FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

If you are one of the petrol head that wind down your car window when a sports car cruise by to feed your eyes with some V10,V12 or boxer engine orchestra, this is for you. Audi just release a video of a stripped down Audi R8 V10 Plus strapped to the dyno machine to record the purest and clearest engine and exhaust sound of the vehicle. The sound, or rather engine,exhaust orchestra in our term is produces by a 5.2L V10 engine tuned to push 550hp with 398 ft of torque in the latest Audi R8 V10 revision. So put on your headset for better Audi audio experience and hit play on the video below.

A couple days ago, the lighter, more powerful and efficient new Audi RS6 Avant was unveiled officially. The new RS6 Avant sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, and top speed is 305 km/h with the dynamic plus package. The improved 4.0 TFSI engine develops 560hp (412kW) and consume an average fuel consumption of just 9.8 litres/100km.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant is a high-performance sports car for everyday use. Its character and uncompromisingly sporty tuning is the work of quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG. The company’s RS models with their powerful engines form the dynamic spearhead of the model program. The abbreviation “RS” stands for the most powerful version of a model series, for quattro permanent all-wheel drive, for extreme handling, for an understated appearance and for full everyday utility.

The 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, is a perfect example of Audi’s downsizing strategy in the high-performance category. In the new Audi RS 6 Avant, the twin-turbo V8 delivers confidence-inspiring power in every driving situation from its displacement of 3,993 cc. Peak output of 560 hp is reached between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

Pulling power develops quickly due in large part to the two large twin-scroll turbochargers. They are mounted together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. The exhaust side of the cylinder heads is also on the inside, the intake side outside. This concept allows for a compact design and short gas paths with minimal flow losses.

The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the 8-cylinder engine’s spontaneous response. The 4.0 TFSI delivers a sporty, full-throated sound. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the sound even fuller, if desired. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.

In the standard configuration, top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. This is increased to 280km/h with the optional Dynamic package. With the Dynamic plus package, Audi reigns in the engine only upon reaching 305km/h. Among the factors contributing to the improved fuel efficiency are the new, standard start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Fuel consumption has been reduced by roughly 40% compared to the previous model.

One pioneering efficiency technology in the new Audi RS 6 Avant is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a 4-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. Efficiency in the active cylinders is increased because the operating points are displaced toward higher loads.

The 4.0 TFSI is paired with an 8-speed tiptronic featuring shortened shift times. The automatic transmission offers D and S modes. Drivers who wish to shift for themselves can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for sporty performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.

At the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is a self-locking center differential with an elevated locking value. An oil cooler regulates its temperature. If desired, the sport differential distributes the power steplessly between the rear wheels to further increase agility and stability.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with 20-inch forged wheels in a 7 twin-spoke design. Three versions of 21-inch cash wheels are also available as optional.

The body plays a major role in the handling. It is roughly 20% aluminum and includes numerous components made of high-strength steel. The new Audi RS 6 Avant weighs roughly 100kg lighter than its predecessor. The improved power-to-weight ratio contributes to even better handling with improved performance coupled with reduced fuel consumption.

Numerous RS-specific design details underscore the distinctive appearance of the high-performance Avant. Most noticeable are the matte aluminum applications on the body, the high-gloss black protective grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the fender, sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes make a bold statement.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes with a generous list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tire-pressure control system, illuminated entry sills and the custom driver-information system. Also on board are the parking system plus, cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the 10-speaker Audi sound system.

Edoardo Mortara, the Audi DTM ace took his 4^th straight victory at the 59^th Macau Grand Prix, defending his Macau GT Cup crown with a masterful manoeuvre to stand atop the podium. Known as ‘Mr Macau’ for his successful dominance of the 6.2km Guia street circuit, Mortara competed with team Audi R8 LMS Cup in an Audi R8 LMS ultra, along with newly crowned Audi R8 LMS Cup Amateur Cup champion Jeffrey Lee.

Edoardo Mortara has twice won the Formula 3 Macau GP and also the current lap record holder. In the first of two qualifying sessions, Mortara found himself caught in traffic and could not do better than second in Friday’s session. A day later, however, Mortara found a completely clear lap, recording the fastest time of the two sessions with a 2:20.617.

Starting from pole position, Mortara dropped a place as the cars thundered off the grid. While Lucas di Grassi in a Ferrari 458 GT3 would later be penalized for jumping the start, at the time Mortara was solely focused on finding a way past his rival. The opportunity came on Lap 4, with Mortara getting by at the notorious Lisboa Bend to grab the lead.

Mortara held the lead as he stormed relentlessly towards the flag, even after the restart which followed a Safety Car period, ultimately winning his second straight Macau GT Cup, ahead of Alexandre Imperatori in a Porsche 911 GT3 R and Danny Watts in the McLaren MP4-12C GT3.

Meanwhile Lee continued to fly the flag for Audi in the regional GT Asia Series, for which the Macau GT Cup served as its final round. Lee put in a strong performance in the second qualifying session to find himself lining up on the fifth row of the grid. While Lee did not finish as high as he had hoped, the Chinese Taipei driver finished fourth overall in the GT Asia Series points standings, while the team finished fifth.

Rene Koneberg, the Director of Audi Sport customer racing in China commented, “We are thrilled to celebrate Edoardo’s second win with Audi in the Macau GT Cup at the Macau Grand Prix and bring the curtain down on a fantastic season of Audi customer racing China. I would also like to congratulate Jeffrey on a strong Audi season this year, first with his Amateur Cup title in the Audi R8 LMS Cup and a strong result in this year’s GT Asia Series.”

The two entries in the Macau GT Cup are part of the expanding reach of the Audi China motorsport programme. Rounding out the Audi R8 LMS ultra trio was Hong Kong’s Philip Ma with Team Hong Kong Racing, who finished 13th in the race.

Photo Gallery: Audi 2012 Macau GT Cup

The first season of Audi R8 LMS Cup has concluded over the weekend in Shanghai. Hong Kong driver Marchy Lee has become the first ever Audi R8 LMS Cup Champion after crossing the line second in Round 12 and final round of the cup at the Shanghai International Circuit.

The winner’s honours went to Audi Driving Dreams team guest driver Edoardo Mortara who took a confident lights-to-flag victory, giving him two race wins in Rounds 11 & 12. Third across the line and sealing his second place overall in the championship was Adderly Fong driving for the KLM Team. Malaysia’s Alex Yoong was fourth in the Audi GQ car, confirming his third place in the overall points’ standings.

The Amateur Cup had already been taken by Jeffrey Lee in Saturday’s Round 11 but second and third places in the Amateur’s Cup were confirmed respectively for Alex Au of AK Racing and top celebrity and accomplished driver Aaron Kwok of Team Audi R8 LMS Cup. The Teams’ championship was also wrapped up with Audi Ultra taking top honours on 229 points ahead of Audi GQ on 193 points and KLM Team on 186 points.

An exciting mix of professionals, rising stars and passionate enthusiasts, the Audi R8 LMS Cup has seen 16 drivers compete against each other in identical cars. Racing across the region with rounds at Zhuhai, Shanghai and Ordos, the series is an optimum showcase for Audi lightweight technology. Along with partner, Michelin, who introduced a first in Asian motorsport – a long life tyre which lasts over the course of an entire weekend, Audi sees the Cup as the perfect opportunity to nurture motorsport talent and demonstrate its commitment to China and its customers in the region. As a further sign of this commitment it was announced that Audi Korea will enter an official team in the Audi R8 LMS Cup for 2013 season.

Rene Koneberg, Director of Audi Sport customer racing China commented, “Audi is proud to have completed such a successful first ever single-make championship. Next year, we will go from strength to strength supporting motorsport across Asia.”

The final round took place in cool but sunny conditions, a welcome contrast to the damp track of Saturday’s Round 11. As the field got away from the grid in the finishing order of the previous day’s race, it was clear that Mortara had the advantage from a clean rolling start. Determined not to interfere in the main battle for the Cup standings the Italian found himself under pressure to keep clear of the charging Audi Ultra of Marchy Lee. Lee meanwhile had the determined Fong and Yoong hot on his heels.

Moreover, American amateur driver Dino Crescentini of Spark Motorsport spun at the start of lap 2. He rejoined at the back of the field but his chances of a second Amateur Cup win had slipped away. This left already crowned Amateur Cup Champion Jeffrey Lee and AK Racing’s title runner up Alex Au to enjoy a battle royale for podium honours.

Team Erdos Xinan’s Sun Zheng meanwhile had a storming start. The Chi-nese driver had received a late penalty after Saturday’s race and found himself at the back of the grid with a monumental task ahead of him. It was a challenge he seemed to relish as one by one he picked off his rivals. By lap six he was in seventh place overall and closing fast on Wang Jian Wei in the Team Betterlife car. Wang proved a tougher opponent but Sun Zheng eventually took him on lap 12, putting him in sixth place behind Team Zhe Jiang Aotong’s David Zhu whose solid race skills placed him fifth.

With the race entering its closing stages the back markers began to make their presence felt, enabling Fong to have a final but unsuccessful attempt at overhauling Lee. So as the cars took the final chequered flag of the sea-son the top six finishers were Mortara followed by Marchy Lee, Fong, Zhu and Sun Zheng. The top Amateur Cup finishers were Jeffrey Lee, Au and star driver and personality Aaron Kwok in the Team Audi R8 LMS Cup car. Final placings for the Amateur Cup standings therefore confirmed Jeffrey Lee as Champion with runners up places going to Au and Kwok.

Round 12– Results

(AM)      Amateur Cup Competitor
(G)          Guest Driver 
Fastest Lap: Edoardo Mortara/Audi Driving Dreams/1:48.476

Overall Classification (top 10)

Amateur Cup Classification (top 5)

Photo Gallery: 2012 Audi R8 LMS Cup Final

The entire season of the 2012 Audi R8 LMS Cup is getting even more dramatic. The battle for both the inaugural Audi R8 LMS Cup and the Amateur Cup titles will go right down to the wire in Shanghai next month after KLM Team’s Adderly Fong of Hong Kong took victory in Round 10, leapfrogging Audi Ultra’s Marchy Lee, who finished second, to the top of the leaderboard.  The two rounds were held in support of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Audi Korea made a successful series debut with talented driver K.O. You finishing on the podium in just his second Audi R8 LMS Cup outing.  That’s why you can see him ‘Gangnam Styling’  after the race (refer photo below). Sun Zheng of Team Erdos Xinan also had a good outing, crossing the line in fourth.

Alex Au of AK Racing took his third Amateur Cup victory of the season so far, keeping his title aspirations alive with just two races to go.  Second in the category was Hugues Ripert of Spark Motorsport, now fourth in the standings one point ahead of lady driver Zhang Ran of Audi Castrol who rounded out the amateur podium.

Winner of Round 9, Darryl O’Young, making his series debut this weekend as stand-in for Malaysia’s Alex Yoong, had an unlucky outing after picking up a puncture and retiring.  The same fate befell Amateur Cup points leader Jeffrey Lee.

In foggy conditions O’Young got away well from pole, and immediately set about pulling a gap from the hard-charging Fong, setting the fastest lap of the race on lap four.  Marchy Lee’s strategy was to keep the pair in his sights, and then push hard mid-way through the 16-lap race.

Team Betterlife’s Wang Jian Wei also got away well, getting by K.O. You at the start, but then relinquishing the position to the Korean on the next lap.  What was to be a thrilling, race-long duel between Wang and David Zhu of Team Zhe Jiang Aotong then commenced.  Zhu dived past Wang on lap four, and the chase was on.

O’Young, meanwhile, had managed to pull a gap from Fong of 1.490 seconds by the end of lap seven but, just as Marchy Lee began his planned charge, it was game over for the race leader when debris on the track destroyed his rear tyre.

Less than a second separated title rivals Fong and Marchy by the end of lap nine, with the latter rapidly homing in on his prey.  To maximize his chances of catching – and passing – Fong, Marchy switched off his traction control to give him extra power out of the corners.  Suddenly, Marchy spun and, although he continued, his error had given Fong an unassailable lead.

As Fong headed to the finish and Marchy conceded defeat, the battle between Zhu and Wang in fifth and sixth was raging.  Zhu had expertly kept Wang at bay lap after lap, but as the pair began the penultimate lap, crossing the start/finish line wheel-to-wheel, the battle intensified.   A monumental effort just metres from the chequered flag saw Wang finally get by and sail home in fifth.

Despite retiring from the second race, it was a successful weekend for O’Young, who had taken pole position in qualifying and an emphatic victory in his debut Audi R8 LMS Cup race in Round 9, where he was followed across the line by Marchy after the Audi Ultra made an audacious move on rival Fong in the run to the flag.  Marchy was later penalized by the Race Stewards and demoted to third.  Like O’Young, Jeffrey Lee took pole in the Amateur Cup and followed that up with a resounding victory in Round 9.

The season finale of the inaugural Audi R8 LMS Cup will be held from 9-11 November 2012 at the Shanghai Sportscar Champions Festival, where the overall title will be decided between Fong and Marchy Lee, although Yoong still has a mathematical chance of winning the championship. For the Amateur Cup honours, Au will have a mountain to climb if he is to snatch the title from Jeffrey Lee.  The stage is set for a dramatic finale to what has been a spectacular debut season for the Audi R8 LMS Cup.

Round 10 – Results 

(AM) Amateur Cup Competitor

Fastest Lap: Darryl O’Young/Audi GQ/2:07.309/154.1kph

Overall Classification (top 5)

Amateur Cup Classification (top 5)