Tag Archives: Audi

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Audi offers the R18 LMP1 and RS 5 DTM to an exclusive clientele

Due to the difficult situation on the car market, many manufacturers are trying to find different solutions in order to keep the existing ones and get closer to new customers. Audi recently decided to offer racing cars to a certain number of customers and provide them with technical support. The first to be offered are the R18 LMP1 and the RS 5 DTM.

“We are rebuilding these chassis together with reconditioned parts from that time into racing cars according to strict standards and with a high level of expertise. In some cases, even the developers from that era are involved in the current projects. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the RS 5 DTM are two of the fastest racing cars we have ever built. Customers can look forward not only to extremely sought-after racing cars, but also to a firework display of driving emotions. Our customers become part of a select circle, benefit from our motorsport expertise and receive comprehensive support,” says Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

Both models have an impressive racing history, and although they are more than a decade older, only the F1 cars are more technologically advanced. The R18 LMP1 (chassis #207) achieved good results in the 2012 season. It won the 6 Hours of Spa, finished 5th at Le Mans, and managed to climb the podium in the remaining races of the season. It is currently unknown how many cars Audi will offer.

The RS5 DTM is not a typical sports car. It is a prototype with an RS5 body and is powered by a 2.0-L inline-4 turbocharged engine with around 600 hp. This chassis #107, which won the DTM final in Hockenheim in 2015, is equipped with numerous aerodynamic components.

Audi has announced that all deliveries will be made this summer, so hurry up if you are interested.

Source: Audi

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Audi offers the R18 LMP1 and RS 5 DTM to an exclusive clientele
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Audi halts car deliveries to the United States

After Donald Trump announced that the United States had imposed new tariffs (25 percent) on imported vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover suspended deliveries of its vehicles to the United States. Now Audi has taken the same steps.

On April 2, the US government imposed a 25 percent tariff on imported cars and parts, which has put domestic and foreign manufacturers in a big problem. This forced Audi to suspend deliveries of vehicles to the US. The latest information shows that distributors in the US have 37,000 cars, which is enough for about two months. Also, a large number of cars are in the ports, but they have not yet cleared customs.

Under the slogan “Make America Great Again”, Donald Trump has twice become president of the United States. During his campaign, he expressed many controversial views that many did not agree with. However, what he must be given credit for is that he is consistent with his announcements, no matter how strange they may be. One of them is the reciprocal tariffs that he signed on April 2.

This decision also brought dissatisfaction to some people close to Trump, such as Elon Musk, because his company Tesla will also be affected by tariffs and countermeasures, which some countries have already announced.

In the case of Audi, the company could start using production facilities in Tennessee, which belong to the Volkswagen Group. However, the current political and economic situation in the world is uncertain, and if it is not resolved soon, Audi will have to find new solutions.

Source: Reuters

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Audi R8 is coming back as plug-in hybrid

In March 2024, Audi announced that it would officially end production of its popular sports car R8, after 18 years and two generations. However, some reports suggest that the R8 could return as a plug-in hybrid.

According to Autocar, a third-generation R8 is in development and will be based on the same platform as the Lamborghini Temerario, with which it will also share an aluminum chassis, electronics and powertrain. This resolves the dilemma that arose earlier, that the replacement for the R8 could be an all-electric car.

The Temerario is powered by a 4.0-L V8 twin-turbo engine with 800 hp (596 kW) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque combined with three electric motors, for a total output of over 900 hp (671 kW). The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

At the end of 2023, Audi introduced the R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition as the last edition of this sports car, officially marking the end of its production. It is powered by a 5.2-L naturally aspirated V10 engine with 612 hp (456 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. The same engine powers the R8 V10 GT RWD, but this version has a seven-speed S-tronic transmission that sends power to all wheels.

The arrival of the new Audi R8 is expected in 2027, and fans of this model are now wondering if the German brand will produce a racing version, as was the case with previous generations.

Source: Autocar