Depending on specification, models of the new Audi Q7 fitted with size 255/60 R18 108Y or 285/45 R20 112Y tyres will be fitted with the Toyo Proxes T1 Sport SUV A as original equipment. Toyo Tires already supplies original equipment tyres to several Audi models, including the new A3 and the RS 4 and RS 5 sport models, and also supplied winter tyres for the previous-generation Audi Q7.
Audi and the RAC have officially set a new Guinness World Records title by driving to 14 countries on a single tank of fuel. The unmodified Audi A6 TDI ultra chosen for the challenge comfortably exceeded its official 67mpg-plus potential by averaging a remarkable 75.9mpg and completing a total of 1158.9 miles without the need for a fuel-stop. Motoring journalist Andrew Frankel and racing driver Rebecca Jackson drove the A6 TDI ultra almost non-stop for nearly 28 hours from the Netherlands to Hungary, passing through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia – 14 countries in all.
Mile-devouring fuel economy is likely to be a key consideration for most drivers of the 67mpg Audi A6 TDI ultra, but on this occasion it is nothing short of crucial, because a Guinness World Records title attempt depends on it.
2 May sees the beginning of the 2015 DTM season at the Hockenheimring, marking the fifth year of Hankook’s tyre supply to the championship. The brand’s presence in top line German motorsport has functioned as a component of its process of premiumisation – not only has the manufacturer been producing high specification track tyres accepted by DTM; it has been able to function as an exclusive tyre partner with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz within the series.
Michelin has specially developed a new variant of its Pilot Sport Cup 2 ultra-high performance tyre for the original equipment fitment on the new Audi R8. The tyre is an optional fitment to be specified by customers, which can be identified by the RO1 marking on its sidewall. Michelin describes meeting the requirements of Audi as a technological challenge; engineers sought to combine high levels of dry grip to improve lap times on the track, without any compromise in safety on wet roads. The tyre sizes are 245/30ZR20 (front) and 305/30ZR20 (rear).
A number of recent original equipment deals have acted as an endorsement for the Hankook range’s quality. Audi’s TT and TTS models, the Mercedes-Benz C Class and the BMW 4-Series Coupé will be fitted with the manufacturer’s flagship Ventus S1 evo². The tyre, produced exclusively at the company’s EU manufacturing facility in Hungary, features an especially high grip combined with high long-term durability and a low rolling resistance.
It’s already reported having original equipment tyre supply deals for the TT and TTS in the bag, now Hankook Tire has announced it will also supply original equipment tyres to a race championship featuring the Audi model. As exclusive tyre supplier to the Audi Sport TT Cup racing series, Hankook will supply all competitors with its Ventus Race tyres.
Three dimensions from Hankook’s Ventus S1 evo² line-up will be supplied to Audi for original equipment on its TT and TTS models. Size 225/50R17, 245/45R17 and 245/35R19 tyres, all produced at the tyre maker’s Rácalmás plant in Hungary, will be fitted on the latest version of the Audi models as standard or optional equipment, depending on the engine version.
JATO Dynamics’ latest report suggests that the European new car market is showing no sign of slowing down. July sales are up 5.4 per cent year-on-year, with the majority of Europe’s bigger markets in positive growth for the month. The five largest markets have all grown year-to-date.
Toyo’s Open Country W/T tyre is Audi’s choice as OEM fitment on its flagship Q7 model, a fact that Toyo says proves its quality. The Japanese manufacturer designed the model as a highway winter tyre for SUVs, but says its compound and tread design also make it a capable all-rounder suitable for UK driving conditions during most of the year.
Grip and fuel efficiency are often the focal points of improved tyre technologies, yet the third EU label metric of noise is an important consideration for many motorists. Goodyear Dunlop has announced new technologies in both its premium brands designed to increase comfort through reduced noise levels inside the vehicle when driving – a feature not actually measured in labelling, but one that could prove attractive to consumers wanting to hear more of their engine tone or in-car entertainment.
Alexander Keating, 23, of Widnes, stole a gearshift knob, steering wheel, brake callipers and other parts from a brand-new Audi A3 that he had hired and swapped them with the same component parts from his ageing S3. He has been fined £2,000 and sentenced to complete 200 hours of community service for the crime.
As the first athlete took to the slopes on 23 October 2013 to begin the 2013/14 season of the FIS Audi Ski World Cup, tyre manufacturer Bridgestone began its third season of support for the winter sport tournament. The manufacturer says the event offers international coverage, while also displaying characteristics congruent with its winter tyres: safety, control, grip and balance.
Audi has chosen the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season as OE for its A7 model in the North American market. Therefore Pirelli will supply 18 and 19-inch versions of the tyre to equip the company’s most powerful sportback model. As a result the Cinturato P7 All Season will be marked “AO”.
The world’s first production one-piece carbon fibre wheel will gain its UK debut at the Autosport show next month when manufacturer CarbonRevolution gives the product centre stage on its exhibition stand.
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