Audi Blog

Special Edition of the 2008 Audi A4

February 14th, 2008

“The Audi A4 has been a star performer for many years as an exciting sport luxury product offering in addition to its outstanding residual value… Much attention has been paid to constant enhancements to proactively meet and exceed the most particular customer wishes and tastes,” said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi America.

The special edition for 2008 Audi A4 model was introduced recently at the Chicago Auto Show. The Audi A4 has a front bumper and grille design are made to look more sporty looking, lower side door flares, and integrated rear trunk lid spoiler. One of the differences that the special edition will have is the 17-inch wheel with a nine Y-spoke pattern The interior of the model which is equipped with Quattro includes heated front seats which are embellished with leather and metallic paint. The models which are outfitted with FrontTrak has an improved value of $405; the Quattro models get an improved value worth $1,155 on the overhaul.

All of the special models come with a full year subscription to SIRIUS Satellite radio. This comes with music and sports that are free from interrupting commercials, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data. The optional sports upgrade of the full S line and the Titanium packages will still be available. A couple of features included are the Bluetooth hands-free preparation, iPod adaptor, a DVD-based Audi navigation system, and wood beltline trim.

It is expected that the availability of the Audi A4 Special Edition will some time in the middle of March this year. Both Sedan and Avant models which run on 2.0-liter TSFI engines will be offered.

source: Fox Business

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2008 Audi RS6 Avant: It’s All About Speed

February 12th, 2008

The new model of Audi speaks of speed and power, loud and clear. The 2008 Audi RS6 Avant is a wagon, but don’t let its exterior fool you. It runs on a 5.0-liter twin turbo V-10 engine with a maximum torque of 480 lb.-ft., ensuring of a driving performance that will never be forgotten. Compared to the BMW M5 and the Lamborghini Gallardo, the 2008 Audi RS6 actually has more power. This model will be able to go from zero to a hundred kilometers per hour in just 4.6 seconds. That makes it just as swift as the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG model, which possesses 507 horsepower. The engine of the 2008 Audi RS6 Avant’s 10-cylinder V-configuration engine is, in point of fact, built upon the V10 powerplants found in the Audi S6 and the Audi S8. The difference is that the engine of the new Audi RS6 Avant was tweaked and improved for a remarkably better car performance.

The TFSI technology of Audi was used for this car. Said technology is the fusion of direct injection and turbocharging. With this powerful technology, more efficiency would be present in terms of power output. The end result would be a significant effectiveness when it comes to combustion. With a 6-speed tiptronic, the 2008 Audi RS6 Avant has been made even more powerful. To add enhanced driving performance, the hydraulics and control system have rapid shift times. Dynamic Ride Control also comes in this sleek and powerful wagon. This makes it possible to achieve fewer bumps and shakes while coasting through rough, uneven roads. There is more control and the ride becomes more comfortable.

The 2008 Audi RS6 Avant comes standard with a Bose Surround Sound for its audio system, heated front and rear seats, tyre pressure monitoring system and the Audi parking system plus. Other options are available to further enhance the said model with the owner’s personal touches. The message is obvious: The 2008 Audi RS6 Avant’s combines grace and speed, comfort and convenience.

source: Super Cars

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The 2008 Audi TT: “Form follows function.”

February 11th, 2008

“A sports car for fans of wind-in-your-hair driving.” This is one of the things that the 2008 Audi TT is all about: Pure driving pleasure, whether it is the Audi TT Coupe or Audi TT Roadster.

The original look of the Audi TT was designed by Freeman Thomas and J Mays. It was Walter de’Silva who gave the second generation of the Audi TT an overhaul. Walter de’Silva is the head of the styling departments at Audi, Seat and Lamborghini. The 2008 Audi TT comes in two different body styles: One is a hatchback coupe and the other is a roadster. They may differ in body styles but both unleash power and speed.

The starting price of the 2008 Audi TT coupe is $34,800. It comes with options to make driving it and riding it more enjoyable than usual. The seats can be transformed to heated leather seats. 18-inch alloy wheels are also an option and you can always make the sounds or audio of the coupe even better. Other options are the navigation system and the Bluetooth phone preparation. This Audi TT coupe comes standard with a 2-liter engine, direct injection, six-speed automatic gearbox, and front-wheel drive. It has 17-inch alloy wheels and vented disc brakes with ABS with stability control. The eye-catching metal accents and classy leather interior make the inside of the Audi TT coupe even more fun to be in.

The 2008 Audi TT roadster is powered by the 200 horsepower, turbocharged engine just like the Audi TT coupe. Its engine is a direct-injected 2.0-liter four; alternately in Quattro (250 horsepower, 3.2-liter V6). The aforementioned 2.0-liter four is able to generate more than enough torque. The good thing about it is that when it does generate plentiful torque, its horsepower is not compromised. The torque ranges from 1800 until 5000 rpm. The Audi TT roadster can seat up to two people, with a dashing convertible roof which opens and closes within 12 seconds.

Drivetrain choices are also made available. There’s the front-drive model: This is turbocharged, with two-liter four that reaches 200 horsepower. The other drivetrain available is the 3.2-liter, 250-horse V-6. The transmissions comprise of a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

With an eye for stylish detail and powerful engines, the 2008 Audi TT delivers the statement of form following function.

source: philly.com

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The Audi Snook is the 2008 Michelin Challenge Design Winner

February 6th, 2008

It is the second time that Tilmann Schlootz, a German design student, has won an award for his Audi Snook. The first award he received was at the VDA Design Awards which had been held at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. This time around, the Audi Snook won the 2008 Michelin Challenge Design under the theme of “Smaller, Safer, Better.” This unique concept vehicle resembles a helmet and operates on a single wheel. It is powered by a multidirectional engine and boasts of technology which is drive-by-wire. This certain type of technology makes it possible for the driver to be able to navigate the auto-stabilizing vehicle in any direction. Just like the usual cars, the Audi Snook concept vehicle is capable of sideways maneuvers, can go forward and backward and can turn at a given point. This concept vehicle can either hold one person or two. Its impressive capabilities to handle maneuvers adroitly assure more improved and more enjoyable mobility. Not just that but it also designed with safety measures to suit the world’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world’s top emerging transportation design programs, has already announced their central theme for the year 2009: “Brave + Bold, America’s Next Iconic Vehicle.” Submissions will be accepted until April 16, 2008. Participants are urged to come up with ideas that would truly give an improvement to the vehicles. Such areas that are encouraged are accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability, and visibility. The proliferation of interest in more compact vehicles is due to the rise of the cost of energy, overcrowded cities and environmental issues. However, consumers are hesitant to invest on their interest because of their concern for safety. And so it is highly encourage that participants come up with designs that are able to manifest unique designs, strike to the public in the aesthetic sense, and technical execution. For designs which will exhibit safety benefits and will be able to address environmental concerns, they will be given additional consideration.

Past themes of the Michelin Challenge Design competition are:
Italian – 2002
French – 2003
Cars for the Emerging Chinese Market – 2004
German – 2005
California – 2006
Road Safety for Everyone – 2007
Smaller, Safer, Better – 2008

source: Car Design News

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The New Audi A3 Cabriolet

February 5th, 2008

This Spring of 2008, Audi’s first compact cabriolet is bound to make its appearance. With sportiness of a coupe and yet never losing a touch of elegance, the Audi A3 cabriolet is to be made available to the public in Germany supposedly at the start of this month. Built with solid, dependable quality this Audi model has four engines to choose from: Two petrol and two TDI. They bring together plenty of power and will surprise people with their efficiency. All four engines are direct injection units and turbocharging. The Audi A3 cabriolet’s engine performance range runs from 77 kW (105 bhp) to 147 kW (200 bhp). One of the things optional about this model is the S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The standard found on engine versions starting at 140 horsepower and above is the six-speed manual transmission.The Audi A3 cabriolet sports a soft top, which is like most Audi convertible models. The trademark soft top is quite remarkable due to its light weight and excellent fitting on the car. Opening hydraulically in just nine seconds and closes in eleven seconds, the soft top is available in both semi-automatic and fully automatic versions. The fully automatic version comes with a specially soundproofed acoustic hood. What move the soft top are a high-pressure pump and two hydraulic cylinders and this is for both versions. The acoustic top can be opened and closed even while driving up to 19 mph.

The interior of the car can be aptly described as “sporty elegance.” It has enough space for four occupants and the rear seat can be folded down. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity is increased from 260 to 674 liters whether the hood is closed or not. The design of the interior is offered in two different types: the Ambition Line and the Attraction Line. The Ambition Line has a tailored leather sports steering wheel which is slip-proof and has a three-spoke design. The leather seats are optional. For the Attraction Line, the cabin has touches of decorative inlays. These inlays are made of pearlescent granite. Optionally, the inlays could also come in aluminum, burr walnut, micrometallic silver and Vavona wood.

Combining class and comfort, style and ease, the new Audi A3 cabriolet is, indeed, the “premium option in the compact class.”

source: The Motoring

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Audi’s Superbowl Ad is inspired by The Godfather

January 26th, 2008

The Super Bowl is here, and so is Audi. Despite the German automaker’s reputation as a snob for using American football games as an advertising opportunity, a watchful eye must be kept. Audi of America will be debuting their first advertising appearance amid brawling players in 17 years.

For a minute of the Super Bowl’s first quarter, everyone has the chance to see how Audi of America will be doing an adaptation of The Godfather. “Audi selected The Godfather as a thematic foundation for its Super Bowl ad because the film expresses the idea of a new power rising in an established hierarchy,” the genius carmaker said in a statement with heads held high about its new campaign. They also leaked that there will be a 30-second version of the Super Bowl ad which will be released the following day, but they weren’t so keen on mentioning where it will air.

“On the day of the game, Audi guests who have previously opted in on Audi’s Web site will have the opportunity to view the spot early on a separate, dedicated Web site,” Audi of America said in an interview. “That Web site will also host additional footage from the filming and production of the ad.”

The advertisement will be blessed with stars such as the Audi R8, Audi’s first mid-engine sports car, and actor Alex Rocco, who will be remembered as Moe Greene in the first Godfather.

Source: edmunds.com

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Audi’s R8 V12 TDI concept car

January 22nd, 2008

The Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

The German bearer of automotive legacy has finally unveiled the first 12-cylinder diesel engine Audi, the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept car. This high-performing sports car was introduced to a drooling crowd at the Detroit Motor Show. It boasts of an engine that is similar to the two-time Le Mans winning powerplant, the Audi R10, but this baby generates a manly 500 horsepower, and has the speeding ticket officer raging because of its above 300 kilometers per hour top speed.

The 100 kilometers per hour flag will be raised from zero within just 4.2 seconds, and its peak torque will be attained at 1,750 rpm. This wondrous beast works well because its V12 TDI belongs to Audi’s breed of V engines. But what is really interesting about this concept, is that its “chain drive layout” includes two neophytes high-pressure pumps for the common rail injection system. But, while these may be neophytes in service, they have already attained the ideal as they carry all the developments of the technology.

Donning a matte “Grace Silver” bodywork and adorned with “accentuated” wheel arches and bigger air apertures, the R8 V12 TDI looks quite wider than its predecessor. However, its glass roof which is just above the passenger compartment is the one that makes this Audi stand out. The roof is even divided with two big transparent sections. Together with the glazed engine compartment, make a whole new look for the R8 V12. Inside, the wide arc running around the three-spoked, flattened and lowered racing edition steering wheel and the instruments are very striking details for the interiors.

Wanna go for a drive? Just activate the start/stop button to wake the engine, and pick choose between the Drive Select and Dynamic Sport/Race modes which are to be found on the steering wheel. According to a release by earthtimes.com, “the latter controls the engine and transmission electronics as well as the magnetic ride dampeners in each of three different modes. In Race mode, the instrument lighting changes from white to red. The navigation system shows a combined display with lap timer and navigation information for the racetrack being driven. Supplementary information such as centrifugal force and boost pressure can be called up.”

Source: earthtimes.com

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Audi A6 Avant Quattro is Strong with the Upscale Market

January 5th, 2008

Audi A6

The Audi A6 Avant Quattro Wagon appears to have a strong pull for today’s upscale market. Manufactured to provide the best and most luxurious driving experience, the Audi A6 Avant Quattro, is being lauded by Warren Brown of the Washington Post.

The Avant Quattro is an all-wheel-drive wagon with four doors and power tailgate. The Avant Quattro has a powerful 1.8L Turbo or 2.4L V6 or 2.8L V6, 1.9 TDI, 2.5 TDI engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. It has a wheelbase of 2760 mm (108.7 in) and vehicle dimensions of 4796 mm (188.8 in) \in length, 45974 mm (1,810 in) in width and 36880.8 mm (1,452 in) in height. The Quattro has a fuel capacity of 70 litres (18.5 US gal/15.4 imp gal).

The unique selling point for the Audi A6 Avant Quattro is its Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system. The system provided efficient navigation and infotainment technology. The MMI was an interface developed by Audi in order to minimize the number of dials and buttons that were found on the dashboard. The MMI has eight function buttons and a control dial. The function buttons call upon different menu interfaces in the MMI while the control dial is used to navigate through the menu. According to Brown’s article, the Audi Avant A6 Quattro is both “enjoyable” and “fun to drive”. In Brown’s own words, “I concluded that it offered an enjoyable ride. “Enjoyable” is different from what devotees of high-performance motoring describe as “fun to drive.” It is a matter of intensity. “Fun to drive,” for example, evokes thoughts of racetrack acceleration and crisp handling. It often relegates to second place matters of creature comfort. “Enjoyable” elevates creature comforts, but does not eschew elements of “fun to drive.” Instead, it puts them into perspective, strives for balance or, if you will, compromise between the two. This is what the all-wheel-drive A6 Avant (thus the “Quattro” part of the name) does brilliantly”.

The wagon is perfect for affluent families as he describes it to be an “ode to the aspirations and needs of affluent families, such as the desire for tangible manifestation of prestige, the need for excellence in automotive engineering and safety, the desire for coddling comfort, the need for utility”.

Its handling is impressive with a 255-horsepower V-6 engine. Fuel capacity is quite large at 3.1 liters. It can travel at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features include a “rigid body construction, electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, all-wheel-drive and head and side air bags”.

Overall, the Audi A6 Avant Quattro is an impressive vehicle that is perfect for that comfort-loving, performance – demanding car owner.

Source: Audi strong with A6 Avant Quattro wagon

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33 000 Pre – Orders for the new Audi A4

January 2nd, 2008

Audi A4

The new Audi A4 has not yet hit production and despite that, Audi is now taking in 33 000 pre-orders of the vehicle. After being available for test drives in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands, car buyers have been showing a great outpouring of interest over this vehicle.

According to Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board of Management at AUDI AG for Marketing and Sales, “At the time of market launch in the first European countries we already counted 33,000 customer orders. The orders received and the impressive response from customers and the media have exceeded all our expectations. From our perspective, this is an extremely positive sign. As our most-sold model, the Audi A4 holds a special significance with respect to our ambitious goals.” By 2018, Audi plans to double its sales in the United States.

The new Audi A4 is 185 inches long and is 4.5 inches longer than the earlier A4 model. I is also wider than its predecessor by 17.9 inches. The vehicle’s body style has also been improved for better aerodynamics. It now has a “front body overhang that has been considerably reduced and the bonnet and wheelbase are now noticeably longer. A long, coupe-style roof line meets the side sections of the body at an almost invisible zero-gap joint”. The vehicle has an increased wheelbase of 110.6 inches and rear passenger knee room has gone from 1.5 inches to 35.75 inches. The vehicle also comes equipped with “Xenon Plus” headlights (consisting of 14 LEDs) that have a daytime driving lights option. The new A4’s body shell is 10 % lighter than the previous model. It has two gasoline engines and can deliver 243 lb – ft of torque from 3000 to 5000 rpm. The car can accelerate to 62 mph in only 6.2 seconds.

These impressive features make for an excellent car which will be a delight on the road. No wonder people are all hurrying to place their orders for it.

The new Audi A4 will be available in showrooms in Spain and France this January of 2008.

Source: Audi Takes 33 000 pre – orders for A4

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Beating the Challenge: A More Dynamic Audi A5

December 27th, 2007

Audi A5 is labeled as one of the outstanding and elegant models in the automotive industry. With its sophisticated design and distinctive appearance, adding further upgrade is a real challenge. This is what Hans-Jürgen Abt said, Abt Sportsline’s managing director. Putting additional improvement for the Audi A5 can be done with Hans-Jürgen Abt stressing that “our designers and engineers were able to improve the outstanding base model even more”.

The A5 appears to be a real satisfaction for every car enthusiast, making the vehicle all set for action on the road. It receives a “power treatment” that aids in providing a greater output. By having an incredibly powerful engine, A5 evidently has the real sport character. Aside from the 3.0 TDI self-igniting engine equipped in the car and better fuel economy, the motor management is also upgraded. The A5 serially can produce 240 horsepower but Abt turned it out into a powerful 272 horsepower.

In addition, the Audi model becomes more dynamical with its body kit. The impressive package includes the front skirt perfect for highlighting the fog lights and grill. The body parts are innovatively mounted and the air inlets are well designed. Other aspects add to the distinctive character of Audi A5 like the four-pipe rear muffler, rear spoiler and rear skirt inset. With the fitted tires and wheels, the car is geared up for a muscular stroke.

To view other details, visit www.zercustoms.com.