Two more leading edge Audi FSI and TDI engines join the all new A5 coupé range this week with additional refinements that boost output while at the same time maximising efficiency. The 2.7-litre TDI and 3.2-litre FSI units power the A5 2.7 TDI priced from £31,640 OTR, and the A5 3.2 FSI at £33,230 OTR. Both will reach their first UK customers in late October.

The 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol is a development of the much praised unit powering A4, A6 and A8 models, its power increased in the A5 from 256PS to 265PS and its 330Nm torque peak delivered lower down the range at 3,000rpm, and across a wider band stretching to 5,000rpm. The A5 3.2 FSI takes a minimum of 6.6 seconds to reach 62mph from rest, can reach an electronically limited maximum speed of 155mph and yet is also capable of returning up to 31.7mpg.

The new 2.7-litre TDI with advanced common rail piezo injection and standard diesel particulate filter (DPF) enjoys a power hike from 180PS in the A4 and A6 to 190PS, and a 20Nm torque boost to 400Nm at 1,400rpm. It enables the A5 2.7 TDI to accelerate to 62mph in 7.6 seconds, to carry on to a top speed of 144mph and to cover up to 42.2mpg.

Both new versions are initially available exclusively with unique-in-class multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and in conjunction with front-wheel-drive.

The most important new development to benefit the engines in their transition to the A5 can be found in the 3.2 FSI. In its latest application this advanced unit combines the many advantages of FSI direct petrol injection with a sophisticated new Audi valvelift system first seen in the new 2.8-litre FSI unit powering the A6 and the recently introduced A8 2.8 FSI – the luxury saloon with the lowest CO₂ emissions in the UK market.

Audi valvelift controls valve opening far more precisely than conventional systems, boosting fuel economy by a remarkable 10 per cent. Valve lift is variable between two levels through the use of sliding cam units mounted on the intake camshaft. When strong acceleration is required, an electronic control mechanism selects a cam profile which opens the valve as fully as possible for optimum ‘breathing’. When throttle usage is more relaxed, the control mechanism selects a lower profile, reducing the amount of fuel and air compressed.

In addition to the new engines the A5 range also includes an upgraded version of the 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 240PS and a 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine with 354PS reserved for the flagship S5 quattro.

Audi set new records for all its key figures such as revenue, earnings, vehicle sales and production in the first six months of 2007. This is made clear by the car manufacturer's Interim Report, published today. "We are progressing at full speed towards our twelfth record-breaking year in a row and are on course to become the most successful premium car manufacturer in the world by 2015", remarked Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, at the presentation of the first-half figures.

Stadler was also optimistic about the full year: "We will end 2007 with record figures not just for vehicle sales and production output, but also for the key financial ratios." Stadler continued: "We have thus established a sound basis on which to tackle the second half of this year. Events at Audi in the latter six months will be dominated by the launch of the new Audi A4 saloon, which accounts for a substantial share of our sales volume."

In the first half of 2007, the company boosted revenue compared with the prior-year period by 12.4 percent to the record figure of EUR 17.378 (15.454) billion. The operating result rose by 39.5 percent to EUR 1.014 billion (EUR 727 million). The profit before tax for the group grew to EUR 1.105 billion (EUR 661 million) – a rise of 67.2 percent. The profit after tax of EUR 679 (407) million was 66.8 percent up on the corresponding figure for the previous year. The disproportionately sharp rise in earnings compared with revenue is also reflected by the increase in the rate of return before tax from 4.3 to 6.4 percent.

Stadler added: "The key figures for the first half of the year impressively demonstrate what we understand by profitable growth. We have achieved a very healthy balance between unit sales, revenue and profit, and this reflects the quality of our business."

The head of Audi further quoted the cash flow statement as further evidence of the first term’s success. He pointed out that Audi has been working systematically on improving its cash flow over recent years. Audi boosted its cash flow from operating activities by EUR 583 million to EUR 2.912 billion (up 25 percent). Net liquidity has thus risen by EUR 2.429 billion to EUR 7.122 billion (up 51.8 percent) since June 30, 2006. Capital investments by the Audi Group rose by 7.2 percent in the first half of 2007 compared with the prior-year period, to EUR 892 (832) million. Investments into new products accounted for around 80 percent of this expenditure. Audi invested almost 90 percent of the total in its German locations.

For the first time in the history of the company, the brand with the four rings delivered over half a million vehicles over a period of six months. Over 509,000 vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide – up 9.8 percent year on year (2006: 463,508). In the first half of 2007, Audi achieved record sales in 41 markets worldwide. Up to June, Audi had handed over some 372,300 vehicles to customers in Europe, 7.4 percent more than in the first half of last year (346,712). In Europe, Audi achieved record sales in 22 individual markets.

Most notably, these include Great Britain with sales of 55,557 vehicles in the first half of the year (up 19.3 percent; 2006: 46,560), Italy, where sales reached 32,160 vehicles (up 6.4 percent; 2006: 30,218), Spain with 31,732 units sold (up 5.1 percent; 2006: 30,188), France with vehicle sales reaching 27,162 in the first half (up 8.8 percent; 2006: 24,961) and Sweden, where 9,071 units were sold in the first six months (up 25.0 percent; 2006: 7,258). Audi achieved its biggest growth rates during the first six months in Russia. Unit sales there rose by 76.3 percent to 7,272 vehicles (2006: 4,124).

In the USA, the third largest non-domestic market, sales totalled 45,711 vehicles from January to June, an increase of 13 percent (2006: 40,455). In China (including Hong Kong), Audi’s second largest non-domestic market, the company sold 49,267 vehicles in the first half of the year, an increase of 26.9 percent (2006: 38,838). Audi also enjoyed strong growth in Australia and India. Sales in the first half in Australia were up 42.8 percent (3,819 vehicles; 2006: 2,674). In India, where Audi established a National Sales Company this March, unit sales grew by 48.2 percent (206 vehicles; 2006: 139) during the first six months.

Successful growth markets for Audi also include the Middle East: rise in sales there amounted to 31.4 percent, with 3,223 vehicles sold in the first six months (2006: 2,452).

The aim of increasing market share was emphatically achieved in the home market Germany: with a market share of 7.9 percent, the first term saw Audi AG achieve its highest-ever share of the German premium market. In the record year 2006, this figure came to 7.5 percent. The first few months of this year were still noticeably affected by the increase in VAT in Germany. Nevertheless, Audi delivered 127,112 vehicles to customers, maintaining its sales figures at the high level of the previous year. The overall market declined at a rate of nine percent during this period (down 0.3 percent; 2006: 127,498).

Car production (including Lamborghini) rose by 13.2 percent between January and June 2007 to a record level of 518,458 (457,806) vehicles. Engine production rose by 1.9 percent to 1,015,040 (995,679) units and therefore reached a new all-time high.

The model initiative and steady growth are creating secure jobs at Audi. The number of employees within the group was up slightly to 52,753 (52,062) by June 30, 2007. At Audi AG, the figure of 44,440 was on a par with the high level of the previous year's reporting date (44.494). Of this total, 31,185 (31,108) were employed at Ingolstadt and 13,255 (13,386) at Neckarsulm. Audi HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. employed a workforce of 5,498 (5,158) employees; Lamborghini listed 922 (741) and Volkswagen GROUP ITALIA S.P.A. (formerly AUTOGERMA S.p.A.) 899 (877) employees.

During this year, Nothelle looks back on a fourty-year history of vehicle individualization programs. Since 1967, the name nothelle has been affiliated with supreme engineering aesthetics. Nothelle offers an unmatched array of extensive experience far beyond any other company within this field. Hardly any other company has gathered such a wealth of experience. The refinement program for top-range Audi models meets the highest standards and combines experiences acquired from motor sports with the traditional nothelle values of quality and exclusivity. The enthusiasm for motor sports and innovative concepts is the foundation of the individualization programs for vehicles from Audi.

For it's anniversary year 2007, featured highlights offered from the nothelle program include extensive modifications for Audi TT, inculding both versions Coupé and Roadster.

Aerodynamic, Design, Sport Exhaust System
With the aim of giving the TT an individualized and emotionally expressive look, Nothelle offers a shaply aerodynamic kit for a perfect match to the Audi original design really spicing it up.
A three-piece front spoiler as well as other front apron air intakes (Double Frames) bestow the TT an expressive face. The nothelle side sill elements give the Audi TT a much sturdier profile building up a sort of lateral muscle mass look. In back, a rear apron in special nothelle design comes with complete, perfectly integrated end pipes extending from the silencer - which is offered by nothelle in combination with the rear apron - guaranteeing a super spine-tingling sound with very distinctive rear view. Perfect to the completion of the rear, nothelle provides a 3-part rear spoiler providing extra downforce and particularly at higher speeds, a better stabilization effect. Additionally, nothelle offers a roof spoiler, excluding however the Roadster version.

Sport Suspension System
Because reduction to the center of gravity results in better agility, nothelle offers a set of sport springs. This brings TT to about a 25 mm lowering. The high-end solution in nothelle program is a coilover suspension with integrated adjustable compression and rebound settings. The driver can choose from three different shock absorbing levels. The suspension strut housing is made of high value stainless steel, with anodized suspension plates and gaskets of Teflon. The material provides for long-lasting life and offers something for the eye as well. Not a bad investment, in terms of the pleasure endowed while taking those curves quick as a flash.

Motor Performance Increase
Matching the racier look, nothelle makes available more zest for the TT motor as well. The Ratingen (Germany) -based Audi specialists help the 2.0 TFSI Motor (series-produced 200 HP) to charge forwards with four different increase performance programs. From Chip tuning (+ 40 HP, + 75 Nm) through to complete rebuild (+ 130 HP, + 120 Nm) everything is possible. Then, nothelle drops the big one: A world premiere is celebrated for the 3.2 V6 being modified through twin turbo technology. This increases performance up to 520 HP and 635 Nm and a Vmax of approx. 308 km/h turning the TT from the underdog to a Porsche-killer per se! The conversion is available for manually shifted versions as well as for TT's with DSG-transmission (direct shift gearbox). The conversion of course includes a reinforced clutch and a specially adapted gear transmission ratio. Because on one hand the sheer power should be transmitted without causing damage, and on the other hand it should enable a full gallop of the 520 ponies.

Light Alloy wheels
The superior, distinctive and modern design of the "NOVEDRA IX" is immediately noticable, due to its' complete self-containment. The nine spokes (hence "IX") consists of a broad basic design in which a slender ridge runs into the rim flange. The sporty dynamics of this perfectly-shaped masterpiece makes every vehicle look fast even while when just standing still. These are offered in 20-inch for the Audi TT by Nothelle.

Nothelle makes available no less than 4 different surface finishes. For variations "silver", "white", and "black" the spokes and rim flange are polished. Trendy again particularly for white vehicles is the white finish really standing out with an individualized look.

The variation "NOVEDRA IX brillant" features an elaborate, high-polished finish available by Nothelle through special ball-polishing techniques and high-polished clearcoat. Through these processes, the wheel not only receives its own individual non-imitable look, but possesses increased durability as well. The sealing of the surface occurs through a transparent baked-on lacquer finishing process.

The attractive wheels are made available from Nothelle as a set with tires in sizes 255/30-20, contributed by its' technology partners Hankook and Continental.

The Nothelle wheels, manufactured from high-grade aluminium alloy, stand out because of their minimal weight. This means reduced unsprung mass, decreased wheel tramp resulting in increased driving comfort. Over and above this, large spacing between spokes guarantees prefect cooling of the brake system. For security aspects, a point not to be underestimated.

Also optionally is the Nothelle "NOVEDRA VII SPORT" wheel in multiple-parts look available in 8.5 x 19".