Audi planning parade on Park Avenue
We feel lucky having been one of a relatively small group of people to see the Audi R8 in person at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. We won't feel so special after next Wednesday, however, when Audi is planning a parade in the Big Apple that will be lead by the company's new two-seat, mid-engine road rocket. Millions of New Yorkers will be able to catch a glimpse of the R8 leading a pack of Audis that also includes the R10 TDI racecar currently dominating the American Le Mans Series and a 1938 Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow, which represents the line of world's first mid-engined racecars. Why all the hubbub? The celebration commemorates the opening of the newly created Audi Forum New York City, which is not exactly a dealership but what the marketing folk call a "brand awareness venue".
If you're in the area, the procession's going to begin at 10AM EST next Wednesday and start at 52th and Park Avenue. The cars will be flanked by New York City's finest as they drive down to 47th where they'll be parked outside the new Audi Forum NYC for people to inspect. Expect a few celebrities to be present, and supposedly some will be commissioned to drive the vehicles, as well. The occasion will technically mark the first time a production R8 has been seen outside in open air, although we've seen plenty of uncamouflaged mules the last few months. If you're planning to attend, takes pics and send them to abresearch at gmail dot com.
[Source: Fourtitude]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Shawn 1:46PM (10/05/2006)
How much money is Audi paying you guys to be their press agent?
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Whydrive 1:50PM (10/05/2006)
Obviously not as much as Toyota. They dedicated a whole separate blog (AutoblogGreen) to Toyota.
As for Audi, I won't get one until they start offering Euro-delivery option.
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Rick Reimundez 1:50PM (10/05/2006)
They're driving from 52nd "down" to 57th? or down to 47th? I think there's a dealership around 47th there.. or there used to be.. maybe that's the site of the new "Forum"
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Toy Yoda 2:10PM (10/05/2006)
Darn, look at those rims!!! Do they have anything similar for a BMW 6? The M6 stock rims come to mind, but they look 'gangsta'. These rims look classy. Where can I get rims like this for my BMW 6?
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jago 2:15PM (10/05/2006)
yes its down to 47th street, where the new forum is being renovated. it was a dealership.
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fordman 2:59PM (10/05/2006)
Note to Autoblog:
Stop all R8 articles. This is rediculous. We are getting tired.
At first it was fun and exciting, now we are sick of it.
Thank you
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motech 3:21PM (10/05/2006)
please ignore fordman.
continue with the R8 Articles.
i cant get enough.
maybe you can even give an R8 away like engadget does?
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HughJazz 3:25PM (10/05/2006)
Note to fordman:
You don't speak for all of us.
Now go drive your American piece of s--- and ST-U.
Thank you.
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Shawn 3:45PM (10/05/2006)
I have nothing against Audi. I think their vehicles are competitive against MB or BMW in terms of technology. However, when every other post is about Audi, it just smells of product placement and advertisment.
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fordman 3:55PM (10/05/2006)
STFU?
dude, how can you say "give us more R8"?
Great car yes but nothing special. Please tell me what is special about this car. Someone tell me. Its a cut and paste of parts from every model in Volkswagen empire. Thats all.
Ford does the same. I agree. But I expect more from Audi.
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Johnny 3:59PM (10/05/2006)
#10
Thats what Audi is. Audi is supposed to be about "cut and pasting" of parts from the VW brands. Volkswagen and skoda develop the bottom end. Lambourghini and bentley are supposed to develop the top end. Audi is ment to sneak in the middle and take stuff from the other four and present it in a different package.
Thats the plan.
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HughJazz 4:13PM (10/05/2006)
Note to fordman:
Please refer to post #8.
Thank you.
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max50 4:28PM (10/05/2006)
If I had the money for the R8 I would pay the extra 30 or so grand more and get a Gallardo.
Think of it, when people ask you what you drive. Would you like to say Audi or Lambourghini?
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jpb3 4:58PM (10/05/2006)
#13 How vain can you be?
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IStar 5:28PM (10/05/2006)
As I have said over and over and over (ad nauseum), ENOUGH WITH THE AUDI COMMERCIALS!!!
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chewy 8:02PM (10/05/2006)
People are funny. This is definately a cool event. The R10 and the R8 and a 1938 Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow (exra awesome, compelete beast for its day, V16 and 550 hp) BTW, the Gallardo is at least 75,000 more expensive. That is like saying, how come every 911 driver doesn't put in some more moeny for a Gallardo?
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Audifever 6:28PM (10/05/2006)
Look I agree that Lambourghini is a better image for a bit more money but I also dont agree with others that bash Audi.
Sure, Audi does not have a single thing that belongs to it. All its engines, transmissions and platforms come from other cars. It doesn't mean its bad.
Audi rules!
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leo 9:50PM (10/05/2006)
yeah, i agree they need to stop with the R8 blogs. i don't even like the car anylonger.
I'll take the Alfa C8 any day over this junk VW with the same engine that comes everywhere else in the Audi line.
and the C8 look so beautiful to this bread and butter Lexus wannabe, the C8 is a clasic already
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jpb3 7:59PM (10/05/2006)
All of you who think Audi raids VAG part bins and is not the leading technological innovator within the VAG group need to do some reading and research. Such mindless drivel on here that I feel like a loser even responding to it. Of course who here has ridden in a Gallardo? Tell me that every feature that is inside (switchgear, drivetrain, engine, etc..) besides the body work is Lamborghini original and I'll call you out. Audi is a pioneer in engine development and have been since the 1920's. How about the 1936 supercharged 6 litre V16 (545 hp @ 5000rpm. 630 ft/lb torque) and set the flying mile record which stood for decades. Or the 1939 3 litre V-12 which stood uncontested in GP racing until WWII came upon the scene? How about the I-5 turbo of the 1980's which dominated WRC and set the standard leading to eventual rule changes so that other competitors could catch up? (BTW, the AUDI designed V-10 in the Gallardo is basically 2 of these I-5 engines updated and grafted together) What about the TT V8 used in Endurance races from LeMans to Sebring which totally crushed every competitor for 5 years running? Lastly, have you thought about what Audi is doing now with the V10 TDI? How dominating it is in racing? You people have no clue! If you want image and no race heritage buy a Lambo, those who know and want Vorsprung de Technik will stick with Audi ;) Get a grip.
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ObsessedAudiFan 8:30PM (10/05/2006)
give me more Audi news. MORE AUDI NEWS!!! More high res picks, in fact I want a macro lense on your cameras and to take a picture of every inch of these cars. I'm not joking...
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