Autoblog

KBB hands out inaugural Total Cost of Ownership awards to Kia, Audi

Zach Bowman — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:35:00 EST

Kia has taken home the first ever Kelley Blue Book award for Total Cost of Ownership among consumer brands. As you might expect, the award goes to brands and vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs. KBB examines depreciation, fuel costs, fees associated with finance and insurance, maintenance costs and state fees. Both the Optima sedan and Sportage CUV helped Kia cinch the win this award's inaugural year.

Kelley Blue Book also examined the cost of ownership among luxury brands, and Audi took the top nod in this category. KBB specifically pointed to the German automaker's low depreciation and good average fuel economy as reasons for the brand's win. The A3, A4 and Q5 all helped the automaker in the total cost of ownership evaluation.

The award is also broken up by individual vehicle categories, and there were some surprises among the winners. The Honda Insight took the Hybrid Car award while the Chevrolet Volt nabbed the Electric Car win. We would have expected to see the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf take those categories, respectively. Follow the jump for the full press release that reveals individual winners in each model category.

Continue reading KBB hands out inaugural Total Cost of Ownership awards to Kia, Audi

KBB hands out inaugural Total Cost of Ownership awards to Kia, Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #267

Dan Roth — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Mazda, Diesel

BMW M goes Diesel, Ford Focus fleet sales numbers, California 2025 green car mandate

Episode #267 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the addition of diesel-powered BMW M models overseas, the surprisingly high fleet sales figure for the Ford Focus, and a new green car mandate coming out of California. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #267:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2012 Audi A4
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:15:33

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #267

Autoblog Podcast #267 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi heralds the return of the A4 Allroad

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagon, Audi, Luxury

Audi has been known for all-wheel drive and wagon rooflines for a lot longer than it has been making crossovers. Before cranking out the Q7, Q5 and Q3, the German automaker was making Avant Quattro wagons that carved up alpine mountain passes like nobody's business. And then came the Allroad.

Bridging the gap between a wagon and an SUV, the Allroad versions of the A4 and A6 take a similar approach to the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70, giving the wagon a rougher, go-anywhere image compared to the standard Avant estate. We used to get the Allroad in the North American market, but after a brief hiatus, the A4 Allroad is back.

We got a chance to drive the soft-roader just last month, but couldn't resist the temptation to snap it again for the Ingolstadt aficionados among us as it made its official North American debut alongside the new A4 and S4 here at the Detroit Auto Show. Click the thumbnails above to check it out in high resolution.

Audi heralds the return of the A4 Allroad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi S4

Matt Davis — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi, First Drives, Luxury

A Standalone Sleeper Sport Sedan That Still Keeps Us Awake At Night

The always-bustling Audi stand at next month's Detroit Auto Show figures to be cluttered with a full range of eighth-generation A4 models, all of which arrive in the States sometime between June and July. The line's real marquee model is, of course, the RS4, but that Rennsport ingredient will not be seen on the stand in Cobo just yet. (So let's change that to almost full range, and some sources are saying that there will not even be an RS4 this go-round.) The sauciest A4 present will be this model, the new S4, considered by many - this reviewer included - to be the real gem of the range, especially in comparison to the seriously costly RS4.

It's best to call this the "latest" S4, because it is definitely not all-new. However, it does partake of the mid-cycle changes to the "B8" eighth-generation, some of which we recently addressed in a first drive of the A4 and A4 Allroad Quattro. For now, though, we really don't need big changes - we'll be happy if the S4 remains our lower-volume secret.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S4

2013 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi A4

Matt Davis — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi, First Drives, Luxury

No Mid-Life Crisis Here

We have no intention of inviting vehement vehicular debates, but they always seem to pop up when discussing this segment of the market. That's a good thing, because getting no reaction at all would be terrible when talking about cars that are so vital to driving enthusiasts. Our topic of the day is this refreshed eighth-generation Audi A4, and while few changes are readily apparent, any packet of modifications to these bread-and-butter premium cars is worth investigating.

It's been one heck of a year for the entry-level German executive class. Besides the addition of C63 trims and a coupe bodystyle to the fourth-generation Mercedes C-Class and the all-important launch of the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series, we've just driven the latest Audi A4 2.0 TFSI up, down and over various scenic Portuguese roads, and now more than ever, it is not to be ignored.

The 2013 A4 Allroad Quattro will arrive in mid-2012 at the same time as this revamped A4, and having driven the thing, we can now say that all the mid-cycle touches have been nicely presented. While we were already big fans of the eighth-gen A4, the model's reworked nose is handsome. Specifically, we note the more pronounced curvature to the hood, as well as a more planted stance. That's a bit of visual trickery, not a wider track - Audi stylists have emphasized the design's horizontal lines up front, and they've added new head- and fog-light fixtures, along with larger air intakes down low. It appears that Audi has deliberately "nastied up" the sensible A4 a little to better prepare it for the new RS4 range-topper we expect next year. (That is if the rumors of there being no RS4 this time around are just rumors.)

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2013 Audi A4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

Matt Davis — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Audi, First Drives, Luxury

Audi Gives Us Its Warrior Wagon For The Holidays

Despite recent sad decisions by Ingolstadt and the company's regional bosses in Herndon, Virginia not to include either the stunning new A6 Avant or the handsomely reworked A4 Avant in its U.S. lineup, Audi has crunched the numbers on another niche's business case and decided to throw us one hell of a bone. Arriving on our shores by July 2012 for the first time is this spanking refreshed A4 Allroad Quattro. As consolation presents go, it's a humdinger.

We've just had a shot at driving this latest A4 Allroad - a model originally created in early 2009 - in various European trims along the Portuguese shore north of Lisbon and over the mountain roads just inland of the same. We can say right off that the discreet slice of American premium car buyers who understand the Allroad legend have much to look forward to. They make up a sympathetic (though generally separate) fan club from those who buy the Subaru Outback. Allroads are for well-to-do drivers who share a passion for this rough-roading, do-it-all niche, and they won't be palmed off with traditional SUVs or their more upright crossover substitutes.

To inaugurate the second coming of the Allroad franchise to the States, Audi is holding the A4 Allroad's world premiere at January's Detroit Auto Show. Through thick and thin, Audi has always treated Motown's motor expo very seriously. Showing such a fondly admired model like the Allroad here first means a lot. There has been a lingering sense of unwilling withdrawal ever since Audi creased importing the A6-based Allroad back in 2005, and confirmation of this new model figures to be a homecoming of sorts.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi celebrates 10 million midsize cars

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Audi

Any way you look at it, ten million is an awfully big number. All the more so when you're talking about luxury sedans, not budget hatchbacks. But that's how many mid-size cars Audi has built to date.

The total stretches back to 1972, through four generations of the Audi 80 and four more of its successor nameplate, the A4. The landmark was reached earlier this month when the 10,000,000th midsize Audi - a red S4 with two-tone interior - rolled off the assembly line at Ingolstadt.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the freshly facelifted A4 family, including the new A4 sedan, Avant wagon, Allroad Quattro soft-roader and S4 sports sedan. Details in the press release after the jump.

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Audi celebrates 10 million midsize cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

The Audi A4 has been the German automaker's best-selling model for 39 years running with over 10 million individual examples sold, so any sort of major update to the machine is a big deal in Ingolstadt. For the 2013 model year, Audi has bestowed its A4 with revised sheetmetal and powertrains in order to keep it at the forefront of the entry-level luxury car arena... which is especially important with a new BMW 3 Series on its way.

A quick glance may not be enough to take in all the visual changes to the latest A4, but a closer look reveals that there are revisions to nearly every surface, including the front fascia, bumpers and hood. The headlights and taillights have been reworked to more closely match the rest of the lineup with a "slight wave" at the bottom and highly stylized LED elements. Inside the cabin, new steering wheels, refined finishes and a somewhat simplified MMI infotainment system.

European buyers will be able to select from six turbodiesel and four gasoline engines, all with forced induction and direct injection for maximized power and efficiency. In the States, we're expecting at least the 2.0-liter turbocharged four (211 horsepower) and 3.0-liter supercharged six with up to 333 horsepower in high-performance S4 trim. That's enough ponies to hit 60 miles per hour in about 5.0 seconds.

There's a slim chance the U.S. could get a crack at the new 1.8-liter turbo four as well, but we're not holding our breath. As you would expect, Quattro all-wheel drive will be available across the line, and power will reach the wheels through either a six-speed manual, CVT automatic (front-wheel drive only), eight-speed auto or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Audi is also introducing a new electromechanical power steering system for the 2013 A4.

We're expecting Audi to bring the A4 and S4 to the U.S. in the summer of 2012 as 2013 models, and we should also get the new A4 Allroad wagon as well. You can see a whole slew of images in our high-res galleries, and we've embedded videos highlighting the new A4 Allroad and S4 after the break (along with the press release, naturally) for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading 2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video]

2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A4 Allroad gets freshy-fresh

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Audi is progressing with development of the its A4 Allroad facelift. Our spy photographers caught the model out and about during hot weather testing in southern Europe, which means the final production version is closer than ever before. It's still unclear as to whether or not the long-roof A4 will find its way Stateside due to the fact that the German automaker has placed most of its chips on its CUV range. The A4 Allroad is built to handle all sorts of unpleasant road conditions thanks to its tall wheel arches, slightly higher ride height and stout all-wheel-drive system.

We're guessing this machine would have no problem besting most crossovers when the dirt trail turns to rock and mud. While some photos have surfaced showing the A4 Allroad with U.S.-spec amber marker lights, the tester in this series of shots is clearly a European model.

Audi A4 Allroad gets freshy-fresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi RS4 Avant caught on 'Ring with A4 facelift

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Audi, Luxury

Performance wagons are the securely on the list of items that make our enthusiast hearts go pitter-pat. Sadly, there is a distinct lack of options in this segment, and some of the very best products never make it here to the States. One such long-roof that long ago joined the Forbidden Fruit category is the Audi RS4 Avant, whose successor has been spied racking up the test miles at the Nürburgring this week.

We're not entirely sure what's going on under the hood just yet, but with the German automaker's recent remake of its S lineup, we wouldn't be surprised to find a powerful turbocharged mill. We also won't be surprised to hear the words "Audi RS4 Avant - Europe Only," when the wagon finally sheds its camouflage.

Still, we can click through the gallery and pretend that the Nürburgring is actually Laguna Seca. We can dream that our local dealership will have a Dolphin Gray example with our name on it, and we can hope that more performance wagons start to show up on the streets of the North America.

Audi RS4 Avant caught on 'Ring with A4 facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Seat Exeo is Audi with the old, in with the new-ish

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, SEAT, Luxury

We know what you're thinking: This car looks an awful lot like an Audi A4. But it isn't. And it is.

Regular readers may be aware that Audi's Spanish sister-company Seat inherited the previous-generation A4 some time after it was replaced. They put some new badges on it and presto! A new flagship model for Seat.

Called the Exeo, it has now undergone a minor facelift that did nothing if not make it look even more like an Audi, if that were possible, and we got up close and personal with the new model here in Frankfurt. Check it out in our high-res gallery of live images from the show floor.

2012 Seat Exeo is Audi with the old, in with the new-ish originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi's Johan De Nysschen talks future product at Fourtitude

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen recently went on the record about future product plans via the forums at enthusiast site Fourtitude. In addition to clarifying the big news regarding Audi's diesel initiative in the United States, de Nysschen let some other product plans slip out.

First, he confirmed that the next-generation A3 will be sold as a sedan in the United States. The sportback will be discontinued, but the A3 Cabriolet may join the U.S. lineup. The new A3 will be a 2013 model, but might not be available right at the beginning of the model year. All we can say is, we hope it looks exactly like the stunning concept car that bowed in Geneva.

As for performance models, de Nysschen says that an S variant of every car in the automaker's lineup is likely, and hinted at the S7 being offered here. The RS5 is still slated to arrive next year, though it will benefit from the A5/S5 facelift that'll introduced in the U.S. over the winter.

Fourtitude's interview re-confirmed that clean diesel versions of the Q5, A6 and A8 are in the cards, presumably with the 3.0-liter TDI V6. The A4 is also expected to gain a TDI variant, though it will likely be powered by a 2.0-liter four. The Q5 crossover will also spawn a hybrid variant, which will be on sale sometime in 2012.

Head over to Fourtitude's forums to read the whole interview.

Audi's Johan De Nysschen talks future product at Fourtitude originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti G25, Buick Regal Turbo score well in latest Consumer Reports tests

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Buick, Infiniti, Volvo

2011 Infiniti G25 - Click above for high-res image

Consumer Reports put four new sports sedans to the test, and the Buick Regal Turbo and Infiniti G25 came out on top. The G25 managed a score of "Excellent," as the consumer advocacy magazine gave the sedan high marks for ride and handling and well-weighted steering. The G25 now lags only the more powerful G37 on CR's list of the 13 best sports sedans in the mid-size segment.

The Regal Turbo finished right behind the G25 with a score of "Very Good." The boosted Buick also received high praise for handling, and the sedan's 2.0-liter turbo mill "brings much needed power while attaining the same fuel economy as the base four-cylinder model." CR now ranks the Regal Turbo just ahead of the naturally aspirated Regal. The post-jump press release claims the Regal Turbo now ranks in the middle of the pack of 13 sports sedans.

While the Regal and G25 received kudos, the 2011 Audi A4 and 2011 Volvo S60 didn't fare as well. The A4, which has been given the coveted "Recommended" nod from CR, now ranks 12th out of 13 vehicles, trailing only the Saab 9-3. Ouch. The Volvo S60 fared a bit better, with a ranking of 10th.

Hit the jump to read over the Consumer Reports presser. The release also includes info for the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, which were tested separately.

Continue reading Infiniti G25, Buick Regal Turbo score well in latest Consumer Reports tests

Infiniti G25, Buick Regal Turbo score well in latest Consumer Reports tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just how tight are supplies of new Audi models?

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi, Humor

Audi customers going to extreme measures to get a new car - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Audi has taken to the Web to poke fun at its own recent supply issues while sneaking in a quick jab at its competitors. The company claims that Mercedes, BMW and Lexus owners have been jumping ship to Audi in record numbers, which is why Ingolstadt can't keep its dealers stocked.

The commercial may soon wind up being more accurate than it is funny, as the company has dwindled down to a 27-day reserve supply of cars, is at maximum production capacity at its European factories and is seeing huge numbers of custom orders. With custom orders coming in faster than flood water and factories working overtime, some customers are waiting months to take delivery.

While we can't imagine how stressful it is to work for Audi right now, the company can't be too bummed out that its products are moving so successfully. To see just how rabid Audi fans may become, check out the video after the jump. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Just how tight are supplies of new Audi models?

Just how tight are supplies of new Audi models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi still supply constrained on many models; making huge inroads into CA

Chris Shunk — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Luxury

2012 Audi A6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When is success a bad thing? If you're Audi, it's when you can't get adequate quantities of new vehicles to U.S. dealerships. Wards Automotive talked supply and demand with Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen, and it's apparently very difficult to keep Audi dealers stocked. The Audi prez says the luxury brand is down to a 27-day supply of vehicles, adding, "We simply can't get our inventory up to a 60-day supply."

But while a short supply of new vehicles typically signals strong demand and minimizes incentives, Audi is faced with a custom order rate that is up to 31 percent. When you are maxed out at factories in Europe and there is that whole matter of shipping the vehicle across an ocean, an order can take months. And if customers face a long wait for what can sometimes be an emotion-driven buying decision, not everybody can be so patient, and Audi risks losing sales as a result. The waiting game hasn't stopped Audi from turning up the heat in California, though, as the Four-Ringed Automaker's sales have jumped from 3.5 percent to 10 percent market share.

Beyond supply issues, the German automaker is also struggling to push higher-end products, as de Nysschen says the volume products are the A4 and Q5. Only 15 percent of overall sales come from the A6, a number Audi hopes to stretch to 55 percent. The automaker is hoping the A7 helps solve that problem as well, along with a high mix of diesel-powered Q7 SUVs.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6: Detroit 2011

[Source: Wards Automotive]

Audi still supply constrained on many models; making huge inroads into CA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Audi

Audi RS4 Avant spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the rumors of its demise, the next-generation Audi RS4 appears to be on track (literally) based on this mule that our spy shooters have just spied on Germany's Nürburgring. Seen here testing in the all-too-desirable Avant body style, the next RS4's final design will likely be a bit more aggressive, incorporating a much more pronounced front fascia complete with lower air intakes similar to those on the RS5 Coupe. On this mule, we can clearly see the larger wheels (straight from the RS5 - how 'bout that), bigger brakes and slightly wider track.

As for power, the safest bet is to expect that the RS5's high-revving 4.2-liter V8 will carry over to the RS4, producing somewhere around 450 horsepower. Other rumors have suggested that an all-new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 could be put to use here, but based on all of the scuttlebutt we've heard, the 4.2-liter V8 still looks to be the safest bet. Since the RS4's key competitors will be the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Audi would probably be wise to use the 450-hp mill in an effort to keep things as competitive as possible. The RS4 will surely be no slouch, and we're bursting with eagerness to see (and drive) the end result.

Gallery: Audi RS4 Avant: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi celebrates birth of five-millionth A4

Chris Shunk — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi

We can't help but like the Audi A4. It's roomy for its class, it's very efficient and it certainly helps that the high-volume Audi is entertaining to drive. It's no wonder, then, that the four-ringed automaker has managed to make its five-millionth A4 at its plant in Ingolstadt, a 2.0 TFSI Quattro variant in Misano Red. The A4's success story is aided by the fact that the model comes as a wagon or sedan, plus available Quattro all-wheel-drive, an S variant and a CUV-ish Allroad model that isn't sold in the States.

Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management at Audi, calls A4 number five million "another major milestone in Audi's history. All versions of the A4 are efficient, elegant and enjoy outstanding success in their class." Hit the jump to read over the brag-filled press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi celebrates birth of five-millionth A4

Audi celebrates birth of five-millionth A4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi confirms diesel A4, A6, A8, Q5 for U.S., first e-tron vehicle expected in 2013

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Audi, Diesel

Audi's clean diesel initiative here in the United States started with the A3 TDI hatchback and Q7 TDI crossover, but in the coming years, we can expect the vast majority of the company's volume models to offer oil-burning powerplants. This isn't the first time the German automaker has spoke of expanding its diesel lineup here in the U.S., but during a press conference this morning, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen outlined exactly what we can expect to see over the next 24 to 30 months.

The first new implementations of TDI clean diesel will be in the A6 and A8 sedans, as well as the Q5 crossover. All three of these models are expected to have hybrid variants, as well, meaning customers will have a full range of powertrain options in the coming years.

As for the A4 - Audi's highest-volume model - TDI power is still in the cards for U.S. consumption. Instead of offering a diesel engine in the current model, Audi will be waiting until the next-generation car arrives. The all-new A4 is expected to launch in 2015, or possibly even 2014.

Finally, de Nysschen stated that Audi's first electric vehicle is expected to arrive in the U.S. by early 2013. The automaker's e-tron EV technology has been displayed multiple times over the past few years, and while it's unclear exactly what sort of electric vehicle will arrive in the U.S., our bet is on something R8-based to rival BMW's new EfficientDynamics i8 sports car.

[Image: Drew Phillips/AOL]

Audi confirms diesel A4, A6, A8, Q5 for U.S., first e-tron vehicle expected in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi returning to BTCC with privateer A4 touring car

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Europe, Audi, UK, Racing

While archrival BMW may be downscaling its racing program - in touring car series particularly - Audi looks to be going the other way. For evidence, we turn your attention to Exhibit A: a new entry into the British Touring Car Championship for 2011.

The two-car entry is being undertaken by Rob Austin Racing, a privateer British racing outfit taking a step up into the championship. The team has commissioned a pair of A4 touring cars to be built to by racing constructor GPR Motorsport to the BTCC's Next Generation Touring Car formula. The new regulations are aimed at reducing the cost of constructing and fielding an entry in the series, helping Audi - though entered independently from the manufacturer - become the ninth automaker represented on the grid for next season.

Testing of the new A4 NGTC is set to kick off in March, but the rendering above has been released in advance to give us an idea of what the car could look like. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

[Source: Rob Austin Racing via Autocar]

Continue reading Audi returning to BTCC with privateer A4 touring car

Audi returning to BTCC with privateer A4 touring car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: All Audi models to be available with diesel engines by 2015

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Diesel is slowly making an impression here in the United States and Audi has been paying attention. Parent company Volkswagen has been selling a steady stream of diesels for many years, and the enthusiasm for the oil-burners has filtered up into the luxury segment. By 2015, Audi plans to have a diesel variant available for every volume product in its lineup.

This means we still won't see a production R8 V12 TDI, but it does mean we can look forward to seeing the A4, A6, A8 and Q5 with TDI variants. Currently, the A3 and Q7 are the only US Audis available with diesel engines. You've no doubt seen A3 TDIs rolling past you as you stop for gas, since the diesel version now accounts for nearly half of all A3 sales. 40 percent of Q7s have the diesel engine under the hood, and Audi is having trouble keeping either model in stock.

Automakers face stricter fuel economy targets in the coming years, and one way to improve their lineups' mile-per-gallon figures is by adding diesel versions across the entire range. Audi believes that by 2015, diesels will make up 20 percent of the U.S. sales volume - a vast improvement over the current 5.5 percent.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: All Audi models to be available with diesel engines by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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