Autoblog

Spy Shots: More LA-based pics of the mystery psychedelic-wrap Audi

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Mystery Audi - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Whatever it may be, I like it!" So says Autoblog commenter P.V. concerning a mysterious series of camoflaged Audis that have been popping up all over the place (this one was caught again in Southern California). We tend to agree. In fact, we feel this way about most new Audis -- especially since Walter de'Silva took over the design reins. While it may not be beautiful, there's no denying the R8's curb appeal. Subtler, but far sexier, are the understated lines of the A5/S5 -- no small feat to pull off with a three-box coupe. And while the Q7 looks like some sort of prehistoric giant sloth (hey -- even Hank Aaron had his off at bats), we're still with P.V. 100%.

So, is this the new A8? Hard to say. The C-pillar fits the part but the rear glass really is radically sloped. And that trippy tape job really does mask the mule's size. Could it be the new A6? Again, yes, sure, but... There's almost something too daring about the shape to be such a meat and/or potatoes ride. How about this -- it might be the long-rumored A7. You know, the swoopy "four-door coupe" set to compete against cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS. That makes much more sense. Take a long look at the rear glass and thick C-pillars in this spy shot. We thinks we may be on to something. Especially if you stare long and hard at the tail lights -- the outer ones appear real and taped off, while the inner lights appear to be fake pieces of reflective tape. A design that conforms to the blurry A7 shots we've seen. Hmmm... Thanks to Chris for the pics!

Gallery: Mystery So Cal Audi

[Source: Black Not Black]

Spy Shots: More LA-based pics of the mystery psychedelic-wrap Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Videos, Audi, Luxury

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.

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Reader Spy: Next-gen Audi A6 caught in So-Cal... or is it an A8?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi, Luxury

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.

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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, Sedan, Audi, Reviews

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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Geneva 2009: New Audi A4 Allroad debuts, reportedly may come to U.S. after all

Chris Paukert — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Audi A4 Allroad

Audi has rolled out its new 2010 Audi A4 Allroad here at the Geneva Motor Show, and while the turbocharged stiltswagon wasn't originally expected to reach U.S. dealerships, word coming out of the show from Automotive News is that this is under discussion. As you may recall, Audi's very first Allroad, the A6-based softroader, was sold from 2000 to 2005 in the U.S, but the second-generation range (currently on sale in Europe) never made it to America because of the initial model's slow sales.

The flared-fender A4 Allroad goes on sale in Europe as you read this (base price: 37,100 Euros - about $46,700 USD), carrying under its hood a 211-horsepower, 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder or one of two TDI diesels - either a 2.0-liter (170 hp) or a 3.0-liter (240 hp). Presumably, if America gets the A4 Allroad at all, it will receive the gas engine variant only where it would match up as a premium-price alternative to the Subaru Outback and forthcoming Saab 9-3X. Of course, Audi may decide to once again import the A6-based Allroad instead - or pass on both altogether, so stay tuned. High-res gallery of live shots below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Audi A4 Allroad

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: New Audi A4 Allroad debuts, reportedly may come to U.S. after all

Geneva 2009: New Audi A4 Allroad debuts, reportedly may come to U.S. after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One million Audi fans can't be wrong

Noah Joseph — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

2008 was a tough year, but apparently it wasn't equally as tough for everybody. Audi has now reported that it broke through the 1 million unit mark last year, selling more vehicles than it ever has before.

Total global sales in 2008 came to 1,003,400 vehicles - up 4.3% over last year - including 82,000 units in December. But while the American market has typically been a vital region for European premium marques especially, U.S. sales dropped 6.1% for Audi this year, and nearly 10% in December when U.S. sales accounted for less than 10% of the company's global sales. Ingolstadt attributes its sales success to the dozen new models it introduced last year, including the Q5 and A4 (seen above). Thanks to everyone who sent in the tip, and check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading One million Audi fans can't be wrong

One million Audi fans can't be wrong originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Audi to unveil A7 in Detroit

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Trends, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Audi

We can debate whether the "four-door coupe" is a genuine segment or merely a bit of marketing piffle, but that isn't stopping the genre from swelling at an impressive rate. The next chapter in the burgeoning niche looks to be written by Audi, as the German automaker has just confirmed that a conceptual version of their new A7 will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As its nomenclature would suggest, it is expected that the A7 will slot in between the A6 and the A8 in both mission and price, likely with running gear derived from the former.

The neither-fish-nor-fowl A7 will take on the soon-to-be-refreshed Mercedes CLS and potentially the denied-but-apparently-still-being-developed BMW CS.

According to Automotive News, Audi hopes to shift about 40,000 units of the slippery A7 worldwide, but it is unclear if this figure is model-range wide (a hardtop convertible is expected), or just the standard A7. In either case, sales are expected to commence in late 2009 or in the first quarter of 2010.

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]]

REPORT: Audi to unveil A7 in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi reveals 2009 RS6 sedan, new A6 sedan and Avant

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi RS6 sedan.

It looks like we won't have to wait for the Paris Motor Show to get our first glimpse of the 2009 Audi RS6 sedan and it's lesser A6 siblings. Audi has released all the details on its new four-door M5-eater, packing a direct-injected, twin-turbo'd V10 putting out 580 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. The same mill that powers the Avant version allows the sedan to sprint to 60 in 4.5-seconds on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The duo of turbos huffs 1.6 bars of boost into the dry sump-equipped 5.0-liter V10, with peak torque arriving at 1,500 RPM and maximum horsepower available at 6,250 RPM.

A six-speed tiptronic transmission allows drivers to choose between automatic or manual mode, reducing shift times by one-tenth of second, and sending power to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Dynamic Ride Control reduces pitch and roll, providing three damper settings - sport, dynamic and comfort - all of which can be activated through the revised MMI system.

The RS6 is fitted with 19-inch wheels at all four corners, wrapped in 255/40R19 rubber, and framing 390mm front discs clamped by fixed, six-piston calipers in front and 365 mm rotors, gripped by single-piston calipers in the rear. Buyers can upgrade the wheels to 20x9.5-inch rollers, which allow the fitment of Audi's ceramic brake system (420mm discs in front and 356 mm discs out back).

The standard A6 sedan and Avant benefits from the new MMI system, along with a new single-frame grille, bumpers, air vents and fog lamps. An S-line package includes 18-inch wheels and a sports suspension that drops the ride height by 30mm. Six gasoline engines and four oilburners will be available, including the 170 hp, 2.0-liter gasoline TFSI four-pot, a 290 hp, 2.8-liter FSI V6, a 350 hp, 4.2-liter FSI V8 and the new, supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Audi's diesel offerings range from 2.0- to a 3.0-liter TDIs.

Sales of both models will begin in mid-October and all the details are available in the two press releases after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Audi RS6

Gallery: 2009 Audi A6

Continue reading Audi reveals 2009 RS6 sedan, new A6 sedan and Avant

Audi reveals 2009 RS6 sedan, new A6 sedan and Avant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Audi A6 to feature new lightweight construction inspired by TT

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

A new Audi A6 is expected to hit showrooms in 2010, and aside from an A4/A5-inspired facelift, the automaker's new 5-series competitor will be underpinned by an evolution of the chassis technology originally developed for the Audi TT. According to Car, the next iteration of Audi's Aluminum and Steel Spaceframe (ASF II) technology will be utilized on all future models, and uses half the steel of the outgoing platforms while providing 50-percent more torsional rigidity. The passenger cell will be made up entirely of aluminum, with steel and foam reinforcements if needed, and the front and rear subframes will be beefed up units integrated into the structures of the nose and tail. The ASF II system will finds its way into other vehicles, including Audi's CUVs, where it has the potential to shave off over 650 pounds from the Q7's curb weight.

Naturally, Audi will continue to offer front- and all-wheel-drive on the next A6, but the combination of more potent mills mounted further back into the engine bay will lessen its rival's lead in the handling department. Car's sources suggest that a variety of V6 engines, ranging from 2.8- to 3.2-liters will be offered, along with a pair of diesels, the 4.2-liter FSI V8 found in the RS4/R8, the 5.2-liter V10 (S6) and a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V10 for the RS6.

[Source: Car]

Next Audi A6 to feature new lightweight construction inspired by TT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chery A6 coupe heads into production

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, China

View in hi-res courtesy of Autoblog Chinese

If you're still under the impression that Chinese automakers are only building knock-offs of existing cars and small sedans through joint venture with foreign carmakers, think again. The Chery A6, previewed at the Shanghai show by the A6CC concept, is heading into production.

The car recently completed testing, and is scheduled to go on sale sometime in the latter half of 2008. Based on the Chery A6 sedan, the A6 coupe uses the company's front-drive B2 platform. It will come available with a choice of engines - including a 2.0-liter turbo, a 2.4-liter V6 and a 3.0-liter V6 - mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

With the new A6 coupe, Chery apparently wants to slip unnoticed into foreign markets - the styling is a little bland - but if it plans to sell the A6 range outside of China, the company may meet some resistance from Audi, whose mid-range sedan already uses that alphanumeric designation.

[Source: Winding Road]

Chery A6 coupe heads into production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quattro Quarterly lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Supercars, Audi

The Audi Club of North America puts out a publication aptly titled the Quattro Quarterly that gives Audi owners the inside skinny on everything from future products to how to swap bigger brakes into their B5 S4. One of our intrepid readers, Kevin, sent us a few scans of the QQ's latest issue, where it outlines Audi's product plans for the next five years. While some of it has already been confirmed, other interesting factoids, including the future of the R8, RS-TT and the development of an R4, have long been rumored on these very pages. Follow the jump for the full breakdown on what Audi has in store, but be aware that we're handing out grains of salt below the fold.

Continue reading Quattro Quarterly lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination

Quattro Quarterly lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel tunage: Abt AS6 Avant

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hybrid, Wagon, Audi

Click the image above for a duo of high-res shots of Abt's AS6 Avant.

When we envision the most quintessential European conveyance we normally imagine something diesel-powered with a hatch. The Audi A6 Avant springs to mind immediately, but with only 233 HP and 332 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, it could hardly be defined as sporty. Enter Abt.

The German tuner has done something remarkable to Audi's mid-sized people mover, modifying the turbo on the three-liter TDI and reprogramming the stock ECU to create 300 HP and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. That's 100 HP per liter... from a diesel.

While performance remains relatively unremarkable, with a run to 60 taking a somewhat leisurely 6.9 seconds, we can only imagine the wave of torque that lucky owners will get to experience on the way to taking their collie to the dog park.

Included in Abt Sportline's package is a new front spoiler, rear diffuser and side skirts, along with upgrade brakes, an adjustable suspension and Abt's customer AR20 alloy wheels.

It's a sweet piece of kit that we're hoping we'll have access to soon, as Audi plans on bringing more diesel-powered vehicles Stateside in the next few years.

Abt's full press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt AS6 Avant

Continue reading Diesel tunage: Abt AS6 Avant

Diesel tunage: Abt AS6 Avant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi RS6 Avant drifting round the 'Ring

Chris Shunk — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:37:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Wagon, Videos, Audi

The details surrounding the Audi RS6 are out, but that doesn't mean that testing has ended. The RS6 has been sighted donning heavy camo all over the free world, and after the jump we have video of a virtually undisguised RS6 Avant doing a powerslide at a bend of the famed Nürburgring Nordshcleife. The video is almost as quick as the RS6, but if you like screaming engines and squealing tires, it's worth a watch. Heck, part of the reason we're flying all the way over to the Frankfurt Motor Show is to see Audi's fastest ever sedan and wagon.

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi RS6 Avant drifting round the 'Ring

VIDEO: Audi RS6 Avant drifting round the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Audi

With both Audi and Apple's minimalist design ethos, it was simply a matter of time before they joined forces and offered a way to integrate the new iPhone across the four-ringed lineup. Any Audi model equipped with Bluetooth will allow the iPhone to be paired with the vehicle, giving users the ability to make and receive hands-free phone calls, as well as providing a signal strength indicator, assigning specific names to numbers (Work, Home, etc.) and allowing access to call lists.

On the music front, the addition of the Audi Music Interface will give the vehicles MMI system direct control of all the iPod capabilities of the iPhone, allowing users to navigate everything from playlists to albums. The AMI is available as an optional extra on the A5, A6, A8 and Q7, although we'd expect the full line of Audi vehicles to allow integration sooner rather than later.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone

Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Audi RS6

Chris Shunk — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Videos, Supercars, Audi

The closer we get to the Frankfurt Motor Show, the more excited we are for the arrival of the sinister Audi RS6. Those wonderfully crazy Germans are set to add forced induction to the already balls-out 5.2L V10 that powers the more "pedestrian" S6, and somewhere around 550hp will be the end result. Other changes include oval tail pipes like those seen on the production RS4, a rear diffuser, and a larger front air intake. The changes are still pretty subtle, though, as Audi seems to cherish the role of sleeper.

Brenda Priddy and co. have once again snagged some great shots of the RS6, but this time we get motion picture strait from the 'Ring. Wait till you see this midsize monster absolutely cranking around the Green Hell's many bends -- the sights and sounds are astonishingly good. Hit play above to catch the action.

[Source: StreetFire]

Spy Video: Audi RS6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Audi, all the time : Audi TV hits the web waves

Erin Mays — Wed, 16 May 2007 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi

Following up the last post on the subject, Audi TV has launched on the internet, offering up original Audi content 24-hours a day, seven-days-a-week.

Magazine-type shows, from "behind-the-scenes" looks at vehicle launches to interviews with musicians and other Audi partners, pepper the web waves in both English and German for the enjoyment of Audi-philes across the world. Available at www.audi.com/tv and www.audi.de/tv, programming covers not just the cars themselves, but culture, sport, lifestyle and technology.

The effort is spearheaded by a small team at Audi AG in Germany and supported by various marketing, communications, sales, technology and design heads elsewhere throughout the company.

Check out Audi's press release after the jump.

Continue reading All Audi, all the time : Audi TV hits the web waves

All Audi, all the time : Audi TV hits the web waves originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Phaeton, Take 2: let's try smaller this time, with a bit more Audi

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Volkswagen

Volkswagen's Phaeton could not exactly be described as a run-away success. The German carmaker planned to make a modest 20,000 units, but only managed to sell a quarter that amount. But someone in Wolfsburg must have gotten an "if at first you don't succeed" fortune cookie, and they're determined to give it another shot.

The next Phaeton, as we've reported previously, will save considerably on development costs by sharing its underpinnings with the next A6 from corporate cousin Audi. This, however, is no mere speculation: it comes straight from the mouth of CEO Martin Winterkorn. The end result will be a Phaeton smaller than the one it replaces, bringing costs down and bringing it slightly closer to the top-end Passat to help close the enormous gap in the Volkswagen model line-up.

The current slow-selling Phaeton cost Volkswagen a bundle to develop, but all was not lost as the platform ended up providing the basis for the more successful Bentley Continental range, with its coupe, cabrio and sedan variations. What will happen with the next Continental, you ask? Sources suggest that it will take its underpinnings from the latest Audi A8.

All in all this amounts to a change of direction for the German auto group, which has a history of investing heavily into new models which compete with offerings from their own subsidiaries.

[Source: Motor Authority]

VW Phaeton, Take 2: let's try smaller this time, with a bit more Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Arlington, Va. has just concluded testing on some 75 vehicles' head restraint systems and after performing a simulated rear-end impact of 20 MPH, only 22 of the systems received the top score of "good."

At the head of the class was Audi's A4, S4 and A6, along with the Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five Hundred (Taurus, whatever) and its Mercury counterpart, Honda's Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Jag S-Type, Kia Optima, Merc E-class, Nissan Sentra and its lesser sibling the Versa, Subaru's Impreza, Legacy and Outback, as well as Volvo's S40, S60 and S80 (no surprise).

The flunkees included the Acura TSX, BMW 5-series, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Caddy CTS, DTS and STS, Chevy's Aveo, the Honda Fit and Accord, Infiniti's M35, the Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac's Grand Prix, plus the Toyota Avalon and Corrolla.

Considering that the IIHS estimates that the injuries sustained to the back and neck in these types of collisions costs insurance companies around $8 mbillion dollars per year, their interest in the matter is obvious. Whether or not consumers will include this in their purchasing criteria is another matter however.

[Source: IIHS]

Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS6 on the 'Ring

John Neff — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi

In a world full of AMG and M models, Audi can't be satisfied with fielding only the 436-hp, V10-powered S6. That's why it's working on returning the RS6 to the lineup. The new RS6 was caught by Brenda Priddy's spies doing laps on the Nurburgring in Germany. Wearing a migrane-inducing camo pattern, the RS6 is distinguished by fenders that push out wider to handle larger wheels and a rear diffuser that houses a pair of oval tailpipes. As the linked article indicates, while the S model sports four round tips, RS models stand out with these oval pipes. There was no mention of what may power the RS6, though it needs to be pretty hot motor to best the detuned V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo that powers the S6. We've heard rumors of a twin-turbo version of the V10 producing between 500 and 550 horsepower, though other mills are being considered, too.

Thanks for the tip, Zerin!

[Source: Speedsportlife.com]

Spy Shots: Audi RS6 on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time To Shine: Audi Looking to Grow Sales in US

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 08:36:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

In Europe, Audi is a brand to be reckoned with. Globally, Audi is only behind such juggernauts as Mercedes and BMW for luxury supremacy, with sales of 903,000 vehicles worldwide. Here in the USA, however, Audi is playing catch-up. With only 90,000 sales, Audi is currently behind Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, Acura, Lincoln, Infiniti, and Volvo. As a matter of fact, both the Lexus RX 350 and the BMW 3 Series best the Audi brand on its own. Only the A4 puts up respectable numbers, totaling about 50,000 sales in '06. Well, nothing increases sales numbers more than new product and right now Audi is in the middle of launching 19 new products between 2005 and 2007. The A3 and Q7 have been in the market for some time, the TT, R8 and recently spied A5 are coming just around the bend.

With all the new products coming on board, the next step for Audi will be to improve its image and get its vehicles to the forefront of customers minds. To do that, Audi executives are looking to improve marketing, dive head-first into internet-based ads, and add more exclusive Audi dealers. With Americans looking more and more at luxury vehicles as a source of expression, Audi is executing its strategy at the right time. Audi's long-term goal is to produce 1.4 million vehicles by 2015. That would give the German automaker about 80,000 more sales than the BMW group had in 2006. Good luck, Audi. Good luck.

[Source: Auto Week]

Time To Shine: Audi Looking to Grow Sales in US originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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