Audi Sport, the automaker’s in-house racing division, will be using an all new diesel fuel to be used by its R10 TDI LMP1 cars at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race-only fuel not only produces ample power, but also dramatically reduces CO2 emissions.

All three of Audi’s highly successful 650-horsepower R10 TDI machines will be powered by an innovative V-Power diesel race fuel created by Shell.  Previously, the 5.5-liter V-12 racecars have used a synthetic diesel fuel derived from natural gas through a process called Gas to Liquid (GTL).

Shell’s newest diesel fuel incorporates a process called BTL, or Biomass to Liquid, which transforms biowaste (waste food or wood) into suitable synthetic elements designed to be used in conjunction with GTL.  When the older GTL race diesel is combined with the BTL mixture, the resulting synthetic race fuel is said to reduce C02 emissions by almost 90 percent, according to Audi. 

Extensive testing of the fuel on Audi Sport’s dyno was performed in order to ensure the fuel’s efficiency and low carbon footprint. Audi is also keen to point out the two types of diesels are sulfur free and odorless when emitted — meaning no more plumes of black smoke trailing from the exhaust pipes.   

Michael Dick, board member of Audi AG, stated in a press release that the 8.5 mile course at Le Mans will continue to be a key setting for which the automaker will develop its latest technologies (and fuels) for use in future road vehicles.

At this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi’s fleet of R10s will be piloted by nine drivers, including experienced ex-F1 driver Alan McNish who is looking to win Le Mans once again.  The race is the weekend of June 14-15.

The first public track test of the R10s powered by Shell’s BTL fuel will take place this Sunday, June 1, in Le Mans during the official pre-race testing session. 

Audi news sites are reporting that that a Cabriolet version of the Audi A5 will be launched at the Paris car show this September – with first delivery in the spring of 2009.

The vehicle will be produced by Karmann. The A5 and S5 cabriolets will receive a folding soft top similar to the tops in use for the A3 Cabriolet.

The engine options look to remain remain the same including the 4.2L V8 in the S5 coupe.

Audi have released some new official pictures of the Audi S3, and I have to say - it does look nice

At the week end at the Nurburgring 24-hour race a Privateer Race prepared Audi R8 is set to make its debut.

It isn’t, an Audi works car, but is instead being entered in the SP7 class by a German team called 24h-Project 2008: Blue-Tec. We have no idea what that name means and the team does not appear to have a website.

Its had its stock engine changed to race-spec four-litre engine putting out 530bhp and 353lb ft of torque… all in a car weighing just over a ton. Oh yes (as Jeremy Clarkson would say).

The race prepped R8 has lightened chassis, and features improved aero packages , high-mounted exhaust pipes and a diffuser.

Audi wins European Inventor of the Year 2008

Every year the European Patent Office joins up with the European Commission’s DG Enterprise and Industry to honour some of the continent’s brightest minds as the European Inventors of the Year.  This year in the industry sector Audi Won.  

Audi’s Norbert Enning, Ulrich Klages, Heinrich Timm, Gundolf Kreis, Alois Feldschmid, Christian Dornberg and Karl Reiter (Germany) for revolutionising automotive manufacturing by making car frames lighter and safer through the use of aluminium - the invention of Audi Space Frame technology (ASF).

Norbert Enning, 51, is one of Audi’s most inventive employees. Enning and his team developed ASF technology under the leadership of Heinrich Timm in the early 80s. He comments on the development of the Audi Space frame

“The body of the Audi A8 utilizing the ASF principle is one of the lightest in the luxury class,”

Since joining Audi in 1982, Norbert has made inventions in the areas of pedestrian protection and interior appointments in addition to his numerous inventions relating to the ASF design. He is currently engaged in the predevelopment of vehicle concepts.

The Audi A3 is the newest Audi Cabriolet, with the first deliveries just starting now.

The A3 cabriolet comes in three versions, with Sports and S line versions of the A3 cabriolet available.

Audi A3 Cabriolet Engine Versions

There are two petrol and two diesel engines and both manual and S tronic twin-clutch transmission on all models, except for the 1.9 TDI.

Audi A3 Cabriolet Standard Version

Standard versions of the A3 Cabriolet is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, powered windows and mirrors, a Chorus radio with single CD drive and semi-automatic hood operation. The hood is attached to and released from the windscreen rail manually, but retracts and rises at the touch of a button.

Audi A3 Cabriolet Sports Version

The Sport specification, costing an additional £1,850, has larger 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and sports seats with fully automatic hood operation, which adds automated “hands-free” detachment from, and attachment to, the windscreen rail, plus a wind deflector. The hood also incorporates additional acoustic insulation, maximising the potential for enjoyment of the upgraded Concert radio.

Audi A3 Cabriolet S Line Version

The S line specification for the A3 Cabriolet supplements the Sport equipment list externally with larger 18-inch 7 twin-spoke alloy wheels and S line body styling including exclusive front and rear bumper design. Inside, it adds extras such as leather and Sprint cloth combination upholstery embossed with the S line insignia, an S line multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle shift controls (for vehicles with automatic transmission), a perforated leather gear knob and matt-brushed aluminium inlays. S line specification carries a premium of £1,550 over the price of a Sport model.

Audi RS3 Cabriolet

No news yet if there will be a RS Version of A3 cabriolet. However, the RS3 Coupe is in an advanced state of testing some sources are reporting.

Cabriolets signal the beginning of the warm-weather driving season. With the sky as a roof, they hold out promises the wind rustling your hair. There’s a romance to cabriolet that a traditional Coupé can struggle to match.

Audi have a range of cabriolets from the new Audi A3 cabriolets through the A4 S4 and RS4 cabriolets to the flagship TT roadster soft topped Audi TT.

We will be doing a series on the range of Audi cabriolets staring with the Audi A3.

Contact Essex Audi for all your New or used Audi cabriolet needs - or if you are interested in an Audi Cabriolet as a company car take a look at our Audi Contract Hire site where an Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI 1.9 TDI starts from just £299 per month

Tony Stark the hero of the New Ironman Film drives an Audi R8 in the recently released film. There is an official microsite here and Audi will be doing several movie tie ins.

The theatrical trailer has some interesting shots in Tony Stark’s garage including a pre war silver arrow which can be briefly spotted in the back ground along with the R10.

Ford Cobra Fans might want to look away towards the end of the trailer.

Not to be out done by its super car sibling the R8, the Audi S5 also gets a look in as the ride of Virginia “Pepper” Potts, Starks PA played in the film by Gwyneth Paltrow.

Super hero films out side of the very well known hero’s don’t always work well transferring from comic book to screen but this one does have some good d reviews both from fans and the main stream press. In the states Iron Man is the second highest ever opening three days ($101 Million) for a non sequel film.

Saturday saw the launch of the Audi Q5 at the Beijing motor show – the first models will be arriving towards the end of 2008 – with an on the road price of just under £30,000.

Audi Q5 Engine Options

On launch there will be two diesels  and one petrol engine variants of the Audi Q5 available. The petrol powered Audi Q5 will use a new version of the 2.0-litre turbo unit found in other Audis It will deliver 211PS, giving the petrol engined Audi Q5 a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 138mph. Fuel consumption for the petrol Q5 comes in at 27.7mpg on the average cycle.

The two diesel powered Audi Q5 variants are a 170PS 2.0-litre with 35.1mpg and 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds, and a 240PS 3.0-litre V6 with  30.6mpg and a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds.

Audi Q5 Trim levels

Three body trim levels will be available at launch for the Audi Q5 – standard, S-line and off-road. The off-road pack includes underbody protection for front and rear and 19-inch alloys while S-line adds a sportier look to the car.

Audi Q5 Quattro

The Audi Q5 has quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style. When required, the quattro 4wd can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.

Contact Us for more information about the Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 will have a formal launch on 19 April 2008 - This is when information will be available from the Audi Q5 micro site

The Audi Q5, previously only available as long-range spy shorts and CGI rendered models, is the new kid on the small luxury SUV block, taking the fight to BMW X3 territory and the upcoming Mercedes GLK.

The Audi Q5 will have a range of petrol/ gasoline engines and turbo diesels. A hybrid may be in an option according to rumours - Quattro 4WD is a done deal. Engines will be shared with Tiguan, meaning 1.4 TSI, 2.0TDI, 3.0TDI

Check the Essex-Audi Blog on the 19th of April for more Audi Q5 Info.

You Can also Register on the Audi Q5 microsite to win a test drive in the Audi Q5