VAG Division – Volkswagen Group Car Club

• New supercharger kit raises power of V8 Audi R8 from 420 bhp to 548 bhp
• Torque jumps from 317 lb.ft to 437 lb.ft
• Available now fully fitted from Brackley based independent Audi specialist APS
• Out muscles 5.2-litre, V10 R8 at potentially lower cost – £21,995 fitted VAT inclusive

APS of Brackley, the award winning independent Audi specialist, is pleased to announce its appointment by VF Engineering of Anaheim, California, to act as UK sales concession for a new range of Audi R8 V8 supercharger conversions.

Designed to appeal to V8 Audi R8 owners desiring additional performance without the expense of the larger engined 5.2-litre variant, the VF Engineering upgrade is such an effective conversion that it out muscles the V10 version by a healthy margin.

Performance, reliability and an OE style feel were major factors in the extensive research and development program carried out by VF-Engineering. With 10 years of supercharging experience and worldwide OEM supply contacts, VF Engineering has harnessed the reliability of Eaton superchargers and the quality of GIAC custom software to create the ultimate supercharger system for the ultimate driver’s car.

Maintaining the original Audi quality and smoothness were key technical criteria, with all major components for the VF Engineering conversion being 100% manufactured in California.

The results of twelve months of intensive development, including extensive dyno test cycles and track work, VF Engineering opted to supercharge the Audi R8 to improve throttle response and mid-to-top end power by utilising the very latest design of Roots-type Eaton TVS 1900 supercharger.

This 6th generation ‘Twin Vortices Series’ 4 lobe Roots supercharger boasts the ability to rev to higher bearing speeds for longer periods, meaning the TVS 1900 unit can be operated at lower crankshaft speeds and create more boost due to its displacement and higher efficiency.

The Eaton TVS supercharger is mounted atop the motor using an in-house CNC machined billet aluminium housing, which contains an air/water heat exchanger, driven using an upgraded Goodyear serpentine belt system and heavy duty active tensioner. For durability reasons, the stock supercharger drive belt has been upgraded from 5 to 7 ribs.

The VF Engineering Audi R8 conversion is optimised to deliver 7.5 psi from the Eaton TVS 1900 supercharger and creates as much, if not more power than similar products running greater levels of boost.

Performance software specialist GIAC has employed flash technology and latest Audi file developments to provide the cleanest and most reliable method of software installation. GIAC engineers extensively re-wrote the OEM Audi ECU software from scratch using their own binary, assembly and disassembly algorithms. Testing the software has included extensive road and dyno test cycles, with acceleration and deceleration tests for driveability smoothness and ECU fuel management.

One of the interesting features of the software recalibration provided by VF Engineering with the Audi R8 supercharger kit is the development of a software “switching” facility. Using a small handheld unit that the user can plug into the OBD2 port, the software can be switched on the fly through different modes such as “Race Fuel” advanced ignition timing program for when customers elect to use high octane petrol, or “Valet mode” to reduce power for obvious reasons. The GIAC software is electronically “flashed” by APS of Brackley into the R8’s ECU’s through the OBD2 port with the optional modes.

The custom and proprietary GIAC software supplied with this kit safely realigns all OEM Audi fuelling and engine management parameters, thus minimizing the likelihood of spurious diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) or check engine lights (CEL’s).

As part of the validation process during the development of the R8 supercharger conversion, the VF Engineering test cars were put through long term full throttle assessment in conditions varying from wet cold climates to hot dry race track conditions for safe-optimal air fuel ratios and knock activity monitoring.

The end result of VF Engineering’s conversion is an R8 with super car humbling levels of effortless urge – peak power is boosted to 548 bhp at 7500rpm, with peak torque of 437 lb.ft at 4800 rpm. (For comparison, the 5.2-litre V10 Audi R8 produces 518 bhp and 391 lb.ft.)

Headline VF Engineering Audi R8 supercharger technical specification includes:-

• GIAC custom tuned software to optimise performance
• OEM soft rev limiters and top speed governor removed
• Eaton TVS1900 satin black supercharger
• 1 year unlimited mileage limited product warranty
• VF- CNC machined 6061 aluminium bracket system
• VF- CNC machined 6061 aluminium inlet runners
• OEM Goodyear idler pulleys
• VF- Custom tuned supercharger intake
• Internal overrun bypass valve system
• OEM crank case ventilation system
• Replacement OEM serpentine belt

The VF supercharger system remains fully Audi dealer OBD2 compliant and is supported by a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty on the product only.

Priced at £21,995 fitted and road tested including VAT @ 17.5%, appointed VF Engineering sales concession and approved fitting centre APS of Brackley is taking reservation deposits now.

The S5 Sportback featuring a powerful, supercharged V6

• The S5 Sportback featuring a powerful, supercharged V6
• A4 3.0 TDI quattro with latest clean exhaust technology
• The A3 1.2 TFSI offering 51mpg-plus economy

Ingolstadt – Audi will unveil three new vehicles at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show (IAA): the supercharged S5 Sportback, the extremely low-emission A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, and the highly efficient A3 1.2 TFSI. These innovative engines boast some very different key data, yet they all have something in common: They embody Audi’s conviction that dynamics and efficiency are not mutually exclusive.

Elegant dynamics: Audi S5 Sportback

The S5 Sportback is the pinnacle of the new Sportback model line. This elegant, five-door coupé is propelled by a three-litre V6 with a mechanical compressor. From a displacement of 2,995 cm3 the compact turbo engine delivers 333PS and 440 Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The S5 Sportback sprints from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds [provisional figure]; its top speed of 155mph is limited by an electronic governor. Its combined economy figure of 29.1mpg [provisional figure] is the best in this power-output category.

The powertrain of the Audi S5 Sportback is no less exceptional: a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive are standard equipment. Upon request, this combination can be further enhanced by the sport differential, which variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels. This new “top model” naturally features sports suspension and rides on 18-inch aluminium wheels fitted with 245/40 tyres; black brake calipers bear S5 emblems at the front. Speed-dependent servotronic steering is also standard.

Small yet striking exterior and interior features visually distinguish the Audi S5 Sportback. Equipment highlights include electrically adjustable S sports seats covered with Silk Nappa leather. Sales of the Audi S5 Sportback will start in Spring 2010; its basic price in Germany will be 57,900 euros. UK pricing has yet to be finalised.

Extremely clean: Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro

Audi debuted the 3.0 TDI clean diesel engine in its Q7 SUV; now, the world’s cleanest diesel technology will also be available in the best-selling A4. A package of technologies provides innovative solutions for engines and the after-treatment of exhaust gas.

The engine features a new common-rail injection system (which generates up to 2,000 bars of pressure), innovative pressure sensors in the combustion chamber, and an especially high-performance exhaust recirculating system. Collectively these measures ensure a highly efficient and low-emission combustion process. A novel DeNOX catalytic converter, integrated within the end of the exhaust system, reduces residual nitrogen oxides. Just upstream of it, a pump injects an additive named AdBlue into the hot exhaust flow; there, this aqueous solution decomposes into ammonia — which splits the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.

The A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro already complies with the emission limits of the EU’s Euro 6 standard, expected to become law in 2014. It is also very fuel-efficient, with the potential to cover up to 42.1mpg (Avant: 41.5mpg). And this TDI engine is indeed a powerful performer, needing only 6.2 seconds (Avant: 6.3 seconds) to go from zero to 62mph. Top speed is electronically governed to 155mph. In conjunction with a six-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, this vehicle guarantees a high degree of comfort and superior traction.

Efficient Downsizing: Audi A3 and A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI

Downsizing is an element of Audi’s efficiency strategy to which it is absolutely committed. The A3 model line will soon introduce yet another turbocharged petrol engine featuring lower displacement. It unites maximum performance with minimum consumption.

Designed from scratch, the new 1.2 TFSI generates 105PS from a displacement of 1,197 cm3. And as is typical of Audi, turbocharging and direct petrol injection once again work in harmony to maximise efficiency. Thanks to an aluminium crankcase, this four-cylinder engine weighs just 89.5 kilograms; this remarkably low weight also boosts its efficiency.

The 1.2 TFSI has been optimized to minimize friction. Eight valves are actuated by a single camshaft. A common-rail system injects the fuel. An electric control valve operates the turbocharger’s wastegate valve; boost pressure builds up spontaneously and scavenging losses drop.

This compact engine generates 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between just 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. It propels the three-door A3 1.2 TFSI from 0 to 62mph in 11.1 seconds; the Sportback, in 11.3 seconds. Both versions reach a top speed of 118mph and can return up to 51.3mpg (combined cycle), while emitting just 127 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. The new engine will initially be paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.