seats.

As you would expect from Audi, control and display elements are of a high standard and MMI navigation is optional. Audi also offers a selection of driver assistance and infotainment modules which include a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a Bluetooth online car phone.

This is all good and well, but we will have to wait and see if the new Audi RS 4 Avant will ever witness a South African sunrise.
  

 

News Source: Cars.co.za

Audi Q3 available in South Africa

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The Audi Q3 is taking the fight to the BMW X1 in the premium compact crossover segment and is now available in South Africa with five models to choose from. The Q3 is available in both petrol and diesel options.

All the models, except the base model, will feature quattro all-wheel drive. The Audi Q3 comes with a 2.0 litre turbo charged engine in both the diesel and petrol options.

The Audi Q3 won’t come cheap and the range includes the following,

• 2.0T FSI 125kW quattro - R404 500

• 2.0T FSI 125kW quattro S tronic - R421 500

• 2.0T FSI 155kW quattro S tronic - R467 000

• 2.0 TDI 103kW - R370 000

• 2.0 TDI 130kW quattro S tronic - R431 500

The 155kW 2.0 litre FSI clocks 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds while the 125kW 2.0 litre FSI and the 130 kW TDI will do 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds. There is a large range of extras available with the models but they all come at a price of course.

It will be nice to see the Audi Q3 on South African roads, do you agree?