Test debut of the new Audi TT RS with Team Raeder Motorsport

Test debut of the new Audi TT RS with Team Raeder Motorsport
British GT: United Autosports confirms first pairing for 2011 title assault
The new TECHART MAGNUM

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 09:23 AM PDT

Audi TT RS with Team Raeder Motorsport, oneighturbo.com

WOW! The ol’ days of the Audi TT DTM race-car are back. Audi, along with Team Raeder Motorsport will be testing the new Audi TT RS customer car. Raeder Motorsport runs in the VLN Championships with both an Audi A3 and Audi TT. With two dates set in October, the motorsport season is far from over. The TT RS uses the 5 cylinder TFSI engine and components from the Audi R8 LMS.

At the same time that the DTM competes at Hockenheim the customer sport program of AUDI AG that was launched with the Audi R8 LMS will probably feature an additional vehicle: at the last two rounds of the Endurance Championship Nürburgring on October 16 and 30, Team Raeder Motorsport will contest the SP 4T class with the prototype of an Audi TT RS that is jointly developed by the Technical Development (TE) and Production divisions of AUDI AG and quattro GmbH. In the test races the vehicle, which spearheads a potential modular customer sport concept based on the TT, will be driven by Marc Hennerici and Christopher Mies. Audi thereby responds to the high demand by customers wishing to use the TT and other vehicles of the brand in motorsport.

The prototype uses a five-cylinder TFSI engine and features racing-specific new developments in the areas of the body, suspension and aerodynamics. In addition, the team was able to adopt some components from the R8 LMS in order to make maximum use of synergies.

- Audi Motorsport

Audi Motorsport plans R15 plus TDI test run at Le Castellet

British GT: United Autosports confirms first pairing for 2011 title assault

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 07:05 AM PDT

British GT, United Autosports, Audi R8 LMS

Matt Bell and Michael Guasch will contest the 2011 Avon Tyres British GT Championship at the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS for United Autosports. Bell (GB) and Guasch (USA) are both driving for the British-based team in this year’s FIA GT3 European Championship – the final rounds of which are staged at Zolder on Sunday.

The young Briton, having his first full season in [car] racing, will contest next year’s British series in addition to competing in the FIA championship again. Bell, who achieved a season best third place in the FIA GT3 race in Portugal, had a one-off BGT drive this summer in a United Autosports entered Ginetta G50 – winning the G4 category with his older brother Rob.

Guasch, meanwhile, will concentrate solely on the British series in 2011, the American looking forward to being “paired” for the first time with Bell and believing that the Anglo-American combination will prove to be very competitive.

British GT, United Autosports, Audi R8 LMS

United Autosports made its competition début this year when the American-owned squad contested the opening rounds of the British series at Oulton Park prior to the start of the FIA GT3 championship.

It marked the first time the 5.2-litre, V10-engined Audi R8 LMS had raced in the BGT with team co-owners Zak Brown (USA) and Richard Dean (GB) achieving two fourth placings with Guasch, partnered by Mark Patterson (USA), netting fifth and eighth positions on their first-ever visit to the Oulton circuit.

United Autosports plans to run two Audi sports cars in both the British and FIA championships next year. It will mark the first time a team representing the German manufacturer has regularly raced in the UK since 1998 – the final year Audi Sport UK contested the British Touring Car Championship – with United Autosports being an “official” Audi Sport customer team.

British GT, United Autosports, Audi R8 LMS

Matthew Bell (GB). Age: 20. Lives: Barningham nr Richmond, North Yorkshire, England: “I’m delighted and excited that United Autosports is giving me the opportunity of two programs in 2011. I’ll be able to take the experience of this maiden year in to the 2011 FIA GT3 European Championship while I’m really looking forward to racing in the British GT Championship next year.

“The FIA series has a big variety and depth of manufacturers and a high level of competition which took me a little by surprise this year. But now that the Audi R8 LMS can run competitively since the latest Balance of Power revisions, we’re able to show not only the true potential of the car but that of United Autosports too. It’s an excellent series and I’ve enjoyed being part of it. Going back to venues next year that I’d never previously seen before let alone raced on, will be a massive bonus.

“I believe the progress the team has made coupled with the development of my driving partnership with Zak [Brown] should enable us to compete for the FIA GT3 title in 2011. It was a big step for me this season to go from a Ginetta G50 straight into such a powerful car but the Audi is fantastic to drive. I’ve got to know Mike [Guasch] this season and despite him too being totally new to all of the tracks in the FIA series this year, he’s been very competitive. All these factors bode well for a good year in Britain next season.”

Michael Guasch (USA). Age: 52. Lives: Walnut Creek, California, USA: “Moving to BGT means I can be paired with a “gold” driver at United Autosports and have a shot at the championship title with Matt. In this year’s FIA GT3 European Championship it became clear that my co-driver Mark [Patterson] and I could run at the front of the pack of “bronze” drivers but then had a tough time with the “gold” categorized ones hence the disappointing overall finishes.

“Richard [Dean] has laid out an extensive off season testing plan to get me the needed knowledge of the BGT tracks for 2011. The first year with United Autosports has been great and I am excited to be running a second year with them. They are a top shelf professional team. After one year of running the team and drivers have gotten to know each other much better and now everything is starting to click. Adjustments in engineering, tires, and the increased overall understanding of the Audi has given us a big step forward.”

Zak Brown (USA). Driver, Chairman, Co-Owner United Autosports: “I’m tremendously excited to see the growth of our team into the British GT Championship – 12 months since we unveiled United Autosports at Paul Ricard last October. Not only have we run a full season in the FIA GT3 European Championship, we’ve competed in the 24 Hours of Spa – finishing third and fourth in GT3 – and will run our two Audi R8 LMS sports cars in the final round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in China in November all in our first year of competition which underlines our ambitious plans of taking this team forward. I’m certain the combination of Matt [Bell], who I have raced alongside all year, and Mike [Guasch], will win races in the BGT and believe the pair along with Audi will be contenders for title honours.”

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports: “I’m very much looking forward to bringing United Autosports and Audi in to the 2011 British GT Championship. With Matt [Bell] and Mike [Guasch] driving an R8 LMS I believe we have a potent force. I’m delighted to have re-signed Mike for a second consecutive season. Continuity for both the team and driver is such an important element to building success.

“His switch to BGT makes perfect sense for him taking into account budget, travel, testing opportunities and work commitments. Despite the series switch, he can build on this year’s GT experience with the Audi R8 LMS and us. I am enjoying working with Mike and seeing the progress he has made. It was very satisfying to see him the fastest driver on track in the closing stages of the latest FIA race in the Algarve and having achieved a top-6 qualifying position the previous day.

“Teaming Mike with Matt in BGT is perfect for many reasons. Matt can build on his successful first full year in racing [cars] and have a two pronged championship season in 2011. He needs race experience and is improving with every race. An FIA GT3 podium last time out in Portugal, after only a handful of races, is a sign of something special. Two series next year will develop him further. It will be exciting to monitor his development and for us [United Autosports] to be part of it.”

- British GT

Matthew Bell jumps in for United Autosports maiden FIA GT3 European Championship Campaign

The new TECHART MAGNUM

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 06:30 AM PDT

TECHART MAGNUM based on the Porsche Cayenne

The TECHART MAGNUM – with over 1,000 sold, the distinctive individualization program for the Porsche Cayenne wrote a unique success story. Now TECHART gave the current model a unique and powerful appearance – dynamic, confident and strong.

An open secret

It is said, there is a secret around every success. At TECHART it is an open one: highest standards in technology, quality and design are the basis for success. According to TECHART’s core philosophy: original equipment quality. Made entirely from high quality Polyurethan-RIM the new TECHART MAGNUM body kit owns an impressive appearance and emphasizes the dynamic basic form of the Cayenne.

MAGNUM – a confident and strong performance

The TECHART individualization program does not leave any doubts about the uncompromising performance of the MAGNUM. The typical MAGNUM front apron with two large air intakes, integrated TECHART daytime running lights as well as an additional xenon double headlamp unit and air ducts – which supply the front brakes with optimal fresh air – let the viewer feel the power and agility of the MAGNUM in an instant. The distinctive TECHART Aero engine hood made of carbon fibre with integrated air outlets ensures proper engine heat dissipation and completes the consistent design of the new MAGNUM front.

Taking a glance along the flank of the SUV, side skirts and elegant trims on all four doors seamlessly connect the distinctive outline of the front and rear fenders. The body, 92 millimetres wider than standard, represents the pure force of the MAGNUM.

Expressive and dynamic – from any angle

The rear of the new MAGNUM represents the dynamic of the front as well as the typical TECHART elegance. The TECHART three-part tail light trim with an integrated spoiler shape in combination with the roof spoiler are characteristic for the MAGNUM. Outstanding: the rear apron with integrated diffuser giving the back of the Cayenne the unique design of TECHART. An extraordinary detail: an included reflector guarantees unprecedented dynamic-shaped tail lights. The TECHART exhaust system “sport” in addition with the TECHART sport tailpipes in polished stainless steel completes the MAGNUM individualization program in the exterior.

Looking forward to a plus of performance

More power for more driving pleasure. In the future TECHART provides impressive power gains for the Cayenne – for noticeable more strength. The TECHART engine management TECHTRONIC comes up with a number of impressive product features. The intelligent electronic power management convinces with quick and easy installation as well as maintaining the electronic engine protection features and the vehicle diagnostics and servicing.

The TECHART air suspension module “sport” provides the new Cayenne with a clear plus of driving dynamics due to a lower standard normal level and an additional speed-controlled lowering while driving.

Furthermore there are Formula and Formula II light alloy wheels, in dimensions of 20- to 23-inch respectively 22- and 23-inch, as well as Formula III forged light alloy wheels, in 21- and 22-inch, available. Besides the attractive standard colour variants, the TECHART wheels can be individualized in matched custom colours.

Finest leather & manufactory quality – TECHART interior individualization

The TECHART handcrafted interior options for the Cayenne offer almost unlimited possibilities to realize the personal style of the customer and are world famous for an extraordinary level of quality and accuracy. TECHART leather interiors provide the inside of the MAGNUM with an elegant and unique atmosphere. One more highlight: the Entertainment options for the new Cayenne like the TECHART roof mounted Entertainment Kit with an adjustable overhead monitor and a hand-made display console in leather. A maximum of driving pleasure is guaranteed with the TECHART 3-spokes sport steering wheels and the TECHART paddle shifters – for a unique shift feeling.

World premiere in Switzerland

The Auto Zurich Car Show will be the stage of the world premiere of the new MAGNUM. The TECHART individualization program for the Porsche Cayenne will be shown from the 11. to the 14. November 2010.