Audi’s smallest car may not be making the trans-Atlantic swim, but we’re entitled to a little green-eyed ogling of the hotter S1 version of the 2011 Audi A1, spied testing almost completely undisguised in these photos. The peppier S1 is expected to make its debut in Europe later this year or early next as a 2011 model.

In terms of appearance, the S1 looks rather like an S-line A1, though Audi may be holding back on the aggression a bit to save some money and keep the S1 from stepping on the A3/S3′s toes.

From The Motor Authority

Recently unveiled at the Pinakothek der Moderne museum, Audi’s A7 “combines the emotional character of a grand coupe, the comfort and prestige of a sedan and the active practicality of a station wagon.”

It measures 16.31 ft long, 6.27 ft wide, and 4.66 ft high. More importantly, the luggage compartment holds 49 cu ft of cargo.

Under the hood, four different V6 engines will be offered. While Audi has been quiet on details, we can expected a 3.0-liter TDI with 204 PS / 201 hp, a 3.0-liter TDI with 253 PS / 247 hp, and a supercharged 3.0-liter gas engine with 272 PS / 268 hp.

On sale this fall throughout Europe and eventually the United States, prices will start at $68,000.

The unique Audi A1 has been spin painted by the artist in his studio in Gloucestershire, and is fully driveable and road legal.

“This is one of the most exciting auction items we have ever had for White Tie,” said Elton John, pictured with partner David Furnish in front of the Hirst Audi. David adds: “Audi has been a wonderful partner with us, and this year they have really produced something fantastic.

I am sure it will be a huge hit with our guests.” As part of the same Lot, the car will be auctioned with a 6ft diameter canvas spin painting, which Hirst completed at the same time.

The A1 is so new it will not be seen on UK roads until November 2010, and this special artwork has been created even in advance of the car’s mainland European launch dates. The uniquely finished example of the premium compact hatchback was produced in close collaboration with Audi AG in Germany, which has been engineering the production for more than six months.

2010 is the eighth year Audi has supported EJAF with special auction lots. The A1 art car is the most remarkable and exclusive donation Audi has ever made. Bidders on the night will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own this piece of Hirst’s exceptional work.

“We are enormously proud to support Sir Elton John’s remarkable fundraising ball for the eighth year in succession with the donation of a priceless and unrepeatable work of art for auction,” commented Audi UK Director Jeremy Hicks.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in 1993. It is amongst the 10 largest AIDS grant making organisations in the world, currently managing over £14 million in programmes across 15 countries supporting thousands of men, women and children with life saving medication, as well as information, nutrition, education, shelter and support.

via gaycarfans

Audi A1 – The Next Big Thing – Part 1

Audi A1 – The Next Big Thing – Part 2

Source: Motor Authority

After tweaking its ECU engineers were able to up power from the standard 386 kW (518 bhp/ 525 PS) up to 412 kW (553 bhp / 560 PS). Maximum torque is now 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) at 6,500rpm. Audi’s 6-speed R Tronic sequential manual transmission is fitted. The 0 – 100 km/h sprint, when engaged through the car’s Launch Control system, takes just 3.6 seconds and the top speed is 320 km/h (199 mph).

Some exterior highlights are the matt titanium gray struts and slats in the air intakes, a matt black front grille, a carbon fibre bumper splitter, LED headlights, matte carbon side blades and a larger rear carbon diffuser. Standard 19-inch forged wheels with 8.5J x 19 up front and 11J x 19 at the rear carry 235/35 and 295/30 tyres respectively. An optional 305/30 set can be ordered.

Inside it is still a luxurious Audi that features items like Alcantara trim, satellite navigation, a B&O sound system and automatic climate control.

Source: WorldCarFans

This RS7 rendering sees the car with a rear-mounted engine, with design elements much like the current (real) Audi R8, including the contrast in color between the engine bonnet and the rest of the body. But here the contrast becomes more defined, with a stark black covering the rear engine bay and extending to the rear of the body, covering the rear wheel wells too.

The horizontal design lines resonate Lamborghini, just like the R8 does, but also provide a larger curve over the front wheel wells adding a more organic touch to the RS7. The front face comes with a very distinctive double-gaping mouth, with minimalist LED headlamps and two small, round lights at the center.

The scissor/gullwing doors are another special feature, borrowed from some Lambo models as well. This design study is a creation of Adriano Mudri, and Austrian industrial designer with a degree from the University of Applied Sciences in Graz, Austria. Mudri has also worked a 10-month stint as an exterior designer for Magna Steyr.

Source: WorldCarFans

Iron Man 2 – now including the hotness of Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and an Audi R8 Spyder on top of Robert Downey Jr. and his (portable) Iron Man suit. This trailer will tease every bone in your geek body. Wait, is that Sam Rockwell I see? Can’t wait until May!

The Armory Show – Modern (located at Pier 92 in Midtown, Manhattan) is a section dedicated to international dealers specializing in historically significant Modern and contemporary art. With one admission ticket, visitors to The Armory Show on March 4 – 7, 2010 will now have access not only to the newest developments in the art world, but also to the masterpieces that heralded them. We highly recommend checking this out if you’re in or near NYC!

THE ARMORY SHOW is held annually in New York City, home to more galleries, artists, critics and art institutions than any other city in the world, a mecca for serious collectors. According to a 2007 survey, 56% of our 52,000 visitors to the fair were from outside New York City, and over a third of them came from outside the United States.

New York City has designated Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., the fair’s parent company, to renovate and expand the exhibition spaces on Pier 92 and 94, opening the door to an eventual investment of over $100 million. Construction is projected to begin in late 2009 and, when completed in 2011, will establish over 100,000 square feet of new exhibition space, along with a new infrastructure of restaurant spaces, restrooms, and trucking facilities for exhibitions and events.