Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2011 Audi A8: The first production vehicle equipped with Google Earth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/2011-audi-a8-the-first-production-vehicle-equipped-with-google/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/2011-audi-a8-the-first-production-vehicle-equipped-with-google/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/2011-audi-a8-the-first-production-vehicle-equipped-with-google/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Among the myriad of technological features coming to the 2011 Audi A8, its revised Multi Media Interface system, complete with the new "MMI touch" feature, will also include the first application of Google Earth in a production car.

In addition to the traditional hard-disk navigation system, an optional GPRS/EDGE modem is integrated into the MMI nav-plus system allowing a constant stream of information to be downloaded and accessed from Google. Along with GPS-based searches for local services, users can plan out their trips on Google Maps, Google Earth or through Audi's online portal, and navigation data is analyzed and relayed to all the A8's systems, including the automatic cruise control with "Start & Go" functionality, the adaptive lights and the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

With a SIM card inserted into the A8's MMI setup (or data-enabled phone paired via Bluetooth) Google Earth can provide drivers with a three-dimensional view of their surroundings displayed on the A8's eight-inch LCD display, showing satellite imagery and terrain modeling, along with all the traditional navigation system's functionality both online and off. The integration of Google Earth is set to go live on the A8 sometime in the middle of 2010, soon after Audi's new flagship goes on sale in the spring. Check out all the details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8: The first production vehicle equipped with Google Earth

2011 Audi A8: The first production vehicle equipped with Google Earth originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 a82011 audi a82011 audi a8 google earth2011A82011AudiA82011AudiA8GoogleEarthaudi a8AudiA8google earthGoogleEarthWed, 16 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

At last week's tony Design Miami reveal of the 2011 A8 luxury cruiser, we were able to corner Johan de Nysschen, Audi's executive vice president in North America, and ask him for some tasty tibits on the brand's upcoming products, including the A8's sexier derivative, the A7.

In addition to giving us the first official confirmation of the A7's existence, de Nysschen revealed that the four-door coupe model will slot in "a little bit below" the new A8 in terms of pricing, just as we expected. Of course, it's worth noting that the 2011 A8 faces a price bump due to substantial increases in content and technology, so when the A7 finally comes to the States, the average model is likely to sticker at around $82,000-$83,000, which de Nysschen says is about the price for a typically equipped 2010 A8 (pricing starts at $74,550 plus delivery).

Based on Audi's new longitudinal modular platform technology, the A7 will be clearly related to the A8 (and the A6 replacement that will follow it), and de Nysschen says that the 2009 Detroit Auto Show Sportback concept car serves as a "very reliable indicator" of what the production model will look like. Judging by recent spy shots from our friends at KGP, that very much appears to be the case. While parts commonality will be "substantial," de Nysschen says that the A7 will not use the full aluminum spaceframe design of the A8, although it will have aluminum elements.

As expected, the A8 will launch Stateside in both standard and long-wheelbase formats, with the latter predicted to make up the lion's share of the volume (the A8L presently accounts for about 80 percent of the model's sales).

We asked De Nysschen about how the two models will interact in the full-size luxury sedan segment, and he noted that:
"This top end segment is characterized by more conservative people, and we need to clearly take lower levels of risk with a flagship model [the A8]. But we recognize too that there is a sizable enough cluster of customers in that same segment who are ready for a more avant-garde design [the A7]. So we will essentially be positioning two cars into the same segment, which means that independently, the volume each attains is not that significant, but when you put them together, it will mean that our share of that segment will grow quite dramatically."
All-in De Nysschen thinks that the A8 will account for about 4,000 to 5,000 sales per year in the U.S., and the less costly A7 could clear 7,000-8,000 additional units.

And what of a high-performance S8 to take on Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup, or the A5 Sportback? Click through to the jump for more details.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Continue reading Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback

Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Audi A82010AudiA82011 Audi A82011AudiA8A7A8Audi A5 sportbackAudi A7Audi A8Audi S8Audi sportbackAudiA5SportbackAudiA7AudiA8AudiS8AudiSportbackS8sportbacksportback conceptSportbackConceptMon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States - although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 A82011 Audi A82011A82011AudiA8a8audiAudi A8Audi sedanAudiA8AudiSedanDesign MiamiDesign WeekDesignMiamiDesignWeekFeaturedLucy LiuLucyLiuMon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-are-you-the-2011-audi-a8-or-are-you-the-2011-audi-a6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-are-you-the-2011-audi-a8-or-are-you-the-2011-audi-a6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-are-you-the-2011-audi-a8-or-are-you-the-2011-audi-a6/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Audi A6 or 2011 Audi A8 - Click above to watch the video

Well, is it? Hard to say. We do know that both a new Audi A8 and A6 are headed our way sooner rather than later. Sooner, as in the South Florida International Auto Show for one of the new Audis, and/or Geneva for the other. We're pretty sure that the car captured in the video you'll soon be watching after the jump is the same sedan wearing the BMW-style psychotropic body wrap in our earlier post. Only now, watching the car in motion and especially seeing it next to other vehicles, we're just not sure the Audi in question is large enough to be an A8.

Which means we might just be looking at the 2011 Audi A6. And we have to say, it almost looks too small to be an A6. Watch as the test mule passes various hatches and economy cars and seems to be about the same height, if not over all size. Maybe the mule's black paint is playing tricks on us. Or maybe - just maybe - the new A6 is going to be smaller than the current car. Time will tell. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?

VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 A62011 A82011 Audi A62011 Audi A82011A62011A82011AudiA62011AudiA8A6A8AudiAudi A6Audi A8AudiA6AudiA8DetroitGenevaWed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 coming with four-cylinder turbodiesel, new V12 under development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Camouflaged prototypes of the 2011 Audi A8 have been caught running the Nurburgring, and accompanying these newest shots comes word that Audi's reworked flagship will be available with a host of new powerplants.

According to reports, Audi's range-topper will continue to be available with a W12, but it's expected to grow from 6.1- to 6.5-liters and exceed 500 horsepower -- 50 hp more than the outgoing twelve. Stepping down from that would be a supercharged V8 with more than 400 horsepower and a cylinder management system that could shut down up to four cylinders.

To really get the gas mileage going, however, Audi is reportedly working on a new 2.0-liter diesel with two turbos that pumps out more than 200 horsepower. If the new powerplant comes to market, it would match Mercedes-Benz' BlueEfficiency four-cylinder in the S-Class. The new A8 is expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show this January, with sales beginning in late 2010.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8


[Source: L'Automobile]

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 coming with four-cylinder turbodiesel, new V12 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 a82011 audi a82011A82011AudiA8a8audiaudi a8AudiA8dieselspy shotsspy shots 2011 audi a8spy shots audi a8SpyShotsSpyShots2011AudiA8SpyShotsAudiA8Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Reader Spy: Next-gen Audi A6 caught in So-Cal... or is it an A8?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/reader-spy-next-gen-audi-a6-caught-in-so-cal-or-is-it-an-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/reader-spy-next-gen-audi-a6-caught-in-so-cal-or-is-it-an-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/reader-spy-next-gen-audi-a6-caught-in-so-cal-or-is-it-an-a8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Audi A6/A8 mystery mule - Click above for image gallery

It's no secret that Audi will be introducing new versions of both of its biggest sedans in 2010. Redesigned iterations of the A6 and A8 are coming, with one possibly appearing at the Detroit Auto Show in January and the other likely to drop in Geneva. Thankfully, another of our ever-alert readers happened to catch one of them racking up durability miles somewhere in Simi Valley near Los Angeles. Judging by the car's psychedelic mojo, the team in Ingolstadt have hired the same company that supplies camouflage wraps for BMW.

So which of the new sedans are we seeing here? Our man Lieberman seems to think it's the A8. However, close examination of the C-pillar reveals some details despite Audi's efforts to obscure them. Overall, the car has the same steeply sloped rear glass as the current - and previous - A6. The A8 has had a more upright rear window befitting its more premium position in the lineup, but that's no guarantee for the future. We'll find out which this car is soon enough. Thanks to Nathan for the tip and the photos!

Gallery: Spy pics: Audi A6 in Simi Valley


Reader Spy: Next-gen Audi A6 caught in So-Cal... or is it an A8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 audi a62011 audi a82011AudiA62011AudiA8A6A8audiaudi a6audi a8AudiA6AudiA8spyspy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsMon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-2011-audi-r8-spyder-will-launch-with-v10-only-next-a8-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-2011-audi-r8-spyder-will-launch-with-v10-only-next-a8-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-2011-audi-r8-spyder-will-launch-with-v10-only-next-a8-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 audi a82011 audi r8 spyder2011AudiA82011AudiR8SpyderA8audiDetroitAutoShowfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowr8spyderWed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST