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[Spy Shots: More LA-based pics of the mystery psychedelic-wrap Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/spy-shots-more-la-based-pics-of-the-mystery-psychedelic-wrap-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/spy-shots-more-la-based-pics-of-the-mystery-psychedelic-wrap-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/spy-shots-more-la-based-pics-of-the-mystery-psychedelic-wrap-au/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A6A7A8AudiAudi A6Audi A7Audi A8AudiA6AudiA7AudiA8spy shotsSpyShotsThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:00 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[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[Sport Wheels offers unfortunate rhinoplasty for your Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/sport-wheels-offers-unfortunate-rhinoplasty-for-your-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/sport-wheels-offers-unfortunate-rhinoplasty-for-your-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/sport-wheels-offers-unfortunate-rhinoplasty-for-your-audi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sport Wheels grilles for Audis -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Sport Wheels presents its latest aftermarket accessory as "an interesting alternative to the standard grille." In this case, we can give the company a gold star for truth in advertising. The range of offerings spans the Audi model line from A3 (pictured) to Q7, with only difference being the addition of vertical elements in vehicles with larger grilles. Well, that and an increased resemblance to animals described by the word "baleen."

The grilles start at €530 ($756 U.S.) and go up to €630 ($899 U.S.), and then you can add another €250 ($357 U.S.) for mounting if you don't want to touch the grille yourself. If, for some reason, you want the grille to match your car's finish, that'll be another €150 ($214 U.S.). Which is a lot of money to make your car look like this, but hey, it's your money.


Gallery: Sport Wheels Audi Grilles


[Source: Sport Wheels (translated)]

Sport Wheels offers unfortunate rhinoplasty for your Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketaudiaudi a3audi a4audi a6audi q7AudiA3AudiA4AudiA6AudiQ7grillesport wheelsSportWheelsMon, 03 Aug 2009 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T suits high-speed cruising to a "T" - or is that an "S"?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/review-2009-audi-a6-3-0t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/review-2009-audi-a6-3-0t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/review-2009-audi-a6-3-0t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 audi a6 3.0t2009AudiA63.0ta6a6 3.0tA63.0taudiaudi a6audi a6 3.0tAudiA6AudiA63.0tfeaturedreviewreviewsWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi returns to the Super Bowl with Jason Statham and the A6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/audi-returns-to-the-super-bowl-with-jason-statham-and-the-a6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/audi-returns-to-the-super-bowl-with-jason-statham-and-the-a6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/audi-returns-to-the-super-bowl-with-jason-statham-and-the-a6/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Giants and the Patriots may be disappointed not to have made it back to the Super Bowl this year, but at least Audi will be back again. The German automaker aired a spot during last year's NFL championship game depicting the R8 supercar as a cameo in the original Godfather movie. During this year's game, however, Audi's commercial will feature action movie star Jason Statham behind the wheel of the A6.

Statham has carved out a niche for himself in Hollywood as the perennial getaway driver, and while he's driven all sorts of getaway vehicles in various films, the BMW he drove in the first Transporter movie was replaced by an Audi for the subsequent sequels. In the Super Bowl commercial, Statham will reportedly try getting away in a number of different luxury sedans before settling on a supercharged A6. We'll see if he manages to escape when the commercial airs on February 1, alongside Danica Patrick's spot for GoDaddy.com.

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

Audi returns to the Super Bowl with Jason Statham and the A6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi a6audi super bowlaudi super bowl commercialAudiA6AudiSuperBowlAudiSuperBowlCommercialsuper bowlsuper bowl commercialSuperBowlSuperBowlCommercialThu, 22 Jan 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/audi-prices-a6-s6-starting-at-45-100-75-900/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/audi-prices-a6-s6-starting-at-45-100-75-900/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/audi-prices-a6-s6-starting-at-45-100-75-900/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi A6

Audi's upgraded A6 and S6 are scheduled to hit US dealerships in January, and the four-ringed midsize sedan has new pricing to match its upgraded powertrains. The A6 3.2 premium stars at $45,100, a price bump of over $2,000 over the 2008 model. The newest member of the A6 family, which comes with a 300 hp supercharged 3.0L V6 and standard quattro AWD, starts at $53,310. That's $3,000 less than the starting price of the previous generation 4.2L V8, which packed more punch at 350 hp, but the 3.0T fights back with more low-end grunt and far better fuel economy. It manages 26/21, while the outgoing V8 averages 23 on the highway and 16 around town. The 3.0T will also hit 60 in 5.9 seconds, so it's no slouch on the track.

The top-level S6 prices out at $75,900, or $3,500 more than the outgoing model. The S6 will carry-over the 435 hp 5.2L V10 powerplant, which definitely isn't a bad thing. Given the unfavorable exchange rate between the euro and dollar, we're not surprised to see prices go up on the A6 3.2 and S6 models. It's nice to see an actual price decrease from the 3.0T versus its V8-powered predecessor, with vastly improved efficiency to boot. Hit the jump to pour over Audi's press release.

Gallery: 2009 Audi A6


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900

Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0T Audi3.0tAudiaudiaudi A6audi A6 pricingAudiA6AudiA6PricingQuattroS6Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Details: 2010 Audi A7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/details-2010-audi-a7/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/details-2010-audi-a7/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/details-2010-audi-a7/#commentsFiled under: ,

Part of Audi's plan for expansion includes taking the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW's upcoming 8-series and the Jaguar XJ replacement (due next year) head on. The automaker is convinced that the future of flagship sedans revolves around the "four-door coupe" body style and the A7 will be an attempt to dominate in that segment.

According to Autocar, the A7 will be 4,900mm long, underpinned by a stretched version of the A5's Modular Long Platform (MLP) that will also be used on the next A6. The platform puts a premium on optimum weight distribution, and while the A6 will feature a traditional coil-sprung suspension, the A7 is expected to ride on an air-spring setup.

Power is expected to come from a variety of gasoline and diesel powerplants, including a host of direct-injected engines ranging in displacement from 2.8- to 4.0-liters, along with a 2.7-liter diesel V6 and a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter TDI V6. Naturally, S7 and RS7 variants are planned, with the latter receiving the twin-turbo'd 5.2-liter V10 found in the RS6, delivering 600 hp to all four wheels through a new torque distribution system which will debut on the new S4. The base transmission on most models will be a six-speed manual, while a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a traditional automatic will also be offered.

Audi aims to sell 40,000 A7s each year, with the majority finding their way to the U.S. market. Look for the A7 to debut in 2010.

[Source: Autocar]

Details: 2010 Audi A7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 audi a72010 audi rs72010 audi s72010AudiA72010AudiRs72010AudiS7a7audiaudi a6audi rs7audi s7AudiA6AudiRs7AudiS7Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[More details on Audi's forthcoming 350 hp, supercharged S4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/more-details-on-audis-forthcoming-350-hp-supercharged-s4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/more-details-on-audis-forthcoming-350-hp-supercharged-s4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/more-details-on-audis-forthcoming-350-hp-supercharged-s4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



After a report yesterday that the next S4 would be benefiting from a supercharger, Volkswagen AG's powertrain head, Wolfgan Hatz, presented the automaker's new 3.0-liter TFSI engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new engine will be fitted with a blower and putting out around 350 hp when fitted to the next generation S4. The supercharged six is expected to return better fuel mileage than its V8 counterpart and will also be fitted to the refreshed A6, due out towards the end of this year, although output will be reduced to 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, both models will benefit from a Magna-sourced sports differential that will migrate to the Q5 and S5 down the line. No timeframe was provided about the release of the S4, but we'd expect to see the A6 replacement in Paris, with the S4 debuting at the LA Auto Show in November.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via MotiveMag]

More details on Audi's forthcoming 350 hp, supercharged S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 audi2009 audi a62009 audi s42009Audi2009AudiA62009AudiS420102010 audi s42010AudiS4audiaudi a6audi s4AudiA6AudiS4s4supercharged audi s4SuperchargedAudiS4Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Diesel tunage: Abt AS6 Avant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/diesel-tunage-abt-as6-avant/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/diesel-tunage-abt-as6-avant/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/diesel-tunage-abt-as6-avant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a6abt as6AbtAs6audiaudi a6audi as6AudiA6AudiAs6dieselsuperchargerTue, 25 Sep 2007 09:35:00 EST