Audi Info

Audi A4 Takes on Two BMW M3's

2008-04-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video of a tuned 2003 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro taking on both a 2002 and 2005 BMW M3 SMGs.

The details on the cars:
- The 2003 Audi A4 is equipped with an ATP / REVO GTRS Turbo Kit
- The 2002 BMW M3 SMG is a stock
- The 2005 BMW M3 SMG has an Autowerks ECU upgrade (Chip) and both a Super Sprint Exhause and Intake.

In the first of two runs, from 40mph-115mph against the 2005 M3, the Audi catches the M3 and starts pulling ahead at 105mph.

During the second run, the Audi A4 takes the 2002 M3 off the line and lets off the gas slightly. Once the M3 catches the A4 the A4 gets back on the gas and they run pretty tight to one another for the rest of the run.

After the runs, the commentator mentions that for some reason the Audi was only maintain a boost of 21psi rather than the expected 25psi where it would just briefly peak. Definitely some room for improvement there!

Audi Driving Experience (ADE) Finland / Muonio

2008-04-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Anyone familiar with ADE or the Audi Driving Experience knows how much fun it can be. This is a video from the recent ADE event in Muonio / Finland that was held March 18th through the 21st.

This ADE is purely on a snow track with tons of great drifting activity. Check it out, you will not be disappointed!

2008 Audi RS6 - Promotional Video

2008-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Nice promotional video for the Audi RS6 Avant vehicle. while you may rarely see these on the street, this video -- not in English offers a great up front look at the impressive vehicle.

Enjoy your chance to see the Audi RS6!

2006 Audi A4 vs. Audi S4 (Video)

2008-03-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy, but I am a little surprised at the outcome on this video of a 2006 Audi A4 2.0T vs. an Audi S4. Minimally the Audi A4 must be chipped, but can you believe how close the outcome is?

If not, see for yourself:

2009 Audi A4 Avant Promotional Video

2008-02-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

Great promotional video for the highly anticipated upcoming release of the new 2009 Audi A4 Avant series. In this video you are able to see the following:

1. The entire exterior of the 2009 A4 Avant car as the camera circles the vehicle.
2. The entire interior of the 2009 A4 Avant as the camera zooms from the hatch towards the front.
3. The ease and flexibility of the hatch in the 2009 A4 Avant with the automatic open and closing lift gate.

Enjoy!

Audi RS4 Cabrio Video Review - Up Close and Personal

2007-12-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

Want an up close and personal look at that Audi RS4 Cabriolet / Convertible you have been looking for? Well, now is your chance. AudioClips.net have this 4 minute, 25 second video of the 2008 Audi RS4 Cabio up close and personal. Enjoy the details, hopefully you speak German!

Audi A3 Factory Tour - See yours get built!

2007-12-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is a great 10 minute spot that showed up on YouTube. In the video, you are able to see a tour of the factory for the Audi A3 in Inglostadt, Germany. While the video is in German, the shots are great from the "Audi Shop".

Some of the highlights include assembly, body painting, construction, welding and more. Enjoy the video of the Audi A3 factory in Inglostadt!

Road Test on the Audi S4 by AutoWeek

2007-12-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

A great look at the test drive of the 2007 Audi S4 from AutoWeek. The article mainly delivers a couple of high-level editorial looks at the Audi S4. Was this car really pushed to get the full feel -- does not seem like from the article.

Here are a few excerpts:

The price is far more reasonable compared with the RS, and you still get loads of power, rumbling sound, a great gearbox, great brakes, nice steering, all-wheel-drive traction and sweet chassis tuning. The S4 is beyond fun to toss around; it rewards good drivers, while making average drivers look good. For me, it’s sized just right, too. Truthfully, I’d probably take the new S5 coupe, but if you want a four-door burner that does everything well--and you don’t want to wait a year or so for the next-gen S4--this is your car. Or maybe the Avant would be even better.....

.....The biggest thing you take away after driving it is the impression that Audi knows exactly what it’s doing with its smallest sedan. Everything is dialed in, from its smooth V8, precise six-speed, spot-on suspension tuning and steering response. The engine pulls madly up to the 7000-rpm redline, and the chassis is more than capable of handling all the power. Even with winter tires, our test car whips through corners without breaking a sweat.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Audi TT: Road Test by NZ Herald

2007-06-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

A test drive and road test article on the new Audi TT from the Herald in New Zealand. While this driver definitely has preconceived notions about the Audi TT and its historical stigma, there is no question the author is impressed with the new model. The test model was the 2.0-liter turbo FSI engined Audi TT. While the author suggests you can really be "sporting" with the V6 engine, it is clear that model was not driven.

Here are a few excerpts:

That high-tech Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction pays dividends for the drop-top roadster version. Losing the lid means this car is 58 per cent aluminium instead of the coupe's 69 per cent, but the end result is a car that is almost as fast, despite the extra body strengthening required for a convertible. Our 2.0-litre turbo TT rockets to 100km/h in a remarkable 6.5 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the equivalent TT coupe.....

.....The S-Tronic transmission (aka Direct Shift Gearbox) provides bewilderingly fast gear changes thanks to an automated twin-clutch system that preselects ratios, but even in "manual" the system readily over-rides your ear selections and the robotised clutch can be difficult to manage in parking manoeuvres. But yes, Virginia, you can still have a manual-transmission TT, so you have the choice.....

.....The hood is pretty clever, too. Audi wouldn't dream of giving the TT a big fat bum by adding a folding hard-top into the structure, so the new roadster has a very compact fabric roof. It's beautifully lined and does a magnificent job of insulating the cabin from the world outside when it's raised; when you lower it, a "Z-fold" system stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover, ensuring that the hood sits completely flush with the body and eliminating the need for a tonneau. Nice.

[Source: NZ Herald]

Audi R8: A Business Car?

2007-06-23T09:57:00.001-07:00

Well, maybe an executive's car. But definitely not a business car. That being said, the Audi R8 will join seven other cars in the Audi lineup including the Audi RS4 at the CCIA Drive & Decide event. If you have an invite -- a great place to get and up close and hands on view of the car.

Here are a few excerpts:

The state-of-the-art aluminium-bodied, mid-engined R8 sports car will be on static display at the Bedfordshire proving ground throughout the three-day Company Car in Action Drive and Decide event, which runs from the 19 th to the 21 st of June.....

.....Highlights available for driving and appraisal will include the 265PS S3 quattro, the TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI S tronic and the Q7 3.0 TDI quattro SE. Firm fleet favourites including the A4 2.0 TDI S line saloon and the A6 2.7 TDI S line saloon with ultra-efficient multitronic continuously variable transmission will also be in attendance.

[Source: Gazzette]

Audi RS4: Test Drive Video from Auto.CZ

2007-06-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice demo video of the Audi RS 4 in action at a closed track. In the video you will be able to see the corning aspects of the car, the inside vantage point, an acceleration from dead stop and the sound of both the engine underneath the hood as well as the exhaust.

Enjoy!

Audi S4: Has it caught your eye?

2007-06-22T21:28:00.001-07:00

No questions about it. When someone who knows cars sees and Audi RS4 on the road with its 420-hp V8 FSI engine, heads turn. Here's a review where the author had the opportunity to turn the head of a peace officer!

Here are a few excerpts:

But there is no doubt that Audi wants the S4 to attract attention, if not from the authorities. It's available in colors such as Imola Yellow, Brilliant Red, and a variety of metallic and pearl-effect offerings that stand out from the crowd. Clearly, it's not a machine to fly under the radar......

.....The all-wheel-drive system, when coupled with the smooth six-speed manual, distributes 60 percent of the driving power to the rear wheels, giving a nice balance to the driving feel. The automatic (Tiptronic) version retains a 50/50 torque split.....

.....Likewise, the interior is deceptively simple. Our test vehicle had a black leather interior with dark wood trim highlights and a wraparound style that proved to be more illusion than reality, leaving plenty of shoulder and elbow room for taller drivers instead of swaddling them in a tight cocoon. A nice touch is the hidden storage areas under the front seats. They're a small but accessible place to stash iPods, transponders, hands-free phone accessories, and the like.

[Source: Atlanta Journal-Consitution]

Audi A6: Bourne Ultimatum Appearance!

2007-06-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

The word is out that a 1998 Audi A6 C5 will make an appearance in the upcoming Matt Damon movie. The movie titled, "The Bourne Ultimatum" follows the character Jason Bourne in a spy / CIA thriller that follows "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremecy" movies.

Expected in the upcoming movie, the 1995 Audi A6 C5 will make an extended appearance in the movie in a chase scene. In the end, the car will be "parked" nicely as in the below photo.

[Source: IMCDB]

Audi TT: From Beauty to Sports Car

2007-06-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

This author's take on the new 2008 Audi TT is that it is no longer the beautiful icon it once was when it first hit the streets 10 years ago. Gone is that "wow" and "that's a beautiful" car when it drives by. Instead, in its place is what can consider to be a true sports car. Why can't we have both?

Here are a few excerpts:

When it debuted in 1998, the Audi TT’s rounded, minimalist, pushmi-pullyu shape (balanced proportions, no identifiable bumpers) made it an instant icon. The TT’s smooth sheet metal represented a radical departure from Audi’s—and anyone else’s—design language. Although the TT was little more than a Volkswagen Golf under the skin, the four-wheeled objet d’art found plenty of willing buyers who couldn’t have cared less.....

.....Inside, well, thank God. Audi makes the world’s best car interiors, and the TT shows us the master at the top of her game. From its squashed crown steering wheel to its exquisite aluminum glove box latch, the cockpit’s design, shape, texture, materials, fit, and finish represent a huge step up from the first generation. The TT’s enlarged underpinnings also create a longer, wider, less claustrophobic cabin. Twenty seconds behind the wheel and you’ll know why Audi upped the price of admission.....

.....Nor am I buying a new Audi TT. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, looking at the updated model makes me long for some emergency eyewash. The TT’s sticker is also something of a passion killer. Yes, the new TT’s elevated starting prices ($34,800 for the 2.0T, $41,500 for the 3.2) reflect the fact that the coupe is a much more grown-up luxury car than its predecessor. But who asked for a grown-up luxury coupe? These things are supposed to be toys.

[Source: Advocate]

Audi RS4 & Audi R8: Dynos for Your Viewing Pleasure

2007-06-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is an article that many of us have been waiting for. With the Audi RS4 and the R8 sharing very similar powerplants -- the real question is -- which is better? While there is no question that the R8 outperforms the saloon sedan that is the RS4, which Audi vehicle has the best dyno peformance.

The results? The RS4 has a larger torque and mid-range than the R8. However, both are very impressive. Judge for yourself.

Here are a few excerpts:

Anyway, Audi's new R8 shares the RS4's engine, albeit with a couple of small changes. First, it has different intake and exhaust paths due to its mid-engine layout. Then, its dry-sump lubrication system allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis, permitting the use of a smaller, and lighter, flywheel.....

.....On the road, the R8's power delivery felt similar to the RS4's - it has a huge amount of torque available at any speed. Unlike the RS4, though, which hits hard at 3000 rpm and stays there, the R8's torque output builds with revs, gradually coming to its peak.....

.....The dyno chart confirms what we felt in the seat of our pants - the RS4 has a bigger torque plateau in the mid-range, where the R8's torque curve rises more slowly. Both engines, however, have torque curves so robust that they would have been unimaginable only a few years ago.

[Source: Automobile]

Audi: Safest Car Manufacturer

2007-06-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

The British Insurance Car Safety Awards handed out the safest car manufacturer award to Audi today. The award goes out to the manufacturer with the safest rating on all vehicle releases over a 12-month period ending in April.

Here are a few excerpts:

Luxury brand picks up top honours in car security awards. Audi was yesterday named as the best manufacturer for car security in the 2007 British Insurance Car Security Awards

[Source: MotorTrader]

Audi A5 & S5: We Can Hardly Wait

2007-06-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

It seems that every time there is an article on the coming Audi A5 and Audi S5 vehicles the wait is too long for the arrival of these vehicles. The first true coupes that Audi has produced in quite some time creates a stir when you look at it. That same stir has been in many of those who have had the opportunity to drive it.

Here are a few excerpts:

As a means of dealing with congested Italian roads, the S5 coupe is hard to beat. A 350-hp V-8 coupled with Quattro all-wheel drive lets us get on the power ludicrously early coming out of corners. And as for straight-line performance, it's headline-grabbing stuff: 0 to 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph, according to Audi.....

.....Well, the A5 certainly looks expensive. Volkswagen Group design boss Walter de'Silva says the A5 is the most beautiful car he's ever styled. It combines Audi's geometrically muscular stance with a dash of Latin whimsy in the form of an undulating character line on the body sides. There are some fantastic details, too, such as the LED daytime running lights that give the A5 an instantly recognizable face (BMW has pulled off much the same trick with its "angel eyes" headlamp surrounds). The A5's headlights also have beautifully sculpted surfaces.....

.....Apart from their flamboyantly curvy sheetmetal, the A5 and the S5 represent a fairly conservative evolution for Audi. The dynamic gains don't seem to reflect the engineering effort that the company has put into the chassis; this isn't a car that will tempt those wedded to a great driving experience. But the S5, while no agile sportster, is a brilliantly executed blunt instrument with which to subdue a raucous Sunday afternoon, Italian-style.

[Source: Automobile]

Audi A2: Audi Thinking Small with 2009 Debut

2007-06-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

With only the "2" and the "6" the only two remaining numbers not used by Audi in the United States, it looks like we are down to just "6". MotorTrend reveals some pictures and numbers about Audi's upcoming 2009 A2 next generation release. The Audi A2 is expected to make an appearance at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Here is an excerpt:

Audi management has settled on a strategy of making its 2009 A2 a straightforward subcompact with mass appeal, rather than leftfield, like the Gen I aluminum A2. The 2009 A2 won't have a unique platform, but will use the VW subcompact underpinnings, like the Polo, with gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters, plus diesels.The A2 will offer more interior space than a Mini, which will be seen as a key rival if Audi decides to bring it here. While the A2 would be marketed in the U.S. as a premium subcompact, it won't have the sporty handling of the Cooper S.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Audi TT: Coupe Dominates Market Segment

2007-06-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

The folks at AutoExpress had the opportunity to test drive the 2008 Audi TT and their results were quite impressive. So impressive in fact, that they believe that in its price bracket -- the Audi TT represents the best coupe on the market. Their test vehicle was the 2.0-liter version of the car and what they found is consistent with what we have seen. The 2.0T FSI engine seems to outperform the V6 version and with this particular car, the Quattro AWD is barely missed.

Here are a few excerpts:

If the mark of a well designed car is that it still looks fresh even when approaching retirement age, then the TT has to be an all-time great. In fact, so successful was the shape, that car's replacement is fundamentally unchanged. It may be longer and wider, but the basic proportions and profile (high window line, rounded ends and exaggerated wheelarches) are familiar. Only two versions are available at the moment: how to tell them apart? Well, the 2.0T gets a grey front grille and twin pipes on the left, while the V6 has a black grille and exhaust pipes either side. The BMW Z4 battles it closely, as indeed does the Bavarian maker's 3-Series coupe, while the Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera are also rivals.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi R8: Mid-Engine is Very Special

2007-06-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Special is a good word to describe this $110k plus vehicle. As of yet, I have not read a single review that is overly critical of the Audi R8. Perhaps that is because many of the drivers feel special to even experience the car. Or, more likely, the 414-hp supercar Audi R8 is really that good. This review is a fun and entertaining read as the auther chooses the form of a "Dear" letter.

Here are a few excerpts:

You steal my pride, R8. I can even forgive your indiscretions, such as riding around with other auto critics. Do you know how many cars they try to juggle at one time? Get it out of your system, and when you finally make that U turn back to me, I'll be waiting.....

.....Freeway entrance ramps became launching pads, as I tried to match the 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds. I knew you could reach 125 mph in 14.9 seconds and only the forces of nature could hold you to a top speed of 188 mph. I have no wish to tell anyone the top speed we reached on the smooth open highways near Monroe -- I'm not the kind of guy to rev and tell.....

.....Your Quattro Drive, stability control and carefully tuned suspension help too. They often saved me from myself. As I would whip you around the corner, causing your back end to slide a little too far because you are, literally, more than I should handle, you'd instantly check my aggressiveness, correct my errors and make me feel like Michael Schumacher. You make me a better man and driver.....

.....And there's so much room inside. Even with two big passengers, it was never a tight squeeze. Audi bases its idea of room and comfort by shoulder space. And while some sports cars may feel cramped, your cabin was spacious.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Audi TT: Australian News and Reviews Continue

2007-06-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

With the launch of the Audi TT down under in Australia, the news and reviews continue to come. This time out of SSO.net.

Here are a few excerpts:

The new TT is available in two engine sizes. The four-cylinder turbo engine, with the abbreviation TFSI, outputs 147 kilowatts and takes the car from 0 to 100km in 6.3 seconds. Hang on though as this baby is front-wheel drive only and the torque steer is pronounced but far better than the previous model. The 3.2l V6, however, is all-wheel drive, and it would be dangerous if it wasn’t. The 184kW of power propel the car to 100km in only 5.7 seconds.....

.....The headlamps, grille and chiselled shape of the front bumpers give the new TT a highly aggressive, less feminine look. Instead of being a traditional three-door hatchback, Audi stuck to the slinky coupé shape with big, plumped wheel arches, a style that it has ever so carefully preserved for the second generation. Unlike the current car, you will notice that the new TT doesn’t have a rear spoiler – at least one that’s visible when the car is still. The previous generation’s fixed wing, introduced to reduce rear-end lift at high speed, is longer. It was added in the early days when a number of the early models literally flipped at high speed on German autobahns. The spoiler has been replaced by a hydraulically operated one that raises at 75 mph, akin to the one you might find on a Porsche Boxster or Cayman.

[Source: SSO.net]

Audi: Recommended Luxury Brand in Buying Guide

2007-06-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Audi received strong recommendations as a luxury brand in the mid-year car buying guide at the Post Gazzette. While there was a strong recommendation across the entire brand, focus was placed on the Audi R8, Audi Q7, the Audi A5 & Audi S5 launch as well as the A3 line of vehicles.

Here are a few excerpts:

First, there's the styling -- always fashion forward, always understated, contemporary and ahead of its time. Then there's the interior. Audi's won numerous awards for their interior designs, which feature interesting presentations and top notch materials.....

.....You can start your search with the Audi A3, a luxurious hatchback compact powered by either a 200 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, or a 250 horsepower 3.2 liter V-6. Quattro all-wheel drive is available on the V-6, and there's also an interesting S-Line package that includes a sports suspension and lots of other sporty goodies. Mileage ranges from 23/32 to 25/32 depending on engine and transmission combination. Prices start at $25,340 to $33,980.....

.....Next year also brings the curvaceous A5 and S5 coupes, which feature either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both have graceful, voluptuous semi- fastback styling, gorgeous road wheels, and a choice of engines that include a 3.2 liter direct-injected V-6 or a 354 horsepower V-8 in the S5. I expect prices to start in the mid 40,000 range.....

.....You will also want to check out the imposing Q7 luxury crossover. It comes in five-, six- and seven-passenger versions, with standard and premium trim options. You can buy one for about $49,900, and it's powered by a 350 horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 rated at 14 mpg city and 19 highway. A 3.6-liter V-6 (rated 16/20) starts at $39,900.

[Source: Post Gazzette]

Audi RS4: Revisited: Make way for the RS6

2007-06-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Alas, no worries here. At least through 2008, that is. According to Winding Road the death of the current B7 generation of the Audi RS 4 was greatly over-stated by AutoCar in the UK just 4 days ago. While the Inglostat manufacturer is preparing for the up to 650-hp RS 6, they are not yet ready to call it quits for the RS 4.

That's good news, we can all wait until the B8 version of the RS 4 comes to us -- hopefully for the 2009 model year.

[Source: Winding Road]

Audi Q7: Review of the S-Line from Ireland

2007-06-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Audi Q7 has gotten great remarks from the industry critics with their first venture into the SUV market. This article, by way of Ireland takes a look at the Audi Q7 with its S-Line package and all of the thrills and benefits that it brings. The reviewer in the end is not that fond of the Q7 for its "intimidating" qualities.

Here are a few excerpts:

It’s not as if Audi has a tradition in SUVs. Not compared to makers like Land Rover, or Toyota or Nissan, whose vehicles have long been mainstays in parts of the world where cars have to work hard.....

.....It’s just that, despite its ability, quality, refinement, I didn’t feel comfortable driving the Q7. Maybe because I don’t like intimidating people. And the Q7 is, in my view, styled and designed to intimidate.....

.....Inside, all is luxury and tech. The main two rows of seats were sumptuous, leather and sports-profiled as another extra in the review car. The rearmost pair, though well made, were rather cramped for real people.....

.....The review car had the 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine that is well familiar from a number of applications throughout the VW Group. With 233hp growling under the hood, the accompanying 500Nm of torque offered surging but smooth performance when requested. Given the size and weight of the car, average fuel consumption of around 10 L/100km is quite respectable.

[Source: Slingo Weekender]

Audi S3: Yes, the Audi S3 is here!

2007-06-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

While CARtoday is a couple of days late to the party on the Audi S3 launch in South Africa, we cannot blame them for being excited. (Wheels24 and Motoring articles) The Audi S3 is quite an impressive piece of machinery in somewhat of a hot-hatch version with the most exciting derivative of the 2.0T FSI engine underneath it.

And again, notice the same white S3 as in the previous pictures. Looks like this Audi S3 really did some time on the journalist circuit!

Here are a few excerpts:

The company’s venerable 2,0T FSI engine sits at the heart of the new S3. This much vaunted powerplant (winning categories in the International Engine of the Year Awards for the last three years) combines turbocharging and direct petrol injection to deliver 188 kW at 6 000 r/min and 330 N.m from 2 400r/min to 5 200 r/min.....

.....Audi’s engineers have fettled the standard A3 by fitting a with specially tuned S sports suspension set up. As a result, the springs and dampers are correspondingly firmer the ride drops to 1 522 mm at the front and 1 506 mm at the rear. The new S3 now has a wider track and rolls on a set of model-specific 18-inch alloys.....

.....The interior features cloth/leather combination sports seats, aluminium trim for the air vents and pedals, a digital lap timer integrated into the trip computer, grey instrumentation dials with white needles, a leather-bound flat bottomed sports steering heel and a healthy dose of S3 decals on the door trim and numerous other parts of the cabin.

[Source: CARtoday]

Audi TT: Redesigned TT Cabriolet is a Pleasure

2007-06-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

The news continues on the Audi TT post official launch here in the United States. This article, from the Greater Paramus News. The author had driven the previous version of the Audi TT coupe and has a noticeable affection for the newer version. In fact, the author goes as far as calling the new version an Audi "sports" car vs. the previously "fashionable" title.

Here are a few excerpts:

But all you really need to know about the new TT roadster is that the top powers back in 12 seconds, goes up in 14 seconds and you can do either maneuver at up to 25 mph.....

.....As before, there are two power choices: a 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (an upgrade from a 1.8-liter) and standard six-speed automated manual transmission. A 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 adds Quattro all-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing for the V-6 starts at $45,275. Add $1,400 for the S tronic (cq) automatic.....

.....And even when it's not, this roadster is as sweet to drive with the top up as it is down. The fabric top is now lined and insulated. Sightlines are remarkably unhindered over the shoulder and out the large rear window. There's enough headroom that occupants at least 6 feet 4 inches do not have to slouch or super-recline the seat to get a clear view out the glass. And the flat bottom of the three-spoke steering wheel gives more lap room for full-bodied drivers.....

.....This car enjoys being tossed and revved. The short chin is not prone to scraping at driveways, which just encourages more fun in driving.
Enthusiasts shouldn't sniff at the automated manual Direct Shift Gearbox, with steering-wheel paddle shifters. It's an automatic that behaves like a manual, but never gives a poorly timed shift and always brings a smile as the exhaust burbles between shifts. Using the Sport mode noticeably sharpens shift points.

[Source: ]

Audi R8: AutoExpress Confirms TDI to come to the R8

2007-06-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

It looks like the Audi R8 TDI picture is starting to come into full view. Just earlier this week, Car and Driver was reporting that Audi executives were seriously considering bring the diesel powered R8 TDI to market in 2009. Now the folks at AutoExpress are confirming it.

Who can argue with a supercar performance and up to 30mpg?

Here are a few excerpts:

The firm will make the R8 available with its new 4.2-litre V8 TDI unit late next year. Currently powering the Q7 SUV, the oil-burner produces 322bhp and 760Nm of torque. How-ever, it is likely to be tuned further for the R8, pumping out more than 350bhp and 800Nm of torque.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi S3 and Audi TT: Compared Down Under

2007-06-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

This article, out of Australia takes a quick look at both the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. Both of these vehicles were recently launched to Australians and the initial reaction has been favorable.

Here are a few excerpts:

Sadly absent from the Australian line-up since 2003, the S3 is back and it is, as Michael Jackson might say, b-a-d, bad. But that's a good bad, if you get my drift.....

.....Motivation is from the VW/Audi family's brilliant 2.0-litre direct injection turbo, which has been beefed with optimised injectors and an increase in turbo pressure of 0.3 bar up to 1.2 bar to give the little four V6 power of 188kW at 6000rpm and a cracking 330Nm of torque from 2500rpm through to 5000rpm. That may be 7kW and 20Nm down on the European tune for the engine, necessary according to Audi Australia because of durability issues in Australia's hot climate and 95 RON fuel, but it hardly diminishes the performance of the S3.....

.....Utilising the Audi spaceframe construction, the TT Roadster is a nicely balanced package with extensive use of aluminium to keep weight down. Audi says 58 per cent of the TT is aluminium with a bias to the front, while the heavier steel components are used in the rear of the car.....

.....As much as it is a car for being seen in, the TT Roadster can hold its own in most equivalent company putting the 0-100km/h sprint behind in 6.5 seconds in the 2.0-litre FSi and an impressive 5.9 seconds with the V6 fired up.

[Source: CarsGuide]

Audi RS6: Spy Photos Caught in the Clear

2007-06-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Well, now we have it. With the pending retirement of the Audi RS4 from the production stable of Audi, all we have to hope for is based on camouflaged or grainy footage of the coming Audi RS 6. That is no longer the case.

The Winding Road with KGP Photography have caught the clearest pictures of the Audi RS 6 seen to date in the full shots available on in the link below. Let's just say it is quite a pretty site.

What do we have to hope for in the Audi RS 6? Just think about the Audi S6's 5.2-liter V-10 FSI, put in some forced induction and we are talking somewhere in the range of 550-hp to 650-hp. A true beast!

Make sure to check out the rear air intakes!

[Source: Winding Road]

Audi A6: Wins Shootout Against BMW, Mercedes Benz

2007-06-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

iAfrica.com has been busy on their automotive comparisons this past week. First, it was the Audi A3 taking a little bit of a beating from the competition. This time however, it was the Audi A6 4.2 Quattro Tiptronic taking top honors over the BMW 550i, Mercedes Benz E500, and the Volvo S80 Geartronic. This is a big victory for Audi, given the competition in luxury and premium classes.

The only real complaint? The size of the fuel tank on the A6.

Here are a few excerpts:

Things have changed and a glance at our four participants well indicates this. If it were possible to have presented the same four in a shootout say ten years ago, readers would certainly have imagined that Star Wars had landed on earthling domain. And because we have one of these as a long-term test car - the Audi A6 4.2 V8 with its competition-developed quattro concept – we decided to put it up against three other chosen rivals to indicate the strides made over that time.....

.....When it comes to exterior styling the A6’s classically handsome and smooth lines are the most striking, the S80 instead, though more chunky and snub-nosed, appeals in another way. The swooping Merc E500’s is still attractive, the revamped front still not enough to hide the fact that it’s getting long in the tooth. The 550i? Well, we’ve never liked it, and still don’t. Bangle bungled this one as he did his even less-impressive 7, but thankfully redeemed himself with the glorious looking 6-Series.

[Source: iAfrica]

Audi A3: African Shootout with Hatchbacks

2007-06-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Audi A3 was in a recent shootout in a review at iAfrica. While in the end, the Audi A3 trailed both the Opel Astra GTC and the Volvo C30 T5 -- the Audi A3 did receive high marks. In addition reference was provided to the Audi S3, recently launched in South Africa.

Here are a few excerpts:

Over the years, the top of the line hatchback market has become ever more significant. Cars like BMW’s 1-Series and Audi’s A3, the Merc B-Class and others like them never existed not all that long ago.....

.....The Audi A3 2.0T FSI has an S3 big brother on the way and already has a 3.2 quattro V6 above it on the range, while the Opel Astra GTC 2.0 Turbo sits happily under the testosterone enhanced OPC in its line-up. Remember that – the Volvo C30 is not quite intended as a hot hatch – yet.....

.....Audi has always had a reputation for fine cabins and the A3 – plain as ever – is no exception, but the Volvo still teaches it a lesson in interior style. Full marks to the Volvo – its well thought out, pleasant and compliant to live with.

[Source: iAfrica]

Audi Q7: Truth in Engineering

2007-06-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

A brand new marketing campaign specifically targeted to the highly acclaimed and successful Audi Q7 launched today. The ads will consist of a number of media targets including TV advertisements, magazine and othe print advertisements, and finally online trailer ads. While the ad campaign is starting with the Audi Q7, it is expected to continue with both the Audi TT and the new Audi A4.

Here are a few excerpts:

The latest effort uses 60-second trailers that launched online on Friday, with 30-second TV versions breaking today, driving consumers online to www.AudiQ7-truth.com, where they can download videocasts, connect to local dealers, and interact in other ways.....

....."These kids are victims of seven-seat SUVs, that don't seat 7," reads the super. VO: "The Audi Q7 ... because someone should think of the children." The other spot shows a guy holding up a long line of traffic in a parking lot because he's engaged in an endless turnaround. The Audi Q7 is pitched as the agile solution to the "misery of the 18-point turn.....

....."Truth in Engineering" is rolling out in phases, Ward says, with the Q7 ads following the TT spots, ads for the new A4 sedan, and ads touting Audi's safety features. She says brand advertisements will follow in the next few months, likely using the R8 sports car as a halo.

[Source: Marketing Daily]

Audi S3: Review on a Smokin' Machine

2007-06-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Audi is on a little bit of the press push on the international release of the updated Audi S3 Quattro. This is the second article in as many days out of South Africa, with Motoring getting the jump on Wheels24 by a single day with what looks to be the identical white Audi S3 driven by both parties. This is all in addition to the Audi S3 article out of Australia today as well.

The news is, it is all good news for the Audi S3!

Here are a few excerpts:

But it looks like a regular A3, you shriek. Not quite. S3, in typically Audi understatement, is emboldened with a beefier grille sporting platinum vertical slats and xenon-plus headlamps with daytime running lights. It also comes standard with S-issue chrome housings for the side mirrors, meaty 18-inchers, wider door sills, a discreet roof spoiler and an integrated rear diffuser housing twin tailpipes.....

.....Keeping all that power in the road is the responsibility of the Haldex quattro system with an 85/15 bias to the front wheels in most conditions. However, up to 100% of the torque can be distributed to any one wheel when required. Genius.....

.....During the play session, the car showed itself to be quite the performer, displaying its agility and exquisite road holding at PE's Aldo Scribante circuit. Sprinting down the straight and tossing through the bends, the black-painted brake calipers proved they were more than just cosmetic. Simultaneously, they also demonstrated these brakes ability to be more than adequate for regular driving excursions.....

.....Communication through the steering wheel is top notch and the ride is appreciatively firm and not excessively jarring, translating into a driving experience that could rival that of some traditional sports cars. The short shift six-speed gearbox used in the S3 is another marvel and has an effortless action that leaves you to concentrate on more important tasks.

[Source: Wheels24]

Audi S3: Revised Release Down Under

2007-06-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

The folks over at FullBoost are celebrating Audi's revised edition of the S3, recently released down under in Australia. Although Audi's expectations of sales are rather low -- 100 per year -- the S3 is still a popular, yet reasonable vehicle that provides a little sport.

Here are a few excerpts:

Its sparkling performance and practical features make the new S3– like all Audi S models – an ideal sports car for everyday use, according to Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann.....

.....The engine’s power is transmitted by a close-ratio manual six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive to the large 18-inch alloy wheels. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, positioned at the rear for the benefit of weight balance, distributes the torque as needed – delivering plenty of grip and maximum driving safety. All the components in the drive train have been strengthened to cope with the high level of engine torque.....

.....Dynamism is obvious at first glance. The single-frame grille sports chrome trim, the front skirt has a spoiler with large air-intakes and the side sills have been restyled. There is a contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear skirt, along with two S-style oval chrome tailpipes. Aluminium-look door mirrors and a body-colour roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.....

.....In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car, responding instantly to steering movements and achieving high cornering speeds. The innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear – has been further refined.

[Source: FullBoost]

Audi S3: Scintillating, of Course!

2007-06-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

That's how this author out of South Africa feels about the Audi S3, it's scintillating! You really cannot blame him, especially with the upgraded 2.0-liter TFSI (Turbo FSI) engine that is the most powerful version of the 2.0-liter engine that Audi offers. That, combined with the sporty hatchback makes for a wonderfully fun and flexible car.

Here are a few excerpts:

Frankly, it makes a helluva lot more sense than a two-litre turbo TT unless you're into posing; after all, those who know the S3 will also know this latest version is devilishly fast thanks to it scoring 188 against the TT's 147kW and that it still has the quattro all-wheel drive that the latest two-litre TT has dropped.....

.....The S3 will seat four people, the TT two with your favourite garden gnomes in the back. The S3 has decent headroom and a biggish boot and, best of all, your significant other won't regard "Oh, so it's a hatchback, that's nice" as excessive on the household budget.....

.....The cylinder block has been reinforced at the main-bearing pedestals and the main-bearing cap and the cylinder head is made of a new, extra-light aluminium-silicon alloy and the new turbocharger has a larger turbine and compression rotor than the standard unit. Its cast steel casing – produced as a single piece, including the manifold – can cope with exhaust gas temperatures of up to 1050 degrees and it all generates a boost pressure of 1.2 bar instead of the standard 0.9 bar.....

.....Electronic stability and traction control come with the package, as do an S sports suspension with firmer springs and shock-absorbers, wider track and 18" cast aluminium rims shod with 225/40-profile tires.

[Source: Motoring.co.za]

Audi R10: Your Neighbors Would Love It!

2007-06-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that you were able to sign a multi-million dollar check for an Audi R10 TDI race car. This particular car, know as the "quiet" race car would definitely annoy your nbeighbors based on the 105db (decibel) output it creates. That being said, an interesting article following the possibilities are is below.

Here are a few excerpts:

According to www.dangerousdecibels.org, “serious” hearing damage occurs around the 105 decibel mark, which happens to be the R10’s noise output estimate, according to Ulrich Baretzky, Audi’s boss of race and special engine development. Baretzky said Audi has never measured the R10’s actual noise level, yet the diesel’s predecessor-the gasoline-powered eight-cylinder R8-put out around 110 dB. His R10 estimate came from combined tests of the cars and his knowledge of the two engines. He simplified the reasons for the five dB difference.....

.....So how loud does that make the R10,? While our eardrums rupture at 150 dB (or a jet-airplane takeoff), the R10 and R8 both come in under the human-pain threshold of 120 dB (a thunderclap). The R10 can best be compared to a jackhammer or other power tool, while the R8 is more similar to an ambulance siren. The five-fold gap between the two cars might seem significant on paper, but does a jackhammer seem significantly quieter than an ambulance siren? This raises the question about the accuracy of R10 ear-witness fans. Would you use the words jackhammer and “whisper quiet” in the same sentence? Maybe if you were an ambulance driver. And that’s where Baretzky claims the difference lies. Sound is relevant.....

.....“I’m really fed up with the screaming engines around here for 24 hours,” Baretzky said. “You cannot talk anymore [because] you have a sore throat after a half an hour.”

[Source: AutoWeek]

Audi TT: Can it Turn you into a Villain?

2007-06-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

Can the new Audi TT turn you into a Villain? Probably not, but the author of this article waslet to ask this question after taking it on a test drive. This test drive was on the 250-hp power version of the V6 FSI with the Audi Quattro system. While reviews on this particular engine have not been stellar -- with others favoring the 4-cylinder turbo driven 2.0-liter FSI -- you cannot argue with the extras like Quattro only available in the V6.

Here are a few excerpts:

It's a cracker, the new TT, not only subtly sexy, but at last now a proper, tight little sports car. I tried the entry-level, 2.0-litre coupé a few months ago and loved it, rashly pronouncing it far superior to the larger-engined, V6 version, despite never having driven that car (I do the same with films I've never seen and books I've never read). I claimed the 2.0 litre handled better because it had less weight over the front wheels. I was guessing and I was right, but what I had forgotten was that, in most circumstances, more power means more fun, and damn the consequences.....

.....Audi is not particularly known for producing exciting cars - cool, efficiently clinical yes, thrilling and sexy, no - but the TTV6 is definitely one. Another is this, the fabled Quattro of 1980. The Quattro was really the car that sounded the starting gun for Audi's inexorable rise to the automotive super-league, a journey that has culminated this year with the launch of their Porsche-rivaling A8 supercar. Where previously Audi had been known for producing sturdy, unadventurous saloons for Bonn bank managers, the 1980 Quattro brought the company a new audience and new respect thanks to its dominance of the World Rally Championship for years after. The key to the car's success was its four-wheel drive system which was bolted to an Audi 80 chassis and five-cylinder, 2144cc engine. Four-wheel drive had been used on road cars before, but this system had been developed for military use and within five years virtually every rally car would follow suit. Today, the fact that so many road cars are available with four- wheel drive is largely down to the Quattro.

[Source: The Independent]

Audi A5 & S5: Full of Style and Substance

2007-06-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Another great in depth look at both the Audi A5 and the Audi S5. We are sure to continue to see the article come as the momentum builds into the launch. This time the article is coming out of the UK.

Here are a few excerpts:

There will be more FSI petrol and TDI turbodiesel versions later but, for openers, we get the 237bhp (240PS) turbodiesel-powered A5 3.0 TDI quattro, priced from £33,340, and the more performance-focused S5, with a 350bhp (354PS) version of Audi's rather fine 4.2-litre petrol V8 and prices starting at £39,825. As night follows day, there will surely be a turbocharged V8 RS5 version, RS4-style, to take on the car that Audi's new coupé has to live up to - the latest-generation BMW M3 coupé (to be reviewed in these pages soon).....

.....The A5 and S5 certainly do much to separate the two, and with engineering basics, not just Walter's felt-tip. For starters, they don't sit on the current A4 platform but on a new generation, aimed at real dynamic changes. The wheelbase is the longest ever for a B-segment Audi. Changing the final drive position has moved the front axle line forwards, shortened the front overhang, and reduced forward weight bias, in theory to sharpen steering feel and response.....

.....
Style or substance?
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 16/06/2007

Audi A5 [tech/spec]

The new A5 is Audi's first proper coupé for almost 20 years, but Brian Laban thinks it misses the mark

More images of the Audi A5
Last week's R8 test drive

Audi calls it an "avalanche" of new model launches. Between 1997 and the latter part of this year, its range will have gone from 10 models to 25. And that includes much first-time niche-filling, not least by the mid-engined R8, the Porsche 911-chaser featured on the front of Telegraph Motoring last week, and Audi's first dip into the big SUV market with last year's Q7. But, to date, there has remained one awkward gap, and it's a surprising one given Audi's inclination towards style, sportiness and sharp-edge technology.

The great pretender: the Audi A5 is not as sporty as it thinks it is

Audi hasn't sold a coupé since the late 1980s, when a line going back more than 50 years ended just as the marque approached a spectacular period of growth. Way back in 1953 (when the badge still said Auto Union), there was the F91 Coupé, and four years later the 1000 SP Coupé. Still with the Auto Union badge, 1963 brought the 1000 S Coupé de Luxe, and by 1971 it finally said "Audi" on the 100 Coupé S. Best known was the 1980 Coupé GT, the first Quattro shape, but there hasn't been another coupé since the 80-based model - the Coupé - of 1989.

At this point you may ask "what about the TT coupé?" but Audi made no reference to that very successful model at the launch of the A5; the hard-top TT's coupé moniker merely distinguishes it from the convertible, and Audi considers it a sports car. Which is logical enough, if a coupé is properly and literally defined as a cut-down (and thus sportier) derivative of a four-door saloon.

In today's market, such a coupé-shaped hole in the brand doughnut simply doesn't fit anymore, so here is the next Audi niche-filler, the A5 (and S5) coupé - Ingolstadt's overdue tilt at a market dominated by BMW's 3-series coupé and Mercedes' CLK, and potentially a Nice Little Earner.

It's a picky market, even for a company that seems close to being able to walk on water, so this is far more than just another model on the niche tick-list. There have been clues in the air since the 2003 Geneva motor show, when Audi showed the Nuvolari "design study" that it now describes as the inspiration for the A5 and S5, UK deliveries of which start in July.

There will be more FSI petrol and TDI turbodiesel versions later but, for openers, we get the 237bhp (240PS) turbodiesel-powered A5 3.0 TDI quattro, priced from £33,340, and the more performance-focused S5, with a 350bhp (354PS) version of Audi's rather fine 4.2-litre petrol V8 and prices starting at £39,825. As night follows day, there will surely be a turbocharged V8 RS5 version, RS4-style, to take on the car that Audi's new coupé has to live up to - the latest-generation BMW M3 coupé (to be reviewed in these pages soon).

So these are the next elements of Audi's aim of taking premium segment leadership in the UK by 2012. That's why the A5 is significantly more than a two-door A4 with a pretty new suit. How pretty is in the eye of the beholder, but in coupé-world, getting the look right is way up there near the top of the list. Walter da Silva, who styled it, goes as far as to say that he rates it as the most beautiful car he has ever created, and this from a man with some exceptional Alfas to his name.

You may agree, but for what it's worth, I think Walter is selling himself slightly short. The A5 is good but it's not special, and it certainly doesn't move the game on in any way. You could say it plays safe - short overhangs and a chunky stance, a touch boxy from some angles and, from others, a bit too much like the enemy - but that's how they've played it. Whether Walter's notion of "beautiful" outweighs the nagging thoughts of "conservative" will be down to the market.

The same goes for the dynamics, and of what makes a coupé a coupé, and not just a two-door saloon with a swoopy top.

The A5 and S5 certainly do much to separate the two, and with engineering basics, not just Walter's felt-tip. For starters, they don't sit on the current A4 platform but on a new generation, aimed at real dynamic changes. The wheelbase is the longest ever for a B-segment Audi. Changing the final drive position has moved the front axle line forwards, shortened the front overhang, and reduced forward weight bias, in theory to sharpen steering feel and response.

There's also a new five-link front suspension and revised trapezoidal-link rear, while the steering rack is re-positioned ahead of the front axle, again aiming for better responses, which has long been the Achilles heel of front- and four-wheel-drive Audis when pitched against the rear-drive opposition. Alongside the looks becomes the defining element of the coupé question - is it or isn't it?

You may not be surprised to learn that this is unclouded by considerations of quality or interior design, which both ooze the very best of modern Audi-ness. There are no issues of space or practicality: it's strictly a 2+2, but with reasonable rear-seat room, fairly easy access and good boot space, with split-fold seats.

An engine for all seasons: the V6 turbodiesel has huge flexibility

Which leaves the driving, and whether the A5 (or S5) is as sporty as Audi thinks it is. Up to a point. The numbers are good: 155mph and 5.1 seconds to 62mph for the supposedly hotter S5, but while Audi says 155mph and 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds for the six-speed manual A5 3.0 TDI quattro, this is the one that feels quicker more often, with its 368lb ft (500Nm) of torque from 1,500 to 3,000rpm (the S5 offers 324lb ft at 3,500rpm) and the equally huge out-of-corner traction of all-wheel drive.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

Audi RS6: Video Spy Footage

2007-06-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

The folks at the FastLaneDaily.com caught some great footage of Audi's latest monster, the Audi RS6 testing on a track in Germany. Here is a chance to go beyond still pictures and see the actual video!

Audi Q7: Testing of the 3.6L Audi Q7

2007-06-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

A very objective and well written review of the 2007 Audi Q7 with the 3.6L V6 FSI engine. The author had previously tested the 4.2L V8 engine and it is very apparent his bias. One should probably note that when test driving cars, it is always best to start with the lower end models. That being said, it is a good review of the technology and peformance of the Audi Q7.

Here are a few excerpts:

That's a shame, because as it stands, the 280-hp, 3.6-litre V6-powered Q7 is very well mannered on the road. True, accelerations are not as athletic as those of the 350-hp 4.2-litre V8, but 0-100 kph sprints are still achieved in eight very reasonable seconds--barely one second slower than with the big mill.....

.....One thing's for sure: while the base Q7 lacks the advanced technologies listed earlier, its interior is as sharp and striking as the premium model's. The soundproofing is excellent, the fit and finish is outstanding and passengers enjoy great comfort. A two-way trip between Montreal and Quebec City is completed without any complaint.....

.....MMI, which controls just about every vehicle function, is not very user-friendly, even for tech geeks. The various buttons and knobs are located near the base of the shifter rather than in the upper portion of the dashboard, where your eyes are naturally led to. Bad idea. In fact, it drains a large part of the driver's attention, which could result in a serious accident. On the flipside, some of the controls, like the audio system's, are mounted on the steering wheel.

[Source: Auto123.com]

Audi RS4: Make way for the RS6

2007-06-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Sad day for the Audi RS 4 enthusiasts around. According to Autocar, the Audi RS4's production will be halted in October, 2007 in order to make way for the production of the Audi RS 6. This has been rumored for some time and with every bad story there is a grain of salt. Since this is the last of the RS's to be produce for the Audi B7 line of A4s, we can all look forward to the 2009 B8 version which will hopefully include an RS 4 in its line! This has yet to be confirmed by Audi.

Here are a few excerpts:

The 414bhp V8-powered RS4 was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in 2005, and went on sale in the UK in October of that year; it'll stop being built this October.....

.....Though Audi hasn't admitted as much, RS4 production is being phased out to make way for the forthcoming new RS6.

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Audi TT: Taking the TT to the Next Level

2007-06-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Great review and look over Audi's new TT. This journalist has seen and reviewed both the original TT and the latest version -- this year's Audi TT.

Here are a few excerpts:

Indeed, styling is very much a part of the TT story. In fact, the original car's Bauhaus-inspired design was so brilliant, inside and out, that it made you forget that the TT was a sports car built on a Volkswagen Golf platform, which gave it certain inherent limitations in the ride and handling department.....

.....The new TT is longer, wider and slightly taller than the old car, but it remains instantly recognizable and now features a more athletic character with its set-back greenhouse and a new rear spoiler that automatically deploys when the car reaches 120 kilometres an hour. This feature becomes significant when one recalls that the first-generation TT did not have any rear spoiler whatsoever and that cars driven at autobahn speeds allegedly experienced read-end lift, prompting Audi's decision to hastily add a static rear spoiler to TT models.....

.....Visually, it's a looker all right. The cockpit of the new car is not quite as dramatic as that of the original, but it features a flat-bottom steering wheel inspired by the R8 supercar and keeps the signature centre circular air vents, which now number three instead of two. Gone in the redesign are the two separate centre tunnel bars, one of which so annoyingly contacted the driver's right knee, now replaced by a conventional console. As the beltline of the car remains high, you still retain that "cockpit" feel, but you benefit from slightly more room as the car is now wider.....

.....And while these same representatives claim that Audi is merely "looking into" possible high-performance S and RS variants of the new TT, it is pretty much assured that these models are now in the pipeline, so all of you die-hard gear heads with an inkling for the occasional track day might want to wait and see what is coming down the road.

[Source: Driving.ca]

Audi A6: Review of a Thrilling and Chilling Sedan

2007-06-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

Very interesting article here on a review of a "standard" Audi A6 4.2 FSI sedan. Interesting in the fact that all the hype the last few months has been squarely around the Audi RS 4 and S6 performance sedans and less around the daily driver. However, if those high-performance vehicles and their rough rides are not for you, than the Audi A6 4.2 FSI will surely not disappoint!

Here are a few excerpts:

Fortunately, such uncharitable thoughts regarding the underwhelming strength of the automaker's yeoman V8 powerplant soon passed. I then began to warm up to the A6's acceleration abilities as well as to take stock of the mid-sized luxury sedan's other characteristics, notably a strong side profile that still looks good three years after the car's debut.....

.....Certainly bumping up the 4.2L V8's output to 350 hp from 335 doesn't hurt, which makes the A6 4.2 more competitive with its aforementioned German rivals -- at least to those who scan the spec sheets looking for water cooler bragging rights. Getting to 100 kilometres from a standstill takes about six seconds, decent for a 1,915-kilogram sedan. (The downside of weight and power is fuel economy; the A6 4.2 has a healthy appetite for premium unleaded, averaging 14.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the test week.....

.....An Audi hallmark is its quattro all-wheel-drive system, which provides year-round, all-season superior traction. (Mercedes makes its 4Matic system standard on the Canada-bound E550; BMW doesn't offer xDrive on the 550i.) In conjunction with the optional ($3,450) S Line sport package -- of which wider and stickier P235/55R19 rubber and a stunning set of alloy rims are the highlights -- the A6 charges on-ramps with an elan that easily surpasses lesser machinery.

[Source: Driving.ca]

Audi R8: More than the Talk of the Town!

2007-06-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

An interesting article of speculation around the Audi R8 and the possibilities of a TDI diesel powered engine making its way into the Audi R8 to boost its performance. It was just a little over a month ago when Audi was caught testing the R8 with a V-10 FSI, similar to what you can find in the Audi S6 & S8. While the diesel engine may produce less horsepower, there is no question it would be more fuel efficient and deliver more torque.

Here are a few excerpts:

The gears are beginning to turn on a new groundbreaking phase for Audi, which is set to revolutionize the auto industry in another way: through the use of diesel power. Diesels aren't anything new, of course, and while Audi has had great success using diesel power on the track, especially with its new TDI Le Mans winning R10 racer, they're far from the first to incorporate Rudolf's invention in race or road cars.On the contrary, they're looking to be the first to create a diesel-powered supercar, based on nothing less than their brand new R8.....

.....Instantly, the engine that Audi aficionados will think of is the brand's flagship diesel, the majestic 6.0-liter V12 TDI that develops 500 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, although it probably wouldn't make the cut for its size and weight. Keeping in mind that the R8 is a very small vehicle, the cast-iron and vermicular graphite block would completely alter the car's balance and therefore its handling characteristics. Instead, insiders are reporting that the R8 TDI will feature Audi's newly developed 4.2-liter V8 TDI engine......

.....The unique characteristics of the diesel engine will be as interesting to exploit in a road going performance vehicle as they have been on the track, although this engine makes nearly 25-percent less horsepower than the current gasoline V8 engine (of the same displacement), the losses are more than minimized by its staggering 561 lb-ft of torque. This engine should also drop the R8's fuel consumption by about 20- to 22-percent.

[Source: Automobile.com]

Audi S6: Quite the Animal

2007-06-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Audi S6 is know as quite an animal, even down under in the land of Australia. Well, that's not quite the sentiments of the author of this test drive on the Audi S6 -- but make no mistake the 435-hp engine powered by the FSI V-10 is quite a beast.

Here are a few excerpts:

It was kind of fitting the cows had the chance to give the S6 a bit of a once-over because there is connection between steak on the hoof and the S6 and it is all under the bonnet.
In that forward section of the car that holds a ''four'' with room to spare, a V6 comfortably and a V8 if it breathes-in during the fitting procedure Audi's white coats have managed to crowbar-in a 5.2litre, quad-cam V10, a development of the 5.0litre engine used for Lamborghini's awesome Gallardo sports coupe.....

.....What that means is that permanent all-wheel-drive with self-locking centre differential, a switchable electronic stability system (on, off and partially-off) as part of an overwhelming electronics chassis package, six-speed Tiptronic automatic with dynamic shift program and sequential shift mode, huge 19-inch alloy wheels with 265/35-series tyres stretched around them like thick rubber bands and enough braking power to stop the space shuttle.....

.....Did we like it? We loved it for everything from its turbine-like drivetrain to its absolute clingability provided by the huge tyres, firm lowered suspension and clever chassis electronics that do their thing with fuss and without letting-on they are doing it. What did we not like? Giving it back.

[Source: Camden Advertiser]

Audi TT: Want yours custom made?

2007-06-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Interesting article by way of DueMotori.com. If you're looking for a little more customizeable features in your new Audi TT, looks like Audi will be able to accomodate you! Many various features and add-ons are available including 4 specific custom color lines. Beyond that, many external to Audi will have the over 30,000 color palette available to them in order to create custom and on-off colors.

Now you can have your Audi TT your way!

Here are a few excerpts:

The new four-colour exclusive line option for TT Coupé and Roadster models complements the full-scale Audi exclusive programme already providing buyers with over 30,000 exterior colour
choices and virtually limitless opportunity for exclusivity in the cabin.....

.....The black leather Seat edging contrasts with centre sections and door panels in a choice of either silver, crimson red, signal orange or saddle brown, and these are colour matched with stitching and piping for the hand brake handle, steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and floor mats. Audi exclusive line scuff plates are also part of the package.....

.....The opportunities for personalisation across the Audi range are exhaustive, and provide plenty of latitude. The team at quattro GmbH, the Audi styling and tuning subsidiary responsible for special projects, is happy to ‘think outside the box’ to try and satisfy every request, no matter how unique its nature. Further information is available from Audi Centres nationwide.

[Source: DueMotori.com]

Audi S6: Taking the 2007 on a Road Test

2007-06-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

The new 2007 Audi S6 is quite an exceptional vehicle. Just released, it is expected to compete head on with other super sedans like the BMW M5. Even better, the rumors are that an Audi RS 6 may be headed our way in the next year or so. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

First and foremost the current Audi S6 is an impressive sports sedan. Boasting 435-hp from a powerful V-10 FSI engine, it has plenty of speed to spare. Add that with the 55/44 rear biased Audi Quattro and you have a quite impressive package. This review comes to us way of Automobile.com.

Here are a few excerpts:

The sound of the new S6 at idle is every bit as intoxicating as I remember the old RS6, although the way Audi's going about generating power in its latest midsize muscle car is altogether different. Instead of a carbon-fiber shrouded twin-turbo V8, the new model features a rather exotic 435 horsepower V10 that's only more visually stimulating if you're an engineer. Still, it produces one of the most alluring rumbles I've yet to hearfrom ten cylinders, nothing like the obnoxious blat of a Viper or high-strung wail of a Carrera GT, no, and much more audibly pleasing than the ten-pot mill in BMW's M5.....

.....Power to weight is a key ingredient, and one that sees the Audi failing miserably, weighing in some 326 pounds heavier than the already robust Bavarian and 451 more than the comparatively lightweight Mercedes (two words that aren't normally associated), a 4,486-pound juggernaut that nevertheless feels fairly fleet onits feet. Yes, I was almost as shocked as when I first tested a Bentley Arnage T, a near three-ton mammoth sedan that almost dances as well as the aforementioned M5. Or maybe it was the shock of the Flying-B's willingness to gently drift through apexes at ridiculous speeds without biting back in uncontrollable oversteer that had me feeling as if I could take anything on the road, like Tim Birkin powering a '29 4 1/2 Liter Blower to victory at Le Mans.....

.....I think that this is probably Audi's strongest suit in the super sedan segment. The S6 isn't the quickest at 5.1 seconds to sixty, nor the fastest at a rev limited 155, and probably isn't the most capable around corners, but overall it delivers performance that only a handful of four-door executive shuttles can exceed while pampering everyone onboard every minute of the ride. And if that bone dry roadway happens to turn nasty, as it did during the second day of my test, well, it'll eat M5s and E63s for breakfast, lunch and dinner, not to mention dessert, as its rear-biased 40/60 split quattro all-wheel drive, combined with sport-oriented traction and stability control, adds more grip to the front wheels and virtually eliminates the possibility of losing control. The perfect compromise for a workaholic trying to squeeze just one more meeting into a wet winter day? Being one who would know, the S6 just might be.

[Source: Automobile.com]

Audi R8 takes on Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911 Turbo

2007-06-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Car and Driver put on a good versus article that take put the new 2008 Audi R8, 2007 Aston Martin Vantage, and 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo to the test against each other. They have an interesting digression into the world of what to call these machines -- are they sports cars? supercars? superdupercars? exotics? While interesting, it takes us away from what we really care about -- how do the cars perform?

The best news? The Audi R8 takes home top honors. Pretty impressive for a vehicle just coming to market!

Here are a couple of excerpts from the article:

Where the Porsche is purposeful, the R8 is playful. And if the Audi can’t quite match the headlong rush of the 911 Turbo, no one could call it slow. The direct-injection 4.2- liter V-8 delivers 420 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 4500. The output tends toward peaky and lacks the Porsche’s immense tidal wave of torque, but the gearing of the six-speed manual gearbox is well matched to the V-8’s power characteristics, yielding consistent 0-to-60 runs in the low-four-second range—4.3 in this test—with the quarter-mile flashing by in 12.8 seconds at 112 mph.....

.....What’s the magic formula here? All-wheel drive? Yes, but without the inherent understeer that goes with most all-wheel-drive cars, other Audis included. In this application, the torque split is biased toward the rear—never more than 35 percent to the front tires. Also, with the engine sitting longitudinally behind the cabin, weight distribution skews toward the rear of the car—44.1/55.9—but not so dramatically as in the Porsche. The 104.3-inch wheelbase (almost a foot longer than the Porsche’s), a dimension dictated by the mid-engine layout, helps enhance the stability index, too, and is a plus in ride quality that’s amazingly benign for this kind of car.....

.....But most of this short list is stuff that would, with familiarity, become transparent or at least acceptable to an owner. Audi has achieved something exceptional: a user-friendly sports car with supercar attributes and everyday drivability.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi R8: Caught in the Detroit Area

2007-06-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Not really much news here, just another sight of an Audi R8 on the road in Detroit. That is not really that big of news, there are two Audi R8's from the design center out here in the Los Angeles / Ventura County area that can be spotted crusing the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu, California on many a weekends. In fact, I caught both of them going through Malibu Canyon Road just a few weeks ago.

Surely there will be more of these to come as the Audi R8 hits the limited produciton marketplace.

Photo from Jalopnik:

[Source: Jalopnik]

Audi A5: New Kid on the Block

2007-06-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

The news and buzz around the new Audi A5 and Audi S5 lines from Audi continues as we approach launch dates around the world. There is no question that the A4/S5 models have created quite a stir with Audi first re-entry into the coupe marketplace in a number of years.

These coupes are expected to compete with both the Mercedes Benz CLK series as well as the BMW 3-series of coupe vehicles. Analysts are expecting Audi to command a considerable share of the market.

Here are a couple of excerpts on this article out of Ireland:

The A5 debuts Audi's new MLP platform (modular longitudinal platform) which will also underpin the next generation A4, A6 and A8 models. The platform is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark "overhung" engine mounting position over the front axle, in favour of the powertrain being located behind the front axle - in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution (55/45) between the front and rear wheels.....

.....This four-seat coupé measures just over 15ft long and in A5 guise offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and, at least in Europe, a wide selection of engines. Two direct-injection petrol engines, a 170-bph 1.8-litre turbocharged four and a 265-bph 3.2-litre V-6. Two TDI direct-injection diesels include a 140-bhp 2.7-litre V-6 and a 265-bhp 3.0-litre V-6. The A5 is also offered with a choice of 6-speed manual or an automatic with a sport tap-shift mode.
There may also be an RS version of the A5 called the RS5. Its main competitor will be the BMW M3 coupe and will most probably have the 4.2L V8 from the RS4, producing 420 horsepower.

[Source: GalwayFirst]

Audi TTS: Is it for real?

2007-06-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Jalopnik is reporting that apparently Audi is looking to launch the 2008 Audi TT with a TTS at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto show. Unfortuantely, it looks like the 2008 Audi TTS might be a little under-powered for a typical S-line sedan at 270-hp. At 270-hp, the TTS is expected to turn about 5.6s in the 0-60 times. Far from breath-taking if you ask me.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Audi S4: 2007 Model Test Drive and Review

2007-06-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

About.com contributor Aaron Gold had the opportunity to review a beautiful yellow 2007 Audi S4 Quattro. It was quite a surprise for Aaron since he was originally scheduled to test drive the regular Audi A4. Er, that's right -- would you rather have 200-hp from the 2.0L FSI engine or the 320-hp that come with that V8? That's right -- it is a no brainer.

It seems that Aaron places it pretty well in between the A4 and the RS4. The bottom line is that for $20k more than the S4 you can get the RS4, but for $20k less you can get the A4.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

The S4 looks a lot like an ordinary A4, with only "V8" badges on both fenders, silver side mirrors (link goes to photo) and a slightly hunkered-down stance to differentiate it -- a good thing if you're trying to avoid the cops. My tester had a $1,500 Exterior Sport Package with carbon-fiber chin and trunk spoilers and a few non-functional scoops, with bright "Imola Yellow" paint totally eliminating the stealth factor. Incidentally, any color other than red, black or white costs between $475 and $750 extra.....

.....The S4 includes lots of standard gadgets and goodies such as dual-zone climate control, 6-disc CD changer and a sliding glass sunroof. My test car had a $1,950 navigation system that uses a dial and buttons instead of a touch screen. It's difficult and slow to program, but the system makes up for its shortcomings by displaying turn-by-turn directions right on the instrument panel. Safety kit is top-notch, with front-seat-mounted torso airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control all standard.....

.....The S4 is an excellent car by anyone's standards; it's very fast, very well equipped, and very practical. About the only thing that put me off was the drone from the tires. And the price.

[Source: About.com]

Audi R8: TDI Available in 2009?

2007-06-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

How do you improve a car already receiving unbelievable marks from sports car enthusiasts and the media alike? Apparently, you plan to adjust it with your award winning line of TDI (Turbo-Direct-Injection) engines that have helped you dominate the Le Mans circuit. Apparently, this is exactly what Audi is looking to do.

In the meantime, we can just wait in the rumored Lamborghini Gallardo source V-10 for the R8-RS due out sometime next year.

Here are a few excerpts:

Sources say Audi has a diesel-powered R8 in the works, and we’d like to think they’re right. As far as cutting-edge diesel technology goes, Audi’s one of the best in the biz. Its latest demonstration of spark-plugless prowess came in the form of the R10 TDI race car, winning its very first race at the 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the infamous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Petit Le Mans. So who better to make a diesel exotic.....

.....All three powerplants can be found in the Audi Q7 SUV. First, the good: the 4.2 TDI V-8 which makes a solid 326 horsepower backed by 561 pound-feet of torque. Next, the bad: the 3.0 TDI V-6 that puts down a very sub-exotic 233 horsepower, although it makes its fair share of torque at 369 pound-feet. Last, and certainly not least as far as sheer power goes, is the ridiculously impractical 5.9 TDI V-12 influenced by our aforementioned friend, the R10 race car. This beast lays out a mind-numbing 493 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque......

.....The 4.2 TDI propels the Audi Q7 from 0-to-62 mph in a claimed 6.4 seconds—and that’s an SUV. Factor in better gearing, less weight, and more grip and you start to get a feel for what the R8 4.2 TDI would be capable of. In addition, the diesel engine weighs less than 600 pounds, which isn’t too bad for a car on a diet.

[Source: Car and Driver]

2008 Audi TT Roadster 3.2 S-Tronic

2007-06-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

2008 AUDI TT ROADSTER 3.2 S TRONIC

BASE PRICE: $38,800 for base convertible with turbocharged four cylinder; $44,500 for V-6 model with manual transmission; $45,900 for V-6 model with automatic

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, two-passenger, sporty convertible

ENGINE: 3.2-liter, double overhead cam V-6 with FSI direct injection

MILEAGE: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

TOP SPEED: 130 mph

LENGTH: 164.5 inches

WHEELBASE: 97.2 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,450 pounds

BUILT AT: Hungary

OPTIONS: Audi navigation system $1,950; Audi magnetic ride suspension $1,400; enhanced interior package $1,250; baseball optic leather seat trim $1,000; audio package (includes Sirius satellite radio and Bose premium sound system) $1,000; 18-inch alloy wheels with performance summer tires $800; bi-Xenon headlamps $800; Sahara Silver Metallic paint with black roof $475; Bluetooth phone prep $450

DESTINATION CHARGE: $775

Audi R8: Versus Porsche, Dodge? Chevy?

2007-06-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

The folks at Popular Mechanics are a little funny in their comparisons of the new Audi R8. Sure, the Audi R8 can be compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo. However, this is a first that it is being compared to both the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and the Chevy Corvette Z06. Apparently everyone wants to get in on the Audi following and they will through the entire kitchen sink at the R8.

Here are a few excerpts:

Our quartet of speed maestros consists of the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, Porsche 911 Turbo, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the new Audi R8. We ran them all through our usual battery of tests at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Then we spent a day hot-lapping each one on the 1.8-mile Streets of Willow road course. To find out which ones rose to the top of our score card, read on.....

.....The paddle-shifted R tronic gearbox flawlessly executed rev-matching downshifts and upshifts quicker than any human could manage in Sport mode. The R8 is so easy to drive, you could confidently toss your grandmother the keys and know she’d be okay. In fact, she’d probably have a lot of fun. Around town the Audi rode more smoothly and quietly than any of the others. The interior is posh and luxurious. In some cases we wondered if we were driving a sports car or a sedan — it’s that serene and well mannered. Well, flooring the throttle certainly clears up any confusion. The 4.2-liter V8 lets out a bewitching howl that peaks at an 8250-rpm crescendo. It’s aural magic. But the Audi was the slowest car at the strip. And the R tronic gearbox proved tough to live with when left in fully automatic mode. The lurches and pauses between shifts made us yearn for a traditional manual. Luggage space isn’t as commodious as that of the Porsche or Vette, so packing for longer trips takes some imagination. Still, even factoring in the Audi’s six-figure price tag, this was the one car we all wanted in our own garages. The Audi R8 may be the new supercar benchmark.....

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Audi R8: Long Drive Test & Performance

2007-06-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Motor Trend has spent a lot of timing in the Audi shop this week. In fact, they have reviewed all three of the new Audi releases in the past week -- the Audi TT, the Audi A5 / S5, and now the Audi R8. This time they are off for some serious fun while reviewing the Audi R8 with all 414-hp from the V8 FSI engine on a long trip.

It's quite a long article (6 jumps), but well worth your read on the 3000+ mile journey they take with the beautiful Audi R8.

Here are a few excerpts:

"Whoa, whoa," I gasp as the R8 slip-slides toward a wall of roadside ice, the traction-control light flickering like I've just won a prize. I feel like Marcus Grnholm, but without the fame, the talent, and the rally car. With the Graziano six-speed nestled into second, I keep my throttle and steering inputs light. Soon we're confronted with a steep incline.....

.....Our visit to Seattle reaffirms what we've been experiencing since we left Campo - the R8 is a rock star. No doubt about it. Page and Plant wouldn't get more attention if they walked into a London pub screaming for an order of custard pie. Sure, it's the Audi's curvaceous body, off-color "blade," and wide, squatting rear end, but most of all it's the devilish dozen, the 12 LED running lights that sparkle day or night from each headlamp cluster. They act as strobes, as if signaling a grand entrance. They also seem to hypnotize passersby, and we soon classify them into two groups - Glance/Gawk and Hunter/Gatherer.....

.....Next comes Ken, a Microsoft exec who likes to zip around Seattle in his brand-new black 911 Turbo. Cruising through Fremont, he pulls beside us, stops, and seems oblivious to the fact that he's blocking traffic. A game of 20 Questions ensues, and Ken is soon suffering from gross car envy. I try to comfort him with an old trick: "Well, your Turbo is still quicker than the R8." It doesn't help. "Yeah, but it doesn't look like that!" he exclaims.....

.....Simultaneously the V1 explodes in a Ka-band eruption just as Vance shouts, "Cop!" I engage each of the R8's 24 brake pistons and bring the car down to 60 but, as the JERK turns around, I know it's too late. "That JERK waited to flip on his radar," I tell Brian in my defense. Uninterested in our mission and indifferent to the R8's capabilities, the JERK cites me, lightening my wallet by $153. And just to kill me with kindness, he says, "This is a beautiful car." I'm tempted to show the JERK just how beautifully the R8 can blaze from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and through the quarter mile in 12.5 at nearly 112 mph, but I instead thank him and move on.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Audi A5 & S5: First Drive Impressions

2007-06-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of months since the media blitz around the 2008 Audi A5 and the 2008 Audi S5 started. In the time since, there have been numerous posts and reviews about the highly anticipated coupe from Audi. Just recently, the noise had died down from the media around the Audi TT launch. However, Motor Trend is back in the news with their First Drive impressions on the Audi A5 & Audi S5.

It's a great in-depth and review and worthy of a second look!

Here are a few excerpts:

The A5's direct-injected 3.2-liter FSI engine launches a novel new variable valve-lift system (see sidebar) to produce 265 horsepower with improved fuel efficiency. The S5's 4.2-liter FSI V-8 is derived from those in the RS4 and R8 and tuned for 353 horsepower. Chassis highlights include a new braking system, with automatic hill-holding and electronic parking-brake application, and a change to a front-mounted steering rack positioned near the height of the wheel centers for improved steering feel. An electronic novelty-the so-called Smart Key-stores vital information about the car every time it's used, including the odometer reading and any fault codes to expedite the service-writer's job at the dealership.....

.....Entry-level Euro A5 3.2s will get a Multitronic CVT driving the front wheels only, but for the U.S. market, all A5s and S5s will get quattro all-wheel drive mated to either a six-speed manual or "a fast-shifting automatic we're not prepared to discuss until fall." (Please be DSG!) We sampled both quattros with the six-speed stick and found the gearing well matched to the engines, but the somewhat clunky shifter occasionally snagged on the gate between first and third gears and generally felt a bit remote and disconnected from the mechanism it controls.....

.....Audi's coupes don't compete directly with rival BMW 3 Series and Mercedes CLK models. The horsepower ratings don't quite line up, and the Audis are considerably wider (by 2.8 to 4.5 inches), which gives them the visual heft of the larger 6 Series or CL-Class coupes. In a seemingly reversed launch strategy, the sporting S5 quattro six-speed manual will arrive this November. The mystery automatic arrives along with the A5 3.2 quattro in early 2008, and the RS5 and softtop convertible models are expected a year or more later. Base prices should span from around $40,000 for an A5 to $55,000 for the S5-a fair bit of scratch, but if you've got the itch.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Audi A6: Technology Reviewed!

2007-06-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

An Audi A6 review by the folks over at CNET. Personally, I am used to letting the folks at Motor Trend and Edmunds handle the car reviews and the folks over at CNET handle technology reviews. However, the folks at CNET have give the Audi A6 4-door sedan a rating of 8.6 out of 10 on their scale. That's not surprising knowing their tester car was that of the top line Audi A6 with the 4.2L V8 engine with all of the trimmings.

They also look at the car from a technology perspective.

Here are a few excerpts:

Among the features listed as part of the Technology package was the Advanced Parking System. After putting the car in reverse a couple of times, we realized that this system consists of a backup camera overlaid with distance and direction lines, along with an audible parking distance warning. Because Audi's press materials highlighted this feature, we decided to put it to the test by running a backward slalom.....

.....We came away very impressed by how well the car tracked to the lines on the display. The rearview image was clear and expansive, and the display also used shaded blocks overlaid on the image to give an idea of the car's distance from objects.....

.....Voice command in the A6 isn't particularly intuitive, but it is useful if you learn its command trees. You can dial phone numbers with it and choose specific AM or FM radio stations, although you can't choose satellite radio stations. We also couldn't find a way to set destinations in the navigation through voice command, which was too bad because using the MMI can be tedious.....

.....The 350 horses of this direct injection engine go through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which works very nicely for normal or sport driving. It has a manual gear selection mode and a Sport setting, the latter doing a decent job of downshifting when we let off the accelerator while approaching a corner.

[Source: CNET]

Audi TT: Convertible Test Drive

2007-06-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Matt at the Mecury news in San Jose is not all the impressed with the new 2007 Audi TT convertible / cabriolet in his recent test drive. Good article, both objective and critical of the Audi TT.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

What it doesn't have, in my view, is the iconic appeal of the 2000 original. Audi liked to describe that first TT, especially the coupe model, as reflective of Bauhaus design of the 1920s that put an artistic, modern spin on machines and products. Others, perhaps less impressed with TT Version 1.0, thought the TT looked like a smushed VW Beetle.....

.....I'll be honest. Many disagree with me, and insist this new TT is much better. They see the new TT as more sporty, more masculine, more sophisticated than the previous version. A writer with Automobile magazine praised the new model as having "the best suspension and body control I have ever experienced in a small car." Ann Job of the Associated Press noted the new version "gracefully gets away from the bug-like look of the first-generation TT.....

.....Although the TT coupe is a "2+2 car," an automotive reference to a two-door car with two seats up front and the semblance of two seats in back, it remains a perfect choice for just 2. I'd suggest leaving the +2 home with grandma. The roadster avoids that conundrum by offering just two seats.....

.....For 2008, the base TT comes with a turbo-charged, 2.0-liter four that makes 200 horsepower. In 2006 - there was no 2007 model TT - that base engine was a 180-horsepower, 1.8-liter four. Audi says it'll go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds with the standard dual-clutch automatic gearbox that allows manual shifting. The available 3.2-liter V-6 makes 250 horsepower, and comes with either the automatic or a six-speed manual. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with a six-speed and in 5.3 seconds with the automatic. (The numbers vary slightly from coupe to roadster.....

[Source: Mercury News]

Audi RS4 - Mmm, Supercharged 535-hp from MTM Tuning

2007-06-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Wow is all one can say when reading about MTM's monsterous creation of a supercharged 2007 Audi RS 4. Presented in teh AudiWorld article is the MTM Tuning's MTM RS4 Clubsport. And yes, the 420-hp FSI engine is boosted to a magnificent 535-hp.

What's even sicker? Well, apparently the same supercharger may be compatible with the Audi R8, since the engines are nearly identical.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

The centerpiece of the MTM RS4 Clubsport package is the liquid-to-air intercooled, Lysolm-type, belt driven supercharger that resides directly underneath the carbon fiber bulge on the hood and feeds the car with 0.45 bar (6.5 psi) of fresh air. This cleverly designed package sits smack dab between the cylinder heads within the “V” of Audi’s 4.2 liter V8 and boosts power levels to a very impressive 535 horsepower and 428 ft-lbs of torque. The engine internals and compression ratio remains 100% stock. A special carbon fiber vent on the hood gives extra clearance to the supercharger and helps keep underhood temperatures checked. The blower assembly completely replaces the stock variable length intake manifold.....

.....“Power is nothing without control”. This cliché statement holds especially true with MTM’s RS4. Simply adding more power to a stock RS4 would result in a less rounded vehicle, perhaps not as effective overall as what originally rolled off the line at quattro GmbH. The remainder of the modifications were therefore designed to make maximum use of the additional power produced by the supercharger. Weight saving measures bring the curb weight of the Clubsport down to a claimed 1660 kg (3650 lbs). This is about 350 lbs less than a US-spec RS4 even while counting larger brakes and additional safety features.....

With the initial background out of the way the obvious question is how does it drive? Absolutely brilliantly. MTM has done a wonderful job extracting more performance from the already well-rounded RS4 without diminishing the core attributes which make the car so special. Firing up the car, the 4.2-liter FSI V8 purrs at a very smooth idle just like a stock RS4. We do detect a hint of something a few octaves deeper and more menacing however. The unmistakable V8 burble will make a muscle car fan’s heart melt.....

.....The Clubsport is a little more extreme than a stock RS4 when restrained to commuter duty and limited to a sane pace (meaning louder, harder, edgier), but certainly livable. The full-back MTM exhaust system lets out a mean grumble with very little accompanying drone. The rear exhaust flap is still fully operational via either the dash mounted “S” button or a slick remote control which resembles a key fob. The difference between the normal and S modes, in terms of sound volume, is considerably greater than stock. The tone transforms from viscous to scary at the push of a button. Yes, we do believe that this car will actually scare women and children. The sound is aggressive and exotic - and beautiful.

[Source: Audi World]

Audi Q7: 4.2L TDI Engine Tested

2007-06-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Two Audi Q7 reviews in the same day? What is this world coming to? Have no fear, for this review from Auto Express is on the diesel partner of the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI that was reviewed by Motor Trend. This time rather, it is the 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI that gets a "First Drive" look by Auto Express. A "quiet" yet "firm" ride is the bottom line.

Registration is required to view the entire article.

Here are a few excerpts:

To drive the success story on even further, Audi has now given it the most powerful diesel on the market. The 4.2-litre V8 has 326-hp and 760Nm, and propels the two-and-a-half-ton Q7 from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds.....

.....Even so, if owners do venture off the beaten track, the Q7 still offers a good degree of versatility, thanks to its capable four-wheel drive and adjustable air-suspension. More importantly, the torquey diesel easily has enough power to pull the car out of sticky situations.

[Source: Auto Express]

Audi Q7: The Premium, S-Line, with 4.2 FSI engine

2007-06-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Here is hands-on experience with the 2007 Audi Q7 by one of the journalists over at Motor Trend admiring their recent "acquisition" of the 2007 Audi Q7. Of course, this was not any Audi Q7 -- but it had the extras that include the premium package, s-line package and the 4.2L V8 FSI engine.

Counting their lucky stars, makes for an interesting review.

Here are a few excerpts:

Last weekend was my first in my Q7 (the first of many to come, I should hasten to add). The timing was ideal, as I'd recently put more than 600 miles on another of our long-term luxo 'utes, the Mercedes-Benz GL450 (see my previous blog post). Though both German, big (the Benz seats seven, the Audi six), and expensive (our GL stickers for just over $72K, the Q7 rings up at $63,270 with options), the two rigs radiate vastly different personalities. The GL is the four-wheeled equivalent of a Mediterranean estate in Bel Air: regal, timelessly elegant, brimming with class and status that no one can fail to recognize. The Q7, in contrast, is a Mid-Century modern in the Hollywood Hills. Glass, brushed aluminum, black leather, cockpit graphics clearly conceived with chic in mind (even the animated icon for the climate-control fan whirls with designer flair). The Audi is deliberately cool, urbane, even sexy. A far edgier piece than the broad-appeal Benz, it's clearly not for everyone.....

.....Will the Q7's sex appeal linger? Will its techno-wonders bear up? Will unforeseen faults surface? Stay tuned. In the coming months I plan to rack up lots of miles in the Q7, so more updates and travel notes are forthcoming (if those cigars show up, you might even hear the thoughts of a few other staffers, too). Meantime, I'm headed down to the company garage. My Q7 is parked there, and I want to look at it. Besides, it's time to feed Leatherface. He's the saltwater crocodile I keep near the driver's door.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Audi TT: The Reviews Keep Coming in!

2007-06-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here's another review on the 2008 Audi TT. I am still finding myself surprised at the sheer volume, even though this has become common of late -- first with the Audi R8 launch, and now with the Audi TT.

This time Car Pages gets into the action with their review. After reading the first sentence, you get the feeling that the reviewer did not enjoy the car. However, they are clearly fooling with you and then gives you the goods on the all new 2008 Audi TT.

Here are a few excerpts:

Still clearly a TT, the new coupe has been completely and cleverly re-designed. To my mind for the better and, dare I say, it was about time as the first TT was launched last millennium. Well, 1999 to be exact. There is nothing ’hairdresser’ about the new car so maybe the denigrators can drop that epithet now.....

.....It isn’t just the outside that has changed. Underneath the sleek, elegant body, the engineers have been hard at work in their efforts to reduce weight, while retaining body rigidity and dynamics. To this end they’ve done away with the all-steel construction and opted for an aluminium and steel hybrid ASF (Audi Space Frame).....

.....Borrowed from the Audi RS4, the TT now comes with a flat-bottomed, sports steering wheel, which allows drivers of all sizes to take advantage of the rake and reach-adjustable column and extra seat travel without having the steering wheel resting on their lap.....

.....All new TT's have dual-stage front airbags, along with side airbags on the front seats and a whiplash protection function. The steering wheel is designed to collapse by 100mm in the event of a collision and the pedals move away from the driver’s feet should it become necessary.....

[Source: CarPages]

Audi Annouces Global Drives Multimedia!

2007-06-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

Audi has produced a fantasic new site to help see potential customers and Audi enthusiasts alike to get a great glimpse into the Audi virtual world. Launching a new microsite off the Audi.com website, you can take the virtual Audi A4 test drive of your dreams.

Drivers can create their own drives or use some of the creations of other visitors. In my case, I decided to check out the highest rated routes.

I then choose the most popular drive, the route from Andora to Barcelona.

Check it out, you'll enjoy it!

[Source: Audi]

Press Release:

INSIGHTS INTO THE MULTIMEDIA WORLD OF AUDI

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The Audi A4 turns the virtual world of the Internet into reality. From 29th May 2007 onwards, the ‘Audi A4 Global Drives’ program allows visitors to the microsite at www.audi.com/a4globaldrives to take an exciting virtual roadtrip in the Audi A4. With a little luck and an extraordinary virtual A4 itinerary, prospective customers can make their dreams come true and put the route of their choice to the test during a hands-on driving experience in an Audi A4.

“The ‘A4 Global Drives’ program for prospects offers a unique combination: an innovative website, an online community and a real-life driving experience. Not only can registered users devise their very own dream route with the A4; they can also sample the actual thing. The ideal marriage of the virtual and real worlds,” explains Dr. Alexander Urban, Head of Interactive Marketing at Audi.

The first five finalists with the most exciting A4 routes will be short-listed on 6 June 2007. All registered users will then be able to nominate their favorite route as the winner, with the chance of securing a prize themselves: all participants will be entered into a draw to win a second test-drive on the winning trip itinerary. The competition to find the best and most breathtaking dream drives will be held ten times in total.

Users worldwide can define a favorite itinerary of no more than 400 kilometers with start and destination locations and three intermediate stops. The actual roadtrip will subsequently be shown on Audi tv and transformed into a virtual experience for all visitors to the microsite.

An interactive route planner and plenty of photos and statistics enable visitors to this lavishly designed website to take advantage of the multimedia opportunities offered by the Internet. The ‘A4 Global Drives’ microsite can be viewed in a choice of six languages (German, English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese) and is thus aimed at prospects worldwide.

Audi has already run successful programs for prospects providing web-users with comprehensive support in the time up to market launch of a specific vehicle. The number of prospects who obtained information about Audi models and enjoyed a hands-on virtual experience totaled 202,000 for the Q7 Globe, 131,000 for the TT Lounge and, to date, 111,000 for the A5 program.

Audi TT: Reviews Continue, from Sun-Times

2007-06-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

The media and review blitz continues with the launch of the 2008 Audi TT. This time, it is Chicago's Sun-Time (no pun intended) with their auto department weighing in on the new 2008 Audi TT. Their "tester" TT was the 3.2L V6 with 250-hp, slightly more "docile" than the 2.0L TFSI option.

There are some concerns about the touchy power steering around town, but tightens up enough on the highways to earn good marks. Most of the articles as with this one see the Audi TT as a little pricey for what you get -- that being said it is much more sporty than its predecessor.

Here are a few excerpts:

The first-generation TT was quick, with an intimate cockpit, sports car handling and a rough ride. The 2008 coupe looks better than that chunky TT coupe, with flared fenders and an arched roof, which makes it impossible for adults to sit in the rear without bumping heads on the hatchback glass. (The convertible, which wasn't available, retains some of the snub-nose look of the old TT.....

.....The new TT also comes with an advanced 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 250 horsepower and all-wheel drive. It costs $41,500 with a conventional six-speed manual gearbox and light, long-throw clutch. It also can be had with all-wheel drive and the S tronic gearbox for $42,900.....

.....The 2-liter TT does 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the V-6 hits 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with the S tronic and in 5.5 seconds with the six-speed gearbox. Top speed of all is electronically limited to 130 mph.....

.....While expensive, especially with the V-6 and options, the new, significantly improved TT is more of a genuine sports car than its predecessor and looks much racier.

[Source: Chicago Sun-Times]

Audi TT: Female First Reviews the 3.2 Quattro

2007-06-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Female First out of the UK have taken out their "tester" 2008 Audi 3.2 V-6 Quattro and here are their impressions. Generally a favorable review of the Audi TT.

Here are a few excerpts:

But enough of that! Lets get going and as the 3.2 litre roared into action the throaty noise was so deep and wanting. Do you know I am getting a bit worried about how the noise of an engine is affecting me. Am I turning into a petrol head? But the rumbling this engine gave out is so sexy; luckily the air conditioning calmed me down a bit. So this engine credentials are sadly a limited top speed of 155 mph, takes 5.9 seconds to reach 62 mph - affirmative, yet has a very impressive fuel consumption of 29.7 mpg on a combined cycle. CO2 emission is rather high at 227 and falls into tax band G.....

.....The Audi TT Roadster has the innovative Audi magnetic ride as standard that delivers better driving dynamics, enhanced ride comfort, excellent car control and a choice of two basic ride settings. ‘Normal’ mode is for long journeys even though the suspension settings are firmer or ‘Sport’ for enthusiastic drivers like myself homing towards the county lanes and twisty roads as the settings are firmer and there is more direct feedback. Mate this with the electro mechanical speed sensitive power steering and you’re away with the fairies. My test car had another optimal extra that of the S Tronic dual clutch gearbox developed specially for the Audi Sport quattro world rally car.....

.....So as I write my cheque out for £30, 710 for the standard 3.2 quattro, I promptly rip it up and write another to include all the optional extras I can and want with a car like this. Having said that, the Audi TT Roadster is extremely competiveley priced considering all the technology she adorns and all the safety features. But her asset is the drive she delivers oh and the wonderful looks of admiration from fellow motorists especially the women. I guess the men are too jealous. If you do one thing this summer, go for a test drive in this car.

[Source: Female First UK]

Audi TT: Tested in Beautiful San Mateo

2007-06-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

As the Audi TT reaches its general availability here in the United States, the amount of articles in information around the 2008 Audi TT continues to increase. In this case, an excellent piece of both substance and personality in this piece of journalism.

The test subject is the new 2008 Audi TT 3.2L V-6 with 250-horsepower. And, the tester is impressed.

Here are a few excerpts:

Both prices are up from first-generation TTs but remain competitive with those of other German-bred, two-seat, open-air cars such as the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK, which starts at $44,125 for a V-6 powered model with manual transmission and hard convertible top. The 2007 BMW Z4 starts at $37,175 with soft top, 215-horsepower, six-cylinder engine and manual transmission.....

.....The new TT styling gracefully gets away from the bug-like look of the first-generation TT. The grille is bigger now, the headlamps more jewel-like and the overall car shape more geometric. Yet, the Bauhaus design heritage remains subtly underneath it all....

.....The electromechanical steering in the test car had impeccable response — not twitchy as in some sports cars but direct, precise and pleasing. This steering is complex in its driver assist, giving automatic straight-ahead correction and damping road surface bumps subtly.....

.....The test TT convertible with optional, larger, 18-inch summer performance tires had a noticeably stiff ride. But the new, optional-for-$1,400 Audi magnetic ride suspension system made it more comfortable than expected because I could select, by a button, if I wanted a more compliant ride.....

.....This solid-feeling, yet nimble, small car propelled forward with 236 foot-pounds of torque coming on at a decently low 2,500 rpm, and it didn’t seem to matter if I was using the shift-it-yourself mechanism on the S tronic, six-speed transmission or letting the tranny go through the gears itself.....

[Source: San Mateo Daily Journal]

Audi A1: Available in 2009!

2007-05-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Audi announced that the Audi A1 compact car will be available in 2009, being produced out of their plant in Brussels, Belgium. While details are still sketchy, more if likely to come later this year at the Frankfurt Auto show as well as new photos and spy shots.

Audi expects to produce and sell approximately 100,000 Audi A1 vehicles each year starting in 2009.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi TT: Winding Road Tests the 2.0T FSI Roadster

2007-05-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Winding Road got their hands on the brand new 2008 Audi TT Roadster with the ~200-hp 2.0L TFSI engine and took it for a drive. While the length of their drive was relatively short at 310 miles, they enjoyed the $41k convertible. As has been discussed in the previous Audi TT articles -- the 2.0T engine is the one to have with the 2008 Audi TT, however it is missing both a manual gearbox and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

If those are of necessity to you, then you may be "stuck" with the 3.2L six-cylinder engine.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

Our brilliant black test car had an as-tested price of $41,425. We did without satellite navigation, full leather seating surfaces, adaptive xenon headlamps, and other bells and whistles that Audi will gladly throw into your TT if you pony up the dough. We found our tester to be enjoyable as-is, and rarely wished for more. In fact, we felt that the interior of our roadster was an improvement over the previous TT, which often felt cramped and claustrophobic.....

......The turbocharged four-cylinder engine has more than enough oomph to get the car moving quickly, though we recommend using the S-tronic’s manual facility during enthusiast driving. Normal drive mode does not hold onto the gears long enough, but the sport setting has a relatively harsh transition from first to second gear. This engine makes a great noise as the tachometer needle goes higher and higher, and the exhaust is pleasingly vocal, especially with the top down.....

.....Sure, many enthusiasts will go for the 3.2-liter TT, and we’re sure that it’s a great car, but our 2.0T tester provided plenty of driving fun without a jaw-dropping sticker price looming over our heads. While we’d like to see Audi bring a manual transmission into the base model, we were not turned off with our test car. In fact, we’d drive it again and again.

[Source: Winding Road]

Audi Q7: Tested against Land Rover, BMW

2007-05-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

A short test article by the folks over at Auto Express pinning the Audi Q7 against the Land Rover Discovery (LR3) and the new BMW X5. The marks are not great for Audi in this encounter, however we still need to report them. :-)

Audi ends up third within the group, with Land Rover holding the top spot and the BMW splitting the middle.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

The original X5 surfed the SUV wave when the market boomed, and sold in huge numbers as a result. The second-generation model won’t have such an easy ride. It’s still a fine car, though. Its increased practicality is welcome and it drives with the same verve and agility as its predecessor.....

.....Factor in the superb straight-six diesel, and the X5 has the Q7 well beaten. The Audi tries to be all things to all owners, and falls between two stools as a result; it’s neither as crisp to drive as the BMW, nor as versatile as the Discovery.....

.....Ultimately, the Land Rover is a very different car to the BMW, so the choice here boils down to your own personal priorities – the X5 is for keen drivers with an eye on image, while the Discovery is for those who value comfort and convenience above all. For our money, the British car’s pin-sharp focus on what really matters in an SUV means it’s still our class leader.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi: BMW "Me,too!" on the Audi R8 with the BMW M10

2007-05-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

It has not been very often when the German motor company has been taken to task by the folks over at Audi. Now, BMW is considering producing a BMW M10 to compete with the Audi R8 -- as the Audi R8 is receiving spectacular reviews and media attention. Apparently the folks at BMW could not stand all the attention Audi has been getting. The car itself looks like a slightly modified BMW Z4, missing much of the appeal of the mid-engine Audi R8 with it's 414-hp V8 FSI engine.

Here are a few excerpts:

BMW refers with appropriate inquiries again and again gladly to the fact that the M6 of the sports cars is in the house. Naturally, with road performances and dynamics the large M Coupé with V10-Triebwerk and sumptuous 507 HP plays the sports car role already completely properly. Also the M6 Cabrio with identical motorizing supplements the power Portfolio since at the end of of 2006. But both vehicles are heavy four seaters - classical sports cars offer however only place for two persons and are easier.....

.....The possible M10 will know a genuine high speed vehicle, the more according to opinion of the enthusiastischen managers must than the usual sports car and supersports car competition. BMW does not want to build a central engine sports car after own stating. Instead the drive strand is to be installed in front lengthwise. Would be applicable here the V10-Motor of the M5/M6, which was to carry approximately 550 HP out in the M10. As motor alternative also future 4.0 litres the large V8-Aggregat with Direkteinspritzung and turbocharger is discussed, which mobilize 420 HP and in this year in the new BMW M3 place find. With this engine the M10 would lie in direct competition to the AUDI R8 4,2 FSI.....

.....The aggressive front is supported by the 5.10 meters for a long time and only 1.36 meters high body. Improbably that the Clou of the study is transferred to the series: automatically driving out door handles in a plastic dress, which looks like matte aluminum. Suitably for a sports car the resident of Munich with long hood, long wheel base, narrow columns and 21-Zoll large wheels comes along - the perfect answer to the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes CLS.

[Source: Auto Zeitung] (translated to english by Google)

Audi RS4 - Snow Country Performance

2007-05-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Great article and fantastic pictures from Automobile Magazine as it takes the Audi RS4 up north and into the snow. Starting in Ann Arbor, Michigan -- the trip is scheduled to be over 700 miles and journey through the cold of the north and into Canada giving some great shots of a snow covered Audi RS 4.

The most entertaining part of the article is when the author gets the Audi RS 4 and it's 420-hp V8 FSI engine stuck while playing on some roads.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

We're headed to Kapuskasing, Ontario, and an appointment at the General Motors Cold Weather Development Centre (CWDC). Most of us are familiar with the idea of cold-weather testing--run prototypes and mules in frigid temperatures to ensure that you, I, and every other Snow Belter can make it to work on cold winter mornings--but few of us have any clue about how it's done. Are the cars wrenched on by penguins? Do the engineers subsist solely on whale blubber and vodka? What actually goes on? We decided to find out.....

.....GM initially came here to evaluate military vehicles. It didn't begin testing its passenger cars until the early 1950s, when it based its operations out of the parking lot of a local motel. You can't help but imagine pipe-smoking engineers wearing Buddy Holly glasses and fur ushankas, sizing up an early Corvette with slide rules while snow piles at their feet. It wasn't until the '70s that the company moved to the more permanent digs that we'll be visiting......

.....So, that's it. Those are the cold-weather development tests we observed. Simple, regimented tests. Simple, regimented, boring tests. But even though they're as dull as dirt, they're important. Automakers could come up here and run cars in the cold and hope they don't break, but unless there's a set of procedures to follow, they'd be wasting time and money. Without such protocols, failures couldn't be targeted, successes couldn't be quantified, and you'd probably be stuck on the side of the road in February, up to your side mirrors in slush and snow as you try to figure out why your door won't close and your car won't start.

[Source: Automobile]

Audi TT 3.2: Falling in love

2007-05-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

This article out of South Africa has its tester falling in love with the new 2007 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro. While the package and performance is relatively attractive, this author differs with those who have also tested the Audi TT 2.0T. Who's correct? See for yourself.

Here are a few excerpts:

So what’s so special about the TT? Everything, actually. I was driving the V6 3.2 all-wheel drive six-speed S-Tronic and, trust me, it’s dynamite. Unlike the Porsches I’ve driven, it didn’t feel like a man’s car, like a car you need to work hard at driving.....

.....Climb in, strap yourself into into the deep leather seats, hit the accelerator, have your hair blown back. It’s blisteringly quick – you'll definitely find it hard to stick to the speed limit and I longed for a German’s autobahn where I could just let rip with a bit of kakspoed, as they say in Namibia. Bear in mind that the 3.2 can pump out 184kW and 320Nm at full tilt.....

.....But the cherry on the top, girlfriends, was that two kids fitted easily into the rear seats. So OK, two adults would’ve been way too cramped, but children? No sweat. Without them, you can fold the seats down and expand your boot space though there's already a fair amount of that and the reason for is that the TT has no spare tyre.

[Source: Motoring.co.za]

The Audi S3 Sportiness and Value in a Hatchback

2007-05-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Arguably the Audi A3 is the only hatchback offered in a premium brand package. And now, with the 256-hp 2.0L Turbo FSI engine in the S3 a premium sportiness is offered in this hatchback package. Launched in 2006, as the S3 AWD Quattro, the Audi S3 offers and impressive package at a value price. The referenced review on the Audi S3 is a great look at this vehicle.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

The S3 quattro was launched in 2006. Like family members the A3 and TT, the S3 features a hydraulic multi-plate clutch designed for Audi models with transversely mounted engines, which varies the distribution of power to the front and rear wheels.....

.....Additionally, the S3 quattro is equipped with stiffer springs and shock absorbers, and its body sits 25mm lower than the an A3 with standard suspension. Aluminium pivot bearings and wishbones reduce the weight of the front suspension.Stiffer suspension mounts and reconfigured electro-mechanical steering permit even greater precision. Inside the car I was cosseted and established a good driving position.....

.....Make no mistake, Audi are hot on the heels of Mercedes and BMW in terms of building special cars. I had the honour of evaluating the Audi's rapid RS4 last year and all I can say is that the S3 maintains the German manufacturer's very high standards.

[Source: The Voice]

Audi S6 Tested 5.2L V10 Beast!

2007-05-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

No secrets here. The Audi S6 with the 5.2L V10 FSI aluminum power plant it shares with the Audi S8 and Lamborghini Gallardo is an absolute monster. Take the already impressive performance of the Audi S8, subtract a few hundred pounds and this beast is ready to come alive. Interestingly however, it's 0-60 MPH time is 0.1 seconds slower than its bigger brother, the Audi S8. And so it was tested by South Africa's Wheels24.

A couple of excerpts from the article:

Since the S6's drivetrain uses quattro with a 40/60 rear-wheel bias through a Torsen differential, the super saloon is nimble too and permanently poised for battle. And while its sports suspension does much for firming up the ride, it's not so hard as to shake loose any bones. Not that the big V10-powered machine requires much coaxing

Instant Gratification: This term has been bandied about by sociologists, anthropologists and their ilk so often that it has essentially been reduced to some sort of curse, but not so for the S6. It gives those dirty little moments of instant gratification new credibility. Especially when the V10, with the typically understated rumble hits peak power at 6 800 r/min, changes up as the needle edges over the 7 000 r/min line, and unleashes a rumble that is, sadly, rather muted for those in the cabin.

The S6's real party trick, from the outside at least, is the neat row of LED running lights on the front spoiler. Mere mortals may overlook the platinum grey grille, the sportier bumper treatment, the subtle V10 badging on the flanks, subtly integrated boot spoiler and even the quad tail pipes (believe it or not), but everyone notices those lights

[Source: Wheels24]

How the Audi RS4 Avant can save your marriage

2007-05-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

Is the husband looking for a high performance vehicle, regardless of the versatility? Carrying around two kids to boot? Want to also keep the wife happy and keep up on your share of the chores? Well, that's why there is the 2007 Audi RS 4 Avant with its 4-doors, rear hatch, and 420-hp to boot.

Here are a few excerpts:

It's not only more practical than the M3 coupe but it blows away the six-cylinder BMW with its 309kW/430Nm 4.2litre V8. (BMW is just around the corner with a V8 model, but that still doesn't compete with the versatility of four doors.....

.....Yet the RS 4 Avant could hardly be called a practical family car and one wonders how long the wife and kids will put up with the rock-solid suspension, close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox and racin-style bucket seats.....

.....Interesting side note: The standard racing-style sports seats do not have side airbags as they are designed to hold you in position in the event of an incident. If you select the no-cost option of normal sport seats, side airbags are included, bringing the total up to eight airbags.

[Source: news.com.au]

Audi RS4 Mention in Cars.com Fleet Notes

2007-05-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Audi RS4 received a mention in Friday's fleet notes over at Cars.com. Really, simply asking why anyone would prefer the Audi RS4 over the Audi S6. The bottom line is the performance of the 4.2L 420-hp V8 FSI power plant in the Audi RS 4 is better than the Audi S6.

Not only are the 0-60 times better on the Audi RS 4, but the handling of the smaller car is better as well. And best of all, you do not have to be racing in it for it to be fun!

[Source: Cars.com]

Audi S4 Cabriolet - Road Tested

2007-05-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

A good overview and review article of the Audi S4 Cabriolet / Convertible car. While most suspect that into 2008 / 2009 this model will be replaced to by the S5 Cabriolet -- the combination elegant cruiser and muscle car is present today in the Audi A4 Cabriolet. The main question that the reviewer asks is whether you should have the over-blown power within a convertible. But, isn't that what the Porsche Carrera 4S is about?

Here are a few excerpts:

PERFORMANCE: The rumble of the 340-horsepower V-8 is a continuous reminder that this car means business. Acceleration is brisk, though with more than 2 tons to drag along, maybe not as fast as you may expect. Zero-to-60 time is 5.8 seconds, according to Audi.

The six-speed manual is butter smooth, and the engine sings sweetly at the upper rpm limits. Very nice, though I wish it didn't guzzle so much $3-a-gallon gas.

DRIVABILITY: S4 boasts Audi's typically responsive steering, solid chassis and strong brakes, making the convertible easy and fun to drive. The roofless body gets quivery over rough pavement, especially on corners, with some dashboard shake.

The suspension is firm but provides a comfortable ride. Quattro all-wheel-drive comes standard, making S4 feel sure-footed and balanced.

Among the other electronic safety and handling features: stability program, differential lock, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, full-side airbags, pre-tensioning seatbelts and active rollover protection, which sends up roll bars if the system senses an impending rollover.

STYLING: The Cabriolet has a classy, sophisticated appearance, with a good-looking fabric roof that goes down with the push of a button.

The styling of the Audi's signature deep-grille design is different from the other A4 and S4 models. Spoked alloy wheels and low-profile tires establish the performance flair.

INTERIOR: Another good-looking, nicely tailored Audi interior, with sporty interior trim tastefully done in leather and metal tones. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, but the back seat is cramped.

A full cadre of luxury features comes standard. The interface among the navigation video screen, audio system and climate control is better than most but still pretty fiddly.

BOTTOM LINE: With luxury, performance and top that goes down, S4 Cabriolet offers a lot car for a lot of money, zipping past $60,000 with options.

[Source: AZCentral]

2007 Audi RS4 Quattro AWD Reviewed

2007-05-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Given the amount of time the 2007 Audi RS 4 AWD Quattro with the 4.2L V8 420-hp FSI engine has been out, it does not seem a week goes by without another review and experience by a journalist with the 2007 Audi RS 4. This time, a good article from Cars.com.

The Audi RS 4 was put through its paces, both on the track and on the road. The only shocker was the the author considers the closest competitor to Audi RS 4 as the Cadillac CTS-V. Oh, well.

Here are a few excerpts, be sure to read the full article, its worth it:

The RS 4's 4.2-liter V-8 engine takes a little getting used to because its characteristics differ from most production V-8s, which make peak torque low on the rev range. The RS 4 makes its 317 pounds-feet of torque at a high 6,000 rpm, and its 420 horsepower arrives at 7,800 rpm. By comparison, the less-powerful V-8 in Audi's S4 makes 302 pounds-feet of torque at only 3,500 rpm.....

.....The RS 4 has a Sport button in the middle of the dash that Audi says makes the exhaust sound more aggressive, by opening baffles in the mufflers, and increases the responsiveness of the gas pedal. In Sport, the exhaust sound is somewhat deeper and makes a muted "blat blat" when you lift off the throttle to shift, but considering the car's top-tier performance capabilities, the note could easily be louder. I couldn't tell the difference between regular throttle response and the Sport mode's.....

.....Like the hood and front fenders, the RS 4's independent suspension is made of aluminum. The RS 4 also features the Dynamic Ride Control adaptive suspension, which is designed to lessen body roll as well as acceleration squat and brake dive. The DRC system connects the car's dampers with each other and can change the characteristics of the shock absorbers based on driving conditions in order to keep the car flat. While excessive body motions aren't an issue with the RS 4, it's hard to tell that there's a sophisticated system like DRC at work; for the most part, the sedan just feels like it has a firmly tuned sport suspension, which it does.....

.....Whether it was powering down Road America's two long straightaways or navigating the turns, the RS 4 felt balanced and controllable at all times, thanks in part to its rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The system sends 60 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels and 40 percent to the front, but can direct 100 percent of the power to the front or rear wheels when conditions warrant. One of the primary benefits of this setup is that it lets the RS 4 accelerate out of a corner like a rear-wheel-drive car; giving it some gas will bring the rear end around.

[Source: Cars.com]

Sportec Audi S3 - Now available at 300-hp!

2007-05-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sportec tuning, out of Switzerland has announced they have upped the power on the Audi S3 to make this compact powerhouse even more powerful. After some software tweaks via an ECU upgrade, the 0-60mph time approaches an impressive time of 5.1 seconds on the 2.0L Turbo FSI engine in the 2007 Audi S3.

There are other enhancements which add to the performance and superior looks of the Sportec Audi S3. These include enhanced 19-inch wheels, coil-over suspension, enhanced performance brakes, and a stainless steel sport exhaust system.

The already impressive Audi S3 is even more impressive with the Sportec upgrades!

[Source: Inside Line]

Audi TT Review - The 2.0T FSI is better!

2007-05-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Not a big surprise to anyone who has driven a 2.0T FSI engine from Audi. That engine, overall is better than 3.2L engine. That is the opinion of the reviewer of well. The big problem? As of yet, you cannot get the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Quattro system on the Audi TT 2.0L Tubro FSI.

No doubts here is that the overall package is a superior one to the previous iteration of the Audi TT roadster.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

There are further benefits when it comes to handling. All TT Roadsters use lightweight Audi Space Frame technology, which means that 58 per cent of the body is made from aluminium and 42 per cent is steel. But by doing without the V6's quattro drivetrain, the front-wheel-drive 2.0T FSI is even lighter, tipping the scales at 1,295kg - that's 175kg less than its more powerful brother.....

.....If you can afford it, the £1,150 Magnetic Ride option is worth specifying. This set-up features dampers filled with a magnetic fluid which reacts to an electrical charge, and their stiffness can be changed in milliseconds to adapt to different road surfaces and driving styles. In Normal mode, the model has an amazingly smooth ride, but select Sport from a button by the gearlever, and the car becomes instantly stiffer, with less body roll through corners......

.....There's no doubt that this 2.0T FSI model is the best of the bunch. Provided you don't start to tick too many options boxes - the model we tried came with satellite navigation, xenon headlights and 20-spoke alloy wheels, which bumped the price up to well over £30,000 - it represents excellent value for money. And the good news is that it promises to be a strong residual performer, too. Factor in the driving experience, and you've got a car that goes as well as it looks.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi R8 Review - Mid-engined Supercar

2007-05-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

This latest Audi R8 Review is a slight break from the normal review on the Audi R8. Beyond your standard knowledge on the car is some details and some creative writing.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

This baby Ferrari is quite unlike anything else Audi makes, not only in its technical make-up but also the way it drives. Not only does it deliver all that you'd hope for from a 420bhp mid-engined supercar, but it is also more impressively developed than any other car Audi makes, from modest 1.6 litre A3 hatch through to that W12 SUV behemoth that is the ultimate the Q7. So what do you get for your £80k? Well, the heart of the car, a potent, high-revving V8, is on display for all to see beneath the glass pane of the engine lid, Ferrari-style. It drives all four wheels via a six-speed transmission that is either semi-automatic and triggered by paddle shifts, or a conventional manual. This layout provides the 44:56 front:rear weight distribution that is the key to the ultimate in on-road manoeuvrability, the improved balance of the car making it more willing to change direction than squirming politician.....

.....The R8's suspension system is the classic race-car double wishbone all-round, but its shock absorbers are unusual for optionally being magnetically adjustable (as they are on the TT), while the all-wheel drive system is configured to deliver between 10 and 35 percent of the engine?s torque to the front wheels. There is also a limited-slip differential for the rear axle, and switchable ESP is standard.

[Source: NetCars]

Audi RS6 Testing - Caught Again - Spy Photos

2007-05-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

It was just about two months ago when we caught our first Spy Shots of Audi's 2008 planned RS6 sports sedan testing at the ring. The 2008 Audi RS6 was caught again, this time by KGP Photography.

Just to recap, the Audi RS 6 will be powered by the same V10 FSI engine that currently powers the 435-hp 5.2L engine in the Audi S6. The main change? Speculation is that an appearance of twin turbos dropping an additional 100-horsepower to the engine will provide the 500+ horses that Audi is attempting to acheive.

If you have a chance, check out the video over at the Inside line. Some of the slight differences you will notice on this Audi RS6 include a more robust front air damn, no LED lights across the air intake, and lastly oval exhaust tips -- which are exclusively part of the RS line.

[Source: Inside Line]

Audi R8 Reviewed at the New York Times

2007-05-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Audi R8 continues to make its rounds in the reviewing circles as the attention builds around the launch of this mid-engined super car. This time, it is over at the New York Times with an article out of Beverly Hills on the Audi R8. A superbly written and detailed article, definitely worth your full attention on the Audi R8 414-hp V8 FSI engine from Audi.

Of most notice was the author's dislike for the sideblades, or as she affectionately called them -- sideburns. This $110k can very quickly be at $130k before the dealer markups.

Here are a few excerpts:

For instance, you’ll want the $3,500 Convenience Package, the main feature of which is a rearview backup camera, because backing your new R8 into things is definitely inconvenient. My test car also had enhanced leather ($5,500), a navigation system ($2,000), a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system ($1,800), metallic paint ($650) and carbon fiber sideblades ($2,000).....

.....The car employs Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, but the torque split is far more rear-biased than on any other Audi. As with its cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8 strives to mimic the feel of a rear-drive car, so only 10 to 35 percent of the V-8’s torque is ever sent forward. At one particularly enthusiastic first-gear launch, I was surprised to find the enormous 295/30/19 rear tires spinning briefly before all four wheels dug in and catapulted the car forward. Burnouts are something you don’t expect from an all-wheel-drive Audi, even an RS 4.....

.....The stereotypical knock on high-performance Audis is that they put up impressive numbers without delivering much in the way of driver involvement. The R8 delivers the numbers, certainly — 187 m.p.h. top speed and 0 to 125 m.p.h. in 14.9 seconds, to name a couple — but it also has soul.

[Source: New York Times]

Audi RS4 Review at Kicking Tires

2007-05-20T09:39:00.001-07:00

A nice little review on the Audi RS 4 from the Urban DINK blogs over at Cars.com. Tested was a hot yellow Audi RS4 on the suburban streets. While the reviewer would most likely favor a S6 at $72k rather than the RS 4 at $66k if you need any space for commuting or traveling with more than a single adult and a couple of kids.

That being said, the car was definitely put through the paces with a number of drivers being left to wonder what in the world that yellow blug was. Equally impressive was the short shifting on the Audi RS 4. It looks like the 4.8 seconds 0-60 and that 420-hp V-8 were put to the test.

[Source: Cars.com]

Audi TT Branding Campaign Draws Fire in Toronto, Canada

2007-05-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

The folks over at the Torontoist are not all too happy about the marketing campaign that Audi and their PR agencies have taken up in Toronto, Canada. Their screaming for blood and some accountability about this particular campaign to plaster the new Audi TT symbol all over the city of Toronto.

Here's the scoop. Apparently, Audi did some creative things for their Audi TT campaign by posting sculptures around the city -- in several public places. In addition, they cut the symbol for the 'TT' in a field directly in the flight path of the Toronto airport in hopes of catching some flying by eyes as well as shot on Google maps. So, what's the complaint? Apparently Audi and their PR staff did not follow the letter of the law in obtaining permission. Furthermore, they plan on rotating the sculptures throughout 120 cites in the city.

Frustrating? I'm sure to some, but pretty creative overall. Vandalism? That's going a little far. At least this was not like the Boston light bulb mess a couple of months ago.

[Source: Torontoist]

Audi R8 US Waitlist and Signature Update

2007-05-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

News this time is from an unexpected source on the Audi R8 and its availability in the US market. For weeks rumors have been speculating that Audi dealerships will be requiring the signature of buyers on the waitlist in order to prevent after-market markups in the range of the expected $25,000-$50,000 on the $110,000 entry point. However, based on the news from HispanicBusiness.com -- those who were hoping to avoid paying the premium may be disappointed.

Audi's spokesman Jeff Kuhlman states that dealers will be requesting that all purchasers of the Audi R8 sign the document offering the Audi dealership first the right of refusal to re-purchase the vehicle once the buyer is done with it. However, that document will be optional. I cannot imagine anyone will be signing it.

So, with only 200-300 Audi R8's expected stateside this year, there is bound to be a premium.

Here is an excerpt:

In an attempt to keep tabs on what promises to be a hot, little number, Audi spokesman Jeff Kuhlman said customers will be asked to sign a paper giving the dealer first right to buy the R8 back when the buyer's done with it.

"The letter is only voluntary. A dealer can't make a customer sign," he said.

The intent to is to keep the car in the hands of enthusiasts.

[Source: Hispanic Business]

Audi R8 V10 Caught Again, This time at Nurburgring

2007-05-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Back on April 26th, we brought news about the spy photos on a new test of the Audi R8, this time with the 435 horsepower V-10 engine that powers Audi S6. Well, the modified R8 has been caught again, this time at Nurburgring in Germany.

Some are already speculating that this version of the Audi V-10 engine will produce more than 500 horsepower by the time it is all said and done. Most noticeable are the enlarged air intakes and modifications to the rocker panels from the current Audi R8. No news on when an updated version of the Audi R8 will be available.

[Source: Edmunds]

Audi A8 Climate Conscious

2007-05-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Audi A8 with a V8 diesel powered TDI engine is one of the more climate friendly luxury vehicles on the market today. This week, at the C40 climate summit in New York, the vehicle taking front stage, is an immediate star. The car, which runs on the Synfuel gas-to-liquid blend from Shell produces 93% less carbon monoxide and 35% less soot than its competitors. To boot, it is also burns completely free of sulfur and other aromatics.

The power and reliability of the ultra-clean Audi A8 TDI is unrelenting as well. A similar power-plant has won many endurance races with great performance and reliability with the V8 TDI version that is available in the Audi R10 racing engine.

[Source: Autocar UK]

Audi Unveils the Audi TT Clubsport Quattro

2007-05-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Audi released information on the Audi TT Clubsport Quattro car. While most would call it a "concept" vehicle, Audi insists that it is a study that sees the Audi TT in its most pure form. See for yourself.

[Source: Audi]

16 May 2007
THE TT IN ITS PUREST FORM: THE AUDI TT CLUBSPORT QUATTRO

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Every Audi TT is noted for its clear lines, unmistakable dynamism and the driving characteristics of a sports car. Audi now presents the TT in its most purist form: the clubsport quattro study.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a pure driving machine. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the

TT clubsport quattro.

The goal that the development engineers set themselves for this vehicle study was to achieve purity at a premium level. No hood, no A-post – instead, a wrap-around windscreen kept extremely low which deliberately evokes images of a speedster. The flat, slightly tinted window strip surrounds the cockpit. The panoramic windscreen and the two humps located behind the interior in place of the trunk lid are reminiscent of a racing car. The rollover bars familiar from the TT Roadster are kept flatter and are the same height as the sports bucket seats.

The front end is dominated by the single-frame grille which has aluminum inserts to give its design a horizontal emphasis. This makes the TT clubsport quattro appear even flatter than it already is. The four rings of the logo are not located in the grille as on most Audi models, but on the hood. The large air inlets in the front end supply additional air to the more potent TFSI engine. LED daytime running lights provide an eye-catching highlight at all times of day. The visible stainless steel rear silencer is the striking feature in the rear bumper, while the blade under the rear silencer visibly underscores the vehicle’s sports character. The dual-branch exhaust system with its oval tailpipes calls to mind the sporty Audi production models such as the RS 4.

There is a deliberate lack of visual interruptions in the side line and you will look in vain for door handles. The TT clubsport quattro is opened by remote control: the doors spring open at the press of a button. The size of the two exterior mirrors has also been minimized. 20-inch wheels with 265/30 R20 tires emphasize the car’s muscular appearance, as does its track width which has been increased by a total of 3.2 inches (80 mm) compared with a production TT. Not only that, but the wheel arches have also been enlarged.

The car is painted Daytona Gray, a color that Audi used for the first time on the RS 4 and the S8. The exterior design features dark shades of gray. This forms a contrast with the metallic elements, with the grille and side grille in Gun Metal, a steely color which imbues the TT clubsport quattro with a look which is both sporty and pure. The brake callipers, the orange color of which links the exterior design to the interior, provide a visual contrast. These bright color highlights also provide attractive visual touches in the interior, on elements such as the instrument cowl, the armrest and on the back of the bucket seats. The black leather seat itself also boasts a special feature in the shape of a laser pattern worked into the seat. This was specially designed for the TT clubsport quattro and plays on the TT logo.

The sports character demonstrated by the exterior design is continued inside the car, where purity was also the driving element. Racing bucket seats are provided for both occupants. Together with four-point belts that are three inches wide, these offer both driver and passenger excellent support, even in extreme driving situations – on the racetrack, for example. The generous use of aluminum is characteristic of Audi. This starts with the steering wheel which is adorned with a twin-spoke crafted from this lightweight metal. The pedals are also made of aluminum and exhibit a grooved structure. They consequently not only afford a better grip, but also help to save weight. Foot rests are provided for both driver and passenger in the TT clubsport quattro.

The gear lever gate adopted from the new mid-engined sports car, the Audi R8, and the aluminum gear knob are a joy to behold. This lightweight metal is also used for the door pull and the door opener, both of which are cut-out, a feature which further underlines the interior’s purist character.

The sill area has also been restyled compared with the production model. Rather than being interrupted by a sill strip, it now emphasises the width of the car. A new door sill trim located further inside the car, along with floor mats sporting the TT logo as an aluminum inlay provide further visual highlights. The surrounding strip on the top shoulder is also made of this lightweight metal.

The Audi designers came up with a special idea in the field of entertainment. Instead of the middle of the three round air vents in the upper part of the dashboard, they integrated an interface here, designed among other things for the B&O MP3 player BeoSound 2. The round player built by Audi’s premium partner fits exactly into the circular opening and is a sheer delight for the senses, both visually and acoustically.

The instrument cluster is very different from the one in a production model. The vertical needles and color graphics are the eye-catching features. The clock and odometer have been omitted in keeping with the car’s underlying purist philosophy.

The racing character of the Audi TT clubsport quattro is underscored by its technology. The Audi engineers have packed the 2.0 TFSI engine with even more power than the 260 hp familiar from the Audi S3. The turbocharged four-cylinder unit with petrol direct injection breaks the magic 300 hp barrier. Thanks to a modified intake manifold, it has been possible to get even more power out of this highly efficient engine (which was “Engine of the Year” in its class in 2005 and 2006). Power is transferred to all four wheels, making the TT clubsport quattro the first new-generation TT with four-cylinder engine and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

The transmission is also new in this performance category. Thanks to its dual clutch, the S tronic direct-shift gearbox changes gear virtually without interrupting the flow of power, a process that goes unnoticed by the driver. The six gears can, however, also be changed manually, with gearshifts taking just fractions of a second.

Anyone opening the bonnet will be met by a fascinating sight. Thanks to a lack of cables and auxiliaries, the engine compartment looks extremely clean. The engine has deliberately not been hidden under a cover. The cross brace running above the engine is a technical stroke of genius. It not only makes the car more rigid, but also contains the coolant expansion tank. The ABS system has been moved from the engine compartment to the interior. The air conditioning and activated charcoal filter are not to be found in the engine compartment either. A racing air filter ensures that the engine takes in a sufficient amount of air. The exhaust system has been adapted to suit the car’s sporty performance: the specially tuned exhaust emits the genuine sound of motor racing.

Ceramic brakes are fitted in the TT for the first time. These are absolutely non-fading and enable countless sharp braking maneuvres without any loss of stopping power. Once again, Audi has taken advantage of its superior wealth of experience: ceramic brakes are already offered for the RS 4, the A8 and S8 (Not available in U.S.), for example, and are enjoying increasing popularity with customers.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine that combines the performance of a sports car with a unique design language. It consequently remains a TT on the one hand, while at the same time demonstrating just what is possible with such a fascinating production vehicle. The possible small-series production of this model is being considered.

Audi TT Clubsport Quattro Revealed

2007-05-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Audi today unveiled their new concept, the 2007 Audi TT clubsport quattro concept. The aggressive concept shows a chisled body and a removed top in favor of a roadster styled windshield. Audi is rumored to be considering a production run of these later this year. If so, expect for it to be confirmed at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Audi TT Clubsport is impressive to look at with an aggressive front and clean lines with the removal of the top. They'll be sure to sell quick here in the US!

[Source: The Car Connection]

Audi Launches TV station on Internet

2007-05-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Audi continues to brand itself into the premium ranks by launching their own Internet TV station today where you can get "All Audi, All the Time." Better than that, you can see information on your Audi any time of the day you want, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

A quick check around the site (http://www.audi.com/tv) reveals a ton of great content including an introduction, behind the scenes footage, on the road tests, and motor sports, and finally life and style. Definitely something for every Audi enthusiast!

[Source: Audi]

14 May 2007
CAR MAKER STARTS ITS OWN INTERNET TV CHANNEL: AUDI TV GOES ON THE AIR

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi has started its own internet TV channel. With immediate effect, Audi tv is on the air in English and German at www.audi.com/tv and www.audi.de/tv. But the carmaker from Ingolstadt, Germany, goes far beyond what other brand channels have broadcast to date. “Audi tv provides viewers with exciting, original programming that offers new levels of access to the multi-faceted world of the brand with the four rings,“ commented Ralph Weyler, AUDI AG Board Member for Marketing and Sales.

Viewers are offered a wide range of exciting and informative reports from the fields of culture, sport, lifestyle and technology. Audi has produced its own magazine programs in HDTV quality and in 16:9 format. The hosts present these shows 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Besides regular broadcasting times for the individual programs on the "Live" channel, viewers can also call up reports about specific issues at will on four "on demand" channels. "We regard Audi tv as an innovative communications channel that operates like a TV channel but which also reflects the merging of traditional TV broadcasting with the internet," explains Hans-Christian Schwingen, Head of Marketing Communication at Audi.

"This mix of unconventionally-produced brand, technology and lifestyle topics makes our schedule very attractive. The range of topics we cover is broad enough to ensure that every viewer will find something to enjoy in the world of Audi," explains Liane Scheinert, Head of Audi tv.

Here are just a few examples of Audi tv programming: a stroll around the Bode Museum in Berlin, impressions from the catwalk during a fashion show by the star designer Michael Michalsky, kite surfing in Namibia, a flying visit to a perfumer in Grasse or the Audi “nose team” in Ingolstadt, portraits of an Audi DTM racing car driver, or the duel between an airboat and an Audi S4 Cabriolet in Florida's Everglades.

The channel is managed by a small team at Audi in Ingolstadt, with the support of editors from different divisions of the company, for example Marketing, Communications, International Sales, Design and Technical Development. The programs are created by Ziggy Film Mediahouse in Munich. They are responsible for program compilation, production management, project management, art direction and programming. Technical operation of the station is the responsibility of GRID TV AG in Munich.

Audi tv also benefits from the brand’s existing TV experience. In 2005, Audi successfully launched the "Audi Channel", a digital TV channel broadcast to some 7.6 million households in the United Kingdom.

Audi tv in brief

Can be viewed at: www.audi.com/tv and www.audi.de/tv

Available languages: English and German

Broadcasting times: 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Format: HDTV in 16:9

Channels: One "Live" channel with fixed broadcasting times, hosted by presenters, and four "on demand" channels with reports on specific issues that can be called up at the press of a button

Topic areas for the "on demand" channels: "Behind the Scenes", "On the Road", "Sports Center", "Life and Style"

Magazine shows on Audi tv: "Headroom" (content: portraits and innovative ideas); "Oldies and History" (content: for classic car fans); "Design" (content: design, architecture, composition); “Audi News” (content: current news about all aspects of the company); "Test Drive" (content: test drive reports, facts, tests, Audi models); "Driving Experience" (content: motoring experience); "Fascination of Technology" (content: automotive development and technology); "Audi Sports" (content: current news about Audi sporting issues); "Out and About" (content: magazine about extravagance and savoir-vivre), "Enjoy" (content: magazine for lifestyle, people, society), "Culture Beats" (content: culture and art)

Editorial staff and production: Ziggy Film Mediahouse, Munich

Technical operation: GRID TV AG, Munich

Neuspeed ECU Upgrade 2nd impressions - Audi A4 2.0T

2007-05-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

This may be the last article I write in the short term about the recent upgrades to my 2006 B7 Audi A4 2.0T FSI front wheel drive car. I have had a couple of weeks with it thus far and feel I have a pretty good handle on the pluses and minuses of the upgrade.

I am still 100% positive on the upgrade. The power increase as well as the consistency in the power delivery through the RPM band is as advertised. It is really how the car should have come and the performance is undeniable.

In addition, the gas mileage has not changed, or better put – has not decreased with the upgrade. While I have seen a slight decrease (5-10 miles) in the miles I get on a tank of premium unleaded gas (running nothing less than 91 on a tuned car), it is because of a change in driving habits rather than a change in the car. I definitely will have heavy acceleration 1-2 times a tank more than I used to and that easily explains it.

The biggest note I should make about the upgrade is that if you have a front wheel drive B7 Audi A4 2.0T, this is the only upgrade you should do to the car. Why? Because the car simply cannot take any more. Putting in a cold-air intake, better exhaust, or other performance parts may result in more engagement of the traction control and understeer.

A few things that I have distinctly noticed thus far:
If I accelerate hard in first around a corner, the traction control engages
If I am on a slight upslope and accelerate hard, the traction control engages

The reality is that with the added horsepower you really should be driving a Quattro. That would enable more consistent power distribution and should help keep the tires glued to the road. In general, that has been the only regret about my car, even before the upgrade – that I did not wait for the Quattro. Rather, the fact that a 6-speed A4 2.0T in black was available in Southern California at all took me by surprise.

The only negative I have on the ECU upgrade with the performance management software is when the engine is cold. What I have found is that in the morning, when the engine is still warming up for the first two blocks that the delivery of power is inconsistent during slow acceleration or driving at less than 25 mph. It causes a little bit surging which is annoying. However, after running for about a minute, the sensations drop. Even when cold, it is only noticeable in first gear and lower RPMs in second gear.

I would definitely advise anyone looking for a little more horsepower to think about getting the ECU upgrade via the performance software for the engine management. Just beware that if you think you can go much beyond that with a front-wheel drive A4, then you would be wasting your money.

2009 Audi A3 Cabriolet - Convertible

2007-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

News is continuing regarding the speculation of Audi dropping the top on the successful Audi A3. This time, under discussion of it making it to the shores of the United States. Previously the speculation had been entirely around the European release.

Hey US, are you excited for an Audi A3 Cabriolet / Convertible to come state-side?

Sources have long predicted that an open-topped A3 would be on the way, but they weren't quite sure when it would arrive. The latest word on the car is that it could be ready within the year, with the production unveiling taking place next spring at the Geneva Motor Show. The A3 Cabriolet wouldalmost certainly end up on our shores by 2009. Other information that's cemented is that Audi will be using a standard cloth roof for the A3 Cabriolet. It's a pretty smart move on their part, as a folding hardtop roof would not only drive the price up on a vehicle whose buyers are fairly price conscious, not to mention the fact that it would add unnecessary weight, take up trunk's space and ruin the look of the vehicle's backside and cost a lot to develop.

[Source: Automobile.com]

Getting the Drop on the Audi RS5 in 2008

2007-05-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

The RS5 is on its way in 2008! Well, that's the case according to Car Magazine in the UK. They are reporting that a monster Audi RS5 with over 450-hp will make its appearance next year. That is expected to seriously trump BMW's upcoming E92 M3 with its expected 400-hp.

The car, developed by the captive Quattro team at Audi is sure to impress. Taking the impressive 420-hp V-8 that is a current stable of the RS 4 line, the RS 5 engine will by enhanced with twin turbos that will significantly boost the horsepower well above the 450-hp range. Even more impressive, 500 lb/ft of torque from the blower enhancement.

0-60 times are expected to clock in under 4.5 seconds with help from the rear biased all wheel drive Quattro system. And pricing, should be in the same ballpark as the BMW M3.

[Source: Car Magazine]

Audi R8: Two Adrenaline Filled Days in France

2007-05-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

An editor of Motoring, had the opportunity to test out the new 2008 Audi R8 in France on a track. The article and his experiences are both detailed an excellent evaluations of his experience with the Audi R8. Let's just say we have a thing or two to be jealous of!

Here's an excerpt:

Testing was divided between planned road routes and the Paul Ricard Circuit, where Audi R10 racing supremo Allan McNish gave journalists the chance to experience the car's full potential by accompanying him on hot laps. It was not for the faint-hearted, but not once did the R8's technology fail to match its blistering pace in the hands of a maestro.

[Source: York Press]

Audi RS4: $10k for New Paint

2007-05-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

At first I thought Audi was kidding when I read this release. Apparently there are not. For 7,000 euros, or roughly $10k US -- you can get a couple of different paint jobs on your Audi RS 4. Yep, and the car will be a whole 10mm lower. As if the Audi RS4 was not difficult enough to come by or cost too much. If I get this right, with the new black and white, your Audi RS 4 would run you well north of $80,000 dollars here in the US. No thanks.

[Source: Audi]

Here's the Audi release:
New styling packages from quattro GmbH
Audi RS 4 exclusive in black and white
Attractive visual highlights for the exterior and interior

quattro GmbH is further enhancing the visual attractiveness of the Audi RS 4 with two new equipment packages for the sports saloon and the Avant. The Black Audi exclusive and White Audi exclusive styling packages offer sophisticated optional extras.

The two paint finishes, Phantom Black, pearl effect and Ibis White, ensure a striking exterior design for the V8 models. The Black styling packages and the White styling package with an ibis white single-frame grille provide the quattro models with a wealth of enhancements. The refined titanium look of the 9Jx19 cast aluminium wheels in 7 twin-spoke design with size 255/35 R19 tyres is also found on the exterior mirrors.

In the interior, the RS 4 unites the functionality of a sports car with an elegant, sophisticated ambience. RS bucket seats with painted backrest covers in phantom black or ibis white are a highlight. The premium standard is effectively maintained in the seat upholstery, which is made of Valcona leather in black metallic with decorative stitching in jet grey or ibis white depending on the styling package. These colour accents are also found on the RS sports steering wheel, the steering wheel rim, the gear knob and the handbrake grip, all of which are trimmed in high-quality suede. Exclusive front floor mats feature the RS 4 logo with piping in jet grey or alabaster white. What's more, the paintwork colour of the inlays corresponds to the colour accents of the given styling package.

All in all, not only do the new styling packages underline the dynamism of the sports saloon and the Avant on the exterior; they also provide visual highlights in the interior. The Phantom Black styling package costs 6,500 euros, while the Ibis White package costs 7,200 euros.

The 309 kW/420 bhp V8 engine with FSI direct injection and a high-revving concept has an electronically governed maximum speed of 280 km/h. As an option – and at no additional cost – the two RS 4 styling packages include sports suspension plus, lowered by 10 mm.

2007 Audi Q7 3.6L - Tested by Car and Driver

2007-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Car and driver published their review on the Audi Q7 with the 3.6-liter VR6 engine that boasts 280-hp. Their short review is keenly positive on Audi Q7 SUV and is most impressed with the handling of the car. So much in fact, that the car feels "much shorter" than it is due to the excellent suspension enginered by Audi. The only time where you feel it is during parallel parking.

The Q7 has the visual feel of a mid-size sport-ute, owing to its 68.4-inch height, but it casts a large shadow at 78.1 inches wide and 200.2 inches long. That’s almost 10 inches longer than an Acura MDX, and although the Q7’s third row isn’t any more suited to adults than the Acura’s, the Audi’s cabin is long enough to swallow a ski bag lengthwise behind the front seats. In most mid-size SUVs, such a bag would be poking between the front seats.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi R8 Available at MSRP?

2007-05-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Not a chance. Despite several of the controls that Audi has put in place to try and prevent scalping, the new 2008 Audi R8 is changing hands in the United Kingdom (UK) at significantly higer premium. How high? Try about $20,0000 higher (10k British Pounds) to get your hands on an Audi R8. Apparently the same legal documentation required by dealers in the United States are not being placed about those in the UK.

If you're lucky enough to be the near the top of a waitlist, do not expect to pay full MSRP.

[Source: AutoCar UK]

An Emotional Audi A5 does Beautiful

2007-05-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

Beautifully engineered. That's never been a problem for the Audi line of vehicles. Aesthetically pleasing? There are definitely some that are serious detractors on the Audi line of vehicle, sans the R8 -- until now.

This article out of Southa Africa focuses on the Audi A5 from the outside, bringing to bear the observation that is the first standard production car that Audi has ever made beautiful. Great analysis and observations on the car inside and out. Even some great impressions and opinions on the drive of the Audi A5 and the Audi S5.

Here's an excerpt:

Photographs of the new A5 don't really do it justice. In the metal it's low, sleek and squat. I reckon that huge schnozz of a grille spoils the lines but, even so, it's a beautiful machine. In fact Walter da Silva, the man who designed the A5, calls it "the most beautiful car I've ever designed".

[Source: Motoring.co.za]