Fourtitude/Car Lounge member AutoUnion32 has posted some spy shots (originally taken by TheAudiGuy from QuattroWorld) of what looks to be Audi’s refreshed Q7 wearing S-Line trim while cruising along in Atlanta traffic. The subtly-updated Q is expected in showrooms as a 2011 model. The look of the more aggressive front and rear fascias, as well as the quarry’s large alloy wheels, are what lead us down the S-Line speculation path. There’s talk of the 3.0-liter TFSI mill taking over base engine duties, but that’ll likely occur after this refresh drops.

The whereabouts and ownership of the collection are two things that the owner prefers to keep private – we actually have confirmation on both, but prefer to respect privacies. What we can confirm is that this treasure trove is, in fact, located in Michigan, which is both heartening (to know that such wealth and mechanical beauty still exists in the state) and somewhat confounding (as the area lacks truly great winding roads on which to exploit much of the machinery). In either case, the collection is generally kept under wraps, although periodically we understand that the owner invites in selected parties to share in the gorgeousness. Some of the folks at MidwestSSC.com are obviously part of the ‘inner circle’ judging by the video and this photo gallery. Follow the jump to take the tour for yourself.

MTM tunes all things Audi, so it didn’t take long for the firm to tweak the KTM X-Bow (with its VAG-sourced inline-four) and the all-new Audi TTS. Of the two, the X-Bow gets the milder tuning (if that’s possible), with the 2.0-liter TFSI four-pot getting a boost in output from 240 to 318 horsepower. Torque rises accordingly, with 310 lb-ft on tap, sent through a modified six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. Four-piston Brembos with 305 mm discs are nestled within 18-inch wheels coated in Nokain Hakkapeliita-4 rubber sized 245/40. Although MTM doesn’t cite a revised 0-60 mph time, it claims a top speed of 156 mph (one mph more than stock).

Audi has announced pricing on its 2009 Audi Q7 TDI will start at $50,900 (plus $825 for destination charges). Dropped under the hood of the 50-state model is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel that is rated at 221 horsepower. While that may sound a bit low for a seven-passenger SUV, the oil-burner pumps out 406 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to move 6,600 pounds of trailer, says Audi. According to the EPA, the Q7 TDI is rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, giving it a theoretical 600-mile range on a road trip.

RS5 would get a higher output version of that engine. Another option might have been the 5.2-liter V10 that does service in the S6 and S8. Instead, it appears that a revised version of the 4.2-liter V8 from the last-generation RS4 will find its way into the coupe. In RS5 trim, the V8 is expected to crank out 450 hp with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed S-Tronic gearboxes. In true Audi form, all the wheels will get driven all the time.

If the RS5 does indeed come to the party with a 450 hp V8 it may truly be a sign that the German horsepower wars are winding down. With CO2 limits coming to the EU, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

[Source: Automobile]

While Porsche purists might question the decision, this particular MTM Audi R8R has been done up in Porsche GT3 (2D8) green, and it’s a minty-fresh looker. With a subtle aero kit, new MTM Bimoto rims and a blower that helps it match its corporate cousin the Lamborghini LP560-4, this particular project has more than a little extra snap. The real draw here, however, is the hue, done to show how far personalization can go if you bring your baby to MTM.

Inside, the trim has been updated with more wood, but the big news is the third generation MMI navigation/entertainment/information system. The nav gets a 3D interface and joystick control for finding destinations. The Sirius satellite radio also provides traffic data now and accepts voice commands to find cash, food or gas, much like Ford’s TravelLink system. Powertrains for the US pretty much carryover and include the new 3.0-liter TDI diesel. Over in Europe, the optional 4.2-liter TDI V8 is now up to 340 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. The fuel consumption of the diesel V8 has been reduced with mileage on the European combined cycle going from 21.2 to 23.8 mpg (US).

The crown jewels on the Q7’s refreshed fascia are a new set of LEDs that run from the top, around the side and then through the bottom of the headlamp housing. A reworked lower grille and fog-lamp mounts accompany a new hatch and more LEDs nestled within the taillights, while inside, there’s more wood, some tweaked trim and a third-generation MMI infotainment system that (Audi-willing) will remain as intuitive as the current system. As for powertrains, the V6 and V8s currently available in the U.S. will carry over, but a new 3.0-liter TDI is coming, rated at 25 mpg and carrying a range of 600 miles when traveling on the express way. Check out our previous post for all the details.

According to Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi’s motorsport programs, the race will also be used to reveal any potential problems with the racecar before delivering the R8 LMS to customers this fall. With a driver lineup full of experienced road racers like Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller, Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro, and Marco Werner, we expect the R8 LMS to be fairly competitive. Plus, if there is anything we’ve learned from Audi’s motorsport program, it’s that both teams will be well prepared almost any problems that might arise. Follow the jump for more details in Audi’s press release.

Described by Audi as “A coupé-like five-door SUV with seat positions, wheel size, and ground clearance characteristic of a typical SUV,” the Q3 is likely to look a lot like 2007’s Cross Coupe Quattro Concept, and it is expected to come to the North American market – even if it won’t end up being built here. Complete press release after the jump.

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