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[REPORT: Audi intent on keeping upcoming A1 premium]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-audi-intent-on-keeping-upcoming-a1-premium/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-audi-intent-on-keeping-upcoming-a1-premium/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-audi-intent-on-keeping-upcoming-a1-premium/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi A1 Sportback concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

After watching from the sidelines for years as arch-rival BMW found success with the Mini brand, Audi is finally gearing up to jump into the scrum with the new A1. But unlike the Mini One (which slots below the Cooper in overseas markets), Audi doesn't intend to target the budget market. Instead, the new A1 will take aim directly at the Mini Cooper.

Don't expect to see any engine badges on the back of the four-ringed Polo, however, as Audi reportedly intends on keeping the displacement on the A1 hidden. An S1 is tipped to be in the works, but short of that the only thing onlookers will have to distinguish one engine model from another is the exhaust note. Expect the pre-production A1 - previewed by the Metroproject and A1 Sportback concepts - to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show with sales beginning later next year.


Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback Concept


[Source: EVO]

REPORT: Audi intent on keeping upcoming A1 premium originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiaudi a1audi s1AudiA1AudiS1s1Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi A1 spotted wearing swirlies and not much else]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/spy-shots-audi-a1-spotted-wearing-swirlies-and-not-much-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/spy-shots-audi-a1-spotted-wearing-swirlies-and-not-much-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/spy-shots-audi-a1-spotted-wearing-swirlies-and-not-much-else/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi probably won't be taking the wraps completely off its new small car until the Geneva Motor Show next March, but spy shooters are already out there hunting down the prototypes. The clearest image we've seen yet shows a mini-car that appears to have changed very little from the MetroProject concept that first appeared at the last Tokyo Motor Show two years ago. The new A1 is expected to go on sale around the middle of next year in Europe although its not clear if it will ever come Stateside.

To keep costs down, Audi is expected to build the A1 with a conventional steel structure as opposed to the aluminum space frame of the A2 of a few years ago. Power is expected to come from a range of gas and diesel engines likely topping out at about 1.4 liters. Some of the unseen mechanical bits will likely be shared with the new VW Polo, but this is definitely more than just a re-badge job as evidenced by the completely different shape.

[Source: Car]

Spy Shots: Audi A1 spotted wearing swirlies and not much else originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiAudi A1audi a1 metroproject...audi a1 sportbackaudi a1 sportback conceptAudiA1AudiA1Metroproject...AudiA1SportbackAudiA1SportbackConceptspyspy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsMon, 19 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Audi could sell A1 in the States]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/report-audi-could-sell-a1-in-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/report-audi-could-sell-a1-in-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/report-audi-could-sell-a1-in-the-states/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi A1 Sportback concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Luxury marques are betting big on small cars all around the world, and some are even testing the waters here in the good 'ol U.S. of A. Despite the fact that most every small car intended for premium customers in the States has failed dismally in the past, there's reason to believe that tide may be shifting, and automakers have taken notice.

Add Audi into the mix of European car companies interested in dipping a toe in the small car waters. According to a report from Bloomberg, following the undeniable success of rival BMW's Mini brand, Audi may very well engineer its next-gen A1 with U.S. distribution in mind. We've been hearing this rumor for a while now, and it's once again sourced from Audi's head of sales Peter Schwarzenbauer.

The move is seen as another possible way the four-ringed German automaker can reach its goal of outselling BMW and Mercedes-Benz in all markets all three companies compete in, including, obviously, the United States. In order to line up against Mini, Audi's A1 would likely need a price tag that's well under $20,000 - not an easy task with the car expected to sell at a significantly higher price point in Europe.


Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback Concept


[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Audi could sell A1 in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiaudi a1audi a1 americaaudi a1 sportbackaudi a1 usaudi a1 usaAudiA1AudiA1AmericaAudiA1SportbackAudiA1UsAudiA1UsaWed, 16 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: A1GP and Speedcar racing off into the sunset]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-a1gp-and-speedcar-racing-off-into-the-sunset/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-a1gp-and-speedcar-racing-off-into-the-sunset/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-a1gp-and-speedcar-racing-off-into-the-sunset/#commentsFiled under: ,



In the wake of Formula One's near collapse and the shock resignation of Indy chief Tony George, it'd be all to easy to assume these are the only two racing series in serious trouble. However, emerging reports indicate that they're only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

According to the latest, both the Speedcar and A1GP series are on the verge of total collapse. The former, for those unacquainted, is a stock car series pitting former F1 drivers like Jean Alesi, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jacques Villeneuve against each other on tracks around the Middle and Far East. After only two short seasons of operation, Speedcar's official website is offline and reports suggest the cars have been parked along with it.

Meanwhile, the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, an open-wheel feeder championship between various national teams, appears to be going down the same path. Only one season after unveiling their new Ferrari-designed and -powered spec single-seaters, A1 Grand Prix Operations Ltd has reportedly declared bankruptcy and began liquidating its assets. A1 was starting to position itself as an alternative to the likes of GP2 and the new Formula 2 as a feeder series for aspiring F1 drivers, but its purported collapse will leave that territory to the mainstream series, while Speedcar's demise will leave one less sunset into which burnt-out grand prix pilots can ride off.

[Source: F1-Live]

REPORT: A1GP and Speedcar racing off into the sunset originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a1 gp world cupa1gpA1GpWorldCupspeedcarspeedcar seriesSpeedcarSeriesFri, 03 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Would an Audi A1 Targa look like this?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/rendered-speculation-would-a-audi-a1-targa-look-like-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/rendered-speculation-would-a-audi-a1-targa-look-like-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/rendered-speculation-would-a-audi-a1-targa-look-like-this/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The history of the Audi A1 is a great deal of talk and renderings capped by one confirmed sighting. We've seen the A1 Sportback and been told that an A1 Cabrio is coming, after which we were told that the A1 wouldn't be coming to the U.S. Now everyone is in on the game, with forum user The Pretender at RS6.com posting one idea of what a targa version of the A1 could be -- even though it seems much more in line with what an Audi version of the VW Bluesport could be.

Of course, if the A1 isn't coming to America, an A1 targa - a dedicated two-seater, mind you - would have to make a strong price case for itself against an A1 Cabrio, A3 Cabrio, a possible Bluesport Audi, bog standard versions of the TT, plus cross-country competition from the Mini convertible and BMW 1-Series (both four-seaters). But if we ignore all of that and simply consider the rendering above, the questions are: Do we need it and would it tempt you?

[Source: RS6.com]

Rendered Speculation: Would an Audi A1 Targa look like this? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiaudi a1AudiA1convertiblerendered speculationRenderedSpeculationtargaWed, 10 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Audi A1 Sportback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-audi-a1-sportback/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-audi-a1-sportback/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-audi-a1-sportback/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi A1 Sportback

It's hard to do battle with MINI in the premium compact segment. The Cooper and its derivatives bring style and nostalgia to the game, proving that consumers are okay with spending some hard-earned scratch on an iconic coupe.

The Audi A1 Sportback - designed to fill the slot left by the discontinued A2 - lacks the MINI's wistful sensibilities, but it comes packing an extra set of doors, four usable seats, some handsome sheetmetal and an multimedia interface that ties in with the driver's mobile phone to provide navigation, music and an internet connection. Oh, and it can make calls too.

A 1.4-liter TSI engine equipped with both a turbo and supercharger puts out 150 hp to the front wheels through Audi's S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, and a 27 hp (and 111 lb.-ft.) electric motor drawing power from a lithium-ion battery pack can motivate the A1 in start-and-stop traffic. Look for the production A1 to debut early next year, with sales beginning in late 2009.

All the details are in the press release below the fold and check out both our gallery of live images and press shots below.

Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback LIVE


Gallery: Audi A1 Sportback Concept

Continue reading Paris 2008: Audi A1 Sportback

Paris 2008: Audi A1 Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiaudi a1 sportbackAudiA1Sportbackparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowsportbackThu, 02 Oct 2008 02:55:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi metroproject quattro Concept.

Buyers of the next generation of Volkswagen-developed small cars will have one more option box to tick when placing their order: all-wheel-drive. The new platform, dubbed PQ25, will find its way underneath a handful of new models, spanning the range from the low-end (SEAT), mid-grade (VW) and luxury (Audi). All-wheel-drive won't be an option for the new SEAT Ibiza, but consumers of the next VW Polo (specifically the CrossPolo) might be able to outfit their tiny runabout with AWD, while the Audi A1, due out in late 2009, will continue the automaker's love affair with quattro.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1all wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveaudiaudi a1AudiA1awdawd crosspoloAwdCrosspolocross poloCrossPoloquattroseatvolkswagenvolkswagen crosspoloVolkswagenCrosspolovw crosspolovw poloVwCrosspoloVwPoloTue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge-branded Chery A1 headed to Mexico soon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/dodge-branded-chery-a1-headed-to-mexico-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/dodge-branded-chery-a1-headed-to-mexico-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/dodge-branded-chery-a1-headed-to-mexico-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Chrysler and Chery will finally consummate their corporate marriage south of the border when a version of the Dodge-badged Chery A1 goes on sale in Mexico soon. The Chinese econobox will be built at Chery's Wuhu plant and exported to Mexico. According to a review in the Wall Street Journal, beyond a vibration in the steering column at 100 mph, some interior fitment issues and a lack of grunt with four adults in the car, the A1 handled the daily slog with relative ease. Not bad for a little over $5,000.

Sales of the Dodge/Chery A1 in the States are expected sometime in 2009, assuming that the subcompact can meet U.S. crash and emissions standards. Regardless, we're still waiting for the Hornet.

[Source: China Car Times via TTAC]

Dodge-branded Chery A1 headed to Mexico soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1cherychery a1CheryA1dodgedodge mexicoDodgeMexicomexicoTue, 18 Dec 2007 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Quattro Quarterly</i> lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a2a3a4a5a6a7a8audiq3q7rs-tttt-rstt-sTue, 04 Dec 2007 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi exec wants to bring A1 Stateside]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/audi-exec-wants-to-bring-a1-stateside/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/audi-exec-wants-to-bring-a1-stateside/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/audi-exec-wants-to-bring-a1-stateside/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above imge for more high-res pics of the Audi Metroproject quattro Concept

Even though the A3 hasn't been the sales success that Audi execs had hoped for, the automaker's CEO, Rupert Stadler, is considering bring the smaller A1 to market here in the U.S. Times and tastes change, and Audi figures that when production of the A1 begins towards the end of 2009, sales in North America could be feasible.

In addition to the A1, Audi has plans to become all things to all people, including new variations of the A4, plus the introduction of the Q5 CUV and the A7, a four-door coupe currently under development.

[Source: Autoweek]

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept

Audi exec wants to bring A1 Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a4a5a7audiaudi aiAudiAiq5Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi's Metroproject stays still for the moving camera]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/24/video-audis-metroproject-stays-still-for-the-moving-camera/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/24/video-audis-metroproject-stays-still-for-the-moving-camera/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/24/video-audis-metroproject-stays-still-for-the-moving-camera/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Audi metroproject quattro stars in its first promotional video. The 2-minute video shows a few of the cars niftier features, like the removable iPhone-like gadget that does iPhone-y things and also allows remote access to some of the vehicle's systems.

However, the car does appear to have a bit of stage fright. It's beautiful inside, as befits an Audi concept car. Lights flash, but neither the car nor any piece of it moves, and the video has no sound. Perhaps that's an allusion to the silence of its beautifully packaged electric motor in back... Follow the jump to see the video.

[Source: YouTube via German Car Blog]

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi's Metroproject stays still for the moving camera

VIDEO: Audi's Metroproject stays still for the moving camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a1 metroprojectA1Metroprojectaudiaudi a1audi metro projectaudi metroprojectAudiA1AudiMetroProjectmetroprojectWed, 24 Oct 2007 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2007 Preview: Audi unveils A1 concept before debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/tokyo-2007-preview-audi-unveils-a1-concept-before-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/tokyo-2007-preview-audi-unveils-a1-concept-before-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/tokyo-2007-preview-audi-unveils-a1-concept-before-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click the image above for plenty of high-res pics.

It's been over a year in the making, but Audi has finally released the details on its newest ultra compact offering. The Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro concept takes the ethos of BMW's MINI, distills it down into a more Germanic form and loses the cute.

The three door body style is nothing revolutionary, but the somewhat femme front clip and the brushed aluminum arches give it a more demure character than some of the automaker's larger offerings.

Power comes courtesy of a 1.4-liter TSFI engine, making 150 HP and mated to an S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. While that combination is nothing to get too excited about, it's what's behind it that is. A 41 HP electric motor is mounted on the rear axle, able to produce 147 lb.-ft. of torque when lying on the long pedal. With the new motor residing out back, this gives the A1 plug-in capability, allowing lithium-ion batteries to be charged and giving a 100 km range in pure electric bliss.

Audi also employs engine start/stop technology and brake energy regeneration, which the automaker claims decreases fuel consumption by 15-percent.

We'll have more details soon enough, but in the meantime, check out the gallery of images below.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Tokyo 2007 Preview: Audi unveils A1 concept before debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over the course of the last few weeks, we've been constantly updating our comprehensive list of debuts slated for the Tokyo Motor Show, but one glaring omission continually jumped out at us: BMW. We know they'll be showing off the M3 Sedan, but it was rumored that something else would grace the Bavarian's show stand. Automotive News finally shed some light on the mystery model, but it doesn't reveal much.

BMW will be showing a concept built atop the 1-series platform, but when AN quizzed a BMW spokesperson, all they would say is that the unnamed concept won't be the X1 mini 'ute. Our first suspicion was the 1-series convertible, but that's far too dull for Tokyo. We'll let the relentless speculation begin below.

As for the rest of the Germans, we know Audi is bringing the A1 concept to the show, which should be close to the production model set to debut in 2009, while Volkswagen will be releasing its first Up! variant in the form of a five-door minivan concept.

We'll be on a plane to Tokyo this time next week, so expect more to follow soon.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW to show 1-series based concept in Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-seriesa1audibmwbmw 1-seriesbmw x1Bmw1-seriesBmwX1m3m3 sedanM3Sedantokyotokyo auto showtokyo motor showTokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowup!volkswagenvwx1Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari and A1GP sign six-year deal, announce new A2GP series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/12/ferrari-and-a1gp-sign-six-year-deal-announce-new-a2gp-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/12/ferrari-and-a1gp-sign-six-year-deal-announce-new-a2gp-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/12/ferrari-and-a1gp-sign-six-year-deal-announce-new-a2gp-series/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following the news that Ferrari was in discussions with A1GP, the international racing series has announced that the two racing outfits have signed a six-year contract with Maranello. The terms of the agreement have Ferrari supplying the V8 engines for all the national teams competing in the series starting the season after next, when the current deal with Lola and Zytek expires. In addition to powering the new cars, Ferrari will also consult on the design of the chassis, which will be built by an as-yet undisclosed third party.

The deal gives Ferrari a de facto feeder series of its own, not unlike Formula BMW and the GP2 series owned by Renault principal Flavio Briatore. A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira also announced the formation of a second, lower-rung regional series to be called A2GP - taking a possible similar relationship as the Atlantic series to Champ Cars - with which Ferrari will also collaborate, supplying detuned versions of the engine. The deal should give Ferrari a place to field up-and-coming younger drivers and bring in extra revenue, while lending the open-wheel series added prestige on the world motorsports stage.

Teixeira also confirmed earlier speculation that, after bowing out of the Spyker purchase, he is considering buying into Scuderia Toro Rosso. The Italian F1 team, currently owned by Red Bull and former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger, scored impressive fourth and sixth places in last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

[Source: Autosport and A1GP]

Ferrari and A1GP sign six-year deal, announce new A2GP series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a2gpchassiscontractdealengineferrarigpsupplyteixeiraFri, 12 Oct 2007 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi still tweaking A1 prior to Tokyo debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/audi-still-tweaking-a1-prior-to-tokyo-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/audi-still-tweaking-a1-prior-to-tokyo-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/audi-still-tweaking-a1-prior-to-tokyo-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Tokyo Motor Show is less than two weeks away, but according to Automotive News, Audi still hasn't finalized the design for its entry-level MINI-fighter, the A1.

The problem stems from Audi execs that think that the current concept is too radical to go into production. Although Audi's designs have never been extreme styling statements, the idea of pitting sometime that's a serious stretch for consumers looking for an option outside of the MINI might be too much to ask.

Production of the Polo-based A1 is practically assured, likely to begin in the third quarter of 2009 at Audi's Brussels assembly plant. The new entry-level Audi will be powered by a range of turbo'd gasoline or diesel engines, between 1.2- to 2.0-liters, with a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter making it into the base model.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi still tweaking A1 prior to Tokyo debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiaudi a1audi a1 tokyoAudiA1AudiA1Tokyotokyotokyo auto showtokyo motor showTokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowTue, 09 Oct 2007 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari negotiating engine deal with A1GP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/08/ferrari-negotiating-engine-deal-with-a1gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/08/ferrari-negotiating-engine-deal-with-a1gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/08/ferrari-negotiating-engine-deal-with-a1gp/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ferrari is apparently running out of F1 teams to supply with engines, so it's looking to other racing series altogether for new customers. For the current season, the Maranello-based team had to have the rules bent so that they could supply their engines to not one but two additional teams on the grid (Spyker and Toro Rosso). No wonder then that half of the cars that finished in the points at this past weekend's penultimate Chinese Grand Prix were powered by Ferrari.

Like other single-seater racing series, A1GP, the self-described "world cup of motorsport", uses the same chassis and engines for all the teams. Lola and Zytek have been supplying the cars and power respectively, but with contracts up for renewal, rumors started to fly when Ferrari's sporting director Stefano Domenicali was seen at Silverstone during an A1GP test session. Ferrari has now confirmed that they're in negotiations with the series' organizers.

Rumor has it that the engine deal isn't the only thing A1GP chief Tony Teixeira is discussing with Ferrari, as insiders tip the South African businessman as a potential partner in Scuderia Toro Rosso, which would effectively become Ferrari's B-squad in the developing "super team" saga.

[Sources: F1i.com and autosport]

Ferrari negotiating engine deal with A1GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1cupdealengineferrarigpmotorsportnegotiationseriessupplyworldMon, 08 Oct 2007 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Updates on Audi: A1 coming, Tokyo concept, A8/Bentley diet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/updates-on-audi-a1-coming-tokyo-concept-a8-bentley-diet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/updates-on-audi-a1-coming-tokyo-concept-a8-bentley-diet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/updates-on-audi-a1-coming-tokyo-concept-a8-bentley-diet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

4Car sat down with Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board who heads up the product engineering side of things, and came away with new insights on the MINI-fighting A1, the future of Bentley and what products are waiting in the wings.

Starting small, Audi's new A1 will not share the all-aluminum construction of the less-than-popular A2, instead using the steel PQ24 platform that underpins the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia. It will be distinctly Audi in its design, albeit in a small package, and will feature a number of technologies - specifically the MMI setup - that's found in the quad-ring's luxury offerings. Don't expect Quattro in the beginning, nor will a three-door body be offered at first, but Dick confirmed that there would be a concept debuting in Tokyo next month that hints at the A1's styling.

Audi is also developing a new alloy structure for the A8 that will underpin the next generation of Bentleys, and will likely reduce the overall weight of both models by over 300 pounds. Also, the reworked A3 is coming next year, along with a convertible version, while the Q5 will arrive in 2008 complete with either a hybrid drivetrain or a diesel engine - both slated for sales in the U.S.

[Source: 4Car]

Updates on Audi: A1 coming, Tokyo concept, A8/Bentley diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a3audiaudi a1audi a3audi a3 cabrioaudi a3 convertibleaudi a8AudiA1AudiA3AudiA3CabrioAudiA3ConvertibleAudiA8bentleymmipq24quattrotokyoTue, 18 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi A1 coming to Tokyo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/audi-a1-coming-to-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/audi-a1-coming-to-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/audi-a1-coming-to-tokyo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Audi A1, which will come in coupe and speedster forms as pictured above, is predicted to make its first public appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year. Furthermore, it is expected that the model on display will be a hybrid. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Audi wants to move between 80,000 and 100,000 A1's per year, with the base A1 available for under 20,000 euros. The purpose of the A1 is to steal customers from BMW's MINI by being sportier and more masculine. The quote from Michael Dick, Audi's development head: "If a father is happy to sit in his daughter's car, then we made it right."

[Source: Auto Bild via German Car Blog]

Audi A1 coming to Tokyo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiminispeedstertokyo motor showTokyoMotorShowWed, 01 Aug 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[LEAKED: Official Audi A1 sketches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/leaked-official-audi-a1-sketches/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/leaked-official-audi-a1-sketches/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/leaked-official-audi-a1-sketches/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image to view all three reportedly official sketches of the Audi A1

The folks over at CAR online swear they have three official design sketches of Audi's upcoming MINI-fighter, the A1. Reportedly "smuggled" out of Ingoldstadt's design studio, the sketches show Audi's tiny hatch in three-door trim, though a five-door, coupe and convertible are also planned. Based on the automaker's Modular Tranverse Matrix (MQB) platform, the A1 will supposedly be cheap to produce, which may allow Audi to price it up to 10% below the MINI in Europe. Quattro all-wheel drive will of course be offered, though front-wheel drive will be standard on base models. The A1 is also slated to receive a new 7-speed DSG that's cheaper to produce than current clutchless cog swappers. Engines, meanwhile, at least for the European market, should range from 65 to 170bhp in gas models, as well as a 200bhp S1 model, and 75 to 130bhp for diesel models. CAR expects prices to start around €16,000, or nearly $22,000 USD, though we're not sure when or even if Audi will bring its little A1 to the States.

[Source: CAR online]

Gallery: Audi A1 - Official Sketches

LEAKED: Official Audi A1 sketches originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A1audiminisketchesWed, 25 Jul 2007 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi "A1" confirmed, will have different name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/audi-a1-confirmed-will-have-different-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/audi-a1-confirmed-will-have-different-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/audi-a1-confirmed-will-have-different-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like Volkswagen's Brussels, Belgium assembly plant will be getting a new product to build, now that Golf production has shifted back to Wolfsburg. Audi's new CEO Rupert Stadler has confirmed plans to build a new entry level A1 model, presumably to compete with the Mini. Audi is projecting volumes of 100,000 annually, beginning in 2009.

This is the first step in a major expansion plan for Audi. They want to increase sales from last year's 900,000 units to 1.5 million by 2015. Apparently once Audi sales exceed 1.2 million a year they will consider building cars in the United States. Audi also wants to increase their margins on car sales to compete with BMW. That means that the A1, or whatever they ultimately choose to name it, will likely be a higher spec model, sold at higher prices. What's unclear at this point is whether the new car will share a platform with VW's new Smart competitor.

Thanks to Christian for the tip.

[Source: Reuters via GermanCarBlog]

Audi "A1" confirmed, will have different name originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:34:00 EST