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Archive for March, 2007

First tests of the “new” Audi A4 DTM

Published March 22, 2007 in Audi, DTM and Racing. 0 Comments

I seriously cannnot wait for this season to start in April. I’ve been a fan of this series for a long time. It’s been a while since their champioship ways of 2004. With a strong team this year and hopefull some smart team work, they can grab an other in 2007.

Are you a fan? DTM? Mercedes-AMG? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Since the start of the 2004 season, Audi has been involved at factory level in the DTM. Despite the restrictive regulations, which give the technicians little room for manoeuvre, a great deal has been undertaken since then: The latest generation Audi A4 DTM, which bears the project name “R13” within Audi Sport, has very little in common with the “R11” 2004 Championship winning car.

The basic principle remains: The A4 DTM is a pure-blooded race car sporting the Audi A4 silhouette. The chassis is constructed from approximately 28 metres of aircraft quality steel tubing. The driver sits in a carbon-fibre cell which closely resembles the monocoque of a Formula 1 car. This combination guarantees the highest-level of safety. The Audi A4 DTM is assembled from approximately 6,000 parts - excluding engine and gearbox components. If all of the parts are available, the high-tech jigsaw puzzle requires about 50 hours to complete.

The Audi A4 DTM is powered by a four-litre, 90-degree V8 engine. The engine has been further refined for 2007. The peak power remains unchanged, but more power and torque is available across the entire rev range - mainly due to the reduction of internal friction. Compared to 2006, the centre-of-gravity has been lowered again. The airbox has also been modified.

“It’s not possible to make big leaps in the DTM because of the regulations,” emphasises Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Technology at Audi Sport. “For these reasons it’s even more astonishing that small improvements are found year after year.”

This is also the case for the aerodynamics and the suspension. The new generation A4 DTM that completed its roll-out at Almeria (Spain) at the end of February and has just completed a 3-day test at Barcelona (Spain), is at first glance, easily distinguishable from the 2006 model from the front. The modified air ducting around the front-end is the reason.

The air flow was modified to suit the new front-end. The Audi Sport technicians spent many hours in the in-house Wind Tunnel Centre to further optimise the A4 DTM car’s aerodynamic configuration. “The 2007 A4 DTM generates more downforce, but at the same time, has a better drag coefficient,” explains Wolfgang Appel, Head of Vehicle Technology at Audi Sport.

The front suspension was also subject to extensive development; among the improvements is a new damper. Furthermore, the new Dunlop tyres require a different suspension set-up.

In spite of the comprehensive list of modifications implemented, 2007 is nevertheless a transitional year for Audi: Audi Sport is already working on the new DTM version of the A4, which should be seen in competition next year.

Technorati Tags: Audi, Audi DTM, Audi A4, Audi Sport, Mattias Ekström, Tom Kristensen, Lucas Luhr

Audi DTM: Lucas Luhr in profile

Published March 21, 2007 in Audi, DTM, Porsche, Racing and Watched. 0 Comments

German “young gun” set for DTM debut

Lucas Luhr has a dream: “I want to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And I believe that at Audi I’m in exactly the right place.” The young German, who has recently moved from Monte Carlo to Lake Constance in Switzerland, originates from the Porsche staircase of talent. With the Swabians he has won everything that there was to win - more recently the American Le Mans Series LM P2 class title.

The 27-year-old now targets more than just class wins. “With Audi I can fight for overall honours,” he says. “And I’m looking forward to finally get the attention I want in my home country Germany for the races I do.” Insiders know just what Lucas Luhr has delivered over the years. To the majority of the public “Lucky” is (still) relatively unknown. This should change thanks to his involvement in DTM, Europe’s most popular Touring Car Series which is Lucas Luhr’s priority for the immediate future.

He knows that 2007 won’t be a push-over. He must live with a year-old car entered by Audi Sport Team Rosberg and collect experience. However, he also is aware that he has long-term prospects at Audi Sport. This is the main point.

“I’m really looking forward to the DTM, which is a very big challenge for me,” says Luhr. “In DTM you have to give attention to many little details. I’m keen to get this right. I want to learn as much as possible in my first DTM year and make the most out of it as quickly as possible. My target is to score as many points as possible. However, I’ll see only after two or three races where I really stand.”

The career change from Porsche to Audi was not the only important step Lucas Luhr made last year. He also married his partner Claudia. The couple have two children (Georgina and Gianluca). He spends as much of his free time as possible with his family.

His other great passion is rather unusual for a racing driver: Lucas Luhr loves to go fishing. This, however, is not the main reason which made him move from Monte Carlo to Ermatingen near Lake Constance. More important was being closer to his home country, to Audi Sport and the higher quality of living Switzerland is able to offer.

The new Audi factory driver keeps himself in shape at Lake Constance mainly by running and cycling. He plays golf and tennis and has started to play soccer. “But I’m still learning,” emphasizes 1.85-metre tall Lucas. He also likes to watch soccer games on television. “But only the top games. I’m not an ardent soccer fan.”

He became involved in motor racing due to his father, who was also a race driver. When his father competed in the 24-hour race around the Nürburgring, the youngster took his father’s wallet and spent every last penny at the kart track there. Afterwards I said: “Dad, I want a go-kart!”

Now he has become an Audi factory driver and has an RS 4 in his garage for daily use. He has already successfully tested the Audi A4 DTM and is looking forward to the first race of the DTM season on 22 April at Hockenheim. Before that, he will have his first chance to test the 650-hp Audi R10 TDI. And this takes him a step closer to living his big dream of Le Mans.

- motorsport.com

Technorati Tags: Audi, Audi DTM, Audi RS4, Lucas Luhr, 24 Hours of Le Mans, American Le Mans Series , Porsche

Experience the VW Tiguan virtually

Published March 20, 2007 in TDI and Volkswagen. 0 Comments

I had puled some screen shots when this launched a bit ago, then forgot about them. Well, VW released some PR on it so here ya go. The site utilizes a lot of imagery and video we’ve seen. I do like the different way of viewing a 360.

Interactively step by step from a concept car to a production vehicle

WOLFSBURG, Germany - A website featuring high-quality animations, real driving scenes and exclusive download features puts Volkswagen’s new offroad vehicle on computer screens in almost 50 countries eight months ahead of its launch.

At www.volkswagen.de/tiguan, potential customers can follow the development of the Tiguan in five layers from show car to production vehicle at the so-called Tiguan Base – a virtual building. Users can get to know the Tiguan world and move around it interactively. As the launch of the Touareg’s little brother approaches, more and more information about the real production vehicle will be revealed and the website content will become increasingly spectacular.

One special highlight will come in June, three months before the official world premiere of the Tiguan at the Frankfurt Motor Show, when the production model is revealed exclusively to Tiguan Base users. Then you will be able to go on a virtual test drive with your own configuration of the sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Layer one has already been added: In a 3D animation, you get a 360-degree view of the show car from the L.A. Motor Show and can take a close look at the vehicle details. One special feature in this phase is the interactive e-card: The show car can be placed against your own background allowing, for example, you to add it to a picture of your house.

An information service will keep you updated via e-mail and inform you about the most important content. Also, when you are out, you won’t lose touch with the Tiguan. You can download information on the car using your mobile phone via a WAP portal.

This extensive Tiguan website can be used in almost 50 countries in the local language. You can reach the Tiguan Base via your country’s Volkswagen website. Users in each participating country will be entered in a draw to win an exclusive trip to the world premiere of the Tiguan at the Frankfurt Motor Show. 65,000 people have already registered on the Tiguan Base.

From the very start, Volkswagen wanted to get potential customers involved with the Tiguan. Readers of AutoBild magazine were asked to think up a name and came up with the invented name that is formed from tiger and iguana. Over 350,000 readers from all over Europe took part in this campaign alone.

- VW

Technorati Tags: VW, Volkswagen, Tiguan, L.A. Motor Show, Frankfurt Motor Show

Ekström just can’t wait for the new season

Published March 20, 2007 in Audi, DTM and Racing. 0 Comments

I really enjoy Eki’s racing and talent. I hope he really comes through in 2007!

Mattias Ekström is going to contest his seventh DTM season and again, the Audi works driver will race for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. The Swede is very confident regarding the season opener held at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg. “I’m delighted that the off-season is finally over and just can’t wait to get back behind the wheel,” says Ekström who hasn’t been sitting in the cockpit of a racing car since his triumph in the Race of Champions, in December 2006.

The Swede used the winter months to extensively prepare for the 2007 season. “In DTM, a good physical condition is extremely important, hence, I trained very hard,” he reveals. “I’m in a better shape than ever before.” Last year, a broken front-wheel suspension forced him into early retirement, in the season opener, therefore, Ekström still has a score to settle. “This year, I want to start the season with a good result, thus setting the right indicator for the coming races.”

Still, the 2004 DTM Champion is fully aware that his rivals will make his life anything but easy. “Actually, everybody can win,” admits Ekström who regards his team-mate Tom Kristensen and Mercedes-Benz aces Bernd Schneider and Bruno Spengler as his main rivals. “That’s what makes DTM that special. It will be hard battle in the 2007 season, but I’m ready to rise to this challenge.”

- DTM

Technorati Tags: Mattias Ekström, DTM, Audi A4, Abt, Tom Kristensen

Volkswagen is searching the quickest apprentice

Published March 20, 2007 in Polo Cup, Racing and Volkswagen. 0 Comments

It’s hard to tell from the shot but could be GTI Racer but I can’t find anything close to resembling that UI. Maybe Forza or Toca since it’s made by Codemasters.

Racers wanted: Under the patronage of Dr Horst Neumann, Member of the Board for Human Resources of Volkswagen AG, and Bernd Osterloh, Chairman of the Joint and Corporate Works Council of Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Coaching and Volkswagen Motorsport are launching a competition targeting young people employed as apprentices with Volkswagen.

The winner of “ProTalent” will receive a slot as a contender in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup 2007, which features ten races.

Commenting on the idea behind “ProTalent”, the Managing Director of Volkswagen Coaching, Jürgen Haase, said: “Motorsport is an exciting subject for young people. That is why our competition aims to bring together our apprentices who have a keen interest in technology with Volkswagen’s racing activities.” Volkswagen Motorsport supports the selection of the winner and will accompany them through their first racing season. “We’re convinced that our pool of apprentices includes talent just waiting to be discovered. Our joint activity provides them with a unique opportunity,” emphasized Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. Wolfgang Dressler, Managing Director at Volkswagen Motorsport, added: “The collaboration between Volkswagen Motorsport and Volkswagen Coaching goes beyong the ProTalent campaign. We have agreed to employ apprentices in various areas of motorsport in the future.”

The competition is open to all apprentices at the Wolfsburg, Braunschweig, Salzgitter, Hannover, Kassel and Emden plants aged 16 to 24. The selection process will take place in several stages. Until 24 March, driving simulators, on which every competitor will complete two rounds, will be set up at each plant. The quickest 100 will then participate in a competition on a kart track. The top 20 will then change from the kart to the cockpit of a racing car, under the guidance of instructors from Volkswagen Motorsport. On 22 April, the winner will contest their first race in the Polo Cup at Hockenheim. This successful racing series for young talent organized by ADAC and Volkswagen is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2007.

- Volkswagen Motorsport

Technorati Tags: Volkswagen Motorsport, ADAC, Volkswagen Polo Cup

Audi R8 and S5 spotted

Published March 19, 2007 in Audi. 0 Comments

A good friend of mine spotted this S5 following an R8 in Orlando, Fl.

Audi R8

Technorati Tags: Audi, Audi S5, Audi R8

Audi TDI Power wins again at Sebring

Published March 18, 2007 in ALMS, Audi, Racing and TDI. 0 Comments

Despite new regulations, the Audi R10 TDI remains the sports car to beat. By achieving an impressive victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring (USA), AUDI AG made a perfect start into the 2007 motorsport season with its revolutionary diesel sports car and also a successful dress rehearsal for the Le Mans 24 Hours on 16/17 June. It was the eighth victory in a row in the classic American endurance race for the manufacturer from Ingolstadt.

The Audi R10 TDI, which remains unbeaten in its ninth consecutive race, had to start for the first time with a 10 percent smaller fuel tank (81 instead of 90 liters). This meant the Audi had to come to the pits for refueling up to five laps earlier than their competitors. Despite the R10 TDI being the fastest car on the 3.7-mile track, also setting a new track record, newcomer Acura/Honda was able to get into the lead on various occasions with its 150-kg lighter LM P2 cars. Only in the penultimate hour, Frank Biela (Germany), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) took the lead for good in an extremely exciting and competitive sports car race. Frank Biela equaled Tom Kristensen’s record of four overall Sebring victories.

The 2007-spec R10 TDI ran without the slightest technical problem during the whole 12 hours on the extremely demanding track. The only unscheduled pit stop was caused by a puncture in the second hour costing the winning car two laps. Also two time penalties and a stop-and-go penalty were imposed against the winning Audi team.

The updated engine, featuring among other things more compact diesel particle filters from Dow Automotive, further developed suspension, the latest generation of Michelin tires and the weight-optimized transmission of the R10 TDI worked perfectly during the Le Mans dress rehearsal.

Meanwhile the Sebring week did not run to plan for the second Audi team with the defending champions of the American Le Mans Series, Dindo Capello (Italy) and Allan McNish (Scotland) plus Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen (Denmark). Following an accident in Thursday evening’s night practice session, the R10 TDI had to be completely rebuilt over night. Despite not having the opportunity to set up the car perfectly, Capello/McNish/Kristensen were leading the race before the starter and the battery had to be changed twice. Finishing fourth overall, they finished second in the LM P1 class scoring precious points.

Read on for quotes after the race

Continue reading ‘Audi TDI Power wins again at Sebring’

ALMS: Audi starts season with Sebring win!

Published March 17, 2007 in ALMS, Audi, Racing and TDI. 1 Comment

Wow. What a start to the season! Lots of hectic moments for all. Even one Audi being completely rebuilt after a crash during night practice. I mean this thing lost 2 wheels etc! If it wasn’t a puncture, electrical or fender bender it was some gremlin showing up! Flying Lizard came within .20-second of a GT2 class win. I love the Lizard crew, so congrats o them. A win would be great but 2nd is awesome, especially at Sebring. Unfortunately, Porsche was taken to the line by Acura. There were a ton of problems from both RS Spyders.

Audi won for the eighth straight year, Acura posted a first- and second-place class finish in its American Le Mans Series debut and Ferrari won in GT2 in the closest finish in race history on Saturday at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Marco Werner crossed the finish line after 363 laps as he, Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro kept the diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI undefeated with nine race wins in as many starts.

The win was Biela’s fourth at Sebring and ties him with teammate Tom Kristensen for most in race history. Werner won for the third time in five years and Pirro took victory for the first time since 2000, the first race for the Audi R8.

For the second year in a row, the GT2 class finish set a record for the closest margin of victory. Risi Competizione and its stable of drivers gave Ferrari its first class win at Sebring since 1998 as the trio of Jaime Melo, Mika Salo and Johnny Mowlem posted a 0.20-second victory over Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Porsche of Jörg Bergmeister, Johannes van Overbeek and Marc Lieb.

The battle between the Ferrari and Porsche lasted throughout the entire day. The Ferrari survived start from the rear of the grid, a late drama in pit lane with a 20-second penalty and a Turn 17 spin at sunset for the team’s fifth win in the last seven events dating back to July of 2006 at Salt Lake City. Tafel Racing’s Porsche of Wolf Henzler, Robin Liddell and Patrick Long.

- ALMS

Technorati Tags: Audi R10, Audi TDI, Emanuele Pirro, Frank Biela, Marco Werner, Tom Kristensen, Rinaldo Capello, Allan McNish, American Le Mans Series, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Romain Dumas, Penske Racing, Porsche RS Spyders

Spyker Squadron Sebring 12-Hours 9 hour report

Published March 17, 2007 in ALMS, Audi and Racing. 0 Comments

I love the Spyker cars. This year at Sebrin they are running the coupe and not the ‘vert! If your wondering why I am featuring the Spyker, wonder no more, they run an Audi engine. It’s the V8 running at 450bhp.

Three hours to go in the race and Dutch Spyker Squadron is still performing well. The car is still running strong in fourth position – Jarek handed over to Peter Kox just after six while Peter Kox just finished his first pit stop in a double stint.

The car is still running trouble free. With the sun almost gone, covering the track in an orange glow, and the temperature is dropping quickly, the most exciting part of the race just begun.

- Spykercars

Technorati Tags: Spyker, Spyker Squadron, Peter Kox

Audi close in on historic Sebring win

Published March 17, 2007 in ALMS, Audi, Porsche, Racing and TDI. 0 Comments

The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is winding down into darkness. With two hours to go, Marco Werner was driving his Audi R10 TDI to an eighth consecutive overall win and second in a row for the diesel-powered car on Saturday. Werner was a half minute ahead of the first of the new Acura prototypes as Bryan Herta continued to peddle the Andretti Green Racing Acura ARX closer and closer to an LMP2 win in its maiden race.

Acura comfortably held the top two spots in class as Luis Diaz in the Lowe’s Fernandez Acura-powered Lola was up by five laps on the third-place class car of Timo Bernhard for Penske Racing in a Porsche RS Spyder.

The GT2 class battle between Flying Lizard Motorsports and Risi Competizione was the best of the race’s second half. Jaime Melo and the Ferrari F430 GT held a three-second lead over Porsche factory driver Jörg Bergmeister in the Flying Lizard Porsche 911 GT3 RSR as the clock wound down. In 2006, the two finished on the same lap as the winning factory Panoz Esperante GTLM, and a similar finish was shaping up Saturday night.

- ALMS

Technorati Tags: Audi R10, Audi TDI, Emanuele Pirro, Frank Biela, Marco Werner, Tom Kristensen, Rinaldo Capello, Allan McNish, American Le Mans Series, Twelve Hours of Sebring