2014 Audi S8 Review

The S8 is Audi’s big sports sedan. Its 4.0 TFSI paired with quattro all-wheel drive accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds, yet consumes on average just 9.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (24.50 US mpg), corresponding to 225 grams CO2 per kilometer (362.10 g/mile). The COD technology that greatly improves the efficiency of the sonorous, twin-turbo V8 under part load is largely responsible for this top value. In four-cylinder mode, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses precise antiphase noise to eliminate intrusive noise in the interior, while active engine mounts dampen vibrations. The A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid also have the ANC system on board.

The Audi S8 is the only member of the A8 family whose exhaust system ends in two elliptical dual tailpipes. Dynamic steering, the quattro powertrain with sport differential and the adaptive air suspension sport with an S-specific setup are standard. The wheels are 20 inches in diameter, and the brake calipers on the front axle bear S8 emblems.

The Audi A8 can be distinguished visually by means of several distinctive design modifications The Audi design selection black/vermont brown with Carbon twill copper inlays is available for the interior.

Photo Credit: © Audi

Audi R8 V10 Plus Review

The Audi R8 V10 plus is a new top model in the model series, with a totally new 7-speed S tronic. The LED headlights and the new rear indicator lights with dynamicized display are standard equipment on all variants. 4.44 meters (14.44 ft) long, 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide and only 1.25 (4.10 ft) meters high (Spyder: 1.24 meters (4.07 ft)) – the broad Audi R8, developed and built by quattro GmbH, stands firmly on the road, ready to pounce. New details lend its design even more acuity. The single-frame grille with the beveled upper corners is painted high-gloss black, with horizontal chrome inserts adorning the struts on the V10 variants. The bumper is also new, with the air inlets bearing three crossbars each. As an option, Audi installs a front splitter made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The splitter is standard on the new R8 V10 plus.

Audi offers the R8 in the two solid colors Ibis White and Brilliant Red, in four metallic shades and with five pearl effect / crystal effect coatings. For the R8 V10 plus a matt effect color is available as an exclusive feature. The side blades on the Coupé come in eight colors, while the soft top of the R8 Spyder comes in black, red or brown.

The R8 V10 plus, available only as a coupé, brings the needle to 1,570 kilograms (3461.26 lb). Adjustable bucket seats with glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) chassis, less use of insulating materials, special light alloy wheels and chassis components, including the standard ceramic brakes, as well the CFRP add-on parts at the body all contribute to lowering the weight.

Developing 404 kW (550 hp), its maximum torque is 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. With S tronic, the R8 V10 plus, available only as a coupé, catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph); the average fuel consumption rate is 12.9 liters per 100 km (18.23 US mpg). The key data with manual transmission are 3.8 seconds, 319 km/h (198.22 mph) and 14.9 liters (15.79 US mpg).

2013 Audi R8 V10 Plus costs EUR 173,200.

Photo Credit: © Audi

2013 XXX Performance Audi R8 V10 Review

The broad mudguard, stone deflectors and sill-board of the aggressive GT-X650 wide-body kit transform Audi to an outright “monster”. Sophisticated details such as air inlets in the front and rear mudguards or the huge openings of the exhaust pipe-end make the wide body kit a unique product. The construction set is also optionally obtainable in a “slender” GT-X600 version. As opposed to the broad-construction body kit, this variation contains no broad mudguard but consists exclusively of front and rear aprons, side skirts and V10 side blades to match.

Attached parts such as external rear-view mirrors, roof scoops, side blades and rear diffusers are optionally obtainable in real carbon or can be covered in carbon-look wrapping – in any case, the dark carbon structure provides sensational contrast to the blue CFC chrome wrapping. XXX-Performance has added the Audi-Plus full LED headlamps and tail-lamps that are also obtainable from XXX-Performance, to match the brute visual appearance of the sportscar. Compared with the serial illumination system of Audi, the Audi-Plus headlamps and tail-lamps make the distinctive proverbial difference like Night and Day.

The H&R coilover kit that was converted by XXX-Performance from steel springs to air bellows ensures an extreme lowering of the blue bolide. Moreover, the driver will be able to conveniently adjust the height of the vehicle from the vehicle’s interior by a mere touch of a button. With barrel-type 235/30 and 325/25 Hankook tyres, there is hardly any space left in the wheel houses. The three-part GTR forged wheels in the dimensions 9×20 inches and 13×20 inches with sporty and elegant looks are taken from the US rim manufacturer Forgiato.

Talking of performance-boosting however, XXX-Performance draws from abundant resources. Using chip-tuning and carbon air-box and several additional modifications, the V10 attains a performance output of 650 Horse Power. The performance of the brute acoustics of the exhaust system, whose loudness can be regulated using a valve control system, can be specifically underscored. With valves open, the V10 roars out loud and unrestrained, the full extent of its performance capacity and sets sheer fire on the road surface.

All further facts as well as price and delivery information can be obtained directly from www.xxx-performance.de

Photo Credit: © XXX Performance

SpeedART Porsche Cayman SP81-CR Review

The SP81-CR bodykit depends on the rear wing, rear diffuser and a front chin spoiler. This new rear wing is developed for mounting on the original spoiler feet with an impressive sportive design. The body kit is designed to be painted in the well-known speedART bicolor optic, which was released on the first time at the PS9-Panamera bodyparts and which is also shown on the new S91-R body kit which is based on the 991 Carrera and new Boxster 981. The SP81-CR will be integrated seamless in the existing design-line and creates a high value of brand recognition for speedART cars.

There are different levels of power kits for both brandnew 981 Cayman and Cayman S engines. Starting with a complete modified sport exhaust system with sport-catalysts and manifolds (optionally combined with a sound switch function), there will be a perfect calibration of the ECU map to increase the power of the 981 models up to 35 hp + 30 nm including a fascinating and impressive sound.

speedART offers the forged and modular LSC- wheel. This special speedART-LSC-FORGED wheel is a complete new innovation which is especially made as a super light forged version in 20” and 21” which will be availiable in diffrent colors of the center star and outer rim to emphasize the individuality of each LSC-FORGED wheel.

For further information please visit www.speedART.de

Photo Credit: © SpeedART

ABT Sportsline Audi AS4 Review

The ABT AS4, based upon the Audi A4, sets standards in terms of sportiness, especially in the now available version with the 3 liter six-cylinder engine. The new 3.0 TFSI variant of the A4 has been optimised by the ABT engineers and the performance increased by a full 108 hp (79 kW). With 380 hp (279 kW), this new model is always the right companion. Torque has been increased by 100 Nm to 500 Nm; the turbo V6 is always powerful, even when fully loaded, so it’s always on top of every traffic situation. But it isn’t only for the 3 liter six-cylinder petrol engine that ABT Sportsline provides the right upgrades. The portfolio for the A4 and the A4 Avant has the right version for all you may want. Be it a turbo petrol engine or a balanced and powerful diesel engine for people who use their car a lot and want to economise.

The ABT Sportsline designers also developed aerodynamic components for the A4 limousine and the A4 Avant: front spoiler, fender inserts and side skirts shape the elegant silhouette. The rear end is assertive with its rear spoiler, rear skirt and 4-pipe exhaust system. And that’s just as it should be for the road behaviour of the ABT AS4, which is also improved by the CoG being lowered by the suspension springs, thus underscoring the A4’s sporty looks. The ABT height-adjustable coilovers, combining maximum comfort with optimum road behaviour, are really “premium”. We also recommend ABT sport-type wheels: the new highlight is the attractive ER-C. With its five double spokes, it is fully in line with the design of the Audi A4 and underscores this car’s forward thrust. This model, and the CR and DR, are available in 19 and 20 inches and in combination with high-performance tires. The ABT AS4 is really a roadworthy athlete – especially with the 3.0 TFSI.

Photo Credit: © ABT Sportsline