Last month, Autoblog’s long-term fleet (AKA our regular drivers) grew by one when we picked up a thoroughly reworked, late-model German sedan. It’s a masterpiece of modern engineering, complete with the amenities our spouses have we’ve grown accustomed to (heated seats) and over $20,000 in modifications to the engine (new turbo, Inconel manifold), suspension (Ohlins) and brakes (Alcons, anyone?).

But there was a problem. It’s coated in our least favorite color: Brilliant Red. Thankfully, ABT Sportsline has an option that doesn’t involve a full re-spray.

The German tuning firm has partnered with the Kempten Company to create a “foil” for the A4, A7 and R8, which coats the Audis in a high-tech synthetic material that matches the weave of carbon fiber. Judging by the images ABT offered, the application of the “foil” is seamless, matching every crease and curve to the T.

While the intent of a faux-carbon fiber wrap for our rides reeks of poseur, we’re seriously considering a matte black treatment for our new purchase. If anyone knows of a firm based in the Bay Area to do the work, drop us a line in the comments. And if you know of anyone in Ohio, maybe we can persuade John to get his Alero coated in olive and black camouflage.

Continue reading ABT wraps Audi R8 and Q7 in carbon fiber-look vinyl, Alero is next

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Supercars, Audi

Word has it there is an eight-month inactivity list for the Audi R8 in the car’s home market of Germany. Here in the good ol’ U.S. of A., the 50 units we get per month are not nearly enough for all of the interested buyers. Well, with V10, convertible and possibly diesel versions in the works, we can’t imagine that demand will subside anytime soon. You might think that Audi would be smart to amp up production to handle the high demand, especially with those new versions coming soon, but that isn’t gonna happen according to Audi. Seems they can only make 27 R8s a month and no more. That should keep the R8 variations very scarce and very dear.

For those lucky enough to have the coinage and a place in line, there is more news. Car and Driver talked to Michael Dick, Audi’s member of the board of management for technical development, who told them the company expects to sell around 80% with V10 flavor. That version goes on understanding next year, with drop-tops following soon after in Europe. Yanks will have to move another year with 2011 models showing up in ‘10.

Other tidbits gleaned from the interview: Pricing hasn’t been set, the diesel might be Euro-only if it even makes it to production, and a little brother R4 was never in the cards with the TT-RS and doable Audi R3 version of the VW roadster filling out the diversion card well enough. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that there are enough V10s acquirable so we can get one in our garage at least.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments