Autoblog

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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Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is set to launch (but not here in the U.S.), and it's just the thing to give that annoying neighbor with his fancy VW Touareg V10 TDI a debilitating inferiority complex. 500 horsepower and approximately enough torque to counter-rotate the Earth (758 lb-ft) come standard on Audi's diesel monster. 21-inch wheels mask carbon ceramic brakes, LED running lamps help light the way, and the interior is a festival of dead cow, TV screens, and Alcantara, all trimmed neatly in aluminum and carbon fiber. If we were, say, Russian gangsters, we'd totally be driving one of these. (Except Neff, who would undoubtedly, stubbornly continue rolling in the Alero.) In conjunction with the launch, Audi dumped a slew of new pictures on its media site, so here they are. Click away.

Gallery: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ingolstadt's version of the HUMMER limo

Michael Harley — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Etc., Audi, Toys/Games, Lifestyle, Specialty

Click on the above image for a gallery of the Q7 limousine

Proving that money and taste don't always occupy common ground, we've stumbled upon this 14-seat Audi Q7 limousine (don't worry, it's not a factory conversion). With colorful purple Disco lighting adorning both the floor and ceiling, and heated alligator/snake upholstery covering the bench seats, the faux fish tank above the simulated flames doesn't seem so out of place. While twin 17-inch flat screens are nothing to brag about, the "jet door" mounted on the side will surely get you the looks you crave. Located in New York, we should mention it comes from the same company who also offers a 14-passenger Range Rover, and a 14-passenger Infiniti QX56. And you thought HUMMERS got all the fun...

Gallery: 2008 Audi Q7 Limo

[Source: Royal Luxury]

Ingolstadt's version of the HUMMER limo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Q7 hybrid won't be making it to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Audi

While premium hybrid SUVs haven't proven their worth in the U.S. market yet, automakers will have a good fix on whether or not offering a gasoline-electric hybrid 'ute is good business sense in the coming years. Audi has apparently already made the call, and after studying the business case and watching the U.S. dollar tank, it's decided that the Q7 hybrid SUV is not bound for U.S. shores.

"It was a very hard car to make the numbers work," according to Johan de Nysschen, Audi's brand head in the U.S. "We will not do the hybrid Q7 as a conventional product offering," de Nysschen continued, saying only that a few hybrid Q7s will make the trek across the pond and find their way into the hands of "commercial" entities.

However, all is not lost for a fuel-sipping version of Audi's land yacht, with the eminent arrival of the diesel Q7 in the next year or so, the SUV will spearhead Audi's diesel offerings, followed by an oil-burning A4 around the turn of the decade.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi Q7 hybrid won't be making it to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Audi delaying CUV launches until 2009

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Audi

Audi is going to put off the launch of three new SUVs into its arsenal until the end of the decade, primarily for marketing reasons. Really, it's only one new model - the compact Q5 - plus diesel and hybrid versions of its Q7 crossover.

The reason for the delay is primarily to avoid Audi's newest entrants from getting lost in the ether of year-end sales drives, and thus allowing all three vehicles to be marketed as 2010 models, which were originally destined for sale in the third quarter of 2008.

Although we haven't seen the Q5, meant to compete with BMW's X3 and Mercedes' upcoming GLK, it's been well known that the new cute 'ute has been under development for some time, finding a home atop the VW Tiguan platform. The diesel Q7 will be arriving around the same time, and will come to market packing a three-liter turbo-diesel V6, producing 230 HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Since the new engine will be 50-state compliant, it's "just a matter of formality," according to Audi's U.S. head Johan de Nysschen, that the oilburner will find its way into the A4, A6 and A8 models of the future.

All three vehicles, including the 280 HP V6 hybrid-equipped Q7, are all likely to be revealed in Detroit in 2009.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi delaying CUV launches until 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Q7 hybrid and diesels to arrive next year

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Green, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi's first diesel and hybrid powertrains in the US will be launched in the Q7 next year. The power units will likely trickle down to other vehicles in Audi's range, but they're not yet offering up any details on how prolific this hardware will be. Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have been working collaboratively to develop the parallel hybrid system, which makes the choice of the Q7 logical, as all three brands share a flavor of the architecture. Hybrid Q7s will be able to power around on the electric motor up to 31 mph, and the system will also shut down the engine during cruise conditions at speeds up to 75 mph. The total weight of the system adds 300 pounds, most of which is in the 288-volt NiMH battery pack.

The modular hybrid system will be easy to integrate with different powertrains once Audi starts propagating the system throughout the rest of their models, and terming it "modular" denotes that the basic pieces will be very adaptable. When Porsche and Volkswagen get their versions of the hybrid gear, we'd expect the engines to differ from the Q7's 3.6 liter 280 horsepower unit. Audi's claiming a 23 percent mileage improvement versus the conventional Q-ship. As for the oil burner, it will be a 3-liter V6 that is 50-state compliant while quietly thumping out 230 horsepower and 400 ft-lb of torque. Diesel torque delivery can be often be described as "electric-motor like," but we wonder if the Hybrid, with its actual electric motors, will laugh at the diesel's effort as it gets the hole shot.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Audi Q7 hybrid and diesels to arrive next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone

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

Filed under: Gadgets, Audi

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

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

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone

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

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Spy Shots: Audi Q5 barely covered

Chris Shunk — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Audi

Audi is looking to get the most out of the modular long platform that underpins the current A5 and the future A4, and the Q5 looks like the obvious next step. The folks over at World Car Fans have published shots of Audi's future crossover with barely any camo, and the general theme looks to be "fancy Tiguan". The wide, low slung SUV look is alive and well with Audi's mini Q7, and the front end looks very much like its big brother. Audi dropped a cool 300 million Euros to update their Ingolstaldt factory to make the five-seat CUV, and there's a good chance that everything from a turbo 2.0 to a 4.2L V8 will provide power. The Q5 will definitely receive a diesel powerplant for Europe, and there's a chance oil power will be utilized here in the States, too.

The Q5 is destined to be Audi's next pawn in the chess match to be the world's largest luxury automaker, and if the Q5 can build on the success of the Q7, the X3 and GLK are in for some stiff competition. Look for the Q5 to arrive on the scene in 2008.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Audi Q5 barely covered originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get some seat time in a TT, A4, RS4 and even an R8

Chris Tutor — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, First Drive

If your local Audi dealer calls the cops every time you ask for a test drive of an RS4, we suggest you either dress nicer next time or, if that's not possible, head to one of four cities hosting the Audi Driving Experience.

New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco are the four sites for Audi's traveling test drive, where participants can have the chance to drive their TT, A4 and Q7 all for free. You'll be able to put them through control, braking and accident avoidance maneuvers. If you can show you know how to handle their cars, Audi will even let you take one out for a lap around the racetrack.

The most improved drivers at each venue wins a ride in Audi's much-vaunted R8 supercar. Those winners will instantly be upgraded from most-improved to most-envied.

That's all included in the Audi Driving Experience two-hour introductory program, but for $600 Audi offers the half-day enthusiast program. That gets you professional driving instruction and track time in all the aforementioned cars, as well as the RS4 and R8.

There are two dates in each city, but with a chance to either ride in or drive an R8, we would expect them to fill up quick.

Get some seat time in a TT, A4, RS4 and even an R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JE Design pumps 500hp with Audi Q7 Widebody

Noah Joseph — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Audi

Click on the image above to jump to our hi-rez image gallery

No matter what way you look at it, the Audi Q7 is a hefty hunk of metal at 2.3 tons, and that's before you load in the kids, the camping gear and everything short of the proverbial kitchen sink. With the 350hp 4.2-liter FSI V8, it can still hustle all the way up to 60 in 7.4 seconds, but if you ask the gents at JE Design, that isn't nearly fast enough. So the German tuning house, which has already worked its magic on the lower 3.0-liter TDI V6, has turned its attention to the V8 model and built a fire-breathing monster of a family hauler.

Fitting a supercharger, intercooler, custom exhaust, new pistons and engine management system, JE Design managed to squeeze out an impressive 500 horsepower. That's enough to drop the 0-60 time down to just 5.6 seconds without breaching European emission regulations.

Not ones to give the go without the show, JE Design also fits its widebody appearance and aerodynamic kit, complete with faired fenders, front and rear aprons, fog lights, 22" rims and the works. All in all, this is not something you want to see rapidly approaching in your rearview mirror, but don't worry... it won't be there for long.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Gallery: JE Design Audi Q7 Widebody FSI

JE Design pumps 500hp with Audi Q7 Widebody originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi's Q5 CUV coming to Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 May 2007 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Audi

As Audi's relentless quest to fill every conceivable automotive niche continues, the folks of the interlocking rings plan to unveil the Q5 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

According to AutoExpress, the Q5 will share its underpinnings with the recently released A5 and will draw on the styling cues forged by its big brother, the Q7 and the Cross Coupe quattro unveiled in Shanghai. Naturally, the Q5 will get Audi's trademark goatee, along with LED headlamps, all-wheel-drive and a commanding stance. Inside, Audi's entrant into the highly competitive cute 'ute segment will come complete with seating for five and the multi-rail system, originally employed in the A6 Allroad, that prevents parcels from shifting under load.

Power is expected to come in both diesel and gas-powered flavors, possibly including the 4.2-liter FSI V8. Strap a few turbos onto that mill and we may even get a RSQ5. We doubt it, if for no other reason than that badge may be a bit awkward on the boot.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi's Q5 CUV coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Torque monster: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI launches in Europe

Alex Nunez — Wed, 02 May 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Audi

Click image for hi-res photo gallery

With 326 horsepower and 550 lb-ft on call under the driver's right foot, the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is the world's most powerful diesel SUV (at least until the Q7 V12 TDI launches). It's 4.2L 90-degree V8 incorporates a pair of variable-geometry turbos (one for each cylinder bank), and channels all that juice to the four corners via quattro AWD. It's pretty spry, too. It does the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) thing in just 6.4 seconds and will keep going until the speedo hits 146 mph, if you have the desire to explore those limits. Well, you have to live in Europe, too. This Q7's not available here, unfortunately.

Inside, the carnival of luxury you'd expect to find is present and accounted for. Leather, wood, and aluminum cover most of the touch surfaces, and Alcantara adorns the headliner. If you have money to spend, the stupendous optional Bang & Olufsen audio system is a nice choice, as is the Audi Music Interface, which lets you control your iPod using the MMI system. A lane departure warning system is now available, too, so that €70,000+ base price can quickly climb skyward as the goodies are added in.

Of course, one of the best features this particular Q7 brings to the table is its combined-cycle fuel economy rating of a smidge over 21 mpg. Have fun finding another big V8 luxury blingwagon that can do that.

[Source: Audi AG]

Gallery: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI (EU)

Continue reading Torque monster: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI launches in Europe

Torque monster: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI launches in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi Q5 takes shape

Chris Shunk — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:36:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Audi

The small luxury crossover is quickly becoming en vogue, with the success of the X3, the new LR2, and the RDX helping their respective companies add sales while bolstering their bottom lines. With its grandios expansion plans over the next few years, Audi can't be held out of this burgeoning luxury 'ute market for long, and it's preparing the Q5 to add more sales to their expanding portfolio.

Our spy photography friend Hans Lehmann snapped some pics of the Q5 in action, and the basic form of the forthcoming ute is shown quite well, and the little utility vehicle doesn't appear to have the same shape as the recently unveiled Cross Coupe Quattro.The Q5 will be underpinned by the A5 platform, which means it will have the flexibility to have several powertrains from which to choose, including the FSI 2.0L turbo, 3.2L inline six, and even a 4.2L V8. Diesel options will be available in Europe and we can all dream that they'll be available in the States as well.

Other options for the Q5 include hill descent control and air suspension, but due to the small size of the A5 platform a third row doesn't seem plausible. Audi has a goal to reach 1.5 million annual sales by 2015, and we think the Q5 will go a long way towards that goal.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Spy Shots: Audi Q5 takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2007 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to make new R4 to compete with Porsche Boxter?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Audi

The Audi brand is in full-blown growth mode right now, with newer products like the Q7 and A3 soon to be joined by the A5 and R8, and Audi promises that 22 new products in total are on the way. Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated product of all is the forthcoming R8, which has garnered lots of attention from news media and enthusiasts alike. Since Audi's supercar has been well-received, why not add a smaller Boxster-fighter to keep the good vibes going?

We've already told you about speculation that Audi was cooking up an R4 for 2009 or 2010, and now South Africa's topCar magazine is giving us more gas for the flame. We like Audi's 2.0L FSI turbo four, but at 270 hp, powering a 2,500-2800lb car, we'd like it even more. topCar reports that an all-new platform is being designed for the R4, with a steel spaceframe and plastic and aluminum body panels. Of course, a more sporty RS4 is rumored to be on the way as well, which could be powered by a 2.5L inline five with 350 hp.

It seems like everything under the sun is scheduled to appear in 2009 and 2010, and if even half of it comes to fruition, we'll be some busy bloggers. We hope the R4 is among the projects that makes the cut.

[Source: Wheels24 via Winding Road]

Audi to make new R4 to compete with Porsche Boxter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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