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

Audi News

Audi news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, technology launches and verified performance figures. Our coverage runs across the RS models and the expanding e-tron range, together with the road cars that sit beneath them. Audi is moving quickly on electrification, and we report each development as it is confirmed. Plenty of publications carry performance car news, but few carry it beside live inventory. Many of the Audis covered here appear on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace, so a review and a genuine asking price sit together. That combination is difficult to find anywhere else in luxury car news. For Audi news today, begin with the stories below.

By Caitlin Duffy – September 17, 2015

Audi S4 & S4 Avant Introduced

Audi's S4 and S4 Avant will be back for 2016 with quite a few new features, and crowds at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) were the first to discover what those features are.“From day one, our formula for success has been a combination of outstanding quattro performance, restrained design, and state of the art drive train, suspension, and infotainment technology," said Professor Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Audi Board of Management for Technical Development, in a Sept. 15 press release. "The new Audi S4 and S4 Avant impressively continue this sporty tradition.”The 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine found in these Sport models has been revamped to create 354 hp and 368.8 lb-ft, making this daily driver capable of reaching 62 mph from a stop in 4.7 seconds. An eight-speed tiptronic transmission ensures all that power goes directly through the quattro all-wheel drive system, with an average torque split of 60 percent to the rear axle and 40 to the front. Of course, that differential is adjusted depending on driving conditions; in those cases, up to 70 percent of the torque can go to the front, while the rear can receive up to 85 percent. CockpitMoving from the engine to the interior, the S4 and S4 Avant enjoy comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with each enjoying seats covered in pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara. The two fabrics are combined, sporting the colors ebony, rotor gray and magma red. The inlays are made of matte brushed aluminum, and the S4 logo can be found embossed on the seats and illuminated on door sills.Technology has been upgraded with the optional Audi virtual cockpit, which offers a fully digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. The MMI operating system and Audi connect hardware are also included with the S4 and S4 Avant, providing high-speed internet access and a WiFi hotspot. Sound is provided by Bang & Olufsen.(See Also: Best Audi Guide for 2016: Audi RS, S & 10 Additional Models Released)Driver assist programs for these models come in the form of predictive efficiency assistant, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, park assist, cross traffic assist, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and pre sense systems. Topping it all off is a camera-based traffic sign recognition system.Check out the photos of these updated S4s below, and find your own from our exclusive listings.S4s For SaleGallery (Source: Audi) See More Audi News

By Caitlin Duffy – September 16, 2015

Best Audi Guide for 2016: Audi RS, S & 10 Additional Mode...

In an impressive gesture, Audi issued 12 separate press releases Sept. 11 detailing the new features to be found in 12 different models, as well as a 13th press release regarding their upcoming press conference at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). Audi Q7The slew of models that had details released includes the Audi RS, S, TT, TT Roadster, Q7, Q5, Q3, A8, A8 L W12, A7 Sportback, A6, A6 Avant, A6 allroad quattro, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A3, A3 Sportback e-tron, A3 Sportback g-tron, A3 Sedan, A3 Cabriolet, A1 and A1 Sportback. Try saying that three times fast.(See Also: Sales Open for the Audi R8 LMS GTS Race Car)There's no easy way to explain all of this in one quick summary, so scroll below for a full breakdown of the top features from each of the 12 press releases. To see the full list of models for 2016 and their pricing, check out our May 13 article.Audi Listings Audi S Models Audi S3 2.0-liter TFSI produces 231 hp and 272.9 lb-ft of torque 0-62 mph occurs in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 155.3 mph Six-speed manual transmission is mated to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system 2.0-liter TFSI produces 300 hp and 280.3 lb-ft of torque 0-62 mph takes 4.8 seconds in the S3, 4.9 seconds in the Sportback and Sedan, 5.4 seconds in the Cabriolet, all with a top speed of 155.3 mph 3.0-liter TFSI creates 333 hp and 324.5 lbft of torque 0-62 mph takes 4.9 seconds 4.0-liter TFSI creates 450 hp and 405.7 lb-ft of torque 0-62 mph takes 4.6 seconds Features the same 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine as the S6 & S6 Avant 0-62 mph takes 4.6 seconds 4.0-liter V8 TFSI creates 520 hp 0-62 mph is accomplished in 4.1 seconds Only available with standard wheelbase SQ5 TDI is the first S model to feature a diesel engine Biturbo 3.0-liter TDI produces 313 hp and 479.4 lb-ft SQ5 TDI competition produces 326 hp Top speed of 155.3 mph while 0-62 mph takes 5.2 seconds 2.0-liter TFSI produces 300 hp and 280.3 lb-ft of torque In the coupe, 0-62 mph takes 4.9 seconds or 4.6 seconds with S tronic transmission Roadster races from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds or 4.9 seconds with S tronic transmission Audi RS Models Audi RS6 2.5-liter TFSI produces 367 hp and 343.0 lb-ft of torque 0-62 mph takes just 4.3 seconds, top speed is 174 mph Turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine produces 340 hp and 331.9 lb-ft of torque 0-62 mph takes 4.8 seconds, top speed is 155.3 mph 4.0-liter TFSI produces 560 hp and 516.3 lb-ft of torque 0-62 mph takes 3.9 seconds, top speed of up to 189.5 mph 4.0-liter TFSI creates 560 hp and 516.3 lb-ft of torque 3.9 seconds for a 0-62 mph sprint with a top speed of 189.5 mph Audi TT & TT Roadster Audi TT Roadster 1.8-liter TFSI creates 180 hp and 184.4 lb-ft 2.0-liter TFSI/2.0-liter TFSI quattro create 230 hp and 272.9 lb-ft 2.0-liter TDI ultra creates 184 hp 280 lb-ft Instrument panel resembles an airplane wing when viewed from above Virtual cockpit replaces analog instrument cluster and MMI monitor 12.3-inch screen offers two modes: Classic features tachometer/speedometer, Infotainment features navigation, radio, etc. Online media streaming access Bang & Olufsen sound systems Active lane assist Traffic sign recognition Park Assist with rearview camera Audi Q7 Audi Q7 3.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 333 hp, 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 272 hp, 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds 3.0-liter TDI ultra creates 218 hp WiFi hotspot LTE module links car to internet services Touch screen with zoom & scroll functions Sound systems by Bose or Bang & Olufsen available Audi tablet holders on the back of the front seats Predictive efficiency assistant Adaptive Cruise Control Traffic Jam Assist Cross-traffic assist Exit warning Trailer assistant Avoidance assist (coming after market launch) Turn assist (coming after market launch) Audi Q5 Audi Q5 2.0-liter TFSI quattro creating 180 hp 2.0-liter TFSI quattro creating 230 hp 2.0-liter TDI ultra -or- quattro creating 150 hp 2.0-liter TDI quattro creating 163 hp 2.0-liter TDI -or- TDI quattro creating 190 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creating 258 hp Bang & Olufsen Sound System MMI navigation plus Audi connect Car phone Adaptive cruise control Side assist Parking system plus Audi Q3 Audi Q3 1.4-liter TFIS COD / COD ultra creates 150 hp 2.0-liter TFSI creates 180 hp 2.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 180 hp 2.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 220 hp 2.0-liter TDI creates 120 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI ultra / TDI quattro creates 150 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 184 hp MMI navigation plus Audi connect with internet connectivity Car phone Park assist Side assist Active lane assist Hill descent assist Audi A8 & A8 L W12 Audi A8 L W12 6.3 FSI quattro 4.0-liter TFSI quattro COD creates 435 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 262 hp 3.0-liter TDI ultra quattro creates 262 hp 4.2-liter TDI quattro creates 385 hp 6.3-liter W12 engine creates 500 hp and 461 lb-ft Matrix LED headlights Audi exclusive concept trim line Custom handcrafted Italian leather available for the interior Special security version of the A8 L Available with 4.0-liter TFSI or W12 engine Body includes hot-formed armored steel, aramide fabrics, ceramics, special aluminum alloys and multi-plate glass Audi A7 Sportback Audi A7 Sportback 2.0-liter TFSI creates 252 hp 3.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 333 hp 3.0-liter TDI ultra creates 218 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro can create 218 hp, 272 hp or 320 hp 3.0-liter TDI competition quattro creates 326 hp MMI navigation plus with MMI touch Audi connect hardware module Online media streaming and map updating Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers Adaptive cruise control with stop & go function Night vision assistant Audi pre sense safety system Side assist Active lane assist 3.0-liter TDI biturbo engine creates 326 hp, can peak at 346 hp Sport suspension lowers body by .8-inches Generous list of standard equipment Red brake calipers behind two-tone, 20-inch wheels Audi A6, A6 Avant & A6 allroad quattro Audi A6 Nine different engine options 1.8-liter TFSI creates 190 hp 2.0-liter TFSI creates 252 hp 3.0-liter TFSI creates 333 hp 2.0-liter TDI ultra creates 150 hp or 190 hp 3.0-liter TDI creates 218 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 218 hp, 272 hp or 320 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro competition creates 326 hp LED or Matrix LED headlights are available Power-retractable eight-inch monitor Limited edition paying homage to Audi TDI technology's 1989 launch 3.0-liter TDI biturbo engine creates 326 hp, can peak at 346 hp Generous list of standard equipment Nine different engine options 1.8-liter TFSI creates 190 hp 2.0-liter TFSI creates 252 hp 3.0-liter TFSI creates 333 hp 2.0-liter TDI ultra creates 150 hp or 190 hp 3.0-liter TDI creates 218 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 218 hp, 272 hp or 320 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro competition creates 326 hp Offers head-up display Massage and ventilation for the front seats Four different engine options 3.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 333 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 218 hp, 272 hp or 320 hp Design features a rugged look Modified front end, headlights, side sills, rear body, lighting and interior Audi A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe & A5 Cabriolethttps://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/4750 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI ultra 13 available engine options 1.8-liter TFSI creates 144 hp or 177 hp 2.0-liter TFSI / TFSI quattro create 225 hp 3.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 272 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI ultra creates 136 hp 2.0-liter TDI creates 150 hp 2.0-liter TDI ultra creates 163 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 190 hp 3.0-liter TDI creates 218 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 245 hp Audi connect & MMI navigation plus WiFi for up to 8 devices 9 available engine options 1.8-liter TFSI creates 177 hp 2.0-liter TFSI / TFSI quattro creates 225 hp 3.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 272 hp 2.0-liter TDI ultra creates 163 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 190 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 218 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 245 hp Same standard and optional features as A5 Sportback 9 available engine options 1.8-liter TFSI creates 177 hp 2.0-liter TFSI / TFSI quattro creates 225 hp 3.0-liter TFSI quattro creates 272 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 190 hp 3.0-liter TDI quattro creates 218 hp or 245 hp Fully automatic cloth top opens/closes in 15 seconds Audi A3, A3 Sportback, A3 Sportback e-tron, A3 Sportback g-tron, A3 Sedan & A3 Cabriolet Audi A3 Sedan Weight has been reduced to 2,590.4 lbs 8 available engine options 1.2-liter TFSI creates 110 hp 1.4-liter TFSI creates 125 hp 1.4-liter TFSI COD ultra creates 150 hp 1.8-liter TFSI / TFSI quattro creates 180 hp 1.6-liter TDI / TDI ultra creates 110 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 150 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 184 hp Sound system by Bang & Olufsen Camera-based traffic sign recognition is available Wheelbase extended by 1.4 inches 11 available engine options 1.2-liter TFSI creates 110 hp 1.4-liter TFSI creates 125 hp 1.4-liter TFSI COD ultra creates 150 hp 1.8-liter TFSI / TFSI quattro creates 180 hp 1.6-liter TDI / TDI ultra creates 110 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 150 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 180 hp First Audi model with a plug-in hybrid drive Capable of reaching average fuel consumption of 156.8 mpg Can be driven up to 80.8 mph completely electrically Uses Audi e-gas rather than fossil natural gas Fuel range up to 248.5 miles with natural gas fuel, 559.2 miles with gasoline Six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmission comes standard Curb weight of 2,678.6 lbs 10 available engine options 1.4-liter TFSI creates 125 hp 1.4-liter TFSI COD ultra creates 150 hp 1.8-liter TFSI / TFSI quattro creates 180 hp 1.6-liter TDI / TDI ultra creates 110 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 150 hp or 184 hp Lightweight cloth top opens/closes in 19 seconds at speeds up to 31.1 mph 9 available engine options 1.4-liter TFSI creates 125 hp 1.4-liter TFSI COD ultra creates 150 hp 1.8-liter TFSI / TFSI quattro creates 180 hp 1.6-liter TDI creates 110 hp 2.0-liter TDI / TDI quattro creates 150 hp or 184 hp Audi A1 & A1 Sportback Audi A1 Roofline can be finished in a contrasting color upon request Chrome trim for the interior is available 6 available engine options 1.0-liter TFSI ultra creates 95 hp 1.4-liter TFSI creates 125 hp 1.4-liter TFSI COD creates 150 hp 1.8-liter TSI creates 192 hp 1.4-liter TDI creates 90 hp 1.6-liter TDI creates 116 hp Surround sound system by Bose More headroom in the rear Optional third row of seats 6 available engine options 1.0-liter TFSI ultra creates 95 hp 1.4-liter TFSI creates 125 hp 1.4-liter TFSI COD creates 150 hp 1.8-liter TSI creates 192 hp 1.4-liter TDI creates 90 hp 1.6-liter TDI creates 116 hp Gallery (Source: Audi) See More Audi News

By Caitlin Duffy – September 14, 2015

Audi e-tron quattro Concept Introduced

Tesla has enjoyed quite a bit of time as the world's leading producer of electric vehicles, but releases at Frankfurt are pointing toward a world with a lot more competition for the California-based manufacturer.The Model X crossover from Tesla has yet to officially enter production, but Audi has already begun work on creating a major competitor: the e-tron quattro concept. It was first teased Aug. 20 a few weeks ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), but today the marque has issued a press release with more information and images, as well as a date for when we can anticipate this model reaching production stages.“Audi will present an all-electric, luxury-class sport SUV in early 2018. The Audi e-tron quattro concept provides a concrete foretaste of this,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Audi Board of Management for Technical Development, in the release. “It combines driving pleasure with great range, an expressive design and excellent comfort.”A sprint from 0-62 mph in this beauty will take an estimated 4.6 seconds, while Audi predicts that an electronically governed top speed of 130.5 mph will be possible. Three electric motors will be responsible for producing 320 kW, or approximately 430 hp, with one motor on the front axle and two on the rear. It's described as performing similarly to a sports car, and a peak boosting moments can create as much as 370 kW and 590 lb-ft.(See Also: Sales Open for the Audi R8 LMS GTS Race Car)Check out the photos of this new concept in the gallery below, and let us know what you think in the comments. Since this won't be making its way to dealerships for at least another three years, find yourself an Audi from their existing models at the button below.Audis For SaleGallery (Source: Audi) See More Audi News

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2015

Sales Open for the Audi R8 LMS GTS Race Car

Back on March 4, Audi's new R8 LMS GTS race car was unveiled for the 2016 GT3 racing season. Today, Audi has announced that customers can begin ordering the race car.Already, the new R8 LMS has proven itself, winning an overall victory at the 24 Hours Nürburgring and two podium places at the Spa 24 Hours.“Due to races like these Audi Sport customer racing has developed the Audi R8 LMS in toughest conditions to the level of readiness for customer use," said Heinz Hollerweger, Managing Director of quattro GmbH, in a press release issued today by Audi. "Concurrently, our engineers successfully completed all tests and trials and determined the final specification.”The car itself comes in weighing 755 lbs lighter than its predecessor thanks to an aluminum chassis and roll bar, putting its total weight at just 2,700 lbs. Taking advantage of this light weight is the V10 engine that produces up to 585 hp, depending on the regulations of the race.If all of this sounds wonderful to you and you are in the mood for some real racing, courtesy of the Germans, the press release states that ordering of the race car is now live. It comes with a €359,000 (plus VAT) price tag (approx. $400,000 USD at today's current exchange rate).R8s For Sale(Source: Audi) See More Audi News, Pics and Videos

By Andrew Nabors – September 08, 2015

Audi A8 L Security: Safest Audi Ever

If your daily commute is prone to triangulated crossfire, Audi has implemented a host of upgrades in the A8 L Security to make it one of the safest executive sedans on the market. In a press release issued earlier today, many details of its formidable armor are disclosed. While the formal release will be at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), the finer details are somewhat amazing.In addition to higher strength aluminum alloys in the body, aramid fibers and hot formed steel are used to build a chassis in resistance class VR 9. This surpasses the previous A8 L Security’s VR 7 limits, as it is now capable of handling repeated fire from small arms up to .30 caliber rifles. An emergency oxygen system will engage if outside air is compromised, and all vehicle communications are housed in an armored box in the trunk.(Also Read: 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera & Carrera S Unveiled)The only armored executive sedan built with the quattro AWD drivetrain can send all power to any corner, should the tires become compromised. Even with a built-in fire extinguishing system, it can still carry a payload of over 1,322 lbs; more than enough for your security team.Fully loaded with more armor than you will need, fuel mileage is a very respectable 21.6 mpg. The 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 delivers 435 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, but top speed is limited to 130 mph so as to preserve the ballistic tires. For more updates on armored Audis, stay tuned to Autofluence.A8 Ls For SaleGallery (Source: Audi AG) See More Audi News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – August 21, 2015

2017 Audi R8 Spyder Spotted Testing at Nürburgring

One of Audi's most popular models, the R8, will be returning for 2017, and a spyder version was recently spotted being put through its paces.A video added by MOTOR1 Aug. 20 shows us a heavily camouflaged car taking a few laps around the Nürburgring, and given its size, shape, design lines and, most noticeably, headlights and front grille, there are few questions about which car it is.Aside from the wheels, front windshield and passenger windows, a black soft convertible top is the only thing not wrapped in camo. The angles of the front grille seem softened compared to the 2016 design, and the air vents on the right and left of the front fascia seem to be slightly more spaced out.Check out the video above, and if you can't wait for either the 2016 or 2017 versions of the R8 to come out, find your own today from our exclusive listings at the button below.Audi R8s For Sale(Source: YouTube) See More Audi News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 20, 2015

2018 Audi e-tron quattro Concept Unveiled Ahead of Frankfurt

Audi has released the design plans for the e-tron quattro concept, a fully-electric SUV with a projected range of 310 miles that stands as the first planned competitor to Tesla's Model X. The Audi e-tron quattro concept marks the world premiere of Matrix laser OLED technology at the front of a vehicle and epitomizes “Vorsprung durch Technik” in the field of automotive lighting.The marque revealed their plans in an Aug. 19 press release, stating that the model has been designed from the ground up to be a fully effective, efficient and beautiful electric vehicle. Three electric motors will power this creation, with two on the rear axle and one on the front, and its size will fall between that of the Q5 and Q7.A lithium-ion battery will provide power for an impressive travel distance. The projected range is 310 miles per charge - a hefty claim to make. Tesla's current range for the P85D is just 253 miles per charge, and even with the P90D option selected, that range is only increased by six percent to approximately 268 miles.(See Also: Audi Reports July Sales, YTD Deliveries Break 1 Million)As of right now, this model is projected to enter production in 2018, and more information and details will be available during the Frankfurt International Motor Show, where Audi plans to officially introduce their first all-electric large-series car. Check out the photos of this concept, and find your own Audi to enjoy in the meantime from our exclusive listings below.Audis For SaleGallery (Source: Audi) See More Audi News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 17, 2015

Audi Reports July Sales, YTD Deliveries Break 1 Million

Audi has joined Mercedes-Benz in the rank of luxury marques with more than 1 million deliveries by the end of July 2015, continuing the pattern of growth seen throughout the high-end automotive market.Though the growth for July itself wasn't incredibly high, ringing in at around a 1.4 percent growth over 2014's numbers, the brand with the four rings tells us in an Aug. 14 press release that approximately 1,048,450 customers have opted for an Audi so far in 2015, a 3.5 percent increase over last year.The United States has remained Audi's largest growing market this year, and July was no exception; sales were up 20.8 percent for July 2015 in the US when compared to 2014's numbers. The Q family has driven most of these sales, accounting for 68 percent of Audis sold in America.(See Also: Mercedes-Benz Delivers 1 Million Cars in 2015, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover Release Quarterly Reports)Europe remains Audi's largest market, with nearly half a million of their total sales arriving at homes across Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and Russia. Check out the table below for a full breakdown of numbers, and help support the marque's growth by finding your own Audi from our exclusive listings.Audis For Sale Sales forAUDI AG In July Cumulative 2015 2014 Change from 2014 2015 2014 Change from 2014 World 146,100 144,015 +1.4% 1,048,450 1,013,372 +3.5% Europe 67,400 63,967 +5.4% 487,300 474,004 +2.8% - Germany 22,960 22,303 +2.9% 170,723 162,306 +5.2% - UK 12,818 11,852 +8.2% 99,194 95,209 +4.2% - France 5,177 4,892 +5.8% 35,830 35,394 +1.2% - Italy 4,862 4,791 +1.5% 32,892 30,770 +6.9% - Spain 4,201 3,422 +22.8% 29,347 26,211 +12.0% - Russia 2,003 2,600 -23.0% 14,158 20,566 -31.2% USA 17,654 14,616 +20.8% 111,269 98,965 +12.4% Mexico 1,158 1,020 +13.5% 7,726 7,225 +6.9% Brazil 1,455 1,048 +38.8% 10,138 7,277 +39.3% China (incl. Hong Kong) 42,267 48,279 -12.5% 316,120 316,945 -0.3% (Source: Audi) See More Industry Reports

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2015

Audi R8 V10 with APR Performance Carbon Fiber Aero Kit

Built on the platform of the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi R8 V10 has won over countless customers, enthusiasts and journalists alike. It has subtle, yet beautiful German styling, a comfortable interior, daily-drivable manners and, of course, breathtaking power sourced from a 5.2-liter FSI engine.This example being offered by Taggart Autosport comes with a six-speed R tronic transmission with paddle shifters, carbon fiber sigma package, navigation and the titanium package. To spice up the German sports car even more, it also comes with an added APR Performance Carbon Fiber Aero Kit, making it look identical to the R8 GT3 cars racing around the world.With only 4,800 miles, this R8 V10 comes close to brand new and is sure to go quick. Click the button below for its price, more pics and info.View Price and InfoGallery

By Caitlin Duffy – August 05, 2015

2016 Audi S8 plus Unveiled

Audi has released the details of their 2016 Audi S8 plus, confirming that their top-of-the-line performance sedan is, indeed, even more powerful than anticipated.In a press release today, the marque confirms that the upgraded 4.0 TFSI biturbo V8 is capable of producing 605 hp and 516.3 lb-ft - an incredible amount of power from a sedan capable of being a luxurious daily driver. The design is more aggressive and creates a sportier appearance, the interior is bathed in fine leather and is thinner than ever before.Weight savings come from the use of aluminum almost exclusively in the car's construction. The body is almost entirely aluminum and based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing a svelte 509.27 pounds. When combined with modified exhaust valves, updated turbochargers and modifications to the special engine control, the S8 plus is able to reach 62 mph in 3.8 seconds.Though a top speed of 189.5 mph is possible, it can only be reached by opting for the dynamic package's governed top speed of 155.3 mph. But, if you live in Germany, that option comes as standard.Darkened tail lights and carbon fiber surround will bring eyes to the rear of the car, while the spoiler can continue the trend, as it's available in either the car's color or carbon fiber. Gloss black coats the Singleframe grille and double bars, while the mirror housings are either gloss black or carbon fiber. Side air inlet flaps and front apron blade are carbon fiber.(See Also: Audi Matrix OLED Headlights Unveiled Ahead of IAA)Available for purchase at the end of November, the Audi S8 plus is priced at €145,200, approximately $157,720 USD with conversion rates at the time of publication. Check out the gallery below to get a good look at this new German beast, or browse our exclusive listings to find one now if November is too far off to wait for.S8s For SaleGallery (Source: Audi) See More Audi News

Audi News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe