Archive for the ‘Audi’ Category
September 2nd, 2010 | 
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Inside Line got behind the wheel of the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 and took it for a little test run out on the track. So, is the R8 Spyder worthy of its Audi name? Check out the video to find out!
The 5.2 Liter FSI V10 in the R8 Spider delivers a maximum output of 525 HP at 8,000 RPM and has a rather high compression ratio of 12.5:1 in order to get the most out of the high revving naturally aspirated power plant. With a weight of only 3,792 pounds, the R8 Spider is able to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in under 4.1 seconds; go from 0 to 125 MPH in a little over 12.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 194.49 MPH, all while consuming 15.79 MPG in the manual transmission version, or 16.92 MPG in the R-tronic variant.
Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 on the track originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 23:00 EST.
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After only two years after the unveiling of the facelift version, Audi is bringing the next generation A6. Of course, if we take a closer look at the automotive industry, this decision should come as no surprise. Expect the new Audi A6 to make its world debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Sales in the USA will begin in late 2011.
The new A6 sedan will adopt a design that has yet to be seen on the A6 model. The design choice is that of the new A7 Sportback. Not only will the A6 be receiving the A7’s design, but it will also be built on a conventional steel chassis that uses numerous aluminum parts to keep the overall weight down. The standard suspension will use traditional steel coil springs, while an optional air suspension will also be available.
Under the hood, Audi will place a fully revamped powertrain lineup that could consist of all forced-induction engines. There will be a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder as the base engine, while the top version will get a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8.
The list of standard options will include a touchpad-entry navigation system, live Google, lane-keeping assist, active cruise control with follow-to-stop, and autonomous emergency braking.
More details on the 2012 Audi A6 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 August 2010 15:00 EST.
After many stories about whether or not the Audi A1 will be coming to the US, we finally get some news on the S version of the smallest model in the lineup: the S1. The new Audi S1 is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and will come to compete with models like the Mini Cooper S and the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA.
The S version will be distinguished by chrome door mirrors, a gloss black diffuser, S1 badges, and, of course, a new set of 18-inch twin five-spoke alloy wheels.
However, the most distinguished thing about the upcoming S1 is the fact that it will be the first Audi S model to be offered in front-wheel drive only. That’s right, no quattro 4WD for the Audi. Instead, this hatchback will be sending the power to just the front two wheels.
Under the hood there will be a tuned version of the 1.4-liter supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine already available in the A1. The result is an output of 200 HP, a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, and a top speed of 140 mph.
Audi S1 coming in front-wheel drive only originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 26 August 2010 21:00 EST.
By now, American fans of the Audi A1 have given up all hope in seeing the premium hatchback in the US after Audi global sales head Peter Schwarzenbauer – try spelling that name – ruled out the A1’s chances of making it to America.
Now, it turns out that there may be a glimmer of hope, albeit a pretty small one. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Schwarzenbauer mentioned that the A1 will eventually be shipped out of Europe into the Chinese market soon with the US market being considered so long as small – and expensive – cars have a chance in the country. Translated, Americans will have to prove to these guys that they’re willing to spend the bucks for a premium hatchback, something that, as history suggests, Americans aren’t prone to doing.
But still, there’s hope, fellas. However long that will take will be entirely up to how the “pricey” compact car segment does in the US. We don’t even know if that’s going to happen in the next few years, but at least the door – no matter how small the crack is – has now been opened.
Audi opens door to possible A1 entry in the US in the future originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 26 August 2010 12:00 EST.
It’s taken a while for Americans to smarten up, but it seems they are taking to the versatility of the hatchback more and more. The new Ford Fiesta, the Honda Fit, and the Nissan Versa are just a few examples of hot selling hatches in the United States. Yet, even we aren’t sure if the Audi A3 is worth the expense, when you can just get a GTI.
To try and solve this sales issue, Audi might be bringing the A3 sedan to the U.S. That would give the German automaker an entry-level sedan below the A4. We don’t have any details on the A3 sedan yet, but there should be some coming soon.
If these rumors are true, an A3 sedan would compete with the BMW 1-Series and possibly the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. That is, if it comes stateside. We should expect to see the A3 sedan around 2013 if not later.
Audi To Bring A3 Sedan To U.S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 18:00 EST.
In their latest episode, the guys from Fifth Gear got behind the wheel of a smaller car; the new Audi A1. Now, being since these guys love their sports cars, how do you think the Audi stood up against its rivals? Well, Audi claims that the small and sporty A1, out to attack the reign of the Mini Cooper, is “the sportiest, most luxurious car in its class.” With that type of claim, anyone would be hard-pressed to find someone who would not want to test it. Take a look and see what Johnny Smith has to say about Audi’s city car.
The compact Audi A1 is being offered with a choice of four four cylinder engines, made up of two TDI units and two more small displacement TFSI gasoline burning power plants that produce 86 HP and 122 HP respectively. Every engine option is mated to a fuel saving seven speed S tronic gearbox and offers fuel economy between 43 MPG and 62 MPG depending on the engine. This setup allows the Audi to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH ranging from 9 to 12 seconds with a top speed going from 111 MPH to 124 MPH depending on your fuel of choice.
Video: Fifth Gear reviews the Audi A1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 11:00 EST.
Every once in awhile, a random Facebook message or Twitter allows us to see a new tuning package before the tuning firm officially releases details on it. This time, a “tweet” from the tuning firm itself has announced a couple of new packages for Audi. SR Auto Group of British Columbia has announced the debut of the “Military” themed Audi R8 and Q7. Both models are painted in a “Militar Grey” exterior paint derived from the camouflage element used by war units. Also, both models feature PPI products throughout as well as some notable performance upgrades.
The R8 model gets the usual front bumper, front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, and front grill, all in carbon fiber. The tuner has also added carbon front intake grill inserts and a carbon side blade overlay. The Q7 gets a carbon fiber wide body aero package and an HID xenon dual fog lamp system. No major modifications have been made to the interior.
The R8 sits on 20″ wheels painted in Satin Black Finish and the Q7 sits on 22″ wheels painted in matte black. Both models come with a new exhaust system and the R8 also receives a ECM Upgrade. There are no details yet of how the performances have been changed.
Specifications after the jump.
Military themed Audi R8 and Q7 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 August 2010 10:00 EST.
Every once in awhile, a random Facebook message or Twitter allows us to see a new tuning package before the tuning firm officially releases details on it. This time, a “tweet” from the tuning firm itself has announced a couple of new packages for Audi. SR Auto Group of British Columbia has announced the debut of the “Military” themed Audi R8 and Q7. Both models are painted in a “Militar Grey” exterior paint derived from the camouflage element used by war units. Also, both models feature PPI products throughout as well as some notable performance upgrades.
The R8 model gets the usual front bumper, front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, and front grill, all in carbon fiber. The tuner has also added carbon front intake grill inserts and a carbon side blade overlay. The Q7 gets a carbon fiber wide body aero package and an HID xenon dual fog lamp system. No major modifications have been made to the interior.
The R8 sits on 20″ wheels painted in Satin Black Finish and the Q7 sits on 22″ wheels painted in matte black. Both models come with a new exhaust system and the R8 also receives a ECM Upgrade. There are no details yet of how the performances have been changed.
Specifications after the jump.
Military themed Audi R8 and Q7 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 August 2010 10:00 EST.
Everyone expects the new Q1comact crossover SUV from Audi considering it’s been talked about for a couple of years now. What we didn’t expect was that the future model would, in fact, be the allroad version of the current A1 hatchback. The new A1 will drop the suffix “allroad” and simply adopt the Q1 name. The future Audi Q1 will be available with a 5-door body and in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The debut is expected to be made in the first quarter of 2013.
The Audi Q1 will be defined by a sober, similar look to the one of the Q3, Q5, and Q7. It will be available with engines from a 160 hp 1.4 TSI to a 2.0 TDI 140 bhp. Diesel will also play a strong role in the Q1’s future with a 1.2 Liter TDI cranking out 80 HP and a 1.6 Liter motor with outputs ranging from 100 to 120 HP. Prices will be higher than 22,000 euros for the two-wheel drive and 27,000 euros for the AWD version.
Next Audi A1 allroad will in fact be the Q1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 August 2010 17:00 EST.
The guys over at VW Vortex were apparently at the right place at the right time when they were in Germany a couple of weeks ago. They came upon a bunch of new Audi catalogs and while flipping through the pages, they came across a little sporty discovery.
Audi Exclusive is offering a new interior option for the TT sports car, both coupe and roadster versions. The new interior is inspired by the RS5’s interior and includes a combination of black and accenting Karmesin Red fine Nappa leather. With the TT, Audi has decided to filter even more of the Karmesin Red throughout the interior by including it in on the center console, 6’oclock spoke on the steering wheel, and even on the inside of the doors; elements to which were left in black on the Audi RS5.
The new option can be ordered anywhere in Europe, but there are no details yet on its availability in the North American market.
Audi TT gets RS-5 inspired interior originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 August 2010 09:00 EST.
Just like most of you, we were bummed to hear that Audi decided not to bring the TT RS here to the US. Now it turns out that our pleas haven’t fallen on deaf ears as Audi is seriously reconsidering their decision and might end up bringing the flagship version of the TT series across the Atlantic eventually.
The whole thing, of course, still hinges on whether Audi receives a resounding vote of confidence from its US-based customers. All we need to do is head over to a special website Audi has put up and sign a petition to express your personal interest in bringing the Audi TT RS in these shores. Really, it’s not that hard to do. Just go to the site, sign the petition, and make your voice heard. We don’t know how many online signatures it’s going to take to convince those boys in Ingolstadt, but if they took all the trouble to make a new website solely for this purpose, then it most likely won’t take a whole lot to convince them to finally bring the Audi TT RS together with the Audi RS5 Coupe in America.
Audi puts up petition website to bring the TT RS to the US originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 9 August 2010 09:00 EST.
We have never seen anything like this before. If you want a coupe, you buy a coupe and if you want sedan, well, you buy a sedan. It was always that simple and nothing was ever on the market that would give drivers a choice between the two.
The Germans changed all that with the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It was a revolutionary design that allowed for four-doors, but also integrated a coupe style with a sloping rear. It was a bold step and it paid off better than we expected.
Soon, a wave of new sedan-coupes began to hit the market. Well, when we say a wave, we mean more like a small ripple. The market was rather slow on the uptake, but Volkswagen soon joined the party with the CC. While the CLS was an expensive piece of luxury for a very few, the CC was more mass market. Still, like the outcast lunch table in high school, others were reluctant to join.
Years later we have a few new models that have been welcomed to the sedan-coupe table. Audi has just [unveiled the A7 and BMW is working on the Gran Coupe. Porsche has created the Panamera, which is shockingly ugly, and Aston Martin has the Rapide. Even Hyundai is getting in on the mix.
So, now we must ask, will this trend catch on further, or are we looking at a select few examples of a new fade that will soon fade away?
Hit the jump to keep reading.
A New Generation Of Sedans – The Four-Door Coupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 28 July 2010 13:00 EST.
Finally, we are not getting left out of the great European car market. Audi has just confirmed that they will be bringing the RS5 Coupe to the United States in 2012. It’s a few years off, but we are really thrilled about this new model. Under the hood will be the 450 horsepower V8.
Audi will also launch the R8 Spyder, which will be around $161,000. That price is for the six-speed manual models. The fancy six-speed R-tronic manu-matic is $9,000. Yes, $9,000 for a neat transmission that isn’t all that good.
We like the RS5 more in this case because taking the top off of a supercar usually doesn’t work well. The Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet isn’t as good as the hardtop, the Ferrari 430 Spyder isn’t as good as the hardtop and we are betting that the R8 Spyder won’t be as good as the normal R8.
Hit the jump to see the press release.
Confirmed: We Are Getting The Audi RS5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 27 July 2010 11:00 EST.
With the buzz surrounding the new Ford Explorer, the release of the Audi A7 has gone a bit under the radar. The new A7 will follow the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Aston Martin Rapide in terms of style and practicality. We first saw the A7 in Detroit back in 2009 and the model has officially been launched today in Munich.
For the exterior appearance it is clear that this new A7 was designed alongside the new A8. The A7 will get Audi’s signature LED running lights and a slopped rear deck that is similar to the new A8.
The most interesting design elements on the new A7 are on the sides. From the side, the A7 looks to be part shooting brake concept and part coupe. It’s easy to tell that this sedan follows the same four-door coupe design as its rivals.
Under the hood, the A7 will debut with four engine offerings, two petrol and two diesels. We will likely get the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that is found in the S4. No diesel motors have been confirmed for the United States market.
Audi will offer buyers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, though it’s likely that we will only be getting the latter. There will also be two transmission choices, a CVT and a seven-speed S-tronic transmission.
The interior of the A7 will get the usual Audi touches. There will be an all-new MMI system that will use a touch pad for various activities. There will also be wireless Internet. The interior is actually quite similar to the A8, which isn’t a bad thing.
Hit the jump to read the full press release.
Audi A7 Revealed In Germany originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 26 July 2010 17:00 EST.
You’ve finally got that big time job and you want something that isn’t too cheap, but you don’t want to spend $80,000 quite yet. There is much to choose from in the middle luxury segment and each car has it’s own unique characteristics that make it better, or worse than the competition.
Just like the entry-level luxury segment, the Germans have always had the middle levels to themselves. The Japanese and the American automakers have never been able to catch up. Yet, 2010 is a new year and things might be changing in the automotive marketplace.
Let’s take a look back at our previous winners before we begin with this list. We rated the Mini Cooper as the best small car and the Hyundai Sonata as the best midsize sedan. Finally, we rated the Audi A4 as the best entry-level luxury car on the market.
Hit the jump to see who we chose as the top mid-level luxury car.
TopSpeed’s 10 Best Mid-Level Luxury Cars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 26 July 2010 16:00 EST.
The 2011 Audi A7 is scheduled to be unveiled tomorrow, but as is the case with the Internet these days, you can always count on something being leaked in advance of the big day.
And so, here we are, a few days before the new A7 Sportback’s official debut and leaked photos of the car are already proliferating the Web. Can’t say we’re surprised. While we weren’t all that surprised with how the new A7 looks like given that it took a few styling cues from the A7 Sportback concept that we all saw at the 2009 North American Auto Show, there are still elements of the car that have been tweaked to give it an original look.
Among the notable features of the car – and something that’s becoming a staple among Audis these days – includes a new and aggressive bumper, unmistakable Audi LED headlights, and a single block grille. Meanwhile, the interior of the 2011 A7 Sportback comes with a pop-up navigation system, wooden trims – including those on the dashboard – posh leather upholstery, redesigned doorpads, and a slightly tweaked center console that gives the A7 an infused look of luxury and comfort.
In any event, the new A7 Sportback will make its official debut tomorrow so people won’t have to wait long to see Audi’s new luxury baby in the flesh.
Photos of Audi A7 Leaked In Advance Of Public Unveiling originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 25 July 2010 23:00 EST.
Recently the new Audi R8 E-tron competed in the Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010. The electric R8 was driven along the 104 route through the Austrian state of Vorarlberg by Michael Dick, member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development, and factory driver Lukas Luhr. The result? A double victory in the inaugural “Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010″ and 13th in the “Silvretta Classic Montafon”. The car was tested in ten different mountain, valley, and timed special stages. IN order to see what the vehicle was capable of doing, you have to watch the video.
The Audi R8 E-tron is powered by four motors – two each on the front and rear axles, that delivers a total of 313 HP and 4,500 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 124.27 mph.
Video: Audi R8 E-tron at Silvretta originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 15:00 EST.
The 2011 Audi A7 has been a long time coming. And now, the new Sportback is inching closer to its highly anticipated world debut.
According to the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer, the Audi A7 is going to be revealed at a special event on July 26, 2010 at the Pinakothek der Moderne München, a modern art museum located at the heart of Munich, Germany.
The Ingolstadt-based automobile manufacturer did not release any more details on the car, but the wait will only be for few more days so it shouldn’t be all that excruciating. Despite the limited details, it’s been widely expected that the new A7 will bear striking similarities to a previous concept – the 2009 Sportback Concept – that Audi released in the past.
Following its unveiling in Germany next week, the new A7 Sportback is scheduled to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in Paris, France in a few month’s time in September.
2011 Audi A7 Sportback to be unveiled next week originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 10:00 EST.
Maybe it’s just us, but our fascination for sports athletes and the cars that they drive is a real sickness, bordering even on downright fanaticism. While we profess to be fans of these athletes and whatever sport they excel in, it’s hard not to get caught up in the fancy rides that they buy from the piles of money they receive when playing their respective sports.
This particular scoop photo was taken by a forum member from CorrieraDellaSera.it – noggin knock to you, Mr. SabraSport – featuring Inter FC striker Mario Balottelli and his jaw-dropping matte black Audi R8 V10.
Okay, given that this 20-year old soccer stud plays for Serie A in Italy, we’re going to excuse you for not being familiar with the dude. But even if you don’t know him, the car he drives certainly needs no introduction. And add that to the fact that it’s dressed in a matte black finish and has unique black/yellow rims with matching brake calipers and you have a car that’s going to make heads turn no matter who’s sitting behind the wheel.
Inter FC soccer star Mario Balottelli has one awesome matte black Audi R8 V10 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 19 July 2010 10:00 EST.
What’s better than a small, fast, and fun to drive car? Maybe riding in the space shuttle, but that’s about it. When one thinks of fast performance cars that are small and fun around the bends, one thinks of Germany, and when you think of Germany, you think of BMW and Audi.
BMW’s M-Division is one of the best, if not the best performance tuning company in the world. They have created so many masterpieces, such as the M3, M5, and M6. Each one of those cars are a thrill to take for a drive and they have the ability to make the most dull daily commute exciting.
Now, the M-Division is at it again with the 1-Series. We have never been huge fans of the 1-Series, as it has never looked that great to us and it’s very cramped inside. Not to mention the car is pretty pricey. Yet, slap an M badge on it and it doesn’t matter how ugly it is, it’s going to be a great little vehicle.
The same can be said with the Audi A3. It’s better looking than the 1-Series, but it’s still not a car that we would recommend. That being said, the RS3 is something that we would go out and buy tomorrow.
Nether one of these has been released to the public yet, but that won’t stop us from doing a small comparison test now will it.
Hit the jump to read one.
Preview Comparison: Audi RS3 vs. BMW M1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 17 July 2010 12:00 EST.
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