Modification Contest

TheAudi A8 is the newest limo on the block and this is the A8 hybrid which aims to be the greenest in the segment. Shown at the Geneva show for the first time, the A8 hybrid’s drivetrain consists of two propulsion units – a 2.0 TFSI internal combustion engine and an electric motor – that develop a total output of 245 bhp and 480 Nm of torque. This enables a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time and a top speed of 235 km/h, done in Transporter style coolness.

A hydraulically operated wet clutch links the TFSI with the electric motor (with 45 bhp and 211 Nm), which makes available its grunt from standstill. In the boot lies the Audi’s lithium-ion battery pack, which still leaves 400 litres of luggage space. Subsystems that operate on engine power in a regular car have been modified to run entirely on electric power in the A8 hybrid, such as the air-con compressor, electromechanical steering system and brake booster, all managed by a “pulse control inverter” system. All these will appear in the Audi Q5 hybrid, to be introduced later this year.

This A8 is capable of fully electric-powered driving up to 65 km/h and for a distance “exceeding 2 km”. Normally, both work in tandem but above 65 km/h, the combustion engine propels the car alone, while the electric motor supplies ancillaries and recharges the battery. The TFSI is disconnected from the drivetrain when the driver chooses to coast. The e-motor also functions as a generator to recoup energy from braking and replenish the battery.

Green credentials? The A8 hybrid’s average fuel consumption is 16.1 km/l while CO2 emissions is 144 grams per km. These figures compare very well with the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, which does 12.7 km/l and 186 g/km. Launched last year, the car from Stuttgart pairs a V6 with electric motors for a combined 299 bhp/385 Nm, and was the first production hybrid to use lithium ion batteries

A hot RS version of Audi’s sleek A5 coupe has been rumoured for long, and now we can confirm its existance and possible debut at next month’s Geneva show, thanks to these leaked brochure images.

Not much is known technically, but some parties have said that the RS5 will be powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 with around 450bhp and 450 Nm.

From these images, we can see that the RS5’s redline is set at about 8200 rpm, so we’re looking at a high revving screamer here. Also gathered from the brochure is the lack of a manual option; Audi’s S-tronic auto transmission is pictured here. Options will include three types of front seats and four wheel designs. But no flat bottomed steering wheel?

This blog will be in Geneva to cover one of the main events in the motor show calendar, so stay tuned for live pictures and info, should the RS5 make a blazing debut in Switzerland. More images after the jump!

After months of releasing teaser by teaser, Audi has finally unveiled the production Audi A1 in full on the internet. For those who want to see the car in real space, it’ll be shown to public in the metal for the first time at the Geneva show at the end of this month. A baseline price has been revealed – about 16,000 Euros will be the minimum price you’ll have to fork out for this compact.

Audi claims the A1 is the first in the premium compact segment – and that’s some pretty strong words to say. Is he saying that Mercedes-Benz’s smart and BMW’s MINI brands are not premium enough? MINIs definitely have premium pricetags here in Malaysia, or is he saying that the A1 has far superior materials compared to the MINI? We’ll only find out if we get to see an actual production car.

According to the press release, customers can customize various features to their own personal tastes. Among the selections that an owner can make include colored air nozzles, LED interior lights, different colours for the roof arch and various colours for the seat covers. Audi also says the A1 offers the best audio system options in its segment – you are able to specify stuff like MMI navigation plus and even a 465 watt Bose surround sound system.

The A1 will debut with two petrol engines and two diesel engines. The petrol engines make either 86 horses and 122 horses, so they aren’t exactly going to be any threat to the Cooper S or JCW models from BMW, but that could be reserved for a model like an “S1″ or an “RS1″? The diesels are both 1.6 liter TDIs in different states of tune – 90hp and 106hp. The car comes standard with a manual but can optionally be equipped with a 7-speed Audi S-Tronic (DSG) dual clutch transmission.

Look after the jump for a full 23 page press release chock full of details as well as high res photos and a video. The video shows a German bloke explaining the design features of the A1.

What’s a successful halo car? In our opinion, a halo car has fulfilled its purpose if models below it start to ape big brother. The Lancer Evo is a classic example, and Audi seems to have executed a similar masterstroke with its R8 supercar. The mid-engined beauty that Tony Stark drives is so cool that it’s inspiring “R8 style” kits for cars like the Audi A5 and TT.

German tuner Hofele Design takes a shot at this direction with kits for the A5 Coupe, Convertible and Sportback. It comes with an R8-look front bumper with the air vents below the headlamps. Coupe and Convertible owners can even match it with the R8’s signature side blades and a rear bumper with faux air-outlets and integrated diffuser. Four exhaust tips complete the “transformation”.

Style is subjective – some might like it, but we think that these add-ons contaminate the sleek, classy design of the A5. Not to mention proclaiming to the whole world that “I can’t afford an R8″. I have seen an Audi TT with similar looks in the Klang Valley and was nearly fooled, from a distance I must add.

More pictures after the jump!