AUDI Cars

2008 Audi R8 Arrives

2007-10-03T11:04:00.001-04:00

Audi Australia has today launched its most anticipated car yet, the R8 sports coupe. The $259,000+ car marks Audi's first attempt at joining the high-performance sports coupe club.

The R8 is powered by a high-revving 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine with 309kW and 430Nm, it will go from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. On paper, the R8 should be able to steal some sales from the similarly priced Aston Martin V8 Vanquish.

Audi Australia's Managing Director, Joerg Hofmann, says the R8's introduction will help boost the company's profile in Australia.

"The Audi R8 will become an icon for Audi and albeit niche, this is a car that clearly embodies our Vorsprung durch Technik (progress through technology). It will be instrumental in further boosting our brand image and awareness in this market," Mr Hofmann said.

If you think 260k is a lot for an Audi, it's best to remember the car is engineered with huge racing credentials. Besides, almost 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis.

Using a mid-engined concept and quattro drivetrain, the R8 promises to be one extremely competent car.

Audi's Space Frame ASF aluminium technology means the R8 weighs only 1560KG and the car utilises Audi's new magnetic ride adaptive damping system for better handling and comfort.

The R8 package includes high performance ceramic brakes, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear view camera, Audi's Multi Media Interface MMI and in another world first for Audi, the 2008 model R8 will be the first car in the world with all-LED headlights.

There will be two variants of the R8, the 6-speed manual variant ($259,990) and the six-speed sequential R-tronic version ($274,900).

Audi believes at least 100 Australians will take home an R8 per year. The German company is currently producing 20 R8s per day. The first 25 Australian buyers will take delivery within the next 2 months.

Source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/6766/2008-audi-r8-arrives/

Audi Quattro’s Renewed Glory

2007-10-02T15:03:00.002-04:00

Audi Quattro is a car make and model that is often identified with spectacular performance. This, together with its uniquely designed interiors and exterior, makes the Audi Quattro distinct from all other cars. Innovations of style and design that Audi has been recognized for are well manifested in all their Quattro models. No surprise then why first time Audi Quattro buyers owners always come away satisfied. For this reason, Audi continues its production of Quattro models, each one with upgrade than the last.

Cars of this must always be kept in good shape to ensure that the stunning performance it is capable of is never compromised. This is easy enough to do, since Audi Quattro Parts are being offered by a lot of aftermarket dealers. With such available sources in tow, even the oldest Quattro models will be able to regain a semblance of their former glory simply by securing new and high quality Audi Quattro Parts that match the specific make or model of the car in question. But while replacing old and impaired components with new Audi Quattro Parts, there is one device in particular that one must not forget: the Audi Catalytic Converter.

In this day and age, distinction is all very well and good but the emergence of greener technology, especially in the automotive industry, has given rise to the production of car devices that are more environmentally friendly. With car owners becoming more environmentally-conscious nowadays, making sure that one installs a catalytic converter in one's Audi vehicle is a must. An Audi Catalytic Converter is responsible for processing unburned fuel through a chemical reaction. Oxidization is the chemical reaction that turns carbon monoxide into a mixture of just carbon dioxide and water. This leads to the production of lesser harmful engine emissions. Thus, in the end, having a fully modified Quattro, updated with the latest Audi Quattro Parts that may include an Audi Catalytic Converter, is simply ideal. This is true not only in terms of acquiring a car capable of spectacular road performance but of having one that's healthy for the environment as well.

Source: http://pretty-motorshow.blogspot.com/2007/09/audi-quattros-renewed-glory.html

Audi R8 Best Handling Car of 2007

2007-10-02T15:03:00.001-04:00

AutoCar awarded the Audi R8 as the best handling car of 2007. Why? Well watch this video and you will find out why!
The R8 is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 engine with an output of 420 hp. 0 to 60 mph sprint is made in just 4.5 seconds.

Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/audi-r8-best-handling-car-of-2007-ar44466.html

Power of Audi

2007-10-02T12:03:00.002-04:00

It was a new record. About 250,920 spectators attended the 75th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and watched the Audi R10 TDI win back to back victories. For Audi, it was the seventh win in nine starts at the French long-distance classic. Indeed, when it comes to racing, Audi models have had a quite successful history. In the United States, the 2003 SSCA Speed World GT Challenge saw an Audi RS6 compete with Corvettes, Vipers and BMWs. All of them proved inferior to the RS6, as the Audi.

Taking engineering to the next level, Audi produces the same high octane design in every automobile it releases out in the consumer market. These cars are equipped with highly efficient parts and accessories that supplement the overall performance of Audi. On the subject of acceleration, the Audi Belts provide the essential capability to control the timing of the engine's valves. A timing pulley transmits force to the belt via evenly spaced grooves, which meet with the teeth in the belt. These same grooves and teeth prevent belt slippage. Synchronous belt drives are highly efficient and contribute to power transmission. The Audi belt basically connects the crankshaft to the camshaft which, in turn, controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. Of course, efficient timing belts results clockwork precision in engine operation. On the other hand, another Audi part offers superior stopping power. The Audi brake booster, typically mounted on the firewall, amplifies the available foot pressure applied to the brakes. Its power is derived from the vacuum coming from the engine. Audi specifically developed the boosters to effectively support the braking technology in every Audi vehicle.

Audi sets new goals for the incoming years. The European car maker is working on pursuing leading-edge technology and innovative, unconventional design. With parts like the Audi belt and Audi brake booster, Audi's current success proves to be just the tip of a gigantic iceberg.

Source: http://www.flixya.com/post/biosman2/27678/Power_of_Audi

Audi Targets American Luxury Market

2007-10-02T12:03:00.001-04:00

Audi AG is setting its sights on a far larger slice of the American luxury car market with a plan to more than double its sales there to 200,000 by 2015.

"We are selling 95,000 [vehicles] now. By 2015 we want a doubling of the number," Ralph Weyler, Audi's head of marketing and sales, told the Financial Times.

Audi's ambitious target is the German automaker's effort to close the sales gap with industry leader Toyota Motor Corp. by investing in territories where the Japanese car manufacturer dominates. The premium brand of Volkswagen AG will put emphasis on the manufacture and sale of sport utilities, the segment where Toyota is hauling shoppers.

Martin Winterkorn, the Volkswagen CEO, wants the brand to increase its global sales by ten percent a year and exceed eight million units by 2010.

Additionally, the German automaker will retool its dealership network in the United States. The company will also develop a new sport utility dubbed the Q5. This is to elevate its standing in the world's biggest auto market. This is why the company is improving not only the Audi clutch master cylinder and other auto parts but the entire lineup itself.

Audi has to struggle to cope with the increasing challenge in the American market where it is less successful that European automakers like BMW. Audi intends to become "the most successful premium brand in the world", with 1.5 million sales by 2015, although BMW's own unit sales targets are even more ambitious. Audi's newest models are receiving rave reviews in Europe, and in China the brand outsells both BMW and Mercedes.

In the United States, the brand has underperformed since the 1980s, when reported problems with "unintended acceleration" of one of its cars hit its business. To stress, Mercedes-Benz and BMW were quicker to develop sport utilities - a popular auto format in America. More recently, Audi has been successful with its Q7 SUV.

Audi planned to increase the quality of its dealers in the US, many of which are "multi-franchise" outfits selling its cars alongside those of other brands, Weyler said. The company has about 110 exclusive dealers, and will maintain its focus on large metropolitan areas on the American coasts and cities such as Dallas, Houston and Chicago.

Sales of luxury cars in the United States are proving tough in spite of recent market volatility linked to the subprime mortgage crisis. BMW, Mercedes, Toyota's Lexus brand and Audi all reported higher sales in August this year. Unlike Mercedes and BMW, both of which have factories in the United States, Audi had no plans for local production. "At the moment, we don't have adequate volume," Weyler said.

Volkswagen, on the other hand, is weighing the possibility of building its first US production plant.

Source: http://www.flixya.com/post/biosman2/27679/Audi_Targets_American_Luxury_Market

Spy photos: Audi A1

2007-10-01T14:04:00.004-04:00

Altough the car looks like a tuned Volkswagen Polo, the car you see in the photo is actually the future Audi A1. The future Mini rival will share the same platform,which will be cheaper to build and more flexible, with the 2010 Audi A3.

According to CarOnline there are chances to see on the streets derivates of the Audi A1 like the Q1 and the S1. Also the quattro system will be available on the future Mini rival. More things will be revealed next month when Audi will unveil the A1 prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Source: http://4wheelsblog.com/spy-photos/spy-photos-audi-a1

2007 Audi TT Roadster 2.0 Road Test

2007-10-01T14:04:00.003-04:00

"Audi's latest TT Roadster in 2.0 (Turbo) FSI guise nails its German rivals on almost every level, despite its smaller engine and lower price"

Test Model: 2007 Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI S tronic
Colour: Sahara Silver
Options Fitted: Metallic Paint @ $1300 (yes because flat colours don't suit the TT)Fine Nappa Leather @ $800 (yes- for comfort alone) Electric Front seat/Lumbar support @ $2100 (No should be standard and the manual system works well)Xenon Plus Headlights @ 2500 (I'm a huge fan of Xenon and Bi-Xenon but at this price on this car I'd pass)Acoustic Rear Parking (a must – but again, rear sensors should be standard fit)
Recommended Retail Price: $77,500 without options

Where it sits: It's the entry level TT Roadster, but don't think for one minute that you've got a compromise. In many ways this car is the most rewarding drive of the two new TT Roadsters. The bigger engine 3.2 quattro S-tronic, commands a premium at $92,900.

We can be mildly dismissive of the weaker race here at Car Advice, generally preferring a seat behind the wheel of the more powerful variants of each model we test. Yes, it's downright immature and not professional.
But more power is not always better. Never so true than with the smaller engine TT Roadster 2.0 T (for Turbo) FSI fitted with Audi's warp-speed shifting S tronic gearbox.

Any pervious thoughts that my time with the less powerful TT might be a little dull were banished the moment I gave the car a gentle prod.

It's not just quick and that's 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds or better quick, it's more that bruup sound it makes every time the 2.0L direct injection turbocharged inline four shifts up a gear, with your right foot hard on the pedal. Almost sounds like Superbike legend Troy Bayliss, peddling up through the gears on his V-twin Duke*. Can't get enough of it!
There's barely any turbo lag, and that, with a positively decent 280Nm of torque, all the way from 1800rpm to 5000rpm, would have you believing this car is quicker out of the blocks than its 3.2- litre big brother. With a top speed of 237km/h its just 13km/h off the pace of the V6 which is limited to 250km/h.
If that doesn't do it for you, then 22kms of deserted snake bends (somewhere on the NSW coast) will see you begging for more. Bend to bend performance is erotic. Scuttle shake – non-existent. This is a seriously good drive.

The S tronic (twin clutch and twin gear sets) gearbox and the steering wheel mounted shift paddles is a marriage made in heaven.

With gear changes happening in 8 milliseconds, downshifts into corners sound like an F1 car.

Just like the new TT Coupe we road tested a month or so back, the TT Roadster has had a growth spurt. Longer, wider and way more stiffer in the body department. Try 120% stiffer – if you're talking torsional rigidity.
And that's not the only reason this TT Roadster behaves impeccably on the road. Unladen weight is just 1,295 kilos, which is remarkable when you consider the additional size and additional structural integrity.
You can put much of these improvements down to one major component. Audi's space frame body. It's 58% aluminium and only 42% steel, which adds hugely to the driving dynamics of this Roadster.

Steer into a corner and the TT sticks to a precise line regardless of the road surface. This is a particularly easy car to drive at pace, with excellent feedback through the steering wheel.
The electro-mechanical Speed Sensitive power steering does its job of ensuring the right amount of boost in almost all driving situations.
The car feels well planted at all times with wider low-profile rubber in 245/45 sitting on the standard 17-inch alloy rims. They look fine, but the optional 18's and 19's look better.

Like all cars in the Volkswagen group – Audi have got the compromise between ride quality and handling, pretty much right. The TT Roadster is a perfect example of that. You won't feel any harsh body jarring in this car, even if you're well into it, on less than perfect bitumen.

Brake pedal response is phenomenal and inspires tremendous confidence from behind the wheel. New brake pads generate substantially more friction and brake rotors and sufficiently large at 312 mm and 286mm respectively.
As good as the TT Roadster is as a fully-fledged sports car, it probably isn't the prime reason for buyers choosing this car.
It's all too easy to forget that the TT Roadster is also one of the finest looking drop tops in the automotive world. It's also got the fastest electric roof in the business. Twelve seconds flat – even at 30km/h and that's guaranteed. We timed it. MG die-hards lament.

I guess I'm sitting on the fence when it comes to the pros and cons of soft tops verses folding hard tops, but let's be honest – authentic drop tops are not metal, they're fabric!
The benefits are more to do with driveability than practicality. Less weight in a roadster is a major plus and when the roof is up – the centre of gravity is even lower.
The TT's folding roof is a clever system for a number of reasons; the framework under the fabric is a blend of aluminium and steel with an integrated glass rear window. Most folding roofs whether fabric or metal rob the boot area of valuable space, rendering them next to useless as a luggage area. Not so with the TT Roadster.

The Z-fold soft top fits neatly into it's own compartment between the bulkhead and rear lid leaving a decent size cargo area.

It's also wonderfully neat with its own built in tonneau cover. And for highway cruising – you'll need to hit the wind deflector button and all will be sorted.

Noise levels inside the car are not that dissimilar to that of the full metal coupe due partly to the acoustic mat between the frame and the skin, which also assists with thermo insulation inside the cabin.
I'm running out of superlatives for this review, but I need a couple more to describe the TT Roadster's interior fit out.
Audi does the finest production car interiors today, and that's just fact. But they seem to raise the Bar when it comes to their iconic TT.

From the ridiculously good sports seats covered in the most comfortable Fine Nappa Leather I've ever sat in, to the flat bottomed racing style steering wheel and bespoke-like switchgear and materials – its all top shelf and a level of quality unsurpassed by any of its competitors.

As an amateur audio buff, I can tell you that the bog standard Symphony sound system with 9 active speakers via a 6 disc CD changer head unit in the TT is a cracker - tried and tested with roof down at speeds north of 100km/h.
I'm utterly surprised that this thing only puts out 140watts but unfortunately there's still no standard fit MP3 input which allows you to plug an iPod directly into the head.
The driving position is Porsche like. I mean 911 Porsche like, in that you are sitting in the car – not on top of the car. The ergonomics are particularly well sorted and driver focussed. You could do a long trip in this car and still manage a game of golf at the end of it all.

As expected, a full inventory of the latest active and passive safety features are on board with dual stage airbags for driver and passenger only, remembering that the TT Roadster is strictly a two seater.
As far as German rivals for the TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI go, you could look at the Z4 2.5si Roadster, but that's going to cost you $80,000 with a 6-speed auto. It's also slower and not nearly as stylish.
You might take a peak at the SLK 200 K from Mercedes Benz, which has a 1.8-litre supercharged engine with a 5-speed auto and good for a 0-100km/h time of around 8 seconds. Problem is – you'll need to find $89,474 before you tick any of the options.

Source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/6577/2007-audi-tt-roadster-20-road-test/

Audi Tuner - 2008 Hofele Design Audi Q7

2007-10-01T14:04:00.001-04:00

Audi-Tuner Hofele-Design gives the Audi Q7 a new face.

Special attention of the new Hofele concept for the Audi Q7 draw the new bumpers, made of the high-quality material RIM. The front bumper is highlighted by the big air intakes, the Single-Frame grill from the S8, A8 or W12 and four Hella lights. These lights are LED day driving light + fog and cornering light. The use of the A8 grills makes the front rounder than on the original Q7.

An eye-catcher are the stainless steel tailpipes which are integrated into the rear apron. A flat roof spoiler sits on the edge of the tailgate. Door attachments with an air intake stretch the sides of the luxury SUV.

Wheel arch extensions on all four fenders cover the mighty wheels. As wheel and tire combination the new „Reverso 22" designer wheel in the size 10Jx22" with tires 295/30 R 22 are mounted. The four wheels with Pirelli tires cost 4.750,- Euro. The car is lowered 40mm and also wider thanks to wheel spacers. For cars with an adaptive air suspension an electronic lowering module is available.

With an electronic tuning kit, the output of the 3,0 TDI can be increased from 233 HP and 500 Nm to more than 280 HP with 580 Nm. Price for the kit: 1.150,- Euro.

Also available for the Q7: an exclusive interior concept with carbon, exotic woods and leather for instrument panel, steering wheel and door trims.

All parts are being mounted to the original points of fixation. This is easy going and requires no modifications to the car at all.

Source: http://sharingthelife.blogspot.com/2007/09/audi-tuner-2008-hofele-design-audi-q7.html

New Audi A1 prototype testing

2007-09-30T09:13:00.005-04:00

It seems that Audi has definitely decided to go after BMW's Mini, also some reports say that new A1 goes head-to-head with BMW 1 series. However it is obvious, Audi gonna come up with their new fighter for race in compact class.
If you ask me, these spy photos shows not much more than a pimped VW Polo, but there is no place for doubts that this is Audi's mule when you look at the licence plates, this prototype comes from Ingolstadt, Audi's home turf. What this will turn into we can expect to see at the upcoming Tokio Motor Show where Audi supposed to show conceptual look of the new A1; meanwhile we can play with PhotoShop
According to some reports, new A1 should debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, but knowing that it is already under active engineering and prototype testing I wouldnt be surprised if it happens earlier.

Source: http://www.autoportal.co.ba/new-audi-a1-prototype-testing/

Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry Test Drive Audi R8

2007-09-30T09:13:00.003-04:00

As players of one of the world's best teams, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi or Thierry Henry are not easily shaken. But whenever they receive the keys to their new cars from vehicle partner Audi the eyes of even these seasoned football stars start shining. Today was another such occasion: At the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board for Marketing and Sales of AUDI AG, handed their new "company cars" over to the athletes. Audi and FC Barcelona have been partners since the past football season. The favourite product chosen from the sporty model range of the brand in Ingolstadt was again the Audi Q7.

Before the official hand-over of the vehicles in Barcelona, where the DTM is staging its penultimate race on Sunday, the footballers experienced the fascination of the Audi models in a special way: They had the chance to complete a few fast laps in the new Audi R8 sports car and proved to be as sporty as safe in their driving style. No wonder, after all, the two Audi factory drivers Mattias Ekström and Tom Kristensen had shared a few tips and tricks with the footballers. The favourite for the champion's title from Sweden and the seven-time winner of Le Mans accompanied the driver safety training which Audi had arranged for the players of FC Barcelona and chauffeured part of the team around the circuit in an Audi A4 DTM race taxi.

The footballers and the racers had already met the night before: Mattias Ekström and Tom Kristensen attended the Champions League home match of FC Barcelona against Olympique Lyon at Camp Nou, Europe's largest football stadium. "To watch this team play together with a crowd of 80,000 was an impressive experience," raved football fan Kristensen after the home victory.

Source: http://newcars.jinjinblog.com/2007/09/ronaldinho-lionel-messi-thierry-henry.html

Audi retires from Barcelona

2007-09-30T09:13:00.001-04:00

DTM Barcelona: Scandal as Audi withdraw

A mass withdrawal from the DTM race at Barcelona by Audi overshadowed Jamie Green's maiden victory at the Catalunya circuit.

Audi management took the unprecedented step of withdrawing all of their cars after its principal title charges Martin Tomcyk and Mattias Ekstrom were involved in controversial crashes.

Audi Sport issued a statement claiming, "the Mercedes drivers used every opportunity to eliminate our cars."

The race began with Audi's Tomcyk on pole and he led Mercedes' Mika Hakkinen cleanly away at the start.

But what happened next between the pair was not so clean. Hakkinen caught Tomcyk's draught down the straight on lap six and was squeezed to the very inside of the first corner. Hakkinen braked too deep and the pair made contact, putting Hakkinen out and delaying Tomcyk.

Tomcyk's team mate and championship rival Ekstrom made his first pit stop around the same time leaving Mercedes driver in control of the race - Bruno Spengler leading from Bernd Schneider and Jamie Green.

Ekstrom's early pit stop left him battling in the pack and he caught Daniel la Rosa on lap 14. The pair were battling for position and when Ekstrom passed la Rosa on lap 14 he squeezed his rival off the track. La Rosa lost control on the grass and side-swiped Ekstrom's car, putting both out.

He later denied that he had continued to accelerate when he had been put on the grass and insisted that he had braked. But the stewards nonetheless penalised him and Hakkinen with fines and ten place grid penalties for the next race.

Tomcyk meanwhile was battling back through the field, moving up to seventh after his first pit stop but losing time running wide at turn one on lap 25. But he wasn't to last much longer - a problem with his battered car surfaced on his second pit stop and he subsequently retired.

That left Spengler looking at an open goal in terms of scoring championship points but he was delayed by a drive-through penalty. Schneider was eliminated with car failure which left Green poised to scoop his first ever win.

Further back the incidents continued. Spengler tried to pass Lucas Luhr around the outside but Luhr pushed Spengler wide and kept the position.

On lap 37 Mattias Lauda and Timo Scheider clashed, the contact sending Scheider's Audi into retirement. Temperatures were boiling on the Audi pit wall, but it was har do apportion blame for the collision.

The team finally snapped when Spengler passed Mike Rockenfeller on lap 46. Rockenfeller had defended his position very strongly and Spengler had gone up the inside of the Audi on the exit of La Caixa. The pair squeezed each other, contact was inevitable, and Rockenfeller was knocked across the gravel trap.

On the pitwall, Audi boss Wolfgang Ullrich had had enough. He ordered all remaining seven Audis directly into the pits to withdraw in response to the string of incidents. That ended the races of Rockenfeller, Luhr, Tom Kristensen, Alexandre Premat, Christian Abt, Markus Winklehock and Vaninia Ickx.

That left just six Mercedes circulating with Green leading. Paul di Resta, second, let Spengler past as per team orders but Green, as a first team driver, was spared the order and left to claim his maiden victory - although he clearly earned and wasn't involved in any of the controversy, it's likely that it will be somewhat overshadowed.

It remains to be seen what the consequences will be for the DTM - and Audi's participation in it - following this controversial twist.

Source: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/racing-forums/34385-audi-retires-barcelona.html

Audi A5 receives two new engines

2007-09-19T20:04:00.002-04:00

Audi, the German automaker continues to extend its A5 line. The recently launched A5 coupe receives now two new engines: a 3.2 FSI quattro and a 1.8 TFSI.

The 3.2 FSI engine helps the A5 to sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. The 1.8 TFSI engine helps the coupe to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds while the top speed is of 228 km/h.The average fuel consumption is of 9.2 litres in the case of the 3.2 FSI engine and 7.1 litres at the 1.8 engine.

Press release:

Audi continues to extend its A5 model line, which has enjoyed a successful start: as of now, the sporty coupé is available with two new engine versions. The 3.2 FSI quattro allied with the six-speed manual gearbox is an especially dynamic source of power, while the 1.8 TFSI, also with manual shift, offers an extremely efficient alternative.

The 3.2 FSI, with its power output of 195 kW (265 bhp), is the most powerful engine in the A5 model line. The Audi engineers concentrated all of their expertise in this power unit, combining FSI petrol direct injection with the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable valve lift control and various measures for reducing internal friction. All this work has resulted in supreme refinement and impressive pulling power, with 330 Nm of torque available all the way from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm.

The 3.2 FSI gives the A5 performance figures worthy of a sports car. With this engine, the grand tourer sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. The powerful coupé has an average fuel consumption of just 9.2 litres. The price of the Audi A5 3.2 quattro with manual gearbox is 44,200 euros.

Extremely high efficiency is the particular strength of the 1.8 TFSI. This four-cylinder engine, which is a new addition to the coupé model line, combines the benefits of the FSI principle with the advantages of turbocharging. These technologies together generate a power output of 125 kW (170 bhp). The peak torque of 250 Nm is available from as low as 1,500 rpm. The 1.8-litre engine comes with a manual six-speed gearbox and front-wheel drive.

With the powerful four-cylinder unit, the Audi A5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 228 km/h. It sets excellent standards in terms of fuel consumption, limiting itself to an average of just 7.1 litres per 100 km. The A5 1.8 TFSI is available for 32,750 euros.

Source: http://4wheelsblog.com/released/audi-a5-receives-two-new-engines

Audi to launch Q7 Hybrid in 2008

2007-09-19T20:04:00.001-04:00

The Audi Q7 was the last SUV model to launch from the platform shared with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne but it looks like it will be the first to launch a hybrid version. Automotive News is reporting that Audi will start production of the hybrid Q7 in late 2008, several months after introducing the new diesel models in the US market.

The hybrid system is being developed in conjunction with VW and Porsche. They have made the system modular so that it can be adapted to other vehicles in the product lineup. Porsche has already indicated that they will use the system on the upcoming Panamera sedan in addition to the Cayenne.

In the Q7 it will be paired up with a 3.6L V-6 and should yield about 23mpg. The electric part of the drivetrain will be able to drive the vehicle at up to 31 mph and the engine can be shut off at speeds up to 75 mph when coasting.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/09/11/audi-to-launch-q7-hybrid-in-2008/

Abt Sportsline releases the Audi AS6 3.0L TDI

2007-09-18T19:03:00.007-04:00

We're used to seeing plenty of highly modified petrol cars but every now and then a tuned oil-burner crops up. This time it's from the Bavarian-based Abt Sportsline, which has taken the wraps off its new AS6 3.0L TDI. The new car boasts a rare 100hp (75kW) per liter output, with a total 300hp (225kW) churned out by its 3.0L TDI mill. The maximum torque, which arrives at 4000rpm, is a staggering 600Nm.

The increases come from a series of upgrades including new engine management software and more boost from a custom Abt compressor. With the new performance numbers, the AS6 completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 249km/h.

Ensuring all that torque reaches the ground, engineers added a set of 20in wheels measuring 9in across. They also upgraded the brakes, added an adjustable suspension set-up and a complete bodykit. The latter consists of a set of side skirts, front spoiler and pumped fenders.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/audi/abt-sportsline-releases-the-audi-as6-30l-tdi/

Audi R8 downed in Moscow

2007-09-18T19:03:00.006-04:00

The Audi R8 isn't even on sale yet in most parts of the globe, but already we've heard of cars going up in flames in Germany and now we have a story about one that's gone amok in downtown Moscow. From the images, it appears the driver lost of control of the car in the wet weather, skidded across onto the median strip and then crashed into a small tree before spinning to a stop. The car must have been traveling at some speed because the crash managed to rip out the car's headlight out, projecting it several meters away onto a small patch of grass.

Every time we see a crashed exotic, we wonder when more car companies will start offering some kind of advanced driver training course as part of the car's purchase. Then again, there's no way to prevent the stupidity that makes someone want to speed in a built-up urban area in the wet. We hope the driver was at least smart enough to have insurance because it appears this R8 will have one very hefty repair bill.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/audi-r8-downed-in-moscow/

600 New Employees for Audi

2007-09-18T19:03:00.005-04:00

Audi is hiring young graduates in an effort to ensure the strong future of the brand. This year, the automaker is looking for 600 new employees.

German automaker Audi is making a bid to become the king of the mountain. Six hundred academics is the target for Audi. The young talents are there to unveil the new Audi RS6 - the company's most powerful production vehicle. Dr, Werner Widuckel, a Board Member for Human Resources at Audi AG, declared that the increase in their offering will mean more jobs in the future. Only motivated and dedicated employees will ensure company success and innovative power in the future," he said.

Most in demand are graduates in electrical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering and automotive technology. Not only academics are attracted to Audi as an employer: 682 young people started their apprenticeships last week in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Audi provides training in 20 different vocations.

"To a great extent, graduates want to identify with the products of their preferred employer. Factors such as market success and innovative power, interesting work and individual opportunities for development play an important role when choosing an employer," added Dr. Widuckel.

Last year, the automaker recruited 450 academics. The increase in the number of employees they are hiring shows the company responding to the need for engineers. The automaker is focusing on the employment of young engineers to develop highly-efficient diesel engines as well as alternative powertrains.

Source: http://theautorider.blogspot.com/2007/09/600-new-employees-for-audi.html

Preview: 2010 Audi A1 hatch and cabrio

2007-09-18T19:03:00.003-04:00

The minicar segment is about to explode, with new models planned from most of the major carmakers including, for the first time, premium labels such as Audi, which is planning to launch the new A1 hatch in 2009. A concept version of the car will be displayed at next month's Tokyo Motor Show complete with a hybrid drivetrain. These new renderings give us an accurate look at what to expect, revealing designers are going with conventional hatchback styling and Audi's familiar oversized grille.

The A1 won't be a niche model. Audi management is hoping to sell more than 100,000 units per year and will likely add a 'shooting brake' mini-estate and cabrio to its lineup. Audi is also rumored to be working on a mini SUV labeled the Q1, which you can see a preview of by clicking here. In addition to the mild hybrid version, Audi will also build cars equipped with more conventional TSI and FSI petrol engines as well as its frugal TDI diesels displacing 1.4 and 1.6L.

The car will be built on a new platform that will also spawn the next-gen VW Polo as well as allow engineers to add quattro AWD for a low-volume performance model. The new platform also means engineers may add a new low cost dual-clutch transmission with seven gears in total. Unlike the production version of the VW up! concept, the Audi A1 won't be cheap and is expected to have a price tag of around €20,000. By contrast, VW's minicar is expected to cost close to €8,000.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/preview-2010-audi-a1-hatch-and-cabrio/

2008 Audi R8 on tour around Canada

2007-09-18T19:03:00.001-04:00

Audi has something good going on with the R8 supercar and they know it. The problem is, there isn't enough of them to go around. In order to make sure as many enthusiasts as possible get to lay eyes on the new machine, Audi is sending 15 journalists on a cross Canada jaunt from Cape Spear, all the way to the west, finishing up in Victoria, BC.

Friend of The Garage, Russ Bond from Painkillerz is lucky enough to be along for the section from Barrie, Ontario to Thunder Bay, Ontario. In fact, Russ is having a month filled with R8 goodness, having visited the press launch for the car last week and will spend next week with the press car. While Russ is on the road with the Audi R8 Trans-Canada Performance Tour, he'll be updating Painkillerz readers with daily photos and stories.

Source: http://thegarageblog.com/garage/2008-audi-r8-on-tour-around-canada/

Frankfurt Motor Show: Audi A4 e Concept unveiled

2007-09-17T18:20:00.007-04:00

With the new Audi A4 e Concept, the German automaker plans to show how its new Modular Efficiency program is. The new concept uses just 4.9 litres per 100 km. Also the Co2 emissons is just 129 g/km, that means less than the limit that will be introduced in 2012!

The 2.0 TDI in the new Audi A4 presents itself in an essentially enhanced form. A common rail injection system supersedes the unit injection pumps used to date, its piezo injectors supplying fuel with a pressure of up to 1,800 bar, allowing extremely fine atomisation in the combustion chambers. This improves fuel combustion and smooth running.

Press release:

With the new 2.0 TDI e Concept, Audi is showing just how effective its new Modular Efficiency program is. The sporty middle class saloon undercuts the consumption limit of five litres per 100 km. The A4 2.0 TDI e Concept needs just 4.9 litres for 100 km on the EU cycle. This means CO2 emissions of just 129 g/km – less than the limit that the European Union aims to introduce for vehicle fleets from 2012. With an output of 105 kW / 143 bhp and a peak torque of 320 Nm, the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is a powerful saloon – for Audi, a dynamic character always goes hand in hand with low consumption.

In this vehicle, Audi has realised a whole package of innovative engineering solutions. Some of these are already in series production on the new Audi A4. Others, such as the start/stop system or the energy recuperation system, will be introduced in the near future.

TDI marries efficiency with dynamism

The 2.0 TDI in the new Audi A4 presents itself in an essentially enhanced form. A common rail injection system supersedes the unit injection pumps used to date, its piezo injectors supplying fuel with a pressure of up to 1,800 bar, allowing extremely fine atomisation in the combustion chambers. This improves fuel combustion and smooth running.

The refined engine develops a powerful 105 kW / 143 bhp of output. Even in the speed range between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm it puts a bullish 320 Nm of torque onto the crankshaft – this mighty pulling power at low revs is a one of the great strengths of the TDI principle. Modified piston geometry improves the thermodynamics in the combustion chambers. Other measures to reduce internal friction and for temperature management further increase fuel efficiency.

On the A4 e Concept, the 2.0 TDI engine is supplemented by the ultra low emission system. That means that this engine not only works highly efficiently, but it is also exceptionally clear and absolutely future-proof: Even today, it undercuts the strictest European emissions levels, which are not expected to come into force until 2014. The ultra low emission system, which makes the TDI the world's cleanest diesel, will go into series production in 2008 as an option on the new Audi A4 3.0 TDI.

Low-friction gearbox

The TDI's power is transmitted onto a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox that is characterised by greatly reduced internal friction. It has been specially tailored for the high-torque of the TDI engine – its transmission ratios are slightly longer in third to sixth gears. Like all Audi gearboxes, its gear changes are playfully light and extremely precise. The gear change indicator in the driver information system encourages an economical driving style. It indicates which gear is selected and if another gear is judged to be better while driving steadily, it will show this as a recommendation.

An especially fast and smooth start

Another important contribution is made by the start/stop system. It avoids the engine running inefficiently when the vehicle is stationary. This is important because much of our day-to-day driving is made up of trips that are shorter than ten kilometres, and these are interrupted by numerous stops at traffic lights.

As soon as the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept comes to a standstill, the gear lever is moved to neutral and the driver takes his foot off the clutch, the TDI is automatically switched off. The engine is restarted when the driver depresses the clutch. The TDI runs up while he is engaging the gear. It has reached idling speed by the time he releases the pedal. A specially developed starter motor turns the engine in little more than two tenths of a second – 60 percent faster than a conventional part, and yet especially comfortable acoustically.

Microhybrid gathers energy when coasting and braking

The recuperation system on board the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept converts kinetic energy into useful electrical energy as the vehicle decelerates. An innovative gel battery is used as the power source for the vehicle electrical system. This is extremely robust even at high loads and when it is heavily discharged, allowing it to achieve a particularly long service life.

When the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is coasting or braking, the secondary voltage from the D/C converter is run up. The alternator is now able to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy that is temporarily stored in the gel battery. When the saloon subsequently accelerates again, the battery feeds the energy back, relieving the load on the alternator.
The power steering has also been thoroughly modified – its effectiveness has been improved by around 50 percent because it is now fed hydraulic energy by a demand-controlled vane-cell pump. In contrast to conventional power steering pumps, which constantly recirculate large volumes, it only pumps as much oil as actually needed at that very moment.

On the automatic air conditioning system, Audi uses an innovative, thermostatically controlled refrigerant circuit with an internal heat exchanger. Along with intensive precision work on other components, has greatly improved the efficiency of the system – the new automatic air conditioning system requires 20 percent less fuel that its predecessor model did.

Sporty performance yet highly efficient

The A4 2.0 TDI e Concept glides smoothly and effortlessly through the wind. Its body is fundamentally extremely aerodynamic. Its boot lid has been given a slight additional separation edge. Specially designed alloy wheels improve the airflow across the wheels and wheel arches, while a sporty tuning has lowered the body by 20 millimetres. This modification reduces the frontal area, improving air resistance.

For Audi, efficiency means exactly the same as dynamics. For example, the tyres are configured for light running, but still have a sporty performance – they have the wide, visually attractive 225/50 R17 format. Yet the most impressive evidence of the potential of the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is found in its performance figures. The middle class saloon sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.3 seconds. Its top speed is 215 km/h. A spurt from 80 to 120 km/h in 5th gear needs just 8.7 seconds.

Source: http://4wheelsblog.com/prototypes/frankfurt-motor-show-audi-a4-e-concept-unveiled

Audi 2007 Melges 24 US National Champion: Record setting fleet set

2007-09-17T18:20:00.006-04:00

In just over a week, some sixty Melges 24 skippers and crews will hit the waters of Lake St. Clair to decide who will be crowned the Audi 2007 Melges 24 U.S. National Champion. With 56 entries received to date, and up to 8 more expected, this will be the largest U.S. Nationals in the 14 year history of the class – confirming the health of this ultra-competitive, high-octane One Design class.

U.S. Melges 24 Class President Scott Gregory and his Georgia-based Team Satisfaction were initially unable to make it to Bayview Yacht Club for the championship, but when the entry list hit 40 boats, they cleared their schedules. "We just couldn't miss an event like this up in Detroit," Scott said. "Those guys really get it – there are so many good sailors in the Detroit fleet, and they are the most enthusiastic group in the country. They sail hard, they party hard, and they're always helping others improve. We can't wait to get out there and mix it up."

Gregory and his team will have plenty of company. Melges 24 events consistently draw some of the world's best sailors, and this one is no exception. World Champion Dave Ullman, helming for Scott Holmgren on Rosebud, is clearly the favorite – but his challengers include some of the best in the business. Ullman's biggest obstacle is likely to be current North American Champion Brian Porter and his Full Throttle team. Porter enlisted the help of two close friends from Lake Geneva to see if he can dethrone the legendary Ullman; Melges Performance Sailboats President Harry Melges III and VP Andy Burdick – both World Champs in the Melges 24. Full Throttle was only seconds away from becoming the World Champion in Santa Cruz this past May when, on the final leg of the final race, a brutal gust of wind knocked her on her side, mast in the water. Ullman's crew immediately dropped their spinnaker, giving them the control they needed to pass the disabled Porter and win the championship.

Star studded fleet includes World, National, North American champions

Other top sailors contending for the title of U.S. Champion include dozens of past Melges 24 champions at all levels. Two-time World Champion Vince Brun will be on the course after a hiatus from the class, and other competitors of note include Bill Hardesty, John Pollard, Simon Strauss, Argyle Campbell, Mark Ivey, Michael Miller, Erik Shampain, and Bora Gulari. Every one of these racers has the proven ability of a champion, as they've shown in everything from the Olympic 470 to the Transpac52.

Typical September winds on the lake are gusty and shifty, and local knowledge could prove to be the key to a solid result. Local stars include up-and-coming match racer Nate Hollerbach, who heads off to Bermuda in a few weeks for one of the premier match racing events in the world – the Gold Cup. Hollerbach is honing his skills on the helm of Zig Zag, although he'll have some very motivated opponents on the water: Squaring up against Nate are his father, Marc and brother, Adam aboard Fu.

Penalty Box Productions to produce championship DVD

Event Chairman Paul Hulsey was pleased to announce yesterday that he had retained high-performance race filmmaker Peter Crawford's Penalty Box Productions to film the event. "With this many competitors, and the likelihood of solid breeze, it would be horrible to miss out on high quality video coverage," Hulsey said. Crawford, a lifelong scow and iceboat sailor, has an eye for fast racing machines, as he proved with amazing footage from the windy 2007 Worlds in Santa Cruz. Each team will receive a short DVD of the event, and interested parties can pre-order a full-length DVD that includes both the Worlds and National Championship footage.

Audi 2007 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship
The Audi 2007 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship is hosted by Bayview Yacht Club, with the support of Sponsor/Partners Audi of America, Inc., the Detroit-Area Audi Metro Dealers, Barefoot Wines, Yachtscoring.com, Latis Yachting Solutions, the Detroit Medical Center's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Rock City Marine, Tim Wilkes Photography, and Penalty Box Productions.

The Melges 24 is the most unique one-design sportboat in the world, and one of the fastest-growing one-design race classes in the world. More information on the U.S. Melges 24 Class is available at www.usmelges24.com

Source: http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=15321

Exotic Audi R8 outshines stars

2007-09-17T18:20:00.005-04:00

Until I spent a long weekend with the Audi R8, I didn't realize just how many camera phones there were in the city of Toronto.
Having been cellphone shopping only a few weeks before my R8 experience, I knew that camera phones were quite popular. But my, oh my, they're everywhere.
They're in your side-view mirror, hanging out of cars sitting in your blind spot on the Gardiner Expressway, trying to get some footage of you accelerating away.
They're staring at you through the back window of cars in front, panning back and forth to take in the full magnificence of the R8's LED driving-light arrangement and its big, low shield-shaped grille.
They're poking out from crowds at bus shelters, snapping a pic as you drive by. They're right in your face as you come back to the car in a parking lot, hoping to sneak away and avoid any lengthy conversation.
I've driven more expensive cars than the Audi R8. I have driven faster cars and cars that make more noise and cars that go around corners faster. But I have never driven anything that draws quite so much attention.
The Toronto International Film Festival opened the same day I picked up the R8. On my drive home from work through the entertainment district, onlookers peered into the gunslit-shaped side windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrity and instead got an eyeful of fat Asian auto journalist – not old enough or thin enough to be Chow Yun-Fat and not in good enough shape to be Jackie Chan.
One guy, I kid you not, even asked for my autograph, even though he didn't know who I was. The car was enough, he said; he'd glimpsed it parallel-parked on Richmond and had circled the block to take a closer look. Is this what celebrity feels like?
Such adulation from the masses comes at a price, of course, but perhaps not as high a price as you might expect.
Oh sure, $139,000 to start (my tester listed at just over $150,000) is a big chunk of change in anybody's book. But curbside speculators always guessed high on the price scale.
Perhaps it's the R8's proportions, which are long, low, wide and eerily reminiscent of the Lamborghini Gallardo with which it shares a little bit of DNA.
Perhaps it was the detailing: delicate double-spoke alloys that barely wrapped around huge brake calipers bearing R8 logos, rear lights that looked like neon-outlined TV screens, that contrasting panel of silver on the side of my gray test car.
Perhaps it's the specifications: 420 horses from its dry-sump, direct-injection V8, six speeds, four-wheel drive, only two seats.
Perhaps it's the technology: magnetic ride-control suspension, GPS navigation, optional F1-style paddle shifters.
The darn thing looks high-tech, too, a combination of its tall windshield, jeweled lights, the vents cut into those side panels and the mesh-inset rear wing that automatically rises at 110 km/h. "One-forty?" people gawped. "It looks like should be two-fifty!"
One-forty it is, though, making Audi's most direct target the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which stickers at about $10,000 less than the R8 but is about the same when equipment is evenly matched.
Curious about the reaction the R8 would get, I took it to an informal gathering of Porsche and Corvette enthusiasts that meets every Saturday in the parking lot of a suburban coffee shop. It was, not surprisingly, the star of the show, swarmed by interested would-be owners who loved its design, its interior and the sound its V8 made.
The only disappointment, really, seemed to come from the fact that all of next year's allocation of 100 cars is already sold out, making R8 ownership an unlikely proposition even for people who can afford it. It's all part of Audi's plan to keep the car exclusive enough to stay special.
In terms of the way the R8 compares behind the wheel, the Porsche has its advantages and it has its disadvantages.
The main difference is that the 911 feels smaller once you're on the move. Its narrower body, more upright seating position and larger glass area make it easier to thread through traffic and along winding roads with precision.
The Audi, despite being incredibly nimble and light on its feet, always feels like a big car: its width makes squeezing into tight parking spots a chore, even when using the reversing camera, and you always second-guess yourself about whether you can thread through any given piece of pavement.
While their power-to-weight ratios and acceleration times are close enough to be almost equal, the Audi can feel faster and more powerful in everyday situations, thanks to the fat spread of torque from its V8.
While the R8 redlines at over 8000 r.p.m., it delivers plenty of low-end punch even at 2000; the Porsche needs to be revved harder and often requires a downshift when the Audi doesn't.
Braking performance is about equal; the C4S has six-pot calipers up front while the Audi has eight, but both drag the cars to a drama-free stop in a minimum distance. Likewise, both all-wheel-drive systems are strongly rear-biased, shuttling power up front when needed without inducing understeer in corners.
One area where the 911 has an advantage is steering feel. While both cars corner flat and true – and both, interestingly enough, also bob their noses a little bit in fast curves – the Audi's steering can feel heavy and a little bit numb while the 911's three-spoke wheel dances under your fingertips.
Ultimately, this leads to a greater sense of confidence, even if the Porsche's rear-engine layout means it'd be trickier to drive at the limit than the smoother-transitioning mid-engined Audi.
On the other hand, the R8 is vastly more comfortable as a daily driver: even in the supposedly-stiff sport mode, it rides better than the 911 and, in comfort mode, is as composed as any sedan.
The R8's cabin feels much wider and, except for a dead pedal that was too close for my taste, the layout is near-perfect, with easy-to-decipher controls and displays right where you would expect them.
Even though a lot of the parts in the R8's interior come from other Audis – the steering wheel, door handles, climate control knobs and other bits come from the TT, for instance – it's hard to deny the sense of occasion you feel dropping into its low, low cabin.
The view out the windshield is spectacular. The cockpit sweeps around the driver, the gauges float in chromed triangular pods and the navigation screen swivels away at the touch of a button so you can load discs and memory cards.
Choose the manual transmission and you get an exposed shift gate like a vintage Ferrari's; even moving around a parking lot, you get a clack-clack sensation to remind you that you're driving something special.
There are other theatrical touches as well. When you unlock the R8 with the keyfob, not only is the interior lit up, but so is the glass-covered engine bay, cool blue xenon exposing the V8 for the world to see.
Flick on the headlights and you discover subtle little R8 logos in the headlamp lenses; the driving lights are a row of LEDs that curve under the main beams, sort of an automotive form of mascara.
Inside, the gauges flicker on and all the needles do a full sweep before settling into their proper positions; the navigation system even has a cool R8-branded startup screen.
Under way, you're treated to one of the world's greatest engine notes, a magnificent high-tech rumble from the quad pipes; think Pavarotti singing thrash metal.
Properly executed downshifts are greeted with a sharp bark from the exhaust and you hear the odd screech of tire before the lenient stability control reins in the fun in tight corners.
It is, ultimately, the sense of theatre, combined with genuine everyday ability, that makes the R8 such an interesting proposition.
It's as practical as a 911 – save for the Porsche's tiny rear seats – but looks so much more exotic.
It's as comfortable as a luxury sedan but exudes so much more drama, whether you're sitting still in traffic or roaring along the left lane of the expressway.
It's a car with the visual presence of an Italian supercar, with a generously sized trunk, decent behind-the-seats storage and unflappable build quality.
It is beautiful to behold and a delight to drive, one of the very best performance cars you can (more or less) buy. And, at least for now, definitely the coolest.

Source: http://www.wheels.ca/article/31484

Thousands of Audi owners at Castle Combe Circuit

2007-09-17T18:20:00.003-04:00

Thousands of Audi owners and enthusiasts from all over the country will be descending on Castle Combe Circuit. Audi Driver International 13th October 2007.

Organised by Audi Driver magazine, this major one-day event for Audi owners includes a wide range of activities. As well as track sessions where enthusiasts can take their own cars out on the circuit, many aftermarket tuning companies bring along their race and demo cars to show off and give passenger rides.

The event also sees a driving test / slalom in the main paddock area, as well as a Concours d'Elegance for show cars both classic and custom, displays by all the major Audi owners clubs, trade stands, autojumble, car sales area, technical seminar, club parade laps and it finishes at 4.45 pm with a grand parade around the circuit.

A popular feature is that, at lunchtime, owners who've come along with their children can take part in a special low-speed parade lap around the circuit, free of charge.

Now in its fifth year, Audi Driver International is regularly attended by several thousand enthusiasts and spectators and its reputation is growing steadily.

Spectators are more than welcome open to the public from 8.30 am, it only costs £6 on the gate and you'll be entered into a free draw to win a passenger ride around the circuit in one of the top tuners' cars.

For further information, there is a dedicated website at www.audidriverinternational.co.uk
Defined tags for this entry: Audi, classic cars

Source: http://www.classicrallies.com/blog/index.php?/archives/777-Thousands-of-Audi-owners-at-Castle-Combe-Circuit.html

Preview: 2009 Audi S7

2007-09-17T18:20:00.001-04:00

Audi is preparing a new four-door coupe positioned between its A8 limo and A6 models and, as with any new Audi, there's invariably a performance "S" model. Aimed at the segment starter, Mercedes' svelte CLS saloon, the new A7 should arrive on the market in early 2009 and will be joined by a convertible version one year later.

Standard models will get the usual assortment of FSI and TDI six and eight cylinder engines but a new top of the line S7 is tipped to get the naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 engine from the S6. The S7 will also benefit from Audi quattro and the carmaker's new sport differential torque distribution set-up.

Depending on the success of the car, there could even be a new super-saloon in the form of a RS7 powered by the new 580hp twin-turbo engine that debuted in the new RS6.

These new renderings of the car reveal designers won't be making any drastic changes to Audi's current design language, with the new S7 taking many cues from the S5 and S4 models. One of the new themes set for Audi's performance models is the clean front end, devoid of any fog lights, and it appears this will carry for the future S7 as well.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/audi/preview-2009-audi-s7/

Frankfurt: Audi shows its new A4, with a green concept before

2007-09-12T13:01:00.007-04:00

Just as Audi's cousins at Volkswagen have their BlueMotion range of models (as well as the ECO2 from Renault or the ECOnetic from Ford, just to name a couple), Audi is introducing a low-emission concept in Frankfurt, called e Concept. The picture shows the presentation of the 2008 A4.

The model is based on the current 2.0 TDI engine (which I think is the best-seller at the VAG group in Europe). The car has an impressive consumption for a compact sedan of about 4.9 liters/100km (48 MPG) and CO2 emissions under 129 g per km, which is less than the average the EU plans to become mandatory in 2012. The engine is good for 143 HP at a peak torque of 320 Nm (236 ft lb).

Audi manages those respectable figures by installing piezo-electric injectors in the engine and modified piston geometry to improve thermodynamics and reducing internal friction. To make it the cleanest diesel available, Audi added an ultra low emissions system which will be standard on the 2008 3.0 TDI engine. This engine meets mandatory regulations expected from 2014.

The car has a lower friction manual gearbox with longer rations from third to sixth gears as well as a new Start/Stop system that shuts the engine off when the car comes to a standstill and the driver presses the clutch. Once the driver releases the clutch to start, the engine comes back to life in less than two tenths of a second.

In addition to that, the car stores kinetic energy into gel batteries, making it a micro-hybrid although this energy is used only to power the alternator, so the car saves some energy from the engine at coasting or higher demand (like BMW). Since it's not only the engine that creates pollutants in the car, the A/C system uses a heat exchanger which saves 20 percent of fuel.

Finally, the A4 has some aerodynamic tweaks such as lowering the body about 20mm and installing better wheels.

The world's cleanest diesel in the new Audi A4 and in the Audi Q7More powerful yet more efficient – the latest generation hybrid module
More dynamism with less and less fuel consumption – Audi is pursuing a consistent strategy to achieve further reductions in emissions. With three concepts that are virtually ready for series production, Audi is using the IAA to present the technology of the near future. The new A4 2.0 TDI e Concept consumes just 4.9 litres of fuel for 100 kilometres, and thus represents a milestone in the sporty middle class. The world's cleanest diesel engine will enter series production in 2008 in the new A4 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system. The latest generation of hybrid module makes use of the superior parallel hybrid construction and of state-of-the-art technologies such as lithium ion batteries.

Just 129 grams of CO2 – the 2.0 TDI e Concept
With the new 2.0 TDI e Concept, Audi is showing just how effective its new Modular Efficiency program is. The sporty middle class saloon undercuts the consumption limit of five litres per 100 km. The A4 2.0 TDI e Concept needs just 4.9 litres for 100 km on the EU cycle. This means CO2 emissions of just 129 g/km – less than the limit that the European Union aims to introduce for vehicle fleets from 2012. With an output of 105 kW / 143 bhp and a peak torque of 320 Nm, the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is a powerful saloon – for Audi, a dynamic character always goes hand in hand with low consumption.
In this vehicle, Audi has realised a whole package of innovative engineering solutions. Some of these are already in series production on the new Audi A4. Others, such as the start/stop system or the energy recuperation system, will be introduced in the near future.
TDI marries efficiency with dynamism
The 2.0 TDI in the new Audi A4 presents itself in an essentially enhanced form. A common rail injection system supersedes the unit injection pumps used to date, its piezo injectors supplying fuel with a pressure of up to 1,800 bar, allowing extremely fine atomisation in the combustion chambers. This improves fuel combustion and smooth running.
The refined engine develops a powerful 105 kW / 143 bhp of output. Even in the speed range between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm it puts a bullish 320 Nm of torque onto the crankshaft – this mighty pulling power at low revs is a one of the great strengths of the TDI principle. Modified piston geometry improves the thermodynamics in the combustion chambers. Other measures to reduce internal friction and for temperature management further increase fuel efficiency.
On the A4 e Concept, the 2.0 TDI engine is supplemented by the ultra low emission system. That means that this engine not only works highly efficiently, but it is also exceptionally clear and absolutely future-proof: Even today, it undercuts the strictest European emissions levels, which are not expected to come into force until 2014. The ultra low emission system, which makes the TDI the world's cleanest diesel, will go into series production in 2008 as an option on the new Audi A4 3.0 TDI.
Low-friction gearbox
The TDI's power is transmitted onto a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox that is characterised by greatly reduced internal friction. It has been specially tailored for the high-torque of the TDI engine – its transmission ratios are slightly longer in third to sixth gears. Like all Audi gearboxes, its gear changes are playfully light and extremely precise. The gear change indicator in the driver information system encourages an economical driving style. It indicates which gear is selected and if another gear is judged to be better while driving steadily, it will show this as a recommendation.
An especially fast and smooth start
Another important contribution is made by the start/stop system. It avoids the engine running inefficiently when the vehicle is stationary. This is important because much of our day-to-day driving is made up of trips that are shorter than ten kilometres, and these are interrupted by numerous stops at traffic lights.
As soon as the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept comes to a standstill, the gear lever is moved to neutral and the driver takes his foot off the clutch, the TDI is automatically switched off. The engine is restarted when the driver depresses the clutch. The TDI runs up while he is engaging the gear. It has reached idling speed by the time he releases the pedal. A specially developed starter motor turns the engine in little more than two tenths of a second – 60 percent faster than a conventional part, and yet especially comfortable acoustically.
Microhybrid gathers energy when coasting and braking
The recuperation system on board the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept converts kinetic energy into useful electrical energy as the vehicle decelerates. An innovative gel battery is used as the power source for the vehicle electrical system. This is extremely robust even at high loads and when it is heavily discharged, allowing it to achieve a particularly long service life.
When the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is coasting or braking, the secondary voltage from the D/C converter is run up. The alternator is now able to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy that is temporarily stored in the gel battery. When the saloon subsequently accelerates again, the battery feeds the energy back, relieving the load on the alternator.
The power steering has also been thoroughly modified – its effectiveness has been improved by around 50 percent because it is now fed hydraulic energy by a demand-controlled vane-cell pump. In contrast to conventional power steering pumps, which constantly recirculate large volumes, it only pumps as much oil as actually needed at that very moment.
On the automatic air conditioning system, Audi uses an innovative, thermostatically controlled refrigerant circuit with an internal heat exchanger. Along with intensive precision work on other components, has greatly improved the efficiency of the system – the new automatic air conditioning system requires 20 percent less fuel that its predecessor model did.
Sporty performance yet highly efficient
The A4 2.0 TDI e Concept glides smoothly and effortlessly through the wind. Its body is fundamentally extremely aerodynamic. Its boot lid has been given a slight additional separation edge. Specially designed alloy wheels improve the airflow across the wheels and wheel arches, while a sporty tuning has lowered the body by 20 millimetres. This modification reduces the frontal area, improving air resistance.
For Audi, efficiency means exactly the same as dynamics. For example, the tyres are configured for light running, but still have a sporty performance – they have the wide, visually attractive 225/50 R17 format. Yet the most impressive evidence of the potential of the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is found in its performance figures. The middle class saloon sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.3 seconds. Its top speed is 215 km/h. A spurt from 80 to 120 km/h in 5th gear needs just 8.7 seconds.
Just 119 g/km CO2: the Audi A3 1.9 TDI
Audi models with the letter e unite efficient energy use with high dynamics. The Audi A3 1.9 TDI e and A3 1.9 TDI e Sportback achieve a standard fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of just 119 grams per km. And yet the two models with an output of 77 kW (105 bhp) have a top speed of 194 km/h.
In the near future, Audi will vastly expand the range of such especially efficient models, offering e-models as TDI, FSI and TFSI in the high-volume model series. The Audi A4 2.0 TDI e Concept shows what such a concept could be in the new A4 model series. By the year 2012, Audi will have reduced the CO2 emissions all from its models by around 20 percent and in doing so have bolstered their sporty, sophisticated character even further.
The cleanest diesel in the world
With the new Audi A4 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system, Audi is demonstrating the future-proof potential of the high-tech TDI engine. From mid-2008, the cleanest diesel in the world will be available in the sportiest saloon in the middle class. It fascinates not only with the dynamics of its 176 kW / 240 bhp and outstanding peak torque of 500 Nm, but also with its low fuel consumption figures and extremely low emissions.
Right from the very start, the A4 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system will satisfy the emissions limits due to come into force in Europe from 2014, and the LEV II BIN 5 standard valid in the USA. The cleaning effect of the system is also seen in the levels of NOx nitric oxides, which have been reduced by 90 percent. And yet it works more effectively than any other technology on the market.
Audi is not starting its systematic TDI strategy in the second half of 2008 on the A4 alone. The Audi Q7 will then also be available with the world's cleanest diesel engine. Here peak torque will be an amazing 550 Nm. Additional models will quickly follow. By 2010, Audi plans to offer the new technologies in other vehicles segments and power classes.
Innovative technology for minimum emissions
The engineers in diesel engine development at Audi have combined a whole package of innovate measures for this latest TDI generation. The new piezo common rail system with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar, highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation and the optimised turbocharger produce greatly reduced raw emissions. Combustion chamber sensors, a world first, are one highlight. These enable the combustion processes inside the engine to be regulated even more precisely – yet another Audi innovation.
The latest TDI engine ultimately becomes the clean high-tech diesel when it is combined with the ultra low emission system. This reduces nitric oxides by up to 90 percent. This system uses the additive AdBlue, a biologically degradable water-based solution. A minute dose is injected into the system upstream of the DeNOx converter. The ultra low emission system comprises the catalytic converter and a metering module, the AdBlue tank and heated lines, and an extensive system of sensors. The additional oxidation catalytic converter and the highly efficient regulated diesel particulate filter complete the comprehensive exhaust emissions control system.
Great potential for global reduction in fuel consumption
Thanks to these minimal emissions, modern direct injection diesel engines can be used anywhere in the world, even in California, where the world's strictest emissions regime applies. Compared to the fleet average for the spark-ignition engines, the most common power system in the USA, the TDI has a consumption advantage of up to 35 percent. This means that diesel technology more than any other current power system can help to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
The latest TDI with ultra low emission system confirms Audi's pioneering role in implementing low-consumption technologies. When Audi put the first TDI into series production in 1989, it was a remarkable milestone in technical progress. TDI rapidly developed into a synonym for supreme pulling power and maximum efficiency, and it thus became a trendsetter for the entire automotive industry. Until today, no other drive system has managed to beat the turbocharged direct injection diesel for agility and low fuel consumption figures under real-life operating conditions.
Extensive package for reducing CO2 emissions
For Audi, perfecting the TDI is part of the integrated technology strategy for further reducing CO2 and other emissions in all its models. All in all, Audi is relying on the great potential of its modern combustion engines. With direct injection and turbocharging, plus high torque with reduced cylinder capacity and lower losses due to friction, the TFSI spark-ignition engines, like the TDI diesel engines, have the best consumption figures available today.
The latest generation hybrid module
For specific requirements in certain markets, it makes sense to complement the combustion engine with a hybrid module. At the IAA, Audi is presenting a drive train model with the latest generation of its hybrid drive concept. Because of its straightforward, modular structure, it can be fitted to any Audi model with a longitudinally installed engine, and it can be combined with almost any combustion engine. Audi will put its hybrid concept into series production as soon as this provides decisive benefits for the customer. Of course Audi sets very high standards for the quality of the hybrid drive – it must rival the efficiency of the latest Audi TDI technology.
The Audi hybrid module is configured as a single-shaft parallel hybrid. Here, the electric motor/generator is integrated into the drive train between the engine and gearbox. As a so-called full hybrid, this system can run on either the spark-ignition engine or the electric motor, or combine the power of the two. When it is coasting or braking, kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy, fed back into the battery and converted to forward propulsion as necessary.
Parallel hybrid is most efficient solution
The principle chosen by Audi is that of parallel hybrid – a new solution in this class that has a potential superior to the competition. It is more efficient than any other system currently on the market, especially when driving long distances and on motorways. In addition, its spontaneous response makes sporty-dynamic driving possible. This allows us to retain Audi's typical handling characteristics, even with a hybrid drive.
An important basic factor for the high efficiency of the hybrid drive is an extremely efficient combustion engine. The Audi 2.0 TFSI is characterised not only by its very high 155 kW / 210 bhp of output and its peak torque of more than 300 Nm, but also by its very low fuel consumption. Its opposite number on the electrical side also represents an optimum of efficiency and power density. The electric motor, a permanently excited synchronous motor, develops a further 32 kW / 44 bhp of output and it peak torque of 230 Nm practically from standstill.
Eight-speed tiptronic with electric motor
The electric motor is integrated in the housing of the eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, which is also new. The complete unit does not need any additional installation space. Space has been created by doing away with the hydraulic torque converter. A dual-mass flywheel absorbs vibrations from the Audi hybrid module, while a wet multi-plate clutch takes care of coupling and decoupling the combustion engine and the electric motor.
A large portion of the high-tech competence of the Audi hybrid module can be found in the precise control of this clutch. The combustion engine is started and stopped extremely quickly and quietly, so that is can hardly be noticed by the passengers. The hybrid drive is configured for purely electric driving at speeds up to about 50 km/h and a range of about three kilometres. That is ample for a large proportion of inner-city driving.
Especially compact battery guarantees usability
The energy for this comes from a lithium-ion battery of the latest design. Compared to the nickel metal hydride technology currently in use, the size and weight of this system is reduced by about a half with a comparable performance.
Its operating voltage of 264 volts comes from a battery pack that is just 26 litres in size. Its maximum output is 39 kilowatts. The Audi hybrid module allows the volume of the luggage compartment and its usability to be maintained without restriction.
Innovative brake system for optimised energy regeneration
The electric motor regenerates a major part of the battery charge when the vehicle is braked – so-called recuperation. A completely new brake system enables hydraulic and electrical braking power to be variably mixed. With this system, electrical braking power is optimally tuned to the charge state of the battery, up to a maximum of 30 kW, and the rate of energy regeneration is increased significantly compared to previous systems. The feeling at the pedal and the braking distance are not affected by this.
Just 100 kilograms additional weight
For this, the latest generation of hybrid module, the engineers have optimised every component with regard to function, size and weight. The power steering is powered by an electrohydraulic pump. Similarly, the air conditioning compressor and the vacuum pump for the brake booster are electrically driven.
The ABS and ESP driving stabilisation systems have been extended in their functions and have fully integrated the electric drive components in their control regime. The additional weight caused by the hybrid is now a mere 100 kilograms.
Just 6.4 litres standard fuel consumption
The combination of 2.0 TFSI engine and hybrid module presented at the IAA achieves all the driving performance of a high-displacement, naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine. In particular its extremely spontaneous and powerful pulling away characteristics guarantee the dynamism that is typical of Audi. This pioneering combination has a fuel consumption that is about 30 percent lower that a conventional spark-ignition engine. With a vehicle weight of 1,850 kilograms – corresponding to a luxury class saloon or a medium size SUV – its fuel consumption in the standard cycle is just 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
A clear course into the future
With its integrated efficiency strategy, Audi is systematically working on achieving further reductions in fleet fuel consumption. The combustion engine will remain the major drive system for the foreseeable future. Already an extremely efficient principle, the TDI still has considerable potential for further reductions in fuel consumption, and the ultra low emission system is the guarantee that it remains absolutely future-proof. The TFSI principle and the Modular Efficiency programme will guarantee significantly reduced CO2 emissions for all new model series. Finally, TFSI engines, complemented by hybrid modules, could represent an alternative to the TDI in certain markets.
And one thing is indisputable for Audi. Efficiency and reduced fuel consumption will never be achieved at the expense of the brand's other strengths. Audi will retain and bolster its sporty-elegant character, drivability and the high quality standards of its models, even as emissions are further reduced.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-audi-shows-its-new-a4-with-a-green-concept-before-th/

Frankfurt: Audi’s New A4 Holds Widespread Appeal

2007-09-12T13:01:00.006-04:00

Despite not coming off like a showstopper, the new-for-2008 A4 models on Audi's stand were mobbed, even a day after their introduction. Competing engineers and hordes of journalists were seen crawling over, under, and in Audi's entry-level sedan, with many of them measuring and taking stock of the Four Ring's new offering. We even watched an extremely tall man (perhaps 7' 6") fold himself into the A4 (see above), taking advantage of the extra legroom the new model affords. With his seat all the way back, he still had his knees up and around nine-and-three on the steering wheel, but the good-natured evaluator remarked that it was normal for him to drive in this fashion, and in fact, the car was markedly more accommodating than before. We'd probably recommend our new friend stick with an A8L, however.

While the A4's styling is clearly an evolution of the previous car, with a few A5 styling clues thrown in for good measure, the design just plain works, and it looks attractive inside-and-out. The LED string headlamps really mark out the corners with authority, and the thinner, longer A5-esque taillights look at home as well. Job done, we'd say.

Of course, the proof will be in the driving, but we're excited to see what Audi's new rear-biased Quattro system does for the A4's driving dynamics. Stay tuned.

Source: http://news.windingroad.com/countriesmarkets/euro/frankfurt-audis-new-a4-holds-widespread-appeal/

Audi Failed Again To Beat LM P2 Car

2007-09-12T13:01:00.005-04:00

The exciting American Le Mans Series made its most recent stop at the Mosport International Raceway in Canada last weekend for the ninth race of the season. The most notable story before the race is Audi's aim to break the winning streak of Le Mans Prototype 2 cars. Although Audi competes in the Le Mans Prototype 1 class, the team is looking to beat the faster LM P2 cars which have been the overall winners for six consecutive events going into the 2007 Grand Prix of Mosport. Unfortunately for the Audi team fielding a diesel race car, they failed to take the overall victory due to a mechanical problem late in the race.

Although the pair of Alan McNish and Rinaldo "Dindo" Capello failed to take the overall win at the race, they still managed to top all competitors in their class. The drivers posted their seventh win of the season and clinched the championship for their team with three races still remaining in the season. That means that they can now focus better in beating the lighter LM P2 cars.

McNish has this to say after the race: "My Audi R10 TDI was fast and strong while excellent team strategy had put us in control of the race. But with only a few minutes to go, I encountered a technical issue with the gearshift. I was stuck in fourth gear at times losing a lot of time. I lost the lead with five minutes remaining."

"Despite Dindo and I claiming our seventh class win of the season and extending our championship lead, we're obviously very disappointed having come so close to winning the race outright," McNish added. Capello succeeded in taking a pole position for the race and with 15 minutes remaining and with McNish on behind the wheel of the Audi R10 TDI, their lead over their nearest rival is 29 seconds. That was before the problem with the gearbox occurred.

The pair now is looking to perform well at the upcoming race, the Belle Isle Detroit Grand Prix. Going into that race though, McNish admitted that the track will be difficult for their LM P1 cars developed by Audi, the same manufacturer of auto parts and accessories such as Audi floor mats. "Having just raced on one of the fastest tracks in the series at Mosport, we now head for what is likely to be one of the slowest," said McNish. "I visited Detroit last month and saw that it's a pretty slow, tight and flat concrete-lined track – exactly the opposite to Mosport."

"While I think it'll be an exciting race for what is expected to be a big crowd, I think it's going to prove extremely difficult for our Audi like most of the other 'street' tracks," the driver continued.

With seven straight victories for LM P2 cars over the more powerful but heftier LM P1 cars, it would be somewhat of an upset if an Audi R10 or any LM P1 car can beat the faster LM P2 cars at the next race.

Source: http://www.flixya.com/post/biosman2/19205/Audi_Failed_Again_To_Beat_LM_P2_Car

Spied: Audi A4 Avant

2007-09-12T13:01:00.003-04:00

With Audi unveiling its all-new A4 Sedan and RS6 Sedan and Avant this week in Frankfurt, it's easy to let lesser models fly under the radar. Lucky for us, our spy photographers never let anything slip by. They captured the first images of the A4 Avant out for testing in Germany.

While it won't share the Audi display with the A4 Sedan this week, the Avant is expect to be available in the summer of 2008. Based on the Sedan's platform, the Avant will carry over much of the sedan's styling, including a sloping roofline. Engine choices are expected to mirror those offered in the sedan with front and all-wheel drive configurations available.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/spied-audi-a4-avant.html

Audi to launch Q7 hybrid and diesel this year

2007-09-12T13:01:00.001-04:00

Audi of America is planning on launching its first diesel and hybrid models this year with the Audi Q7 SUV. While Audi has not said which other vehicles will get the parallel hybrid system, which can run in gasoline, an electric motor or both at the same time, several other Audi hybrids are expected to follow the Q7.

The company has been working with parent Volkswagen and Porsche on the development of hybrids, and will be the first to hit the market with a hybrid between the three auto makers. Porsche will follow with a hybrid Cayenne SUV by 2010.

Audi technicians say that the hybrid system can easily be adapted to different model ranges and easily integrates with existing drivetrains.

The Audi Q7 will be powered by a 3.6-liter that produces 280 horsepower and is mated to an electric engine. The hybrid system will use about 23 percent less fuel. Audi says it cannot provide a mileage range as of yet. The electric motor works at speeds of 12 to 15 mph without gasoline, and will go as fast as 31 mph.

If the Audi Q7 hybrid is cruising and the driver takes his foot off of the accelerator, the system turns off the gasoline engine and continues to move at speeds as high as 75 mph. Other features include an AC system, automatic transmission and brake booster that all run off the electric motor. When the driver steps on the brakes, the 152 pound battery begins charging.

The Audi Q7 diesel variant will be powered by a 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel engine producing about 230 hp and about 400 pounds-feet of torque. It will be available for all 50 states at the end of 2008. The diesel Audi Q7 is expected to have 600-mile range on one tank of gasoline.

Audi is also said to be working on an ethanol version of the A5 coupe for Europe. There is no decision if it will be offered in the U.S.

Source: http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/09/10/audi-to-launch-q7-hybrid-and-diesel-this-year/

Performance Audi TT Coupe & Roadster?

2007-09-10T08:09:00.001-04:00

Reports from Europe suggest Audi is working on a high-performance version of their ever popular Audi TT. Although the current range includes a 3.2-litre V6 Quattro All-Wheel-Drive variant (using the same engine as the last generation Golf R32), Audi is hoping for more with the new killer TT (to be named TT-R).

As for the all important powerplant question, the cat is still in the bag, originally many believed the car would be powered by a twin-turbo version of the current 3.2-litre V6, but in recent days, credible sources have informed the automotive world that Audi is planning a new five-cylinder turbo unit, possibly a 2.3-litre turbo engine, and not just for the TT, but for other models as well.

Power is expected at around 230kW (no word on torque). Although there are no images of the new beast, we expect the usual power enhancement features, such as lowered suspension, more agressive body kit and beefed out wheel arches.

Source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/5111/performance-audi-tt-coupe-roadster/

New Audi A4 Officially Revealed In Detail

2007-09-09T13:02:00.005-04:00

After yesterday's A4 image leak, the official press kit has been made available. As one of the most widely anticipated debuts for the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks time, the A4 is Audi's bread and butter model. Therefore, the pressure for Audi to fix the short comings of the previous generation was ever looming and judging by this initial information, its seems they have succeeded.

The new A4 gets many new electronic and assistance features found in larger BMW and Mercedes models. Features such as adaptive shock absorbers, seat fans, adaptive airbags/belts, adaptive cruise control, radio-operated key, variable steering as well as other Audi features found only in A6 and A8 models which include MMI and a 10-channel 505-Watt Bang & Olufson 14 speaker stereo system. Lastly, for an added touch of the Audi R8, the xenon plus headlight option includes 14 white LEDs as day-time driving lights.

A new driver assistance feature known as Audi Drive Select provides two sport settings for the adaptive suspension. In addition, four other pre-configured modes include comfort, auto, dynamic or individual (only available with MMI option) settings. Drive Select influences accelerator pedal response, tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance, steering ratio and electronically adjustable shock absorbers. For safety, Audi's new Lane Assist uses a camera in the windshield to monitor lane position above 65 km/h and alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel when a lane changes occurs without using the turn signal. Audi also has Side Assist which uses radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers. The system warns the driver of vehicles in blind spots or fast approaching from behind. The driver is warned by a flashing LED on the outside housing of the side view mirror.

One of the biggest challenges Audi faced in the development of this successor was driving dynamics. With an engine position which sat just forward of the front axel of the previous generation, equilibrium was adversely affected resulting in an understeer problem. Compared to its German rivals which are rear-wheel-drive biased, Audi was at a disadvantage. However, with this all-new MLP platform the front axel gets moved forward by 154mm for a much improved axel-weight distribution. Also aiding weight distribution, Audi has moved the transmission differential forward just behind the engine but in front of the clutch or torque converter.

The new A4 has grown to 4.7 meters with sportier proportions, the front overhang is shortened while the bonnet and wheelbase (which it shares with the new A5) are longer. As a result, the interior grows by 20mm which results in rear passenger knee room increasing by 36 mm to a luxurious 908mm and the boot can now hold 480 liters (which doubles with the rear seats down) no matter if the car is equipped with quattro or not.

The A4 will be available in the familiar four trim packages: Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente and S-Line. One of the more interesting features of the cockpit, reminiscent of BMW's E46 3 Series, is the center console which is oriented towards the driver by 8 degrees.

Despite the bigger size of the body, the new A4 body shell weighs an amazing 10% less than its predecessor. Audi has accomplished this through the use of new high-strength steel grades. Aerodynamics also improve to 0.27 drag coefficient, which is 3 to 5% lower (depending on model) although the frontal area is slightly wider.

Five engines will be made available, namely in the petrol range, the 1.8 liter TFSI producing 118 kW (160 bhp) and 250 Nm torque while the 3.2 liter FSI produces 195 kW (265 bhp) and 330 Nm torque. For the diesel engines the 3.0 liter TDI V6 makes 176 kW (240 bhp) and 500 Nm torque. The 2.7 liter TDI V6 puts out 140 kW (190 bhp) and 400 Nm torque. Lastly, the highest volume diesel, the 2.0 liter TDI makes 105 kW (143 bhp) and 320 Nm torque.

0-100 km/h (62 mph) performance at a glance:

1.8L TFSI = 8.6 sec

3.2L FSI = 6.2 sec

2.0L TDI = 9.4 sec
2.7L TDI = 7.7 sec

3.0L TDI = 6.1 sec

The engines can be combined with a six-speed manual, tiptronic automatic or the multitronic continuously variable transmission with either front wheel drive or quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Available as an option, tiptronic transmissions get steering wheel mounted shift paddles.
The new Audi A4 will be available this November with a base price in Germany approximately EUR 26,000.

Press Release
In its design, the new A4 reveals its sporty, progressive character: taut and dynamic in its outlines, it speaks the language of technical perfection. With an overall length of 4.70 metres, the saloon has a substantial, powerful road stance and offers its occupants ample space in an interior full of light. The workmanship is typical of an Audi – quality with no compromises. The controls can be backed by the extra refinement of innovative assistance and multimedia systems. In the safety area, the brand with the four-ring emblem sets new standards: the coordinated action of the airbags and front seat belt force limiters protects the occupants even more effectively.

When compared with the previous model, the A4 has new, sporty proportions. The front body overhang has been drastically shortened; the bonnet and wheelbase are both longer than before. In the driveline, the differential has changed places with the clutch (or torque converter), making it possible to move the front axle forward by 154 millimetres. This innovative solution ensures ideal axle-load distribution. The new A4 is the sportiest saloon in the midsize car category: agile, light and precise to control. Its dynamic suspension is a totally new design, with most of its components made from weight-saving aluminium.
The results are impressive: supremely dynamic road behaviour and effortlessly precise handling.

New high-tech options make the A4 driving experience even more fascinating: Audi drive select varies the engine, automatic transmission, steering and suspension damping characteristics to suit the driver's preferences at any given moment. Audi dynamic steering varies its ratio according to the car's speed and keeps the new A4 stable close to the handling limits by slight, almost instantaneous changes to the steering angle. The damping control system for the hydraulic shock absorbers varies the damping characteristic individually, to combine sporty driving enjoyment with maximum road safety.

The new Audi A4 is being introduced with a choice of five engines, their power outputs ranging from 105 kW (143 bhp) to 195 kW (265 bhp). The four-cylinder petrol engine, like the diesels, is turbocharged, and both types of engine have direct fuel injection. All the engines, with their supremely refined flow of power, make the A4 a pleasure to drive and, thanks to their high efficiency, consume distinctly less fuel than the previous versions.

Various transmissions are available: a six-speed manual gearbox, the tiptronic automatic transmission, the multitronic continuously variable transmission, and either front-wheel drive or quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which has been subjected to intensive development work that has made its performance even more dynamic.
Body and interior

There is ample space for the occupants and their luggage in the light, generously sized interior of the new Audi A4, with its clear layout and attractive styling. Thanks to new high-tech materials and processes, the bodyshell is even safer and more rigid than the previous model, although it weighs significantly less. With a drag coefficient of cD = 0.27, the new Audi A4 has the wind-cheating outlines that make for quiet, efficient travel.

Inside the new A4 there is a sense of light and space that would do justice to a car in a much larger category. The saloon's 2808-millimetre wheelbase is not only more generous than its core competitors but also distinctly longer than the previous model. The interior is now 20 mm longer and rear-passenger knee room has gone up by a remarkable 36 mm to 908 mm. Headroom and width at shoulder height have also been increased. Every passenger in the new A4 has access to convenient features such as large cup holders and softly upholstered armrests.

To sit in the new A4 is to feel comfortable and content from the very first moment on – a typical 'Audi effect'. The interior seems to fit the occupants like a well-made sports jacket. Its graphic design, featuring taut surfaces and dynamic lines, conveys precisely the sense of lightness and athletic vitality that is inherent in every aspect of the new Audi A4. The choice of materials, how they are used and how satisfying they feel are factors that delight the senses of those who ride in this new car.

Every element reveals the careful attention to detail and the already proverbial striving for top quality that are associated with Audi as a premium brand. The switches, for instance, operate with precisely defined effort and no excess movement; the rotary controls click smoothly into place at each setting. This is the sound of true technical perfection. An optional-extra lighting package adds still more lustre to the interior.

The front seats are designed to integrate the driver and passenger perfectly into the sporty ambience. Their height can be varied, and they support and locate the occupant's body ideally. The driver's hand instinctively finds the gear lever where it is expected; the position and angle of the steering wheel and pedals seem to have been chosen to suit the driver's very own preferences. The steering wheel can be adjusted by 60 mm in reach and 50 mm in height.

As an alternative to manual seat adjustment, Audi can supply electric seat adjustment as an extra, with a position memory function as an additional option. Another optional extra is seat cushion and seat back heating. If the sports seats are chosen, the seat base angle is adjustable, the seat cushion can be extended and electric four-way lumbar support is a standard feature.

The new 'Climatic Comfort' seats bring a touch of true large-car luxury to the Audi A4. They are upholstered in perforated leather and have small fans with six speed settings to ventilate the seat cushion and seat back. To avoid the risk of excessive cooling, a heating function cuts in automatically.

The 'Comfort' seats are available in a specially perforated version of the Milano leather upholstery, in a choice of four colours. For the standard and sports seats a second type of leather (Valcona) is available, and the sports seats can be obtained with combined Alcantara and leather upholstery.
Sporty elegance: colours and materials

In every area of its colours and materials, the new Audi A4 pursues a sporty, elegant approach. In addition to the standard decor inlays, an aluminium version and three types of wood that can also be combined with a special aluminium look are available. The sporty S line has a black interior including the roof lining.

The boot now holds 480 litres whether the car has front-wheel drive or quattro permanent all-wheel drive. This volume is larger than any direct competitor can offer. The loading height is only 673 millimetres, and together with the flat floor and straight side panels makes the boot extremely practical in use.

For larger loads, for instance after major shopping trips, the rear seat back can be folded down in two sections, thus increasing the load volume to a maximum of 962 litres. A load-through facility with detachable ski sack can be ordered as an optional extra.

On every new A4, the boot lid can be released in three convenient ways: by radio signal from the remote control, with a pushbutton on the driver's door or with the electric soft-touch release in the boot lid handle recess. The lid then swings up automatically on its new hoop-pattern hinges; only slight effort is needed to close it.
Weight-saving steel construction – the body

The technical features of the steel bodyshell are also evidence of the major steps forward that have been taken on the new Audi A4. The body is extremely light in weight: although almost twelve centimetres longer and over five centimetres wider than its predecessor, the bare bodyshell weighs about ten percent less – an excellent starting point for a saloon car of low gross weight. The Audi A4 1.8 TFSI, for instance, tips the scales at only 1,410 kilograms.

This weight saving is due to specific use of new grades of steel that combine exceptional strength with low weight. Only these ultra-high-strength steel grades give the body the high level of rigidity needed for precise, sporty handling and excellent ride comfort.

Audi is the first automobile manufacturer to produce these 'tailored blanks', as they are called, from ultra-high-strength steel in its own factory. They account for 12 percent of the weight of the new A4's bare bodyshell without doors, lids and windows. 18 percent are accounted for by ultra-high-strength steel grades, 32 percent by high-strength steels and 38 percent by conventional deep-drawing grades of steel.

The complex body structure is designed to suppress vibration to the maximum possible extent. Areas at the front end of the car that could be subjected to severe sources of potential vibration as the car is driven have been specifically reinforced, and the larger cavities in the body, including posts and sills, have been divided up into smaller volumes by means of bulkheads.

The occupants are protected as far as possible from the effects of collisions of all kinds by carefully matched body elements. For its occupant protection concept, Audi makes use of a number of sources including the large database that it has compiled itself: the Audi Accident Research Unit (AARU) investigates and analyses accidents all over the world. One of its findings is for instance that persons of smaller stature are still exposed to greater risk of injury in a frontal crash than others.

For this reason, Audi has coordinated the network of occupant restraint systems more closely than has ever been the case in a midsize car. Sensors on the seat rails determine the actual position of the seats. This data is supplied to the control unit that regulates the action of the adaptive seat belt force limiters and airbags. In this way the distance available for the belt and airbag to restrain the upper part of the seat occupant's body can be used as effectively as possible.
For every eventuality – six airbags as standard equipment

Six airbags are installed in the new Audi A4 as standard, with two more as an optional extra for the outer rear seats if required. Isofix child seat mountings at the rear are another optional extra, and are also available for the front passenger seat, in which case its airbag is de-activated. The front seats and head restraints are designed to support their occupants safely if the car is involved in a rear-end collision.

The new A4 is one of the first cars to comply with all the new legal requirements in Japan and Europe regarding a collision with a pedestrian. It is also well equipped to withstand minor impacts with solid objects or other vehicles at speeds up to 15 km/h without damage to the main body structure.

The new Audi A4 cleaves the air ahead of it smoothly and quietly, like a large luxury car, thanks to careful attention to detail design in the aero-acoustic wind tunnel. The drag coefficient (cD) of the basic version is only 0.27. Depending on which engine is chosen, the overall aerodynamic drag is between three and five percent lower than the equivalent preceding models, although the frontal area of the new, wider body has gone up from 2.14 to 2.19 square metres. Good airflow around the body is aided by an almost complete undertray.
Design

The new Audi A4 has many fascinating sides to its character, all of them expressed by the outlines of its body. Their high-tech precision clearly demonstrates the leading position that Audi occupies in automobile design.

The new A4 has a spacious saloon body and a firm, muscular stance on the road. Its length (4703 millimetres) and width (1826 millimetres) exceed those of its core competitors, and sporty dynamics were the guiding principle in its development.

The proportions have a new balance compared with the previous model: the front body overhang has been considerably reduced and the bonnet and wheelbase are now noticeably longer. A long, coupe-style roof line emphasises the flowing silhouette. The roof meets the side sections of the body at an almost invisible zero-gap joint – just one of the many details that uphold the Audi principle of high technical precision.
Dynamic balance – interplay of body lines

The completely new outer body panels of the A4 consist of sculptured, curving surfaces framed by sharply defined outlines. The 'dynamic line' above the door sills rises slightly to the rear, the 'tornado line' below the windows slopes down. In this way the two contours add profile and dynamic balance to the sides of the car. Large wheels and boldly styled wheel arches emphasise this impression of concentrated energy.

The new A4 is a car that presents a confident personality to the outside world – an impression borne out by the broad, low, sporty 'single-frame' radiator grille.

The optional-extra xenon headlights are technical works of art, with powerful visual accents set by their electrodeposited chrome 'wings' and the standard daytime driving lights. Depending on the lighting technology used, their design differs: in the xenon plus headlights, the daytime driving lights each consist of 14 white light-emitting diodes.

The rear end of the body, which tapers strongly inwards, interprets the car's sportiness in a most convincing way. The slim, tapered-off light units create a visual relationship with the road. The exhaust tailpipes are straight – even on diesel-engined cars a hint at the powerful character of the TDI engines. A4 models with the sporty S line exterior package differ in certain details, for instance the front air dam. The new Audi A4 can be supplied in 15 body colours – a wider choice than that offered by any of its competitors.
Controls

Optimal car control is one of the major areas of competence in which Audi leads the way. The new A4 is convincing in its ergonomics, which are logical in every detail and permit the controls to be operated intuitively.

The cockpit in the new Audi A4 is clearly oriented toward the driver. The centre console is inclined at 8 degrees to the driver's side of the car and forms a single visual unit with the instrument panel.

A multifunctional leather-covered sports steering wheel with three spokes is available as an optional extra. It has small drum-type and pushbutton controls for the basic functions of the navigation and audio systems, the car phone and the voice control system. For the A4 with automatic transmission, shift paddles behind the steering wheel rim are another optional extra.

In many aspects of its detail design, Audi's new midsize saloon pursues the same approach taken on the A8, its larger sister-model in the luxury segment. The Driver Information System (DIS) display located between the speedometer and revolution counter dials is a standard item on cars with a V6 engine.

A 6.5-inch black-and-white display screen is located on the upper part of the centre console, where it can also be clearly seen. It supplies information on the audio and air conditioning systems and the settings possible when the CAR menu is selected. These settings enable customers to configure many of the car's functions themselves. The large switches and pushbuttons on the standard audio systems with MMI control logic are ideally positioned for easy operation, between the automatic air conditioning and the ventilation outlets.

When the new Audi A4 is ordered with a navigation system, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) is integrated into the centre tunnel. MMI has been highly praised by testers on many occasions and has proved to be superior to systems offered by competitors. 15 large switches and a volume control are grouped around a central turn-and-press knob, and used to select the navigation, information, CAR menu, set-up, telephone, address book, CD/TV and radio functions effortlessly, intuitively and logically. If the car has the high-end navigation system with DVD drive, all the relevant information appears on a colour screen measuring 7 inches from corner to corner.
Driving off safely and smoothly: the electro-mechanical parking brake

Another control on the centre tunnel operates the electro-mechanical parking brake, a convenient luxury feature also derived from the Audi A8. It assists the driver when the car is moving away from a standstill, and also functions as an emergency brake. The optional-extra Audi hold assist adds extra functions. The space formerly occupied by the handbrake lever can be used for additional convenience: as an optional extra, a centre armrest with extra-soft upholstery can be installed, with two 12-Volt power sockets beneath it.

The new radio-operated key for the Audi A4 has no conventional blade: to start the engine, the key is simply pressed into the ignition switch. It can memorise several of the car's specific settings and also store servicing information and fault messages. The 'advanced key' high-end version means that the key does not even have to be taken out of the driver's pocket. In this case sensors are used to lock and unlock the car and the engine is started and stopped by means of an elegantly designed pushbutton on the centre tunnel.

Audi supplies various stages in headlight technology. In the top version, the xenon plus headlights can be combined with 'adaptive light', which directs the headlight beams in the appropriate direction as the car turns a corner.

The new A4 is supplied with automatic air conditioning as standard equipment; the system is an entirely new, more efficient development that has enabled cooling performance to be increased by 10 percent and at the same time the fuel consumed to operate the air conditioning has been reduced by 20 percent. As an optional extra, a version with three temperature zones can be ordered; it permits separate control of temperature and airflow for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers.

Running gear

The new A4's dynamic suspension combines sporty precision with high stability and supremely confident road behaviour. It is a totally new design, with many components made from aluminium in order to reduce unsprung weight. Two technological breakthroughs make the driving experience even more fascinating: adaptive shock absorber control and Audi dynamic steering.

The Audi dynamic steering system alters its effective ratio according to road speed, and helps to keep the new A4 stable when the handling limits are approached by making slight but extremely rapid steering corrections. The adaptive shock absorber control maintains optimal tyre contact with the road, for safety allied to dynamism in just about every situation, and so that even the enthusiastic driver can be sure that maximum safety is always available.

Interchanging the differential and the clutch has enabled the front axle to be moved forward by 154 millimetres. This change, aided by moving the car's battery to the boot, helps to achieve ideal weight distribution.

With its wide track –1564 mm at the front, 1551 mm at the rear – the A4 suggests its dynamic power even at a standstill. To drive it is to experience the sportiest car in the midsize category: agile, effortless to handle and safe at all times. With its almost neutral steering response, the new A4 can be cornered at high speeds.

Strong structural members – rapid build-up of forces

The front axle pivot bearings and the five links that locate each front wheel are made of aluminium. At the front of the A4, the engine and suspension support beam is also made of aluminium, and bolted rigidly to the body.

The steering gear is located low down and well forward, with the track rod transmitting steering movements directly to the wheels. Rack and pinion steering provides well-defined, sensitive feedback from the road but transmits in effect no undesirable jolts or shake. The steering ratio of 16.1:1 is sporty and direct, but never nervous in its response. The controlled-output pump only delivers the amount of power steering oil actually needed; this lowers fuel consumption by about 0.1 l/100 km. Cars with V6 engines are equipped as standard with power steering that varies the degree of assistance according to road speed.

The development engineers based the design of the rear suspension on the controlled toe-angle principle with trapezoidal links used for the larger A6 and A8 model lines; this is a space-saving layout that combines sporty handling with a high level of ride comfort.

Applying the lightweight construction principle, the steel axle beam is attached to the body by four rubber bushings; these are very rigid laterally to ensure dynamic handling, but softer longitudinally for greater vertical and lengthwise compliance. The trapezoidal links, wheel carriers, upper wishbones and track rods are all made of aluminium. The well-proven solution comprising separate spring and shock absorber mountings, and in particular the new spring connection points at the wheel carriers, ensure good initial suspension response.

Versions of the new A4 with engine outputs up to 118 kW (160 bhp) run on pressed-steel wheels with full-size wheel covers and 205/60 R16 tyres. Cars with more powerful engines have elegant alloy wheels and 225/55 R16 tyres. Optional extras are also available from quattro GmbH: 18-inch wheels with 245/40 tyres and also 19-inch wheels. 8 J x 17 wheels can be obtained with run-flat tyres. Standard equipment on cars with a V6 engine is a tyre pressure monitoring display that operates extremely accurately and reliably.

Powerful stopping too – the brake system

Behind the car's big wheels are brakes with 314 mm diameter front and 300 mm rear discs; the front discs are internally ventilated. The high-performance brake pads, a new development, now cover 20 percent more rubbed area. The front brakes on V6-engined cars are even larger, with 320 mm discs and composite spheroidal-graphite and aluminium callipers. In every version of the A4, the brake pedal has a firm, precise action, and thanks to accurate feedback the driver can control the brake application effectively without applying excessive pressure.

The latest generation of ESP stabilisation system adds to the operating refinement of the brake system. New hydraulic valves build up pressure with exceptional accuracy, and the regulating action takes place without judder. At speeds below 70 km/h, the driver can disconnect certain anti-slip functions by pressing a button briefly. The wheels can then spin, but this can be beneficial in certain circumstances, for instance when driving on snow.

ESP in the new A4 has a number of additional functions – it can for instance stabilise a trailer if it begins to snake, dry the brake discs in wet weather and activate the hazard warning flashers if a panic brake application is made.
Audi drive select – up to four different cars in one

Those who drive the A4 hard and enthusiastically can choose between two sports suspension settings, or alternatively rely on an innovative technology – the innovative system known as Audi drive select. This is available in various stages, which influence an increasing number of technical components and functions on the car: accelerator pedal response, tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance, the steering ratio and the action of the electronically adjustable shock absorbers – another new feature.

The driver can select the comfort, auto or dynamic modes at switches on the centre console. If the A4 is equipped with the MMI control system, a fourth mode, "Individual", is available; this enables an individual profile of 24 settings to be configured. Audi drive select transforms a single A4 into up to four different cars – a range of driving pleasure, dynamism and ride comfort that is unmatched in the midsize car category.
As fast as a professional rally driver –Audi dynamic steering

The new A4 features yet another pioneering technological development: Audi dynamic steering. Its key element is a superimposed gear system that alters the overall ratio according to road speed and the chosen Audi drive select setting. This concentric-shaft steering gear is extremely compact and light in weight; it has a precise action free from any slack. It was first developed for use in robots and for space travel applications; the expedition vehicles on which it was installed have already traversed the surface of the moon and Mars.

Audi dynamic steering makes the steering ratio more direct at low speeds, with a higher level of power assistance. This renders the steering extremely light when manoeuvring, and only two turns of the wheel are needed from lock to lock. As the car's speed increases, however, the steering ratio becomes gradually less direct and in parallel with this the amount of power assistance is reduced. At high motorway speeds the A4 can therefore be driven smoothly and has excellent straight-line stability.

Audi 's high-tech steering can do even more. It is closely networked with the ESP and therefore receives precise information about the car's attitude as the handling limit is approached. If the A4 threatens to oversteer, for instance after an abrupt avoidance manoeuvre, the steering performs slight corrective impulses in the direction needed to reduce this tendency. Such corrective action takes place faster than even an experienced rally driver could react. This rapid response means that brake applications are often not needed, so that the car continues its journey more smoothly and dynamically.

The system also takes action if the car understeers: it selects a more indirect steering ratio for a short time, the aim being to prevent the driver from turning the steering beyond the point at which the tyres still have plenty of road grip. With these capabilities, Audi dynamic steering represents leading-edge technology in this car market segment.

The optional-extra damping control permits individual suspension settings to be chosen. These are based on the lowered sports suspension. Continuously adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers permit the damping characteristic to be varied individually at each wheel. This means optimal contact between the tyre and the road in almost every situation, for greater safety and more dynamic road behaviour.

Equipment and trim

The new Audi A4 can be ordered ex factory with one of four equipment and trim specifications, all of them with a very full list of items. The new saloon model, however, can be further enhanced by choosing from a selection of luxury optional extras. Its innovative assistance systems and the broad range of electronic components are taken directly from the large luxury car programme.

The four equipment and trim lines have been named Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente and S line, and each of them can be ordered with any of the available engines. Even the Attraction line gives the new A4 a high level of comfort and convenience. 16-inch wheels emphasise its sporty character, and the daytime driving lights give it a striking presence on the road. Automatic boot lid opening, the electro-mechanical parking brake, the 6.5-inch black-and-white display screen and the automatic air conditioning all add to the high standard of comfort and convenience, and the 'chorus' radio with MMI control logic has a CD player and eight loudspeakers.

Ambition, the second equipment and trim line, is sporting in character. Its most obvious feature are 17-inch diameter cast aluminium wheels of six-spoke design. Sports suspension, which the customer need not specify if not required, makes the handling even more dynamic, and the three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel is a striking feature of the interior.

The third equipment and trim line is Ambiente, which focuses on comfort. The A4 then runs on specially designed 16-inch cast alloy wheels of seven-arm pattern. The front seats can be heated. The Audi parking system makes parking in reverse easier and cruise control maintains a constant road speed when required. Other features for extra comfort and convenience are the multifunctional leather-covered steering wheel and a front armrest with two power sockets; the lighting package adds further highlights.

Customers with a dynamic approach to driving will tend to favour the sporty S line, which offers an exterior design package and a sports package. Among its most attractive items are visual changes inside the car, extra-firm suspension settings, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and two exclusive colours: Misano red and Monza silver.

Multimedia in the car – a technology area of the future

Audi has a complete system of modular elements to offer in the communication and infotainment area. The first stage above the standard 'chorus' radio offers an upgrade to the 'concert' or 'symphony' systems. Both are from the new generation of audio equipment and operate in conjunction with a 6.5-inch display screen. The controls for both systems – a turn-and-push knob and large switches that can be operated intuitively – use the much-praised MMI logic principle. Both these radios include a double tuner, and the DAB digital broadcasting standard is available if required. A six-CD changer is integrated into the 'symphony' radio.

An optional extra for both systems is a lifestyle feature that looks well ahead into the future: the Audi Music Interface (AMI). It has iPod capability, with the menu structures visible on the car's display screen. Music from other players can also be listened to by way of the AMI interface.
'Wellness for the ears' from Bang & Olufsen

The next two system stages feature the MMI Basic plus or standard navigation system with DVD including MMI. In these cases, all the system's controls are moved to the MMI control terminal. MMI Basic plus has a black-and-white screen with arrow display and an integral audio CD changer.

The full version of the navigation system with DVD including MMI incorporates a double tuner and a 7-inch colour screen, with navigation information taken from a DVD drive. The high-end system can be extended to include voice control, the Audi Music Interface and a digital TV tuner.

For perfection in sound reproduction, Audi can offer two high-class audio systems. The Audi Sound System has a 180-Watt rating and ten loudspeakers. The ultimate choice, however, is the Sound System from Bang & Olufsen. Brilliant high notes, authentic detail resolution, precise sound stage reproduction and a broad, subtly differentiated frequency spectrum – this product from the Danish audio champions satisfies every demand for top precision and quality. A 505-Watt amplifier transmits its signals according to a surround algorithm developed specially by the manufacturer, permitting the full sound experience to be enjoyed at every seat in the car. This system has ten active channels with 14 loudspeakers.

Bluetooth: the perfect link to the mobile phone

The two MMI systems both allow a mobile phone to be integrated in a very elegant manner with Bluetooth. If the driver's mobile phone supports the SIM Access Profile, it only needs to be logged into the A4's system once. The car's system then performs all the available functions automatically as soon as the driver inserts the ignition key. The mobile phone can remain in the driver's pocket; the A4 phone can access all the data from the SIM card and the internal memory. The mobile phone then shuts down, so that its battery is not drained.

The Bluetooth car phone uses the car's own aerial and is operated by voice input, via the MMI or at the multifunctional steering wheel. A digital speech processor ensures the best possible hands-free quality. Output is via the Sound System, using the radio volume control.

Innovative driver assistance systems

Audi has developed a wide range of assistance systems that bring large-car luxury to the midsize category. The Audi parking system advanced uses a rearview camera to simplify parking. What the camera sees is shown on the monitor screen of the MMI control system, together with various guide lines and panels to help in positioning the car.
Staying in lane – with Audi lane assist

Audi lane assist is a lane monitoring system that operates above about 65 km/h and warns the driver if he or she departs from the chosen lane. A miniature camera on the windscreen views the road ahead and a computer identifies the lane lines. If the car moves toward a lane line without the driver having made a turn signal, Audi lane assist warns him or her by means of vibration at the steering wheel. Vibration intensity and the point at which the warning starts can be selected in three stages.

Radar looks back – Audi side assist

Audi side assist is specifically intended for situations in which the driver wishes to change lanes. Two radar sensors in the rear bumper scan the area behind and alongside the A4; their signals are evaluated by a computer. If another vehicle is moving at the same speed in a critical area or approaching fast from behind, an LED display comes on in the outside mirror housing as a warning which the driver identifies subconsciously.

If the driver operates the flashing turn indicator, the system interprets this as a sign that he or she still intends to change lanes. The light-emitting diodes then become brighter and flash for about one second at a higher frequency. This warning is extremely difficult to ignore. Audi side assist is in action above a road speed of 60 km/h.
Relaxed driving in dense traffic – adaptive cruise control

Another assistance system that has initially been available only on luxury cars is radar-assisted adaptive cruise control (ACC). It normally maintains any preselected speed between 30 and 230 km/h, but can vary it by taking the distance from the vehicle ahead into account. The radar signals scan an area 180 metres long and cover an angle of eight degrees. The computer analyses them to determine whether and to what extent the distance from the vehicle ahead is changing.

The A4 driver selects the desired speed and chooses one of the programmes that determine the time gap from the vehicle ahead and the regulating dynamic. The system keeps the vehicle at the necessary speed by accelerating or braking as the need arises, but with the occupants' comfort also taken into consideration. The rate of retardation when braking is not allowed to exceed 3 m/s2 at 50 km/h or higher.

In certain situations, for instance if the driver ahead brakes sharply and suddenly, this automatic speed reduction may be insufficient. In such cases Audi braking guard, one of the functions included in the ACC, takes over. It calculates whether sufficient time remains available to steer round the obstacle ahead, and allows the driver a few moments to take the necessary action. If the driver does not react, he or she is called upon by an audible warning signal and red flashing lights to apply the brakes.

If the driver still does not react correctly, the Audi braking guard brakes the car sharply for a brief moment. This lasts no more than 0.3 of a second and causes the speed of the A4 to drop by a maximum of 5 km/h. This abrupt braking action 'rouses' the driver. If he or she now makes an emergency brake application, the brake assistant will support it by ensuring that full braking pressure is immediately available.

Source: http://autocar-show.blogspot.com/2007/09/after-yesterdays-a4-image-leak-official.html

Latest Audi uses Blackfin and SHARC processors

2007-09-09T13:02:00.003-04:00

Audi is using Analog Devices' Blackfin and SHARC processors in its new A5 Coupé. The A5 includes the Symphony and Concert advanced digital radios, a Digital Audio Broadcast option, a six CD changer and a MultiMedia Device Interface for connecting to personal media players.

Peter Kohlschmidt, Audi;s Director Wireless, Acoustics, Connectivity, said: "Blackfin, in conjunction with additional ADI technologies, gave us competitive and distinguishing features that differentiate our new vehicle, enhance our brand positioning, and reflect our relentless pursuit of the perfect driving experience."

Source: http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/article/11298/Latest-Audi-uses-Blackfin-and-SHARC-processors.aspx

Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6

2007-09-09T13:02:00.001-04:00

Word around town is that the same engine that powers the 580-hp 5.2L twin-turbo V10 in the recently announced Audi RS6 Avant could also find its way to the back hatch of the Audi R8. We first reported on the possibility of a twin-turbo V10 back in February, and it seems the stat sheet on the RS6 has merely stoked the flames.
With 580 (or more) ponies in tow, the R8 should beat most anything on the road, including its current competition like the Porsche 911 that offers more powerful models in its lineup. Throw in bigger brakes and wheels with a modified suspension, and even the vaunted GT2 should begin to worry.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/enter-the-rumormill-audi-r8-getting-twin-turbo-v10-from-rs6-2/

2007 JE Design Audi Q7 Wide Body Kit

2007-09-09T03:00:00.003-04:00

500 wild compressor horses: Audi Q7 with wide body kit from JE DESIGN

True to the motto of "everything or nothing", the car styling specialist from Leingarten,Germany, customizes the Q7 to create an impressive car. In addition to the muscular wide body kit, which makes this Audi look even more powerful, JE DESIGN is also offering a performance enhancement, new rims and an electronically lowered suspension.

Brute supercharger power!

2.3 tons of unladen weight are not that easy to gloss over. With that much weight, every scrap of power and every Newton meter of torque counts. The basic specifications of the 4.2-litre Audi Q7 do indeed make quite an impressive read. After all, 257 kW / 350 bhp, 440 Nm at 3500 rpm, a top speed of 151 mph and 7.4 seconds for the sprint from 0 - 62 mph are not exactly chicken feed. But JE DESIGN turns the Q7 into real high-flyer, with no less than 500 supercharged horses (368 kW) rearing and bucking under the hood. 600 Nm of torque, available at 3,850 rpm, propel this heavyweight from a standstill to 62 mph in just 5.6 seconds. And it does not stop till it reaches an impressive 169 mph. The supercharger conversion includes a water-cooled intercooler, an exhaust system from the manifold, special forged pistons and modified engine management. JE DESIGN also takes care to ensure that the Q7 still complies with the emissions regulations. The conversion also includes TЬV certification.

Muscular styling kit

JE DESIGN lends the Audi Q7 greater width and an awesome-looking stance. The styling kit includes headlamp lens caps, which lend the car a more aggressive look. Fitting the impressive front spoiler helps to reduce lift. It can also lend the Q7 greater prestige when overtaking. Also, it is possible to equip this Audi SUV with a set of JE DESIGN twin headlamps, which look far better than the original headlamp design. JE DESIGN enhances the appearance of the rear end by equipping the Q7 with a new tailgate skirt attachment, which incorporates diamond-shaped openings on the right and left. In each of these openings belongs a JE DESIGN dual tailpipe from made permanently shiny, corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

The upper part of the rear end is also spectacular, which JE DESIGN adorns with a wing spoiler tail fin including a C-pillar trim. A feature that is sure to get heads turning. The same also applies to the JE DESIGN fender flare kit "WIDE BODY", for which matching door panels are also available. In front of the rear fenders, air inlets lend the car a sportier look, without appearing "plump". JE DESIGN is offering the muscular look as a complete body-styling kit which is cheaper than buying all single parts piece by piece.

Which rim?

Also when it comes to rims, JE DESIGN does not miss a thing. First off, the tuning specialist offers its complete set of wheels JE DESIGN "361" in the dimension 10 x 22 ET 20 (front) and ET 10 (rear) fitted with size 295 / 30 R 22 Y tires. The rims are also sold separately and are specially adapted to the wide body kit. Secondly, JE DESIGN offers a complete set of wheels AZEV "R-Wheel" in the dimension 10 x 22 ET 50 with size 295 / 30 R 22 Y tires. These rims are also sold separately . For rims with a wheel offset of 50, JE DESIGN recommends using its aluminum track extensions, which add an extra 60 mm width on the front axle and as much as 80 mm on the rear axle.

The fine figure of the JE DESIGN Q7 is rounded off by an electronically lowered suspension, which the car customizer from Leingarten offers for cars with air suspension and which finally helps the JE DESIGN Q7 to morph into a true racing SUV.

Source: http://autopark.blogspot.com/2007/09/2007-je-design-audi-q7-wide-body-kit.html

2008 Audi RS6 Avant Wallpapers

2007-09-09T03:00:00.001-04:00

In part III of our RS6 Avant chronicles, we bring you a set of wallpapers that Audi released on its public website earlier today. To be frank, we don't care much about the silver body colour as it makes the RS6 look kinda tame. If we had the dough (and a family to justify our choice), we'd definitely tick the metallic blue in the RS6's option list. Follow the jump to check out all the images or click here to go to the press release.

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/09/2008-audi-rs6-avant-wallpapers.html

Audi TT 3.2 V6 quattro - Audi TT

2007-09-08T13:01:00.004-04:00

Well, that first TT was launched way back in 1998, appearing in issue 001 of evo. How times have changed… Back then, B*Witched were big, while in the first issue of evo Jeff Daniels was talking about the possibility of a V10 performance diesel with 450lb ft-plus. Many of us thought he was mad, and yet, nine years on, the VW group offers a V10 turbodiesel with 554lb ft…
The Magnetic Ride system constantly adapts to road conditions and your driving style to control body movements
Even more amazingly, the original TT still looks as fresh today as it did nine years ago. It's a real testament to its fuss-free design, and perhaps explains why its replacement looks pretty much like an evolution of the old model, with a slight workout at the gym to tone the body and some facial training by Grant Mitchell for a bit of welcome attitude. Grr!

I'd hoped our new long-termer would be a different colour to the usual Audi silver but, as B*Witched used to say, c'est la vie. One thing that doesn't disappoint, though, is the interior. It looks absolutely stunning with its red nappa leather seats, especially with the (expensive) optional extended leather pack that adds matching hide to the centre console and armrests. This truly is a feel-good type of car. So good, in fact, that I washed and waxed it as soon as I got it home.

Our TT arrived with a mere 80 miles on the clock, and the running-in period was agonising, not only because that 247bhp 3.2-litre V6 up front sounded gorgeous, even at tickover, but because it also felt nicely 'loose' and raring to go – unlike the identical engine in designer Carey's R32 Golf, which feels as if its power is being sapped by friction in the front diff.

I'm not surprised that Neil's DSG-equipped Golf has been given a hard time over its jerky drivetrain. My manual TT suffers from a throttle pedal that's too sharp, giving an on/off effect at the top of the travel, but at least with the regular manual gearbox I get to control my own clutch. You can still sometimes experience a jerky ride in slow traffic or as you exit a junction on a light throttle, but it's less of a problem now the car's run-in, meaning I can be heavier on the throttle and bring out the engine's glorious (E46) M3-esque rasp. It's a little muffled maybe, but it's a lot more characterful and special-feeling than the turbocharged 2-litre alternative.

0V07 YMC came with a whole load of extras: Magnetic Ride (Â£1150), the extended leather pack (Â£450), Bose stereo (Â£475), cruise control (Â£215), metallic paint (Â£500), multi-function steering wheel (Â£180), tyre pressure monitor (Â£75), storage pack (Â£150) and Bluetooth (Â£385), bringing the total price to Â£32,930.

The Magnetic Ride system constantly adapts to road conditions and your driving style to control body movements, adjusting the viscosity of the dampers by changing the voltage supplied to their magnetorheological fluid. Clever stuff, but to find out if it's really worth the expense I've lined up a DSG-equipped TT with the optional sports suspension for a comparison. I'll let you know.

Source: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/209860/audi_tt.html

V10 BiTurbo RS 6 Quattro Is Most Potent Production Audi Of All Time

2007-09-08T13:01:00.003-04:00

Successor to the acclaimed V8-powered Audi RS flagship upgrades to ten cylinders, two turbochargers and 580PS

* New RS 6 quattro available first in Avant estate form with saloon to follow in mid-2008
* Opens for UK order in November 2007 for first deliveries in spring 2008
* V10 engine is boosted by two turbo chargers, streamlined by FSI direct petrol injection and linked to six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
* 580PS @ 6,250rpm, 650Nm from 1,500-6,250rpm, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, 20.3mpg combined
* Latest generation quattro system with 40:60 front-to-rear torque split
* Hydraulically controlled Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system from RS 4 minimizes pitch and roll
* Sports interior boasting up to 1,660 litres of luggage space

The most powerful production Audi of all time - the new RS 6 quattro Avant - will make 580PS-worth of presence felt to the crowds at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13-23).

The basis for the latest RS flagship is the 435PS S6 quattro with its exceptionally compact, naturally aspirated ten cylinder engine enhanced by FSI direct petrol injection. Two turbo chargers and extensive component refinements boost the output of this acclaimed unit to 580PS at 6,250rpm, and increase torque from 540Nm to 650Nm, available from just 1,500rpm right through to 6,250rpm.

As a result, the RS 6 quattro with optimised six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission can blast to 62mph from rest in 4.6 seconds and to 124mph in just 14.9 seconds, only relenting when the electronic governor cuts in at 155mph.

Yet despite the considerable exertions of its two newly adopted turbo chargers, the mighty V10 nevertheless retains surprisingly 'real world' fuel economy, with up to 20.3mpg possible on the combined cycle, only slightly behind the naturally aspirated V10 powering the S6 quattro. FSI direct petrol injection - which minimises the amount of fuel used in each combustion cycle through injection directly into the combustion chamber rather than via the intake manifold - can be thanked for this impressive efficiency.

Latest generation quattro and Dynamic Ride Control
To reach the tarmac via the suitably imposing 19-inch, or optional 20-inch, alloy wheels, the barrage of power passes through the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with standard 40:60 front-to-rear torque split, ensuring that it translates seamlessly into smooth, safely contained and uninterrupted performance. The feeling of unflappable composure is emphasised further by a new, all-hydraulic version of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system that won plenty of praise in the original RS 6 quattro and has since been used in the RS 4 quattro.

DRC connects shock absorbers on each side of the car diagonally to their counterparts by way of a central valve, which directs a flow of oil to provide additional damping force whenever a shock absorber is compressed, making for impressive gains in handling precision and stability. New to this latest RS 6 quattro is an optional three-stage selectable control for this system, which allows the driver to choose from three damper settings - comfort, dynamic and sport – according to preference and conditions.

Also overseeing proceedings in the most powerful Audi in the range is a specially reconfigured version of the Electronic Stability Programme which has been programmed to intervene as late as possible, maximising driving pleasure without compromising ultimate safety. If required, the ESP system can be completely deactivated.

The most crucial safety feature, namely the ventilated all-disc braking system, is of course more than up to the task of reining in this most extreme of Audi Avants, and an upgrade to ultra high performance ceramic brakes with even more exceptional performance and fade resistance is also available at extra cost.

The incredibly assured handling this advanced set-up permits can be enjoyed from the comfort and support of the cabin's sculpted and ultra-grippy leather and alcantara-upholstered RS sports seats, the driver's positioned perfectly in relation to the flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel with multifunction controls and transmission shift paddles. Additional RS features in the much praised interior also include boost pressure and oil temperature readouts, milled finish door handles and aluminium-look pedals. The familiar A6 Avant virtues, not least its potential 1,660-litre load capacity, are of course very much in evidence.

Source: http://www.carma.com.sg/news/news.php?id=494

Quattro times two: Audi develops new sport differential

2007-09-08T13:01:00.001-04:00

According to Motor Authority, Audi has developed a new differential that will find its way into all its Quattro-equipped vehicles next year. The new diff quells Audi's inherent understeer by shuffling torque between the rear wheels, thus improving overall road-holding and lending itself to more sporty (read: rear-wheel drive bias) driving dynamics.
The system, which sends 60-percent of torque to the rear wheels, will sense a loss of traction in less than 100 milliseconds and then send an appropriate amount of power to each individual wheel. Users will have the ability to select between three different preset modes, including "auto," "comfort" and "dynamic," the latter of which provides more competent handling at the expense of ride comfort.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/quattro-times-two-audi-develops-new-sport-differential/

Breaking News: BMW, Audi, Mercedes improve sales

2007-09-08T03:00:00.002-04:00

Luxury automakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes reported healthy sales increases for August on Friday, with demand from Asia and the US driving gains but with mixed results in their home markets.
BMW AG, the industry's top luxury car company, said its global sales rose 13 per cent last month from a year ago, with 99,755 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce automobiles sold.
The Munich-based automaker said its August sales were led by demand from US buyers, where it sold 30,638 cars, up 19.3 per cent from August 2006. Demand was also up in Germany, with 19,253 cars sold, up 10.8 per cent from last year.
Since January, the car maker said sales were up 7.1 per cent from the same time last year, with 952,929 vehicles sold.
Rival Audi AG said it sold 66,400 cars worldwide in August, up 4.2 per cent from the same month in 2006. Ingolstadt-based Audi, a unit of Volkswagen AG, said it sold some 656,600 cars since January, up 9.2 per cent from the comparable period last year.
The August increases came from higher demand in China, where sales rose 24 per cent from January, while in the United States, sales increased 7.1 per cent. Sales in Britain were up 17.8 per cent while overall growth in Europe was 3.7 per cent.
"Growth in European export markets, meaning both established Western European markets and new markets in Eastern Europe, is a major factor behind our success," said Ralph Weyler, who oversees the company's marketing and sales. "We are steadily and consistently increasing our market share in these regions."
But sales in Germany, Audi's home market, slipped by 7.7 per cent last month to 18,063 cars sold. Joerg Felske, Audi's head of sales for Germany, said that decline was the result of the end of production on the company's A4 model.
DaimlerChrysler AG, meanwhile, said its Mercedes Car Group saw sales increase 9 per cent in August compared to last year, reaching a record 96,200 Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart brands sold.
But the results could not lift its January-August sales, which at 817,600 were still down from 818,200 a year earlier.
By brand, the group said it sold 89,100 Mercedes-Benz cars in August, up 9 per cent from the same month a year earlier, led by demand for its new C-Class sedan and its luxury segment S-Class.
Sales of the retooled Smart fortwo doubled to 7,000 cars, a new monthly high for the two-seater, and up 4 per cent from last year.
Demand for Mercedes Car Group vehicles was strong in Asia, where sales rose 22 per cent, while in the United States sales edged up 2 per cent. The company's core western European market saw sales rise four per cent to 52,700 cars sold in August.

Source: http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=43271&vf=26

Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6

2007-09-08T03:00:00.001-04:00

We see a lot of rumors here at Autoblog, but this one just has to come true. Word around town is that the same engine that powers the 580-hp 5.2L twin-turbo V10 in the recently announced Audi RS6 Avant could also find its way to the back hatch of the Audi R8. We first reported on the possibility of a twin-turbo V10 back in February, and it seems the stat sheet on the RS6 has merely stoked the flames.
With 580 (or more) ponies in tow, the R8 should beat most anything on the road, including its current competition like the Porsche 911 that offers more powerful models in its lineup. Throw in bigger brakes and wheels with a modified suspension, and even the vaunted GT2 should begin to worry.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/enter-the-rumormill-audi-r8-getting-twin-turbo-v10-from-rs6/

Michalsky creates Audi Corporate Fashion Line

2007-09-07T12:05:00.003-04:00

In the future, Audi staff will be wearing designer fashion at shows, at the Audi Forums and at dealers. The Audi Corporate Fashion Line was created by top designer and new Audi brand ambassador Michael Michalsky. The black outfits are figure-hugging and elegant, and are worn over white blouses or shirts. The Michalsky Fashion Line will be making its first grand appearance at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in the middle of September. The Corporate Fashion Line will only be introduced in Germany to start with, but is also to be worn by Audi staff in international markets in the long term. As Michalsky's own high standards for his work fit in perfectly with the Audi brand values, he has been made the car manufacturer's new brand ambassador. Car enthusiast Michalsky drives an Audi Q7. The look of both brands stands for sporty and timeless elegance, clear and progressive styling, devotion to detail and the perfect processing of high-quality materials. "Audi is celebrating its entry into the fashion industry and is excited to be accompanying Michalsky from the start with the setting up of his three new labels," says Michael Renz, Head of Central Marketing at AUDI AG.

Michalsky is one of the most famous fashion designers in Germany and has received numerous awards for his work. He won the GQ Germany award as Designer of the Year 2003, was named Sport Style Designer of the Year 2004 at the ISPO fashion show and received the red dot design award 2005 with the adidas team.

Michalsky is looking to continue this run of success with three own-name labels the exclusive MICHALSKY line, M67 - Michalsky Jeans Berlin and a brand by the name of Michamic, which is still to be launched. He gets his inspiration from the various styles in the music scene and youth culture.

Source: Audi

Source: http://www.automotoportal.com/article/michalsky-creates-audi-corporate-fashion-line

Freaky Accident With Audi A8 Cut In Half

2007-09-07T12:05:00.002-04:00

We've no idea how the hell this accident occurred but we certainly felt a chill traveling up our spine. Despite what you be thinking right now, the Russian guys at Autoplay support that the driver actually escaped unharmed. He better start believing in something, in anything…

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/09/freaky-accident-with-audi-a8-cut-in.html

2008 Audi A5 and S5 US pricing announced

2007-09-07T12:05:00.001-04:00

Audi today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 A5 and S5 coupes. A5 models with a six-speed manual transmission will start at $39,900 and S5 models with a six-speed manual start at $50,500. Both the A5 and S5 have asymmetric quattro® all-wheel drive standard. Destination charges are $775 for both models, and are not included in the base price. Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmissions are available for both models and are a $1,300 option.

Manual transmission S5 models will arrive at dealers in November 2007. All A5 models and Tiptronic S5 cars will be available in spring of 2008.

The 2008 A5 is powered by 3.2 FSI V6 engine with the new Audi Valvelift System, and produces 265 hp at 6500 rpm and 243 ft.-lbs. of torque between 3250-5000 rpm. The S5 has a 4.2 FSI V8 engine making 354 hp at 6800 rpm and 325 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm. Both engines give the new coupe breath-taking acceleration. The A5 takes just 5.8 seconds from 0-60 mph, while the S5 is an even faster 4.9 seconds.

All coupe models will come with numerous luxury features as standard such as leather covered power front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, in-dash six-CD changer and Sirius® satellite radio, electromechanical parking brake, driver info display, rain and light sensor for automatic lights and wipers, and a leather-covered, multi-function tilt and telescoping three spoke steering wheel. A5 models come with 18-inch alloy wheels while S5 models have 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.

The A5 has a comprehensive list of options that enhance the model in styling, comfort, and sportiness. A $1,850 Convenience package includes bi-xenon headlamps, heated front seats, HomeLink®, driver seat and mirror memory, heated, auto-dimming, and power folding exterior mirrors, and auto-dimming interior mirror with compass. For drivers who value performance, there is the $2,900 S line Sport package consisting of more aggressive front and rear bumpers with headlight washers, sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, sport seats, brushed aluminum interior trim, black headliner, and S line interior and exterior badging.

Options that are available on both the A5 and S5 include Audi Navigation system ($2,390), 505-watt Bang & Olufsen® audio system ($850), and Audi side assist ($500). Both models also have an available $1,700 Technology package that includes Audi rear parking system with rear-view camera, adaptive headlights, and Advanced key.
Source: Internal

Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/2008-audi-a5-and-s5-us-pricing-announced-ar43012.html

Audi RS 6 Avant Revealed

2007-09-05T23:02:00.004-04:00

April 2008 is the month to keep an eye on, because that will signify the showroom launch of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, Audi's most potent car ever (not counting the Audi R10 TDI LaMans racer). Audi's new family sports wagon produces an astounding 580 hp (426 kW) from a newly developed V10 FSI engine with torque peaking at 650 Nm at 6700 rpm. The new TwinTurbo V10 FSI is based on the V10 found in the S6 and S8 but has been redeveloped in almost every single aspect to attain this new level of performance.

Needless to say that its performance times are impressive and comparible to super cars. 0-100 km/h takes just 4.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in just 14.9 seconds with and only stops at 250 km/h because of its speed limiter. And while the car weighs in at 2,025 kg, the power-to-weight ratio is just 3.5 kg to every horsepower. A six-speed tiptronic is putting all that power to the road through Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system.
The interior is of Audi quality with carbon fibre, aluminium, leather and Alcantara with the usual safety features as standard. Wheels come in 19 inch as standard but 20 inch are optionally available. Audi has fitted ceramic brakes on 420mm steel discs in the front and 356mm in the rear.

Outstanding top performance and maximum dynamism combined with excellent suitability for everyday use are the impressive features of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA 2007 in Frankfurt. A newly developed V10 engine with FSI direct injection and twin turbochargers, permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control DRC set the standard for high-performance vehicles in the luxury class. 426 kW (580 bhp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm add up to an unforgettable performance experience. At the same time, the new Audi RS 6 Avant offers a high standard of travel comfort – on long journeys, too.

The Audi RS models from quattro GmbH are the ultimate in sportiness, complemented by powerful and elegant design, exclusive equipment and perfect quality. It has also meanwhile become a good tradition that their sports performance is combined with the high utility value of an Avant: the very first Audi RS2, which appeared in 1993, was only built as an Avant model. Although the unique Audi RS driving sensation can now be experienced in saloon, Avant and Cabriolet models – as is the case with the current RS 4 – customers especially appreciate the combination of dynamism and versatility that an Avant offers.

The new Audi RS 6 will therefore only be available as an Avant to start with, with the unrivalled combination of 580 bhp and a maximum 1,660 litres of luggage space. The Audi RS 6 Avant will be launched in April 2008.The new leader in the performance category

The Audi RS 6 redefines the term "high performance" in the business class. With its 426 kW (580 bhp), it is the most powerful model in the current Audi range and – with the exception of pure racing cars like the Le Mans-winning Audi R10 TDI – the most potent Audi of all time. But not only that: it is also clearly superior to all competitors in the top performance category.

The ten-cylinder V-configuration engine in the RS 6 is based on the V10 powerplants of the Audi S6 and Audi S8, but has been redeveloped in practically every respect to attain the significantly higher level of performance. The twin turbochargers ensure an impressively constant stream of power over the entire engine speed range: the mighty peak torque of 650 Nm is available across the entire range from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm; maximum output is available between 6,250 and 6,700 rpm.The road performance of a super sports car

This powerplant enables the Audi RS 6 Avant to achieve the road performance of a high-performance sports car. It requires just 4.6 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h, and reaches the 200 km/h mark in a mere 14.9 seconds. Only when the needle touches 250 km/h is the propulsive power electronically governed. The power-to-weight ratio, too, matches that of a first-rate sports car: after all, with a vehicle weight of 2,025 kilograms – including the dynamic and sure-footed quattro four-wheel drive – every horsepower of the RS 6 Avant has to propel just 3.5 kilograms

The ten-cylinder concept provides the ideal basis for a high-performance unit of this calibre. The V10 is unusually compact with an overall length of 670 millimetres and is very light with a total weight of 278 kilograms. TFSI technology from Audi, the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, ensures efficient power output, based on extensive experience in the field of motor sport: the R8 racing car, a pioneer of TFSI technology, captured a series of victories for the brand with the four rings at Le Mans.Racing technology for high efficiency

FSI direct injection delivers precisely metered amounts of fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 120 bar. This permits a compression ratio of 10.5:1, which is very high for a turbo engine. Remarkably efficient combustion is the result. The engine is thus content with a standard consumption of 13.9 litres – a very good figure in view of the potential offered.

A further feature adopted from racing technology is the dry-sump lubrication system used on the V10. By virtue of the elaborate design of the oil pump module and oil tank, reliable lubrication of all engine components and both turbochargers is guaranteed, even with constant lateral acceleration of 1.2 g.

Thanks to FSI technology and the optimised design of the turbocharger and air ducts, the ten-cylinder unit is extremely responsive and converts minimum movements of the throttle into dynamic acceleration. Yet the twin turbo is by no means a rough-and-ready sports engine: it runs smoothly and with refinement, as is typical of a ten-cylinder unit. When accelerating, of course, its dual-branch exhaust system with two oval tailpipes produces that sonorous sporty, throaty sound – an essential feature of a high-performance automobile. Those who wish to enhance this daily delight for the ears even further may opt for the alternative sports exhaust system.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070905.002/audi-rs-6-avant-revealed

Audi TT 2007

2007-09-05T23:02:00.003-04:00

Apparently, Audi just couldn't wait. The German automaker was all set to lift the veil on its next-generation TT at the New York International Auto Show, next week. But Audi decided not to wait for the New York show, a lightly attended event for the European press, and unveiled the car in Berlin on Thursday.

It's been six years since Audi introduced the original TT, a car that did a lot to buff up the automaker's sporty image. For the new version Audi increased both the car's overall length and width. It now measures 165 inches nose to tail, and 72.4 inches door to door, up five and three inches respectively.

The 2007 TT gets a sharp sheetmetal makeover, which removes the Deco lines and replaces them with bolder forms that hint at the Nissan 350Z, which was itself inspired by the original TT, according to its designer Ajay Panchal.

For the new TT, Audi combined aluminum and steel for a new body structure. Audi claims optimal weight distribution, but also adds a pop-up rear spoiler that deploys above 75 mph.

Audi will offer the next-generation TT with two engines: a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 200 hp. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, Audi says, and reaches a top speed of 149 mph. The other powertrain is a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6 that sprints to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. Both engines are mated to a six-speed stick shift or can be combined with an S-tronic (sequential manual) transmission using Audi's slick double-clutch system. The 2.0-liter TT has front-wheel drive; the V-6 is a quattro.

A new rear suspension and other improvements, combined with a wider thread and larger wheels, are aimed at improving handling. Later in the year, Audi will add an adaptive suspension system.The new TT will be equipped with automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system. Adaptive lighting/corner lighting and a reverse-parking system is optional.

The new TT Coupe will be available at the end of summer and will be joined by a Roadster in 2007.

Source: http://robson.m3rlin.org/cars/audi-tt-2007-2/

Uber Alles! 2008 Audi RS6 Avant Revealed

2007-09-05T23:02:00.001-04:00

Just as we got off the phone speaking with a source of ours about the RS6, we opened up Jalopnik's page and voila; the Audi RS6 Avant! And boy does it look hot… We're not entirely sure if this a leak since the Audi RS6 is supposed to be officially unveiled on Sept. 5 (it could be from a European or Australian site for example), but we don't mind at all.

So along with the official pictures here's the "unofficially – official" info that we gathered: the RS6 is equipped with a Biturbo 5.0-litre V10 that delivers 580 Hp and it sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4,6 seconds –we forgot to ask whether this time is for the Avant or the Saloon. It's worth mentioning that a reader of Carscoop (who asked to remain anonymous), fell spot on with the information he sent us back in the first week of August –check it out by clicking here. We'll have more on the RS6 as soon as Audi come out with official announcement.

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/09/uber-alles-2008-audi-rs6-avant-revealed.html

Audi A8 – the new driving experience

2007-09-05T13:04:00.002-04:00

Audi is honing the character of its flagship: from September, the Audi A8 will exhibit notably enhanced qualities. An even more precise driving feel, superior ride and acoustic comfort and subtle refinements to the design and interior underline the exceptional position of the sportiest saloon in the luxury class. Just how well the A8 combines sporty, elegant design with superlative handling characteristics, supreme comfort and exemplary eco-friendliness is illustrated by the Audi A8 2.8 FSI: with CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometre it is the best by far in its class.

Impressive handling characteristics, pioneering technology and exclusive design and equipment the Audi A8 defines the notion of sports appeal in the luxury segment in a distinctive, masterly way. As the flagship of the brand, the A8 embodies the progressivenees of Audi: its extremely rigid lightweight aluminium body built according to the Audi Space Frame principle, the potent FSI and TDI powerplants with direct injection, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the highly praised MMI operating system are only some of the elements employed by Audi to demonstrate its proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik in the luxury class.

The best fuel consumption figures in its class

New in the model range is the Audi A8 2.8 FSI. With FSI petrol direct injection and the innovative Audi valvelift system AVS, this engine develops 154 kW (210 bhp), producing its maximum torque of 280 Newton-metres across a wide speed range from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. These ample reserves and thanks to the aluminium Space Frame body remarkably low vehicle weight of only 1690 kilograms ensure supreme acceleration in every situation. The A8 2.8 FSI sprints from 0 to 100 in 8.0 seconds, its top speed being 238 km/h.

Despite these convincing performance figures the A8 with the 2.8-litre FSI engine achieves top marks in its class in terms of fuel consumption: an average of only 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres, according to the standard test method. This corresponds to a CO2 figure of only 199 grams per kilometre.

Saloon for a unique driving experience

The entire model range offers a new driving experience: To this end, the A8 has been consistently developed in many areas and refined in terms of its unique blend of sportiness and elegance, superiority and sophistication. The rack-and-pinion steering with variable steering gear ratios and servotronic speed-dependent power assistance has been optimised and is more direct. Shock absorbers, bearings and adaptive air suspension settings have been modified. As a result, the A8 responds more spontaneously to steering inputs, tackles winding country roads with precision yet seemingly of its own volution maintains calm and supreme straight-line stability at high speeds.

Exceptional comfort in terms of suspension and acoustics

Similarly to the handling characteristics, ride comfort has also been improved: the standard adaptive air suspension is now more responsive to minor irregularities in the road surface. The continuously variable shock absorbers feature new seals to reduce friction, new valves optimise the characteristics and the entire hydraulics system has been retuned. The A8 even moves smoothly over transverse joints, with no vibration whatsoever. Together with the package designed to insulate rolling and road noise, the luxury saloon from Audi offers outstanding comfort.

The acoustics of the A8 have been enhanced and optimised throughout by using innovative materials after all, noise insulation at Audi is always viewed under the aspect of intelligent lightweight construction. The result: without any additional weight, the Audi A8 exhibits the lowest rolling, road and ambient noise level in its class. The Audi A8 is one of the quietest cars in the world an important element for relaxed comfort on long journeys in the saloon.

Comfort and safety with assistance systems

The Audi A8 supports the driver with state-of-the-art assistance systems. These provide comfort and convenience on long journeys, helping to keep the driver fit and alert and are therefore decisively important for safety, too. Audi side assist utilises intelligent radar technology. The system is specially designed for lane-changing manoeuvres, alerting the driver to hazardous situations: if another vehicle moves into the critical zone, yellow LEDs in the housing of the exterior mirror light up permanently. If, despite the warning, the driver of the A8 sets the indicator lever to change lanes, the LEDs become brighter and flash rapidly for about one second. It is virtually impossible to overlook this impulse because the human eye is highly sensitive to changes in contrast in the peripheral field of vision.

Audi lane assist alerts the driver if he/she inadvertently moves out of the lane. A small camera, located on the windscreen above the rear-view mirror, monitors the road in front of the vehicle; a high-performance computer identifies the lane markings. If the driver drifts on to one of these lines without indicating, Audi lane assist signalises this accordingly by causing the steering wheel to vibrate.

Progressive design language, with specific refinements

The clear and progressive design language of the Audi A8 is characterised by its timeless quality. New touches were added to the exterior, for instance, but only in specific yet effective areas from the single-frame grille to new exterior mirrors with integrated indicator and new wheel designs through to new-look LED taillights. New paint finishes complete the range as do high-quality aluminium applications, new colours and inlays for the interior.

Continuing on the road to success

Hence the Audi A8 is clearly on the road to success. With over 100,000 vehicles sold so far the current-generation model including both top-of-the-range versions, the Audi A8 W12 and Audi S8, has already surpassed the sales total of its predecessor.

Year for year, it continues to achieve sales growth in an overall stagnating market segment. The reason: while the A8 constantly attracts customers of other brands with its clear personality, the product loyalty and repurchase rate among A8 drivers is at the same time higher than average.

When it comes to the trade press and its readers, the A8 also has much to celebrate. It regularly picks up awards as the best car in the luxury class from "auto, motor und sport" in Germany, for example, from "Auto Express" in the UK or "AutoWeek" in the US.

Source: http://www.automotoportal.com/article/audi-a8-the-new-driving-experience

Spied: Audi A3 Cabrio on US shores

2007-09-05T13:04:00.001-04:00

Spy photographers have spotted the upcoming A3 Cabrio on U.S. shores for the first time. The A3 Cabrio is expected to debut at March's Geneva Motor Show, although a September introduction at the Frankfurt Auto Show is still possible.

The newest A3 is also reported to have significant styling changes, both front and rear. The front fascia is said to have a new hood, narrower headlights with a more imposing grill and a new lower spoiler. The new rear fascia will include A5-styled taillights.

The styling changes will help align the A3 with the newly introduced A5 coupe and the next-generation A4 sedan, which will show up at the Frankfurt auto show next month. The side profile should remain similar to that of the current A3, thanks to a sharply raked rear window. The soft-top, which is electrically operated, will fold flat behind the rear seats, revealing twin roll-over hoops.

The A3 was first offered in North America just two years ago in 2005. It has been available in Europe since the mid-1990s.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-a3-future.html

Audi R8: Ashes To Ashes

2007-09-04T12:06:00.007-04:00

Oh, be honest now; don't tell me that all you Ferraristis aren't getting a kick out of this image featuring a brand new Audi R8 burned to the rubber? Guess you'd like to know what happened. Well, according to the guy who posted the pics on R8talk, "Ti_Mike", the fire was caused by a failure in the gear box hydraulic system. There's no way to verify this, but here's Ti_Mike's exact word's: -Click "Read More…" below
"The car burned has been a test car, serial no. below 1610.
All cars below this no had problems with the R-Tronic and the fire was caused by a hydraulic failure.

Most of the cars with a serial no below 1610 have been test cars. It has been a simple software update for the gear box hydraulic system to eliminate the problem.

So don't worry guys it's been solved. My car has been delivered know one month a go an the serial no is above 1700. All the other owners have received a software update. The car of the Audi deal which burned just hasn't being updated. Well guess it would have been easier if they would have done it."
Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: R8talk

Labels: Accidents, Audi, Audi R8

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/09/audi-r8-ashes-to-ashes.html

Analog Devices Blackfin, SHARC Processors Entertain Audi A5 Coupe

2007-09-04T12:06:00.006-04:00

Redefining luxury driving through a broad array of signal processing technologies, Analog Devices Inc. (NYSE: ADI) announced that its Blackfin(R) and SHARC(R) processors will provide the highest quality in-cabin entertainment systems to drivers of the new Audi A5 Coupé. With the new vehicle, Audi has moved to distinguish its driver experience through advanced electronic features. Leveraging the power of ADI's advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technologies; the new A5 includes the Audi Symphony and Concert advanced digital radios, a Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) option, a 6-CD changer and a MultiMedia Device Interface for connecting to personal media players. ADI processors provide all audio decoding and processing functions, communications protocol processing, and all control processing for the Audi's highly intuitive driver interface.

"The Audi brand represents a commitment to constantly enhance the total experience of Audi drivers and passengers through the application of high-performance technologies and attention to detail," said Peter Kohlschmidt, Director Wireless, Acoustics, Connectivity, Audi AG, "Blackfin in conjunction with additional ADI technologies gave us competitive and distinguishing features that differentiate our new vehicle, enhance our brand positioning, and reflect our relentless pursuit of the perfect driving experience."

The Blackfin ADSP-BF539 and ADSP-BF532 processors power the Audi A5's DAB radio and MP3-compatible 6-way CD changer, which is aptly named the Audi Symphony/Concert Radio for the extensive assortment of CD-quality music it generates for drivers/passengers. Another Blackfin ADSP-BF532 processor drives the A5's Audi Music Interface, which integrates portable media players, such as the Apple iPod, for convenient dashboard display and easy steering-wheel control. An optional Bang & Olufsen (B&O) surround sound amplifier that delivers the utmost in high fidelity is based on an ADI SHARC ADSP-21362 processor.

Additionally, various analog signal processing components round out the portfolio of Analog Devices' products in the new Audi vehicle. These products include Analog Devices' ADM6319, a supervisory circuit that monitors power supply voltage levels and code execution integrity in microprocessor-based systems; the AD7478 8-bit, low-power, (SAR) successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC); the AD9280 single-supply, 8-bit, 32 MSPS ADC; and the ADuC7032 precision battery monitor sensor, a complete system solution for battery monitoring in 12V automotive applications.
"By focusing on the entire driving experience, Audi is establishing a new kind of competitive advantage that can only be achieved through visionary adoption of advanced electronics devices," said Mark Gill, Director Automotive Infotainment Products, Analog Devices, Inc. "ADI's Blackfin and SHARC processors are ideal enablers of this kind of visionary thinking, helping car makers leverage the added value of advanced audio, video, navigation and display functionality."

The Blackfin processor is unmatched in signal and control processing, multimedia support and connectivity options. In addition, Blackfin processor based designs provide software flexibility which is particularly critical for automotive applications because media formats and communications standards inevitably change in the time it takes applications to go from concept to the highway.
A Convergent Future Demands Blackfin-Class Processing

Analog Devices' Blackfin embodies a new breed of 16/32-bit embedded processor with the industry's highest performance and power efficiency for applications where a convergence of capabilities — multi-format audio, video, voice and image processing; multi-mode baseband and packet processing; and real-time security and control processing — are critical. It is this powerful combination of software flexibility and scalability that has gained Blackfin widespread adoption in convergent applications such as digital home entertainment, networked and streaming media, automotive telematics and infotainment, and digital radio and mobile TV.
About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

Source: http://edageek.com/2007/09/03/audi-a5-coup-analog/

Review: 2008 Audi A5 Test Drive

2007-09-04T12:06:00.005-04:00

Audi abandoned the luxury sport coupe market more than fifteen years ago, but now aims to shake it up again with its new A5. In 1991, when the company discontinued its Quattro Coupe, a ground-breaking car that was among the first high-performance vehicles to include all-wheel-drive, other automakers happily and capably filled the void. The new A5 enters a much more competitive landscape than the one it left more than a decade back; it's now filled with appealing entrants such as the BMW 3 Series Coupe, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.

The A5 is one of the latest vehicles in Audi's product offensive designed to woo buyers and stoke loyalty with a variety of niche products. Even if the new A5 can't erase the memory of more than ten years of abandonment, its good looks and reasonable price make it worth cross-shopping against more long-running competitors.

Open and Shut Case – BMW 6 Series
Stronger Engine, Spiffier Looks – Cadillac STS
More Power to Ya – Hummer H2
Practical Exotic Car – Maserati Coupe
Like the BMW 3 Series Coupe is to the 3 Series Sedan, the Audi A5 is positioned above the A4 in Audi's growing lineup. At 182.3 inches long, the A5 is slightly longer than the 181.1-inch-long 3 Series Coupe and about an inch shorter than the Mercedes CLK. The A5 is powered by a 265-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine, while the more performance-oriented S5 receives a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8. Both engines are used in other Audi models.
The higher-performance S5 reaches dealers first, coming this fall at around $52,000. The A5 won't hit the market until the first quarter of 2008, most likely in March. Its base price of around $40,000 could be worth holding out for, but those who yearn for ultimate performance and handling will prefer the S5.

Exterior

If it's attention you crave, the Audi A5 delivers. With a wide and low stance, wheels pushed to the corners and a stretched-out wheelbase, the A5 draws onlookers.
The overall form is modern and substantial, thanks to the A5's wide shoulder lines, high beltline and massive trapezoidal front grille that is framed by unique, optional LED daytime running lights. As part of an optional Adaptive Light package, the sixteen LEDs are serious eye candy. Below the headlights are the front fog lamps, tastefully trimmed in chrome.
The sportier S5 shares the A5's athletic styling, but its lower front fascia looks more aggressive.
The A5's back end, with its small but interesting details, does not disappoint. For instance, rather than tack on a strip of composite material to create a spoiler, the rear edge of the trunk lid subtly kicks up to benefit aerodynamics and preserve a clean aesthetic. The A5's distinctive LED taillights ensure that the attention garnered by the A5 during the day continues all through the night.
The Audi's chief designer, Walter de'Silva, who was also responsible for the Q7, the new TT and current A6, says that the A5 is the most beautiful vehicle he has ever designed. It strikes a balance between timeless elegance and dramatic flair, a combination that should serve it well in this mature segment where restraint is usually favored over flash.

Interior

Audi's interior designers must be descendants of fine watchmakers: They share an obsession for extreme precision and detail. Little touches like rubberized vent controls, satin-finished engine start button and knurled aluminum on the Multi Media Interface (MMI) control knob exemplify this engineering mentality.
These details add up to make the Audi A5's interior a rewarding space for any trip, long or short. Audi's familiar MMI controls most interior functions with a large rotary knob and thoughtfully chosen buttons on the center console that manipulate menus displayed on a 6.5-inch screen in the middle of the dash.
A six-disc CD changer is located in the center console area just below the central air vents. And below that are A/C controls, which are easy to operate, even with gloves on.
A thick, three-spoke steering wheel feels perfectly sized and is easily adjustable thanks to its manual tilt and telescoping feature. The gear shifter is well placed, but is awkwardly tall with surprisingly long throws. An adjustable armrest alleviates the awkwardness of the shift lever's height, though not entirely.
For a coupe, the A5's rear seats are surprisingly accommodating for two passengers. The A5 also has plenty of storage, from the compartments in the doors to the ones on the center console, which are perfect for a wallet or cell phone. Two cup holders in the front are big enough to fit huge lattes, but will obstruct the armrest.
Large outside mirrors are a welcome change from the small ones found on the 2007 A4 and A8.
Optional on the A5 is a truly phenomenal Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Fourteen speakers are powered by a ten-channel amplifier that pumps out 505 watts. It should cost less than the $6,300 system on the A8.
Compared to the Bose system in the Audi S4, the A5's B&O setup will blow you away with clear mid-range and heart-pounding bass. Plus, the B&O speakers look classy and modern with aluminum surrounds.
The A5's 16.1 cubic feet of luggage space is remarkable, considering that the 3 Series holds just 11.1 cubic feet and the CLK just 10.4.

Performance

Though sufficiently powerful for everyday driving, the A5 doesn't necessarily feel like a high-performance coupe — for that, there's the S5. But those unwilling to cough up the S5's $12,000 premium will still get a quick vehicle with the A5.
Its 265-hp V6 with 243 pound-feet of torque propels the Audi A5 from 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds, slightly faster than the BMW 328i Coupe. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and buyers can also opt for a six-speed automatic.
Our A5 test vehicle had the six-speed manual. It felt imprecise moving the gears, especially compared to that of the BMW 3 Series.
The A5 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, which makes the car safer and more drivable in everyday situations and can improve acceleration at the expense of added weight, complexity and gas mileage. When pushing the A5 through quick turns, it feels heavier and less agile than the BMW 3 Series. But there is little body roll and the A5 stays planted, yet the ride is never harsh.
If you're looking for a more performance-oriented experience and don't want to spring for the S5, then consider the A5's S-Line package, whose stiffer suspension springs and dampers lower the body by 10 mm.
Large 16-inch disc brakes stop the 3,500-pound A5 with confidence. The steering feels direct and benefits from varying degrees of boost, depending on the speed — more boost makes the steering lighter when parking the car, less boost tightens it up when driving fast.
Overall, the A5 is fun to drive without being a chore. A quiet cabin filters unnecessary road noise, but not to the point of completely insulating you from the driving experience, as a Lexus does. The beauty of the A5 lies in its nearly ideal blend of sport and luxury — a trait most modern Audis are known for. It's practical and comfortable enough for everyday driving with enough style and performance to make a statement.

Is the Audi A5 for You?

Buy the A5 if

You value subtle, restrained styling; you prefer the all-weather-security of AWD; you're considering the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class and want something that seems fresher and less ubiquitous.

Keep Looking if

You crave all-out performance, in which case the S5 is worth considering; the styling is a bit too subtle for your tastes; fuel economy is a concern.

Who Fits?

Front seats should accommodate all body types and sizes comfortably. Two adults will be happy in the rear for short to moderate-length trips, but three will be tight.

Closest Competitors

BMW 3 Series Coupe, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, Volvo C70

Source: http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/08/31/review-2008-audi-a5-test-drive/

Audi RS6

2007-09-04T12:06:00.003-04:00

As a direct competitor to the Mercedes E63 AMG and BMW M5 which have both been presented a while ago, Audi is planning to offer the RS6, the estate variant of which is seen here undergoing final tests at the German Nürburgring. The bigger air intakes in the front bumper, the wider fenders and the diffuser at the rear are the key clues. While the S models have four round exhaust pipes, the RS models will receive oval pipes as their distinguishing feature.

Shown in these spy photos is the saloon, but the new RS6 will also be available as an estate. Powered by the same V10 engine as the S6, but with some help from a turbo delivering about 520-550 bhp, this Audi will give the M5 and E63 AMG a strong challenge. The RS6 will debut in Frankfurt in September this year.

Source: http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evospyshots/209994/audi_rs6.html

2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: Audi S8 facelift

2007-09-04T12:06:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we reported about the updates Audi was planning for its A8 lineup. Things like the addition of the 2.8L FSI six-cylinder that will be offered (in Europe, at least), more direct steering and a revised air suspension should make the '08 A8 even closer to perfection. Audi is also adding new safety features, like a side-assist system that will alert drivers when a vehicle is in the sedan's blind spots and a lane departure warning system that will keep an eye on lane markers and alert the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel should he or she begin to go astray. Finally, the car is said to quieter than the 2007 edition.

Visually, Audi has updated the single-frame grille, incorporated new lighting in back, added new wheel styles, put turn indicators on the outside mirrors, and will offer a number of new paint finishes. New interior colors and inlays are also on tap. In short, Audi's taking a good thing and making it better. And now we have word that most of those changes will make their way into the freshened S8 as well. With photos and info from Fourtitude, we see an updated S8 that will most likely debut in Frankfurt next month sporting some refined styling touches inside and out as well. Check out the gallery.

Source: http://autocar-show.blogspot.com/2007/09/2007-frankfurt-motor-show-preview-audi.html

It's Official, Audi A3 Gets Greener at Virtually No Cost

2007-09-03T11:47:00.008-04:00

European fans of German auto engineering will be delighted to learn that one of the best performing small cars in the world is getting more eco-friendly. Changes to the new Audi A3 1.9 TDI will include a CO2 emissions reduction from 135g/km to 119g/km. That makes the new A3 so green, its British drivers will not even have to pay the dreaded congestion fee to get into Central London.
So what advance drivetrain system was employed this time? Actually none; just some green-thinking applied to conventional mechanics. The transmission of the classic 1.9L diesel four-banger will simply be fitted with taller gear rations (widely-spaced gears may reduce fuel consumption by lowering engine speeds in varying power bands). With decent results in combined city/highway mileage, the technique is fairly effective, but frequently overlooked. Throw in a set of grabby, low-resistance tires, and the new A3 is greener than ever at no additional input cost.
Here in US the A3 has only been around for about a year. It's powered by a slightly larger 2.0-litre petrol in-line four, rated by EPA at 23/32 mpg. Not too impressive. But considering its 200 hp output, Audi A3 might just be one of the greenest and most dynamic sports wagons available.
Source: Whatcar

Source: http://www.goodcleantech.com/2007/08/audi_a3_gets_even_greener.php

Konigseder reveals its Audi Q7 Chrome line

2007-09-03T11:47:00.007-04:00

The Q7, performance SUV from Audi, is a top of the line vehicle concerning design, power and practibility. Naturally the subtle the aerodynamic parts from Königseder address the non cross country drivers who want to bestow more sportness upon their car.

The Königseder exterior package consist of a front bumper extension in the current Audi look and therefore improves the front area without being to flashy.
The colorless original plastic rear bumper subpart is exchanged by the Königseder extension with slight diffusor optics and two sideways turned exits for the Königseder end pipes.

Optional either a complete sport rear muffler or the end pipe combination for the original rear muffler can be chosen.
In order to complete the lateral alignment Königseder developed extensions for the rear doors and for further individualization a 5 piece chrome design packet is available
A wide range of wheels up! to 23" round off the Königseder Q7 package.

Source: http://4wheelsblog.com/released/konigseder-reveals-its-audi-q7-chrome-line

Audi's iPhone Integration may encounter Competition

2007-09-03T11:47:00.005-04:00

Given the neo-Bauhaus austerity of Apple's product design, it only makes sense a German company like Audi would lead the auto industry in developing iPhone integration for its cars.

Source: http://blogs.automotive.com/6215742/miscellaneous/audis-iphone-integration-may-encounter-competition/

USA. Audi signs on as Title Sponsor of Melges 24 US Nationals

2007-09-03T11:47:00.003-04:00

Organizers of the Audi 2007 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship have announced that Audi of America Inc. and the Detroit-Area Audi Metro Dealers have been named Title Sponsor of this prestigious event.
"We are extremely happy to have Audi on board for this regatta and pleased they recognize what we already know; that Melges 24 racing is the most exciting sailing going on in the United States today," said Paul Hulsey, event chairman. "We're looking forward to showing the folks at Audi that 50 plus Melges's roaring into the leeward mark is the maritime equivalent to dozens of race cars zooming around a track."
This National Championship marks Audi's first title sponsorship of any U.S. regatta. With AUDI AG recently announcing its sponsorship of the Breitling Medcup Transpac 52 circuit, and Audi of Australia's strong support of Hamilton Island Race Week and the Sydney Harbor Regatta, the automobile manufacturer is sending a clear message of their support to the yacht racing community.
Dave Suplee, Audi's general manager for the Midwest U.S., has big expectations for the event: "Our company's heritage is all about racing and competition, and our best innovations have come from racing." Suplee said. "High performance, clean technologies and pushing the envelope are core values for Audi, which is why we see this National Championship as such a good match for us."
Audi will display a full line up of their high-performance cars on the grounds of Detroit's Bayview Yacht Club, including the TT roadster and 354 horsepower S5 Sports Coupe. The powerful and stylish Q7, easily able to easily tow a Melges 24 and carry the entire crew, will also be on display throughout the event.
Entry list swells as early registration deadline approaches
Forty-two teams have already registered from as far away as England and California, with at least 15 more boats expected to register over the coming weeks. Only two weeks remain until the September 10 early registration deadline. Online registration, press registration, entry list and the Notice of Race are available through the official Audi 2007 Melges 24 U.S.
National Championship website at www.melges24racing.com/nationals.
Detroit-based marine electronics manufacturer Rock City Marine will be awarding two RockBox self-contained GPS racing instruments to competitors at the event. The top Corinthian competitor will win a RockBox portable racing instrument, as will the Most Improved Crew as judged by an independent panel. Each RockBox has a retail value of $499.

Source: http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=14518

New Audi A4 revealed

2007-09-03T11:47:00.001-04:00

Audi opens up new horizons. The A4 is a sporty car with superb presence on the road; it takes Audi forward into a new dimension on the midsize car market. The engines that power the saloon, both TDI and spark-ignition, in all cases with direct fuel injection, combine effortless power with high efficiency. The dynamic running gear and the use of many technologies taken direct from the large-car category are evidence of the brand's lead in technical know-how. The new Audi is a new way to drive. It will reach the market at the end of November 2007, at a basic list price of about 26,000 Euros in Germany.

In its design, the new A4 reveals its sporty, progressive character: taut and dynamic in its outlines, it speaks the language of technical perfection. With an overall length of 4.70 metres, the saloon has a substantial, powerful road stance and offers its occupants ample space in an interior full of light. The workmanship is typical of an Audi quality with no compromises. The controls can be backed by the extra refinement of innovative assistance and multimedia systems. In the safety area, the brand with the four-ring emblem sets new standards: the coordinated action of the airbags and front seat belt force limiters protects the occupants even more effectively.

When compared with the previous model, the A4 has new, sporty proportions. The front body overhang has been drastically shortened; the bonnet and wheelbase are both longer than before. In the driveline, the differential has changed places with the clutch (or torque converter), making it possible to move the front axle forward by 154 millimetres. This innovative solution ensures ideal axle-load distribution. The new A4 is the sportiest saloon in the midsize car category: agile, light and precise to control. Its dynamic suspension is a totally new design, with most of its components made from weight-saving aluminium.

The results are impressive: supremely dynamic road behaviour and effortlessly precise handling.

New high-tech options make the A4 driving experience even more fascinating: Audi drive select varies the engine, automatic transmission, steering and suspension damping characteristics to suit the driver's preferences at any given moment. Audi dynamic steering varies its ratio according to the car's speed and keeps the new A4 stable close to the handling limits by slight, almost instantaneous changes to the steering angle. The damping control system for the hydraulic shock absorbers varies the damping characteristic individually, to combine sporty driving enjoyment with maximum road safety.

The new Audi A4 is being introduced with a choice of five engines, their power outputs ranging from 105 kW (143 bhp) to 195 kW (265 bhp). The four-cylinder petrol engine, like the diesels, is turbocharged, and both types of engine have direct fuel injection. All the engines, with their supremely refined flow of power, make the A4 a pleasure to drive and, thanks to their high efficiency, consume distinctly less fuel than the previous versions.

Various transmissions are available: a six-speed manual gearbox, the tiptronic automatic transmission, the multitronic continuously variable transmission, and either front-wheel drive or quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which has been subjected to intensive development work that has made its performance even more dynamic.

Source: http://www.automotoportal.com/article/new-audi-a4-revealed

Audi A4 with Bang & Olufsen Sound System

2007-09-02T10:00:00.006-04:00

The Bang & Olufsen sound system for the Audi A4 simply sounds astonishingly good - no matter where you are seated in the car and what the road and weather conditions are. Through hours of sound tuning, Bang & Olufsen have converted the Sound System's 505 watts, 10 amplifier channels and 14 speakers into the ultimate on the road sound experience. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System features the proprietary Bang & Olufsen True Image upmix algorithm that turns the 2-channel stereo signals into perfect 7.1-channel surround sound. Instead of simply sending the left and right channels to the associated loudspeakers, both channels are distributed to all loudspeakers in the car, each with its own particular delay and level, using the True Image upmixing algorithm. The 10 channels available in the amplifiers and the use of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in the system make this possible. The intelligent loudness system ensures that the perceived balance of bass, mid-range and treble information remains constant at all volume levels.

The Bang & Olufsen sound system for the Audi A4 has immaculate technical specifications, but even better sound thanks to its unique sound tuning. To create a listening experience that is second to none, state-of-the-art technologies have been combined with an in-depth study of the interior of the Audi A4 and many hours of music listening and fine-tuning in the car. The Bang & Olufsen sound system for the Audi A4 is more than a sound system built into a car; it is an exploratory journey into sound, space and speed.

Source: http://www.fareastgizmos.com/other_stuff/audi_a4_with_bang_olufsen_sound_system.php

Audi TT-R

2007-09-02T10:00:00.005-04:00

Another high performance car by Audi, the TT-R. This is Audi next high performance baby. Powered by a 2.3L VR5 engine fitted with a Turbocharger that produces 308hp. It'll be fitted with Audi latest technology like the new direct-injection as well as a fast-spooling turbo.

Source: http://seecar.blogspot.com/2007/09/audi-tt-r.html

Import To Euro

2007-09-02T10:00:00.003-04:00

Hey whats goin on guys, i just bought a 97 2.8 quattro 5 speed. I love the thing, its got a lowered german racing suspension, short throw, intake, deleted res with true dual delta flow 44 and the most amazing momo racing seats. I had a 95 accord before this but i killed it racing. ive been into cars for a while, my accord had 300 hpw before i killed it which is pretty good considering everything was done by me. It had i/e/h, short throw, bored tb, h22 head swap, f23 intake man, centerforce clutch, and Jspec tuned Ecu. My audi is slower but i like it a lot, im looking at getting a tap chip, and eventually boost it. I have some crazy idea's about doing a twin turbo, with the way the V engine is facing it would be perfect minus the weak internals. Its got a strong head but weak bottom, if i swaped the S4 bottom it could work, I think. But thats just a fantasy for now. Me and my cousin are hopefully gonna open a performance shop with in the next couple months and we are both gonna take out loans for the business and our cars. We figure that way if the shop doesnt go over well and we fail atleast we got fast cars.

Source: http://www.audiforums.com/m_626953/tm.htm

2008 Audi A4 S-Line

2007-09-02T10:00:00.001-04:00

The new 2008 Audi A4 S-Line is the sporty version of the Audi A4 and it comes with a 265 bhp V6 engine with maximum torque at 244 lb-ft at 3000 to 5000 rpm.
The maximum speed will be at 250 km/h.

Tag:2008 audi a4 s line, 2008 audi a4 s line pictures, audi, audi a4 s line, automotive, autos, cars, News update, saloon car
Popularity: 2% [?]Share and Enjoy:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.related articlesAudi A3 4WD Super-Hatch (September 19th, 2006)

Source: http://www.revmods.com/cars/audi/2008-audi-a4-s-line/

Audi A4 photos show bling LEDs

2007-09-01T14:01:00.001-04:00

Audi has released photos and some spec info on its new A4, which will officially debut at the 2008 Frankfurt auto show in September.
Most notable to tech enthusiasts may be the optional xenon headlights that include 14 LED lights. These are "daytime driving lights" aka LED bling for your car. Audi refers to them as "wings." I think they look more like eyelashes. You can see what they look liked turned on below.
As for the goodies for the driver into automation, the new A4 will include lane departure warning, blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control.
The A4 also has a an electro-mechanical parking/emergency brake button in lieu of a parking brake lever. With more room in that area, Audi offers an armrest with two 12-Volt power sockets beneath it as an extra. A new radio-operated key can store car settings, lock and unlock the car and start the ignition with a button push.

The car will come with 5 different engine options, including a turbo-charged diesel, in keeping with Audi's efforts to turn its Le Mans win into diesel cash. The A4's gas engine will also come in a turbo-charged version.

The transmissions available include a six-speed manual, an automatic and a multitronic continuously variable. You can also choose whether you want the A4 in front-wheel drive or Audi's "quattro" permanent all-wheel drive.

Source: http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9768309-1.html?part=rss&subj=Crave

Audi S3

2007-09-01T09:02:00.007-04:00

It's an effortless, comfortable long-distance car with an easy poise, excellent refinement and useful flexibility.

Having driven the Audi on its German launch (evo 097), I was expecting a not-dissimilar experience. The S3 isn't a car that causes many second glances but, as you'd expect, it's shot through with quality that's lacking in the Mazda. The fit and finish and sense of integrity are deeply satisfying, the seats are superb and the driving position is excellent.

A few miles in, it's clear that the S3 is a very polished car. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is just pipped for outright thrust by the MPS's, but it sounds better, revs more smoothly and boosts from lower revs. The four-wheel-drive system delivers absolute traction with no fight at the wheel, but in contrast to the Mazda and Alfa, the steering gives a good impression of how hard you're working the front end. And you can work it very hard indeed. The S3 scythes into turns without hesitation, resisting understeer astonishingly well, finding huge grip and remaining poised and adjustable throughout.

Yet you don't have to wring the S3 out to enjoy it. It's an effortless, comfortable long-distance car with an easy poise, excellent refinement and useful flexibility – you can make rapid progress without troubling the lower gears. Initially the steering's variable assistance is obvious, but after an hour or so you hardly notice. There's good brake feel, too – not always a given with VAG products – with precise top-of-the-pedal feel and decent progression. They don't feel any stronger than the Alfa's or Mazda's, but lean on them a bit harder and they really bite, whereas the Brera's pedal goes a bit numb and you're suddenly aware of its inertia. Against expectation, the S3 seems more complete on our more, er, characterful, roads than it did in Germany. I've got it well ahead on points.

Audi claims 5.7sec to 100kph (62mph). If the S3 clocks that time to 60mph it would make it the fastest production hot hatch we have ever tested, bettering the 5.8sec recorded by the Golf R32 and matching the 5.7sec claimed by the Delta Integrale. The S3 does better than that, launching off the line to hit 30mph in 1.8sec and 60mph in just 5.6sec. It takes 13.6sec to get to 100mph, and a glance at its in-gear flexibility shows that it's quick right across the range.

The S3's efficient like the Mazda out of the turns, only more so thanks to its all-wheel drive, and jinkable into the quicker turns like the BMW, only with less risk of spilling into wild oversteer. After three flying laps it seems that the job is done, the last two laps both being 1:30.4. Yes sirree, we have a new and emphatic fastest hot hatch around the West Circuit. Mind, the Mégane R26 deserves a shot. Stay tuned…

Source: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/209953/audi_s3.html

Alfa Brera V6 v Audi S3 v BMW 130i v Mazda 3 MPS

2007-09-01T09:02:00.005-04:00

The most telling moment of a group test is rarely reported. It often occurs when the sun is going down and the photographer is artfully composing his final shots (or faffing, as we road testers call it), and it is simply this: which car do you want to take home? As a measure of which is the most desirable car, it's the most honest indicator there is. The one certainty in this test is that whatever the choice, the car isn't going to lack power. All four contenders have around 260bhp, comfortably in excess of the average fast hatch, though the way it is created and deployed is unique to each.

Just landed is the three-door version of the BMW 130i M Sport with the excellent 261bhp Valvetronic straight-six powering the rear wheels. With its flanks broken by two big doors rather than four little ones, it looks cleaner and smaller somehow, while BMW's engineers have taken the opportunity to mildly tweak the suspension and steering. At Â£26,385 it's a mere Â£530 less than the five-door version.

Slightly more expensive, at Â£26,975, and exactly as powerful, the Audi S3 boasts the most potent version of VAG's FSI turbocharged 2-litre in-line four and shares its 261bhp between all four wheels. Yet even with its RS4-style 'goatee' grille and optional pearlescent blue paint, the S3 looks rather plain beside the BMW.

Not quite as plain as the Mazda 3 MPS though, even in revised 'Sports Aero Kit' spec, which brings a bigger tailgate spoiler, smaller door mirrors and, crucially, lowered and stiffened Eibach suspension. Its 2.3-litre turbocharged in-line four cooks up 256bhp and 280lb ft, making it the torquiest engine here, and all that urge is fed through the front wheels only. The MPS is the most potent front-drive hatch on sale and also the least expensive car here at a mere Â£19,495.

Park it next to the Alfa Romeo, though, and it is practically invisible. Like the original TT, the Brera made the leap from show car to production car largely intact, and from any angle it's bold and distinctive. This is the range-topping 3.2 JTS V6 Q4, with four-wheel drive and a 256bhp quad-cam 3.2-litre V6 in its nose, and in this spec doesn't come cheap – it costs Â£29,250.

Pre-match favourites are all very well, but the joy of group tests is that they throw up surprises and reveal strengths and weaknesses more readily and with greater definition than a solo drive can. And there were a few surprises along the way here, including a new fastest hot hatch lap at the Bedford Autodrome and a new best hot hatch 0-60 time at Millbrook.

Verdict
Well, if you're on a tight budget and all you want to do is go fast, or if you've got a bank job lined up, the Mazda is the car for you. The MPS offers an awful lot of performance for the money, but not a lot else. That it can actually get almost 260bhp to the road through just the front wheels effectively is extraordinary, but in the final analysis it feels like a hotted-up hire car.

In many respects, the Alfa is its opposite. Extrovert inside and out and powered by an engine that brims with character rather than raw power. The more I drove it, the more I liked it, but it really needs to make its mind up whether it's a sports car or a very capable luxury coupe. It feels closer to the latter, despite the clunky auto, and while it's far from perfect and costs too much, that's true of most indulgences, isn't it?

The Audi S3 and BMW 130i M Sport are way out in front. The Audi is more of a drivers' car than it appears, with keen steering and a poised and adjustable chassis, and after its turns at Millbrook and Bedford there's no questioning its pace and ability. The BMW has more spirit, a superb engine and a wonderful gearshift, and an intrinsically more demanding and engaging layout. It remains a flawed car though, the feel of its chassis occasionally vague, its ride confounded by particularly lumpen B-roads. It's a close call. The Audi is the logical, rational choice, the winner on points, but for all its faults, the BMW is the car most of us want to take home.

Source: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/209950/alfa_brera_v6_v_rivals.html

Audi RS6 may produce more than 600 HP

2007-09-01T09:02:00.001-04:00

At one time Japanese regulations prohibited engines in that country producing more than 274hp, and oddly enough a wide array of different engines were all rated at that same level. Given the actual performance of the cars, it was clear that many manufacturers were sandbagging. Audi appears set to do the same with its uber-powerful RS6. The twin-turbo V10 is expected to carry an official rating of 571 hp, but the actual output could be as high as 610hp. Does anyone actually need this much power in a sedan or wagon? Of course not, but sign us up anyway.

Source: http://www.lacame04.com/shhhh-audi-rs6-may-produce-more-than-600-hp_44682.html

Hamilton Island Race Week: Audi's Joerg Hofmann presents Viva La

2007-08-31T14:01:00.001-04:00

At the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week official prize giving last evening Joerg Hofmann, Audi's managing director, announced that Viva La Vita, owned and skippered by Tony Bates, had been declared the winner of the Audi A4 Avant. Bates was the lucky recipient after being declared winner of the Cruising Division 2 following the final race yesterday, and winning the Audi Drive Challenge held earlier in the week for all competing yachts at the Hamilton Island Airport. While each entry at Race Week had the opportunity to contest the Audi Drive Challenge, only the winners of each division were eligible to win the A4 Avant. On announcing the winner, Mr Hofmann said: "rather than focus on speed, competitors had to drive accurately and consistently during two time trials." Mr Hofmann continued: "I am very pleased to announce this particular winner. I was at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta in March and he told me he did not drive his car to the final day of that event because he was convinced he was going to win a car!" Bates and his crew from Middle Harbour Yacht Club were thrilled with the major prize. On accepting the keys to his new car, Bates said: "Three of my crew are already driving Audis, so you can see that Audi's sponsorship of sailing has already had an influence. "I'm delighted to win the A4 Avant. I'm thrilled. I'd like to thank everyone for a great Race Week; Audi, the Oatley family and all the competitors. It's been a fantastic regatta." Other awards were handed out last evening. The 10-year award, open to yachts that had contested a minimum 10 Race Week's went to Mike Davies (Sandstone), while Best Northern Queensland Boat went to Scaramouche (Graham Smith). The Prix d' elegance special commendation went to Holy Cow (John and Kim Clinton) and You're Hired (Geoff Morgan and Andrew Banks) won the Prix d' elegance Trophy. Audi Hamilton Island Race Week overall winner, Geoff Ross (Yendys), also won the Boat of the Week award. Speaking of both wins, Ross, from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney, said: "This is a great regatta and I have a great bunch of dedicated guys who work terribly hard to get the results we do – my crew. Last night's prizegiving ceremony, hosted by celebrity comedian, Vince Sorrenti, signalled the end of a 219 entry record breaking Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Island owner, Bob Oatley, told competitors: "What a week we've had. Congratulations to Joerg Hofmann and his Audi team; what a job they've done. Their contribution at Hamilton Island has been great; they've put new life into yachting. Audi and sailing are very compatible and it's been great to see so many Audis on the Island." Mr. Oatley went on to thank supporting sponsors, UBS and Club Marine. He also thanked Hamilton Island staff for the effort they had put in to making the week a success. Commodore of the Great Barrier Reef Yacht Club on Hamilton Island and Olympic campaigner for the Australian Sailing Team (of which Audi is a major sponsor) Iain Murray also attended the prizegiving. Murray has just returned from the Beijing Olympic test event in Qingdao where he and Andrew Palfrey finished 11th in the Star keelboat. "We're blessed to have places like Hamilton Island to sail at, and great supporters." "Their (Audi's) sponsorship really has shown – in this room, in the racing and down to the main street," said Murray, who concluded by telling assembled guests that Hamilton Island's new yacht club would be well underway by the time we all returned next August.

Source: http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=14411

2009 Audi A2

2007-08-31T05:02:00.002-04:00

Lower emission and higher fuel efficiency, well automaker could escape it due to tough regulations not only in US but throughout the world. Europeans measure it with CO2 emissions rather than fuel economy. This adds another worry for automakers. 1999 Audi A2 was also fuel efficient premium small car but was not as successful as the car was a bit expensive.

Audi is also feeling the pressure and is going ahead with smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. 2009 Audi A2 subcompact car will be inline with these tough regulations.
2009 Audi A2 will be using the VW subcompact underpinnings with gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters and diesels. Future Audi A2 will most probably feature Quattro AWD along with an optional turbocharger.

Audi A2 will be built at the Brussels Belgium plant that Audi recently took over.

Source: http://www.newcarpark.com/blog/?p=57

Executive cars of the year: Audi A6, Audi A8

2007-08-31T05:02:00.001-04:00

The Audi A8 has been voted as "Executive car of the year" again, for the third time in a row. Now the Audi A6 also claims that title.n the executive rankings of German business magazine Impulse, Audi is once again the most successful brand. The Audi A8 in the luxury class and the Audi A6 in the upper mid-size class received most votes from Germany's senior executives in their respective categories. The Audi A8 topped the survey for the third time in a row. With its outstanding comfort, superior quality and handling characteristics it convincingly beat off the competition. But just being good is not good enough for Audi. The luxury saloon has just been substantially updated and now offers further enhanced running smoothness and ride comfort, for example. Impulse readers also voted the Audi A6 their favourite in the "upper mid-size" class. Both the saloon and the Avant are very popular among senior executives. In the other two categories, Audi models were among the leaders, too. In the "sports car" section the Audi R8 took second place at its first attempt, despite being on the market for only a few months. Also in second place was the Audi Q7 in the "SUV" class.

Source: http://www.germancarblog.com/2007/08/audi-a6-audi-a8-executive-cars-of-year.html

Audi’s RS6 will get more than 571hp

2007-08-30T14:04:00.001-04:00

We recently reported that leaked vehicle chassis codes for the new Audi RS6 specced the output from its twin-turbo V10 engine at 571hp (426kW). Recent information from a source at Audi, however, has put this figure in doubt. The reliable source claims that the 571hp will only be the specified figure Audi will market the car with. True output will be upwards of 600hp, with 610hp (455kW) pegged as the most likely figure. It looks like Audi is taking no chances with the ultimate "wolf in sheep's clothing" model and even BMW's excellent V10 motor will struggle to compete with this kind of power output.

To give you an idea of just how high this figure is, the RS6 will churn out more horses than the Corvette Z06, BMW M6, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Aston Martin DBS, Porsche 911 GT2, and even Mercedes' epic bi-turbo V12 CL65 AMG.

While we're always happy to see manufacturers pushing the limit, surely there comes a time when outright power figures get out of control. The previous RS6 wasn't a slow car by any stretch of the imagination, but the new model will likely become the most practical supercar ever made. At least owners will have a full-time AWD system to help keep them out of trouble.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/audi/audis-rs6-will-get-more-than-571hp/

Audi looks to electronic driver trainers to save fuel

2007-08-30T13:03:00.003-04:00

At its recent TechDay 2007 seminar in Germany, Audi talked up a new system under development that'll analyze driver behavior and give fuel saving driving tips to help curb fuel consumption. Some of the initiatives include plans for a satnav system that records "consumption-relevant data" as well as the previously mentioned electronic driver trainer that will be "able to analyze the current driving style and give tips accordingly."
Audi wants to emphasize the point that individual driving styles can dramatically affect fuel-consumption levels, mentioning that it's possible to reduce consumption by up to 30% without having to compromise "speed and dynamism." Officials also revealed that they expect the conventional combustion engine to remain for years to come, despite advances in hybrid and alternative fuel powered vehicles.
Other technologies the carmaker talked about include new TFSI engines that can run on compressed natural gas as well as its new 'Modular Efficiency' program. This latter feature is similar to BMW's EfficientDynamics technology and works by restoring energy from braking to create electric energy to relieve the load on the alternator and thus save fuel.Related PostsAudi A3 cabriolet, coming soon to a cafe near youUpdated BMW 3-series next in line to get Brake Energy Regeneration techNew Audi A1 could save Brussels plantSpy Shots: V10 turbo Audi RS6New engines for Audi A5 Coupe

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/audi/audi-looks-to-electronic-driver-trainers-to-save-fuel/

Audi R10s lose a heartbreaker in Mosport

2007-08-30T13:03:00.001-04:00

First the good news for Audi Sports North America. The No. 7 R10 won the LMP1 class during last weekend's 9th Round of the American LeMans Series race at Mosport. With the win, Audi has clinched the LMP1 championship with three races left to run. Unfortunately, Audi has yet again failed to claim an outright win despite dominating the entire race ahead of those pesky LMP2 cars.

The Audi driven by Alan McNish had inherited the lead late in the race when Timo Bernhard pitted his LMPS Penske Motorsports Porsche RS Spyder. Things were going well, with the McNish building a comfortable 22-second lead. Unfortunately, the R10 then experienced some kind of gearbox malfunction with ten minutes to go that left McNish with only the higher gears. Every tight corner of the track gave Bernhard another opportunity to close the gap. Bernhard caught McNish with about five minutes left to go, and went on to build a 19.575-second lead.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/cars/audi-r10s-lose-a-heartbreaker-in-mosport/

Audi provides some details on the Q7 hybrid

2007-08-30T04:09:00.003-04:00

At the 2007 TechDay this week, Audi's Jörg Kerner provided some details on their upcoming Q7 Hybrid. The Q7 shares a platform with the VW Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. Both of those will offer hybrid versions but it's not clear if those vehicles will use the same system (although the VW almost certainly will). The hybrid SUV will combine VW's 280hp direct injected 3.6L gas V-6 with a 34kW/285Nm electric motor. The motor will be packaged between the engine and torque converter for a strong parallel hybrid setup.

Like the GM Two-Mode hybrids, the air conditioning compressor is now electrically driven to allow A/C to remain functional during electric drive. The power steering pump and vacuum pump for brake assist are also electrically driven. One item of interest is that the nickel metal hydride battery pack only weighs 151 lbs which seems very light. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the rest of the vehicle which comes in at almost 5,500 lbs empty.

The Q7 can operate in EV mode at low speeds for up to 1.2 miles and the engine can shut down when coasting at speeds up to 75mph. Overall fuel consumption should be reduced by twenty-three percent compared to a standard 3.6L Q7 going from 18.5mpg to 23.8mpg on the EU combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions drop from 304 g/km to 231 g/km. That still way above the proposed EU limit of 130 g/km but there's only so much you can do with a nearly three-ton SUV. The text of the presentation is after the jump.

Audi possesses a wealth of experience in the field of hybrid drives – the brand with the four rings began developing hybrid cars as early as 1989. Today, the development engineers' concentrated know-how can be seen in the Audi Q7 hybrid.

The concept of the Audi Q7 hybrid is a full hybrid vehicle in parallel configuration – a concept that Audi has been pursuing for many years. This principle, in which all major assemblies are linearly situated, has great benefits compared to a series configuration, such as the concepts used by the competition. There, the complex system of electric motor, separate alternator and planetary gears has drawbacks not only in terms of weight, but also in terms of energy loss. Functions such as "sailing" (coasting without power), which parallel hybrids are able to realise, are not possible with series hybrids. In certain situations the electric motor actually has to build up braking force to regulate the driving current.

Audi's hybrid drive uses a 3.6 litre FSI V6 with an output of 206 kW (280 bhp) and a peak torque of 375 Nm. An electric motor situated in the drive train adds up to 285 Nm of additional torque. It is a matter of honour for such a supremely powered Audi to be equipped with quattro four-wheel drive, which permanently ensures a maximum of driving dynamics and road safety. Power is transmitted via a six-speed tiptronic gearbox.

The driving performance of the Audi Q7 hybrid is equal to that of a sports car. From standstill, 100 km/h is reached in just 7.6 seconds. And the pulling power is even more impressive. In fifth gear, the large SUV powers its way from 60 to 120 km/h in just 11.9 seconds. In normal driving conditions, the Audi Q7 hybrid, weighing 2,480 kg unladen, consumes on average 9.8 litres of fuel for 100 kilometres. That is 23 percent less than the basic model. The efficiency of the Audi hybrid drive can hardly be demonstrated more convincingly.

Under the bonnet, the 3.6 litre six-cylinder engine is no different from a standard engine. It is equipped with the highly efficient FSI petrol direct injection system. This enables it to develop more output and dynamism than a conventional engine with manifold injection. The V6 is characterised by a beefy torque curve right up to the rated speed, agile response and economical fuel consumption.

A number of modifications in the periphery were necessary for the 3.6 FSI to be used on the Audi Q7 hybrid. The A/C compressor, the oil pumps for the power steering and automatic gearbox and the vacuum pump for the brake booster are all electrically driven. This makes their operation independent of the combustion engine. The new electrohydraulic power steering has the advantage that it needs almost 90 percent less fuel than a conventional system. The vehicle electrical system receives its 3 kW of power from the drive battery via a voltage transformer.

The electric motor, which generates 285 Nm and 34 kW, has a diameter of 330 millimetres and a length of 55 mm. It is located between the V6 and the torque converter of the automatic gearbox. This configuration ensures maximum economy when it comes to space, allowing the complete space in the passenger cell to be used without restriction.

The challenge of transition

A separating clutch links the three-phase synchronous motor with the engine. This makes it possible to drive the car with either of the power plants or with both together. Concentrated know-how can be found in its control system. Within very short periods of time, this has to switch two powerful power plants on, off and together without these operations being noticed. This was resolved by briefly increasing the torque of the electric motor and opening the torque converter lockup clutch.

Like the standard basic vehicle, the Audi Q7 hybrid also has space for three rows of seats and a large luggage compartment. The battery system that supplies energy to the electric motor has a power capacity of 38 kW and is located in the spare wheel recess at the rear of the vehicle.

The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery measures 347 x 633 x 291 millimetres and is made up of 240 cells. Each of these works with 1.2 volts, giving a total voltage of 288 volts. Fully charged, the battery is able to store 1.7 kWh of energy. A fan ventilates it with cooled air from the vehicle interior to make sure that it remains in the optimal temperature range.

Compared to earlier generations of hybrid vehicles, the electric motor and the battery are extremely lightweight. The battery weighs 69 kg and the hybrid module with the electric motor 40 kg.

Complex control electronics coordinate the two power plants. These primarily react to the current speed and the commands given by the driver, which the system receives via the accelerator and brake pedals or the tiptronic selector lever. Other important parameters are the charge state of the battery and information received from the wheel sensors, which supply the electronic stabilisation system (ESP) with information about brake operations and the current driving situation.

The electronics autonomously decide about the mutual interaction between the drive components, and implement the driver's commands in a perfect balance of sportiness and efficiency. A menu in the display of the Audi MMI (multi media interface) shows the current operating status.

Separate or combined forces

Fundamentally, three driving modes are possible. The FSI and the electric motor can each work on their own as the drive unit, or the vehicle can combine the power of the two for acceleration. In this mode, the petrol engine is responsible for basic operation, whereby it also needs to supply energy to the battery.

The electric motor on the other hand can be used for speeds up to 50 km/h – i.e. in city traffic – alone and almost inaudible. This can considerably reduce exhaust and noise emissions in built up areas.

The capacity of the battery allows the vehicle to be driven up to two kilometres on purely electrical power – coasting and braking feed additional energy into the system. When the capacity limit of the battery has been reached, the combustion engine is activated to recharge the battery.

The output of 206 kW / 280 bhp and the torque of 375 Nm that the 3.6-litre FSI engine develops are enough to accelerate the standard Audi Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. If the driver wants to accelerate even faster, the electronics also activate the electric motor to make use of the decisive advantage that the electric motor has: Its torque, unlike the combustion engine, is available as soon as it pulls away.

More fun accelerating

In practice, this torque boost provides a new dimension to acceleration, especially in the lower speed range. Over the first four metres, the Audi Q7 hybrid leaves its opposite number with the V6 petrol engine a full metre behind. In the sprint from nought to 100 km/h, the "boost" from the electric motor gives it a lead of 1.7 seconds.

And when it comes to pulling power, important when overtaking, the additional drive gives impressive assistance. The "boost" is of course automatic and cuts in as soon as the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a certain, slight resistance. The necessary current comes from the battery in the rear.

But the electric motor can do more than just provide extra power. It is also able to feed kinetic energy back into the system and so recharge the battery when the vehicle is braked or coasting. During this operation, known as recuperation, the motor reverses its function in a flash to become an alternator.

Most energy is recuperated when the Audi Q7 hybrid is decelerated from low speed (under 60 km/h) with a rate of deceleration of about 3 m/s2 – a situation that is frequently encountered in city traffic.

The driver notices this no more than he notices another function that also helps to make the new drive system so efficient. If the Audi Q7 hybrid is coasting without the accelerator pedal being depressed, the combustion engine is switched off – this "sailing" is possible at speeds up to 120 km/h.

The six-cylinder engine is also switched off if the vehicle remains stationary for more than three seconds. To continue the journey, all the driver has to do is to remove his foot from the brake and to depress the accelerator pedal again. The engine resumes service immediately. The powerful electric motor will then play the part of the starter motor. This makes it possible to start particularly fast and yet quietly and comfortably.

The intelligent energy management system uses these strategies to achieve a high degree of efficiency in the drive system, making sure that the battery is not overloaded. The hybrid vehicle is able to demonstrate its potential for saving most effectively in city traffic. With an average mileage of 20,000 km per year, the Audi Q7 hybrid recuperates about 720 kWh of energy a year – approximately a sixth of what a four-person household uses.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/29/audi-provides-some-details-on-the-q7-hybrid/

Audi A4 gets the new S-line sport package

2007-08-30T04:09:00.001-04:00

In its design, the new A4 reveals its sporty, progressive character: taut and dynamic in its outlines, it speaks the language of technical perfection. With an overall length of 4.70 metres, the saloon has a substantial, powerful road stance and offers its occupants ample space in an interior full of light.

Source: http://digg.com/motorsport/Audi_A4_gets_the_new_S_line_sport_package

2008 Audi A8 unveiled!

2007-08-29T13:03:00.001-04:00

Audi has officially unveiled the new 2008 Audi A8 series with upgrades across the entire range. The 2008 Audi A8 will carry over the same engine specs although Audi has introduced a new fuel-efficient 2.8 FSI variant.

The 2.8 FSI V6 engine produces 210 horsepower with a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. While having a fuel-consumption of 34mpg, the 2.8 FSI V6 engine allows that Audi A8 to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 147 mph.

Exterior changes on the 2008 Audi A8 include include new exterior mirrors, new wheel designs and new-look LED taillights. In Germany the Audi A8 2.8 FSI costs 61,900 euros ($84,363).

The Audi A8 not only offers the sportiest performance of any luxury-class saloon, it also stands out as a model of efficiency. A particularly outstanding example is the new A8 2.8 FSI: superlative performance and excellent comfort make it a joy to drive. But at the same time, with a standard fuel consumption of 8.3 l/100 km, its CO2 emissions of 199 g/km are the lowest in its class.

The new A8 model series features major advancements across the range, which includes the top models Audi A8 W12 and Audi S8, and offers a new driving feel whilst building on traditional strengths. An even more precise driving feel, even better ride and acoustic comfort, and subtle refinements to the exterior and interior serve to strengthen the special status of Audi's flagship model.

Unique character – consistently enhanced
To achieve this, many aspects have been refined in the unique blend of sportiness, elegance, supreme control and sophistication that forms the Audi A8 character. For instance, the more direct steering and re-engineered running gear have produced even more exact handling. Overall travelling comfort has also been enhanced by the modified adaptive air suspension and extensive improvements to noise insulation. These make the Audi A8 one of the world's quietest and most comfortable saloon cars.

The new assistance systems Audi lane assist and Audi side assist promise to make life easier for the driver and considerably enhance safety, especially on long journeys. Their tasks are to alert the driver if the car begins to drift out of its lane and to warn of vehicles in the adjacent lane.

Luxurious, sporty motoring with low fuel consumption
The 2.8 FSI impressively demonstrates how well the Audi A8 combines luxurious, sporty motoring with high efficiency and low fuel consumption. Its efficiency nevertheless comes with exciting performance, as the new high-tech V6 engine produces 154 kW / 210 bhp and delivers its maximum torque of 280 newton metres over the broad rev band of 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. With acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 238 km/h, the Audi A8 2.8 FSI is an effortlessly powerful performer.

High-tech engine with lightweight design concept
Thanks to its state-of-the-art engine and an exceptionally low vehicle weight of only 1,690 kilograms, the A8 2.8 FSI has a standard fuel consumption of just 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometre – the lowest value of any luxury-class car. Here the dual benefits of low vehicle weight – thanks to lightweight aluminium design based on Audi Space Frame technology – and low wind resistance make themselves felt, in both excellent performance and equally good fuel economy.

The new six-cylinder engine demonstrates "Vorsprung durch Technik" with FSI petrol direct injection and the innovative Audi valvelift system. This new technology adjusts the valve lift, varying it between two levels. The Audi valvelift system uses sliding cam units mounted on the intake camshaft, which are moved by an electronic control mechanism. Depending on the engine power demand, the valves are opened wide or less wide as determined by the position of the cam units.

The advantage: the required quantity of fresh charge can be very efficiently controlled via the valve opening. Most of the time, the throttle valve remains fully open, thus substantially reducing throttle loss. In combination with a series of additional measures to reduce friction on numerous components, the Audi valvelift system reduces fuel consumption by ten percent.

High power transmission comfort with athletic qualities
The new A8 2.8 FSI is equipped with front wheel drive and the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The multitronic not only offers unmatched power transmission comfort with fully jolt-free acceleration, its tall overall gear ratios make for very fuel-efficient motoring. Nevertheless, the seven fixed ratios available in manual mode reveal its thoroughly athletic qualities.

In Germany the Audi A8 2.8 FSI with its extensive standard equipment costs from 61,900 euros incl. VAT.

Consistently enhanced
The A8 impressively embodies the progressiveness of the Audi brand: its extremely rigid lightweight body based on the Audi Space Frame principle, the powerful FSI and TDI engines, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the highly acclaimed MMI operating system are a few of the elements that demonstrate Audi's impressive "Vorsprung durch Technik" in the luxury class.

The character of the Audi A8 is formed by a synthesis of dynamic and agile performance and exceptionally refined ride and acoustic comfort. While setting new standards with its agility and steering precision, the A8 displays handling with definite sports car qualities. Even long journeys are both relaxing and pleasurable.

To underscore the unique character of this luxury saloon, Audi has further enhanced the two major strengths of the A8. The rack-and-pinion steering with variable steering ratio and servotronic speed-dependent power assistance has been optimised and engineered for a more direct feel. The dampers, supports and tuning of the adaptive air suspension have been revised. As a result, the A8 shows an even more spontaneous response to steering input, tightly follows winding country roads and effortlessly maintains a smooth straight line at high speeds.

Air suspension with even more sensitive comfort
Gains in performance and handling are matched by those in ride comfort: the standard-specification adaptive air suspension is now even more sensitive in responding to fine bumps. The electronically controlled variable dampers are now fitted with new seals to reduce friction. These are combined with new valves that have optimised characteristic curves, and the entire hydraulics have also been retuned. The A8 absorbs expansion joint grooves with supple ease and without even the hint of a vibration. With the addition of an insulation package to reduce rolling noise and road noise, the luxury saloon from Audi offers outstanding comfort.

Exemplary soundproofing
Even the complete acoustics of the A8 have been optimised with the use of innovative materials – after all, Audi approaches noise insulation as a component of its intelligent lightweight construction. The result: without gaining weight, the Audi A8 achieves the lowest rolling, road and ambient noise levels in its class. Being one of the quietest cars in the world is an important element of the relaxing long-distance comfort that is a hallmark of the Audi A8.

Assistance systems bring comfort and safety
Drivers of the Audi A8 can rely on the support of the most up-to-date assistance systems. They serve to enhance comfort and combat driver fatigue on long journeys, thus making an important contribution to safety. The new Audi side assist in the A8 makes use of intelligent radar technology.

The system is especially designed for lane-changing manoeuvres and warns the driver of dangerous situations: whenever there is another vehicle in the critical zone, a yellow LED display in the exterior mirror housing lights up and remains on.

If the driver of the A8 activates the indicator to change lane even though the warning display is lit up, the LEDs become brighter and flash more quickly at shorter intervals. This signal is almost impossible to miss as the peripheral vision of the human eye is extremely sensitive to changes in contrast.

Audi lane assist warns the driver to prevent an unintentional departure from the lane. A small camera positioned above the interior mirror on the windscreen observes the road ahead of the car and a high-speed computer detects the lane marking lines. If the driver moves towards one of these lines without indicating, Audi lane assist makes the driver aware of this by a vibration in the steering wheel.

Still a step ahead in the luxury class
The clear and progressive design idiom of the Audi A8 stands out for its timeless quality. The exterior design has thus only been accentuated at carefully chosen points – from the modified single-frame grille and new exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals to the new wheel designs and LED tail lights with their innovative night design. To complete the range, the A8 is available in new paint finishes and with sophisticated aluminium trim inserts plus new interior colour schemes and inlays.

The Audi A8 thus resolutely continues its progress on the road to success. With sales of over 100,000 vehicles so far, the current model has already exceeded the total sales volume of its predecessor. And it is continuing to make gains year by year in a market segment that has remained flat overall. How come? Because the A8 steadily attracts customers from other brands with its clear character, while at the same time product loyalty and repurchase rates among A8 drivers are above average.

Source: http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/08/28/2008-audi-a8-new-28-fsi-allows-34mpg/

2008 Audi A4 Revealed

2007-08-29T12:04:00.003-04:00

Audi today let loose images of the new 2008 Audi A4. First impressions? It really doesn't look all that different to the current A4, but it is.

Audi had set out to create the new A4 with excellent driving dynamics and sporty proportions in mind, in order to that the German manufacturer has had to do some serious changes.
Longer by roughly 113 mm (4.7 meters overall length), the new A4 has had some surgery to shorten the front body overhang while the bonnet and wheelbase are both longer than before. The differential has swapped places with the clutch (torque converter in the auto) to allow the front axle to move forward by 154 mm. Audi says this will ensure ideal axle-load distribution.

Audi has also tinkered with the suspension, the new A4 is blessed with a completely new suspension design, one which is mostly made from weight-saving aluminium.
One of the noteworthy technologies in the new A4 is the Audi drive select, a system which can vary the engine, auto transmission, steering and suspension damping characteristics to suit the driver's need, on the fly.

Enough about the cars design and technology, what about the power? Audi will give buyers a choice of five different engines, from 105 kW to 195 kW (not including the new RS4 obviously).
The four-cylinder petrol engines will all be turbocharged, like the diesels, and mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox, tiptronic automatic transmission or multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The A4 will be driven via either front-wheel drive or Audi's famous quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The new A4 will be on display at the Frankfurt Motorshow next month and also make its way to the Australian Iinternational motorshow (Sydney) in October.
"The all new A4 will be a great addition to our range. It offers a superb combination of stylish design, sophisticated technology, precise balance and handling and of course it will offer an excellent alternative for luxury car buyers when it arrives here next year," Audi Australia managing director Mr Hofmann said.
The 2008 A4 is expected to land in Audi dealerships around April next year. Pricing and Australian specifications are still not finalised.

Source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/5044/2008-audi-a4-revealed/

Audi developing electronic driving coach to boost fuel economy

2007-08-29T12:04:00.001-04:00

Few factors affect fuel economy more than individual driving style, and anyone who's gotten behind the wheel of a modern vehicle equipped with an onboard computer has inevitably played the consumption game. Audi is taking the concept of an insta-mile-per-gallon gauge to the next level by developing a system that analyzes driver behavior and then tips off drivers on ways to reduce consumption.

The system was presented at the TechDay 2007 seminar in Germany, where Audi sought to draw focus on drivers, fuel usage and emissions reduction. The automaker contends that just by changing the habits of the driver, fuel economy numbers could be boosted by as much as 30-percent, without having to sacrifice "speed and dynamism."
The system also incorporates the vehicle's sat-nav to make route suggestions based on traffic and road conditions, something that should be available in next generation "digital road maps."

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/audi-developing-electronic-driving-coach-to-boost-fuel-economy/

Audi S3: Test driven

2007-08-29T02:03:00.000-04:00

The S3 is arguably one of the most refined hot hatches available in South Africa. The S3 is a perfect balance of sportiness, performance and quality while still embodying typical Audi genes such as style and subtleness. It is also great car as an everyday tool as it is easy to live with, however, if you have the need for speed you get all the driving pleasures that go with that too. Also, you can't help to admire it for its raw performance. The S3 is a car where you really want to spend all your time behind the wheel. It gives your heart rate a go, your palms get sweaty and your pupils widen before take-off.

Source: http://www.germancarblog.com/2007/08/audi-s3-test-driven.html

New Audi A4 to Be Made in China

2007-08-28T22:02:00.001-04:00

Learned recently, the FAW Group will introduce a new generation of Audi A4 in next year, which will become another global synchronization models of FAW Audi.

Source: http://digg.com/tech_news/New_Audi_A4_to_Be_Made_in_China

Audi A3 Cabrio with Camouflage Removed by Computer

2007-08-28T13:02:00.001-04:00

Back in September 2005 Audi boss Martin Winterkorn confirmed that the Audi A3 Cabriolet was coming, but was also quick to mention that it wouldn't be available until 2008. Now that 2008 is almost upon us, our shooters were able to catch a few spy photos of the A3 Convertible testing near Ingolstadt. If we can believe the rumours, the A3 Cabrio will be built in Audi's Brussels, Belgium, factory which Audi has just recently taken control over from Volkswagen. The factory is capable of producing some 30,000 A3's annually and is also scheduled to build the new A1 expected at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year. The look of the A3 Cabrio is not very surprising, with the front looking like the current A3 generation but the rear end seems to have been styled after the new A5. We're expecting to see the car in the flesh at the Geneva Show next March.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070827.007/audi-a3-cabrio-with-camouflage-removed-by-computer

Audi Introduces Apple iPhone Integration in their Cars

2007-08-27T21:02:00.001-04:00

German automaker, Audi has announced full Apple iPhone integration available on selected models. You will be able to browse your music and access phone features as an optional feature in the Audi A5, A6, A8, and Q7 models. The package integrates the iPhone with Audi's MMI interface.

If you recall, VW, owned by the same company as Audi was one of the first automakers to offer iPod integration in their cars as an optional feature. But accessing your music is one thing. Offering a hands-free option to answer your calls seems like a great feature to have. The picture, provided by HTLounge makes the interface look pretty cool too.

Source: http://www.iphonematters.com/article/audi_introduces_apple_iphone_integration_in_their_cars_421/#When:10:00:01Z

Audi A3 Cabrio: Spy photos

2007-08-27T12:03:00.000-04:00

The design of Audi's new convertible is quite surprising: the front of the car remains the same while the rear reveals the design of the new Audi A5. Looks like the automaker from Ingolstadt borrowed the new stop lights from the A5 coupe to make the new convertible more attractive.
We can see that the new version will be a 4-seater cabrio with the back headrests acting as roll-bars. The Audi A3 Cabrio will have a soft top, a little disadvantage comparing it to the hard top from the successful Peugeot 207 CC.

Audi A3 Cabrio will be powered by a 1.4 FSI engine delivering 125 bhp, a 1.8 TFSI delivering 160 bhp, a 2.0 TFSI with 200 bhp but also a 2.0 TDI engine with 140 bhp. Also the 3.2 liter V6 engine will be available on the little cabrio.

Source: http://4wheelsblog.com/released/spy-photos-audi-a3-cabrio-update

Audi is going to issue convertible A5

2007-08-26T21:00:00.001-04:00

Audi A5Audi plans to begin a year from the industrial assembly cabriolet A5 - this car will join the recently appears coupe already uspevshemu win many fans. Production of the graceful open-top buses will be established at the plant in Nekarsulme, Germany. As expected, the new cabriolet to replace the open version of the A4.Unlike its main competitor, the BMW 3-series convertible from Audi receive lighter stuffed roof, which will allow developers to save on production and make the final price more attractive to a buyer. Ruler engines remain the same, the hood can be found friends A5 coupe gas and diesel engines, power from 168 to 262 litres. With. Sports modification S5 and RS5 traditionally schegolyat be specially created for such vehicles highly V8 engine. As transmissions will be offered "six-engineer" or alternating CVT.In the next few years, Audi is preparing to put on the market several models of open-top. Next to exit A5 cabriolet, the public will be open version sportkara R8 called Spider, and by the end of 2009 will see the light dvuhdverny roof A7gmc new york

Source: http://audi-x.blogspot.com/2007/08/audi-is-going-to-issue-convertible-a5.html

Audi frugalises A3

2007-08-26T06:20:00.001-04:00

A new version of the Audi A3 hatchback emitting 119g/km of CO2 will be exempt from the proposed congestion charge.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/news/audi-frugalises-a3-2/

Audi's cell phone downloads

2007-08-16T02:00:00.000-04:00

Audi has published a selection of free downloads for your cell phone, including wallpaper and some very dynamic ringtones. If you're looking to pimp your cell phone and you dig Audis, then you're really in luck. If you just want to add some flair to your cell phone, well, the ringtones are pretty good. You can download ringtones named Energy Sweep, Melt Groove, or Moving Fast. They're all fast electronica clips that would make for pretty unique cell phone ringtones.

The next Audi A4

2007-08-16T01:44:00.000-04:00

2009 Audi A4 will only be about one inch longer than the current A4, although the longer wheelbase will make it appear to be a relatively bigger car. Front and rear overhang each decrease by nearly three inches. Thanks to its available next generation quattro all-wheel drive (rear-biased with a 40/60 split) and MLP architechture the new Audi A4 will handle better than any of the previous generation A4s before it.

The new Audi A4 will utilize Audi's up-and-coming MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) technology which will form the basis of not only the Audi A4 and A5, but the also soon-to-be-revealed Q5 crossover SUV, next-generation A6, the as-yet-to-be-announced A7 and even the next A8. MLP allows Audi to place the engine and transmission further back behind the axle and helps stretch the wheelbase without lengthing the car's exterior dimensions. Less front overhang means the 2009 Audi A4 will be less front-heavy than its predecessor, a problem which has dogged most Audis for some time.

The new Audi A4 will also get something that its A5 brethren unfortunately did not - LED tail lamps. We have been told that the development cycle on the A5 was such that tail lamp designs had to be locked-in before the more cost effective LED models to be used on the Audi A4 could be finalized. The Audi A4 will also include headlight-integrated LED daytime running lights as an option, while the S4 will get them as a standard feature.

Inside the new Audi A4 it will be more of the same from Audi; world class interior treatments will grace the Audi A4 and each of its variants. The cabin will be very similar to the A5's with a more raked (and slightly driver's side skewed) center console, an all new climate control and audio center stack and more distinctive gauges. The driver will be able to adjust the armrest both up-and-down and by sliding front to back.

Powerplants for North America will be standard Audi fare with a 2.0-liter TFSI, a 3.2-liter V6 and the 4.2-liter FSI V8 in the S4 version. Expect to see a new 1.8-liter TFSI offering for Europe as well as both 4 and 6-cylinder TDI variants. Available transmissions will include a 6-speed manual, multitronic and Audi's newest S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Looking at the current generation Audi A4, Audi produces the Audi A4 sedan, Audi A4 Avant, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Audi S4 sedan, Audi S4 Avant, Audi S4 Cabriolet and Audi RS4. Things will definitely change, but the final details are unknown at this time.

We can safely speculate that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Cabriolets go away in favor of a A5 and S5 Cabriolets, respectively. We have also read at least one article saying that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Avants will be replaced by the upcoming Audi Q5, although we hear that this is simply not the case. The Q5 will be marketed as an SUV, which is clearly different than the Audi A4 / S4 Avant. Last, a four-door Audi A4 Sportback has been mentioned and this remains a weak possibility as a 2010 or beyond model.

The 2009 Audi A4 will be available in Europe by spring 2008 with general availability in North America later that fall. No pricing has been confirmed, but consumers should not expect to see much in the way of price increases. One things is certain: buyers will be getting more car for the money with the next generation Audi A4.