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2018 Audi R8 RWS – Limited Edition And Rear-wheel Drive

The First Ever Rear-wheel Drive Audi

Yes, you read that right. It is widely known that Audi is recognized as a manufacturer that specializes in the production of all-wheel drive vehicles. Dubbed ‘Quattro’, it’s their schtick and they’re very good at it.

However, something that is less common knowledge and more difficult to imagine is that Audi has not produced a single rear-wheel drive vehicle since being acquired by Volkswagen in the 1960s – not one in almost 60 years and after millions of cars produced.

All of that changes with one car. The 2018 Audi R8 RWS. A car that no doubt intends to be a game changer for the model it is based on, and also the brand that breathes life into it.

2018 Audi R8 RWS

The ‘RWS’ moniker could be misleading to those who don’t already know what it represents on this new R8. It could be confused as being an acronym for ‘rear-wheel steering’, a feature in production cars where the rear wheels are engineered to turn and assist with steering the car in certain situations. This technology has seen some proliferation lately, which may further add to the confusion.

However, the ‘RWS’ simply stands for Rear Wheel Series. According to Audi Sport CEO Stephan Winklemann, the Audi R8 RWS is a “limited edition rear-wheel drive R8, made for purists”. He has made this as clear as what we now know the ‘S’ stands for.

With that in mind, Audi has forgone the Quattro system for the R8 RWS which means that the front driveshafts and other all-wheel-drive-essential components were removed from the regular model. Not only does this convert the car to rear-wheel drive, it also sheds about 50 kg of weight.

Although Audi is only producing 999 examples of this vehicle (320 for North America), the RWS is hard to differentiate from the standard R8 aside from some ‘Audi Sport’ badges (which replace the ‘Quattro’ ones) and a numbered dash plate to designate its exclusivity.

The most welcoming fact about the car is that despite being a limited production model, the RWS is actually priced a fair bit less than a standard R8, making it the cheapest R8 available off the showroom floor. Starting at just $139,950 USD, the Quattro-less R8 RWS is more than $26,000 USD less than its more complex and heavier variant.

Features And Highlights

Engine

The RWS employs the same power plant as the base R8 – a naturally aspirated mid-engine V10 which produces 540-horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Built in Hungary, the 5.2L engine is also shared with the Lamborghini Huracán.

Touted as a proper sports car engine, it makes peak power at 7,800 rpm and smoothly revs all the way to a euphoric 8,700 rpm redline, all the while providing a delightful symphony of sound via its howling engine note. The absence of forced induction means that the engine is perpetually responsive and reacts to throttle inputs instantaneously.

In a 0-100 km/h sprint, the RWS achieves a time of 3.7 seconds, which is about 0.3 seconds slower than the base model Quattro R8. This should be expected, as off-the-line-traction is something that the Quattro system greatly enhances; in any case, the RWS isn’t about raw power. Being the lighter car, it should make up that time over a longer sprint anyway.

Chassis

The engine remains mated to the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission equipped on the standard R8. While the DCTs are undoubtedly the best piece of machinery for handling the power of a modern-day sports car, perhaps Audi should have considered a manual transmission option which would have shed more weight and leaned even more in favor of the purist demographic they are targeting.

The steering ratio remains the same at 15.7:1 and was not a hugely popular trait in the Quattro-equipped variants. However, the suspension geometry has been modified to accommodate the new layout and weight reduction – as a result, the RWS responds faster to steering inputs, provides better feedback and the turn-in is much sharper than before. The brakes are the “regular” steel fanfare but work in a balanced harmony with the car as a whole. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

Exterior

With only 320 examples headed to North America, it will be very difficult to spot an RWS in person. Even if you are so fortunate, telling it apart from a Quattro R8 will prove to be just as challenging.

At first glance, the RWS will appear to be no different than the other variants; a gloss black upper side blade, body-colored lower side blade, matte black grilles, gloss black wheels and optional red vinyl stripe being the only distinguishing factors.

The RWS will be available in just coupe form for North America, but will also have the added choice of a convertible in other markets.

Interior

Nappa leather sport seats come standard as does an infotainment system with navigation. A Premium package is offered which provides more leather and Alcantara finishes along with an upgraded sound system and 18-way power-adjustable seats.

The Carbon package – which can only be optioned on top of the Premium package – adds carbon fiber overlays on the center console and instrument-panel surround.

Verdict

A rear-wheel drive Audi-anything is certainly something special; add an R8 to the equation and you’ve got something like no other.

In my opinion, it would be hard to imagine how someone wouldn’t see the massive appeal that the Audi R8 RWS provides:

It’s the very first and only rear-wheel drive Audi – and it will be exclusive
It has a wailing, naturally aspirated V10 with an 8,700 rpm redline
It benefits from a lighter and meticulously balanced chassis

Also, don’t forget that you get all of this for almost 20% off the sticker price of the base level Quattro (and it is more than $60,000 USD less than the top-of-the-line V10 Plus model).

The experts say that the RWS remains as easy to drive and is as compliant as its Quattro versions. This they say, makes the cars feel virtually indistinguishable, until at the race track or during inclement weather conditions.

While it’s not the life-altering change that would be experienced from something more akin to say – going from a Porsche 911 Carrera (4WD, in this case) to a 911 GT model – the RWS is really a great buy for anyone considering an R8; or a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive supercar in general.

Specifications And Performance Summary

Pricing And Model Info

Make	Audi
Model	R8
Generation	2018 – Present
Car type	Coupe, Convertible (only outside North America)
Category	Series Production Car
Built At	Neckarsulm, Germany
Units Produced	999
Base Price (US)	$139,950

Chassis And Powertrain

Curb Weight	1,610 kg (3,550 lbs)
Layout	Mid-engine
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel drive
Engine	DOHC 40-valve V10 with aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Displacement	5.2 Litres
Transmission	7-speed DCT

Engine Output

Power	540 hp @ 7,800 rpm
Power / litre	103.8 hp / litre
Power-to-weight ratio	6.57 lb / hp
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm

Performance

0-100 km/h	3.7 seconds
0-60 mph	3.5 seconds
0-100 mph	7.6 seconds
¼ mile	11.6 seconds
Top Speed	199 mph (320 km/h)

Photo Gallery

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Video Reviews

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May 29, 2018 / Comments Off

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ABT to Bring R8-Art-Car, RS4-R and RS5-R at Wörthersee 2018

Two of the biggest Volkswagen Group events are due to take place in Germany and Austria during the first weeks of May. Both shows caters largely for the Volkswagen tuning sub-culture. The Tuning World Bodensee show at Lake Constance takes place between 10 and 13 May while the Wörthersee-Treffen at Lake Wörth runs from 9 to 12 May. A difficult choice for any Volkswagen fanatic!

Companies like ABT play a massive part in the celebrations. The German tuner has announced plans to display three models at this year’s shows; an ABT R8-Art-Car, RS4-R and RS5-R.

Wörthersee 2018 ABT

At Lake Wörth, ABT will display a very special art car at the H&R stand. Cartoonist Timo Wuerz has designed the first ABT Art-Car in collaboration with wrap specialist SIGNal Design GmbH from Schwäbisch Hall. It is based upon the ABT R8. It will be joined by the ABT RS4-R while the ABT RS5-R will head over the Germany and the Tuning World Bodensee show.

Both the ABT RS4-R and RS5-R use the same 2.9 litre biturbo V6 powerplant found in the off-the-shelf model. ABT takes the 450 hp unit and finds a further 80 hp for peak figures of 530 hp and 690 Nm of torque. The power is gained through an additional engine control unit and a high performance sports exhaust.

If you plan to attend either event, make sure you keep an eye out for these very special ABT supercars!

April 29, 2018 / Comments Off

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Official: 2019 Audi Q5L for Chinese Market

Audi have unveiled a stretched version of the popular Audi Q5. The Audi Q5L will be offered exclusive to the Chinese market. It was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show 2018 this week and is the latest China-only model to cater for the exacting tastes of the Chinese clientele.

It is no secret that the SUV has become one of the most popular body styles in recent years. It should come as no surprise that Audi, which has a premium image in the far east, should look to capitalise on this by combining it with another Chinese oddity, the extended wheelbase. Chinese customers appear to value roomy interiors alongside their premium badges!

The stretched version of the Q5 measures 4.77 meters in length, a gain of 88 millimetres. The rear seat passengers benefit from an additional 110 millimetres of knee room while the volume of the luggage compartment remains unchanged at 550 to 1,550 litres. Audi currently offer an A4L, A6L and A8L, the Q5L being the first long wheelbase SUV for the brand.

Customers will get a choice of difference spec on the Audi Q5L including Vogue, Lifestyle, Design, Sport and Sport plus. The spec will largely depend on the engine, the base equipment line comes with three-zone automatic air conditioning and an Audi smartphone interface, even at the lower end of the scale, customers will get a lot for their money. The Lifestyle model line will include MMI navigation plus and the Audi virtual cockpit. The Design, Sport and Sport plus lines include the Bang & Olufsen Sound System.

Safety functions are also highly sought after in this segment. The Audi Q5L features Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense city safety systems, further optional assistance packages are available for the city and for suburban streets. A panoramic glass roof is standard with the Lifestyle line getting LED headlights as an option.

Audi will offer a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0 TFSI with either 190 hp or 252 hp. It should be enough for zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 or 6.7 seconds. A standard seven-speed S tronic gearbox is standard with Audi drive select functions including comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual. Wheel range from 18 to 20 inches in diameter.

As the industry in China dictates, Audi has formed a joint venture with FAW-VW who produces the vehicle in the Changchun plant in northern China. Prefabricated components come from Audi’s plant in San José Chiapa, Mexico.

April 26, 2018 / Comments Off

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Official: 2019 Audi A6 Avant

Following hot on the heels of the new Audi A6, the Avant version has big boots to fill. The current generation A6 Avant is one of the most successful estate cars in history. We are particularly fond of the RS version which has earned its reputation as the market-leading family car.

The new Audi A6 Avant offers much the same blend as the old model. It delivers between 565 and 1,680 litres of load capacity while offering performance and comfort by the bucket load. The interior has also been completely refreshed with the latest in Audi’s fully digital MMI experience.

The rear end of the Avant looks less and less like an estate car with every generation. With a tapered rear hatch, the design hides it’s almost five-metre length extremely well. The tailgate has electronic opening as standard with an optional sensor control. Interior space is said to be class leading while we expect the A6 to share the same acoustic dampening qualities as the new A7 and A8. It has a drag coefficient of just 0.27.

2019 Audi A6 Avant

Audi will also pack the A6 with a huge number of safety systems. LED headlights are standard with three versions available including the HD Matrix LED headlights. Two packages will be available called “City” and “Tour”. In addition to the standard emergency braking assist, the driver assistance systems will also include adaptive cruise assist with narrowed road assist.

All engine options are fitted as standard with a mild hybrid system which we have already experienced in cars such as the A7. The belt alternator starter recovers up to 12 kW during braking through the 48 V system and the electricity is fed into a separate lithium-ion battery. Between 55 and 160 km/h, the A6 Avant can coast with the start-stop kicking in at 22 km/h. Power is transferred to the road either through a seven-speed S tronic or an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox with optional sport differential.

In Europe, early customers will get the choice of a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 with 340 hp and 368 pound-feet of torque or a 3.0-liter TDI V6 rated at 286 hp and 457 pound-feet. Other options will become available later in the year and into next year.

Dynamic all-wheel steering is an option. Four different suspension variants are on offer too with standard steel-spring suspension, a sport suspension system, a suspension system with shock absorber control and adaptive air suspension with controlled shock absorbers. The electronic chassis platform (ECP) actively distributes the drive torque between the rear wheels with the settings adjustable through the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The interior is typical modern Audi. A stylish, minimalist look uses a black panel surface with an MMI touch response display. The lower 8.6 inch display is used for climate control, comfort functions and text input.

Four equipment lines are available, each with its own color concept: sport, design, design selection and the S line sport package. Various seat options are available, an air quality package with two different fragrances as well as an ionizer, a large panoramic glass sunroof and adaptive windshield wipers with integrated washer jets.

No word on pricing or availability yet.

April 14, 2018 / Comments Off

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Official: 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback

Audi Sport is grabbing into its parts bin to create a new car and a new segment: The RS5 Sportback is an A5 Sportback with the 450-horsepower engine of the RS5 Coupe and the RS4 Avant.

This awesome power (and a whopping 600 Nm of torque) comes courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6, co-developed with Porsche. The only available transmission is a ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic which sends the torque to all four wheels. The default 40:60 front/rear torque distribution is variable between an 85:15 and a 30:70 front/rear ratio.

For even more agility, Audi Sport offers a rear sports differential, a sports chassis and dynamic steering. For ultimate braking performance, you can order carbon-ceramic brakes.

Audi RS5 Sportsback

While we haven’t driven the RS5 Sportback yet – it was launched in New York tonight – our experiences behind the wheel of both the RS5 Coupe and the RS4 Avant lead us to expect nothing less than an ultra-fast and laser-precise machine of extrem agility.

What’s more, the RS5 Sportback looks great, with its gently sloping roofline that contrasts with the aggressive “blisters” above the 19- or 20-inch wheels, wide head- and taillights, a honeycomb mesh grille and two fat, oval exhaust pipes.

Beyond the already impressive standard look, you can order carbon fiber, matte aluminum or high-gloss black decor. A number of more or less tasteful colours further enhance the design, the most extreme being the “sonoma green metallic” showcased on the computer-generated images that Audi supplied with the initial information. Inside, there is a plethora of RS logos, and the TFT cluster features specific RS gages.

The Audi RS5 Sportback comes to market in mid-2018. America gets the first batch of models, the rest of the world will receive the new model shortly thereafter. There is no direct competition; the closest competitors are the more conventionally designed BMW M3, Cadillac ATS-V and Mercedes-AMG C63.

March 28, 2018 / Comments Off

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No Audi R8 planned after current generation ends

Another Volkswagen Group icon looks headed for the River Styx. A few days after Autocar reported that the VW Beetle won’t live past the current generation, Car and Driver reports “there are no current plans for a direct replacement” of the Audi R8. That information came after chatting to Audi R&D boss Peter Mertens at the Geneva Motor Show. Responding to a suggestion that the carmaker didn’t have a next generation planned for the striking supercar, Mertens replied, “I would say so.”

That doesn’t mean imminent demise. Audi just released the rear-wheel drive R8 RWS, and there’s a V6-powered R8 on the way. That car will use the 2.9-liter, twin-turbo six-cylinder already working for the RS4 Avant, RS5, Porsche Panamera and Cayenne. That’s why Mertens also said, “It has a long life, and it’s doing OK.” The sales success of the V6 trim might decide the definition of the word “long,” but no matter what, “long” probably won’t mean the same 10-year span of the first generation. Audi has a bunch of other plans to flesh out and pay for, and a fading star that can’t spread development costs doesn’t make sense.

This isn’t the first account of the R8’s demise. Last December, Automobile reported that the R8 would be “phased out in 2020” as the new Lamborghini Huracán arrives; the R8 and Huracán share the same platform and are built alongside one another in Audi’s Neckarsulum, Germany, plant. Then, the 650-horsepower RS Q8 would take over as the new conventional flagship for Audi Sport, while the E-Tron GT four-door due in 2020 will make all-electric waves.

The R8 moved 772 units in the U.S. last year, placing it only just ahead of the more expensive and more exotic McLaren 570S, and just behind the more expensive and more exotic twin-brother Lamborghini Huracán. In the competitive set, the Mercedes-AMG GT sold 1,609 units. The Porsche 911 Turbo drubs them all.

If any car can be said to have done its job as a halo offering, though, the R8 is that car. The first R8 put all eyes on a brand that sold half as many cars in 2006 as it does today. The V8 coupe mixed everyday manners with supernatural high-speed handling, the V10 gave up a few tenths in suppleness in return for bonus payouts of sound and fury. The coupe was also stupendously efficient at winning races the world over, both for factory teams and privateers who might soon struggle to find an equivalent replacement. And we wouldn’t have the word “sideblades” without it.

Mertens did make sure to caution, “Never say never; performance cars are good for Audi.” But if you look at the sales numbers and Audi’s planned future, and then look at the wall … you’ll probably see some writing.

Related Video:

March 15, 2018 / Comments Off

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600hp+ Audi RS Q8 Concept to Debut at Geneva 2017

Rumours are circulating about an RS version of the Audi Q8 Concept which might makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2017 which starts next month. It is all but confirmed that Audi will soon launch a production Audi Q8.

The Audi RS Q8 Concept previews a range-topping Audi Sport version of the Q8. Designed to compete with the odd-ball BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe, the Audi RS Q8 Concept is expected to produce in excess of 600 hp!

Audi Q8 Coupe

Insiders claim that the Concept will receive a direct injection petrol engine. Possibly a heavily-fettled version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. That engine is currently in service with the Audi S8 Plus, pushing a healthy 605 hp.

Expect a much more aggressive design with an eight corner single frame grille together with Audi Sport’s traditional high gloss honeycomb grille insert and quattro lettering. Audi’s matrix laser technology is set to feature as part of a heavily redesigned front bumper.

Whatever Audi has planned for the Geneva Motor Show 2017, we will be there to see it. Stay tuned for more news ahead of the Geneva show!

February 13, 2017 / Comments Off

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Official: ABT Audi S4 Avant with 425hp

ABT’s second release destined for the Geneva Motor Show 2017 is the ABT Audi S4 Avant. Power improvements are the headline here, however, ABT also offer a number of cosmetic upgrades to help differentiate the ABT Audi S4 Avant from the serial version.

The ABT Audi S4 Avant gets 425 hp (71 additional hp) and 550 Nm from its 3.0 litre TFSI V6 engine. The power boost is achieved through an ECU tuning program. Performance receives a similar boost with acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h increased from 4.9 to 4.7 seconds.

ABT Audi S4 Avant

Visually, the ABT Audi S4 Avant gets a few enhancements. ABT fit a front lip add-on, a radiator grill attachment, a front grille add-on and ABT fender inserts finished in either ABS plastic or carbon fibre.

ABT wheels are available for the ABT Audi S4 Avant. The choice is either 19 or 20-inch units in ABT design DR, ER-C or FR. Tyres are supplied by Dunlop or Continental in either 255/35 R19 or 255/30 R20.

Inside, ABT floor mats in black with silver ABT logo and ABT trunk mats in the same specification are available. Finally, ABT integrated LED entrance lights complete the impression.

February 11, 2017 / Comments Off

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Sx-Z | Audi And Ducati Pikes Peak 2012 Contest

CONTEST: Audi And Ducati Pikes Peak 2012 Contest

To promote Audi’s newest line up of the RS5 and Ducati’s fastest dual-purpose bike, the Multistrada 1200 S, Audi and Ducati have teamed up – which makes perfect sense since both brands are under the same umbrella – to offer the “The Ultimate Ride And Drive Contest.”

Entrants must Tweet why they would like to come together with the two iconic brands, Audi and Ducati, using the hashtag #cometogether and mention the URL http://audi.us/contest in each tweet.

Pretty simple considering the grand prize is a trip for two to Sonoma, California to attend the single-day Audi Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway. You’ll get to use a Ducati motorcycle for the duration of your three-day, three-night stay and Audi will also flip in for $500 in spending money and $350 for a rental car.

Visit the contest site to get the official rules and watch the Audi and Ducati Pikes Peak video, if you haven’t already. Don’t waste any time tweeting, the contest ends September 12, 2012.

August 13, 2012 / Comments Off

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VIDEO: Audi And Ducati Team Up To Attack Pikes Peak

One iconic mountain, two iconic brands: 12.42 miles of 156 nail-biting curves that go up 14,110 steep mountainous feet. The Audi RS 5 and the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S tackle the legendary Pikes Peek together.

August 13, 2012 / Comments Off

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Sx-Z | First Video Of Audi R8 e-tron Setting Nürburgring Record

VIDEO: First Video Of Audi R8 e-tron Setting Nürburgring Record

The upcoming Audi R8 e-tron set the fastest lap time of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife for a produced-based electric car back in June. With German race car driver Markus Winkelhock behind the wheel, the electric supercar’s final time was 8:09.099 and here’s the video highlighting the glorious moment.

The Audi R8 e-tron’s power comes from two electric motors, one at each axle with a combined output of 308 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque giving it a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and limited top speed of 124 mph – to achieve the fastest lap time, however, the R8 e-tron needed to have its speed limit raised to 155 mph.

The Audi R8 e-tron is still in the prototype testing phase but is set to go on sale at the end of this year. Production will be limited and produced in a small facility at Audi’s main plant in Neckarsulm, in the south of Germany. Because of limited production, the electric supercars will most likely be pricey – rumor is suggesting they could be the most expensive model in Audi’s portfolio to date.

August 8, 2012 / Comments Off

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OFFICIAL: Audi Reveals Refreshed 2013 R8 Lineup

Seven years ago Audi launched the R8, and in that time the two-seat sports car has undergone several changes including adding an R8 Spyder, optional V10 and GT model to the R8 family. Well, Audi decided that it was time that the R8 got a full-on refresh by introducing the new 2012 R8 lineup. Check out the specs, video and gallery below.

Specs

Seven-speed S-tronic transmission – an upgrade from the R-tronic – utilizes two mult-plate clutches
S-tronic is actually faster to 60 miles per hour by three-tenths of a second
Six-speed manual is offered
Flagship V10 Plus model
Redesigned LED headlights and taillights
Revised front bumper and grille
Larger diffuser
New circular tailpipes
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic like that used on the R8 GT
Carbon fiber front splitter, mirrors, side blades, rear diffuser and lining for the engine compartment 5.2-liter V10 producing 550 horsepower and 398 pound-feet torque.

European models start rolling off the line at the end of 2012. No mention of U.S. availability or pricing yet.

July 25, 2012 / Comments Off

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Special Edition: Audi TT Coupe S Line Competition

Audi is releasing a special edition of its popular Audi TT Coupe, the Audi TT Coupe S Line Competition. The new model is expected to sport elements of Audi’s S line sport and S line exterior packages with all Audi available engine versions up to 208hp.

Exterior features:
Specially designed bumpers and air inlets
S line badges
Tailpipe trims
A bespoke rear diffuser
Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
19-inch black alloy wheels
Rear wing spoiler
S line sport suspension, lowering the chassis for the sportier ride
Four paint finishes available in Samoa Orange (metallic), Glacier White (metallic), Daytona Gray (pearl effect) and Misano Red (pearl effect)

Interior features:
Special door sill trims
Sport seats in perforated Alcantara upholstery and black leather with silver contrast stitching
Aluminum-look decorative trim

U.S. pricing has not yet been announced.

July 5, 2012 / Comments Off

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