Audi News
Audi R8 Set for New York Debut Next Week Alongside R10 TDI and Auto Union Type D Racecars
By by: George Achorn
Oct 4, 2006, 22:40

There’s been much speculation on just when the Audi R8 will hit American shores. For customers eagerly placing deposits, the wait will take almost 12 months before cars appear in stateside showrooms, though those looking for an earlier peek at the car will take great interest in Audi’s planned grand opening for the newly created Audi Forum New York City.

In less than a week, on Wednesday October, 11, a spectacle will happen in New York City that should grab the attention of any self-respecting Audiphile and virtually any other auto enthusiast. The day will begin with Audi executive cameos planned for several national morning news shows in New York, followed by a truly remarkable occurrence. At just after 10:00 AM EST, a procession of Audis will parade down Park Avenue under police escort, led by the new R8, flanked by the R10 TDI racecar and a 1938 Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow. The three will finally followed by several other Audi models.



The cars will be staged on Park Avenue, expected to begin at 56th or 52nd (more details to follow on staging point). It will finish at the Audi Forum New York City located at Park and 47th. Driving down the street in formation, the Audis will be escorted by NYPD officers on motorcycles.

The Auto Union Type D represents the line of world’s first mid-engined racecars - mid-engine placement being a brainchild of none other than Ferdinand Porsche who worked on the project.

On the other side of the R8 will be one of the most sophisticated mid-engined racecars in the world - the undefeated R10 TDI.



A representative of the forum shared that people who want to visit the forum or see the event on Oct. 11 are welcome to stop by from 10AM (not later, as you’ll miss the show). It is planned for shortly after 10AM and will be the first time the production R8 has been seen driving on the street undisguised. It also marks the first presence of a production R8 on American soil. Arrive early and verify the staging point that morning, as this particular piece of information is subject to change.

Following the procession’s arrival at the Audi Forum, the three cars will be parked outside for people to view. There should be time for a quick wander around the forum, though guests will be asked to exit prior to a planned media lunch sometime around noon.

Driving the R8 will be Audi board member for sales and marketing Ralph Weyler, plus some other celebrities that will remain a surprise.



The Auto Union will be driven by Emanuele Pirro and the R10 TDI will be driven by Marco Werner – two of the three drivers from Audi’s 2006 Le Mans-winning squad.

The R10 racecar planned for display is no trailer queen. This is the same car that was raced last weekend at Petit Le Mans, and following the event it will be shipped to its next race at Laguna Seca following its run down NYC streets.

Later that evening, a gala VIP cocktail event will be held in the forum, including live music performances and of course the R8, R10 and Auto Union Type D on display.

Following the event, the R10 racecar will go back on the truck that same evening to begin its trek to the West Coast. The R8 and the Auto Union will remain on display in the Audi Forum for about one month.

For more discussion on this story, click on the link to our discussion forums to the left.	For more photos of the car in this story, click on the link to our gallery at the right.

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