OT for some. Here are a few more pictures from my MTM visit this week. There is an S4 related engine
 

Content to it too. Oh, BIG THANKS to Benoit from <b>HORCHAUS</b>, Canada's exclusive MTM distributor for setting up the factory tour.


MTM as one on the most incredible dyno rooms in Europe, the nicest I've ever seen period. Audi technicians are often there to test things for their new cars. Not only to they use the MAHA dyno ($250K each) but they have <b>two</b> units, side by side!

To go into the <b>"vault"</b> as I will call it, you need to go through a double door system. The Air conditioning unit used to cool the dyno room is vey big and is situated behind the dyno building. They can simulate cars running up to 300 Kph and up to 650 Hp, no problem. The air coming out of the duct upfront is pushed by what I would only call wind tunnel fans. The air comes out at 130 Kph in front of the car (no Mickey Mouse fan here). The cooling unit cools the air down to 6 degrees Celsius at the outlet. The room itself will stay at a constant 15 degrees Celsius under the most demanding work loads, regardless of the ambient outside temperature. Needless to say there is alot of big $$$ just in that room and that is one reason they can keep their testing under the same controlled conditions at all times.

MTM/MAHA dyno.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmdyno1.jpg">


Side by side, two MAHA dynos!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmdyno2.jpg">


Ceiling mounted fans, one of two units, similar to wind tunnel fans.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmdyno3.jpg">


Now you may know that MTM is in the process of building there own "Super car", called the Apollo, it will be powered by three different versions of the <b>S4 motor</b> (if I understood my German host properly). The base motor will be the standard S4 motor, the second option would be the 500 Hp super charged motor and finally a twin turbo version producing 650 hp. The car will be built around a tubular chassis covered in two types of panels. One will be made of Fiberglas for those who do not want to pay for the other choice, carbon fibre. It will be mid engined and will be RWD only to keep the weight down. The first fully functional prototype will be ready in one month and is been assembled in another facility now. The motor is under final assembly at MTM's motor shop in the basement. Their goal is to have a light weight and very powerful car. Right now the most sports oriented model will weigh in at only 1000kg or 2200 lbs. BTW, in the back ground, that is the real thing, the <b>"The S1 Quattro"</b> the Wolrd Rally Championship car driven by Walter Rohl. This is car # 2 and was used to do the Pikes Peak climb. Car # 1 is in the Audi museum.

Body shell, 3/4 front view.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmapollo1.jpg">


Body shell, 3/4 rear view.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmapollo2.jpg">


Body shell, rear view.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmapollo3.jpg">


Working test bed (rear view)for dyno testing. It is equipped with the bi turbo motor tested and tuned to 650 Hp. They told me they settled on that power figure for now but have tested it to <b>1000 Hp</b> on the MAHA. Imagine 1000 KG car with 1000 Hp, yikes! They used special slicks to get the most traction possible for that testing. BTW, the motor had enough HP and torque that it broke the MAHA dyno!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmapollotestbed1.jpg">


Close up of the bi turbo, 650 Hp engine.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmapollotestbed2.jpg">


The cockpit with the test instruments.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmapollotestbed3.jpg">


Finally the first real motor going into prototype 1. Notice the oil pump (bottom right) that is belt driven. Any serious motor needs a dry sump oil system.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtmapollomotor.jpg">


Finally one last thing. remember that weird "chromed" A8 done for a rich Saudi guy, well here is a picture of a hood done in the same process. It's in their show room.

A8 "chromed" hood.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtms8mirrorhood1.jpg">


Close up.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46874/mtms8mirrorhood2.jpg">

That Apollo is fugly, but their engine work and dyno facilities are impressive.

Wow! great pic. Thanks

very cool.

Well I will wait to see the actual car and not just this shell to make a final judgement...
 

All I know is it went through a lot of wind tunnel testing for aerodynamics. Right now with the 650 Hp motor they figure it will top the 360 Kph mark.

Figures. . . aerodynamics don't often make beautiful cars.
 

350kph would be quite a feat for a 650 bhp engine. That's McLaren F1 territory.

Well they already ran the TT Bi Turbo faster than that IIRC. Btw , that was there too. I have pics..
 

Of it too. The F1 as 627 Hp and weighs more then the projected weigh of the Apollo. Keep in mind they may be able to increase the power too. They have tested it to 1000 Hp.

I wasn't doubting they could do it, just saying it would be impressive.
 

Remember, weight of the vehicle has virtually nothing to do with top speed, other than increasing rolling resistance. Only power/torque, gearing, and aerodynamics really matter.

Great post, thanks for sharing the pics with us

If you make it to Ingolstadt, they have a fully chromed A8 in the Audi Museum as well.