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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2017

Audi Reveals the Semi-Autonomous 2018 A8 Sedan

With the ever-growing market for crossovers and mid-size SUVs, the market for big sedans is becoming intensely competitive. A new 2018 Audi A8 has been promised for a while. but it looks like they were making sure it was ready to shock the world. In a press release early this morning, the details of their new flagship are outlined. Starting with the most obvious, a new design language sets a precedent for the lesser models to follow. The grille is much larger and more angular. This helps to give the luxury car a more imposing look while hiding the autonomous driving sensors in plain sight.Also Check Out: 2017 Audi A8 3.0T ReviewThat's right, the new A8 will arrive with three autonomous modes. Garage will get you out on the street, parking will find the perfect spot, and traffic jam uses laser scanners to map the masses around you. Both the long and short wheelbase versions have grown in length, so to keep them as agile as a compact sedan, all wheel steering is now standard. The suspension is now fully electric, incorporating 48-volt solenoids to cushion your ride. If your feet become weary on a long trip, hop in the optional relaxation seat. The right rear seat is loaded with HD matrix reading lamps, heat, and a FOOT MASSAGER!. Yes, Shiatsu in the passenger seatback will soothe your soles while your driver takes in the aroma. A wireless control pad with OLED display is stored in the rear center console, and it can do everything from climate control to private phone callsAt long last, the dash is all digital. A 10.1" touchscreen has the same gloss as the dash, so it disappears when not needed. Another screen on the center console controls the infotainment and climate, and both of them have haptic feedback. Under the hood are the familiar 4.0 Liter V8 or the 6.0 Liter W12, both with twin turbocharging. Also mentioned is the upcoming A8 L e-tron hybrid. While it won't be available as soon as the others, it will arrive with wireless charging with 31 miles of electric range. The press release also dives deep into technical achievements that keep German engineers awake at night. What they boil down to, is an incredibly safe & luxurious sedan that raises the bar for everyone else. If the new car seems overwhelming, we have great deals on new Audi A8 and A8 L sedans for sale, and they are priced to move before the new cars arrive. We will offer a full review once they cross the pond, so stay with us for more Audi news.

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2017

Audi e-tron Sportback Concept Heading to Shanghai

Recent advances in battery technology have made many manufacturers stop in their tracks. Electric cars that were almost ready for production have been sent back down the line with more power and range at their disposal. Audi likes to play it safe when it comes to launching new technologies, which is why their innovations like laser lighting and OLED displays have shocked the competition. "With great power comes great responsibility", so a new 95 kW battery pack is coupled to three electric motors to offer a 0-62 mph time of only 4.5 seconds. The flat design of the battery offers a spacious cabin and a low center of gravity.Exterior lighting is handled by matrix LEDs and micromirrors that can be animated in different situations. This might seem a bit flashy, but wait until hackers break into the display system and start displaying some crazy stuff on the lights.Audi and VW are planning an all-out attack on the electric industry with a host of new cars in the next few years. The e-tron series is poised to become its own sub-brand in markets like the US and China. The press release says production is aiming for a 2019 launch date. We've seen camouflaged and production ready A3 e-tron wagons emerging from Audi's testing lab a few blocks over, and it's clearly evident they mean business. Tell us what you think of this concept and stay with us for all your Audi updates.

By Andrew Nabors – March 28, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T

A quartet is comprised of four singers, each with their own special abilities. Groups like The Highwaymen and The Four Tops made use of harmony and contrasting vocal ranges to make chart-topping hits. Volkswagen has also used a similar formula to build four versions of the same SUV. When we learned our weekly test car would be a new Audi Q7, we were excited. It is the latest version of a familiar friend. The four members of the same band are the VW Toureg, Porsche Cayenne, Audi's Q7 and the Bentley Bentayga. Sharing the same chassis along with many parts is a great way to save costs. Each one is sold at different dealers, so cross-shopping is not an issue.We've had seat time in the other three examples over the past year, but somehow the Q7 has eluded us, it must have used quattro to escape our grasp. Under the hood is a familiar V6. The supercharged 3.0 liter is the same unit found in the A7 and other siblings. It offers 333 hp and 325 lb of torque, which is plenty of grunt for hauling kids and groceries. To have V8 power and six-cylinder fuel economy is no easy task for AWD, but Audi has delivered a 25 mpg masterpiece. Related - Audi e-tron Sportback Concept Heading to ShanghaiOn the outside, attention to detail is everywhere. Unique body lines work wonders to make it distinct from its stablemates, so you might not see the resemblance at first glance. The interior is another story. Controls on the steering wheel along with many switches are among all four brands. While not as obvious as Yukon vs Suburban, badge engineering is alive and well on every assembly line. That being said, allow us to indulge you with Audi's own innovations. All lighting is handled by LEDs. This makes the headlights far more soothing and less likely to irritate oncoming traffic. Audio is handled by BOSE with the latest in 3D sound staging. Black and gray oak inlays are less haughty than bright veneers in other models. MMI touch is a touchpad located ahead of the shifter that is easy use after a few days. The only downside is condensation from both cupholders drips onto the sensitive electronics. A slight spill would be a costly repair bill, so the cupholders are for display only. The driving experience is more refined than Toureg thanks to extensive sound insulation, but it does without the supple demeanor of the Bentayga. All four have different price points and are aimed at their own target audience. We enjoy giving you the inside scoop so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. For $68,925 you and your family will have safety and utility in a snazzy wrapper. Do your homework and try all four, you won't be disappointed.

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2017

2017 Audi A4 Review

Audi released the 5th generation A4 last year at the Frankfurt Auto Show with nice improvements inside and out. A transition to the new B9 chassis required a subtle freshening of body lines, but the A4 is a strong seller so Audi didn't want to disrupt the status quo. Of the A4 buyers are on the conservative end of the automotive spectrum, so if you prefer wheels in any color other than silver, the A4 is not for you. Although a six-speed manual is still technically available, the A4 buyer is tech-savvy and delights in the crisp seven-speed dual clutch automatic.If you wear sweater vests and look at spreadsheets all day, the A4 is the logical choice. You will have adequate acceleration from the 2.0-liter turbo. It makes 252 hp and 273 lb-ft to the quattro AWD system. Front-wheel drive is standard on the lower trim levels. Pricing starts at $34,900 for the base model, and the fully loaded Prestige will is north of $45,000. It offers Audi's latest virtual cockpit. A 12.3" screen is easy to navigate, and the heads up display has navigation and entertainment connectivity.Apple and Android are both fully supported to keep your eyes on the road. Audio is by Bang & Olufsen with 755 watts and 19 speakers. Yes, it does feel and drive in a very similar fashion to the Volkswagen Passat, but the quality of materials and sound insulation is much more substantial. In our week-long test we noticed the A4 receives smiles from business men and women, and young urban professionals. If you want an efficient luxury sedan that can fly under the radar, our dealers have great incentives. Stay with us for more reviews and Audi news.Audi A4 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2017

Why the Audi R8 V10 Plus Is Amazing

It feels like a compromise between siblings. The limited-edition R8 GT was too much of a good thing to let it completely slip away, so we each get to keep half. That’s roughly how many parts Audi says the latest V-10 Plus shares with the track focused R8 GT. With half of the track-car’s upgrades, the R8 V-10 Plus doesn’t offer the same weight reduction, but it has shed quite a few pounds and makes up for the difference with a whole new quicker-shifting transmission. It starts with a 550-horsepower version of the 5.2-liter V-10. The upgraded engine first showed up in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. For the R8, it’s a 25 horsepower increase over the base V-10 and only 10 shy of the GT. We also get the ceramic brakes and a host of carbon-fiber bits, reducing the vehicle’s weight by 130 pounds. As would be expected, it’s nearly half the GT’s 220-pound reduction. The biggest change is the new transmission. Ditching the first generation R8 single clutch automatic, the Plus shares a dual clutch gearbox with the Huracan. With less weight and a more capable driveline it reduces the zero-to-60 time by 0.3 of a second, helping take the R8 V-10 Plus down to 3.3 seconds for the 0–60 rush and holding gears and blipping the throttle with the best of them. The new trim and transmission are part of other subtle tweaks for the new year, which includes a new grille and full-LED lights on the outside and diamond stitched leather seats on the inside. In terms of supercars for sale,our dealers can't seem to keep them in stock because of the extensive improvements. Price: $170,000 Engine: 5.2-liter V-10 Horsepower: 550 0 - 60: 3.3 seconds Top Speed: 197 mph Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Torque: 398 foot-pounds

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2016

Audi R8 Crashes and Flips, Still Wins Race

This is a lesson in that even if you crash and burn, literally, you can still come out on top.At the recent Macau Grand Prix, Laurens Vanthoor was taking his Audi R8 around a corner at high speeds when trouble started. He seemed to have clipped a corner, causing his tail end to come out from behind this. Vanthoor immediately lost control, sending him into a wall. After the initial impact, air got beneath his car and lifted the nose up until the R8 was flipped onto its roof.(Related - Ten of the Luckiest Nurburgring Drivers and Their Near-Crashes)He slid for some time and onlookers watched in horror. After his car had settled fire could be seen on the stationary car. Luckily, Vanthoor escaped the wreck just fine, but what's even more incredible is that he escaped the wreck with a win.After the crash, the race was red-flagged and there was no time for a restart. Because of the situation, the winner of the race would be decided based on the standings of the previous lap, which Vanthoor was first place in. Therefore, Vanthoor won the race even though he crashed and ended the event.This is definitely a bizarre occurrence, leading many to be up in arms over his win. You can see the crash below.All Audi R8 For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 11, 2016

Audi R8 Star of Lucis for Final Fantasy XV

The video game series Final Fantasy has been around since 1987, being featured on too many gaming consoles to count. The latest release in the series, Final Fantasy XV, has been hyped up for years now, but is finally being released on November 29 of this year.To celebrate this game's launch, Audi has created the R8 Star of Lucis edition. This car actually appeared in the short Kingsglaive Final Fantasy XV film, but is now being made in real life.So, what's with all the fancy design all over the car? On the car's minisite, Audi describes the pattern found throughout the car as an "Arabesque pattern," that is traditional to the fictional Kingdom of Lucis within the game. It stands for peace, blessing and well being. But, what's even more interesting than the pattern are the insanely detailed wheels, which even feature swords in them. Yeah, swords.Now, to get into the performance aspect of this car. Of course this special edition R8 is packing the 5.2-liter V10 engine. I mean, this thing has to be fit for a king, right? This means that the R8 Star of Lucis has 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque on tap.Interested in picking up one of these editions? Well, there is only going to be one ever made and it's selling for 50,000,015 yen or around $470,000 USD. Interested buyers will have to enter a special raffle on November 21.All Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 03, 2016

Audi Unveils Laser Headlights on 2017 R8 V10 Plus Exclusive

If you wonder what keeps our government awake at night, it is taking pleasure in denying us from having the latest in technology. Audi patented laser headlights a few years ago, and they are optional equipment on several European models. But our NHTSA takes years to evaluate changes in the industry. To celebrate this new legislation, the first car in the US to be equipped with laser lighting is their flagship R8 V10 Plus. We are just now becoming accustomed to LED lights, which will continue as standard equipment on lesser models.(Sports Cars For Sale) The R8 V10 Plus Exclusive edition's LED matrix will be augmented by a small laser with a blue wavelength of ~450 nm. Both the full laser lights and the LED units aim the powerful beams at a phosphor element which produces a brilliant glow. Other new features of the Exclusive edition are Quantum Gray paint with titanium black accents. The interior is awash in black leather with signal orange accents. They even lined the luggage compartment in Alcantara, soft bags only, please. We've been waiting for the ten-cylinder R8 to move up-market for some time, but only 25 cars will be built. The MSRP of $229,200 is a bargain for the power and quality, so be sure to stay with us for a feature when they arrive.All R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2016

Revealed: duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8

Everyone has been asking about the wild Audi R8 from our booth at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas. Last Thursday we unveiled one of the most powerful cars in the world. Below is the text from our press release:The car you see here is not exactly what it appears. On the surface, it’s an Audi R8- but this is no ordinary R8. Instead, it’s a specially-built, twin-turbocharged Audi R8 that is more than capable of holding its own against the latest generation of million-dollar exotics by just about every measure of objective performance. More than that, though- this is the first ever example of an ultra-limited run of duPont REGISTRY-branded ultra-luxury cars that are meant to represent the current state of the art of bespoke supercar manufacturing.“This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” says Will Chapman, VP and Director of Special Projects at the world-famous duPont REGISTRY media brand that’s best-known for showcasing premium automobiles as well as fine luxury homes and yachts. “We’ve always distinguished ourselves by simply presenting products to buyers without distractions. It’s just been the buyer and the seller, and we’ve simply been a vehicle, if you’ll pardon the pun, to make that interaction possible. We’ve never stepped outside of that role to point to a product and say ‘This is the one we would buy,’ and that’s very exciting.”Fitted with upgraded hardware developed by Speedriven- a high-performance tuning firm located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois- Audi R8s fitted with the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition performance PKG can deliver performance that challenges the limits of credibility. A zero-to-sixty sprint, for example, can be completed in about 2 seconds. From a standing start, the car will cross the finish line at the end of a quarter mile drag strip in about nine seconds at more than one-hundred-and-fifty miles per hour- and the car is still accelerating.“You can see how consistent the power delivery is in our dyno videos,” explains Speedriven’s Jo Borras. “The shifts happen so fast that the straps holding the car back never slacken. That just shows how effectively all of that power is getting to the ground, thanks to the drivetrain upgrades built into the duPont REGISTRY performance package. It’s a very efficient package.”The efficiency that’s built into the Limited Edition duPont REGISTRY Audi R8 isn’t the kind of efficiency that’s built into, say, a Toyota Prius. It’s an efficiency of purpose. This is a car that’s been built to set the standard for real-world performance, and Chapman believes it’s an emphasis on drivability that sets this offering apart. We wanted to deliver an ‘extreme’ level of performance, but we wanted it to be as accessible as possible, so that a driver could get in the car and have a thrilling experience without getting in over their heads.”To that end, the cars are shipped to Speedriven in Chicago, where the R8’s V10 engine, transmission, and magnetic ride suspension are pulled out of the chassis, and its transformation begins. Speedriven tears down the Audi’s 5.2 liter aluminum V10 block completely before it goes into the CNC machine to be bored out and blueprinted. High-strength pearlitic cylinder sleeves reinforce the lightweight block, and all-new, forged internals go back in. Once that’s finished, the engine is ready to handle up to three times the amount of horsepower the V10 rolled out of the factory with- which is a good thing, because Speedriven has equipped the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8s with a pair of massive, billet-wheel, ball-bearing turbochargers that utilize the latest and greatest in compressor and turbine wheel technology to deliver a smooth, responsive power curve that may just make you forget that “turbo lag” was ever a thing.Helping to get all the power from that beefed-up engine to each of the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi’s rear tires will be a heavily reinforced version of Audi’s own S-Tronic clutch system fitted with upgraded friction plates, steels, and heavy-duty billet aluminum clutch baskets. Those upgrades make for lightning-fast gear changes and consistent standing-start launches. Dennis & Richard from Gas Monkey GarageMassive power, however, calls for massive planning to make effective use of it. To that end, Speedriven has fitted the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8s with a custom-built set of lightweight, forged aluminum wheels with 20” up front, and a wide, shorter set of 18” wheels in the rear- and that staggered wheel set up is just one of the keys to this car’s mind-bending speed. “We needed to be able to get a certain amount of sidewall flex into the tires,” added Jo. “You need some flex and some softness at the rear to grip the road. There’s a lot of torque going to the front of the R8, thanks to its Quattro all-wheel drive, but with more power comes more weight transfer to the rear, so you need more and more grip to keep the launches predictable.”“Smooth. Consistent. Predictable.” Those were the words that kept coming up when we were talking about what this car needed to be,” explains Chapman. “We didn’t want to make it too easy to drive, because when you have a car that’s too computerized the experience becomes very sterile, and that’s not a rewarding experience. What we wanted was to strike a balance, and deliver a car that the client could climb into and immediately drive it fast. You don’t have to have be a Formula 1 or IndyCar driver to get that fast 0-60 or quarter-mile time you read about in the magazine- but if you do have some talent, and you decide to dedicate some time to getting to know the car out on a racetrack, then you will be able to have that kind of ‘next level’ encounter. That’s the magic. That’s the balancing act.”Sports Cars For SaleWith power and performance like that, the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Performance PKG equipped Audi R8s will be very special cars. To ensure that their special-ness isn’t lost on the casual observer, however, each of the limited edition run of twenty-five cars will feature exclusive duPont REGISTRY badges on the outside, as well as “dR” center caps and a custom “dR” fuel filler cap machined from a solid bar of aluminum while, inside, each of these cars will carry special, laser-etched, “Limited Edition 1 of 25” dash plaques. As slick as those are, it’s what’s in the R8’s glass-covered engine bay that really grabs attention.Topping off the race-ready, SD-built 5.2-liter engine is a bespoke, CNC-machined billet aluminum intake manifold armed with massive fuel injectors aimed directly into each of the Audi’s ten cylinders. Parked alongside a “standard” R8 with its factory-supplied plastic intake manifold, it’s immediately obvious that this duPont REGISTRY special means business. “Once the Speedriven guys made it clear that it would be necessary to change out that factory part, though, we decided to go with a billet piece instead of a sheet metal intake. It’s overkill, in a way, but it was a decision that’s very much in keeping with the rest of the car. We wanted to do the job right, and we wanted these cars to stay true to their Audi heritage. That’s all-wheel drive. That’s turbochargers. That’s aluminum. We’re putting all of that Audi racing tradition front and center here, and we’re using our tradition of showcasing the world’s finest cars in the duPont REGISTRY to bring these special cars to the attention of people who can truly appreciate what they are, and what they’re capable of.”For more information, pricing, and options, please contact Speedriven at 708-477-3230 or email info@speedriven.com. We are aiming for consistent 8-second passes in the quarter-mile, and you will see it first here on Autofluence.

Audi TT Coupé S line competition, Audi TT Roadster S line comp

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 23, 2016

Audi Brings Competition with the TT S

Dubbed as "decidedly sporty," the new Audi TT S competition model brings the best of sport and dynamics to the TT line. The limited edition vehicle will feature a handsome, strong-lined body enhanced by high-gloss black accents and the enhanced sport suspension adds a menacing stance, lowering the TT S about 10 millimeters closer to the ground than the TT. Buyers will have a choice between four colors: glacier white, nano gray, tango red and the new TT color Ara blue, all of which will be accented by a black hood.(Also Check Out - Revealed: 2017 Audi TT RS Coupé and Audi TT RS Roadster)As for the interior, Audi has fashioned sport-infused high-contour seats with embossed logos and contoured sport leather for the steering. Additionally, a virtual cockpit is standard in the TT S. As for performance, the TT S is equipped with a 2.0 TFSI engine capable of 230 horsepower. Buyers will have a choice between the front-wheel-drive version with six-speed manual transmission or S tronic, and as a quattro with S ironic. A coupe and roadster will both be available, and orders begin this fall. The starting price for the coupe is $48,600 and $49,478 for the roadster at the current exchange rate. Audi TTS for Sale

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