Audi Surpasses 1 Million Mark In Annual Global Sales [Industry News]

Despite the gloomy Carpocalypse that has the rest of the automotive landscape in shambles; Audi AG has posted a record number of sales for 2008. While it may not be a record number for some automakers, Audi AG has, for the first time, exceeded one million global sales in 2008. Thanks to the recent release of the new 2009 Audi A4 and the small 2009 Audi Q5 SUV, Audi was able to attain a total number of 1,003,400 sales globally, a 4.1 percent increase over last year's 964,151 sales. December 2008 sales jumped 17.4 percent (82,800) over the previous year's December sales (70,523). We congratulate you, Audi in your sales success, but can we ask you to please bring back the Quattro Sport now that you're a proven sales success? Thanks, we won't forget it. [via Fourtitude]

 

One million Audi fans can't be wrong

2008 was a tough year, but apparently it wasn't equally as tough for everybody. Audi has now reported that it broke through the 1 million unit mark last year, selling more vehicles than it ever has before. Total global sales in 2008 came to 1,003,400 vehicles - up 4.3% over last year - including 82,000 units in December. But while the American market has typically been a vital region for European premium marques especially, U.S. sales dropped 6.1% for Audi this year, and nearly 10% in December when U.S. sales accounted for less than 10% of the company's global sales. Ingolstadt attributes its sales success to the dozen new models it introduced last year, including the Q5 and A4 (seen above). Thanks to everyone who sent in the tip, and check out the press release after the jump. [Source: Audi]

 

LEAKED: Audi Sportback Concept appears ahead of snowy Detroit debut

Audi's hotly-anticipated A7 will bow in conceptual form at tomorrow's North American International Auto Show, and we have the first leaked images of the showcar, dubbed "Sportback." Details at this point remain slim, but as you can see from the photos, all of the major Audi design cues are in play, including a more nuanced version of the brand's horsecollar grille and LED eyelash headlamps. The roofline of the "four-door coupe" is surprisingly fastback like, leading us to believe that the car could in fact be a full-blown hatchback. From the rear three-quarter view, the car actually has a certain Lamborghini Estoque quality to it, but that's mainly because of the taillamps and the angular exhaust outlets. According to our source at Audi, the Sportback is in fact larger than the A6, and it is built on Audi's new modular longitudinal build kit (LBK), which is adjustable for length, width, and height depending on packaging needs. The same chassis setup will likely form the basis for future larger Audis, including the production version of the Sportback which is expected to be dubbed A7. We'll report back from opening day of the Detroit Auto Show tomorrow morning with more details and photos of the Sportback. so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the high-res gallery below. Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept [Source: Fourtitude]

 

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro - Video

The R8 gets two more cylinders but keeps its octal name. Keep Reading: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro - Video

 

Audi Recognized for Design Excellence at Prestigious EyesOn Design Awards at the NAIAS 2009

Audi of America announced that it won two awards at the EyesOn Design Awards Ceremony at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Four awards were given out, two in each category, recognizing design excellence for both concept and production vehicles.  Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro with a V10 engine won one of the production vehicle [...]

 

Audi To Sponsor Presidential Inauguration Webcasts

The exclusive sponsor of the streaming broadcasts of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration speech on top news sites such as ABC, CBS and NBC will be Audi as reported by Autonews.com. In addition to the January 20th streaming broadcasts online, Audi will sponsor other webcasts starting today as they kick off LIVE events at the Lincoln Memorial today. Audi plans to reach more than 8.6 million viewers with inserts during the streaming webcasts which "showcases many of the innovations and advancements that demonstrate Audi's inherent spirit of progress." Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen said in a release, "Regardless of political preferences, the inauguration represents a unique moment of progress. That's why we wanted to share this experience and begin a conversation about innovation, technology and the path ahead." Overall, Audi says the web streaming sponsorship should reach more than 30 million people total. Major kudos for Audi on this one and God Bless America! Where to watch Obama's presidential inauguration online?

 

Audi at Detroit Auto Show 2009

We’re continuing the same type of auto show coverage that we started and provided during the L.A Auto Show. Since we’re still a BMW blog, we won’t be posting photos of all the cars displayed at shows, but rather BMW’s competitors or any exotic and interesting concepts.

So today, we will start with Audi. A couple of days ago, we posted what I believe to be an amazing concept, the Sportback or the future A7 design. Of course, it received mixed reviews, some people totally digging their design trend, while others not having much faith in the Ingolstadt based carmaker.

Beside all the usual A4, A5 or Q7 models displayed at the previous auto shows, this time, we have the opportunity to see a couple of premiers: the already mentioned Sportback Concept and the new Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10.

The new 525 hp engine has been highly expected by all the Audi fans who are looking for a speed thrill. A top speed of 196 mph and 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds, should give them all the adrenaline needed.

Not many changes in design when compared to the previous V8 model, just dual exhaust outlets, wider side air intakes and unique LED headlights and rear diffuser.

Price and availability? Next year and $180,000.

It’s a shame that us, the BMW fans, don’t have a similar choice of a high-end supercar. CS Concept anyone?

Photo Gallery: Audi S4,

Sportback Concept, R8