NADAguides.com picke Audi A8L as 2009's Top Luxury Car

NADAguides.com, a leading online site for vehicle pricing and information, picked the Audi A8 L as the No.1 choice in its ranking of the Top 5 Luxury Cars for 2009. The editors of the Web site said the Audi A8 L topped its list "due to its ultra-luxurious cabin, complete with leather and wood inlays, and plenty of extra legroom for rear passengers thanks to its extended wheelbase." They praised the A8 with the 450-hp 6.0-liter W12 engine and Audi quattro for being extremely responsive on the road. "This car is a must-have for car buyers who want passion, prestige and power in one perfectly appointed package," the editors summarized. "What's particularly gratifying about this honor is the compliment NADAguides.com paid to the exceptional driving capabilities of the A8 L, in addition to its world-class luxury appointments," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "The A8 embodies Audi's drive to combine progressive features with exhilarating performance behind the wheel." Editors at NADAguides.com also paid tribute to the A8 L's14-speaker Bose surround sound system with Audiopilot noise compensation. That system includes a microphone that measures background noise and adjusts the radio volume accordingly, "resulting in a more balanced sound," the editors wrote. The 2009 Audi A8 L bested the Jaguar XF Supercharged, Mercedes-Benz S550, Hyundai Genesis and the Bentley Arnage.

 

Audi Adjusts its U.S., European Motorsports Activities for 2009

- The focus will be Europe's DTM series, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and customer sport programs - No activities in the 2009 American Le Mans Series INGOLSTADT, Germany, Dec 5, 2008 - Audi announced it will concentrate its motorsports efforts for 2009 on the new R15 TDI sport prototype for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, the re-worked race touring car A4 for the DTM circuit and the newly developed R8 LMS for customer use in the GT3 class. Audi also said it will not be represented by its factory team, Audi Sport North America, in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2009. Audi entered the American Le Mans Series in the year 2000 and has been instrumental in building up this championship series ever since. The championship has become one of the most fascinating motorsport series with a growing fan base. The ALMS is recognized internationally and is regarded as the world's best sports car championship. "The decision to withdraw was a very difficult one for these reasons. Furthermore, with the Champion racing team we had a partner that operates at the highest level. The extraordinary dedication and precision of Team Champion was the key to Audi's victories over the last few years in America. " said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the head of Audi Motorsport, in relating the difficult decision by Audi AG to call off ALMS participation next year. "We achieved an unprecedented winning series together. Since the 2000 season Audi has won the LMP1 title nine-times in succession in this high-caliber sports car championship. Our brand dominated the circuit last season by taking seven wins in eleven races." Dr. Ullrich also noted how technology developed for Audi's racing efforts in ALMS and elsewhere is turning into benefits for U.S. consumers. "TDI Technology in racing supported the market launch of Audi TDI Technology in the U.S. perfectly"; he said. While Audi AG plans to concentrate its factory involvement at European venues throughout the 2009 season in these economically tough times, American fans of Audi motorsports will be treated to a premiere: The all-new Audi R15 TDI sports prototype will make its debut March 21, 2009 during the 12-hour race at Sebring, Fla. This international racing classic, which will be contested by Audi Sport Team Joest, is traditionally regarded as excellent preparation and a final test-race for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. At the same time, the race at Sebring with its special demands made of man and machine guarantees excellent motorsports competition.

 

2008 SEMA: Volkswagen Performance Tiguan

For the 2008 SEMA Show,Volkswagen has brought performance, styling and audio upgrades to their popular new Tiguan, the GTI of compact SUV's. The upgrades start on the outside of the Tiguan Performance with a complete body styling and fender flare kit, spoiler, side steps and a custom two-tone paint job. Not to be shown up by the new interior the performance level has been raised in this already hot compact …

 

2010 Audi R8 V10 Unveiled Before its Official Unveiling in Detroit

If it wasn't already sad enough that most of us can't afford the current Audi R8, Audi has unveiled an even better version of the R8, the R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro. The R8 V10 shares its engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo. The V10 puts out 525 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque, which is a little less than the numbers that the Gallardo puts out. The R8 V10 reaches 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds. The V10 engine is mated to either a six -speed manual or the sequential R tronic transmission. The 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro wil launch in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.

 

Audi Unveils the V10 R8 with 525 HP

Audi R8 V10 One of the few complaints people had about the Audi R8 was that it didn't have enough power. I'm not being sarcastic as usual; this was an actual complaint. The 420 horsepower of the regular R8 apparently didn't keep up with a few of the R8's rivals, namely the Porsche 911 Turbo (although the R8 is infinitely more pleasant to drive.) The Audi R8 V10 (or Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro if you want to be proper) replaces the 420 horsepower V8 for a 5.2-liter V10 boasting 525 horsepower. This happens to be the same engine used in the Audi R8 LMS GT3, and the R8's sister car, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Due to excellent engineering, the V10 weighs only about 68 lbs heavier than the outgoing V8, giving the R8 V10 an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. This thing will be fast. Keep reading for more info and pictures… Zero to 62 mph comes in only 3.9 seconds. Keep the throttle pressed, and you'll hit 124 mph in another 8.1 seconds - keep going until you reach the 196 mph top speed. All of this power goes through a standard 6-speed manual transmission or R-tronic paddle-shift gearbox. A few subtle aesthetic changes round out the R8 V10 - a few exterior pieces have been painted black, all-LED headlights are added (very cool,) and the sideblade and side sills are more prominent, giving a more aggressive look. A few changes have also taken place in the interior - carbon fiber or piano-black accents have been added, as have red rings which surround the gearshift knob and instruments. A few other changes as well as more owner-customization options are available as well. All-in-all, the Audi R8 V10 will have no problem trumping the competition this time around. Available in Germany in spring of 2009, the R8 V10 will cost around $180,000. Expect it to be in America shortly afterwards.

 

Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

- The new 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine puts out 525 hp - Sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 316 km/h - High-performance sports car with striking design   INGOLSTADT, Germany, Dec 8, 2008 - Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start - and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition. The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks - in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules. The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp). The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement - and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) - that's only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine - all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm. The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg). For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel - with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip - both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission. A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive - it's the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It's not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability. 44 to 56 percent - the ideal axle load distribution The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent. The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear - a classic racing technology - are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear. The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves. In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system - eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in). The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won't corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription "Audi ceramic". Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade. The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the "World Car of the Year Awards 2008". In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more. The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish. A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world's first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life. Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty. When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road - thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes. Audi sets the example - in body weight and rigidity The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design - the relation of weight to torsional rigidity - is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws. The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto - a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements. The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish. The list of options includes other highly attractive features - such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.

 

525 Horsepower 2010 Audi R8 V10 Unveiled in Red

Audi unveiled the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro yesterday ahead of its official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Now the first photos of the R8 V10 in red have been released. The Audi R8 V10 is powered by a Lamborghini-sourced 5.2L V10 engine that puts out 525 horsepower and propels the car from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. The V10 engine is mated to either a a 6-speed manual or R-Tronic semi-automatic.

 

Success of Audi’s 2.0 TFSI I-4 EngineSuccess of Audi’s 2.0 TFSI I-4 Engine

When leading trade publisher Ward's Automotive Group recently set out to recognize the world's 10 best automotive engines for 2009, one turbocharged four cylinder stood out. The Audi 2.0 TFSI I-4 won a place on the list for the fourth consecutive year. The recognition validated a core strategy at Audi: That highly efficient engines can handily deliver the personality that discriminating premium luxury car buyers expect when they get behind the steering wheel. Central to this philosophy is an engineering orientation rooted in maximizing engine performance - whether that means fuel consumption or power and sportiness. Over the past year, the U.S. luxury car market has started to break toward Audi's position on engine technology. As long as fuel prices remain volatile, luxury buyers are putting efficiency at the top of their shopping priority lists. "There is an outmoded assumption that bigger is automatically better when it comes to engines powering the world's premier luxury models," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "In fact, we're watching the market begin to dispel that myth and put top-shelf value on efficiency. Audi's showing them they can gain that and not surrender the enjoyable aspects of motoring." While the blend of efficiency and sportiness applies across Audi's engine lineup, the Ward's 10 Best Engines editors took note of the 2.0 TFSI I-4's significant improvements since winning a place in the rankings for 2008. The newest Audi 2.0 TFSI engine produces substantial improvements over its predecessor by turning out 5.5 percent more horsepower (211 hp vs 200 hp) and a whopping 24.6 percent more torque (258 lb.-ft. vs. 207 lb.-ft.). To put the new 2.0 TFSI I-4 engine's performance into perspective, consider that the engine used in the high-performance 2003-model-year S4 also achieved 258 lb.-ft. of torque. But it did so with a V-6, bi-turbo configuration. The new 2.0 TFSI I-4 first hit the U.S. market in the all-new A4 sedan and Avant models that went on sale this past fall. In the new A4, the updated 2.0 TFSI I-4 achieved 11 percent fuel-efficiency gains, making the A4 the most economical car in its class at the filling station. Ward's selected its 10 best Engines from a list of 32 finalists. The nominees underwent two months of testing by Ward's editors. Ward's also requires the engines on the list to be available in regular-production, U.S.-specification models available for purchase no later than the first quarter of 2009 at prices no higher than $54,000.

 

Audi to Advertise During Super Bowl XLIII Broadcast

- 60-second spot to air in the first quarter of the game - Last year's ad drove record traffic to Audi's website - Audi's market share has increased over two percentage points in just 12 months HERNDON, Va., Dec 10, 2008 - After tremendous consumer and critical reaction to its "The Godfather"-inspired ad in Super Bowl XLII, Audi of America today announced it has purchased a 60-second slot to advertise in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLIII. Last year's Super Bowl ad was the first in nearly 20 years for the company. The spot's unique creative elements scored big points with viewers. According to Collective Intellect and Nielsen Buzz Metrics, Audi was the number two Super Bowl advertiser in total buzz after the game. In the months following the game, traffic to www.audiusa.com increased almost 200% and the Audi R8 became the top search term on Google immediately following the ad's airing. "Last year's Super Bowl ad put old luxury on notice that Audi was setting the new standard in the American luxury market," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "With this spot, we plan to build on the success we've enjoyed in 2008 to make 2009 a year of progress and market momentum for the Audi brand." Audi experienced a record year for sales in 2007. In 2008, despite the worst sales climate in nearly 25 years, Audi has increased market share against other imported luxury brands to 8.6%, up from 6.2% just 12 months ago. Audi's advertising agency, San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners, created the ad.

 

2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed to feature Bugatti, Audi centenary celebrations

The annual Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS) is world-renowned for its awesome exhibitions of fast cars, both vintage and modern, in addition to its huge manufacturer support and celebrations. This year Audi, Bugatti and Morgan will be holding the centenary celebrations at the event, and while Mini will be celebrating 50 years in the business. The theme of this year's event is "True Grit - Epic Feats of Endurance" and honors racing heroes best known for overcoming physical adversity, such as Jackie Stewart's 1968 win at the German Grand Prix with a broken wrist. Run from July 3-5, 2009, the Festival of Speed will feature the famous hillclimb event, a forest rally stage, a 'Style et Luxe' concourse d'elegance show sponsored by Cartier and one of the largest displays of exceptional, expensive and storied automobiles in the world.

 

Audi Q5 voted best off-roader

"TOPautos 2009" honored by mid automotive news service Audi Q5 impresses all with its off-road capability The "TOPautos 2009" have been selected by more than 150 renowned independent motor journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The new Audi Q5 ranks as top off-roader among the best new vehicle releases of the model year 2009. Jörg Felske, Head of Sales Germany at AUDI AG, accepted the award in Ingolstadt. "The Audi Q5 is a performance SUV that combines the dynamics of a sports sedan with a highly versatile interior – ideal for family and leisure," was his description of the winner in the off-road segment. With a choice of three powerful and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile suspension, the Audi Q5 offers a superior technology package for on- and off-road. This was the fourth year that the Motor-Informations-Dienst (mid) has awarded this prize. As in previous years, more than 150 motor journalists from daily newspapers, journals and internet portals took part in the vote. This makes "TOPauto" the car and innovation award with the largest expert jury in Germany. There were a total of 80 newcomers to choose from in the categories "Business", "City", "Concept Car", "Family", "Fun", "Luxury", "Innovation" and "Off-road". The mid has put together an exclusive card game including the four best-placed vehicles in each of the eight categories, where each card features a photo and the technical data of one of these vehicles.

 

Audi Bails on ALMS for ‘09

Hot on the heals of Honda pulling out from F1 competition, Audi, who has been kicking ass and taking names in American Le Mans competition since, well, it seems like forever, says it won't be contesting the series in 2009. Audi WILL run at Sebring with their new R 15 TDi in '09, but other than that, nada. This does NOT mean that Audi is quiting racing, in means there will be no factory backed effort in North America in 2009. Audi will continue racing at Le Mans, as well as competing in the DTM (which is great fun to watch), and this doesn't preclude them from offering assistance to a well sorted privateer outfit, like Audi did with Championship Racing back in 05 or 06 or whenever that was. As a matter of fact, that's the hot tip at the moment. Of course, we will get the chance to see the factory runt he R 15 at Sebring in a couple of month. The Sebring 12 hours being a perfect shakedown for the main event on the endurance calender, The 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sebring, although half the length, can be a brutal race. the track surface is ranges from passable to terrible, the concrete sections are choppy at best, and even if it were billiard table smooth, the weather can be Biblical. It's rained so hard during some runnings of The 12 Hours that pit equipment has floated away. So, Audi is out of North America (officially) for 09, with no official plans to return … but we'll see what the future holds (I'm betting once the R15 is fully sorted, they'll be back). Source: Jalopnik

 

Audi Expands the A4 Lineup with New FrontTrak and and Six-Speed Manual Models

Audi has announced the expansion of the A4 lineup with a new front-wheel-drive (FrontTrak) model and the addition of a six-speed manual transmission on the A4 quattro sedan. The A4 2.0T FrontTrak features Audi's 2.0 TFSI engine that is paired to a multitronic continuously variable transmission. The setup helps the A4 get 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The A4 2.0T quattro equipped with the six-speed manual transmission gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2009 Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak sedan with multitronic CVT transmission starts at $31,000. The MSRP on the 2009 Audi A4 2.0T quattro manual is $31,850.

 

Audi Sets Prices on the New and Upgraded A6 / S6 Lineup for MY 2009

Audi of America today released pricing for the updated 2009 model-year Audi A6 sedan, A6 Avant and S6 sedan, which are scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships by the beginning of January. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the Audi A6 3.2 sedan Premium will start at $45,100.  The Audi A6 3.0T quattro sedan Premium will start [...]

 

Bang & Olufsen unveils first ever sound system for open-top driving

For the very first time ever, the highly praised Bang & Olufsen Sound System has been tuned specifically for the open-top roadsters. Even with the top down, the specially tuned Sound System promises to deliver clean, crisp, natural and precise playback. Pictured above is the new A5/S5 Cabriolet that comes with a wide range of high-end options, including the acclaimed Bang & Olufsen Sound System. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System is composed of 12 custom-made loudspeakers, 10 amplifier channels and a total output power of more than 500 watts. Sound designers at B&O have fashioned an exceptional soundstage that complements the acoustic signature of the Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet perfectly. The True Image Digital Signal Processing turns 2-channel stereo signals into perfect 5.1-channel surround sound. Sound can be optimized according to the number of people in the car and their position. The system uses a microphone integrated in the ceiling of the cockpit, and automatically adapts the volume and equalizing to changing noise conditions. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System has been designed to perfectly match the interiors of Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet. No word on pricing, but then, it's a Bang & Olufsen creation. Via: Bang & Olufsen

 

Audi Crowned Year's Most Improved Brand

- "Automobilwoche" honors Audi with this coveted title - 91 awards worldwide in 2008 - Audi impresses with young models and exciting design   INGOLSTADT, Germany, Dec 18, 2008 - The trade magazine "Automobilwoche" has honored Audi as the year's most improved brand; at the same time, the DEKRA testing company has rated the Audi A6 as the "Most Reliable of All Classes": just two highlights in a long list of honors for the Audi brand in 2008. This year the brand with the four rings not only delivered an impressive domestic performance with 35 awards but proved its excellence in the international arena as well with 56 prizes. The Audi R8, the A5 and the A4 are the Audi models that won the most awards. Immediately after its debut, the Audi A4 was chosen as "Europe's Auto1" by "Autobild" readers from 26 countries. At the New York International Auto Show, the Audi R8 for the first time received two "World Car of the Year Awards" – for Performance and Design. An early highlight in the year among the 35 domestic awards was the quadruple win (A3, A4, A6, R8) among the readership of the trade magazine "auto motor und sport". In addition to the familiar stars of the brand, a newcomer to the Audi family attracted attention particularly toward year's end – the Audi Q5. Even before its market launch on November 14 it captured two design awards and the coveted "Golden Steering Wheel" in the SUV category. These were followed by three additional prizes, including the "Euro Car Body Award" by an international panel of experts. Audi owes the success of its vehicles both to its recent range of models and to their especially appealing design. In "Automobilwoche", the manufacturer with the slogan "Vorsprung durch Technik" is credited by automobile analyst Jürgen Pieper not only with improved quality and technology but even with design leadership in this industry. Audi Design Chief Stefan Sielaff agrees: "Presently we not only have the newest range of models, but also the most beautiful." This has a very favorable effect on the brand image: In the comprehensive image report by the trade magazine "Auto Zeitung", Audi won the overall top honors in 2008 for the fifth time in a row.

 

GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen

The Essen Motor Show is now underway, and one of the bigger manufacturer unveilings was Audi's official presentation of the Audi R8 LMS, the new GT3-spec racing car aimed at privateer teams. It's seen as one of Audi's so-called "three pillars" of motorsport. The automaker will not field a factory effort in the car, but it's expected that next year, several teams will be running the Audi R8 LMS in various European series, as well as in the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race. The €260,000 (plus VAT) asking price gets you the track-ready Audi R8 LMS, which makes 500 horsepower from its mid-mounted V10. That power goes to the rear wheels (in GT3, AWD is a no-no) via a six-speed sequential gearbox. As you can see, the LMS certainly looks the part , with a subtly meaner nose, a big carbon-fiber front splitter, new mirrors, a giant rear wing, and a pretty wicked rear diffuser join the ten-cylinder engine among the changes made from road car to racer. Customer deliveries begin in Fall '09. Ingolstadt – In future, the AUDI AG motorsport programme will be based on three pillars: During the 2009 season, the brand with the four rings will compete once again in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the DTM. Additionally, with the new Audi R8 LMS, Audi Sport offers for the first time a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use. "We know just how important motorsport is for the success of the brand," emphasises Michael Dick, who as Chairman of the Board for Technical Development is responsible for the AUDI AG motorsport programme. "Therefore it goes without saying that Audi must also be present on the race track in economically hard times. It is all the more important for us to enter a motorsport category in which the cost-benefit calculation is positive." Audi therefore continues to support sport prototypes and the DTM. With the Audi R8 LMS, Audi also offers customer teams a racing car incorporating high-quality technology and the typical Audi traits but which is, however, also easy to operate. New diesel sports car for Le Mans Audi aims to demonstrate "Vorsprung durch Technik" specifically in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi is just one victory behind Ferrari in the French endurance classic's all time winners' list following its eighth victory last June. Only Porsche has more wins at Le Mans. Audi targets the ninth victory in probably the world's toughest car race, in which the development of alternative and fuel-saving power concepts are the focus of attention, in June 2009 with a newly developed LMP1 sports car. The Audi R15 TDI differs significantly from its predecessor, the R10 TDI, at first glance and features many technically innovative details with which Audi aims to maintain its supremacy in Le Mans. The new Le Mans prototype is equipped with a smaller, lighter and even more efficient TDI engine. During the chassis and aerodynamic development Audi Sport engineers followed similar routes to those exhibited on the current Audi A4 DTM. "It was clear to us that we must develop a new car if we wanted to continue to be successful in Le Mans," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "The Audi R15 TDI is the result. The step from R10 to R15 is significantly larger than it was from the R8 to the R10." Only the basic concept was carried over from the predecessor model: The R15 TDI is also powered by a TDI engine and is an open-topped roadster. Audi does not wish to release any further details at this time. The first private tests with the new Le Mans sports car are scheduled for later this year. The R15 TDI will only be presented to the public immediately before its race debut in the 12-hour race in Sebring (USA) on 21 March 2009. Audi Sport Team Joest will field three new R15 TDI prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Development of the 2008 championship winning DTM car Audi competes in the DTM as defending champions with a development of the 2008 championship winning car and with an ambitious target: Audi aims to be the first automobile manufacturer in the history of the "new" DTM to win the title three times in succession. The DTM version of the new A4, which set the standards during the 2008 season with eight pole positions and six victories, is optimised in every area and carries the project name "R14 plus" internally. Four new A4 cars and up to five 2008 cars will be fielded by the proven teams Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. Audi also relies on known quantities for its driver squad: Every driver will be recruited from the driver line-up seen in action during the 2008 season in the DTM and R10 TDI. GT3 race version of the Audi R8 With the GT3 race version of the R8, Audi has specifically developed a racing sports car for customer use for the first time. The Audi R8 LMS is powered by a 500 hp plus V10 engine and is available from autumn 2009 for a proposed price of 262,000 Euro plus VAT. The new Audi R8 LMS will be seen in action on the race track during the 2009 season: Up to eight customer cars will compete in different European race series and in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, for which Audi Sport develops an endurance version of the R8 LMS. The factory itself does not plan to enter any races with the new GT3 car. The experienced drivers Christian Abt, Frank Biela and Frank Stippler are involved in the Audi R8 LMS development. Audi adds another pillar to its existing motorsport programme with the customer programme, which should be self-financing in the medium term. The new customer sport centre in Ingolstadt is conceived as a profit centre. Motorsport represents huge value for Audi "2008 was the largest and most successful motorsport programme in AUDI AG history," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We want to continue this in 2009. In view of the international economic and financial crisis, it is clear that motorsport must also make a contribution to reduce costs further. It is all the more pleasing that we have found a way to continue our two large projects, the new Le Mans sports car and the DTM, and added another string to our bow with the GT3 customer sport programme. This demonstrates just how valuable motorsport is for Audi." [Source: Audi]

 

2010 Audi A5 / S5 Cabriolet

Exposed—literally! Audi reveals the convertible versions of its sensational A5 and S5 coupes. Any time a new coupe is introduced—especially a duo that's as hot as the Audi A5 and its sportier S5 sibling—one of the first questions asked is "will it be offered as a convertible?" We always knew that Audi's saucy four-seaters would eventually lose their roofs and replace the popular A4 and S4 cabriolets, but only now do we know when they'll hit the road, and what they will look like. Okay, so there are absolutely no surprises when it comes to the cab's styling: it looks exactly how an A5 sans roof should look. Audi has abided its decision to use fabric roofs for all of its convertibles, and as a result the coupe's beautiful body lines remain pretty much unfettered. However, the change to cloth alters one of the coupe's most distinctive features, one that contributed to the A5/S5 making it onto our Top 10 Most Beautiful Cars of 2009 list: its sultry roofline. That said, we're confident that the cabrios will display their true beauty come the first sunny, 75-degree day. Keep Reading: 2010 Audi A5 / S5 Cabriolet

 

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro unveiled ahead of Detroit

For those who still have sufficient cash-flow to purchase high end sports cars, the latest and greatest remains a must. In keeping with that reality, Audi is cranking up the juice on its flagship Audi R8 sports car with the introduction of the R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro, which got an early reveal on the web today. The Audi R8 shares some less visible bits with its corporate cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo, but until now the Lambo's V10 engine has remained exclusive to the Italian side of the family. The R8 V10 will be the street going version of the Audi R8 LMS that debuted a couple of weeks ago at the Essen Motor Show in Germany. It's 5.2L V10 is rated at 525 horsepower and 390.91 lb-ft of torque in European spec form. Those numbers fall a bit shy of the latest Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 even with the same displacement, which ensures that the Lamborghini can still command a price premium over the German machine. The U.S. version of the R8 V10 should remain pretty close to these numbers. That will be enough to push the 0-62 sprint under four seconds to 3.9 seconds. Unfortunately, the R8 is still saddled with the same craptastic 6-speed R-tronic as the only alternative to its proper manual gearbox. The R8 V10 now also inches closer to the magical 200 mph mark with a terminal velocity of 196 mph. The V10 version gets a new set of all-LED headlights for both high and low beams and the scoops on the side blades now bulge out to suck in the extra air needed to feed and cool the larger engine. A new rear diffuser also helps keep the rear end planted where a set of twin oval tailpipes replace the quad exhausts on the standard model. The R8 V10 will be available in Germany starting next spring with a base price of EUR 142,400 (approx $180,000) and will make its official debut in January at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. [Source: Audi] PRESS RELEASE The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: breathtaking performance   The new 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine puts out 525 hp Sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 316 km/h High-performance sports car with striking design   Ingolstadt – Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition. The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks – in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules. The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp). The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement – and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) – that's only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine – all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm. The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg). For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel – with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip – both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission. A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive – it's the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It's not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability. 44 to 56 percent – the ideal axle load distribution The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent. The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear – a classic racing technology – are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear. The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves. In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system – eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in). The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won't corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription "Audi ceramic". Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade. The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the "World Car of the Year Awards 2008". In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more. The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish. A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world's first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life. Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty. When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road – thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes. Audi sets the example – in body weight and rigidity The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design – the relation of weight to torsional rigidity – is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws. The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto – a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements. The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish. The list of options includes other highly attractive features – such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.

 

Audi To Intro New A4 Models

Audi is introducing two new A4 variants, or at least new drivetrains in the current A4. One will ditch the quattro for a front drive only, and another gets a new manual six speed gear box. I remember the last time Audi had a front drive version available, a friend of mine, who is both a big Audi and a VW fan asked me, "So is this a cheaper Audi, or a more expensive Volkswagen?" Good question. I assume Audi knows that they're doing, and it does make a certain amount of sense, especially in these troubled and uncertain economic times. If you can broaden out your product selection without increasing your costs all that much, then you have more stuff to sell, and potentially, more customers. I keep hearing that Subaru is going to make front wheel drive versions of their cars for the same reason. But will this work? Will it bring more money into Audi's coffers without diluting the brand? Time will tell. Full press release after the jump. - The Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak sedan pairs the multitronic transmission with the award-winning Audi 2.0 TFSI engine - The Audi A4 quattro sedan is now available with a six-speed manual transmission - MSRP for the base front-drive model is $31,000 and $31,850 for the base manual quattro model. HERNDON, Va., Dec 19, 2008 - Audi announced an expansion of its 2009 A4 lineup with two new models, one featuring front-wheel drive and one featuring a six-speed manual transmission. The newest 2009 Audi A4 models offer exceptional value and the best fuel economy ratings in their individual segments. The 2009 Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak combines the advantages of the Audi 2.0 TFSI engine, which recently earned a spot on the 2009 Ward's 10 Best Engines list, and the efficient multitronic continuously variable transmission, or CVT. The A4 sedan now available with a six-speed manual transmission, offers a sporty driving experience for those who prefer to shift for themselves. The manual transmission is also paired with Audi's efficient 2.0 TFSI engine along with Audi's latest generation of quattro all-wheel drive featuring a rear torque bias for sporty handling. The result of the new front-wheel drive A4 powertrain combination is the best fuel efficiency in its class with an EPA rating of 23 mpg in city driving conditions and 30 mpg in highway driving. Those fuel economy figures represent a 4 percent fuel-efficiency gain over the previous-generation A4 powered with earlier versions of the 2.0 TFSI engine and the multitronic transmission. The 2009 A4 2.0T quattro manual sedan achieves the best efficiency of any all-wheel drive car in its luxury segment with EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on highways. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price on the front-wheel drive 2009 Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak sedan with multitronic CVT transmission starts at $31,000. The MSRP on the 2009 Audi A4 2.0T quattro manual is $31,850. Both models come with a rich list of standard equipment such as sunroof, leather seating, SIRIUS satellite radio, and quattro all-wheel drive. "Offering exceptional efficiency without sacrificing the comforts that luxury car buyers expect is Audi's hallmark," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "These two new A4 models are no exception. Their addition to the Audi lineup allows us to meet a broader array of consumer tastes with our highly acclaimed, best-selling car." Audi is a pioneer in continuously variable transmission technology. The multitronic transmission was significantly revamped and first appears in the 2009 Audi A4. With the redesign, the multitronic transmission offers greater sportiness and agility along with reduced fuel consumption. The first Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak multitronic model will begin arriving at dealers this month, with Audi A4 2.0T quattro manual models expected to arrive in dealerships by early 2009.

 

Audi Presents Long-Wheelbase A4 for the Chinese Market

Audi is the first premium brand to introduce a prestigious long-wheelbase version in the upper mid-size category exclusively for the Chinese market: the Audi A4L's wheelbase is 60 millimeters (2.36 inches) longer, which benefits rear-seat passengers in particular. The A4L thus offers unrivaled spaciousness in its segment. Manufactured at the plant in Changchun, China, the new Audi A4L made its debut yesterday in Beijing. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, and the President of the FAW-VW joint venture, An Tiecheng, emphasized the importance of the new Audi A4L for the Chinese market. Schwarzenbauer said: "The long-wheelbase version of the Audi A4 is being produced exclusively in China for the Chinese market. With this premium product, we chose to go even further than elsewhere in the world to meet the requirements of our Chinese customers." Since its worldwide market launch last year, over 200,000 units of the Audi A4 have been sold. It was recently voted "Most Beautiful Car of the Year" by readers of Auto Bild, a German automotive magazine, and thus overall winner of the "Auto Bild Design Award 2008". "Our goal is to export the success of the new Audi A4 to China. With the customized Chinese A4L, which we subjected to rigorous testing in China, we are impressively demonstrating our market leadership in China's premium segment," added Schwarzenbauer. With the A4L, Audi has created an automobile which outdoes the competition in terms of driving comfort, luxury, spaciousness, and design. The chassis was tailored to Chinese road conditions to provide exceptional suspension comfort. The wheelbase - 60 millimeters (2.36 inches) longer than the A4 sedan's wheelbase - makes the A4L a unique vehicle. The longer wheelbase lends the A4L an especially roomy feel and makes getting into the rear seats even easier. In addition, the longer wheelbase is of particular benefit to rear-seat passengers, who can enjoy legroom unparalleled in this vehicle segment. Thanks to the increase in length and high-quality technology, the A4L injects full-size class into the mid-size category. For the time being, two engine versions will be available for the Audi A4L in the Chinese market: the 2.0 TFSI with 132 kW (180 hp) and the six-cylinder 3.2 FSI with 195 kW (265 hp). Audi has been offering a long-wheelbase version of the A6 in China since 2000. Now in its second generation, it provides better driving comfort, spaciousness, and design than the competition. Drivers and passengers of the 4.76 meter (15.62 feet) long A4L will enjoy similar advantages as it can be enjoyed as both a driver's car and a chauffeured luxury sedan. The Audi A4L, which will be rolled out starting at the Guangzhou Motor Show on November 18, will be at Chinese dealerships as of January 2009.

 

Audi Q7 quattro, A5 Earn Best Resale Value Awards from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

- The Audi Q7 quattro stood out in the luxury SUV category of the 2009 awards - The Audi A5 had the best projected retained value among luxury cars after five years - The awards honor vehicles expected to hold the greater proportion of retail price HERNDON, Va., Nov 19, 2008 - The Audi Q7 quattro and the Audi A5 coupe won Kelley Blue Book's prestigious 2009 Best Resale Value Awards for the luxury SUV and the luxury car categories respectively. The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize models that are expected to keep the greatest proportion of their original retail price five years after purchase. The projections are based on the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide, which is backed by the research of expert automotive market analysts. "Resale values reflect the quality, desirability and technology that vehicles provide over time to their owners - and to consumers who wish they could someday drive the best models," said Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America's executive vice president. "At Audi, we are committed to ensuring our customers enjoy this value focus. And we are grateful this approach has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book." Kbb.com commends all car buyers to consider the importance of resale value when they go shopping for cars. Editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com have found that depreciation can be the largest expense any motorist faces in the first five years of driving a vehicle. The editors note that high resale value generally indicates a vehicle is solidly built, generates strong consumer enthusiasm and comes equipped with features likely to be highly sought by consumers five years later. "Choosing makes, models and options wisely now can help new-car shoppers keep additional money in their pocket down the road when they go to sell or trade in the vehicle used," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst with kbb.com. The 2009 Best Resale Value Award marks a string of recent honors bestowed on the Audi Q7, including ranking as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, topping the SmartGreen Index for luxury SUVs as rated by the consumer research firm Strategic Vision and leading all luxury SUVs in Strategic Vision's Total Value Index. The Audi A5 recently won Automobile Magazine's 2009 Design of the Year award. The Audi A5 also earned the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year award over all other luxury cars. Sales for the A5 have been strong, setting records in each of the past three months. For more information on Kelley Blue Book's 2009 Best Resale Value Awards, please visit www.kbb.com/BRVA.

 

Audi A5 Selected by Automobile Magazine as 2009 Design of the Year

- Editors cite "perfect execution" of interior and exterior, as well as coupe's "elegance" - Recognition comes as the Audi A5 continues to set U.S. sales records - This marks the second consecutive Automobile Design of the Year win for Audi Audi accepted Automobile Magazine's 2009 Design of the Year Award for the Audi A5, solidifying its position at the leading edge of automotive styling. The recognition for the A5 marks the second consecutive year that Audi has earned the top design award from one of North America's leading automotive publications. The Audi R8 sports car won the magazine's Design of the Year and Car of the Year awards for 2008. Editors praised the restraint, elegance and the "perfect execution" of the Audi coupe's design. Seeing the overall design quality of the A5 on the road cinched the decision for Automobile's editors. "Audi," the magazine noted, "has indeed created a beautiful car." "The first point of appreciation comes upon approaching the car," said Automobile Magazine Design Editor Robert Cumberford. "The second comes when the door is opened to one of the best interiors offered today, in any car at any price. The A5's elegance, stability, and sheer visual presence make it a clear winner." Automotive design often succeeds best when all of a car's elements fit with seamless proportions and careful attention to details. This was the case with the A5, the first coupe offered by Audi in the U.S. in nearly a generation. "The graceful, yet precisely drawn, lines of the A5 epitomize the way a progressive coupe should look," said Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America's executive vice president. "All of its elements - powerful surfaces, a front end that speaks to pure performance, lighting that blends style with function among many other features - unite Audi style and dynamic performance." Consumers are recognizing the A5's merits, too. October sales of the coupe in the U.S. set a record for the third consecutive month. The A5, which first arrived in U.S. showrooms late last year, comes with the powerful and highly efficient 3.2-liter FSI engine. It produces 265 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds.