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[LA 2009: Audi R8 Spyder is shown again, this time in red]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-r8-spyder-is-shown-again-this-time-in-red/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-r8-spyder-is-shown-again-this-time-in-red/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-r8-spyder-is-shown-again-this-time-in-red/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Audi R8 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

This isn't the first time we've seen the drop-top Audi R8 Spyder. Images were leaked in early September, and we were there in Frankfurt for its official debut. That said, its unveiling at the LA Auto Show was less than climactic... other than the fact the Spyder was sporting a flashy bright-red bodywork.

New hue aside, the new convertible variant is a looker from its carbon-fiber mirrors to polished aluminum wheels. The blades are gone and it has gained 476 pounds in the transformation, but the standard Lambo-derived 525-hp V10 will still rip it to 60 mph in about four seconds flat. For the details (again), we've posted the press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading LA 2009: Audi R8 Spyder is shown again, this time in red

LA 2009: Audi R8 Spyder is shown again, this time in red originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowaudiaudi r8audi r8 convertibleaudi r8 spyderaudi spyderAudiR8AudiR8ConvertibleAudiR8SpyderAudiSpyderauto showAutoShowla 2009la auto showla showla2009laautoshowlashowlashow2009los angelesLosAngelesr8r8 spyderR8Spyderspyder convertibleSpyderConvertibleWed, 02 Dec 2009 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[First spy shots of Audi R8 Targa surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After more than a year of speculation, and even a leaked sketch, we finally have our first spy shots confirming that Audi is developing an open-air version of its R8 supercar. And just to sweeten the deal, the test mule spied is all but completely undisguised.

While nomenclature has yet to be confirmed - possibly using the Targa, Convertible, Cabrio, Roadster or Spider tags - the shots confirm that the convertible supercar will employ a fabric roof. Power is expected to carry over from the 420-hp FSI V8 coupe, but the presence of wider tailpipes on this test mule indicate that the highly-anticipated V10 is likely to appear in the roadster, as well. The car is expected to make its debut next March at the Geneva Motor Show show in Switzerland.

[Source: NextAutos]

First spy shots of Audi R8 Targa surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 convertibleaudi r8 spideraudi r8 targaAudiR8AudiR8ConvertibleAudiR8SpiderAudiR8Targar8Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R8 cabrio won't get canvas roof or folding hard top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/audi-r8-cabrio-wont-get-canvas-roof-or-folding-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/audi-r8-cabrio-wont-get-canvas-roof-or-folding-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/audi-r8-cabrio-wont-get-canvas-roof-or-folding-hard-top/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no secret that Audi's planned expansion of its R8 lineup will include upgraded engines (both gasoline- and diesel-powered) and a new convertible version that's likely to make an appearance next year. The crew at Car have already shown us a sketch of what a drop-top R8 could look like, complete with twin humps aft of the passenger compartment concealing the V8 beast beneath and aluminum (or composite) blades that have been halved to integrate into the beltline. But according to the Brit pub, Audi has decided that a canvas roof or a folding hard top isn't feasible due to the mid-mounted mill. Instead, a removable targa roof that can be detached and stowed (in your heated and carpeted garage?) will be fitted to the R8 to allow open air motoring with a bit of preplanning. It's a somewhat inelegant solution for a vehicle that exudes sophistication, and we think Audi would be advised to check out what its corporate kissing cousin, Lamborghini, is doing with its own convertible supercars.

[Source: Car]

Audi R8 cabrio won't get canvas roof or folding hard top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 cabrioaudi r8 convertibleaudi r8 targaAudiR8AudiR8CabrioAudiR8ConvertibleAudiR8Targar8Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Audi R4 coupe in the works?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/rendered-speculation-audi-rs4-coupe-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/rendered-speculation-audi-rs4-coupe-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/rendered-speculation-audi-rs4-coupe-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's been rumored for some time that Audi and Porsche would be teaming up to produce a handful of new models over the next five years. From a manufacturing standpoint, both automakers could benefit from shared development and production costs, while consumers would get their hands on some very compelling product.

The cornerstone of Audi's confusing salvo to "put old luxury on notice" is the expansion of its lineup to fill every conceivable niche. The extension of the "R" line of products - beginning with the R8 - is rumored to include a convertible version of Audi's midship V8 super coupe, along with an R4, R6 and an R10.

Details on the R6, which could slot in between Porsche's Cayman/Boxster and 911 range, and the R10 are scarce, but the next generation Boxster will share a platform with Audi, allowing the four-ringed crew to offer a midship coupe of its own. The R4 is expected to sport the TT's 2.0-liter TFSI four producing 268 hp or a 2.5-liter five-cylinder making upwards of 300 hp. Porsche and Audi are also likely to share everything from aluminum space frames to high-output diesels, torque-vectoring AWD systems and dual-clutch transmissions.

The only concern is how this massive amount of cross-pollination between brands could affect the sales of both automakers. Choice is good, but only if the market can sustain the amount of product being offered.

[Source: EGMCarTech]

Rendered Speculation: Audi R4 coupe in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi porscheaudi r10audi r4audi r6audi r8audi r8 convertibleAudiPorscheAudiR10AudiR4AudiR6AudiR8AudiR8Convertibleporscheporsche boxsterporsche caymanPorscheBoxsterPorscheCaymanFri, 08 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi counting down to new era that starts at kickoff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/audi-starts-countdown-to-a-new-era-during-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/audi-starts-countdown-to-a-new-era-during-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/audi-starts-countdown-to-a-new-era-during-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi has updated its U.S. website with a short video that features a counter ticking the time away "until the moment of truth." The seconds flying by lead up to the date and time of Super Bowl XLII this Sunday. Below is a short message that says, "On February 3, 2008, over 140 million TV viewers will witness the start of a new era. Register now for your exclusive sneak preview... and more."

While the video only shows dark glimpses of the R8's wheel and headlight, something tells us Audi has big things planned for its very expensive Godfather-themed Super Bowl commercial. Registering on Audi's website will get you a free sneak preview of the ad on the morning of the Super Bowl, so we have, of course, already signed up and will let you know what we see.

While tipsters are telling us that an R8 Cabrio may debut in the ad, we've found no hard evidence to back this up. Instead, we expect the ad to introduce a new image of Audi to American consumers. Audi lacks the prestige and cachet of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States, and from what Scott Keogh, marketing head for Audi of America, has already revealed, it sounds as if the German brand will position its German competitors as old farts compared to the new hotness that is Audi. Thanks to everyone who sent us this tip!

[Source: Audi]

BONUS! We've included a high-res preview gallery of the 2008 Audi R8 that we've just had in the Autoblog Garage. Our review of the R8 is coming soon, so enjoy this sneak preview in the mean time.

Audi counting down to new era that starts at kickoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r8 cabrioaudi r8 convertibleAudiR8CabrioAudiR8Convertiblesuper bowlsuper bowl adSuperBowlSuperBowlAdWed, 30 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The quad-ring obsessives over at Fourtitude have the inside scoop on what Audi plans to unveil in Detroit this January, and enthusiasts stand to benefit from a duo of performance products in the form of an R8 concept and what's likely to be the production version of the TT-S.

Audi's midship masterpiece has only been on the market a few months, but it's been all but confirmed that bigger things are on the way. The rendering above was supposedly released to a handful of lucky press outlets a few weeks back and it obviously foretells a future convertible variant of the R8. Rumors about a powerplant upgrade in the form of a V10 are also circulating, but we think its doubtful that Audi would blow it all on one show.

While the R8 convertible is pure motoring pr0n, the TT-S is proof that Audi is taking its performance offerings seriously. The exterior benefits from a number of S-line goodies originally spied at the 'Ring, while power is expected to come courtesy of the European S3's 265 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four. The combination of a more aggressive suspension, larger brakes and upgraded rolling stock is sure to capitalize on the TT's already nimble chassis.

Head on over to Fourtitude for a rendering of the TT-S and to get an eyeful of the R8 cabrio concept.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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