AUDI TT RS

The TT RS has a new short-shift close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and like all "RS" models, is only available with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system, with the TT RS using a specially adapted version of the latest generation multi-plate clutch from Haldex Traction. Additions to the quattro system include a constant velocity joint before the cardan propeller shaft, and a compact rear-axle differential – uprated to cope with the increased torque from the five cylinder turbo engine.

As of 2010 the TT-RS is available with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission capable of handling the torque delivered by the engine. The 6-speed gearbox used in the TT-S cannot cope with 450 newton metres (332 ft·lbf) which is why the TT-RS initially was offered only with a manual transmission.

The A7 sits tightly between the A6 and A8 sedans and shares engines and transmissions. It has the same platform as the Audi A8, but gets the CLS tear-drop styling treatment and a cheaper price.

Audi Australia isn't talking about the A7 but expect a top-line 4.2-litre V8 quattro to cost about $195,000. That's a $10,000 discount on the A8 with the same mechanical specifications.

Audi Australia spokesperson Nadine Giusti says 'we cannot yet give you timing for local market launch. It will arrive here in 2011 but we cannot be more specific than that - it is too early for us to confirm'. However, she says hopes are high for sales success.
"We believe the car will do extremely well here," she says.

The A7 is to get Audi's ubiquitous 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel, which is likely to be the entry-level version, and get a price tag of about $140,000. Audi is aiming to lure CLS fans and pick up those enamoured by BMW's 5-Series GT.

Getting buyers into the four-ring brand starts with the A7's style, then extends to features including the panoramic glass roof, high-end leather and wood, large pop-up monitor, electric rear hatch, acoustic windscreen and optional heads-up display. The four-seater has a huge rear hatch over a luggage area of 535 litres, expanding to 1390 litres with the split rear seats folded flat.

The Audi A7 comes out of the Audi Sportback Concept that went on show at the Detroit motor show three years ago. It gets carry over items such as 20-inch wheels, LED tail lights and front eyebrows, and the long tapered rear deck.

Future models based on the A7 Sportback are a cabrio - which will be Audi's biggest ragtop and take on the Mercedes E-Class and even SL models, and a coupe to rival the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 6-Series.

AUDI R8

Audi could launch in the coming months an RS version of the R8 model. The information was presented by AutoExpress, an online magazine specialized in news about the auto technology. The extreme alternative will have a modified and it will benefit of a range of solutions to reduce the total mass.
Although Audi released a version of V10, for those who wanted a pure supercar branded by Audi, the manufacturer in Ingolstadt plans to build further the success of the current . The sports model could enjoy in future of an extreme version, able to carry the name of thep erformance division, which is SR.

To play at this level, the supercar will need a modified version of the V10 engine, capable of delivering at least 600 horsepower. The increasing of the baggage resources will be complemented by an intensive program to reduce the total mass.

Spy images, recently captured in a gas station near the Nurburgring circuit, show a prototype that strongly confirms the new version of R8. The model has some aerodynamic improvements (an extension made of carbon fiber located in front, new sides, a redesigned rear aileron and a new deflector), an exhaust system incorporated into the rear spoiler and another engine housing.

To cope with the new power input, RS R8 will have a set of more rigid suspension and a disc brake system with bigger discs. Although no official information has released in this respect, we can expect that the new version will give up the quattro wheel drive for a rear propulsion for some more thrills, but also for 100 kilograms in minus.

The interior will also be simplified because of the total mass reduction and the customers will enjoy and minimum comfort facilities.

AUDI-A9-FUTURE-CONCEPTS

     As far as we know Audi has no plans to come out with an A9 (as of yet). Yet at least one student has some ideas for the German car maker.

Pictured above is a concept car that uses "nanotechnology" to repair itself. A hybrid, this vehicle features an internal combustion engine, backed up by four electric motors—one in each wheel! Said nanotech supposedly allows the future owner to change the car's color on-the-go, and control the opacity of the passenger cabin bubble. In other words, this concept A9 is perfect for make out sessions (if you're worried from being in seen from the front or back, at least)!

The brainchild of Spanish designer Daniel Garcia, this concept A9 apparently takes some design cues from the tourist-friendly City of Arts and Sciences. How this is so should be the subject of the comments below. Whatever the case, Garcia has a good eye for aesthetics. We no longer have to worry about this atrocious fake A9.