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Audi eTron concept coming to a dealership near you

Andrew — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:05:36 +0000

Audi has been a company who’s history has been cemented in the world of diesel engines. With win after win after win in endurance races like Le Mans and the ALMS with silent, torquey diesel engines in the R8, R10 and new R15. For years, diesel Audi’s have sold incredibly well overseas in Europe where fuel prices truly dominate the buyer’s decision process for purchasing a vehicle. Even that has permeated the U.S. market as Audi recently launched a “Clean Diesel” campaign with the introduction of the Q7 and A3 diesel variants to a market that had, until gas prices skyrocketed last summer, largely ignored the oil burning engines for the last few decades and the efficiencies they held.

However, Audi is now refocusing some of it’s innovative talent to look at other alternative fuel sources and taking the path of electric vehicles. Last month at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, Audi debuted the future of its innovative initiative toward with the eTron concept. The eTron is constructed on an aluminum space frame similar to the R8 but makes use of light weight plastics and fibers to further cut weight when it comes to the individual body panels. On the outside, the e-Tron looks like a somewhat restyled R8 with narrow head lamps, stylized tail lamps from an A5 and then the same sort of intakes flanking the doors to feed when a combustion engine should be.

While the e-Tron vaguely resembles an R8 with regard to the exterior, but under the skin the R8 and e-Tron are worlds apart. Powered by 4 small electric motors, each powering an individual wheel, the e-Tron maintains true 4 wheel drive and is good for a range up to 150 miles on a single charge. The individual engines are powered by lithium-ion battery packs developed by Sanyo and allows the e-Tron to produce 313 horsepower and return a 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds. What is more impressive is that president of Audi America, Johan de Nyschen, stated that the U.S. should see a low production series version of the e-Tron by sometime in 2012. Other reports put working test mules up and running sometime within the next 12 to 24 months so that Audi can begin to workout the kinks and get the car ready for production.

We’re glad to see Audi taking a wider reaching approach to the current initiative to go green by many car makers. The e-Tron demonstrates what Audi can accomplish in a very short amount development time while stifling competition from the likes of BMW and their EfficientDynamics concept that is a diesel/electric hybrid. We’re also interested to see how the production of the electric Audi vehicles affects the diesel models currently existing in the range. Will Audi phase diesels out over time in favor of fully electric models? Will the final product mode of the e-Tron be a strictly electric vehicle? Only time will tell but we’re excited to see what Audi has up their sleeves with the use of alternative fuel sources.

(Source: New York Times)

BMW pokes fun at Audi…again.

Andrew — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:18:10 +0000

In a new campaign called the “Jump for Joy” campaign to show enthusiasm for their cars. Well, with this particular full version of the newest ad from Bavaria takes a big jab at the boys from Ingolstadt. Apparently, Audi drivers are incapable of jumping into their car via the Dukes of Hazzard method? Either way, check out the video below, especially at the 1:13 mark and let us know what you think below!

Click here to view the embedded video.

(Source: Autoblog)

Grandfather Meets the Grandson: Ur-Quattro faces off with TTRS

Andrew — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:48:34 +0000

If you love 5-cylinder engines from Audi then you’ve only got a very short list of cars to choose from. Thankfully, AutoCar posted a feature that shows off two of the best 5-cylinder cars in Audi’s history: the classic Ur-Quattro with its turbocharged 2.2L and the TT RS with its 2.5L turbocharged engine.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For those unaware, the Ur-Quattro(original Quattro) was the forefront of racing technology with the first generation of all-wheel-drive found in a car. Nearly 30 years later, the profileration of quattro all-wheel-drive across Audi’s vehicles has become the backbone of the Ingolstadt-based company and is captured very well with the 2010 TT RS. Taking the concept of the Ur-Quattro and continuing to refine it. How do the two of these cars stack up with nearly 30 years of age separating them? Well, check out the video above!

Audi TTRS Goes Head to Head with BMW M3

Andrew — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:48:10 +0000

The M3 and TTRS are cars most typically wouldn’t compare given the way they both dispatch their duties of being sports cars. The TTRS relies more on forced induction, all-wheel-drive and a lithe, somewhat petit 2.5L 5-cylinder engine compared to the M3 coupe which uses a more brute force with a 4 liter V8, rear-wheel-drive and a more hotrod style. However, both duke it out in the same sports car market of near-911’s, Caymans, 370Z’s, RS4’s and C63’s.

However, in a head to head battle, which would win? Autozeitung pitched that question to its staff to see what sort of results might come back.

For those that don’t know, the the yet-to-be-destined-for-the-U.S. TTRS is the first iteration of a TT model tuned by quattro GmbH. The TTRS comes with a 5-cylinder turbocharged engine pushing out 340HP, has quattro all-wheel-drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. On the other side of the equation, we have the BMW M3 with a very light-weight V8 pushing 420HP through a manual or double-clutch transmission to the rear wheels only. Interestingly, in this comparison the TTRS edged the M3 out in the 0 to 62 times with the Audi clocking a 4.5 second time and the M3 returning a time of 5.1 seconds. We’re honestly a bit surprised given the significant power differential of the M3 over the TTRS though the TTRS does carry a bit of a weight advantage on the M3.

However, that said, check out the translated article here at Autozeitung. What do you think? Is it fair to compare the M3 and TTRS? Can these two be held in the same regard given their power, price and dynamics? Let us know!

(Source: Autozeitung via BMW Blog)

When is an Audi not an Audi?

Andrew — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:00:50 +0000

When is an an Audi not an Audi? When some fool decides to rebadge it as another model!

In this instance, someone thought it would be a good idea to cover a V8 Audi R8 in BMW Roundel badges. On top of the BMW badges on the front, rear, and even the engine cover, this person has gone as a far as slapping an BMW 850i onto the rear of the R8. Ironically, this is a V8 R8 whereas an BMW 850i is a V12 BMW. So obviously the driver isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. We do wonder though, why put BMW badges on this car when BMW doesn’t make a car that even rivals the R8.

Audi A8 really turning Japanese? I really think so.

Andrew — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:59:05 +0000

Surprise! The new A8 is actually a Japanese luxury sedan made by Mitsubishi. Well not really, but this car was spied with an inverted Mitsubishi emblem and some light body cladding driving along the road in the Southwest.

So, no this isn’t a new Mitsu but it is in fact the brand new Audi A8. We’re very confident that you’re seeing the final stages of the D4 A8 platform before the new A8 debuts in the next few months. Obviously, the 3-diamond symbol is meant to throw people off but the addition of an inverted shield is meant to throw people off from the now standard Audi styling cue of the large “shield” shape dominating the nose.

Further indicators that this is indeed the biggest Audi sedan are found at the rear of the car. From these shots, the tail lamps and trunk bear heavy resemblance to the B8 A4. a larger version of the A4’s tail lamps as well as the cut and crease lines of the bumpers can be found on this car while it maintains a belt line similar to that of the A5/A7 along the side. As we’ve noted in other posts, its expected that the A8 will be officially unveiled at Frankfurt this fall and it can be expected to carry a modified V10 similar to the twin-turbo V10 found in the C6 RS6.

Don’t think this is the new A8? Let us know below!

(Source: VW Vortex via World Car Fans)

Good News For R8 V10 Fans…

Andrew — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:00:58 +0000

Everyone knows the R8 V10 is going to be a great car, it just had one caveat: what’s it going to cost? is it going to price out fully loaded in Lamborghini Gallardo territory? Or will it be priced low enough that it makes the R8 with the 4.2L V8 look completely irrelevant? Well, yes, sort of.

So, with a starting MSRP of $146,000 for the 6-speed manual and then $155,100 for those opting for the Rtronic transmission. Other features on the bigger, badder R8 that are now standard are: the rear parking camera, a powerful 465-watt Bang & Oulfsen stereo, heated seats and the exterior color of Sepang Blue, exclusive the the R8 V10, just to name a few. In our mind, with all of this equipment now standard, 525HP on tap, and a 3.7 second 0 to 60 dash, plus definitive, handsome looks, the R8 V10 seems like a deal at $146,000. Comparing the amount of equipment and performance in the R8 compared to a Lambo or Ferrari and you can rationalize near $150,000 mark with knowledge that you’re saving $50,000 over the R8’s competition.

Check out the press release below to read more on the R8 V10 and those lucky few who can afford one should keep their eyes open at local dealers as the R8 is beginning to ship to dealers for customer deliveries now.

PRESS RELEASE:

Audi announces U.S. 2010 model-year prices for its Audi R8 sports cars, including the V10-powered R8 5.2 FSI quattro

- Base MSRP on the all-new Audi R8 V10 model starts at $146,000
- Strong interest in the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro drives early shipment to certified Audi R8 dealerships this week
- MSRP on the V8-powered Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro models remain unchanged from 2009 model-year pricing

HERNDON, Va., Jul 23, 2009 - Audi today announced that the U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro V10 sports car will start at $146,000, with shipments to authorized Audi R8 dealerships across the country beginning this week.

Audi said the MSRP for the 2010 Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro will start at $114,200, unchanged from the base prices for 2009 models:

2010 R8 5.2 FSI® quattro® (V10) pricing (excluding $1,200 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):

R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (manual) $146,000
R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (R tronic) $155,100

2010 R8 4.2 FSI® quattro® (V8) pricing (excluding $1,200 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
R8 4.2 FSI quattro coupe (manual) $114,200
R8 4.2 FSI quattro coupe (R tronic) $123,300

The addition of the R8 V10 adds new levels of power to a sports car already renowned for delivering premium comfort uncommon in its class without performance compromises. The 10-cylinder 525 hp engine is the same power plant found in the R8 LMS GT3 racecar and is capable of delivering breathtaking performance. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro delivers 391 lb-ft of torque and achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds.

Anticipation has been building for the U.S. introduction of the R8 V10. Today, the first two 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro models available in the U.S. were delivered to the two winning bidders from the 2009 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance charity auction held in February to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Fla. The two winning bids raised a combined $850,000 for the charity, with the top bidder paying a record $500,000 for the new 2010 R8 V10, the highest amount ever paid for a new Audi vehicle in the U.S.

Since its U.S. launch in September 2007, demand has remained strong for the V8-powered R8 4.2 FSI quattro featuring 420 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The hand-assembled R8 V10, developed by the Audi high-performance division, quattro GmbH, receives unique exterior features as standard equipment. Chief among these: innovative full-LED headlights, a world’s first. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro also receives new 19-inch Y-design forged aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires, sideblades with larger air intakes, front grille with chrome-optic accents, unique rocker panel shaping, dual oval rear exhaust tips, “V10″ front fender badges and instrument cluster labeling, unique front and rear sections along with a larger rear diffuser all finished in high-gloss black.

Other R8 5.2 FSI quattro standard equipment highlights include rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, Audi magnetic ride, Audi Navigation plus with 3D graphics and real time traffic, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System®, 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth® telephone preparation, SIRIUS satellite radio®, Audi parking system plus with rearview camera and 10-way power heated sport seats. Sepang Blue pearl effect will be offered as an optional R8 V10 exclusive exterior color.

“The R8 is a proven worldwide success story for Audi,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “The positive effects of the vehicle on dealers, customers, and Audi fans alike have exceeded all expectations. The addition of the V10-powered R8 5.2 FSI quattro adds further equity into the already sought-after R8 nameplate and the Audi brand.”

The R8 is one of four Audi models currently built with the revolutionary ASF® chassis, a technology that Audi has mastered in more than a decade of experience. ASF is customized by model, including its application with the A8 and TT Coupe and Roadster models. The framework of an ASF body consists of extruded aluminum sections and pressure castings. The aluminum chassis and sheet metal are just as strong as steel, but lighter to boost performance and efficiency. This frame carries the sheet aluminum elements, for example the roof panel, which are rigidly connected to it and help to withstand loads on the body. The elements of ASF are varied in shape and cross-section, depending on the tasks they have to perform. Like the bones of a human skeleton, they combine optimal function with low weight. The ASF application on the Audi R8 offers extremely high torsional rigidity, light weight and high strength for optimal performance characteristics.

All R8 models are produced in Neckarsulm, Baden Württemberg, Germany along with the aluminum A8 model. Audi is continuing to shape the future in lightweight design and elsewhere too. Inaugurated in 1994, the Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center in Neckarsulm, Germany employs more than 120 specialists to work on new joining techniques, body structures, materials and construction techniques. They also look into the use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. In the area of fiber composites, Audi also acts as an innovative pioneer and trend-setter by leveraging its significant racetrack experience and success to test advanced compenent concepts under extreme conditions prior to implementation on its road vehicles.

Audi expects to release 2010 pricing and model year changes for the remainder of its lineup within the next few weeks.

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales and profits. Visit www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues

The New A8 Teases with New Eyes

Andrew — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:02:29 +0000

Are you ready to see the new Audi A8 on its newest D4 platform? We know we are!

So far, these are likely the first shots that have come from Audi to tease fans before the new A8 is unveiled - likely at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. What we see here is the nose of the biggest Audi sedan sporting the now-trademark LEDs operating as the car’s day-time running lights. We also spot the now, standard large, shield-shaped grill that is an integral part of the Audi DNA.

Other items notable in the picture are the much sharper cut lines, different from the curvy D3 A8 that will go the way of the do-do this fall just before the D4 comes out. It’s anticipated that, like the current A8, there will be a variety of engines to accompany the new model. A 4.2L V8 is expected to be dropped into the D4 platform like the current A8 along with an S8 making its way back to the line-up, possibly with a detuned Gallardo V10, similar to the current S8. GermanCarFans predicts that the S8 could have upwards of 600 horsepower.

Watch this space for more at it becomes available. As we noted, we expect that the A8 should debut sometime this Fall, likely at Frankfurt before the new super saloon goes on sale in early 2010.

(Source: Jalopnik)

Audi A8 really turning Japanese? I really think so.

Spied! R8 Spider testing at zee ‘Ring

Andrew — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:35:48 +0000

Audi’s hottest upcoming convertible, the R8 Spider is still a few short months away from its debut in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Sales are expected to start early in 2010, but, it should be worth the wait as Audi is going keep the 4.2 V8 from the original and it’s expected that the big-boy 5.2L V10 will be dropped amidship the new convertible as well. We can see here that a test mule of the R8 Spider is being booted around the streets that surround the famed Nurburgring.

As evidenced from these pictures, it’s difficult to tell if this will be a full cloth top convertible or simply a removable targa top, ala the Porsche Carrera GT. However, with the removal of the rear pillars we can see the gas cap has moved to the body itself, also, according to FastCar.com, the R8 Spider will likely pick up more air intakes. Another thing worth noting from these pictures are the fat, oval tailpipes at the rear of the R8, a tell-tale sign of the RS cars and also found on the V10 version of the R8 coupe, hopefully, meaning we’ll receive the beefier engine.

Watch this spot for more on the upcoming R8 Spider!

Hit the jump over to FastCars.com to see more of the R8 Spider on the roll near the ‘Ring.

Tip of the hat to Andrus for providing the link!

Lap of 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit in 2009 S4

Andrew — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:13:39 +0000

We’re working on finishing up our post to recap the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans and Audi’s overall performance during the race, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only thing we’re posting about Le Mans. Nirad, over at Quattroworld’s forums, posted a video of the 2009 S4 being pounded around the Circuit de la Sarthe by Justin Bell, son of race legend Derek Bell.

This video has an added bonus of Justin taking the new S4 not just around the Le Mans circuit but also has some R8 action in it as well with the safety car from the Le Mans race.

Click here to view the embedded video.

(Source: Quattroworld)