Audi news (long)

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

Hi all,

The latest edition of the German magazine 'Auto, Motor und Sport' is
crammed with Audi news. I don't know if it's been mentioned on the list
yet, I haven't had much time to read lately. I've done a quick summary and
translation for anybody interested...
Remember, most of this news is based on AM+S's hearsay, guesswork etc.
Don't take anything for gospel. Intro dates/pricing are for Germany. Sorry
for the metric-only data.

A8 gets W12 engine
To enable the A8 to compete more on a level with the Mercedes S and BMW 7,
Audi has decided to equip it with a productionalized version of the W12
shown in the Avus years ago. The show car's engine was based on the
then-common VR6 (narrow-angle block with a common cylinder head for both
cylinder banks), the current version is however made from two V6es. The
all-alu 48-valve W12 totals 5.6 litres in displacement (5524 cc). The
camshafts are hollow, the cam profile itself pressed on. There's a
15-degree variation in the angle of the inlet cam. The compact (510 mm
long) engine fits the A8's engine compartment without much alterations, the
only outward sign being two small 'power bulges' on the hood to clear the
airbox. The shape of these bulges has been computer-manipulated onto the
S8's hood and IMO looks pretty good. Naturally the W12 will be
quattro-only, looking externally like the S8 but only available in the
lengthened version.

On top of the W12, Audi and VW plan on introducing an 8-litre W16 engine.
630 hp and 760 Nm are promised, according to AM+S.

Al2 introduced as A2
The new A2 will be the only car not destined (yet?) to get the quattro
system, as it 'doesn't fit the concept'. This high-tech all-alloy car will
go head-to-head with Mercedes-Benz' A-class, and beat it comfortably on
novelty value alone. Based on an alloy space frame like the A8, the A2 will
basically be a sanitized, prodictionized version of the Al2 show car with
low fuel consumption as its USP. The 75 hp 1.4-litre 16-valve engine from
the Golf and A3 will give the 850 kg car performance comparable with the
A3/Golf with 1.6-litre 100 hp engine. The 3-cylinder TDI introduced in the
VW Lupo will also become available in the A2, making it (together with the
Seat Arosa) the third VAG car capable of the hallowed 3 litre/ 100 km fuel
consumption. The A2's TDI engine will be a cast-iron block instead of the
Lupo's alloy effort. The IAA will also be the introduction for the
direct-injected petrol engine, featured in the A2- this 1.4-litre engine
will turn out some 100 hp and will use 10 to 15 % less fuel than the
regular 1.4. VW is cooperating with a major oil company to introduce
low-sulphur fuel next year, and this engine is optimized for the use of
such fuels. The unique shape of the A2 (with 1.55 m interior height
considerably roomier than an A3) will be the technology leader for Audi,
embodying the 'Vorsprung durch Technik' motto. Emphasis will be on comfort
and performance without sacrificing economy. Audi are planning to turn out
between 50-100,000 of these cars starting next year. Price will be some DM
30k- high-tech doesn't come cheaply.
My personal opinion? The least attractive Audi made so far, with a front
end resembling a squashed TT and somewhat weak shapes all over. The closed
front grill (for aerodynamic purposes) doesn't make it look any better
either. It is a very credible high-tech platform for Audi though, enhancing
the image of the company to include 'caring, environmentally friendly and
innovative'.
I think it will be safe to say that the US won't get the A2.

RS4 and S6
To compete with the BMW M3 and AMG C43, Audi will introduce the RS4, with a
twin-turbo 2.7 V6 turning out 400 hp. This car will once more be built by
quattro GmbH and will be introduced on the next IAA in Frankfurt.
The upcoming S6 will have the V8 of the current 4.2 version, but in S8 tune
with 340 hp and 420 Nm. Outwardly it will be recognizable by its
fully-painted bumpers (as per the US-market A6), polished door mirrors,
S-series grill and 18in Avus alloys like those on the S8.  Tyres will be
225/40 R17.
Acceleration is quoted as 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) taking 5.4 s, top speed
will be the usual electronically-governed 250 km/h. The S6 will be for sale
from August, at a price of DM 120,870. Nothing is said about transmissions,
but given Mr. Piech's alleged hate for autoboxes, I guess there will be at
least the option of a six-speed manual.

Audi MY'00 model changes
The A3 gets ESP, standard from the 1.8T/150 hp version. All A3s can be
ordered as five-door models and new colours and trim variations are
introduced to 'refresh' the range.
The A4/A4 Avant get ESP as standard from the 2.4-litre version, for
lower-spec models it's optional but at a cost of DM1000 instead of the
DM1600 previously. The seat belts will be fitted with limiters to control
the amount of force, and the vehicles will be made D4 emission standard
compliant.
All A6es get 16in wheels instead of the 15ins on some older models, whereas
higher-spec models get 17in as standard. All 6-cylinder petrol-engined cars
will be equipped with ESP, and optional equipment will include an
electrically adjustable steering column and the Sideguard system.
The A8 will be introduced in the long version, lengthened by 13 cm (ca.
5in). The TT and Cabriolet will be inproved in small details only.

TT Roadster
The media are awash with the TT Roadster these days... praise is heaped on
the car, and I'm starting to like it more every time I see it. Luckily, the
dark grey body colour and 'baseball glove' upholstery is retained for the
production model- IMHO it looks absolutely stunning in this combo. Being a
model-car nut, I bought the Revell 1:18 version this weekend, and I've been
drooling all over it. It's one of the few open-topped cars that look good
even with the top up- the superb lines of the old Porsche 356 Speedster
have been emulated for this purpose. According to AM+S this hasn't been
done successfully, but I don't agree here.
Weight of the Roadster is up 105-155 kg when compared with the Coupe (40
kgs of which is in the body), and it's reported as being absolutely rigid
and rattle-free. There will also be a 225 hp quattro version of the
Roadster.

Tom Nas
Zeist, The Netherlands
1987 Audi 90 quattro, neglected in the sun.