Audi had record sales in the first half of 2012, beating their rivals, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. While many producers complain because of the global crisis and weak sales, Audi beat record after record. In the first months of 2012, the German manufacturer has delivered 346,000 models worldwide. The climax was reached in March when it sold 143,000 cars, representing a record in brand history.

Other countries joins the growing trend of Audi and manages to overcome his competitors in the premium segment, BMW and Mercedes. The study, conducted by APIA,put the German mark first with 479 units sold. The manufacturer’s flagship Ingostadt, A8, was the best selling sedan in the first months of this year.

The “Opel 24H” comes with special offers!
Between 20 to 21 April 2012 will be held the annual event “Opel 24H” in which customers can purchase Opel models at special prices and the luckiest of them can even win the car ordered.

On 20 and 21 April, Opel showrooms will be open from 9.00 to 21.00, during which customers will expect the new models Opel and most attractive offers of the year. The “Opel 24H” in 2012 is the third consecutive edition and has become a tradition of the brand.

During the event, customers who decide what Opel car they want, should pay a deposit of 10% and entered the lottery, earn exactly the car ordered, and the advance will be returned. Bids valid in the 24 hours are added complementary products designed specifically for the event period:

- 25% discount on insurance, in partnership with Generali
- Extended warranty at a price 10% less: no cost for repair service authorized sites and zero stress
- Dedicated financial offers: Super Deal in domestic fixed-rate and APR 8%, and “4×4″ 4-month grace period, four years funding period and 40% deposit (which may include the value of three tickets REMAT)

In partnership with Opel, some cards brings a 5% discount on parts purchased from authorized dealers, four installments with 0% APR Opel’s service, 1% cash back on supplies of fuel in 2012 and 1 year free roadside assistance, for eligible models. In addition, other transactions benefit from 0% commission paid to dealers and up to 60 days grace period, with 0% interest on purchases.

The new Audi A1 Quattro promises to make headlines in the premium domain of the small class, it comes with a turbocharged 2.0 liter and 256 hp, a manual gearbox 6 speed and quattro all-wheel drive. In other words, a mini hot-hatch without rival for the moment, no other small class model exceeding the 250 hp barrier and without having wheel drive.

The maximum power of 256 hp of Audi A1 Quattro is obtained from a system of 6,000 rpm, while the maximum torque has an excellent value for 350 nm, obtained on a fairly wide range of engine speeds between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. Therefore, A1 Quattro is a little devil, it start from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds and it has a top speed of 245 km/h.

It is interesting that the average consumption has a positive value, being quoted at just 8.5 litres/100 km. We mention from the important technical changes the adoption of a new direction with a revised reduction ratio of 14, 8:1, while the ESP stability control system has a new feature sports, but for extreme sensations can be completely disabled.

Audi A1 Quattro receive of a set of 18 inch wheels with a turbine design, like the famous Audi Quattro model who made headlines in rallies in the ’80s, and tires are in size of 225/35 R 18. The adaptation of the quattro wheel drive means the reducing of the trunk with 60 liter, but the car retains its configuration with 4 seats, leaving enough space for everyday practice.

As for exterior styling of the car, the Audi A1 Quattro range is well individualized; taking almost everything that can from the concept Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro: the racing spoiler, side skirts, new tailgate spoiler or two large highly visible discharges.

Audi A5 DTM attended to a photo shoot right in the environment where he will spend most of the time, ie the circuit. These are the first pictures of the new family member and professional sports Audi, which will have an important task, primarily because it have to carry on the tradition started by V8 Quattro from 1990 to 1992 and then continued by the A4 DTM in 2004-2011. Secondly it has to face the competition, which will also be on another level.

Audi has chosen for the first time a coupe model instead of a five-door travel for international competitions. The new Audi A5 DTM – or R17, as they internally call those from production team – made in collaboration with Audi Sport, and will take action next year. The car was designed to meet three key conditions: to be a safe capsule, to have reduced costs by 40% and to impress by the appearance.

Audi A5 DTM has a structure built entirely of carbon fiber and a chassis made of a special combination. To develop the project manager was responsible for Audi Motorsport, Wolfgang Ullrich. Like its predecessor, A5 DTM uses a V8 engine that produces 460 hp (340 kW). It is mated to a six-speed gearbox, operated by paddles behind the steering wheel now.

Muhlmeier Martin, the manager from Audi Sport said: “In the past, Audi was particularly highly innovative solutions in the field of aerodynamics in the DTM. Since these areas were severely restricted, well-detailed solutions will now be essential for obtain advantages in competition.”

Some have not recovered yet after the SEMA Show held this year in Las Vegas and show their new tuning proposals. An example would be those from Mansory, which dealt by an Audi R8 Spyder V10.

With the naked eye you will see that on the outside the model received a package in order to make it look more aggressive. Thus, more items were mounted, including a front spoiler, some dubious side skirts and a spoiler that you could see it from Mars. Let’s not forget that the bumper was notched by Mansory and the set of wheels taken out from the world of darkness and accented with carbon fiber inserts. We do not know if they win any awards for beauty, but we know that have 20 inches dimensions.

If you take a look at red inside dressed in leather and topped with carbon fiber, it is hard to ignore the name of the tuning house that was printed obsessive. Much of the same happens with the carbon fiber, which wrap – in addition to the windshield frame and mirror caps – including some of the wheel, from the dashboard and others that you can find yourself if you want it.

What is not shown, but it’s hidden under the hood is the performance package that its given by the obsessed tuner with the name that it bears. Thus, the V10 engine of 5.2 liter was instructed to provide 544 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, this is an increase in power by 27 hp and 20 Nm compared with a standard model.

Besides, those from Mansory has added a sports exhaust system and an air filter performance. We don’t know yet any details about the price but we will keep you uptaded with the latest news about Audi R8 V10 Spyder.

Hot cars must be pursued by police cars even greater. Perhaps it was the motto of ABT tuner, who presented at the Essen Motorshow this Audi R8 GTR police.

In fact, we talk about an Audi R8 GTR prepared as if ready for the police, but it’s just about the campaign “TUNE IT! SAFE!” which takes place every year on the biggest auto tuning salon in Europe, Essen Motorshow. A campaign started with right at the initiative of the Ministry of Transport from Germany! The present model R8 GTR is equipped with various equipment from popular tuners and specialists from after-market accessory cars: Warning lights have been designed specifically for Hella, and police-style stickers on the car come from Foliatec.

The tuner ABT has adapted Audi R8 GTR with the external kit not too complicated, with a splitter from carbon fiber under the bumper, a modified rear spoiler, the other outputs of the discharges and, especially, with a huge spoiler, reminiscent of the racing GT. Importantly, the car from ABT has received a technical upgrade, V10 engine power is increased by 95 hp to 620 hp bringing. Therefore, the Audi R8 GTR “Police Car” by ABT reaches 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and 200 km/h comes in just 9.9 seconds. The maximum speed the car is now 325 km/h.

The car is based on 19-inch alloy wheels, shod with Hankook tires (main sponsor of the campaign “TUNE IT! SAFE!”). Ventus S1 EVO tires in size of 235/35 R 19 is in front and 305/30 R 19 on rear, and leaves thin spokes to the huge perforated brake discs. The car is just an exercise in tuning and will not go into law enforcement equipment from Germany, although the slogan tuner seems to say something: “Tuning should be fun, but can be very safe.” So sure that even the traffic police would want such a car!