Autoblog

Hofele Design introduces Audi A5/R8 mashup to controversial effect

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Audi

Hofele Design R8 Look A5 - click above for high-res image gallery

And by "controversial," we mean "disgusting." Look, the R8 has those side blades because it's a mid-engine car, but Audi felt they still need a place for a set of golf clubs, so they lengthened the cabin so the clubs can be stowed behind the seats. Meaning that the body has a whole lot of extra length in the middle. Rather than go all BMW and start torturing the hell out of the metal, they slapped on some pieces of plastic (fine, carbon fiber) and called it a day, leading to a look that some love and others loathe.

Now, the A5/S5 is a superbly beautiful car. From every angle, the seemingly minimalist design gets better and better. Especially when you run your eyes across the length of its rising and falling center line that runs from the front fenders past the doors only to terminate in the tail lamp. Just about pitch-perfect. Truly, one of the better designs this decade. German tuner Hofele Design (apparently) had but one simple mission: how to destroy it!

The results are self-evident. All those people that are moaning and complaining that their Audi A5 3.2s don't look anything like a R8 V10 can now cease their protests. All two of them. Also, and we know this doesn't need stating but here goes: why would you go through the trouble of mutating your car to the nth degree but then leave on the "A5" and "3.2" badges?

Most people who know Audis (i.e. the very people that might have an outside chance of being impressed by this) would agree that A5 and 3.2 stands for the automaker's worst engine/transmission combination, the slow-revving 3.2-liter V6 that's already been dropped from the new A4 and the numbskull six-speed Tiptronic box that likes to be in sixth gear by 39 mph. So, besides the raw, inharmonious phony aspect of the body kit (nice fake quad pipes) why on earth bother? Especially as the badge on the back says A5 and the one in the grille says S5. That's a rhetorical question, because we all know there's no answer/point. One more thing: the R8 Spyder doesn't even have side blades. And hey, why not another: the camber on the rear wheel's all messed up.

Gallery: Hofele A5 R8

[Source: Hofele Design]

Hofele Design introduces Audi A5/R8 mashup to controversial effect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Audi A5 Sportback earns believers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi A5 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although the U.S. market won't be getting the Audi A5 Sportback, based on the reaction here on the floor in Frankfurt, Audi won't have any problem moving them in Europe. It took us longer to get clear shots of the A5 than any other car at Audi (even the R8 Spyder), and when we returned at the end of the day there were still numerous fascinated Euro types examining the car like it was CSI evidence.

The A5 is so beautiful on its own we weren't sure how the Sportback appellation might distort, but like the BMW 5 Series GT, it makes friends with the eyes in person -- and in fact, it's better. The S5 is the top of the heap model, and it will sport a supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft. Just 5.4 seconds takes you to the 60, but whatever speed you travel, you shouldn't be disappointed with how you look doing it. At least, if you're not in the U.S...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Audi A5 Sportback earns believers

Frankfurt 2009: Audi A5 Sportback earns believers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 priced, A5 2.0T starting at $36,000*

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

Audi A5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Audi announced it would begin offering the A5 with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for the 2010 model year, we expected the manual-equipped entry-level model to be priced significantly lower than the current 3.2-liter, stick-shifted A5. Thankfully, Audi didn't disappoint. For $36,000* you'll be able to get behind the wheel of the A5 2.0T Quattro Coupe with a manual transmission in Premium trim, with the Premium Plus model commanding $39,500 and the Prestige variant priced at $44,300. Tack on an additional $1,200 onto each model's MSRP if you opt for the Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Depending on the trim, the 2010 Audi A4 2.0T is priced slightly higher, lower or the same as their corresponding 2009 models, although all new A4s include LED tail-lamps on Premium Plus and Prestige models. The 2010 Q5 3.2 FSI starts at $37,350* and can be had with all-new 20-inch five-spoke wheels, a choice of Fine Grain Ash or Natural Brown interior inlays and a new Luxury Package for the Prestige model that includes leather door armrests and IP, along with ventilated front seats swathed in Milano leather.

Although Audi hasn't priced the 2010 Audi S4, it has released an on-sale date for its 333-hp sedan: August. Expect pricing to follow in the coming weeks.

Make the jump for all the details and corresponding changes for the 2010 model year.

* Excludes $825 destination charge

Gallery: 2009 Audi A5

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2010 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 priced, A5 2.0T starting at $36,000*

2010 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 priced, A5 2.0T starting at $36,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback revealed, not coming Stateside

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi A5 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

After teasing us with a video of the 2010 A5 Sportback, Audi has finally dropped all the details on its all-new mid-size five-door liftback. Building on the curvaceous body work of the A5 coupe and cabrio, the Sportback adds an extra set of doors, along with a tailgate to blend a bit of functionality with its form.

European buyers will be able to pick up a Sportback starting in September with a choice of six engines split evenly between gas and diesel units, all of which come equipped with direct injection. Like the A4, the 2.0-liter TFSI four comes in 180 and 211 hp flavors, along with a choice of Audi's 3.2-liter V6. On the compression ignition side, 2.0-liter inline-four, 2.7-liter V6 and 3.0-liter V6 units will be available, with the 170 hp 2.0-liter TDI rated at 45.2 mpg (US) on the EU combined cycle. The four cylinder engines all get automatic start-stop systems and the top gasoline- and diesel-powered V6s get the requisite quattro all wheel drive. Three additional engines will drop into the lineup in 2010.

This five-door sport hatch segment is quickly getting crowded with the BMW 5-series Gran Turismo, the Acura ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour and, of course, the upcoming A7 Sportback in 2010. Get all the details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback revealed, not coming Stateside

Officially Official: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback revealed, not coming Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback reveals even more in So. Cal.

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Audi

Less than 24 hours ago, Autoblog commenter Zamafir sent us a few cloaked images of the upcoming Audi A5 Sportback getting ready for its close-up at the University of California San Diego. Unsurprisingly, another camera-phone wielding student was able to capture Audi's new five-door A5 sans camouflage, and the results are equal parts telling and predictable.

Although the front end remains masked in these newest spy shots, the bit that matters - the slopping rear hatch - is plain as day, with a stretched C-pillar and elongated rear-quarter window, large rear windshield and slightly upkicked boot lid. The rear overhang doesn't seem disproportionately stretched and the profile proves that at least one German automaker can pull off an attractive mid-sized five-door without relying on a bloated rump.

There's still some debate about whether Audi will offer the A5 Sportback in the States, so just because it was shot in So. Cal. doesn't mean it's headed this way. Instead, expect the A5 to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September (possibly earlier, at the Audi Centenary Celebration in July), with a range of gasoline and diesel powertrains, including an S5 variant packing the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. You can read the full account of Zamafir's rendezvous with the A5 Sportback and see another spy shot of the new five-door over at Fourtitude.

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser

[Source: Fourtitude]

Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback reveals even more in So. Cal. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Audi A5 Sportback caught under canvas

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Audi

Audi A5 Sportback spy shots - Click above for gallery

Although Audi has said that it won't be bringing the new A5 Sportback to these shores, that didn't stop them from doing exactly that recently. Whether for testing purposes or marketing work, a Sportback was spotted here in Southern California recently and was luckily captured by frequent AB commenter Zamafir. Although the car was covered in camo, Zamafir says he also saw the vehicle in the flesh and offered his thoughts on the car:

I had the chance to poke my head around the A5 sportback this morning, it's a wonderful car. Out of respect for the gentlemen handling it I didn't snap any shots of the car with the camouflage off, but it's very much what you would expect the A4 with an A5 rear superimposed upon it to look like. It's very very cogently penned. All the lines are very crisp, and I honestly prefer the profile from the side to the A5 and the BMW 5 series GT.

Inside the dash is the standard A5 affair with a different sort of trim than I'm used to seeing here in the US, though It's an ingolstadt car so who know if it'll make it over. Kind of a perforated metal look. Most importantly, the rear seats are quite a bit more roomy than I had expected. About on par with the A4. It's hard to tell from the spy shots but there is a reasonable amount of head room in the back thanks to the way the roof liner kind of arches up towards the rear inside. Visibility out the rear windows is a little obscured by their dramatic cut downwards and backwards to facilitate the sloping rear.

Thanks, Zamafir!

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback spy pics

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser

Reader Spy: Audi A5 Sportback caught under canvas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A5 Sportback not coming to America, but you can drool over these teasers anyhow [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Audi

Click above to see A5 Sportback teaser in high-res

We've been seeing spy photos of the upcoming Audi A5 Sportback for what seems like ages. However, thanks to the above teaser shot and a new video from Audi featuring designer Wolfgang Egger, we now have our clearest view of the new A5's profile yet. Not to be confused for production model based on the Sportback concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January (which is also coming), this new A5 features also features a fastback body style. Unlike the current A5 coupe, the Sportback gets four doors on its flanks. Speaking of flanks it appears as though the Sportback will get even more muscular quarters than the coupe.

Unfortunately, we won't get the A5 Sportback here in America. In a statement released with the video, Audi of America explains that the new model doesn't fit its current plans for this market. In other words, the company doesn't think it can sell enough of the five-door hatchbacks to justify the expense of federalizing it. We'll hold out hope for the A7 Sportback, thank you. In the meantime, check out the video and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A5 Sportback not coming to America, but you can drool over these teasers anyhow [w/VIDEO]

Audi A5 Sportback not coming to America, but you can drool over these teasers anyhow [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi's A5 Sportback surprises

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Hatchback, Audi

Audi's relentless niche filling continues unabated with the imminent arrival of the A5 Sportback - the forthcoming A7's little brother. Reportedly based on the A5 coupe, the five-door Sportback will blend the A4's practicality with the A7's "four-door coupe" profile.

According to L'Automobile, power is expected to be provided by the usual suspects, including Audi's range of four- and six-cylinder engines. Count on the turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline four being fitted to the entry-level model and a few diesel options being made available to our friends abroad. Expect the 333-hp, supercharged V6 - currently equipped on the new S4 and A6 - to be available further down the road, along with an RS version packing a 450-hp V8.

We are anticipating the A5 Sportback to arrive in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, with the production version debuting at the Geneva Motor Show a few months later, with sales beginning in late 2010.

[Source: L'Automobile]

Spy Shots: Audi's A5 Sportback surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to offer turbo'd 2.0-liter on A5 this summer; V6 manual model dropped

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Audi

2009 Audi A5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

More news on the Four-Ringed front. We've confirmed that Audi will begin offering the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder on the A5 beginning this summer, and unlike the A3, A4 and TT, the 3.2-liter V6 will soldier on as an option, albeit only when spec'd with Quattro and a Tiptronic gearbox - the manual transmission pairing goes away. In any case, the four-pot will send 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque through either a six-speed manual or Tiptronic gearbox, allowing the coupe to scoot to 60 mph in around seven seconds. However, like the current A4, it doesn't appear Audi will offer the 2.0-liter-equipped A5 with its dual-clutch gearbox.

Other changes for the 2010 model year include LED tail-lamps, the company's third-generation MMI infotainment system and the addition of a "19-inch Sport Package" that takes the good bits from the S Line Package - 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with summer rubber, paddle shifters, front sport seats with lumbar control and the sports suspension - and ditches all the unnecessary trim. Audi Drive Select and Adaptive Cruise Control will continue to be available, and we've heard rumblings that the S5's trick rear differential could make it in as an option, but we're sending that one to the rumormill until we hear something official from Audi. Thanks for the tip, Adrian.

Gallery: 2009 Audi A5

Audi to offer turbo'd 2.0-liter on A5 this summer; V6 manual model dropped originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

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.

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Pics Aplenty: Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet

Alex Nunez — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi S5 Cabriolet (A5 Cabriolet gallery here)

With the cars' European launch looming in Q2 '09, Audi has flooded its media site with new glamour shots of the Audi A5 and S5 cabriolets. The press release detailing the Euro-market lineup is pasted after the jump. Across the pond, the A5 range will include a 160-horsepower 1.8 TSI; two flavors of the 2.0 TFSI (180 and 211 horsepower); the 265-horsepower 3.2 FSI V6; a 240-horsepower 3.0 TDI; and a 190-horsepower 2.7 TDI. The S5 gets the new, supercharged 3.0 V6 making 333 horses. Other Cabrio-specific touches include an optional head-level heating system and leather that's specially coated to help keep the ladies from scorching their gams in the summer. The U.S. models arrive in Fall '09 with fewer engine selections. Same sexy bodywork, though.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Gallery: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet

Pics Aplenty: Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not DOA: Audi Q5 hybrid coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Crossover, Audi

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

Last year, Audi announced it was killing off plans to offer a hybrid Q7 in the U.S. and several months later the automaker exacted the same fate on its little brother the Q5. Now, word comes from Wolfgan Hatz, head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen Group, that Audi will begin offering a hybrid version of the Q5 in the States late next year.

Hatz makes it clear in his interview with Automotive News that the Audi Q5 hybrid aims to compete with the Lexus RX450h and the forthcoming BMW X6 hybrid, but it's not part of a full-scale assault on the luxury gas-electric CUV set. According to Hatz, diesel technology makes more fiscal sense due to the costs associated with developing a hybrid system -- somewhere between three to four times more -- when compared to adapting a standard drivetrain to accommodate a diesel. Naturally, Hatz hopes that once development of the hybrid setup is complete it can proliferate throughout the Audi lineup. The 2011 Q5 will initially be launched in the U.S. and if it proves to be a success, hybrid Q5s could be sold in Europe.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Not DOA: Audi Q5 hybrid coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi RS5 undergoing testing

Audi's RS engines have never failed to deliver aurally. They don't even require you to wring them out -- just turn them on, and your ears and body cavities tingle with the sound and resonance. The Audi RS5 will continue that tradition admirably, if this video of it running The 'Ring is any indication. Based on that note, unless they've tweaked the exhaust from the 4.2-liter V8, it sounds to us like there's a certain V10 lurking in that engine bay. And if that's the case, this car has just made the number one slot on our Every Day Audi wish list. Follow the jump for the symphony. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil"

VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi expected to introduce A5/S5 cabrio next year

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Audi

Audi is intent on leaving no niche unfilled and the word from Inside Line is that the automaker is planning to unveil a cabrio variant of its A5 and S5 coupes. The convertible versions of the A5 and S5 won't be fitted with the folding hardtops that have become de rigueur among its luxury competitors, so expect a similar soft-top system to that found on the A4/S4/RS4 cabrio and TT roadster. Power will be provided by either the 265-hp, 3.2-liter V6 or the 354-hp 4.2-liter V8 found in the A5 and S5, respectively. Expect the new cabrios to debut later this year or early next, with sales beginning in the spring of 2009.

[Source: Inside Line]

Audi expected to introduce A5/S5 cabrio next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 May 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A5 convertible coming in 2009

Michael Harley — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:43:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Audi

We reported exactly one year ago today that an Audi A5 convertible was in the works. Word's out now that the upcoming drop-top will be manufactured in Neckarsulm, a city in northern Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The Audi RS 4 will be the new A5 vert's assembly line buddy at this plant.

The new topless Audi will most likely be fitted with the 3.2-liter FSI V6, which will square up the car nicely with the BMW 328i convertible. However, when the rumored 354-hp V8 S5 convertible shows up, it will go head-to-head with the twin-turbo six-cylinder 300-hp BMW 335i convertible. Unlike the Bimmers with their folding hardtops, the Audi convertibles will have electric soft-tops to save weight (and cost, no doubt). The A5 convertible isn't expected to debut until January 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show, and we've already got our hotel rooms booked (just kidding, we're so not that organized).

[Source: Automobilwoche via eGMCarTech]

Audi A5 convertible coming in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Abt AS4 and AS5

Alex Nunez — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Audi

click either image for high-res galleries

We touched on Abt Sportsline's range of upgrades for the current VW and Audi offerings during last year's Essen Motor Show. Unfortunately, we only had drab-looking photos back then, and frankly, the dark backgrounds didn't do much to liven up the looks of the cars.

Since then, Abt has seen fit to produce complete photo sets that show off the company's modifications far better than the earlier images. The available mods are spelled out here, but in both cases, Abt can transform the A4 or A5 with a subtle body kit (especially when compared to some other tuners), new wheels, a sport suspension, a freer-flowing exhaust system, and a variety of power upgrades. In a perfect world where we could have the Euro-spec diesels, we'd happily opt for the Abt-tuned 3.0 TDI. In both cars, it packs 300 horsepower and a stout 442 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, we could get around just fine with that. Check out the new photos in the galleries below.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt AS4

Gallery: Abt AS5

Pics Aplenty: Abt AS4 and AS5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:56:00 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 exec wants to bring A1 Stateside

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Audi

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.

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Audi releases new TFSI 1.8T for A5

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Europe, Audi

The VAG 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four was a staple of Audi and VW's product lineup for ~~close to~~ over a decade, but with the addition of the two-liter turbo'd engine a couple years back, it quickly lost its place as the defacto work horse for both brands. However, Audi determined that with a few tweaks, primarily the addition of a direct-injection system, they could revive the erstwhile mill in a move to appeal to consumption-conscious consumers.

They've fitted the TFSI 1.8T to the new A5, making it the cheapest way to get into Audi's newest hotness. Before, a base A5, sporting the 3.2-liter FSI V6 would set you back just over £33,000. When the A5 1.8 TFSI (mit manual) goes on sale, European buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of the Teutonic coupe for over £6,000 less -- and they aren't going to skimp on features either. Buyers abroad will be able to get Milano leather, tri-zone climate control, parking sensors, and an electromechanical parking brake, all standard.

For all the details, Audi's full press release is posted after the jump.

Continue reading Audi releases new TFSI 1.8T for A5

Audi releases new TFSI 1.8T for A5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi announces U.S. pricing on new A5 and S5 models

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Audi

Click the image above for more hi-res pics.

Audi has finally released U.S. pricing on its new A5 and S5, and those of you looking to get into Audi's newest hotness can do so for the bargain price of $39,900. That's where the base A5 model will start, complete with a six-speed manual, while the S5, sporting the same stick will begin at $50,500. Throw in the six-speed Triptronic auto 'box and both prices swell by another $1,300. Naturally, both models come with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, while the A5 finds motivation from the 265 HP 3.2-liter FSI V6 and the S5 gets going under the power of the 354 HP 4.2-liter FSI V8.

You can check out all the options in the press release after the jump, and expect the manual equipped S5s to arrive at dealers in November, while the A5, A5 automatic and S5 automatic will be available in spring of '08.

[Source: Audi]

Gallery: Audi S5

Gallery: Audi A5

Continue reading Audi announces U.S. pricing on new A5 and S5 models

Audi announces U.S. pricing on new A5 and S5 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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