News – Pulpaddict

2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 Debuts as Ultra-Limited Camo-Wrapped Variant

The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is a factory-built ‘prototype’ that’s limited to just 75 total units.

The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT is already a pretty impressive entry into the performance-focused, luxury EV sedan space and a fine alternative to its Porsche Taycan brethren. With 637 horsepower on tap (using its boost feature for launches), the RS e-tron GT rockets to 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and boasts its fair share of next-level tech to boot, making it the perfect vessel for someone who appreciates performance and luxury but doesn’t want to give up anything in terms of style, either. However, for those that crave a bit more of that – plus some added exclusivity – the brand new 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is here to fulfill all of those needs.

The most obvious update that makes this oddly-named Audi unique is its exterior treatment, of course, as it’s the very first vehicle of any kind from the German brand to emerge from the factory wearing a camouflage graphics-skinned and wrapped exterior. This isn’t just some out-of-the-blue creation, however, as Audi is known for using camo wraps to conceal the designs of its prototypes when they’re out testing, which makes this a pretty cool idea.

In this case, that camo is comprised of the same red and black color combo used on original prototype test mules, but it also features red Audi rings at both ends for the very first time. The look is further enhanced by a set of 21-inch black aero wheels that cover ceramic brakes with red calipers, while “project_513/2” is etched in the rear quarter glass to boot.

Moving inside the cabin, the 2023 Audi RS e-tron project_513/2 continues that red and black theme with red air vents and detailing on the steering wheel, floor mats, and nappa leather honeycomb stitched seats, while the dash features carbon fiber inlays with camo graphics. The special edition name adorns the center armrest and the infotainment screen as well, just to remind occupants that they aren’t sitting in any old, regular Audi. One thing that hasn’t been upgraded is performance, but then again, the RS e-tron GT already has plenty of that on tap.

As for that odd moniker, project_513/2 is also an homage to the development process, as it’s precisely what Audi uses to name its developmental vehicles in terms of segment, generation, and body style, though that info is typically only utilized internally – another cool nod to this ages-old process.

Audi plans to build just 75 examples of this special “prototype” production model starting this spring – all for the U.S. – with a price tag of $179,900. But for anyone that’s ever dreamed of owning their own Audi test mule – or a prototype of any sort from any manufacturer – this is likely about as close as one can get, save for scouring auction sites looking for one that escaped an automaker’s crusher.

Photos: Audi

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1016 Industries Body Kit Makes Audi RS6 Avant Look Like an Exotic Supercar

For those that want their Audi RS6 Avant to look more like a Lamborghini, this new carbon fiber body kit is for you.

The Audi RS6 Avant is a beloved thing in the automotive world, and for good reason – it’s one of the very few super fast wagons on the market today. This once burgeoning segment has its loyal followers, of course, but not enough of them, as most folks (as least in the U.S.) long ago ditched wagons for crossovers and SUVs. Thus, we must celebrate the Audi RS6 Avant while it’s here, because fast wagons are clearly going the way of the dinosaur – at least in ICE form. Regardless, for those that don’t think the RS6 Avant is quite aggressive looking enough to match its incredible performance, 1016 Industries has just the thing – a new, rather exotic looking body kit.

The new 1016 Audi RS6 Avant aero kit consists of a variety of carbon fiber components including a front splitter, side skirts, hood scoop, roof spoiler, and rear diffuser, each of which is rather aggressive in terms of appearance. Heck, these goods look like they came straight from a Lamborghini of some sort, which is fitting given this brand’s family lineage. Better yet, all can be installed without any cutting, which is great in the event that the owner wants to remove them later.

As for this particular car, 1016 also fitted it with a set of spoked RDB wheels and blue brake calipers to further enhance that look, with impressive results. As for cost, the carbon fiber body kit itself starts out at around $20,000, but that isn’t the only thing 1016 is selling. Rather, those that want an entire, turnkey car can also get it from the U.S.-based company in the form of the 1016 Industries RS6, which already comes equipped with all these goodies and retails for $142,995.

“1016 Industries is incredibly pleased to showcase our new custom carbon fiber RS6, which offers a sharp, completely unique look for what we see as the finest high-performance wagon in the world,” said 1016 Industries CEO Peter Northrop. “The 1016 Industries RS6 is an opportunity for our company to introduce something completely fresh to an underserved category of enthusiasts that love the four rings. Personally, my career in auto design began working with Audi and Volkswagen, so the RS6 project in many ways feels like coming home.”

Photos: 1016 Industries

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Prior Design Audi RS Q8 Widebody Kit Gives SUV Lambo Looks

The new RS800 widebody kit for the Audi RS Q8 gives the SUV a far more exotic appearance for far less coin than the Urus.

As keen enthusiasts are already well aware, the Audi RS Q8 is essentially just a slightly less powerful and less audacious version of the Lamborghini Urus with a more attractive price tag. This makes is a bargain of sorts with a starting MSRP of around $127k versus $230k for the Lamborghini, even though it gives up a bit not only in terms of its more subdued looks, but also 50 horsepower – though that sort of thing can be fixed with little more than a tune. In the styling department, those that want to make their Audi RS Q8 look more exotic can also do so courtesy of this new widebody kit from Prior Design, too.

Prior Design originally debuted its RS800 widebody kit for the Audi RS Q8 at the 2022 Essen Motor Show, and now, it’s available for purchase. The kit is quite comprehensive, consisting of front air intake frames, a front lip, a “power bulge” hood, side skirt extensions, fender arches, a rear roof spoiler, and a trunk spoiler. These parts are sold either individually or as a kit, with the entire array stickering for around $18,200 USD.

All of these goodies are made from high quality fiberglass certified by TÜV Rheinland that’s reportedly both flexible and stable, and require no additional modifications to install, with great fitment right out of the box – save for the fender extensions, which require some cutting, as one might imagine. Regardless, the results pretty much speak for themselves, transforming the Audi RS Q8 from a handsome crossover to a head-turning exotic machine in one fell swoop.

Of course, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to install a widebody kit on the RS Q8 and call it a day, so in this case, Prior Design has also stuffed a larger set of wheels and fat tires on this example, as well as an Akrapovic exhaust system to unleash more of its glorious twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 sounds. Given the fact that it’s still far cheaper than buying a Urus, those that desire its exotic looks without the exotic price tag will certainly find this combination appealing, we imagine.

Photos: Prior Design

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Supercharged Audi A6 Uses Some Unusual Parts to Produce 430 Wheel Horsepower

This unassuming, sleeper of an Audi A6 is quite quick, but it’s also stock-looking and supremely comfortable.

The Audi A6 has long been a popular choice in the luxury sedan segment, offering up plenty of technology, performance, and comfort in a stylish package. Of course, those that crave more performance can opt for the S6 or RS6, while the A6 is more of a plush, soft-riding alternative. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t give the Audi A6 a serious boost in that regard, and that’s precisely what the owner of this one did – leaving quite an impression on David Patterson of the YouTube channel, That Dude In Blue.

Patterson has driven all kinds of modified rides in his years on the social media platform, but he admits that he has a special place in his heart for sleepers – a category that this Audi A6 certainly falls in. On the outside, it looks like a bone stock example with zero obvious modifications – not even a clue that this car has been upgraded in significant and in some cases, strange ways underneath its unassuming skin.

This particular car has the optional supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that made a respectable 333 horsepower in factory form, but that wasn’t quite enough for its owner, Nate. Thus, he added a smaller supercharger pulley to up the boost, a stage 2 APR ECU upgrade with an E85 tune, and strangely enough, a cold-air intake designed for a Ford F-150. Regardless, the results are indeed impressive – this A6 now makes 430 horsepower at the wheels, and is capable of ripping off quarter-mile passes of 11.8 seconds. It’s truly a fantastic example of a sleeper, as well as a proper S4 clone in many regards.

The beauty of this combination is that Nate isn’t giving up his car’s comfortable ride or relaxed nature while also gaining that performance. Given the fact that he routinely drives long distances as a competitive golfer, that’s important, but at the same time, he can also enjoy a spirited drive when he wants to – making this modified A6 the perfect all-round daily driver.

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Audi Design Boss: Future Vehicles Will be ‘Less Aggressive’

Audi activesphere concept in Arctic Teal

Don’t worry, as the design chief’s take on Audi’s activesphere concept indicates “aggressive” is open to interpretation.

Two weeks ago, Head of Audi Design Marc Lichte hinted Ingolstadt is considering building an electric off-roader meant to compete with high-end offerings like the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Now, Lichte has revealed more about what’s in store for the Future of the Four Rings — and it’s sure to spark discussion among enthusiasts. Because in a conversation with our friends across the pond at Top Gear, he said the company’s new designs will be “softer, more friendly” and “less aggressive.”

Before we all pull out the pitchforks, however, let’s take a look at how he views Audi’s new activesphere concept:

I think this car I would say is not aggressive, it’s the opposite. It’s very soft, very friendly, very… there’s no edge on the exterior design.

Okay, there’s a lower layer which is really rugged, but we want to visualize this, no? I see, in general, car design will become more friendly. At Audi definitely. But I see this as a trend in general. Softer, more friendly, less aggressive.

OK, so I don’t know about you? But while the roofline might be smooth, overall, I think the activesphere concept looks pretty aggressive. So I don’t think we’re in any danger of Audi making all of its forthcoming products look like jelly beans. If you want a vehicle with truly “friendly” sheet metal, you’re probably still better off going with a third-gen Miata or a Dodge Neon. It’s pretty tough to top those two rides when it comes to warm-and-fuzzy vibes.

As the interview progresses, Lichte explains Audi’s pivot toward an all-electric lineup will allow it far more freedom when it comes to its designs, which makes a lot of sense. Because internal combustion engines, aside from making — sometimes deliberately fearsome — noises, also need large grilles and vent systems to keep them cool. And in recent years, those elements have been exaggerated to give vehicles an aggressive presence.

Sometimes, automakers even go as far as to add fake vents, and the less said about that, the better. So it’s easy to see why design folks would be thrilled at the opportunity to ditch them, and as a result, make kinder, gentler, looking cars.

The most curious section of the interview might be where Lichte cites the war in Ukraine as a reason that aggressive designs will fall out of favor. And while that might be true in the European market, if I had some advice to give him? I’d caution against thinking a current war, even one as well-covered as the one in Ukraine, will do anything to sate the desire of Americans for aggressive vehicles. After all, the United States has been at war for the vast majority of its existence, so it’s a little short-sighted to think this conflict will have any measurable impact on the population’s taste.

Image Source: Audi

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