2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder

The Audi R8 GT Spyder high-performance sports car develops 560 hp and has trimmed a full 187 lbs (85 kilograms) from an already low weight. The R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h).

One year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT in coupe form as the new flagship model of the R8 model line. It wasn't long before all 333 units in the limited series were sold out. Now the open-top version of the high-performance sports car is being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each car sports a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.

The Audi ultra lightweight technology is the key to the R8 GT Spyder's weight of just 3,616 lbs (1,640 kilograms). That's 187 lbs (85 kilograms) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 214 kilograms (471.79 lb) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.

The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 12 lbs.

2011 Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro Concept

The Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW fans takes place from June 1 - 4, 2011.

The heart of the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro is a classic Audi gasoline engine - a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 liters with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 503 hp and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.

The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.

Another area where the A1 Clubsport Quattro shines is its overall weight of just 3,064 lbs (1,390 kilograms). The powerful engine catapults the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. From 0 to 124 mph takes just 10.9 seconds, while the car goes from 50 to 75 mph in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 155 mph (250 km/h).

The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 Clubsport Quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.

Audi TT RS

A supercar manufactured by Audi,the Audi TT RS is to be officially revealed at next month’s Geneva Motor Show but the power of the internet again prevails as we now have official shots and an audio clip of the TT RS.This supercar will be powered by a 2.5-liter five cylinder turbocharged powerplant. Officially Ingolstadt’s hottest ever TT model, it is also a tribute to the spirit of the original Quattro model of the 80’s.

The new addition to the RS line up is good for some very impressive numbers - 340hp and a max torque of 450Nm, 0-100 in under five seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. All that power is channel to all four wheels - or Quattro all wheel drive system in Audi lingo - through a six speed manual gearbox.

On the outside, the TT RS gets a rather subtle treatment over the 272HP TT S model that includes slightly larger front air vents, a distinctive rear diffuser, a fixed boot spoiler and twin-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, there’s a leather multifunction sports steering wheel and sports seats in a combination of Alcantara and leather. Check out the gallery below, more details on this next week.

Final Buell motorcycle assembled in Wisconsin

As far as motorcycle manufacturers go, Buell lived a relatively short life. Founded by a former Harley-Davidson engineer in 1993, the sportbike company was acquired by HDMC in 2003. But hard times falling on businesses large and small forced Harley to announce Buell’s closure. And now the last Buell has been pushed off the assembly line and into the great wild yonder.

After 136,923 motorcycles built over the course of 26 years of production, the final model produced was the black Lightning XB12Scg pictured above. On December 18, the plant in Troy, Wisconsin, will officially close down, while the existing network of dealers continue to sell off the remaining stock.

Farewell, Buell. We hardly knew ye.

[Source: Motorcycle News]

Final Buell motorcycle assembled in Wisconsin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.