SINGER CELEBRATES 300th PORSCHE 911

SINGER CELEBRATES 300th PORSCHE 911 reimagined by Singer and completed in California.

SINGER CELEBRATES 300th PORSCHE 911

The 1990 Porsche 911 featured here was restored in collaboration with its owner who has named their car the ‘Sotto’ commission. This car is an example of Singer’s personalization services and love affair with the 911. Its specification represents requests made by its owner.

1990 Porsche 911 Targa (Type 964)

  • Presented with carbon fiber bodywork in Resistance Blue with ghosted side stripes
  • Bespoke interior trimmed in orange leather with black stitching
  • Lightweight carbon fiber track seats with woven leather centers and nickel grommets
  • 4.0L, naturally aspirated, air-cooled flat six, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels
  • Carbon ceramic brakes
  • Titanium sports exhaustThis milestone represents Singer’s careful but steady growth since its founding in 2009. Singer now employs over 600 people across world-class teams in California and the UK. On behalf of its global clientele, Singer brings together beauty, craftsmanship and innovation.
  • SINGER CELEBRATES 300th PORSCHE 911Founded in California in 2009, Singer has become famous for its celebration of the Porsche 911. The company undertakes bespoke restorations for owners of the air-cooled cars.

For more information about SINGER CELEBRATES 300th PORSCHE 911 and its services, please visit https://singervehicledesign.com/

Audi A6 e-tron Avant Concept Part of All-Electric Lineup in Shanghai

Audi at Auto Shanghai 2023

The Audi A6 e-tron Avant concept is making its first public appearance, alongside the F1 show car, the urbansphere concept, and more.

With the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show going on right now, automotive enthusiasts of all kinds are being treated to a variety of future models and tech worth checking out from the other side of the globe, or wherever they may reside. That’s particularly true for Audi fans, as the German brand has brought out a pretty impressive lineup of all-electric vehicles that includes the Audi A6 e-tron Avant concept, the urbansphere concept, the Q4 e-tron, and the Q5 e-tron, along with its Formula 1 show car.

Fresh off its reveal last month, the Audi A6 e-tron Avant concept previews the future of wagons from the brand. Roughly the same size as the A6 Sportback e-tron, the A6 e-tron Avant rides on the upcoming PPE platform, while the sporty EV wagon utilizes an 800-volt charging technology with a 270 kW capacity, which can add 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes, as well as provide a range of up to 700 kilometers (435 miles) on the WLTP cycle. In terms of performance, Audi says its EV wagon will do 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in less than four seconds.

Audi at Auto Shanghai 2023

Meanwhile, the Audi urbansphere concept was developed for use in traffic-dense megacities with input from Chinese customers, and offers more interior space than any current product in the automaker’s lineup. It’s also a pretty nice place to be, thanks to its extensive use of premium materials, advanced technologies, and digital services to offer a luxurious and relaxing lounge-style experience for its occupants.

Audi at Auto Shanghai 2023

Finally, we have Audi’s Formula 1 show car, which is wearing a special “launch livery” to celebrate the brand’s arrival in that rapidly popular series in 2026 with a works engine program and race team. The racer will be powered by a newly-developed power unit consisting of a full hybrid drivetrain with a combustion engine, electric motor, battery, and electronic control unit, which is currently scheduled to run on the test bench before the end of this year.

Audi at Auto Shanghai 2023

Those in the vicinity of Shanghai can see all of this futuristic machinery in the flesh between now and April 27 at China’s oldest and most prestigious auto show, which is certainly worth witnessing in person, if possible

Photos: Audi

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RS e-tron GT vs e-tron GT: Is the RS Really Worth an Extra $40 Grand???

Audi RS e-tron GT

The RS e-tron GT vs e-tron GT comparison is shockingly similar at times — is 115-121 extra horsepower worth a $40,000-plus premium?

Funny how timing works. Today Audi announced the new limited-edition project_513/2 RS e-tron GT, and we just wrapped up back-to-back loans with the RS e-tron GT and e-tron GT, Audi’s current flagship EV sports sedans. Since we’re a couple of years behind on reviewing vehicles that debuted in 2020 and 2021, the goal today isn’t to do a traditional review. Instead, we’d like to offer an RS e-tron GT vs e-tron GT comparison for anyone who might be on the fence between the two. Basically, is the RS really worth an extra $40,000 to $60,000 more over the base car?

RS e-tron GT vs e-tron GT Basics

Audi RS e-tron GT

As most folks know by now, the RS e-tron GT and e-tron GT are Audi’s versions of the (shared-platform) Porsche Taycan. But, where Porsche offers a whopping 10 model variants, including wagons, Audi settled on two variations. Visually, Audi’s flagship EV sedan siblings most closely resemble the A7, S7, and RS 7 and the e-tron’s six-figure pricing is in line with the RS 7, RS 6 Avant, and S8.

Audi e-tron GT

On the inside, the e-tron GT siblings mostly resemble the 6 and 7 series Audi products. Sporty seating for five. Optional fine Napa leather. A full digital gauge cluster. However, the e-tron GTs forgo Audi’s dual-screen approach for the infotainment and HVAC systems that one finds on the A6, A7, S8, and the original e-tron SUV. Instead, the more expensive e-tron GT’s physical buttons more resemble the lower trim Q4 e-tron. To be clear, we generally applaud physical HVAC buttons, but the layout and materials lack a certain premium one looks for in higher-end Audis.

e-tron GT

Here’s a breakdown of the two models’ features —

RS e-tron GT

Audi RS e-tron GT

  • Boost Mode: 637 horsepower & 612 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Standard Power: 590 horsepower & 612 lb.-ft. Of torque
  • 0-60mph: 2.9 seconds (with Boost, as Tested by MotorTrend)
  • Quarter mile: 10.3 seconds
  • Top Speed: 155mph
  • Sport Adaptive Air Suspension
  • Curb Weight: 5,151 lbs
  • Dual Electric Motors — single speed (front); 2-speed transmission (rear)
  • 93.4 kWh Battery Pack (83.7 kW of accessible capacity)
  • 240V 0-100% Charging: 10.5 hours
  • 270 kW DC 5-80% Fast Charging: 22.5 mins
  • Range: 232 miles

e-tron GT

audi e-tron GT

  • Boost Mode: 522 horsepower & 472 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Standard Power: 469 horsepower & 464 lb.-ft. Of torque
  • 0-60mph: 3.6 seconds (with Boost, as tested by MotorTrend)
  • Quarter Mile: 11.9 seconds
  • Top Speed: 152mph
  • Sport Adaptive Air Suspension
  • Curb Weight: 5,060 lbs
  • Dual Electric Motors — single-speed (front); 2-speed transmission (rear)
  • 93.4 kWh Battery Pack (83.7 kW of accessible capacity)
  • 240V 0-100% Charging: 10.5 hours
  • 270 kW DC 5-80% Fast Charging: 22.5 mins
  • Range: 238 miles

Similarities Abound

e-tron GT (left); RS e-tron GT (right)

Debadge an Audi RS e-tron GT and e-tron GT and, shockingly, it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart inside and out.

Typically, RS Audis benefit from aggressive body styling over the standard A/Q or S models. But not so in the e-tron GT family. Without the subtle differences that only enthusiasts notice — RS badge, brightly colored brakes, and different wheel options — they’re the same car. Especially if one swaps out the standard carbon fiber roof on the RS for the glass moonroof that’s standard on the e-tron GT.

e-tron GT (left); RS e-tron GT (right)

The inside is equally similar, although Audi fans will likely recognize the RS model’s bright stitching and seatbelts. Plus, you can order up a lot more carbon fiber on the RS model. But both can be optioned with fine Napa leather interiors and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats (that should be standard on a car this expensive, but I digress). Even the base model Premium e-tron GT comes with Alcantara everywhere.

Again, it’s so shocking to see an RS Audi that’s this similar to a base model, which had me seriously wondering…

Is the RS e-tron GT Worth a $40K to $60K Premium?

Audi RS e-tron GT

Would you pay $40-grand-plus for roughly 115 to 121 extra horsepower and to shave 7/10ths of a second off your 0-60 mph acceleration runs?

We were honestly prepared to say no until we drove both and spent a good deal of time debating power-to-weight ratios. Audi LOVES to tell the world about the peak power of these two EVs. But the e-tron GT can only hit 522 horsepower for 2.5 seconds when one enters into Dynamic Mode, comes to a stop, and holds the brake and accelerator for 1-second to engage launch control. The rest of the time, you’re cruising at 469 horsepower. Which, to be fair, isn’t exactly slow. But it’s not exactly fast either when your vehicle weighs over 5,000 pounds and you can buy lighter, almost 600-horsepower twin-turbo V8 Audis.

e-tron GT

In short, the e-tron GT is a quick car, and a lovely-driving car, but unless you activate boost mode, it’s not exactly fast. (In Boost mode, however, please be careful, the launches are serious.)

The RS e-tron GT is a different beast altogether. Those extra 121 ponies — going from 469 to 590 horsepower — in normal driving conditions are a MASSIVE improvement. A power band that feels more like driving the Audi S8 without turbo and transmission lag. The RS e-tron GT is, quite honestly, one of the most exhilarating Audi driving experiences available today that we can best sum up thusly…

Zipping onto a highway one day, we were stuck behind a truck going 45 miles an hour. So, when a gap opened up, we floored it and doubled our speed in the time it took to take a single breath. (Before, you know, slowing back down.) And, again, that wasn’t a boost-mode moment. It’s just an electrifying (haha, get it?) way to drive.

Not a One-Trick Pony

RS e-tron GT

For those concerned about EVs being one-trick we-accelerate-quick ponies, the Audi driving experience you probably know and love is all here as well. You might as well be driving an RS 7 in terms of the suspension damping in a vehicle that weighs a little more than the S8. But thanks to its lower center of gravity, the RS e-tron GT corners impressively as well. Not to mention the optional carbon fiber brakes which reduce speed quickly and quietly without as much dust as the steelies.

And, of course, you can also drop into Dynamic mode, come to a stop, hold the brake and accelerator for 1-second, and blast off like a rocket ship. An experience that’s literally like driving a roller coaster… or one of the other insane road-going EVs on sale today… all while sitting in a ventilated massaging bucket front seat listening to Apple CarPlay.

Is the RS e-tron GT worth paying a 40% premium over the e-tron GT?

Every single penny.

RS e-tron GT Image Gallery

e-tron GT Image Gallery

Photographs by Michael S. Palmer

Father. Writer. Photographer. Auto enthusiast.
Current Stable: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302, 2013 Cadillac ATS-4 3.6, LS3-Swapped 1992 Buick Roadmaster Wagon, 1987 Mercury Cougar XR-7, and usually a Press Loaner.

Want to Audi Swap Your Porsche 911?

Audi Swap 911

If your Porsche 911 motor went boom, the folks at Renn27 have a solution that offers Turbo power for a fraction of the price.

Even diehard Audi fans will admit that the Porsche 911 is automotive royalty. But every noble bloodline — just ask King Charles — has its less popular members, and for the 911, that’s the 996 generation, whose  “fried egg” headlamps drew the ire of Porsche purists around the world.

Fugly front fascia controversy aside, a 996-generation 911 Turbo is still going to run buyers north of $50,000, and while naturally aspirated versions can be found for less than half that, they come with a very well-documented problem. That would be the potential failure of the intermediate shaft bearing. There are few warning signs that it’s about to go, and when it does, that’s the end of the engine.

So if you’re buying a used model? You’re either going to need documentation that it’s been fixed, or pony up around $4,500 at your local Porsche garage.

Enter the proposition of an engine swap. Because while the idea of giving Stuttgart’s masterpiece a heart transplant might sound like heresy, that hasn’t stopped people from swapping in everything from Chevy small blocks to K-series Honda engines. And now, the folks at Renn27 have developed kit to drop in an Audi 2.7T. Since the Four Rings mill — which saw service in the legendary B5 S4 — can be reliably tuned to produce 500 ponies, it’s a great way to get Turbo power at a fraction of the price.

While Renn27 offers individual swap components, the complete kit runs $10,800, and includes everything you need to make the Audi engine play nice with its corporate cousin. This includes engine mounts, transmission spacers, a DME replacement microcontroller, and engine to chassis adaptor harness, along with other necessary hardware, like a new clutch, flywheel, turbo and exhaust. Watch the video below for an overview of the process, and cross your fingers that we get to see one of these babies in action at the track soon!

Photos: YouTube

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Woman Drives 80mph on the Freeway in an Audi SUV with Only 3 Wheels (Sparks Flying!)

Woman Drives 80mph on the Freeway in an Audi SUV with Only 3 Wheels (Sparks Flying!)

A three-wheeled Audi SUV was spotted yesterday on the 405 freeway in Orange County, California, driven by a woman who seemed intent on getting somewhere fast.

Motorists spotted a three-wheeled Audi SUV  in Orange County yesterday, and the video is lighting up social media. As you can see in the video, it was on the 405, with the tailgate open, keeping up with traffic. Filmed by Chad Stewart Towersey, a local news personality, the Audi showed clear signs of an accident and was missing the passenger front wheel. Towersey flagged the driver down to alert her of the danger she was posing to other motorists and asked her to pull over. The driver looked oblivious to the situation, seemingly intent on running errands or getting to an appointment.

Woman Drives 80mph on the Freeway in an Audi SUV with Only 3 Wheels (Sparks Flying!)

Eventually, the driver got off the highway and stopped at an intersection. It appears she hit another vehicle and got out to exchange insurance information. Towersey asks the lady if she’s on drugs, to which she denied and responded that she was having a bad day. However, pills were then shown in the front seat of the car.

Woman Drives 80mph on the Freeway in an Audi SUV with Only 3 Wheels (Sparks Flying!)

It’s easy to speculate what happened or jump to conclusions. From the video, we don’t know if the driver was on drugs or prescription medication. But she appeared under the influence of something and/or in shock and in a fragile state. Later she said she’d just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which could also explain the odd behavior. All we know for sure is that she was involved in more than one accident and determined to get somewhere on three wheels.

Eventually, the police showed up, and Towersey leaves. We don’t know if there’s more to this story, but if there is, you’ll be able to read it here.

Video: Chad Stewart Towersey 

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Mark Webb is fascinated by anything automotive and particularly loves cars that are unusual or have a good story. He’s owned a variety of cars from 60’s muscle, Japanese imports, and oddities like a VW Thing and Porsche 924. After 20 years in the automotive and tech industries, he’s a walking encyclopedia of car info and is always on the lookout for his next project or a good road trip.