Audi to tackle Pikes Peak without a driver

In its latest display of Vorsprung durch Technik, Audi plans to return to Pikes Peak — a hill climb in Colorado synonymous with past motorsport successes — with a “driverless” TTS Coupe quattro.

The Autonomous Audi TTS Coupe quattro is the direct result of work underway at the Volkswagen Group Automotive Innovation Laboratory (VAIL) — a collaborative effort set up by the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Laboratory and Stanford University — to advance car technology.

Now in the testing phase, the Autonomous Audi TTS quattro is being developed for several still-to-be determined real-world driving challenges next year, including a possible drive up the legendary 20-kilometre Pikes Peak Hill Climb route. This will not be a competition run, however, and is separate from the actual motorsport event being staged next July.

Audi says the Autonomous Audi TTS project is intended to explore the best capabilities of current and future driver assistance technologies to help the company enhance the experience behind the steering wheel for future driver generations.

Dr. Burkhard Huhnke, executive director of the Electronics Research Laboratory, says the technology found in the car could help motorists respond more effectively to changing traffic conditions to reduce road congestion and allow better reactions to safety hazards. Huhnke also says the technology could return time to the car owners by taking care of routine driving chores, such as locating an assigned space in a car park.

“We believe that developing a car that can perform as well and respond as rapidly as a ‘professional’ driver, like a race or rally driver, will eventually be able to drive its way around incidents in a way that a ‘normal’ driver couldn’t,” Hunke says. “While a less experienced driver may freeze or make the wrong ‘correction,' the Autonomous TTS would be able to take over or guide the driver to escape from a critical situation. It could also compensate if a driver is inattentive to conditions or distracted but of course, it won’t prevent all accidents.”

Audi That Drives Itself

The Autonomous Audi TTS Coupe is a prototype which differs from all production TTs in various ways, the most obvious being that it can drive itself.

Self-driving technology is not unknown within the Volkswagen Group, but the Autonomous Audi is being prepared for a number of tough challenges in 2010, one of which may be a drive up the 12.42-mile Pike's Peak hillclimb course in Colorado. This would not be a competitive run, and it would be separate from the annual hillclimb event, but if the car can get to the top without falling off the side of the mountain it would still be quite an achievement.

The eventual aim of all this is not to produce a car that customers would not have to - or be able to - drive themselves. As Dr Burkhard Huhnke of the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Laboratory explains, "We believe that developing a car that can perform as well and respond as rapidly as a 'professional' driver, like a race or rally driver, will eventually be able to drive its way around incidents in a way that a 'normal' driver couldn’t.

"While a less experienced driver may freeze or make the wrong correction, the Autonomous TTS would be able to take over or guide the driver to escape from a critical situation. It could also compensate if a driver is inattentive to conditions or distracted but of course, it won't prevent all accidents."

Driverless Audi TT

New TT S takes to the track, but leaves its driver at the startline!

It’s the world’s first driverless racing car. This very special TT is looking to set records as it makes its debut in one of the world’s toughest races.

The Autonomous Audi TTS quattro project is the firm’s latest display of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and will tackles the infamous Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the USA.

The car will use a pair of roof mounted cameras attached to powerful computers to literally “see” the road ahead of the car.

Steering, throttle and brakes all offer wireless control. Once in acion the car will be monitored by a team of specialists who will intervene if the car appears to head out of control.

The non-competitive “drive” will take place 30 years after the German manufacturer’s quattro permanent four-wheel-drive technology first appeared.

Developed using the an updated, minaturised version of the technology that powered the VW Touareg called “Stanley” to victory in a US defence department sponsored race in 2007, Audi says the project could ultimately benefit motorists worldwide, allowing for the development of novel accident protection systems.

2010 Senner Audi R8

Senner Tuning Ingelheim, located near Mainz, Germany, offers for Audi vehicles what they really deserve – finest tuning and unique individualization for Audi R8 4.
2 V8 FSI. Super Sport Concept is particularly remarkable for its technique, that has been thoroughly tested by mile-long test distances. At the same time car appearance is of utmost importance.

Super Sport Concept Program consists in uprating, exhaust system modification, body adjustable sport suspension and in special 20” wheel set.

For those who like power Senner Tuning also offers engine performance tuning. Thanks to new engine management, the use of special sport air filter inserts (double performance air filter kit with frontal inlet for mounting into serial air filter casings) as well as high quality exhaust system of finest high-grade steel with valve control (together with serial exhaust pipes), engine power increases up to 458 hp. At the same time maximum torque reaches breathtaking 470 Nm.

For R8 wheel upgrading Senner Tuning offers rims of special configuration. 9×20” or 11×20” diamond/black/polished two-part twin spoke alloy rims are completed by high performance (SportMaxx) 235/30-R-20 or 305/25-R-20 Dunlop tyres respectively. Perfectly tuned sport suspension springs get Audi about 25 mm closer to the asphalt on the front axle and 15 mm on the rear axle.

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, an AW Drivers Log

The great thing about this Q7 is that it doesn't smell, isn't loud and, if you didn't know any better, you wouldn't be able to tell that it was a diesel without the TDI badge on the back.

The exterior looks good with the large wheels. The interior also looks great and is very roomy. I picked up groceries last night and had cargo room to spare. I also noticed the third row seats that can be folded down flush with the floor, which is nice.

Driving this, I was shocked at how much power it had. It's easy to handle on the road and didn't feel as big as it really was. It is and would make for a great family hauler. The ride is what you would expect from Audi: smooth, controlled and safe feeling.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro with the high performance not only sport car but 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro also has the dynamic Body design and high-technology that support the power engine and comfortable interior design. The 2011Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro use V10 engine produces 386 kW (525 hp)

2011 Audi S5 Sportback

The abbreviation "S" stands for sports and also high efficiency - characteristic Audi features. The Audi S5 Sportback is the top model of the new Audi A5 Sportback model series. The five-door coupe is powered by a highly efficient, supercharged V6 engine with an output of 245 kW (333 hp). Power is delivered to the wheels via the seven-speed S tronic and quattro drive; the innovative sport differential is available as an option.

The Audi S5 Sportback is powered by a three-liter V6 with a mechanically driven supercharger. The supercharger sits in the 90 degree V formed by the banks of the cylinders and produces up to 0.8 bar of pressure. Two downstream intercoolers lower the temperature of the compressed intake air for improved filling of the combustion chambers.

The six-cylinder unit, which displaces 2,995 cc, embodies the Audi philosophy that performance and efficiency are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other perfectly. The engine delivers a constant 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The Audi S5 Sportback sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.4 seconds (provisional figure) and accelerates up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The spontaneous response, the powerful thrust and sonorous sound make for a thrilling driving experience.

The supercharged V6 unit consumes only 9.7 liters (provisional figure) of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg) on average - a top figure in this performance class.

The leading position of the Audi S5 Sportback is further underscored by its drivetrain technology. The top model comes standard with the seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a slight rear wheel bias. Optionally available is the sport differential.

The high-end rear-axle differential transfers the forces at the rear axle between the wheels as needed for even greater dynamism and stability.

The Audi S5 Sportback has a sports-tuned chassis. The S-design 18-inch cast aluminum wheels are shod with 245/40 tires. Wheels up to 20 inches are available as options. The black brake calipers are emblazoned with S5 emblems. Servotronic speed-sensitive steering is also standard, with dynamic steering optionally available. A strut brace provides the front section of the car with additional rigidity.

A number of features also provide visual cues to the Audi A5 Sportback's sporty nature. The front blade and the diffuser, the single-frame grille, the air intakes, the sill strip, the spoiler lip at the rear and the four-tailpipe exhaust system all sport an exclusive design. The side mirror housings shine in aluminum look and the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and rear lights are standard.

Inside, electrically adjustable S-design sport seats covered in Silk Nappa leather, a black or silver headliner and brushed aluminum inlays underscore the dynamic style of the high-end model. The pointers in the instrument cluster are illuminated white, and the color driver information system presents the S5 logo when the car is started. A leather multifunction sport steering wheel with aluminum-look shift paddles and a sport selection switch for the S tronic underscore the sporty aspect of this model. S5 badges adorn the door sill trims, the key, the steering wheel and the instruments.

The luxurious, climate-controlled comfort seats are available as an option. The seat coverings are available in black, brown and three two-color combinations. Inlays are available in carbon, fine-grained birch wood and stainless steel mesh. The metallic structure comprising countless steel fibers feels slightly rough - an extraordinary haptic experience.

The Audi S5 Sportback will be arriving at German dealerships in spring 2010 with a base price of 57,900 euros.

Audi Models in India

Popular Audi models range in on-road price from below rupees thirty-two lakhs to a bit above rupees one-Crore, including

Audi A4 (Sedan)

Available in two variants - A4 1.8L petrol and A4 2.0L diesel, this model caters to the premium luxury market in India. The A4 is the base range presentation in the range of world class Audi cars now available in India. This car is also marketed as a compact executive vehicle around the world. In India, style and substance make it a sure competitor to other C segment cars. The A4 offers an on-road price range between rupees thirty two and thirty four lakhs. The A4 Variants include

A4 1.8T (Petrol)
The Audi A4 1.8 turbo petrol is Audi's entry level petrol model in India which sports Audi's remarkable 1.8L In-line 4, 164bhp turbocharged petrol engine with MPFi fuel system. This engine is globally renowned for its high performance, acceleration and torque. New cars having a showroom price of Rs. 28,27,600, and on-road price of around Rs. 31,25,000 inclusive of all charges such as insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. A4 1.8T car prices vary with the car dealer's location.

A4 2.0 TDI (Diesel)
The Audi A4 2.0 turbo diesel is Audi's entry level diesel model in India which sports Audi's remarkable 2.0L In-line 4, 140bhp turbocharged diesel engine. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration and torque. New cars in this series have a showroom price ranging from around thirty lakhs to around thirty four lakhs inclusive of all charges like insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. A4 2.0 TDI car prices vary with the car dealer's location.

Audi A6 (Sedan)

The Audi A6 is truly a grand synthesis of performance, comfort, power, and style. It is the upscale presentation in the Audi series of premium range cars. With its multitronic gearbox, and comfort features it is a wonderful option to an E-class option. There is a host of features to choose depending upon the entry level to upscale presentation in the luxury segment where this car is placed. With its petrol and diesel variants targets the upper middle class and the rich Indian consumer and offers an on-road price range between rupees Fifty two and Fifty three lakhs. The A6 variants include

A6 3.0 TDI (Diesel)
The A6 3.0 TDI diesel is Audi's mid range diesel model in India, which features Audi's remarkable 3.0L DOHC engine with direct injection fuel system. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration and torque. At the showroom, this car costs around 47 lakhs with an on-road price of around 52 lakhs. This includes standard ancillary charges also.

A6 3.0 FSI (Petrol)
This A6 3.0 FSI petrol is the mid range petrol model in India, which features Audi's remarkable 3.0L DOHC naturally aspirated engine. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration and torque. The A6 3.0 FSI is now available at a showroom price of around 47 lakhs with an on road price of around 52 lakhs including supplementary charges.

Audi A8 (Sedan)

The A8 series is a great car that is serious competition for the Mercedes Benz S class. There's a great deal of technology in this car that converges into art at some point. The A8 features Audi's innovative Quattro 4-wheel drive, along with a user friendly multi-media interface. Audi (Sedan) The A8 with its petrol variants targets the upper middle class and the rich Indian consumer and offers an on-road price range between rupees Seventy one lakhs and rupees one Crore. The A8 variants include

A8 3.0 TDI (Petrol)
The A8 3.0 TDI petrol is Audi's starting range petrol model in India in the A8 series. It features Audi's remarkable 3.0L DOHC naturally aspirated engine. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration and torque. The A8 3.0 TDI is now available at a showroom price of around 64 lakhs with an on road price of around 70 lakhs including accompanying charges.

A8 4.2 FSI (Petrol)
The A8 3.0 TDI petrol is Audi's mid range petrol model in India in the A8 series, which features Audi's remarkable 3.0L DOHC naturally aspirated engine. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration and torque. At the showroom, this car costs around 71 lakhs with an on-road price of around 77 lakhs. This includes standard ancillary charges also.

A8 W12 6.0 (Petrol)
The W12 6.0 Quattro petrol is Audi's top range petrol model in India, which features Audi's remarkable 6.0L DOHC engine with DI fuel system. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration and torque. New cars in this series have a showroom price ranging from around ninety nine lakhs to 110 lakhs, which inclusive of all charges like insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. A8 W12 car prices vary with the car dealer's location.

Audi Q7 (Sedan)

Q7 is a futuristic completely luxurious SUV that leaves its rivals far behind. Equipped with highly enhanced features and state of the art technology, the Q7 is equipped with Audi's revolutionary Quattro four-wheel drive that makes you go gaga on its performance. The Q7 has the quality that a select few deserve. For the rest, they'll be content to just learn that the Q7 is a superb technology driven SUV that makes them get off the road to allow the Emperor pass along. The Audi Q7 with its petrol and diesel variants targets the upper middle class and the rich Indian consumer and offers an on-road price range between rupees Sixty three and Seventy six lakhs. Audi Q7 variants include

Q7 3.0 TDI (Diesel)
The Q7 3.0 TDI Diesel is the higher range diesel model in India, which features Audi's remarkable 3.0L DOHC naturally aspired CRDi engine with DI fuel system. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration, and torque. At the showroom, this car costs around 57 lakhs with an on-road price of around 62 lakhs. This includes standard additional charges also.

Q7 4.2 FSI (Petrol)
The Q7 4.2 FSI Quattro petrol is Audi's higher range petrol model in India, which features Audi's remarkable 4.2L FSI engine with DI fuel system. This engine is globally known for its high performance, acceleration and torque. New cars having a showroom price of Rs. 69.5 lakhs and on-road price of around Rs. 75 lakhs inclusive of all charges such as insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. Audi Q7 4.2 FSI car prices vary with the car dealer's location.

Audi A8 to Debut In Miami In Under Two Weeks

Audi’s centennial celebrations will come to a fever pitch Monday, when the car maker will unveil its all-new 2010 A8 flagship during the Design Miami art fair in Florida.

In order to showcase the new A8, Audi built its own pavilion on Miami Beach that also doubles as a museum. The reveal of the A8 will coincide with the opening of “The Art of Progress” exhibit at Design Miami, which Audi claims is inspired by both the new A8 and its own corporate philosophy.

“Since our inception, Audi has embraced progress in the quest to create groundbreaking technologies and deliver new ideas to the road,” said Rupert Stadler, chairman of Audi’s board of management. “Just as artists make it a mission to work for the untold future, so does Audi design to be relevant not just today, but for many years to come.

“The new Audi A8 embodies everything Audi stands for: fascinating innovation, uncompromising perfection, consummate craftsmanship, iconic design, and new ways of thinking. This is why we chose to present this car in this progressive environment while continuing our commitment to fostering design culture and the arts.”

Audi is really pushing the new design of the A8, so expect to see a radical departure from the

Audi Working On New V-10 Supercar

With Lamborghini working on a replacement for its Murcielago, word on the street is that Audi will use the new supercar’s platform for its own range-topping model. There will be one major difference between the two cars, however.

While the Lamborghini supercar will feature a powerful V-12 engine and compete with similarly endowed models from the likes of Ferrari and Aston Martin, the new Audi model will likely pack a V-10 engine and only develop around 600 horsepower.

Audi R8 V10

The shared platform for the future supercars is expected to be a heavily modified version of the current Audi R8’s aluminum spaceframe chassis. Extensive use of carbon-fiber will be employed to keep weight down and a hardy dual-clutch transmission is also likely to make the cut.

This new Audi supercar, which could be called the R10, will sit above the R8 and in keeping with this positioning it will be wider and longer than it as well. Audi quattro all-wheel drive will be standard.

According to sources, prototypes disguised as Lamborghinis are already testing at Germany’s Nurburgring, however, any release date is slated for beyond 2012.

Audi's A7 Caught At German R&D Facility

It's game set and ‘hatch’ for Auto Express’s spy photographers.
They snapped these world exclusive images of the new Audi A7 as it was prepared for a first road test in Germany. Our pictures reveal the car’s sculpted headlamps, as well as the practical tailgate, which is open.

Underlining the A7’s driver appeal is an imposing radiator grille and at the rear, the hint of an aerodynamic spoiler. The completely undisguised machine has been spied nearly 12 months ahead of its launch at 2010’s Paris Motor Show.

Underlining the A7’s driver appeal is an imposing radiator grille and at the rear, the hint of an aerodynamic spoiler. The completely undisguised machine has been spied nearly 12 months ahead of its launch at 2010’s Paris Motor Show.

New Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with superb on-road dynamics

It was late in the evening and the temptation of a short drive was too much to handle. The intent of branding the new Q7 as a luxury SUV was clear as brushed aluminium inlays glowed in the soft streetlight that filtered in through the large low windows.

The chocolate brown vehicle that we were sitting in came with an S line equipment package that translated into better aesthetics, on the inside as well as the outside. I didn’t mind.

The 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 TDI engine was quiet, though not as quiet as the one that comes with Mercedes-Benz’s M-Class. But this baby could pull... 240 hp coupled with 550 Nm of torque gave us near neck snapping acceleration. But the bull charge was soothingly smooth. We tried unsettling its almost 2,500-kg frame by throwing it into tight corners but the quattro (Audi’s 4-wheel drive system) sparred with us tenaciously. So, this bull could dance as well, I smirked.

The short drive in Lutyen’s Delhi was over in a jiffy. But I had bigger plans for the vehicle that Audi calls the best selling performance luxury SUV in India.

Early next morning, while snuggling into the beautiful front seat of the Q7 I noticed the speakers. A Q7 buyer has two options — a 10-channel Bose sound system and a 14-channel Bang & Olufsen system. I didn’t have an option because my Q7 came with the higher-spec 1000-watts B&O! Like I said earlier, I didn’t mind at all. It looked great and sounded better. John Lee Hooker and highway fog go well together I thought, and pushed in the CD.

As Hooker strummed and plucked the sun started cutting through the fog on NH8. Life felt good at 120 kph. Broad roads have this habit of making you feel that you are going slow. Or was it the car? Or both? Or was it Hooker?
Rhythms apart, the Q7 handles well despite its size. It’s not as taut as a BMW but feels more sublime and supple. And an X5 can never pamper you the way the Q7 can. But at the same time, I felt that in choc-a-bloc traffic it’s easier to sneak in through with the M-Class. But then again, I wouldn’t choose the Merc to power me through a super highway.

But the NH8 is not a super highway. Somehow it has lost its charm. The tarmac doesn’t feel fresh anymore and it’s way too crowded at anytime during the day. But I powered on, sometimes off roading through the edge of the road. The Q7, true to its genes, showed fantastic passing prowess. The top whack levels off at somewhere near the 210-kph mark.

And then I did something great. I saw an opening for a back road and quietly slid into it. Dirty dhabas were immediately replaced with high grass on both sides and the little road snaked through quaint villages. People stared as I tried to steer through nervous hens and arrogant goats. At one point, I even had to get down from the car to look for a goat that ran under the Q7’s huge bonnet. The point that I am trying to make here is that the SUVs from BMW have fantastic driver seats at the right height. But I had never thought that it would take a young goat for me to find that out!

On the road, the Q7 is great. Good power, class-leading luxury. But off the beaten path, I still have my reservations. It rolls way too much on bad roads and the ground clearance leaves a few stones unturned, quite literally.

But when compared to its immediate peers such as the BMW X5 and the Mercedes M-Class, it turns quite a few heads, offers far more space since it comes with a six-seater option, has more frills than necessary and drives, well, almost like a performance sedan. But I still wonder, why we have to call it an SUV.

Audi S4

The new 2010 S4 is bold and the body truly comes to life when you understand what kind technology
is under the surface; in short I think it is perfectly executed. Let me know what you think of the
2010 S4 in white, and if you have driven it let us know what you thought.

A look at the 2010 Audi S4 quattro MT6 Sedan

2010 Audi S4 quattro MT6 sedan

BASE PRICE: $45,900.

AS TESTED: $51,575.

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger, compact sport sedan.

ENGINE: 3-liter, supercharged V-6 with direct injection and dual intercoolers.

MILEAGE: 18 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 155 mph.

LENGTH: 165.4 inches.

WHEELBASE: 110.7 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,847 pounds.

BUILT AT: Germany.

OPTIONS: Navigation package $2,500; genuine silk Napa leather-trimmed seats $1,000; Bang & olufsen audio system $850; carbon interior inlays $500.

2010 Audi S4

2010 Audi S4 is a great car. With 333 supercharged horses and an elegant and well put together interior, what's not to like?

Audi's six-speed manual transmission is silky smooth, with a nice short throw. Engine power is plentiful thanks to the supercharger. But unlike most, there is no hint of that blower - no whine, no boost gauge to look at. In fact, it sounds like a normally aspirated V-6 but feels like a V-8.

Inside is absolutely gorgeous. The interior is classy and clean, yet trendy and sporty. Our black on black color scheme with aluminum accents was very nice. I'm not a fan of the electronic emergency brake; I still like the old-fashioned grab handle. But with Audi's MMI system, there isn't enough room for an e-brake lever. The seat bolsters wrap around your torso and hold you in, but they're still comforta

Audi's performance S4 drops its V-8 for 2010

Audi S4: Spied Audi S4's trademark exhaust pipes will now be aspirating a 248kW supercharged V6 engine

You don't see this very often: a car company dropping a V-8 engine from a performance car and replacing it with a V-6. But German automaker Audi does it in its 2010 S4 compact sedan.

The move not only creates a more fuel-efficient vehicle during these times of concern for the environment and oil supplies. It keeps performance because the 3-liter, double overhead cam V-6 is supercharged, has direct injection and 333 horsepower. This is just seven horses shy of the 340 horses in the V-8-powered predecessor S4.

The change for 2010 also allows a lower S4 retail price — all the way to $46,725, including manufacturer's suggested retail price and destination charge. At that price point, buyers get a base model with six-speed manual transmission, standard all-wheel drive, sport suspension, sunroof, leather seats, three-zone climate control and Xenon headlights.

The price is an attractive midway point for buyers of compact, luxury sedans who want a sporty edge.

A BMW 335i sedan with twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine had a starting retail price of $41,125 for the 2009 model year and produced 300 horsepower. A 2010 BMW M3 with 414-horsepower V-8 starts at $56,975.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 with 268-horsepower V-6 starts at $40,625, while a 451-horsepower 2010 Mercedes C36 AMG starts at $58,225.

The latest S4 is the performance version of Audi's best-selling sedan, the A4, and it also serves as an entry sporty sedan for the brand. So it's best that it's not too far out of reach, financially, for upwardly mobile buyers.

Company officials have said that the old S4 — offered as a convertible as well as sedan in the past — accounted for just 5 percent to 6 percent of U.S. sales of the A4 line. They're hoping for more like 15 percent for the lower-priced S4, which is available in 2010 as a sedan only.

If the test vehicle, in bright red paint and mostly black interior, was any indication, buyers will get a car that has personality galore. It was spirited, right out of the garage and down the driveway. A little nudge of the accelerator while I was in first gear pushed my head back into the head restraint.

Yes, that's healthy torque that peaks at 325 foot-pounds at 2,900 rpm.

With six-speed manual transmission, I roared past other cars on the highway and moved around double-parked cars in the city without effort. In fact, Audi said its tests show the V-6 S4 goes from standstill to 62 miles an hour in 5.1 seconds, which is 0.1 second faster than the heavier S4 with V-8.