Category: Audi

Audi plans to give its stunning R8 some minor cosmetic work before the next-gen model appears sometime around 2014, or maybe even 2015. These spy shots give us a few clues of what to expect for the facelifted R8, or product improvement to use correct Audispeak.

It appears as though LED headlights could become standard fare, with revised housings. And also the front grille has received minor work, although a train spotter would be happy to notice it. At the back this V10 model has round exhaust tips, instead of the oval shape used on the current model.

These changes should be seen on production models before the year is out. Perhaps our Australian readers may need to wait until early 2013, but that’s just a guess on our part.

[Source: Autoblog | Pics: CarPix]

In their wisdom Audi only ever made the RS3 in a five-door Sportback layout. Being lovers of three-door hatchbacks here at AUSmotive that made us a little sad. But automotive pixel maestro Theophilus Chin has come to the rescue with his work on the RS3 coupé you see above (and below).

Chin has mixed equal parts A1 clubsport and RS Q3 concept to create his vision of an RS3 coupé and we think it’s tops.

[Source: Theophilus Chin]

A couple of days ago Audi gave us details of its RS Q3 concept which will make its public debut at Auto China 2012 in Beijing next week.

The RS Q3 features a TT RS Plus sourced 265kW turbocharged five cylinder and that alone makes it a pretty cool machine we reckon.

Here’s a bunch of photos to complement the original story. If you like ’em make sure to click each pic to load a 2000px version.

The hi-po version of the Audi A6 Avant has been spotted testing on the Nürburgring. The third-gen RS6 should be good for around 540hp thanks to a new twin-turbo V8.

That’s actually down a bit on power compared to the astonishing Lamborghini-sourced V10 in the old RS6. When we drove that back in 2008 we said: “The power and the subsequent hit of adrenalin are insanely addictive in this car.”

We can only imagine Audi will be working hard to ensure none of that rush is lost in the new model, despite two less cylinders and a bit less power. Audi may continue to stick with a conventional torque-converter slushbox (8-speed) for the RS6 with concerns the 7-speed S tronic may not be able to handle the grunt expected.

It’s expected the RS6 will make an official appearance at the Paris Motor Show later in the year, before going on sale in 2013. It should pave the way for an RS7 Sportback sometime next year.

[Source: Car]

As expected, Audi announced overnight they had completed a takeover of premium motorcycle manufacturer Ducati. The buyout figure hasn’t been confirmed by Audi on record, but it’s believed the sum was around €860m (AU$1.08b).

In a company statement Audi Chairman, Rupert Stadler, said: “Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles.

“It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi.”

Meanwhile, Reuters reports these comments from Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch-Gladbach: “I can’t think of a concrete reason for Audi to warrant a business case for buying Ducati. Ducati doesn’t enhance Audi’s business model in any way, it’s just a trophy in the wall cabinet.”

Audi’s official statement justifies the purchase: “The progressive control systems and special combustion chamber process of Ducati engines, their resulting sporty character, and Ducati’s extensive know-how in lightweight construction thus offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group.”

Ducati becomes the twelfth trophy in the Volkswagen Group cabinet, joining other performance brands such as Bugatti, Lamborghini and Porsche.

The iconic Italian bike maker started life in 1926 making parts for radios, before producing its first motorcycle in 1949.