The SVC Vitver Racing ABT-Audi TT-R returns to the hills of Europe

By Johan Laubscher

During 2012 photos emerged of a modified ex-DTM ABT-Audi TT-R. The car was driven by Vláďa Vitver in the FIA Hillclimb Championship and performed very well. The modifications made to the car were the first of its kind on one of these older Audi DTM cars, and it was certainly very interesting.

The changes made to the car included new front and rear bodywork, giving the car the appearance of a Mk II Audi TT, and the addition of a new rear wing, other aerodynamic updates and improved performance. More can be read HERE.

Towards the end of 2012 the car was involved in a crash during testing. The car suffered a lot of damage, however the team have worked hard and continued to improve the car. The crash can be seen HERE.

The SVC Vitver Racing team have announced their 2013 plans which includes continuing in the FIA Hillclimb Championship and the ambitions to compete at Pikes Peak in 2014. Along with the team’s own 2013 plans they are also now represented in Jamaica, where the ATL Automotive ABT-Audi TT-R is competing with the SVC front bodywork and rear wing, more can here seen HERE.

The car was revealed at the 2013 Motorsport Expo in Brno. The Audi has undergone a lot of work, now boasting an improved power output and a very aggressive aerodynamic package. The front of the car is very similar to the 2012 specification with increased intakes, however the rear has been modified extensively and represents a similar appearance to that of the Audi A4 DTM cars in terms of aerodynamic wings. On top of all the modifications the car has also received a beautiful new livery.

Following the 2012 crash it was great news to hear that the driver was unharmed and that the car would be repairable. And now it is even better news as the first pictures of the rebuilt car have emerged, it is great to see these older cars still competing.

More information: 

SVC Vitver RACING website

SVC Vitver RACING on Facebook

SVC 2013 announcement on their website

Photo credit: SVC Vitver RACING

Video: Onboard Pikes Peak with Randy Pobst in the 034 Motorsport Audi A4

By Johan Laubscher

034 Motorsports have entered their Time Attack Audi A4 in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hillblimb. The team have ace driver, and previous Audi champion Randy Pobst driving for them this weekend. Randy drove for Champion Racing from 2003-2004 and he was seen behind the wheel of the RS6 Competition and S4 Competition cars. Here is the first onboard video from the team. It was during a practice run on a section of the course. The Audi sounds great and clearly there is more potential in this car for the actual run up the mountain. Best of luck to 034 Motorsport! 

For more information see QuattroWorld.com’s story on the event so far, read it HERE

More information:

034 Motorsport website

034 Motorsport FB page

Video: Race to the clouds - 1987 Pikes Peak documentary

By Johan Laubscher

This weekend marks the 2012 Pikes Peak international Hillcimb. For Audi fans this event held a lot of excitement and anticipation. The 1987 event winning car and driver were set to return to Pikes Peak this year, the mighty Audi Sport quattro S1 and Walter Röhrl. Unfortunately the devastating fires near Pikes Peak meant the postponement of the event. Sadly Walter and the Audi were not to attend the rescheduled event.

Despite this disappointment the car and driver from the 1987 event remain a cult classic. Below is an official documentary which was produced after the 1987 Pikes Peak Hillclimb. The video is a great watch. It is unfortunately only in German, but the visuals and the sound of that five cylinder engine speak a universal language. Enjoy:

Video: The Secrets of Speed - Audi Pikes Peak/Trans Am/IMSA GTO documentary

 
By Johan Laubscher

On YouTube there are many Audi documentaries, but amongst these there is a real gem. Many of you may have already watched this, but it is still well worth looking into. Titled the “Secrets of Speed,” it is a must watch for any Audi fan. The three part documentary covers a wide part of the American Audi motorsport history from the late 1980s. It features the Pikes peak efforts followed by the Talledega speed record and the Trans Am and IMSA GTO championships. It is an insightful 22 minutes and is well worth the watch.

Video: Walter Röhrl and Pikes Peak Audi S1 reunited for testing

By Johan Laubscher

The 2012 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb is fast approaching. The big news for Audi fans is the fact that Audi Tradition with be at the event with a special driver and an equally special car. The legendary 1987 Pikes Peak winning Audi sport quattro S1 will be reunited with its driver, Walter Röhrl at the 2012 edition of the American hillclimb.

The car has been undergoing testing in preparation for the 2012 Pikes Peak event. Here is a great video showing the car during its latest test runs. The five cylinder turbo sound of this car will never get old! Enjoy the video:

1987 Pikes Peak Audi sport quattro S1 testing

Video: The mighty S1 being prepared for the Pikes Peak return

By Johan Laubscher

Few cars are as legendary and iconic as the Audi S1 that competed at Pikes Peak in 1987. The car that was driven to victory along with a record breaking time by Walter Röhrl has achieved cult status amongst Audi fans. The car now resides in the Audi Tradition collection, but 2012 has some exciting news in store for the car. The car, along with its original driver Walter Röhrl will be at Pikes Peak in July for a demonstration run up the recently paved Pikes Peak hillclimb route. Audi fans from around the world will once again be able to see this monstrous car racing towards the sky.

The car is being prepared for it return to Pikes Peak, the video bellow (in German) shows the car during its preparation. Well worth the watch and the car still sounds amazing after all these years. Enjoy: 

Pikes Peak Preparation