Autoblog

Audi pumps out new twin-turbo TDI 3.0L V6 [w/audio]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST

If you're in the market for a new car and diesel's among the options you'd consider, your local Audi showroom should be among your first destinations. The German automaker has made burning oil a cause célèbre right up there with Quattro all-wheel drive, but it's not about to sit on its proverbial laurels and let the competition catch up. To that end, Audi has just announced its most powerful V6 TDI yet.

Called the BiTDI, the 3.0-liter, six-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel packs 313 metric horsepower (309hp on our scale) and a whopping 480 pound-feet of torque. It's being rolled out initially in the UK on the A6 (sedan, Avant wagon and Allroad high-rider) and A7 Sportback, but we're told to expect its arrival soon as an option on the Q7 crossover.

In the A6 sedan, the BiTDI is said to be good for a 5.1-second dash to 62 mph, with top speed (as per usual) limited to 155 mph while returning a 44.1 mph rating on the combined UK cycle. But if that's not full enough a package for you, Audi has also fitted a sound actuator to give its throaty new diesel the exhaust note you'd expect from a hi-po gasoline engine. But you don't have to take our word for it - just click through the jump to listen to a sound file of the new engine, as well as read the official press release.

Continue reading Audi pumps out new twin-turbo TDI 3.0L V6 [w/audio]

Audi pumps out new twin-turbo TDI 3.0L V6 [w/audio] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Audi Q7 to go on radical diet, lose 770 pounds

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Audi, Diesel

Audi has set some pretty aggressive weight-cutting targets for its future line, according to Car and Driver. The German manufacturer has said that each of its model successors will be lighter than their current iterations thanks to a greater use of aluminum in their body structures. That includes the big boy Q7 crossover, which, according to global marketing head-honcho Peter Schwarzenbauer, may shed as much as 770 pounds before the next generation gets its unveiling. That's an eye-widening figure, to be sure, as it marks a 14 percent cut from the curb weight of the current car.

Lighter weight invariably translates to better fuel economy, better handling and shorter stopping distances - all things that can paint a grin on our faces. Will this greater focus on lightweight materials translate into steeper price tags? It's hard to tell, but traditional logic suggests it will. We'll just have to wait for the next-generation Q7 to debut before we can say for certain.

Next Audi Q7 to go on radical diet, lose 770 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:15:00 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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2011 Audi Q7 3.0T S line [w/video]

Michael Harley — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Entering Its Silver Years With A Supercharged Six

Life for us mammals is comparatively finite. Lacking the luxury of a mid-cycle refresh, the average human in the United States can expect to live about 80 years before their clock stops ticking. That isn't too terrible in the grand scheme of things. After all, the typical mountain lion is lucky to get 20 years as a feared predator while most guinea pigs go quietly after just eight years in the household cage. Mammals don't have many options when it comes to getting old.

Not so with the automobile. With few exceptions, the average lifecycle of a passenger vehicle is a short five to seven years. However, instead of sitting idle as its beloved machinery ages into senility, manufacturers treat passenger vehicles to mid-cycle makeovers with new fascias, upgraded electronics and more efficient engines. The intent is to breathe new life into models and make them more appealing lest they get lost amid a sea of younger designs.

The Audi Q7 is in the middle of its fifth model year - pushing 60 in human years. And fresh off a facelift just last year, the full-size SUV receives a complete heart transplant for 2011. The new supercharged V6 is not only engineered to make the seven-passenger vehicle more competitive in a difficult market, but to carry Audi's first crossoffer towards its eventual retirement. Or behind the shed.

Continue reading 2011 Audi Q7 3.0T S line [w/video]

2011 Audi Q7 3.0T S line [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just how tight are supplies of new Audi models?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6: Detroit 2011

[Source: Wards Automotive]

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

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T-Mobile tapped for Audi Connect service, LTE not coming until 2015

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Audi, Luxury

2012 Audi A7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has announced that T-Mobile will supply wireless data for its growing line of net-connected vehicles, allowing drivers to access a range of Audi Connect services on the go. That's the good news. And there's a bit more.

The service will debut on the 2012 Audi A7 (with integration for the 2012 A8, A6, Q7 and Q5 Hybrid coming later) and allow drivers to access Google Local Search and Sirius Traffic data, which combined with voice-controlled Google Earth integration will provide drivers with topographical and satellite imagery - the first of its kind in the industry.

Other services include real-time news, weather data and fuel prices, and if your passengers have a WiFi-capable device, Audi Connect will turn the vehicle into a secure, rolling hotspot. All of this will be accessed directly through Audi's MMI control system, with a T-Mobile sim card provided by the dealer, plugged into the dash and owners given a six-month trial period for the service. After that, you'll have to sign up for a monthly plan, which Audi and T-Mobile have yet to announce pricing for. So... all good stuff. Now for the bad news.

Markus Putze, VW/Audi's Senior Engineer on the program, told Autoblog from the CTIA Wireless show that Audi's much-hyped implementation of 4G LTE connectivity won't be coming anytime soon. "There are no automotive grade [LTE] modules available at this time," says Putze, and because of that, integration of high-speed wireless broadband into Audi's lineup isn't due to arrive until 2015. At the earliest.

And before the naysayers jump in and say T-Mobile already offers 4G, we'll stop you right there. According to the definition provided by the International Telecommunication Union, T-Mobile's HSPA+ system doesn't provide the speeds necessary to be defined as 4G - that's at least 100 Mbps down and T-Mobile's "4G" service only clocks in at 12 Mbps.

However, the agreement between Audi and T-Mobile is set for a minimum of eight years - plenty of time for the carrier to roll out its own real 4G LTE network - and if the deal with AT&T goes through (at least nine months to a year away), that could escalate the development of the service.

Gallery: Audi A7

Continue reading T-Mobile tapped for Audi Connect service, LTE not coming until 2015

T-Mobile tapped for Audi Connect service, LTE not coming until 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:20:00 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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Report: All Audi models to be available with diesel engines by 2015

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

Filed under: Etc., Audi, Luxury

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

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

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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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First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7 downsizes with an upside

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Audi, First Drives, Luxury

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

If there's to be a singular automotive theme guiding us into this second decade of the 21st century, it's downsizing. If not in dimensions, then in displacement. Automakers, forced to adhere to higher government-mandated fuel economy standards and lower CO2 emissions, are beginning to collectively reduce engine size while attempting to maintain the thrust consumers demand.

The newest posterchild for this movement comes in an unlikely wrapper: the 2011 Audi Q7. Packing the same supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the S4 sports sedan, Audi bids adieu (or is that Auf Wiedersehen?) to the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year and brings with it the 2011 A8's eight-speed automatic transmission. We tackled the congested highways and byways in and around Ingolstadt to see if the revised Q7 has the goods to placate both bureaucrats and buyers, while taking a deeper look into Audi's new powertrain strategy. Click through to the jump to see if we can make sense of it all.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7 downsizes with an upside

First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7 downsizes with an upside originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 14:58:00 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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2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

2011 Audi Q7 (Germany) - click above for high-res image gallery

Along with blessing us with a revised TT for 2011, the Audi Q7 gets a few choice upgrades in its home market of Germany, including a few new engines and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded Q7 doesn't benefit from any new sheetmetal, though Audi has seen fit to put the S4's supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 to good use under the hood of its behemoth SUV. Available in two states of tune, the blown V6 puts out 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the base version, and the upgraded mill produces the same 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque as its sports sedan sibling.

A new 3.0-liter TDI is also available for the 2011 model year, delivering 240 hp and a more-than-adequate 406 lb-ft of twist from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Not only does the new diesel deliver respectable performance times (0-60 in 7.9 seconds) and above average fuel economy, but the weight of the oilburner has been reduced by 44 pounds.

All revised, German-bound Q7s receive a new eight-speed automatic gearbox based on the outgoing six-speed cog-swapper, with higher ratios and Tiptronic actuation, along with standard Drive and Sport modes. There's no word on whether this transmission is bound for the U.S. market in the near future, but we'd suspect Stateside Q7s will benefit from the new 'box by the end of the year. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Update: An Audi USA spokesman tells Autoblog that the 2011 Q7 V6 TDI will retain its 225 hp / 406 lb-ft rating and launch with the new eight-speed in September. The gasoline V6 TFSI will also be available here in both 272 and 333 hp flavors beginning in November 2010.

Gallery: 2011 Audi Q7 (Germany)

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Safety, Technology, Crossover, Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Luxury, Off-Road

Acura Cold Weather Testing - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Don't hold back."

Three words I've never heard before at a press event and three words that are running through my mind as I tramp down on the throttle and wheelspin my way towards the gray horizon.

Don't hold back.

Ahead of me lies a three-quarter-mile stretch of perfectly groomed snow sitting atop a thick layer of ice, with over 300 feet of desolation on either side.

Don't hold back.

From a standing start, the well-worn BMW X6 grapples with a lack of traction and then finally grips through the slush to propel me past 20... 30... 40... 50 mph. Then I slam on the stoppers. The ABS system pulses through the brake pedal and the coupe-shaped 'ute grinds to a squeaky, squawky halt. Let's try that again.

Don't hold back.

This time I get up to 60 mph, lay on the brakes and it's the same result. Now I'm bored, so it's time to experiment with a few emergency lane change maneuvers. I get up to 30 mph, stab at the brake, yank the wheel to the right, then back to the left and straighten up. Nothing. No drama. No hesitation. No tail wagging. I do it again, this time at 40 mph with the traction control off. Same result. Then 50 mph. Same result. Then 60 mph. And then I promptly stuff myself into an six-foot-tall snow bank.

Didn't hold back.

Follow the jump to read about our experience at Acura's cold weather testing facility in Minnesota.

Gallery: Acura Cold Weather Testing

Continue reading Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business

Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Audi, BMW, Land Rover

Why the whole world loves Top Gear - click above to watch the video

If you're like us - and odds are very good you are - you have an evergreen problem. Namely, getting your significant other to feel one-tenth of the excitement about cars that you feel. Sure, you've tried explaining that while you almost drove off the freeway, it's okay because you were trying to catch up with a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car. Or that waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday to stand around in a parking lot drinking coffee and gawking at old cars is a perfectly normal family activity. You've probably even suggested that she might be happier driving to work in a Citroën DS. Maybe that last part is just us. But maybe not.

Well friends, we have found the solution. The following ten minute clip of Jeremy Clarkson waxing extra poetic about three "mad" SUVs is practically guaranteed to delight even the most fervent, dyed-in-the-wool car hater. It's simply brilliant. Why? Because it's Jeremy at his very best. Yes, of course, he insults stewardesses, environmentalists and the mentally ill all the while powersliding around an abandoned air strip. But he does it all in his 100-percent totally lovable way that frankly we find impossible to resist. Even those spouses that think your big, fat V8, "sounds wasteful" are sure to become fast fans. How could anyone argue with "sliced dolphins?" Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Diesel

2009 Audi Q7 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Time to fire up the TiVo. Tomorrow night, the Science Channel will debut a new episode of "How It's Made" that features the Audi TDI clean diesel engine range. What's the big deal, haven't diesels been around since the death of the dinosaurs? Well, sorta. While they still share the same basic architecture that Rudolph Diesel invented all those years ago, today's modern diesel powerplants are a far cry from the old smoke belching, shake-themselves-to-pieces lumps of yore.

The actual engine featured in the segment will be Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, which puts out 225 horsepower and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque in the engine bay of the 2009 Q7 TDI while still maintaining class-leading fuel efficiency. Soon the German automaker will introduce its second clean diesel-powered vehicle here in the States in the form of the 2010 A3 TDI, which you can read about here.

Anyone interested in what goes into building a modern diesel powerplant will want to tune in to the Science Channel at 9pm (Eastern and Pacific). Click past the jump for the press release.

NOTE: BMW North America contacted us to correct the statement that the Audi Q7 TDI offers class-leading fuel efficiency. With an EPA mpg rating of 17 city/25 highway, the Q7 TDI is bested by the BMW X5 xDrive35d at 19 city/26 highway. The BMW's 3.0-liter diesel is also more powerful with 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.

Gallery: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI

Continue reading TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made"

TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7

Michael Harley — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Diesel

2010 Audi Q7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's 2010 Q7 rolls into showrooms with a base MSRP of $46,900 (all prices exclude the $825 destination charge). That entry-level amount will put the standard Q7 3.6 Quattro (with its 280-horsepower V6) in your driveway. If you want to bump up to the flagship, the Q7 4.2 Quattro (350-horsepower V8) will set you back at least $61,000. Lastly, those interested in Audi's diesel SUV and its 17/25 EPA ratings will find the Q7 TDI Quattro (225-horsepower V6 with a boat-load of torque) starting at $50,900.

All 2010 Q7 models boast standard all-wheel drive and refreshed exteriors with the brand's signature LED lighting used in the daytime running lights, turn signals (optional), and taillights. Interior upgrades include available ventilated front seats, upgraded interior ambient lighting and several cosmetic improvements within the cabin. Most appreciated will be the third-generation MMI infotainment system with its 3D map powered by an automotive-grade NVIDIA[TM] chip for graphics processing. According to Audi, the system's voice-based controls will respond to such command as "I'm hungry," "I need gas" and "I need coffee" and point the driver to the closest options. Check the new Q7 out in the gallery below and in the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Audi Q7

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7

Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi confirms Q3 production - in Spain - but decision on U.S. production "postponed"

Chris Paukert — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Audi

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

The first shipments of Audi's new Q5 crossover have barely hit the docks here in North America, and already the kid brother to the Q7 is set to get a sidekick of its own. In an official announcement released today, the VW Group luxury arm has confirmed that it will build a Q3 crossover in Martorell, Spain in 2011.

The company plans to build around 80,000 units at the SEAT plant, but while production has been confirmed for Spain, the fortunes of a possible U.S. assembly facility have been put on ice. According to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler:

"We will systematically explore our options in the context of the current market crisis. Audi is in a good position. There is currently no urgent need to select additional sites.

Described by Audi as "A coupé-like five-door SUV with seat positions, wheel size, and ground clearance characteristic of a typical SUV," the Q3 is likely to look a lot like 2007's Cross Coupe Quattro Concept, and it is expected to come to the North American market - even if it won't end up being built here. Complete press release after the jump.

Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe Quattro

Gallery: 2007 Audi Cross Coupe quattro concept

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi confirms Q3 production - in Spain - but decision on U.S. production "postponed"

Audi confirms Q3 production - in Spain - but decision on U.S. production "postponed" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai 2009: 2010 Audi Q7 gets minor rhinoplasty in China

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Crossover, Audi, Shanghai Motor Show

2010 Audi Q7 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

So far, the Shanghai Motor Show has played host to the wild and mild. On the latter, Audi unveiled the 2010 Q7 to the assembled throngs in China, complete with a new nose, restyled rear and a few choice bits under the hood and inside the cabin.

The crown jewels on the Q7's refreshed fascia are a new set of LEDs that run from the top, around the side and then through the bottom of the headlamp housing. A reworked lower grille and fog-lamp mounts accompany a new hatch and more LEDs nestled within the taillights, while inside, there's more wood, some tweaked trim and a third-generation MMI infotainment system that (Audi-willing) will remain as intuitive as the current system. As for powertrains, the V6 and V8s currently available in the U.S. will carry over, but a new 3.0-liter TDI is coming, rated at 25 mpg and carrying a range of 600 miles when traveling on the express way. Check out our previous post for all the details.

Gallery: 2009 Shanghai AutoShow : Audi Q7 Facelift

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: 2010 Audi Q7 gets minor rhinoplasty in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:20:00 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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