Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch two Audi RS4 Avants play <i>Death Race</i> with paintball]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/watch-two-audi-rs4-avants-play-death-race-with-paintball/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/watch-two-audi-rs4-avants-play-death-race-with-paintball/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/watch-two-audi-rs4-avants-play-death-race-with-paintball/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi RS4 Avant with paintball gun mounted on hood - video screencap

Nothing to see here, folks, except a 2013 Audi RS4 Avant weaponized with a high-caliber paintball canon. No, make that two of them, one black and one white, playing paintball in an abandoned aircraft hangar. At this point, there's probably not more to add than "Watch the video below" while we get on the horn to find out how to get this as a factory option. And the wagon itself, since that's not coming here, either...

But what's cooler than two high-powered Audi wagons with paintball guns and push-button firing in a video set to cheesy music from a bad eighties rip-off of Top Gun? One car can dump paint out of spigots under the rear bumper, the other has paintball grenades. And now we've really said enough. So watch the video, and the two behind-the-scenes vids, below.

Continue reading Watch two Audi RS4 Avants play Death Race with paintball

Watch two Audi RS4 Avants play Death Race with paintball originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4a4 avantaudipaint ballpaintballrs4rs4 avants4videoWed, 27 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20480327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/27/watch-two-audi-rs4-avants-play-death-race-with-paintball/20480327/article-detail.xml 20480327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/rs4avantpaintball_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/rs4avantpaintball.jpg <![CDATA[Audi confirms four new TDI diesel models headed for US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/audi-confirms-four-new-tdi-diesel-models-headed-for-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/audi-confirms-four-new-tdi-diesel-models-headed-for-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/audi-confirms-four-new-tdi-diesel-models-headed-for-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Audi has thrilled the diesel fanatics among us this afternoon, by announcing its intentions to show a whopping five TDI diesel-empowered vehicles (four new) at the upcoming LA Auto Show. TDI versions of the Audi's A6, A7, A8 sedans and its Q5 crossover will be new additions to the automaker's US arsenal, while the Q7 TDI will continue as well. The news isn't completely unexpected, as we received confirmation previously that the A6, A8 and Q5 were all on the way with diesel, but the A7 receiving the engine is news, as is the reveal and on-sale timing. Our previous report indicated that the A4 would also be coming over with TDI motivation, but the Audi announcement makes no such promises.

All of the models in question will be making room for Audi's 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel under their hoods. The powerplant makes some 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and is estimated to return 24 miles per gallon city and 36 mpg highway when installed in the A8. The Q7 is good for 19/28 city/highway mpg.

The A8 TDI will be the first of the new diesels to become available in the 2014 model year, with that executive sedan being offered for sale in the spring of 2013. The A7, A6, and Q5 TDIs will roll into dealerships in the fall of next year, and the Q7 TDI is, of course, on sale right now for a stating price of $52,000.

Feel free to scroll down to read Audi's own press release for just a tiny bit more detail on the announcement, and stay tuned for our LA coverage, as well.

Continue reading Audi confirms four new TDI diesel models headed for US

Audi confirms four new TDI diesel models headed for US originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 audi q7 tdi2014 audi a6 tdi2014 audi a7 tdi2014 audi a8 tdi2014 audi q5 tdia4a6a7a8audiaudi tdidiesellala auto showq5q7tdiMon, 19 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383732/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/19/audi-confirms-four-new-tdi-diesel-models-headed-for-us/20383732/article-detail.xml 20383732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/tdi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/tdi-628.jpg <![CDATA[What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Land Speed Record Audi S4 at Bonneville Salt Flats

There are an infinite number of impressive aspects to getting a 1992 Audi to clip past the 260-mph barrier. For starters, there's the fact that Jeff Gerner managed to milk a full 1,100 horsepower from the five-cylinder S4 before shuttling the power to the ground via an all-wheel drive system without vaporizing an axle. That alone deserves a round of applause, but for us, the most awe-inspiring aspect of the feat is just how smooth and drama-free the salt flat run was.

The video below, whipped up by the artisans at eGarage, shows Gerner doing the deed in Utah. There's no fuss. No wild fights for traction or mechanical failures. Just Gerner riding along like he was cruising down the highway instead of blistering a dry lake bed and setting a world record not just for the world's fastest Audi sedan, but for the world's fastest sedan, full-stop. His two runs were good enough for an average of 236.599 mph and his top speed was estimated at over 260 mph. Check out the videos below for a closer look, then head on over to Quattroworld to read more about it.

Continue reading What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this

What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4audiegaragejeff gernerland speed recordquattros4salt flatsalt flatsurs4videoworld recordworlds fastest audiThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20346445/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/20346445/article-detail.xml 20346445 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-world-record-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-world-record-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi creates custom A4 slot car track [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/audi-creates-custom-a4-slot-car-track-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/audi-creates-custom-a4-slot-car-track-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/audi-creates-custom-a4-slot-car-track-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi Slot Car Track

Audi recently whipped up an interesting piece of advertising in Toronto's Royal Bank Plaza. Partnering with Slot Mods USA, the German manufacturer created a handmade slot car track, complete with a set of scale Audi A4 models. Slot Mods USA employed some pretty interesting tech to create the cars. Using an industrial laser scanner, the company built a digital outline of the sedan before sending it off to a 3D printer to create the bodyshells. Slot Mods USA then sourced an all-wheel-drive slot car chassis from a separate company.

Given how much emphasis Audi puts on traction, the cars were built with special magnets to keep them planted on the track, and each racer was built with a mini camera that can feed images to an iPad wirelessly. Drivers control each car via an iPad app, and the camera feed gives operators an idea of what it's like to drive on the scale creation. Check out a few videos of the track below.

Continue reading Audi creates custom A4 slot car track [w/video]

Audi creates custom A4 slot car track [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4appaudiaudi a4audi a4 slot caripadipad appslot carslot car trackslot mods usaslotcarvideoWed, 03 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20340211/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/03/audi-creates-custom-a4-slot-car-track-w-video/20340211/article-detail.xml 20340211 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-slot-car-track-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-slot-car-track-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi RS4 Avant [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/2012-audi-rs4-avant-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/2012-audi-rs4-avant-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/2012-audi-rs4-avant-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Only RS4 We Need (And Won't Get)

2012 Audi RS4 Avant

This is the B8 generation of the Audi A4 and, as with any A4 generation, there's no small wagon quite as scintillating as an RS4 Avant. The U.S. has never been gifted with this heavy hauler, and that is just one of life's many injustices. Even with the previous B7 generation that Audi pushed hard to popularize worldwide, the stunning Avant never came to the U.S. In fact, the only wagon we'll be getting for some time from Audi is the A4 Allroad, which feels like a token consolation prize.

This all seems an odd choice by Ingolstadt since the U.S. was quite a good market for the last RS4, but there's rationalization in the air. Audi is building the RS4 only in the Avant variation, while it's sticking coupe-wise with the RS5, then later adding an RS5 convertible. So we'll still get our fair share of Rennsport in two-door form.

But if you studied your Audi-ology, the small RS Avant is where it's at.

Continue reading 2012 Audi RS4 Avant [w/video]

2012 Audi RS4 Avant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi rs4 avanta4audifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivers4rs4 avantrs4 avant picturesrs4 avant reviewTue, 14 Aug 2012 11:54:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299859/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/2012-audi-rs4-avant-first-drive-review-video/20299859/article-detail.xml 20299859 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-audi-s4-avant-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-audi-s4-avant-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Audi reveals full details and specs for 2013 RS4 Avant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/audi-reveals-full-details-and-specs-for-2013-rs4-avant/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/audi-reveals-full-details-and-specs-for-2013-rs4-avant/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/audi-reveals-full-details-and-specs-for-2013-rs4-avant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Audi RS4 Avant - front three-quarter view, red

Audi has finally gotten around to serving up details on the company's 2013 RS4 Avant. Buyers can look forward to plopping their money down on a wagon with a full 450 horsepower served up by a naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine. With 317 pound-feet of torque on hand, the German manufacturer says its new long roof can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 174 mph. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox handles shifting duty, while Quattro all-wheel drive dumps the grunt to the ground. A sport rear differential will also be available to those who plan on doing more than setting grocery run records.

In addition to the galactic levels of thrust on hand, engineers have graced the RS4 Avant with new wave-design disc brakes, though ceramic stoppers are also available at extra cost. Audi says the new electromechanical power steering system helps give the driver additional feedback, while a quick 16:4 steering rack, massive stabilizer bars and a ride height that's nearly an inch lower than the standard A4 Avant help the machine handle twists in the tarmac. Sounds fun to us. Audi says the 2013 RS4 Avant will land in Germany starting this fall with an MSRP of €76,600 - a wallet-thumping $96,000 USD - a sum that goes a ways toward explaining why we don't expect it in North America. Check out the full press blast for all the juicy details.

Continue reading Audi reveals full details and specs for 2013 RS4 Avant

Audi reveals full details and specs for 2013 RS4 Avant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi rs4 avant2013 rs4 avanta4audiavantrs4rs4 avants4Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20256940/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/12/audi-reveals-full-details-and-specs-for-2013-rs4-avant/20256940/article-detail.xml 20256940 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-audi-rs4-avant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-audi-rs4-avant-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi at work on A4 Superavant?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/audi-at-work-on-a4-superavant/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/audi-at-work-on-a4-superavant/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/audi-at-work-on-a4-superavant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Audi A4 - dead-on view

Audi may be looking to fill the void between the A4 Avant and Q5 with a new model, according to Automobile. The company hasn't nailed down a name just yet, but reports suggest the vehicle will be a crossover version built on the underpinnings of the A4. That means a taller ride height, more commanding seating position and room in the rear for additional cargo. Specifically, the German automaker is aiming for the deep pockets of households with two incomes and no children as well as retirees with some extra cash to blow.

The company may call the creation the A4 Superavant or A4 Avantissimo, but no decision has been made just yet. Either way, Audi probably doesn't want the crossover to resemble a minivan. Just ask Mercedes-Benz how well that works out.

Designers are reportedly paying special attention to elements like the rear overhang, total vehicle height and the proportion of glass to sheetmetal to keep that image at bay. There's even some word that the vehicle will arrive with a plug-in hybrid variant, complete with the same 226-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 35-horsepower electric motor snugged into the transmission.

Either way, we can expect the genre-straddling model to do battle with BMW's forthcoming 3 Series Gran Turismo, which will hopefully look - and sell - nothing like the larger 5 Series Gran Turismo. Style it with the same grace and sense of proportion that marks out the A7 and nobody gets hurt, 'k?

Audi at work on A4 Superavant? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4audiaudi a4 avantissimoaudi a4 superavantavantissimosuperavantWed, 21 Mar 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20197910/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/audi-at-work-on-a4-superavant/20197910/article-detail.xml 20197910 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-audi-a4-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-audi-a4-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next Audi A4, Q7 to have e-tron Quattro option]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/next-audi-a4-q7-to-have-e-tron-quattro-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/next-audi-a4-q7-to-have-e-tron-quattro-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/next-audi-a4-q7-to-have-e-tron-quattro-option/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Speaking at Audi's annual press conference earlier today, Rubert Stadler, the automaker's chairman, commented on plans to expand the e-tron line beyond the R8 model due next year.

The push will reportedly include plug-in hybrid versions of both the next-generation A4 and Q7, with the 2014 Audi A3 being the first model out of the gate with a plug-in option.

Another report indicates that the same race technology being pioneered by the recently unveiled R18 e-tron quattro hybrid LeMans prototype will be fitted to the B9 A4, with a pair of electric motors driving the rear wheels (versus the front, on the racer) because of the A4's FWD architecture.

Stadler went on to say that by 2020, Audi will have an e-tron version of each vehicle it offers in every segment, which in all likelihood will be either a pure electric model or some form of hybrid.

Next Audi A4, Q7 to have e-tron Quattro option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4audiaudi a4audi e-tronaudi etronaudi q7b7 a4e-tronetronThu, 01 Mar 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20183913/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/01/next-audi-a4-q7-to-have-e-tron-quattro-option/20183913/article-detail.xml 20183913 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/03-audi-a3-e-tron-official-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/03-audi-a3-e-tron-official-628.jpg <![CDATA[KBB hands out inaugural Total Cost of Ownership awards to Kia, Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/kbb-hands-out-inaugural-total-cost-of-ownership-awards-to-kia-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/kbb-hands-out-inaugural-total-cost-of-ownership-awards-to-kia-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/kbb-hands-out-inaugural-total-cost-of-ownership-awards-to-kia-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Kia has taken home the first ever Kelley Blue Book award for Total Cost of Ownership among consumer brands. As you might expect, the award goes to brands and vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs. KBB examines depreciation, fuel costs, fees associated with finance and insurance, maintenance costs and state fees. Both the Optima sedan and Sportage CUV helped Kia cinch the win this award's inaugural year.

Kelley Blue Book also examined the cost of ownership among luxury brands, and Audi took the top nod in this category. KBB specifically pointed to the German automaker's low depreciation and good average fuel economy as reasons for the brand's win. The A3, A4 and Q5 all helped the automaker in the total cost of ownership evaluation.

The award is also broken up by individual vehicle categories, and there were some surprises among the winners. The Honda Insight took the Hybrid Car award while the Chevrolet Volt nabbed the Electric Car win. We would have expected to see the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf take those categories, respectively. Follow the jump for the full press release that reveals individual winners in each model category.

Continue reading KBB hands out inaugural Total Cost of Ownership awards to Kia, Audi

KBB hands out inaugural Total Cost of Ownership awards to Kia, Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3a4audikbbkelley blue bookkelley blue book total cost of ownership awardkiaoptimaq5sportagetotal cost of ownership awardThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167973/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/kbb-hands-out-inaugural-total-cost-of-ownership-awards-to-kia-a/20167973/article-detail.xml 20167973 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/00-2012-kia-optima-sx-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/00-2012-kia-optima-sx-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #267]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

BMW M goes Diesel, Ford Focus fleet sales numbers, California 2025 green car mandate

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Episode #267 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the addition of diesel-powered BMW M models overseas, the surprisingly high fleet sales figure for the Ford Focus, and a new green car mandate coming out of California. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #267:
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2012 Audi A4
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:15:33
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #267

Autoblog Podcast #267 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4autoblog podcast 267bmw mfeaturedfocusford focusmazda3silveradoTue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #267Autoblog01:15:33 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/autoblog-podcast-267/20161012/article-detail.xml 20161012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Audi heralds the return of the A4 Allroad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi A4 Allroad

Audi has been known for all-wheel drive and wagon rooflines for a lot longer than it has been making crossovers. Before cranking out the Q7, Q5 and Q3, the German automaker was making Avant Quattro wagons that carved up alpine mountain passes like nobody's business. And then came the Allroad.

Bridging the gap between a wagon and an SUV, the Allroad versions of the A4 and A6 take a similar approach to the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70, giving the wagon a rougher, go-anywhere image compared to the standard Avant estate. We used to get the Allroad in the North American market, but after a brief hiatus, the A4 Allroad is back.

We got a chance to drive the soft-roader just last month, but couldn't resist the temptation to snap it again for the Ingolstadt aficionados among us as it made its official North American debut alongside the new A4 and S4 here at the Detroit Auto Show. Click the thumbnails above to check it out in high resolution.

Audi heralds the return of the A4 Allroad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 detroit auto showa4a4 allroadallroadaudiaudi a4audi a4 allroadaudi a4 allroad quattrodetroitdetroit auto shownaiasnorth american international auto showTue, 10 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144233/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/20144233/article-detail.xml 20144233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audi-a4-allroaddetroit201202-1326214402_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audi-a4-allroaddetroit201202-1326214402.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi S4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Standalone Sleeper Sport Sedan That Still Keeps Us Awake At Night

2013 Audi S4

The always-bustling Audi stand at next month's Detroit Auto Show figures to be cluttered with a full range of eighth-generation A4 models, all of which arrive in the States sometime between June and July. The line's real marquee model is, of course, the RS4, but that Rennsport ingredient will not be seen on the stand in Cobo just yet. (So let's change that to almost full range, and some sources are saying that there will not even be an RS4 this go-round.) The sauciest A4 present will be this model, the new S4, considered by many - this reviewer included - to be the real gem of the range, especially in comparison to the seriously costly RS4.

It's best to call this the "latest" S4, because it is definitely not all-new. However, it does partake of the mid-cycle changes to the "B8" eighth-generation, some of which we recently addressed in a first drive of the A4 and A4 Allroad Quattro. For now, though, we really don't need big changes - we'll be happy if the S4 remains our lower-volume secret.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S4

2013 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi s4a4audifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivequattros4Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/20138053/article-detail.xml 20138053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-s4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-s4-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi A4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No Mid-Life Crisis Here

2013 Audi A4

We have no intention of inviting vehement vehicular debates, but they always seem to pop up when discussing this segment of the market. That's a good thing, because getting no reaction at all would be terrible when talking about cars that are so vital to driving enthusiasts. Our topic of the day is this refreshed eighth-generation Audi A4, and while few changes are readily apparent, any packet of modifications to these bread-and-butter premium cars is worth investigating.

It's been one heck of a year for the entry-level German executive class. Besides the addition of C63 trims and a coupe bodystyle to the fourth-generation Mercedes C-Class and the all-important launch of the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series, we've just driven the latest Audi A4 2.0 TFSI up, down and over various scenic Portuguese roads, and now more than ever, it is not to be ignored.

The 2013 A4 Allroad Quattro will arrive in mid-2012 at the same time as this revamped A4, and having driven the thing, we can now say that all the mid-cycle touches have been nicely presented. While we were already big fans of the eighth-gen A4, the model's reworked nose is handsome. Specifically, we note the more pronounced curvature to the hood, as well as a more planted stance. That's a bit of visual trickery, not a wider track - Audi stylists have emphasized the design's horizontal lines up front, and they've added new head- and fog-light fixtures, along with larger air intakes down low. It appears that Audi has deliberately "nastied up" the sensible A4 a little to better prepare it for the new RS4 range-topper we expect next year. (That is if the rumors of there being no RS4 this time around are just rumors.)

Continue reading 2013 Audi A4

2013 Audi A4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0t2013 audi a4a4audifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivequattroTue, 03 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/20138695/article-detail.xml 20138695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-a4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-a4-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi Gives Us Its Warrior Wagon For The Holidays



Despite recent sad decisions by Ingolstadt and the company's regional bosses in Herndon, Virginia not to include either the stunning new A6 Avant or the handsomely reworked A4 Avant in its U.S. lineup, Audi has crunched the numbers on another niche's business case and decided to throw us one hell of a bone. Arriving on our shores by July 2012 for the first time is this spanking refreshed A4 Allroad Quattro. As consolation presents go, it's a humdinger.

We've just had a shot at driving this latest A4 Allroad - a model originally created in early 2009 - in various European trims along the Portuguese shore north of Lisbon and over the mountain roads just inland of the same. We can say right off that the discreet slice of American premium car buyers who understand the Allroad legend have much to look forward to. They make up a sympathetic (though generally separate) fan club from those who buy the Subaru Outback. Allroads are for well-to-do drivers who share a passion for this rough-roading, do-it-all niche, and they won't be palmed off with traditional SUVs or their more upright crossover substitutes.

To inaugurate the second coming of the Allroad franchise to the States, Audi is holding the A4 Allroad's world premiere at January's Detroit Auto Show. Through thick and thin, Audi has always treated Motown's motor expo very seriously. Showing such a fondly admired model like the Allroad here first means a lot. There has been a lingering sense of unwilling withdrawal ever since Audi creased importing the A6-based Allroad back in 2005, and confirmation of this new model figures to be a homecoming of sorts.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a4 allroada4a4 allroadallroadaudifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivequattroWed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127421/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/20127421/article-detail.xml 20127421 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi celebrates 10 million midsize cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/audi-celebrates-10-million-midsize-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/audi-celebrates-10-million-midsize-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/audi-celebrates-10-million-midsize-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

10,000,000th Audi 80/A4

Any way you look at it, ten million is an awfully big number. All the more so when you're talking about luxury sedans, not budget hatchbacks. But that's how many mid-size cars Audi has built to date.

The total stretches back to 1972, through four generations of the Audi 80 and four more of its successor nameplate, the A4. The landmark was reached earlier this month when the 10,000,000th midsize Audi - a red S4 with two-tone interior - rolled off the assembly line at Ingolstadt.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the freshly facelifted A4 family, including the new A4 sedan, Avant wagon, Allroad Quattro soft-roader and S4 sports sedan. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi celebrates 10 million midsize cars

Audi celebrates 10 million midsize cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80a4audiaudi 80audi a4milestoneThu, 27 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20092010/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/27/audi-celebrates-10-million-midsize-cars/20092010/article-detail.xml 20092010 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webten-millionth-a4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webten-millionth-a4.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/2013-audi-a4-s4-a4-allroad-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/2013-audi-a4-s4-a4-allroad-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/2013-audi-a4-s4-a4-allroad-quattro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Audi A4 Allroad

The Audi A4 has been the German automaker's best-selling model for 39 years running with over 10 million individual examples sold, so any sort of major update to the machine is a big deal in Ingolstadt. For the 2013 model year, Audi has bestowed its A4 with revised sheetmetal and powertrains in order to keep it at the forefront of the entry-level luxury car arena... which is especially important with a new BMW 3 Series on its way.

2013 Audi A4 sedanA quick glance may not be enough to take in all the visual changes to the latest A4, but a closer look reveals that there are revisions to nearly every surface, including the front fascia, bumpers and hood. The headlights and taillights have been reworked to more closely match the rest of the lineup with a "slight wave" at the bottom and highly stylized LED elements. Inside the cabin, new steering wheels, refined finishes and a somewhat simplified MMI infotainment system.

European buyers will be able to select from six turbodiesel and four gasoline engines, all with forced induction and direct injection for maximized power and efficiency. In the States, we're expecting at least the 2.0-liter turbocharged four (211 horsepower) and 3.0-liter supercharged six with up to 333 horsepower in high-performance S4 trim. That's enough ponies to hit 60 miles per hour in about 5.0 seconds.

There's a slim chance the U.S. could get a crack at the new 1.8-liter turbo four as well, but we're not holding our breath. As you would expect, Quattro all-wheel drive will be available across the line, and power will reach the wheels through either a six-speed manual, CVT automatic (front-wheel drive only), eight-speed auto or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Audi is also introducing a new electromechanical power steering system for the 2013 A4.

We're expecting Audi to bring the A4 and S4 to the U.S. in the summer of 2012 as 2013 models, and we should also get the new A4 Allroad wagon as well. You can see a whole slew of images in our high-res galleries, and we've embedded videos highlighting the new A4 Allroad and S4 after the break (along with the press release, naturally) for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading 2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video]

2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a42013 audi a4 allroad quattro2013 audi s4a4a4 allroadallroadaudis4Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091470/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/2013-audi-a4-s4-a4-allroad-quattro/20091470/article-detail.xml 20091470 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-audi-a4-allroad-quattro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-audi-a4-allroad-quattro.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A4 Allroad gets freshy-fresh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/audi-a4-allroad-gets-freshy-fresh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/audi-a4-allroad-gets-freshy-fresh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/audi-a4-allroad-gets-freshy-fresh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi A4 Allroad spy shots

Audi is progressing with development of the its A4 Allroad facelift. Our spy photographers caught the model out and about during hot weather testing in southern Europe, which means the final production version is closer than ever before. It's still unclear as to whether or not the long-roof A4 will find its way Stateside due to the fact that the German automaker has placed most of its chips on its CUV range. The A4 Allroad is built to handle all sorts of unpleasant road conditions thanks to its tall wheel arches, slightly higher ride height and stout all-wheel-drive system.

We're guessing this machine would have no problem besting most crossovers when the dirt trail turns to rock and mud. While some photos have surfaced showing the A4 Allroad with U.S.-spec amber marker lights, the tester in this series of shots is clearly a European model.

Audi A4 Allroad gets freshy-fresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4allroadaudiaudi a4audi a4 allroadaudi a4 allroad spy shotsspy shotsTue, 18 Oct 2011 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20084472/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/18/audi-a4-allroad-gets-freshy-fresh/20084472/article-detail.xml 20084472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-audi-a4-allroad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-audi-a4-allroad-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi RS4 Avant caught on 'Ring with A4 facelift]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/audi-rs4-avant-caught-on-ring-with-a4-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/audi-rs4-avant-caught-on-ring-with-a4-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/audi-rs4-avant-caught-on-ring-with-a4-facelift/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

spy shot audi rs4 avant

Performance wagons are the securely on the list of items that make our enthusiast hearts go pitter-pat. Sadly, there is a distinct lack of options in this segment, and some of the very best products never make it here to the States. One such long-roof that long ago joined the Forbidden Fruit category is the Audi RS4 Avant, whose successor has been spied racking up the test miles at the Nürburgring this week.

We're not entirely sure what's going on under the hood just yet, but with the German automaker's recent remake of its S lineup, we wouldn't be surprised to find a powerful turbocharged mill. We also won't be surprised to hear the words "Audi RS4 Avant - Europe Only," when the wagon finally sheds its camouflage.

Still, we can click through the gallery and pretend that the Nürburgring is actually Laguna Seca. We can dream that our local dealership will have a Dolphin Gray example with our name on it, and we can hope that more performance wagons start to show up on the streets of the North America.

Audi RS4 Avant caught on 'Ring with A4 facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4audiaudi rs4audi rs4 avantnürburgringnurburgringrs4rs4 avants4spy photosspy shotsFri, 16 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20044968/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/16/audi-rs4-avant-caught-on-ring-with-a4-facelift/20044968/article-detail.xml 20044968 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-rs4-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-rs4-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Seat Exeo is Audi with the old, in with the new-ish]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Seat Exeo

We know what you're thinking: This car looks an awful lot like an Audi A4. But it isn't. And it is.

Regular readers may be aware that Audi's Spanish sister-company Seat inherited the previous-generation A4 some time after it was replaced. They put some new badges on it and presto! A new flagship model for Seat.

Called the Exeo, it has now undergone a minor facelift that did nothing if not make it look even more like an Audi, if that were possible, and we got up close and personal with the new model here in Frankfurt. Check it out in our high-res gallery of live images from the show floor.

2012 Seat Exeo is Audi with the old, in with the new-ish originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2012 seat exeoa4audiaudi a4exeofrankfurtfrankfurt motor showseatseat exeoThu, 15 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20043191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/20043191/article-detail.xml 20043191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/08-2012-seat-exeoiaa2011-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/08-2012-seat-exeoiaa2011-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi's Johan De Nysschen talks future product at Fourtitude]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/audis-johan-de-nysschen-talks-future-product-at-fourtitude/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/audis-johan-de-nysschen-talks-future-product-at-fourtitude/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/audis-johan-de-nysschen-talks-future-product-at-fourtitude/#commentsFiled under:

Johan de Nysschen

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen recently went on the record about future product plans via the forums at enthusiast site Fourtitude. In addition to clarifying the big news regarding Audi's diesel initiative in the United States, de Nysschen let some other product plans slip out.

First, he confirmed that the next-generation A3 will be sold as a sedan in the United States. The sportback will be discontinued, but the A3 Cabriolet may join the U.S. lineup. The new A3 will be a 2013 model, but might not be available right at the beginning of the model year. All we can say is, we hope it looks exactly like the stunning concept car that bowed in Geneva.

As for performance models, de Nysschen says that an S variant of every car in the automaker's lineup is likely, and hinted at the S7 being offered here. The RS5 is still slated to arrive next year, though it will benefit from the A5/S5 facelift that'll introduced in the U.S. over the winter.

Fourtitude's interview re-confirmed that clean diesel versions of the Q5, A6 and A8 are in the cards, presumably with the 3.0-liter TDI V6. The A4 is also expected to gain a TDI variant, though it will likely be powered by a 2.0-liter four. The Q5 crossover will also spawn a hybrid variant, which will be on sale sometime in 2012.

Head over to Fourtitude's forums to read the whole interview.

Audi's Johan De Nysschen talks future product at Fourtitude originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a3a3a3 sedana4a6a8audifourtitudeq5Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20004740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/30/audis-johan-de-nysschen-talks-future-product-at-fourtitude/20004740/article-detail.xml 20004740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x0b6700_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x0b6700.jpg -1 2