Novice R8 driver slams into barrier

Todays Lesson:
Liftoff-Oversteer

Virginia International Raceway

Audi Design Center in Californias R25 Concept Rendering

The R25 is designed to utilize and excel in this new racing system with features such as:

1. The new Dynamic Space Frame, allowing much greater degree of flexibility, integration of circuits and rigidity


2. Algae bio fuel for endurance and electric motor capability through Wireless power transfer technology


3. Audi Design: Staying true to the “Form is Function” philosophy, there is not an ounce of needless element in the R25, which incorporates advanced technique and efficient form management into one.
The car also uses: active micro-control surfaces which optimize airflow during the race; Man Machine Interface, which inputs all vehicle data output into the driver’s helmet visor; all-around vehicle dynamic sensors and integrated on-board HD cameras with real-time data links to allow for spectator interaction, allowing fans to virtually “sit” and experience the race in any racecar through monitors and virtual reality booths.

Audi S4 supercharger sourced from Eatons Poland plant

With Volkswagen sourcing a supercharger for its twincharged Golf GT,
Audi has done the same and sourced its upcoming S4 sport sedans supercharger
from Eaton's facility in Tczew, Poland with production already ramped up to supply with demand anticipated from Audi.

Audi trumped by Honda Accord 2.2 litre Diesel engine

After just finishing its Mileage marathon Audi has announced real world mpg in its A3, A4, Q5 diesel powered engines. The best Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro had an average fuel consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (44.38 US mpg); the new Audi Q5 3.0 TDI performance SUV finished the test with a convincing 6.1 l/100 km (38.56 US mpg).
In its first tough road test since it was announced, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system performed outstandingly well: the world’s cleanest diesel scored a best average fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100 km (33.13 US mpg).
The lowest consumption of all the cars taking part was the 4.7 l/100 km (50.04 US mpg) achieved by the Audi A3 2.0 TDI.


Hot on the heels of this completion Honda has announced its newer road tested 2.2 litre Diesel engine is headed to the US in Acura guise offered in the TSX andas a newer Accord engine option which gets 53 miles a gallon on the highway, 34 in the city and 44 in combined driving.

The engine, a 4cylinder diesel at 2.2 liters & producing 140 horsepower/250 pound-feet of torque. The engine will be using a new system developed with Bosch exclusively for the diesel market. The engine will meet 50state emission standards with out a need to carry an on board dillution of urea, to scrub smog nitrogen oxides from exhaust output. Honda’s patented pollution system can generate its own ammonia for the same purpose.

With Audi finally deciding to bring over a 2.0 litre turbo Diesel option and the Honda engine naturally apsirated only making 30 less hp and 8 ilbs ft less torque Audi has some serious competition now in the 4 cylinder diesel game.

Competition heats up for future LMP1 category

With an almost win by Peugeot, Audi now has Honda, & GM who are considering entering LMP1/ GM would enter a chassis running a LS7 and turbocharger setup. So far with the economic crisis GM has not stated if and/or when it would have an entry ready. Porsche and Acura are already in the LMP2 category for ALMS, Audi with its newer R15 has quite the competition mounting.

Porsche, Audi looking into IRL

The IndyCar series had invited a number of engine suppliers, along with current supplier Honda, to work on developing a four cylinders- inline - turbocharged engine for the series to be used starting in 2011.

Rumours that the meeting was held secretly are false, as reported in a past issue of RaceCar Engineering Audi, Porsche, Lola, and Alfa Romeo were invited to give feedback to the IRL for future engine development.

Porsche competed in CART in both 1989 and 1990 campaigns, even managing a victory with Teo fabi in '89 but the German Manufacturer quit after it ran into controversy with the other teams when it constructed its own carbon fibre car.

Alfa Romeo, had also a go at CART in 1990 and 1991 but it also ended abruptly after it was unable to develop a proper engine due to the fact that the engine designer started out from an old Ferrari engine that they tried to convert to no avail.

Audi, owned by Volkswagen, is the only engine supplier who has never participated in either CART or IRL series. Still, the German manufacturer has had tremendous success in the Le Mans 24H and in the American Le Mans series. Although Volkswagen has supplied engines for F3 the old 1.8T producing 200bhp which was more than enough for these lightweight cars similiar to Formua Ford in design.

Audi technology helps drivers avoid red lights

The German carmaker Audi is testing technology that lets computers inside traffic lights talk to computers inside cars. This exchange allows cars to calculate which driving speeds will minimize the number of red lights they encounter.

Better still, according to an article in Wired, if enough cars start using the technology, the lights could start inferring traffic volume and changing their timing to minimize delays.

The concept is interesting, but I place little faith in concepts that require massive infrastructure upgrades in order to work. Given that almost no American cities even spend the money to pave their roads properly, I doubt that any big city will spend millions of dollars to upgrade traffic lights.

Automotive technologies -- to be practical -- have to be self-contained. We are much more likely to see lane-management systems that rely on in-car cameras than we are to see lane-management systems that rely on sensors embedded inside the roads.

Of course, things are different in Germany, where Audi is based. I'm not sure they'll spend the money to upgrade their traffic lights, but at least they keep their roads paved beautifully.

4 New Audi subcompacts US only getting 2

The A1 and S1 will be available in Europe and other markets, but are deemed too small for American buyers. Bringing the cars to the U.S. in a few years' time isn't beyond the pale, but there are no plans to do so at Audi as yet, reports Car and Driver. The A1 has recently been previewed in the form of the A1 Sportback Hybrid concept and last year with the A1 Metroproject. The A1 had been cast as a competitor to Toyota's iQ, but with the recent hints that the iQ might be marketed as a Scion in the U.S., that comparison is unlikely to hold.

The Q1 is at least 4.5 years out and Audi's member of the board for management and technical development Michael Dick, can't be certain if it will make it to North America, though he says it's "conceivable". So far there are noplans to bring the Q to the UnitedStates.

Pricing in Europe can be aggressive but still allow for adequate margins, whereas the exchange rate to the U.S. dollar makes aggressive pricing a losing battle, with volume coming only at the cost of profit. Latest reports indicate the Q1 will measure approximately 3.95m in length and will feature a coupe-styled body with just two-doors and a rear hatch. Power is expected to come from a 1.4L TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 125hp (93kW) or a TSI unit with 150hp (111kW). Diesel fans will be able to pick from a 1.2L TDI with 80hp (59kW) or a 1.6L TDI with 119hp (88kW).

Audi signs deal with Alcoa for Durabright Technology

Alcoa , a company engaged in the production and management of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium and alumina combined, declared on 10 October that it has entered into an agreement with Audi AG to supply its 18 inch forged aluminium wheels with Dura-Bright technology surface treatment for the new 2009 Audi A6.

The DuraBright technology has been reported as the companys latest innovation in aluminium. The technology lowers maintenance efforts and enhances the image of the vehicle and the ownership experience by making the wheels easy to clean while protecting against corrosion.
The proprietary Dura-Bright technology surface treatment was launched by Alcoa into the automotive marketplace in 2007. Fitment on the Audi A6 signals the first application of Dura-Bright technology for a European luxury sedan.
In addition, all Dura-Bright technology wheels are produced by Alcoa's forged engineering expertise. Alcoa forged aluminium wheels provide increased strength and durability gains and are typically twice as strong as a comparable cast aluminium wheel in crush tests, according to the

Audi Sees Green...

The Audi Q7 luxury sport-utility
vehicle earned the highest rating in its category under a new consumer
sentiment index aimed at identifying the smartest "green" choices available to
U.S. consumers.

This is the first year for the SmartGreen Index(SM), or SGI(SM), tabulated
by the San Diego-based marketing research firm Strategic Vision. The index is
based on actual customer experiences with perceived quality, overall value
(the "Smart" components) and performance on environmental measures, such as
fuel economy (the "Green" component). Strategic Vision weighs customer
responses to find trends that would best predict customer advocacy, owner
satisfaction, brand loyalty and, in the end, model and nameplate sales.


The Audi Q7 stood out in those measures among all 2008-model and 2009-
model luxury SUVs.


"This recognition provides further proof that Audi vehicles overall, and
the Audi Q7 in particular, offer exceptional satisfaction and long-term
value," said Audi of America Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen. "It
also clearly reinforces Audi's commitment to provide environmentally sensitive
vehicle choices throughout our model lineup."


Strategic Vision said the 2008 index digs into consumer data to find the
few models that provide "a meaningful emotional connection" with U.S.
consumers. Simply claiming the best fuel-efficiency numbers, a hybrid power
plant or strong customer-satisfaction scores isn't enough, Strategic Vision
officials explained.