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 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.

 

Four Audi Models Earn Top Safety Marks in 2009 Awards from IIHS

- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized the Audi A3, A4, A6 and Q7 - Audi has earned multiple IIHS Top Safety Pick awards the past three years - Audi wins more awards than competitors BMW, Mercedes and Lexus HERNDON, Va., Nov 26, 2008 - Audi's reputation as a leader in automotive safety gained added validation with four of its best-selling models claiming Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick awards for 2009. Winning the highly sought safety award were the Audi A3, the all-new Audi A4, the Audi A6 and the Audi Q7. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting passengers in front, side and rear collisions. All of the winners also had to have electronic stability control, which IIHS credits with significantly lowering crash risks. "Protecting the drivers of our vehicles, and their passengers, is at the top of Audi's priority list and we're delighted to clearly stand above other European luxury carmakers," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "Safety is woven into the earliest consideration of how our different models should look and perform. We're grateful the Insurance Institute has recognized this singular focus of ours." This marks the second consecutive year that four Audi models have earned this important safety award. The Audi Q7, Audi A6, Audi A4, and Audi A3 all received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2008. The Audi A6 and A4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2007. IIHS launched the safety awards in 2006. The four awards collected by Audi models exceeded the number of awards given to BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Lexus models. Additionally, some Audi models, including the Audi R8 sports car, the Audi A5 coupe, and the Audi A8 luxury sedan did not fall within the IIHS test program at this time. IIHS evaluates each vehicle for front crashworthiness following a 40 mph offset collision. Calculations are made on the level of intrusion the crash causes in the occupant compartment and the impact recorded by crash test dummies. Side impact evaluations involve crashing a barrier into the side of a vehicle at 31 mph. Rear crash protection involves measuring the geometry of head restraints. Vehicles with good or acceptable measurements are then struck in the rear at 20 mph. For more information on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the 2009 Top Safety Pick awards, please go to www.iihs.org.

 

Audi Q7 Coastline: Avant-garde contribution at Design Miami/ 2008

Audi automotive sponsor of Design Miami/ for third consecutive year The "Audi Coastline Marina" demonstrates individual design Community commitment: Audi redesigns Simpson Park Audi will be the exclusive automotive sponsor and exhibitor of innovative design for the third year running at the leading global forum for high-end design in Miami. Design Miami/ will take place from December 2 through 5. This event is a highlight in the world of design. During the same week, Audi will participate for the first time at Art Basel Miami Beach, a key U.S. art show. Audi will thus sponsor the two most important events for contemporary art and design. By playing an active role on the design world's center stage, Audi will be able not only to inspire others, but also observe and learn from tomorrow's trends. The exhibition stands of the automotive manufacturer from Ingolstadt always act as a magnet for artists, designers, and the general public. The theme of Design Miami/ 2008 is "Beyond organic: Design in the state of nature". The "Audi Coastline Marina" installation will offer an avant-garde interpretation of this theme. Situated atop white wood planks underneath palm trees, the Audi Q7 Coastline takes center stage and pays homage to exclusive sailing yachts. Functional, sporty design is coupled with classic elegance. Precious materials in the vehicle's interior include aluminum, wood, and leather. During Design Miami/ and Art Basel Miami Beach, a fleet of 70 Audi vehicles will whisk guests from one event to the next. The fleet will feature seven Audi Q7 TDI SUVs, with the world's cleanest diesel engine: the TDI with ultra low emission system. During the Audi Mileage Marathon in the United States – spanning some 8,000 kilometers (4,970.97 miles) from the East Coast to the West Coast – this model averaged excellent fuel consumption of just 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (33.13 miles per U.S. gallon). As an expression of its social and cultural involvement, Audi will also enrich the lives of Miami residents this year. The brand with the four rings served as main sponsor of the "Re:design Simpson Park" project. With the support of Enzo Enea (Italian landscape architect) and Chad Oppenheim (Miami's leading architect and project initiator), the nearly forgotten city park is about to be reborn. Miami's mayor, Manny Diaz, will ceremoniously open the park to the people of Miami at a celebration during Design Miami/.

 

Lightweight Design - It’s an Art: The Audi ASF Design Principle

Most manufacturers' cars have grown heavier as the years have gone by. This isn't true of Audi. Quite the opposite: more than ten years ago the Audi A8 and the Audi A2, with their aluminum bodies, put a stop to this never-ending spiral of increased weight. Since then, Audi has developed this pioneering weight-saving technology more and more. Today ASF (Audi Space Frame), as it is now known, is used for four Audi models: the TT, TT Roadster, R8 and A8. ASF: the three letters stand for Audi Space Frame – the technology with which Audi has completely reinvented car body construction. ASF is a breakaway from the problem of spiraling weight that has its origins in the growing demands that a modern car must satisfy. The new principle makes a major contribution to the dynamic performance and high efficiency of these Audi models. The TT 2.0 TDI quattro, for example, with its 125 kW (170 hp) diesel engine, sprints up to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 226 km/h. Yet its average consumption is only 5.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers, a sensationally low figure. ASF technology can look back on a development process that has brought Audi a three-figure collection of patents and the "European Inventor of the Year 2008" award from the European Patent Office. The brand now possesses broad-based know-how covering everything from the best metal alloys through casting and forming to suitable component joining techniques. The framework of an ASF body consists of extruded aluminum sections and pressure castings. This frame carries the sheet aluminum elements, for example the roof panel, which are rigidly connected to it and help to withstand loads on the body. The elements of the Audi Space Frame are very varied in shape and cross-section, depending on the tasks they have to perform. Like the bones of a human skeleton, they combine optimal function with low weight. The big advantage of extruded sections is their design flexibility. The side sills of the Coupe and Roadster bodies, for instance, look identical, and the same tools and machines can be used to produce them. Inside, however, they are topology-optimized using bionic principles, and the ribs that govern their rigidity therefore have different patterns – the Roadster needs greater rigidity in this area than the Coupe. In all cases, the extruded sections used for the TT's body are made from advanced aluminum alloys, to increase their strength still more and lower their weight at the same time. The castings, which withstand extremely severe loads, are primarily deployed where high forces are introduced locally and where intelligent multifunctionality is required. A good example is the A-post node, a hi-tech multifunctional component that links the side member, sill, A-post and wind-shield cross-member together. Like all these aluminum castings, it is notable for precision geometry and maximum use of the available space. The TT Coupe and Roadster introduced a new variant of ASF technology, with steel used in addition to aluminum at certain points. This innovative hybrid construction principle cuts the car's total weight by as much as 100 kilograms compared with the previous models, which relied entirely on steel. At the rear of the floor pan in particular, for the doors and for the trunk lid, these compact Audi sports cars contain fully galvanized steel elements. Although these steel components weigh more than aluminum, they help to achieve well-balanced front and rear axle load distribution. The TT 2.0 TFSI weighs only 1,260 kilograms unloaded – a splendid figure for a sports car. Its body weighs a mere 206 kg; this figure is made up of 140 kg of aluminum (68 percent) and 66 kg of steel. An equivalent body built in steel by conventional methods would be almost 100 kg heavier. The aluminum used in the body consists of 63 kg of sheet, 45 kg of castings and 32 kg of extruded sections. The Roadster tips the scales at 251 kilograms. Audi's wealth of experience is invaluable when aluminum and steel components have to be joined. Various methods are employed: punch riveting, clinching and adhesive bonding. The problem of contact corrosion between these two metals has been solved by choosing adhesives that form an isolating layer. Camera systems monitor their correct application. A fourth joining technique is new: self-tapping screws inserted by robots generate friction that melts the surface of the component, so that they can penetrate completely into the material and form a rigid connection. Another innovative concept used on the TT is the aluminum zero-gap joint between the roof and the side section, which is produced by laser welding. The Audi TT with its hybrid ASF, constructed in Ingolstadt, Germany, but shipped to Györ in Hungary for final assembly, has characteristics that suit a sports car outstandingly well. Compared with the previous model, the Coupe's static torsional rigidity is about 50 percent higher, while that of the Roadster in fact more than doubled. At the same time, however, there is a high level of freedom from bothering vibration and excellent crash impact absorption. Low weight is one of the keys to captivating road dynamics and high efficiency. To reduce a car's weight by 100 kilograms is to improve its fuel consumption by about 0.3 l/100 km, and also to emit between 7.5 and 12.5 grams less of CO2 per kilometer. Customers and trade experts alike have praised this tendency: at the end of 2006, Audi's new hybrid body design principle received the Euro Car Body Award, the most important European trophy for innovation in body construction. Audi has already gained this award in 2003, for the ASF used for the Audi A8. Audi Technology ABC • Aluminum is an element frequently found in chemical compounds in the earth's crust. It is obtained from bauxite, an ore, and is suitable for a large number of applications. Its characteristics make it ideally suitable for vehicle bodies: thanks to its low density it is two-thirds lighter than conventional grades of steel, and since it is a relatively soft metal, it is easy to machine. For high strength, it is alloyed with magnesium and silicon. If aluminum can be recovered without being mixed with other materials, it can be recycled most effectively, which improves its energy balance sheet still further. • Audi is continuing to shape the future, in lightweight design and elsewhere too. Inaugurated in 1994, the Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center in Neckarsulm, Germany, employs more than 120 specialists to work on new joining techniques, body structures, materials and construction techniques. They also look into the use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. In the area of fiber composites too, Audi acts as an innovative pioneer and trend-setter.

 

Audi S3 and S3 Sportback with S tronic

di,A milestone in transmission technology is now available in the Audi S3 and S3 Sportback sporty compact models. The S tronic dual-clutch transmission unites the powerful two-liter TFSI engine with the road in a manner that is both sporty and efficient. This ensures quicker acceleration, high agility and ride comfort along with improved fuel efficiency. A genuine marvel of engineering, the revolutionary S tronic dual-clutch transmission has been a sensation ever since it debuted in the Audi TT 3.2 quattro in spring 2003. It combines the advantages of a compact six-speed manual transmission with the qualities of a modern automatic. The driver thus benefits from enormous agility and driving pleasure with acceleration that is both harmonious and dynamic, without any perceptible interruption in the power flow. This is coupled with good economy thanks to low fuel consumption, and convenient operation. The ultracompact S tronic with twin multi-plate clutch can simultaneously preselect two gears. With its ingenious electrohydraulic operation, it shifts from one gear to the next in a split second. It can thus enable engine torque as high as 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft). The powerhouse engine in the S3 is an ideal partner: the 2.0 TFSI has already won the "Engine of the Year Award" four times. It supplies 195 kW (265 hp) and maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft), which remains constant from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. At a weight of just 152 kilograms (335.10 pounds), this turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engine propels the Audi S3 and the S3 Sportback into the exclusive class of compact sports cars. The S tronic makes the dynamic spearhead of the A3 family even speedier. It further reduces, by two-tenths of a second, the time required to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph). More specifically, in just 5.5 seconds for the S3 and 5.6 seconds for the Sportback. At the same time, fuel consumption has improved to 8.3 liters/100km (28.34 mpg) with CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km (310.60 g/mile) (A3 Sportback: 8.4 liters/100km (28.00 mpg) and 195 g/km (313.82 g/mile). Both of these sporty models are now available at dealerships: the S3 for €38,900 and the S3 Sportback for €39,800.

 

2009 Audi TTS US Price Declared

Audi today announced the price for both - Audi TTS US Coupe and the roadster. The Audi TTS, Coupe and Roadster, is powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine that outputs 265 hp at 6000 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque between 2500 rpm and 5000 rpm. The Audi TTS Coupe gets from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and up to a limited top speed of 155 mph. The Coupe version offers a 24 mpg fuel economy. The Audi TTS Roadster needs 5.1 seconds to reach 60 mph and offers a fuel economy of up to 24 mpg. The Audi TTS US price starts at $45,500 for the coupe and at $47,500 for the Roadster. As with all 'S-Line' Audi models, a range of exclusivities come packaged. Features exclusive to the TT-S are included, with badging, alloys, a new instrument cluster, Alcantara sports seats, leather multifunction steering wheel and a brushed aluminium cabin being among the exclusive additions.

 

2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet Officially Revealed

•  2010 A5 and S5 Cabriolet coming to U.S. in fall of 2009. •  A5 Cabriolet offered with 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder and 3.2 FSI V6. •  S5 Cabriolet will be offered with a 333-hp 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6. •  A5 and S5 Cabriolet will replace the A4/S4 Cabriolet. Well that was quick - we just saw leaked images of the soft-top 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet 2 hours ago and Audi has now dropped the official press release along with high-res photos (it was actually embargoed for 6pm EST so we had to wait to post). Either way let's get started. The 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet will be offered in the U.S. market with two engines options. The base level A5 Cabriolet will be powered by a 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder engine making 211-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It will be offered with quattro all-wheel-drive or FrontTrak front-wheel-drive and will be mated to a Tiptronic 6 speed automatic transmission for the quattro model or Multitronic CVT for the FrontTrak model. Moving up a notch, the 3.2 FSI V6 will produce the same 265-hp as the coupe. It will come with quattro all-wheel-drive and a Tiptronic 6 speed automatic transmission. While the Audi S5 coupe will keep its 4.2L V8 until the end of the 2010 model year, the 2010 S5 Cabriolet will launch with the new 333-hp 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 seen in the 2010 Audi S4. It will be offered with a manual gearbox or 7-speed S tronic transmissions. Other than that the 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet's offer rear 50/50 split folding seats, new head-level heating system with heated/cooled front seats, MMI operating logic standard with central display screen, Audi Drive Select, Audi's Intelligent Key with keyless entry and starting, Bluetooth interface, a rearview camera, Audi Side Assist lane change assistant and a Bang & Olufsen 505W sound system. Audi states in the press release that the 2010 A5/S5 Cabriolet will replace the A4/S4 Cabriolet models in the U.S. We'll learn more about that later when the models launch in fall of 2009. The cars will make their debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show in March. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch. Follow the jump for the high-res photos and don't forget to maximize the galleries to see them in full-resolution. 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets:

 

Audi R8 V10 coming to Detroit, convertible R8 will arrive in the U.S. by 2010

With many automakers yanking their presence at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Cobo may seem like a boring place to be next month. However a handful of debuts will make attending the show worthwhile. According to CARandDRIVER, the 2010 Audi R8 V10 will make its debut next month in Detroit and will be followed by the Audi R8 Spyder in 2010. The 2010 Audi R8 V10 will make its world debut next month with a 5.2L V10 making a total of 520-hp with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft. The Audi R8 Spyder will hit European markets in fall of 2009 and will arrive in U.S. showrooms as a 2011 model in early 2010. The R8 Spyder will also be offered with two engine choices including the base 420-hp 4.2L V8 and the 520-hp 5.2L V10. How will you be able to tell the difference between both? While the base R8 will be distinguishable with its dual-quad exhaust pipes the R8 V10 will feature wide double pipes. Of course you can also tell the difference by the sound the cars will make when they zoom past you on the road.

 

2009 Audi A6, A6 Avant and S6 Pricing Announced

Audi has announced the pricing for the updated 2009 Audi A6, A6 Avant and S6 sedan. New for 2009 models are three equipment levels – Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Pricing for the 2009 Audi A6 sedan will start at $45,100 for the A6 3.2 sedan Premium, $50,100 for the A6 3.0T quattro sedan Premium and $60,950 for the A6 4.2 quattro sedan. The A6 3.0T quattro Avant Premium will start at $53,310 while the high-performance 2009 S6 will start at $75,900. All pricing info listed here does not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges. The new A6 will come packed with additional standard equipment, including a sunroof, Bluetooth, Homelink, heated front seats on quattro models, three months of free SIRIUS satellite radio service and Audi music interface with iPod connectivity The 2009 Audi A6 with a 3.0 TFSI V6 carries a supercharger that helps it produce 300-hp with a maximum torque of 310 lb-ft. That. Mated to a Tiptronic automatic transmission the A6 goes from 0 to 60 comes in at 5.9 seconds. The 3.0 TFSI supercharged engine will be available on Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige versions of the Audi A6 sedan and Avant. The 255-hp 3.2 FSI V6 engine will be available in the Audi A6 Premium and Premium Plus equipment levels.  It will be mated to a multitronic CVT transmission and front-wheel-drive. The Audi A6 4.2 produces 350-hp from its 4.2 FSI V8 engine which is mated to a Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, S-line exterior and the Prestige equipment level as standard. Last but not least, the 2009 Audi S6 features a 5.2 FSI V10 engine that pumps out 435-hp and a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft. It will be mated to Audi's Tiptronic automatic transmission. The 2009 sedan, Avant and S models will arrive in dealerships by early January. Take the jump for the high-res images. 2009 Audi A6:

 

Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900

Audi's upgraded A6 and S6 are scheduled to hit US dealerships in January, and the four-ringed midsize sedan has new pricing to match its upgraded powertrains. The A6 3.2 premium stars at $45,100, a price bump of over $2,000 over the 2008 model. The newest member of the A6 family, which comes with a 300 hp supercharged 3.0L V6 and standard quattro AWD, starts at $53,310. That's $3,000 less than the starting price of the previous generation 4.2L V8, which packed more punch at 350 hp, but the 3.0T fights back with more low-end grunt and far better fuel economy. It manages 26/21, while the outgoing V8 averages 23 on the highway and 16 around town. The 3.0T will also hit 60 in 5.9 seconds, so it's no slouch on the track. The top-level S6 prices out at $75,900, or $3,500 more than the outgoing model. The S6 will carry-over the 435 hp 5.2L V10 powerplant, which definitely isn't a bad thing. Given the unfavorable exchange rate between the euro and dollar, we're not surprised to see prices go up on the A6 3.2 and S6 models. It's nice to see an actual price decrease from the 3.0T versus its V8-powered predecessor, with vastly improved efficiency to boot. Hit the jump to pour over Audi's press release. Gallery: 2009 Audi A6 [Source: Audi]

 

Audi A5 Cabriolet images leaked before debut later this week

Images of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet / Convertible have been leaked over the internet prior to the car's official announcement later this week. From the images you can see that Audi is forgoing the motorized hard-tops adopted by rivals such as the BMW 3-Series Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible and the Infiniti G37 Convertible. Audi's soft-top A5 and S5 Cabriolets will be offered with the same engine choices as their coupe siblings. The U.S. should get an A5 Cabriolet powered by the 265-hp 3.2L V6 FSI while the S5 Cabriolet should get its 354-hp 4.2L V8 unless Audi decides to drop it for a supercharged V6 from the 2010 Audi S4. We'll bring you more details later this week. Click through for more photos. Audi A5 Cabriolet Leaked Images:        Source: hoymotor (via autoblog.nl)

 

2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet Unveiled...Too Bad its Winter

Just in time for winter, Audi has unveiled the Cabriolet versions of the A5 and S5. For 2010 Audi is going to release drop top versions of its beautiful A5 and S5 coupes. But unlike BMW, Infiniti and Lexus, these drop tops will feature a fabric top. It's obvious that a soft top saves more weight over a metal folding top and also saves some cargo space, but its definitely not as nice to look at when the top is up. The 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet will be powered by either the 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder or the 3.2 FSI V6 engine. The S5 coupe is currently powered by 4.2L V8 that it will keep until the end of the 2010 model year, but the S5 Cabriolet is already making the switch to the smaller engine with the 3.0L TFSI V6 that is also in the S4. The 2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet will be available in the fall of 2009.

 

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 Confirmed for U.S. - Car News

The one-year countdown begins. We have received confirmation that the recently revealed Audi R8 5.2 FSI will arrive in the U.S. at the end of 2009 or in early 2010. This news is music to our enthusiast ears. As the name suggests, this new R8 model gets a high-revving 5.2-liter V-10, which produces 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 62 mph is quoted at 3.9 seconds, but our tests of a 4.2-liter V-8 model produced a 4.0-second run to 60, so there's a chance that number is conservative. We expect pricing to be at least $150,000, an amount that is sadly anything but conservative.

 

2011 Audi A5 Sportback - Car News

Audi brings back the five-door sedan-hatch. And we like the idea. In the 1970s, many European carmakers offered four-door cars with a sloped roofline and a large hatch for accessing the cargo hold. Beyond the simple 'hatchback' descriptor, designations such as fastback or aeroback were used in cases where the trunk opening remained small. The style even became fashionable in the U.S.—think Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass, or Chevrolet Citation—but the fad was over by the mid-'80s. Only niche vehicles, such as the Saab 9000 or the Mazda 6 hatchback, carried on, as the typical sedan reclaimed its territory. Today, though, we're seeing a resurgence of four-doors with wide hatchbacks, led by the German premium brands. The movement is being spearheaded by the styling leaders at Audi, as well as by the somewhat less elegant Porsche Panamera. The shape brings more practicality than a notchback sedan, and it makes for a beautiful, sleek roofline. Plus, they're kind of '70s retro. What's not to like? Audi is so confident that customers will go for this style that two models are in the wings: the A5 Sportback, based on the A5 coupe, and the A7—see our spy shots here—which will be positioned between the A6 and A8 sedans. Both vehicles will rely on the same modular architecture, but the A7 is large enough to be positioned comfortably above the A5 Sportback.

 

Four Audi Models Earn 2009 Consumer Guide® Automotive Praise

Four 2009 Audi models merited spots on the new Consumer Guide Automotive list of the top vehicles for car shoppers to consider. Editors for the 2009 print and online Consumer Guide Automotive awards called the Audi A5 coupe a "Best Buy" among all Premium Sporty/ Performance Cars. The Audi A3, A8 and Q7 claimed "Recommended" [...]

 

Audi R8 V10 debuting in Detroit, cabrio coming in 2010

While other automakers are dropping out of the Detroit Auto Show left and right, Audi is heading to Motor City with guns blazing, beginning with the 2010 Audi R8 V10. Car and Driver decided to put the rumors to rest that the updated super coupe is officially coming to Detroit, packing a 5.2-liter V10 putting out 520 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. Aside from the obvious aural and performance differences, the V10-powered R8 will make use of a pair of larger dual exhaust tips rather than the V8 model's quad outlets. Expect new wheels, upgraded brakes and a few changes to the interior as well. The oft-rumored Audi R8 Spyder will hit the European market in late 2009, with sales beginning in the U.S. sometime in 2011. According to C&D, the reason for the delayed Stateside launch is due to dealers that "have their hands full allocating coupes." Whatever that means. The R8's stylistic party pieces - it's side blades - will be shrunken down to accommodate a power-operated soft top, and the interior will carry over unchanged. We've got more Audi goodness for you at 6 PM EST tonight, so check back in a few hours for a sneak peak of the four-ringer's plans for the Geneva Motor Show. Gallery: Audi R8 V10 spied at quattro GmbH Gallery: 2008 Audi R8 [Source: Car and Driver]