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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Porsche Cajun prototype caught wearing Audi duds in Sweden

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Crossover, Porsche

'Tis the season, or so they say. But we're not talking about the holidays. We're talking about the season for cold-weather testing of new prototypes up in northern Sweden. After our intrepid shutter-bugs snapped an updated Mercedes-Benz GLK taking its licks in the snow way up there near the arctic circle, now they've caught this Audi Q5 test mule.

Only appearances can be deceiving. Because while this may look like a Q5 - or even a high-performance Q5-RS - what we're actually looking at is a prototype for the upcoming Porsche Cajun.

The highly anticipated baby brother to the Cayenne will benefit from the synergies of belonging to the Volkswagen Group, hence the Q5 platform and - until we see otherwise - the Q5's sheetmetal. The major difference is in the wheel wells: bigger alloys, bigger brakes, and a wider track than the existing Audi.

The running gear (read: powertrain) is expected to be fine-tuned by Porsche engineers for a sportier attitude. We're expecting hybrid and even three-door versions (the latter to target the Range Rover Evoque), but for now we'll just have to gaze upon a wolf in sheep's clothing. Check it out in the high-res image gallery from the frozen tundra - you won't even have to put on your parka.

Porsche Cajun prototype caught wearing Audi duds in Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cajun mule spied wearing Audi Q5 skin

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Audi, Porsche, Luxury

Well well well, what do we have here? Looks like an Audi Q5. But what of those black fender flare extensions? Are we looking at a Q5-S or even a Q5-RS? Considering that it was snapped entering the Porsche test facility at the Nürburgring, our sources suggest what we're actually looking at is a very early development mule for the new Porsche Cajun.

The baby Cayenne is slated to be based, after all, on the Audi crossover. And while these spy shots don't give us any indication of what the final styling will look like, it is the first glimpse we've gotten at the Porsche crossover altogether, even if could still pass as an Audi.

Once finalized, we're expecting a more aggressive shape from the Cajun, packing a variety of engines and transmissions underneath. It may be a while until we see the finished product, but at least we know Porsche is working on it. Probably.

Porsche Cajun mule spied wearing Audi Q5 skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Audi Q7 to shed 650 pounds?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

Audi is continuing to pour cash into the development of its next generation crossovers, and in addition to a range of new high-riding models, the next Q5 and Q7 are set to go on a serious diet.

According to Automobile, the redesigned Q5 will drop around 220 pounds from its curb weight, while the larger Q7 will reportedly shed some 650 pounds thanks to a new aluminum body.

The aforementioned Q5 will share a platform with the forthcoming Porsche Cajun when it arrives in 2016 and will spawn two new models: the Q4 and Q6.

The Q6 will supposedly take on the BMW X6, with a steeply raked windshield and low-slung hatch, but will maximize cargo and rear passenger space, while making ingress and egress easier.

More interestingly, Automobile says that the Q4 could take one of three shapes: a hardened off-roader, a more luxurious Acura ZDX competitor or a high-performance crossover. Regardless, power for both models will come from a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, boosting efficiency over the current supercharged six by up to 20 percent. A plug-in hybrid model is also in the cards, mating the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 100-horsepower electric motor.

Next Audi Q7 to shed 650 pounds? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:31:00 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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Audi developing new Q1, Q4 crossovers

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 Audi Q3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Known though it has been for decades by its Quattro all-wheel drive system, Audi didn't launch its first crossover until the Q7 in 2005. Ever since, the German automaker has been steadily expanding its crossover lineup. But while most vehicles seem to get bigger and bigger with every successive generation of models, Audi's high-riders keep getting smaller.

Following on the launch of the Q5 in 2008, Audi has just started production of the Q3. But it's not about to stop there. A Q6 is rumored to be in the mix to take on the likes of the BMW X6, but rumors are also surfacing that Audi could opt to build an even smaller crossover than the Q3.

Potentially labeled Q1, the diminutive softroader could follow one of three approaches, taking its platform either from the A1 hatchback, the modular architecture planned for the next-generation A3, or the upcoming A2. Whatever the basis, sources suggest the Q1 could be rushed to market in as little as two years from now, hitting dealers as early as 2013.

Rumors are also circling of a more performance-oriented Q4, that could (like the Porsche Cajun) offer a three-door body-style, with flared fenders and such. One way or another, Audi's crossover range isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Audi developing new Q1, Q4 crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:29:00 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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Are you the Audi Q5 S? *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 12 May 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Crossover, Audi

Audi Q5 S spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our intrepid spy photographers have caught what appears to be the first prototype of a hotter Audi Q5 S crossover. This tester is clearly sporting larger brakes and a quad-exhaust setup, leading us to believe that this isn't just another S-Line suspension and badge job.

Our spies speculate that power will likely come from a boosted version of Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four - similar to the engine found in the TTS and S3. That means anywhere from 265 to 280 horsepower could be on tap in the Q5 S, and while that might sound sporty, keep in mind that the current Q5's naturally aspirated 3.2-liter V6 pumps out 270 hp.

If so, could this Q5 S merely serve as a replacement for the six-cylinder Q5? Maybe. Scroll through our high-res image gallery and speculate about the Q5 S for yourself in the comments.

UPDATE: Our spy photographers sent over some more information about the Q5 S, citing that it will not be powered by Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, but instead the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Used in the S4, this engine produces 333 hp, which makes a whole lot more sense if a proper S-badged variant of the Q5 is indeed in the works.

Are you the Audi Q5 S? *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi considering production Q5 Cross Cabrio

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill, Design/Style, Luxury

2007 Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was late in 2007 when Audi lifted the veil on the Cross Cabriolet concept. And it seemed absurd then. First of all, Audi only had the gigantic Q7 in its crossover range then, and Nissan had yet to offer its own CrossCabriolet. Several years on, that drop-top Murano is on the open market and Audi has expanded its line-up with the Q3 and Q5. And suddenly the notion of a drop-top CUV from Audi... well, it still seems pretty silly, but maybe not quite as much.

Now, word has it that Audi could be considering at least a limited run of Q5 Cross Cabrios. If production, as sources suggest, were limited to around 5,000 units, the contract could go to an independent coachbuilder rather than trying to fit the square peg of a niche model into the round hole of a mass-production automaker. In typical Audi style, Quattro all-wheel drive, a variety of TFSI and TDI engines and a fabric roof would likely be part of the mix. And while we may very well be getting ahead of ourselves, that's what people said before Audi and its German compatriots started busting segments with their ever-expanding model lines.

Gallery: LA 2007: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

[Source: autoblog.nl]

Audi considering production Q5 Cross Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 15:59:00 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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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 reconsidering Q3 for U.S. sales?

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi Cross Coupe Quattro Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Is Audi going to bring its Tiguan-for-the-country-club Q3 over to the United States? Originally the automaker said nein! to the idea of a subcompact crossover on American soil, but now Audi is reportedly reconsidering offering the Q3 Stateside.

BMW is getting ready to launch the X1 here in the U.S., and Audi wants a cut of the North American subcompact crossover action. Since the American car-buying public is fairly wagon-averse, this move makes sense for Audi and could be a strong move to help it reach the aggressive sales goals it has set for itself.

The Q5 has already been a sales winner for the brand here in the States. In 2010, sales of the compact crossover rose 70 percent, and having a smaller Q3 in Audi showrooms would allow customers to still get in on the quad-rung crossover action for a bit less cash.

Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe Quattro

[Source: Motor Trend]

Audi reconsidering Q3 for U.S. sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Luxury

2011 Audi Q7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but Earth knows no competition greater than sibling rivalry. With nine marques under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, things can get pretty competitive between the brands, especially as platforms and technologies are integrated and subsidiaries chosen to develop them. But then Porsche entered the fray as the 10th brand and things got that much more heated.

Reports recently emerged that Porsche was chosen over Audi to develop the platforms that would underpin sportscars for the entire group as well as luxury sedans, leaving Ingolstadt undoubtedly reeling from the defeat. But now follow-up reports indicate that Audi will, in turn, be charged with developing the next generation of sport-utility vehicles for the entire group, the next Porsche Cayenne included.

The program will reportedly center around a common modular platform that will underpin the next-generation Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne, but also extends to the development of the Q5-based Porsche Cajun. While the latter is currently in the works, both the Touareg and Cayenne were recently replaced, so their subsequent replacements would still be years off.

The move may seem a little odd considering that Volkswagen and Porsche have both been making SUVs for longer than Audi has its Q7, but Audi has been in the all-wheel drive game for longer than either. The decision was reportedly unanimous among the different divisions, though Porsche was quick to point out that final development of its SUVs will be carried out by Porsche to ensure its vehicles drive as their customers would expect.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: First look at Audi Q5 Hybrid ahead of LA debut

Zach Bowman — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Technology, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

Audi Q5 Hybrid previewed - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Audi has big plans for this year's LA Auto Show. The company plans to unveil an all-new hybrid version of its Q5, and a couple of videos of the machine have already made their way onto the internet. From what we can tell, power comes courtesy of a 208 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to a 44 horsepower electric motor. All told, the set up is good for 354 pound-feet of torque.

Those are stout numbers by any measure, but the really impressive bit comes from the fact that the vehicle can whisk along on full-electric power for up to 1.9 miles, all while cracking off a 0-60 mph run in a little over seven seconds. Keep your peepers peeled for more information as we move closer to the LA show.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading Videos: First look at Audi Q5 Hybrid ahead of LA debut

Videos: First look at Audi Q5 Hybrid ahead of LA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi hits one million sales in China

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi

Audi has been producing vehicles in the Chinese market since 1988. Fast-forward 22 years into the future and Audi has just sold its one millionth vehicle in China. If you're curious, that one millionth vehicle is a metallic blue Audi Q5.

Audi began its Chinese production with the Audi 100, which was assembled in China from imported knock-down kits. Since the initial agreement signed back in '88, the Changchun assembly plant began doling out Four-Ringed vehicles to an eager market. Of the one million vehicles, 950,000 were produced in Changchun while 50,000 were imported than assembled there. The factory moved on from the Audi 100 and later the Audi 200, and it now produces the altogether modern Q5, A6L and the A4L.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi hits one million sales in China

Audi hits one million sales in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi won't churn out RS sport-utes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi Q5 Custom Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes has been doing it for years with their AMG sport-utes. BMW finally caved with the X5 M and X6 M. Even Porsche's in the game with the Cayenne Turbo and anticipated upcoming Cajun. But Audi's not about to follow suit, according to reports from across the pond.

Our (unrelated) Italian counterparts claim that Audi's technical chief Stephan Reil has ruled out the possibility of ever slapping an RS badge on any of its SUVs or crossovers. Audi's high-riding range currently includes the Q7 and Q5 and is soon to be joined by a smaller Q3. The top of the line Q7 is available with a twin-turbo V12 diesel churning out a massive 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, but a big engine, says Audi, does not an RS make.

Of course the difference may come down to badging. S variants remain a possibility, but though they may have the engines and even the suspension and other ingredients, Audi insists that the RS badge is to remain exclusively for high-performance models, and that a big lumbering crossover - no matter how quickly it's capable of covering all types of terrain - doesn't fit the mold.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Report: Audi won't churn out RS sport-utes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Safety, Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercury, Volkswagen

2010 Insurance Institute For Highway Safety rollover tests - click above for high-res images

Perish the thought, haters! The above Lincoln MKT is getting its roof caved in not on aesthetic grounds, but rather to test its ability to survive a rollover accident. If you haven't guessed by now, the MKT did so well in the roof-crush test that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) handed parent company Ford a much coveted Top Safety Pick award. Actually, the IIHS handed FoMoCo a hefty total of five rollover-related Top Safety Pick awards. However we should note that one of the Ford products earning top marks is in fact the soon to be extinct Mercury Millan, so really Ford only nabbed four - but who's counting? Other good-to-rollover-in Ford products include the Flex, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.

Speaking of thick-sculled corporate cousins, Audi and Volkswagen were handed a couple of Top Safety Picks, too. The 2010 Audi A4 and Q5 as well as the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen all earned top marks from the IIHS. As far as the Jetta goes, that's just one more reason to choose wagon over sedan. Finally, the new 2010 Hyundai Tucson gets the coveted TSP, and having recently driven the overly-stiff compact CUV, we're not at all surprised that its roof holds up to crushing. To get the dirt on the IIHS's methodology/read the press release, make the jump.

Gallery: 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks – Rollover

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi U.S. sales suffering due to supply shortage

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Audi

Audi Q5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are good problems and there are bad problems. Audi dealers across the U.S. are having trouble selling vehicles, but not because of uncompetitive product or industry-wide sales woes. Automotive News reports the reason for Audi's sales troubles have everything to do with a supply shortage that stems from strong first quarter sales. Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen reportedly told AN that U.S. dealers are "short of everything," with Q5 and Q7 supplies running especially low.

Last year, Audi cut U.S. deliveries by 6,000 units due to weak sales here in the States, but the German luxury automaker saw brisk sales in December followed by a first quarter that bested the first three months of 2009 by 35 percent. Audi now has a 29 day supply of product for U.S. dealers; about half the typical 60 day reserve and a third of the 88 day supply of March, 2009. De Nysschen says Audi has allotted an additional 3,000 vehicles to the U.S. for 2010, which should help dealers a bit. That said, we're thinking Audi isn't looking to beef up inventories too much considering the fact that the Four-Ringed automaker managed to keep incentives in check at a time when other automakers are dumping truckloads of cash on the hood to boost their sales.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi Q5

Photos by Dan Roth / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Audi U.S. sales suffering due to supply shortage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi working on high-performance Q5?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi Q5 Custom Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once upon a time the in-house performance studios of Germany's finest automakers wouldn't have anything to do with crossovers and SUVs. But several Mercedes-Benz G55 AMGs and BMW X6 Ms later, Audi's quattro GmbH is reportedly looking to join the fold with a pair of super-tuned Q5s.

The reports claim that Audi is preparing an SQ5 and an RSQ5, both backed by versions of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the latest S4 sedan, offering 333 horsepower in the SQ5 and as much as 408 in the RSQ5. Along with the engine upgrades, we could expect commensurate chassis, brakes and appearance enhancements as well.

For better or worse, these appear to be simple rumors at the time, but we'll be keeping our eyes open for more info, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Audi Q5 Custom Concept

[Source: L'Automobile Magazine]

Rumormill: Audi working on high-performance Q5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi officially confirms Q5 hybrid coming in 2011

Chris Shunk — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Audi

Audi Q5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen doesn't seem to be a big fan of electric vehicles, yet the four-ringed automaker appears to be warming to the green tech. Since de Nysschen's assault on the Chevrolet Volt (and electric vehicles in general), the German luxury automaker has unveiled the sweet-looking eTron concept, and it is now officially confirming that it will venture into the hybrid market.

Audi published a press release today touting the billions of euros it is spending to increase its product portfolio from 34 models to 42 in 2015. One of the info-bits buried within the text is the promised 2011 arrival of a Q5 hybrid, a development first rumored back in May. The hybrid Q5 would be Audi's first full hybrid vehicle, giving the German luxury car maker an entry in the growing green scene. Audi didn't take the opportunity to provide any details about powertrains or battery types, but it does say that the Q5 hybrid would be officially unveiled by the end of 2010.

Audi has in the past said that it didn't plan to go all-in on hybrids due to the fact that the German automaker feels diesels make more sense both financially and in terms of practicality, particularly for the U.S. market. While most of us around AB agree with this thought process, we think that if Audi has decided to pursue gas-electric models anyway, the hot-selling Q5 should make a good first hybrid - especially as its size will enable Audi engineers to more easily fit an electric motor and a battery pack into its CUV proportions. Further, the Q5's somewhat hefty price tag might help hide some of the added cost associated with a hybrid powertrain. Hit the jump to read over the official verbiage.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi officially confirms Q5 hybrid coming in 2011

Audi officially confirms Q5 hybrid coming in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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