Autoblog

High Performance: Audi designs a €100,000 Bosendorfer piano to celebrate centenary

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST

Bosendorfer Audi Design Grand Piano - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are some things you just don't mess with. Like the shape of a grand piano. They've been making them for centuries, and though to a trained ear, one might sound different over another or even feel different to a skilled musician, by and large, they all bear the same shape. Because there are some things you just don't mess with. But then on the other hand, rules are meant to be broken. And after 100 years in business, Audi doesn't appear very eager to follow conventions. So to celebrate its centenary, the German automaker's design studio - and by that we mean their automotive design team, not a merchandising division - has teamed up with renowned Austrian keyboard builders Bosendorfer to produce a uniquely beautiful grand piano.

Of course, the same general shape had to be retained for the sake of acoustics, but one look at Audi's Bosendorfer tells you this is no ordinary grand, and chief designer Wolfgang Egger says the process will help his design team take a fresh look at automotive design as well. The Bosendorfer Audi Design Grand Piano will make its world debut at Audi's 100th anniversary celebration at the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt on July 16, after which it will be available to the public for a princely €100,000 (about $140,000). At that price level, don't expect to see one in the window down at the local music shop, but you can check it out in the high-res gallery below along with the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bosendorfer Audi Design Grand Piano

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading High Performance: Audi designs a €100,000 Bosendorfer piano to celebrate centenary

High Performance: Audi designs a €100,000 Bosendorfer piano to celebrate centenary originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTM turns up the wick on the 2010 Audi S4

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Audi

2010 Audi S4 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The tuners at MTM have begun tweaking the all-new 2010 Audi S4 (B8) in Europe, and as expected, Audi's new supercharged 333-hp 3.0-liter V6 is rife with potential. With only a revised ECU - no underdrive pulley, intake or exhaust mods - MTM was able to coax 430 crank horsepower out of the blown six - 97 hp more than stock.

The kit, which retails for 2,491 euros (around $3,500 USD), brings torque output up to 380 lb-ft and, according to MTM, drops the 0-60 mph time from 5.2 to 4.6 seconds. Clearly, good things are on the way for the BMW 335i fighter, and we expect more to follow when the new darling of the Euro-tuning scene arrives in the States later this year.

Gallery: Paris 2008: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: MTM]

MTM turns up the wick on the 2010 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:11:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Tech, Videos, Audi

Audi's TechDay Quality philosophy -- Click above to watch video

Why are German luxury cars so expensive? Because of German engineering. And what is this whole "German engineering" thing all about? That's the question Audi tries to explain once a year when it takes outsiders through its quality processes during its factory TechDay.

According to the Audi, the automaker's three main tenets are Value, Precision, and Fascination, and they all add up to Quality. This encompasses processes that go into making processes like reworking the fit of the gas tank cap to adjust for parallax error, using a scanning electron microscope for surface analysis, and an olfactory team to make sure things like leather smell right.

The video shows you what Audi does to get you that quality... and frankly, it looks like a lot more fun than the engineering bits. You can see the video and read a Joycean-length string of press releases after the jump. A host of high-res photos, including more shots of the A5 Sportback, are in the gallery below.

Gallery: Audi TechDay Quality 2009

[Source: Auto Scout (translated) via German Car Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality

VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Gumpert Apollo Speed caught circling the 'Ring?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Audi

It may not be pretty - eye of the beholder and all that - but the Gumpert Apollo is one serious ride. But as hardcore as the Apollo is, the eponymous former Audi Sport director behind the niche German automaker apparently wasn't satisfied leaving fast enough alone, so the company unveiled the Apollo Speed at this year's Geneva auto show. But that was just about the last we heard of it, until now, as spy shots of the super-Gumpert lapping the Nurburgring have surfaced online.

The (ahem) stock Apollo already packs a range of Audi V8 engines producing 650, 700 or 800 horsepower depending on customer specification, so clearly there's nothing wrong there. The Apollo Speed spied, however, carries an adjustable rear wing, a more streamlined overhead induction system, revised front fenders and updated tail-lights. And while the focus is clearly on performance here, right down to the racing buckets and competition-spec removable steering wheel, the Apollo Speed is still tipped to carry air-con and DVD info-tainment system. The Stig will undoubtedly be pleased.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Spy Shots: Gumpert Apollo Speed caught circling the 'Ring? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi

John Neff — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Lifestyle, UK

Goodwood Festival of Speed Audi Sculpture - Click above for image gallery of more GFoS sculptures

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place this weekend, and every year the Earl of March, who manages the 12,000-acre Goodwood estate that hosts the event, commissions a giant art piece honoring that year's featured marque. Audi is the featured marque this year, which is timely since the Ingolstadt-based automaker is also celebrating its centennial.

This year's sculpture that was commissioned for Audi is a big swoosh of tire tracks with a 1937 Auto Union streamliner and new Audi R8 V10 suspended at either end. Standing 135-feet tall and weighing 40 tonnes, as they say in Britain, the piece is made entirely of steel to support itself without braces or cables. Gerry Judah is the designer, as he has been for Goodwood's featured art installations since 1997 when he first designed one for Ferrari. This is also the second time he's produced a piece for Audi, the first one being back in 1999.

It goes without saying that we all want to stick this in the flower bed in our front yard, but unfortunately you'll only be able to see it if you're in West Sussex this weekend to enjoy the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Check out more pics of this year's Audi sculpture, as well as art pieces from prior years, in the gallery below.

Gallery: Goodwood Festival of Speed Art Sculptures

[Source: Audi, Photos courtesy of Gerry Judah]

Continue reading Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi

Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T suits high-speed cruising to a "T" - or is that an "S"?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Audi

2009 Audi A6 3.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 1982, Audi introduced its redesigned 5000 to the world and unwittingly influenced the shape of sedans to come. The 5000's smooth flanks, disk wheels and flush-mounted side glass were replicated by a generation of cars over the next two-and-a-half decades, and when its successor debuted in 1994, the A6 grew some curves while retaining Audi's patented blend of staid Germanic modernity.

The 2009 Audi A6 isn't nearly as revolutionary. It sits atop the same C6 platform we've known since 2005, and last year, the automaker gave its upper mid-sizer a mild makeover consisting of new front and rear fascias, light clusters and a few interior tweaks. Maybe that's why Audi thought it need to commission actor Jason Statham to star in a multi-million dollar Super Bowl advert to boost the A6's image. Well, that and to highlight the automaker's all-new supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 - the same engine due to be fitted to several new Audis, including the 2010 Audi S4. How does the restyled A6 fair during a week of testing? And more importantly, is this new blown V6 a suitable replacement for Audi's 4.2-liter V8? Find out after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T suits high-speed cruising to a "T" - or is that an "S"?

Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T suits high-speed cruising to a "T" - or is that an "S"? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Tech, Audi

Audi's Multi-Media Interface, which is arguably the best of the various all-in-one graphical user interface systems favored, has just got better.

According to Audi, resolution on the system's 6.5-inch screen is getting bumped up to 800 x 480, route calculation will happen faster with a 600 MHz processor, and you can scroll along the route - not just vertically and horizontally - and get speed limit data on highways.

Additionally, the system will also finally charge external MP3 players that are plugged in to the system, song titles will be displayed,

The new A3, TT, and R8 will be the first to benefit from next-step MMI when they arrive in Stateside dealerships in the autumn. U.S. pricing hasn't been announced yet, but you can read about all of the next-gen system's new bells and whistles in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8

Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Audi "Ur-Quattro" revival rumors surface, debut expected in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Audi, Rumormill

Rumors of Audi's plan to resurrect the Ur-Quattro continue to persist, with Auto Motor und Sport reporting that the highly modified A5 is due to arrive sometime next year.

According to the German pub and coinciding with earlier reports, Audi plans to bring the curb weight down to around 3,000 pounds by using scads of aluminum along with polycarbonate windows in place of their glass counterparts. Further weight reductions will come from a lightweight set of 19- or 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic brakes, while an active rear spoiler, magnetic-ride suspension system and a raced-out interior are rumored to be part of the package.

Naturally, Audi's all-wheel drive system will be the centerpiece of the reborn Ur-Quattro, but there's still plenty of questions surrounding the coupe's powertrain. Audi has supposedly decided to nix the idea of fitting its 4.2-liter V8 and will instead use either a new, twin-turbocharged V6 (odd, considering the automaker put all its efforts into creating a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 for the new S4 and A6) or possibly the 2.5-liter five cylinder currently fitted to the TT-RS in a historical nod to the new Ur's ancestry. If AMuS is to be believed, expect output somewhere between 300 and 425 hp - and there's also talk of a hybrid variant that would allow for a 20-mile electric-only commute (something about a snowball comes to mind...). Regardless, if the Ur-Quattro does come to fruition, expect it to debut sometime next year to coincide with the original's 30th anniversary, with pricing set considerably north of the current S5.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport | Image Source: AutoBild]

More Audi "Ur-Quattro" revival rumors surface, debut expected in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback reveals even more in So. Cal.

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Hatchbacks, Audi

Less than 24 hours ago, Autoblog commenter Zamafir sent us a few cloaked images of the upcoming Audi A5 Sportback getting ready for its close-up at the University of California San Diego. Unsurprisingly, another camera-phone wielding student was able to capture Audi's new five-door A5 sans camouflage, and the results are equal parts telling and predictable.

Although the front end remains masked in these newest spy shots, the bit that matters - the slopping rear hatch - is plain as day, with a stretched C-pillar and elongated rear-quarter window, large rear windshield and slightly upkicked boot lid. The rear overhang doesn't seem disproportionately stretched and the profile proves that at least one German automaker can pull off an attractive mid-sized five-door without relying on a bloated rump.

There's still some debate about whether Audi will offer the A5 Sportback in the States, so just because it was shot in So. Cal. doesn't mean it's headed this way. Instead, expect the A5 to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September (possibly earlier, at the Audi Centenary Celebration in July), with a range of gasoline and diesel powertrains, including an S5 variant packing the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. You can read the full account of Zamafir's rendezvous with the A5 Sportback and see another spy shot of the new five-door over at Fourtitude.

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser

[Source: Fourtitude]

Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback reveals even more in So. Cal. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Audi A5 Sportback caught under canvas

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Hatchbacks, Audi

Audi A5 Sportback spy shots - Click above for gallery

Although Audi has said that it won't be bringing the new A5 Sportback to these shores, that didn't stop them from doing exactly that recently. Whether for testing purposes or marketing work, a Sportback was spotted here in Southern California recently and was luckily captured by frequent AB commenter Zamafir. Although the car was covered in camo, Zamafir says he also saw the vehicle in the flesh and offered his thoughts on the car:

I had the chance to poke my head around the A5 sportback this morning, it's a wonderful car. Out of respect for the gentlemen handling it I didn't snap any shots of the car with the camouflage off, but it's very much what you would expect the A4 with an A5 rear superimposed upon it to look like. It's very very cogently penned. All the lines are very crisp, and I honestly prefer the profile from the side to the A5 and the BMW 5 series GT.

Inside the dash is the standard A5 affair with a different sort of trim than I'm used to seeing here in the US, though It's an ingolstadt car so who know if it'll make it over. Kind of a perforated metal look. Most importantly, the rear seats are quite a bit more roomy than I had expected. About on par with the A4. It's hard to tell from the spy shots but there is a reasonable amount of head room in the back thanks to the way the roof liner kind of arches up towards the rear inside. Visibility out the rear windows is a little obscured by their dramatic cut downwards and backwards to facilitate the sloping rear.

Thanks, Zamafir!

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback spy pics

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser

Reader Spy: Audi A5 Sportback caught under canvas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi R8 Spyder uncorks its V10 on the Nürburgring

Chris Shunk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Videos, Supercars, Audi

2011 Audi R8 Spyder - Click above to watch a video after the jump

We're definitely looking forward to our first official glimpse at the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder, but unfortunately, we don't know exactly when that will happen. While it was widely expected to bow at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, we've recently heard that it could show its V10-only face as late as Detroit in January.

Fear not, though, because we've got some high-quality footage of the R8 Spyder as it takes its 525 horsepower whoopin' stick to the Nürburgring. Hit the jump to view the future crown jewel of the Audi lineup as it comes hard after some of the most famous curves in the history of race tracks. If seeing the uncovered R8 Spyder on the track isn't exhilarating enough for you, make sure to turn up the volume. The sinister growl emanating from the rear of Audi's supercar in waiting is enough to send chills down the spine. We like.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Source: Auto Wereld via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi R8 Spyder uncorks its V10 on the Nürburgring

VIDEO: Audi R8 Spyder uncorks its V10 on the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi R8 Spyder

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Audi

Audi is testing its forthcoming R8 Spyder, and the car is wearing what appears to be a completely stowable roof, not the targa-style top that has been suggested as a possibility. Yet disappearing along with the roof could also be your view of the engine. The droptop in the spy photos and in Audi's official sketch features a solid engine cover and two curious structures adorned with gills that run up to the rear window. They could line up with an interior element when the roof is down, but it would have to be mighty cool to be worth missing out on that engine. Audi's 552 horsepower competitor for cars like the Vantage V12 and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio will bow at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Fastest Car]

Spy Shots: Audi R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEAT starts construction of new Spanish plant to build Audi Q3

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossovers/CUVs, Audi, SEAT

When the Audi Q3 compact CUV hits the streets in 2011, its assembly will be handled by the workers at VW's Spanish division, SEAT. In preparation for the crossover's arrival SEAT is building an all-new body shop at its Martorell factory. Like other modern body shops, the 322,000 square-foot facility will be heavily automated with over 300 robots handling most of the welding and stamp manipulation.

A ceremony was held at the site this week to lay the cornerstone for the new building, and as is typical for these types of events, all the usual politicians and dignitaries turned out for their photo op. The €300 million euro factory is the largest investment made by SEAT in 15 years, and signals that the Volkswagen group tends to keep it around for a while. An estimated 1,500 people will be employed building the Q3 when it launches in two years.

Continue reading SEAT starts construction of new Spanish plant to build Audi Q3

SEAT starts construction of new Spanish plant to build Audi Q3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Audi, Porsche

2010 Porsche Boxster - Click above for high-res image gallery

With sales slumping and money suddenly pretty tight, Porsche would no-doubt love to move more metal. Sure, the Stuttgart, Germany sports car maker has assured us that it will make money this year and next, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little insurance. According to Auto Motor & Sport, more sales could come from a cheaper yet more powerful Boxster. The site is reporting that Porsche is looking into the Audi TTS engine. At 272 hp and 258 lb-ft, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine would eclipse Porsche's standard issue boxer engine by a useful 17 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque.

If the story from Auto Motor & Sport is to believed, the Audi-fied Boxster would be cheaper, too. The site is quoting a price that drops from €46,500 ($64,000 in US funds) down to €40,000 ($55,000). The only problem for Porsche purists is that the TTS engine isn't exactly a boxer engine. But the faithful got over the Cayenne (maybe), so we're sure an affordable Boxster that is lighter (we're guessing), more powerful, and cheaper will put their minds at ease.

Interestingly, the article also mentions anew a lower-priced roadster that would sit at the bottom of the Porsche food chain. The sub-Boxster Porsche would have to start somewhere around $40,000, and while it would almost surely boost Porsche sales, it could also cut into the brand's prestige if it isn't properly executed.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via Motor Authority]

Porsche considering Audi TTS engine for cheaper Boxster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Auto Show, Convertibles, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, Audi

2010 Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been all but confirmed by Audi that the R8 Spyder is due to debut alongside the new A5 Sportback at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, but according to two reports from Car and Driver, there will be one less vehicle on the show stand in Germany and only one engine available in the drop-top supercar.

The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will reportedly be available with the 525 hp, 5.2-liter V10 at launch -- meaning no V8 -- with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional R-tronic automated transmission. The 420 hp, 4.2-liter V8 currently fitted to the standard R8 could be added later, but Audi seems to favor sticking with the V10 until the R8's replacement arrives a few years down the road.

Additionally, it was widely reported that the 2011 Audi A8 would be unveiled in Frankfurt, but C&D says that the launch has been pushed back sometime after the LA Auto Show in December. Apparently, the reason for the delay is two-fold: Audi doesn't want to risk quelling sales of the current A8 in some of its most important markets (China, Europe and the U.S.) and the automaker is (wisely) worried that the unveiling could be overlooked at a large auto show where too many models are vying for attention. As such, the A8 could be shown initially at a private event in Florida later this year, with the first public exhibition being the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Car and Driver (1) (2)]

REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A5 Sportback not coming to America, but you can drool over these teasers anyhow [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchbacks, Audi

Click above to see A5 Sportback teaser in high-res

We've been seeing spy photos of the upcoming Audi A5 Sportback for what seems like ages. However, thanks to the above teaser shot and a new video from Audi featuring designer Wolfgang Egger, we now have our clearest view of the new A5's profile yet. Not to be confused for production model based on the Sportback concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January (which is also coming), this new A5 features also features a fastback body style. Unlike the current A5 coupe, the Sportback gets four doors on its flanks. Speaking of flanks it appears as though the Sportback will get even more muscular quarters than the coupe.

Unfortunately, we won't get the A5 Sportback here in America. In a statement released with the video, Audi of America explains that the new model doesn't fit its current plans for this market. In other words, the company doesn't think it can sell enough of the five-door hatchbacks to justify the expense of federalizing it. We'll hold out hope for the A7 Sportback, thank you. In the meantime, check out the video and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A5 Sportback not coming to America, but you can drool over these teasers anyhow [w/VIDEO]

Audi A5 Sportback not coming to America, but you can drool over these teasers anyhow [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot takes pole at 24 Hours of Le Mans for third straight year

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Peugeot

It's mid-June and that means it's time for the 24 Hours of Le Mans again. If the past decade is anything to go by, the number one contenders will again be the factory Audis, which have won eight of the last nine races (all nine if you count the 2003 as the Audi it truly was). For the past two years, the big battle for overall glory has been between the diesel-powered Audi R10 and Peugeot 908, and this year looks to be no different aside from Audi having an all new car, the R15, still with TDI power.

While the Peugeots have shown superior speed the last two years, the Audis have had better reliability and pit work. This year, the R15s appear to have made up the speed deficit, and the Germans look set for victory again if the crew can keep them running. Unfortunately for Audi, the race won't start with one of its cars in the lead, as Stephane Sarrazin has once again captured the poll in his Peugeot 908 for a record third straight year. Alan McNish managed to qualify one of Audi's three R15s right behind Sarrazin, but the other two cars managed to qualify only sixth and seventh on the starting grid. Three other Peugeot 908s will start from third, fourth and fifth, respectively, which means diesel power penetrates all the way back to the fourth row on this year's starting grid.

For those interested in following Audi's progress this weekend, the automaker is following up up its Sebring Facebook coverage with even more social media stuff this weekend. You can find photos, videos and news at AudiR15TDI.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Our own Damon Lavrinc will also be reporting live from Le Mans this year, so keep an eye on Autoblog and make sure to follow our Twitter feed all weekend long.

[Sources: Yahoo Eurosport, Audi, AutoCar | Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images]

Peugeot takes pole at 24 Hours of Le Mans for third straight year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Blue By You - Fifth Gear samples the stunning Audi R8 V10

Chris Shunk — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Supercars, Audi, UK

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 16th season of the hit British motorcar show Fifth Gear is just getting off the ground, and it's starting in style with a review of a stunningly beautiful Audi R8 V10. Unfortunately, Fifth Gear didn't appear to really wring out the 522 hp, V10 beauty during their review, but the rain may have had something to do with it. The UK team did provide plenty of exquisite shots of the top Audi, though, along with plenty of pithy dialogue.

Do the blokes at 5G feel that the added punch of the V10 engine is enough to justify the massive price premium over the standard V8-powered R8? Hit the jump to view Fifth Gear's leisurely review for yourself. We're not entirely sure we agree with the final analysis of the V10's merits, but we'll reserve judgment until we get our mitts on one. In the meantime, we appreciate the well-done video and the R8's striking blue paint - a shade we haven't encountered before, but one we look forward to seeing again and again.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Blue By You - Fifth Gear samples the stunning Audi R8 V10

VIDEO: Blue By You - Fifth Gear samples the stunning Audi R8 V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Would an Audi A1 Targa look like this?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Audi, Rendered Speculation

The history of the Audi A1 is a great deal of talk and renderings capped by one confirmed sighting. We've seen the A1 Sportback and been told that an A1 Cabrio is coming, after which we were told that the A1 wouldn't be coming to the U.S. Now everyone is in on the game, with forum user The Pretender at RS6.com posting one idea of what a targa version of the A1 could be -- even though it seems much more in line with what an Audi version of the VW Bluesport could be.

Of course, if the A1 isn't coming to America, an A1 targa - a dedicated two-seater, mind you - would have to make a strong price case for itself against an A1 Cabrio, A3 Cabrio, a possible Bluesport Audi, bog standard versions of the TT, plus cross-country competition from the Mini convertible and BMW 1-Series (both four-seaters). But if we ignore all of that and simply consider the rendering above, the questions are: Do we need it and would it tempt you?

[Source: RS6.com]

Rendered Speculation: Would an Audi A1 Targa look like this? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Peugeot lodges protest against the Audi R15 TDI at Le Mans

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Peugeot

The drama has already begun at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, albeit not the on-track kind. Peugeot has reportedly lodged a protest against Audi's R15 racer, charging that elements of the car's front wing are illegal. Peugeot asserts that the flap-like sections at the rear of the front wing, where "Michelin" appears in the above pic, are bodywork elements that are not allowed by the technical regulations.

Article 3.6.2 of the ACO's technical regulations allows two aerodynamic elements at the front of the car, but beyond that, "Any bodywork element the function of which is only to generate down force" is prohibited. Said Aston Martin's race head after the car was questioned at March's 12 Hours of Sebring, the components act "exactly like a flap on a wing, with the splitter arrangement acting as the main plane."

Peugeot raised its concerns earlier this year, but the Audi has been scrutinized every race since. Peugeot says it doesn't want to hurt the competition, it simply wants the rules clarified. However, if the Le Mans stewards rule against the French team, it says it will take its case all the way to the FIA. And if that happens, Sunday's result will be unofficial until the high racing court decides. Thanks for the tip, mforty!

[Source: Motorsport.com]

REPORT: Peugeot lodges protest against the Audi R15 TDI at Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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