Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi confirms Q3 production - in Spain - but decision on U.S. production "postponed"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/audi-confirms-q3-production-in-spain-but-decision-on-u-s-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/audi-confirms-q3-production-in-spain-but-decision-on-u-s-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/audi-confirms-q3-production-in-spain-but-decision-on-u-s-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudibreakingMartorellQ3Q5Q7SEATsoftroaderVolkswagen GroupVolkswagenGroupVW GroupVwGroupWed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/rendered-speculation-audi-to-resurrect-ur-quattro-with-lightwei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/rendered-speculation-audi-to-resurrect-ur-quattro-with-lightwei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/rendered-speculation-audi-to-resurrect-ur-quattro-with-lightwei/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As far as classic Audi models go, nothing is as iconic as the legendary "Ur-Quattro". The 1985 Audi Quattro was a beast of a car in its day, even if it only had 160 horsepower. When the new Audi S5 hit the roads, the Ingolstadt fanatics over at Fourtitude stacked the two of them up against each other, but if the latest products of the ever-churning rumormill are to be believed, Audi may be cooking one up a successor of their own.

A report from German car magazine Autobild suggests that the lightweight sport-coupe could carry the "A5 quattro sport" designation and pack a 425-horsepower V6, placing it in between the current S5 and the upcoming RS5. Sounds enticing, if a bit far-fetched. But if Audi wants to build another monster coupe, who are we to complain? Sources peg the revival to take to the streets by 2012.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Scene]

Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a5audiaudi a5audi a5 quattro sportaudi rs5audi s5audi ur quattroaudi ur-quattroAudiA5AudiA5QuattroSportAudiRs5AudiS5AudiUr-quattroAudiUrQuattroquattrors5s5urur quattrour-quattroUrQuattroVolkswagen GroupVolkswagenGroupVW GroupVwGroupMon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/first-drive-sailing-in-stuttgart-with-porsches-cayenne-s-hybri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/first-drive-sailing-in-stuttgart-with-porsches-cayenne-s-hybri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/first-drive-sailing-in-stuttgart-with-porsches-cayenne-s-hybri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

While charging along at 85 mph with a particularly poker-faced Porsche engineer riding shotgun, traffic begins to cluster on the horizon. Not willing to risk our seven-figure prototype, I gently roll off the accelerator, at which point a funny thing happens: Without warning, the tachometer needle dies, unceremoniously plunging to zero RPM. The supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 ahead of us has gone stone dead, yet our Porsche Cayenne continues to waft along unruffled. We are coasting along on the Autobahn, with only a modest bit of wind noise and tire roar as our soundtrack.

Just as quickly as it began to appear, Stuttgart's traffic thins, and after gliding along for perhaps 15 or 20 seconds -- losing remarkably little velocity -- I ease back onto the throttle, at which point the rev counter jumps back to life just as quickly as it had extinguished, and the Cayenne sashays back up to 95 mph before I slot in amongst slower traffic in the right lane. Beyond the tachometer's telltale drop and jump, there is exactly no indication that the engine momentarily packed it up just seconds before. My copilot, Dr. Michael Leiters, project manager for Porsche's Cayenne Hybrid, allows himself a brief smile.

Far from indicating a mechanical defect, we've just witnessed what our Deutsche companion refers to as "segeln" -- sailing -- a fuel saving maneuver that Porsche says other automakers have written off as impossible at roadway speeds without jolting disruptions. Yet beyond the tach needle's machinations, there has been no drama whatsoever: no untoward thwack in the back, no expensive-sounding noises, no head toss, no coffee spilled, just seamlessly reintroduced acceleration. The gas pedal simply called upon the engine again and the electric motor restarted it in a flawless, 300-millisecond passing of the power baton. Remarkable stuff.

Follow the jump for more.


Gallery: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid


Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Continue reading First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid

First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audiautoblog greenAutoblogGreenCayenneCayenne HybridCayenneHybridfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDrivefuel economyFuelEconomyHybridparallel hybridParallelHybridPorscheporsche cayennePorscheCayennestuttgartSUVVW GroupVwGroupTue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi Q5 hits America carrying $37,200 MSRP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/audi-prices-the-q5-for-america-starting-at-37-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/audi-prices-the-q5-for-america-starting-at-37-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/audi-prices-the-q5-for-america-starting-at-37-200/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

Audi has finally announced U.S. pricing for its new Q5 mid-sized crossover. For America, there is currently only one powertrain combination available, a 3.2-liter FSI V6 with quattro all-wheel drive, and that comes with a starting price of $37,200.

Just as Starbucks calls a small coffee "Tall", Audi's entry level Q5 is labeled as Premium. From there, you can go to Premium Plus specification or Prestige at $41,500 and a lofty $48,200 respectively. Add the $825 delivery charge, taxes, and other ancillary fees, and it should be easy to go well north of 50 grand.

The Q5 comes standard with Audi's third generation MMI system that adds three-dimensional rendering to the nav display, as well as a 4,400-pound towing capacity. Q5s are expected to start arriving at dealers next week and the vehicle officially goes on sale in March. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi Q5 hits America carrying $37,200 MSRP

Audi Q5 hits America carrying $37,200 MSRP originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q5audi q5 pricingAudiQ5AudiQ5PricingcrossoverQ5softroaderVW GroupVwGroupFri, 06 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle of the Blue Badges: Volkswagen overtakes Ford as world's 3rd largest automaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/battle-of-the-blue-badges-volkswagen-overtakes-ford-as-worlds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/battle-of-the-blue-badges-volkswagen-overtakes-ford-as-worlds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/battle-of-the-blue-badges-volkswagen-overtakes-ford-as-worlds/#commentsFiled under: ,


While Toyota and General Motors continue to duke it out for first place among the world's largest automakers, the lower rungs have been equally hotly contested. It came as a shock to many that Hyundai-Kia had surpassed Honda to take the Number 5 spot, but if you think the battle is being waged purely between the Far East and North America, don't discount Europe for long. The continent's largest auto group, Volkswagen, has claimed its place on the podium as the world's third largest automaker, beating out Ford in the first half of this fiscal year.

The numbers, of course, are based on sales worldwide, and they could very well change by the end of the year. Although Ford's own namesake brand surely accounts for the bulk of its sales, the FoMoCo multi-brand conglomerate that once included the Premier Auto Group has dissipated of late, while VW's numerous subsidiaries - including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti - continue to thrive. All the more impressive, then, that a tiny company like Porsche is on the verge of seizing it all.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Battle of the Blue Badges: Volkswagen overtakes Ford as world's 3rd largest automaker

Battle of the Blue Badges: Volkswagen overtakes Ford as world's 3rd largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fomocofordford motor companyFordMotorCompanyvolkswagenvolkswagen agvolkswagen groupVolkswagenAgVolkswagenGroupvwvw agvw groupVwAgVwGroupThu, 28 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Will the prodigal Bernhard return to Chrysler?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/will-the-prodigal-bernhard-return-to-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/will-the-prodigal-bernhard-return-to-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/will-the-prodigal-bernhard-return-to-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's no secret that Wolfgang Bernhard, the VW brand's head honcho, is not happy with the fact that current VW Group Chairman Bernd Pischetsrider is resigning at the end of the year. Pischetsrieder was one of the major players involved in bringing Bernhard over from DaimlerChrysler and tasking the dapper executive with VeeDub's turnaround. Adding salt to the wound is who was chosen to replace Pischetsrieder as the Chairman of the VW Group - Martin Winterkorn, Bernhard's counterpart at Audi who will on January 1st of 2007 become his boss.

We've heard rumblings that Bernhard wants out of VW over all this, and Automotive News is reporting that internal discussions have taken place concerning the cancellation of Bernhard's contract. This would allow Bernhard to immediately seek employment from other automakers, which at the moment is blocked by a non-compete clause that lasts for two years after he leaves the company. What's more, Bernhard has already met with former colleague Dieter Zetsche, who could likely find a place for Bernhard at DaimlerChrysler. AN hypothesizes the most vulnerable exec at DCX right now is Tom LaSordo who, despite being a nice enough guy, hasn't been able to get The Chrysler Group back on track after suffering heavy losses this year. Would we like to see Bernhard back at DaimlerChrysler? Damn skippy - this is the guy who once rode into the Detroit Auto Show on the back of a Viper motor. He's got our vote.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. required]

Will the prodigal Bernhard return to Chrysler? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PischetsriederVW GroupVwGroupWolfgang BernhardWolfgangBernhardWed, 06 Dec 2006 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Motor Show: Audi RS4 Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/geneva-motor-show-audi-rs4-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/geneva-motor-show-audi-rs4-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/geneva-motor-show-audi-rs4-cabrio/#commentsFiled under: ,



Bonita. ("Beautiful")

That's what our man on the scene, Autoblog Spanish's Alberto said about the Audi RS4 Cabrio--clearly smitten, he was particularly fond of the interior treatment. And after talking a look at these live shots, we can't help but feel a little amorous ourselves.

But there's more here than just beauty, as one might imagine from a Four-Ringer conjuring up the 'RS' moniker. Audi has equipped their latest with serious brawn in the form of a 420 bhp V8 engine. Sport seats thoughtfully arrive as standard-fit (unlike the chairs fitted to the Avant and sedan).

[16 pictures and full specifications after the jump!]

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Audi RS4 Cabrio

Geneva Motor Show: Audi RS4 Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Mar 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiCabrioConvertibleRS4VW GroupVwGroupWed, 01 Mar 2006 12:30:00 EST