Autoblog

Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback

Chris Paukert — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Audi, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

At last week's tony Design Miami reveal of the 2011 A8 luxury cruiser, we were able to corner Johan de Nysschen, Audi's executive vice president in North America, and ask him for some tasty tibits on the brand's upcoming products, including the A8's sexier derivative, the A7.

In addition to giving us the first official confirmation of the A7's existence, de Nysschen revealed that the four-door coupe model will slot in "a little bit below" the new A8 in terms of pricing, just as we expected. Of course, it's worth noting that the 2011 A8 faces a price bump due to substantial increases in content and technology, so when the A7 finally comes to the States, the average model is likely to sticker at around $82,000-$83,000, which de Nysschen says is about the price for a typically equipped 2010 A8 (pricing starts at $74,550 plus delivery).

Based on Audi's new longitudinal modular platform technology, the A7 will be clearly related to the A8 (and the A6 replacement that will follow it), and de Nysschen says that the 2009 Detroit Auto Show Sportback concept car serves as a "very reliable indicator" of what the production model will look like. Judging by recent spy shots from our friends at KGP, that very much appears to be the case. While parts commonality will be "substantial," de Nysschen says that the A7 will not use the full aluminum spaceframe design of the A8, although it will have aluminum elements.

As expected, the A8 will launch Stateside in both standard and long-wheelbase formats, with the latter predicted to make up the lion's share of the volume (the A8L presently accounts for about 80 percent of the model's sales).

We asked De Nysschen about how the two models will interact in the full-size luxury sedan segment, and he noted that:

"This top end segment is characterized by more conservative people, and we need to clearly take lower levels of risk with a flagship model [the A8]. But we recognize too that there is a sizable enough cluster of customers in that same segment who are ready for a more avant-garde design [the A7]. So we will essentially be positioning two cars into the same segment, which means that independently, the volume each attains is not that significant, but when you put them together, it will mean that our share of that segment will grow quite dramatically."

All-in De Nysschen thinks that the A8 will account for about 4,000 to 5,000 sales per year in the U.S., and the less costly A7 could clear 7,000-8,000 additional units.

And what of a high-performance S8 to take on Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup, or the A5 Sportback? Click through to the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Continue reading Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback

Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7 caught in production form

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A7 Spied - Click above for high-res image gallery

The intrepid spy shooters at KGP have caught the 2011 Audi A7 uncovered in a testing lab in Germany ahead of its official reveal next year, and the sleek, low-slung saloon/coupe hasn't lost much of its flavor in the transition from showcar to production.

Although the shots don't give us a clear view of the front fascia, the headlamps and front clip have obviously been toned down from its conceptual predecessor shown earlier this year the Detroit Auto Show. However, its sloping roofline and well-integrated hatch would appear to prove that at least one automaker can create a five-door hatch that's simultaneously attractive and functional.

If our tea leaf-reading is accurate, we'd expect to see the A7 make its production debut either in Detroit this January or at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Powertrain options should include everything from Audi's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four to the S4's supercharged six, along with a V8 option further down the line. And if the BMW 5 Series GranTurismo proves to be a hit in the States, we won't be at all surprised if Audi follows suit and by offering the A7 in North America.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7 caught in production form originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: More LA-based pics of the mystery psychedelic-wrap Audi

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Mystery Audi - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Whatever it may be, I like it!" So says Autoblog commenter P.V. concerning a mysterious series of camoflaged Audis that have been popping up all over the place (this one was caught again in Southern California). We tend to agree. In fact, we feel this way about most new Audis -- especially since Walter de'Silva took over the design reins. While it may not be beautiful, there's no denying the R8's curb appeal. Subtler, but far sexier, are the understated lines of the A5/S5 -- no small feat to pull off with a three-box coupe. And while the Q7 looks like some sort of prehistoric giant sloth (hey -- even Hank Aaron had his off at bats), we're still with P.V. 100%.

So, is this the new A8? Hard to say. The C-pillar fits the part but the rear glass really is radically sloped. And that trippy tape job really does mask the mule's size. Could it be the new A6? Again, yes, sure, but... There's almost something too daring about the shape to be such a meat and/or potatoes ride. How about this -- it might be the long-rumored A7. You know, the swoopy "four-door coupe" set to compete against cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS. That makes much more sense. Take a long look at the rear glass and thick C-pillars in this spy shot. We thinks we may be on to something. Especially if you stare long and hard at the tail lights -- the outer ones appear real and taped off, while the inner lights appear to be fake pieces of reflective tape. A design that conforms to the blurry A7 shots we've seen. Hmmm... Thanks to Chris for the pics!

Gallery: Mystery So Cal Audi

[Source: Black Not Black]

Spy Shots: More LA-based pics of the mystery psychedelic-wrap Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Audi S4 and S5 to get turbo'd four-pots, massive weight reduction

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Audi

Audi Sportback Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Car and Driver sat down with Audi's global head of product engineering, Michael Dick, to discuss the future of the automaker's offerings and how it plans to tackle the ongoing issue of weight. While all automakers cite consumer demand and government regulation as one of the major reasons overall vehicle weight has skyrocketed in the last 20 years, Audi is actively pursuing its "smaller-is-better credo." To that end, the automaker currently has a next-generation A5 prototype running around that's 880 pounds lighter than the current car. Dick told C&D that the mule is using an increased amount of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel to reduce mass, and says while the current TT is 69% aluminum, the next A6 (due in 2011 or 2012) will have even more, and the next A4/A5/S4/S5 will feature more still when they arrive in 2014.

Dick went on to say that the down-sizing of the current S4 and S5's engine from a V8 to a supercharged V6 is the first step, and its possible that the next generation Ss will be 20% lighter, pack 30% less displacement and will likely come with turbocharged four-cylinder engines (think TT, TT S and TT RS mills).

On the topic of styling, expect the next generation of Audis to take cues from the Sportback concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The Audi A7 will arrive in production form later this year, and while the overall shape won't disseminate throughout the Audi line-up, the headlamps, tail-lights and refined single-frame grille will carry over to the rest of the range. Dick claims that the A7 is already eight seconds faster than the current S5 around the Nurburgring, thanks primarily to its curb weight, which is expected to come in at around 3,000 pounds. We won't believe that until we see it on an official spec sheet, but it's comforting to know that at least one luxury automaker gets "it" and there's no doubt it will pay dividends in the marketplace if all these initiatives come to fruition.

Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

2014 Audi S4 and S5 to get turbo'd four-pots, massive weight reduction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback concept, coming soon as the A7 [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi

click the Sportback concept for a high res gallery of what to expect from the A7

Audi continues to underscore the importance of the US market to its future fortunes with two world debuts at the Detroit Auto Show. In addition to the R8 V10 that we saw last month, we got our first look at the Sportback concept. The Sportback is a preview of the A7 sedan due to arrive in the next year or so. As expected, this is Audi's take on the four door coupe/sedan idiom. Compared to the Porsche Panamera, this is one actually works. It takes the look we've come to expect from Audi and updates it with slightly sharper lines and a reshaped grille, along with even more LED lighting.

The Sportback name refers to the fastback roofline and Audi boss Rupert Stadler made it clear that the new look will become a common trait in the Audi lineup, beginning with a new A5 Sportback coming later this year. Under the hood, the Sportback gets a 3.0-liter TDI diesel V6 with 225 hp/406 lb-ft paired up with a seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gea box. The whole thing is topped off with automatic start stop to give a combined 39 mpg (US). Based on these specs we can't wait for the A7 to arrive.

Hit the jump for the press release and a 20-second video walk-around of the Audi Sportback concept.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback Concept

Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback concept, coming soon as the A7 [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback concept, coming soon as the A7 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Audi to unveil A7 in Detroit

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Trends, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Audi

We can debate whether the "four-door coupe" is a genuine segment or merely a bit of marketing piffle, but that isn't stopping the genre from swelling at an impressive rate. The next chapter in the burgeoning niche looks to be written by Audi, as the German automaker has just confirmed that a conceptual version of their new A7 will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As its nomenclature would suggest, it is expected that the A7 will slot in between the A6 and the A8 in both mission and price, likely with running gear derived from the former.

The neither-fish-nor-fowl A7 will take on the soon-to-be-refreshed Mercedes CLS and potentially the denied-but-apparently-still-being-developed BMW CS.

According to Automotive News, Audi hopes to shift about 40,000 units of the slippery A7 worldwide, but it is unclear if this figure is model-range wide (a hardtop convertible is expected), or just the standard A7. In either case, sales are expected to commence in late 2009 or in the first quarter of 2010.

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]]

REPORT: Audi to unveil A7 in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi A7

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hatchback, Audi

Audi recently released sketches of upcoming product, and included was a slick drawing of the coming A7. That exact vehicle is plying the roads of Finland right now, and based on the few photos (and our non-existent Finnish) we can only hope that the rear of the car is buried in cladding. For the moment, it brings to mind words like "hunchback" and "what?" There is still time, and with the A5 still fresh in the design mind, we hope the A7 will come out better in the final flesh. If not, and if the home of the four rings keepw the next A8 closer to its line drawings, we will happily stick with that.

Thanks for the tip, Misha.

[Source: Ilta Sanomat]

Spy Shots: Audi A7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Audi A7 four-door hard-top cabrio

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Audi, Rendered Speculation

The blokes at Car say they've got the scoop on the upcoming Audi A7, including a convertible version depicted in the rendering on the right. Power is rumored to start with six cylinders across the range, with a V10-powered S7 and a twin-turbo V10-motivated RS7. Expect a variety of transmissions to be on offer as well, including manuals, automatics and dual-clutch gearboxes with six or seven speeds, along with the availability of quattro all-wheel-drive.

Sources have suggested that, while Audi will be behind the game in bringing a four-door coupe in the Mercedes CLS mold to market in the first half of 2010, it's got another segment-busting trick up it's sleeve: a full four-door convertible. And according to Car's illustrators, the A7 cabrio will feature a full retractable hard-top. Many have toyed with the idea of a four-door convertible - most recently arch-rival Mercedes with the Ocean Drive concept from Detroit '07 - but Audi may be the ones to actually revive the long-lost segment. Parade detail, here we come.

[Source: Car]

Rendered Speculation: Audi A7 four-door hard-top cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Will this be the new Audi A7?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation

We recently gave you details and showed you spy shots of Audi's forthcoming A7 four-door "coupe". Not much could be gleaned from the photos though, with the car looking much more like a sport camel than a sport sedan. A year ago, CAR magazine was passing out renderings of the A7 based on information it was getting from insiders. Their images were of an impossibly sleek -- and quite good looking -- stealthmobile that substituted a huge hatch for a trunk. Auto Express has new renderings of the car, and it maintains all the spirit of the CAR originals. It's still red and impossibly sleek, with a reptilian, evil eye front end treatment that says "Yeah, I'm lookin' at you..." We've been examining the wheel wells on the spy shots to see if they could really fit wheels as big as those on the rendering -- and we can't say for sure either way. If the 600-hp RS7 variant comes on feet that big, it'll be a serious looking car indeed. However, unless that rear end is hiding a hatch, you won't able to fit anything in the trunk except two-by-fours.

Gallery: 2010/11 Audi A7 - spy shots

[Source: Auto Express via German Car Blog]

Rendered Speculation: Will this be the new Audi A7? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi's important A7

John Neff — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of Audi A7 spy shots

Spy photographers have caught the upcoming 2010/11 Audi A7 out testing in Germany, and while the car cover makes it look like Charlie Brown dressed as a ghost for Halloween, we think the pics are still important considering how significant this vehicle will be for the brand from Ingolstadt. We can see the smooth profile, sloping roofline and short rear deck of the A7 that are trademark styling cues of so-called "four-door coupes". This will place the A7 in direct competition with the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW's upcoming 8 series and even the next Jag XJ, according to Automotive News. Some of Audi's internal documents concerning the A7 have been leaked and reveal the automaker's big plans for this car that will borrow its aluminum spaceframe from the next-gen A6. In addition to the "four-door coupe" model, Audi is also planning a four-door soft-top convertible! As if that weren't enough, expect an S7, RS7 and hybrid model, as well. The RS7 model will reportedly use the RS6's twin-turbocharged 5.2L V10 pumping 600 horsepower to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi really wants to hit 1.5 million sales by 2015 (it's currently just shy of a million sales per year), and apparently believes the A7 will be a big part of it.

Gallery: 2010/11 Audi A7 - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography, Automotive News]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Audi's important A7

Spy Shots: Audi's important A7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details: 2010 Audi A7

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

Part of Audi's plan for expansion includes taking the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW's upcoming 8-series and the Jaguar XJ replacement (due next year) head on. The automaker is convinced that the future of flagship sedans revolves around the "four-door coupe" body style and the A7 will be an attempt to dominate in that segment.

According to Autocar, the A7 will be 4,900mm long, underpinned by a stretched version of the A5's Modular Long Platform (MLP) that will also be used on the next A6. The platform puts a premium on optimum weight distribution, and while the A6 will feature a traditional coil-sprung suspension, the A7 is expected to ride on an air-spring setup.

Power is expected to come from a variety of gasoline and diesel powerplants, including a host of direct-injected engines ranging in displacement from 2.8- to 4.0-liters, along with a 2.7-liter diesel V6 and a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter TDI V6. Naturally, S7 and RS7 variants are planned, with the latter receiving the twin-turbo'd 5.2-liter V10 found in the RS6, delivering 600 hp to all four wheels through a new torque distribution system which will debut on the new S4. The base transmission on most models will be a six-speed manual, while a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a traditional automatic will also be offered.

Audi aims to sell 40,000 A7s each year, with the majority finding their way to the U.S. market. Look for the A7 to debut in 2010.

[Source: Autocar]

Details: 2010 Audi A7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:25:00 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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One more 'Official' rendering for your perusal: Audi A7

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Audi

CAR has been releasing what it's called "official sketches" from Audi execs privy to the future of the four-ringed automaker. This latest drawing shows what Ingolstadt plans to pit against the Mercedes CLS in the burgeoning sports sedan segment, likely to be dubbed the A7. Built off the next generation A6 platform, the shapely sedan will get similar styling cues as its cross-town rival, with a steeply raked roof flowing into what looks like a low-slung hatch.

Power is expected to come from either a three-liter V6 or a 4.8-liter V8, with the RS model fitted with a Lamborghini-sourced V10 in either naturally aspirated or twin-turbo'd trim. Expect a 4.2-liter TDI unit to be available in Europe as well.

Pricing will land squarely between the A6 and A8, so its safe to assume that prices abroad will be in the £35,000-£50,000 range, with the possibility of a soft-top model also being offered further down the road.

According to CAR, the A7 will make its debut at the 2008 New York Auto Show, with sales beginning in September 2009.

[Source: CAR]

One more 'Official' rendering for your perusal: Audi A7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered speculation: Audi A7 Cabrio

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

We brought you the news yesterday that Audi plans to bring another odd-numbered offering to market. The A7 will likely bite the Mercedes' CLS styling by coming to the party sporting a swooping rear roofline, to give it that oh-so-en vogue coupe appearance.

But, what of Mercedes' four-door convertible, the Ocean Drive concept? Surely Audi has to fill that niche as well, right? Well, in cooperation with Schulte design, Motor Authority decided to answer those hypothetical questions with a rendering of a soft-top A7.

Complete with LED lighting and a pillar-less greenhouse, the A7 Cabriolet gives us a visual approximation of what such an unlikely creature would look like. Motor Authority maintains that the A7 will be built off the new platform underpinning the A8 limo, which could utilize anything between a 3.2L V6 to a Lambo-sourced V10. Since all of it's educated guess work anyway, we'll say that the R10 racercar's TDI mill would be a good candidate, along with a new version of the Quattro system that has the ability to send up to 100-percent of the power to the rear wheels. Why not? Everything's on the table.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Rendered speculation: Audi A7 Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to double line-up by 2015, offer A7 and cute-ute

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Audi

There's been plenty of talk recently about the future of Audi and its plans to dominate the worldwide luxury market over the next decade. Audi execs seem overly confident that such a feat is attainable and they intend to double the number of vehicles populating their line-up in an effort to fill every conceivable niche.

Several models will accompany the recently released A5, which seek to plug the gaps between even-numbered offerings. It's been know for some time that a Q5 is in the works, but during an interview with Automotive News, Michael Dick, Audi's product development chief, let it slip that a smaller SUV will join the fold, along with a four-door "coupe," ala the Mercedes CLS, likely to be named the A7. Dick was also quoted as saying that, "We have 22 vehicles in the lineup already and the other 18 in our heads."

This product onslaught will be launched in tandem with a new brand campaign that places the new TT center stage and dispatches any form of tag line. The old, "Never Follow" slogan will be nixed immediately and the new ad campaign will focus on pushing the luxurious aspects of Audi - something that consumers have never attached to the four-ringed brand.

With the new A5 coming to the U.S. this November, Audi's first move towards expansion will be watched by many in the industry and the media, hopefully foretelling the future of the quiet German kid in the corner.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. - (1) (2)]

Audi to double line-up by 2015, offer A7 and cute-ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Going odd: Audi A7 renderings

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Audi

CG cars assault us from all angles, whether we know it or not. These days, much of what we see in car spots on television is created from bits of data, not bits of ore. No matter, the renderings are still labor-intensive to produce. For spots, the animators are often working with CAD files provided by the manufacturer's engineering department. The ability to create a CG car out of thin air is a boon to the concept-rendering community as well. An obvious example of CG's capability is the recent Superduty Superbowl ad. Less obvious use of CG can be found in Jeep's "Bigger, Deffer" spot, where the entire Wrangler is assembled out of 0's and 1's.

French digital artist extrodinaire Gabriel Rabhi has harnessed processor cycles to create an Audi A7 out of pure conjecture. Of course, there is no such thing as an A7 (yet), but rumors abound. Rabhi created the car as a skill-building exercise, to get a better handle on modelling techniques for complex objects. The multiple facets of an automobile's structure and skin are time consuming and often difficult to model. Cars are created almost entirely out of complex curves, and the only way to geometrically model such an organic form is by using NURBS curves. If it sounds complex, that's because it is.

Conclusion plus more photos after the jump

[Source: fourtitude]

Continue reading Going odd: Audi A7 renderings

Going odd: Audi A7 renderings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi A5 coupe

John Neff — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Audi

Fourtitude has nabbed some spy shots of the upcoming Audi A5 wearing original skin for the first time, and clearly its design will be the spitting image of the Nuvolari concept that appeared at the 2003 Detroit auto show. The A5 also looks like it will be a longer, more accommodating coupe than the TT, which can be cramped for those who are gifted in physical stature.

Fourtitude also goes into great detail about the A5's new platform, codenamed the B8. This all-new architecture will first debut in the A5, but soon after will appear in the next generation A4 sedan, an A5 convertible and the Q5 soft-roader. VW/Audi is an industry leader in parts sharing, and the scalable B8 will also likely lend components to the A6, A8 and rumored A7 four-door coupe. Follow the link to see how Fourtitude breaks down the B8 and catch a glimpse of a nice A5 rendering, as well.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Spy Shots: Audi A5 coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi readies pair of ragtops

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 20:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Audi

UPDATED: The Audi new-product blitz that we reported on earlier this year is starting to take shape, and the latest word is that the forthcoming A5 and A7 coupes will be matched with cabriolet models.

First up will be an open-air version of the A5, which will appear in late 2008, a year after the debut of the A5 Coupe. Further down the road, the A7 Coupe, launching in late 2010, will be matched by a cabriolet model in mid-2011. Bucking the current trend to folding hardtops, the current plans for the A5 and A7 cabs call for a traditional soft top, although a hardtop alternative is being considered.

Both the A5 and A7 are niche-market cars based on the A4 and A6 models, respectively, sharing powertrains and running gear with their mass-market siblings.

The two-door A5 offers classic 2+2 seating, with automatically deploying roll bars to protect the rear seat passengers. The A7 Cabriolet will be a true four-seater, featuring rear suicide doors to facilitate rear seat access while maintaining chassis stiffness in the big convertible.

[Source: AUTO BILD]

UPDATE: Images removed upon the request of AUTO BILD, follow link to view.

Audi readies pair of ragtops originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi product push includes A2, A5, A7, A8, Q3 and Q5

John Neff — Wed, 17 May 2006 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Audi

German luxury marque Audi is preparing a product push that will considerably grow the company's lineup by the end of the decade. The new models include an A4-based four-seat grand tourer called the A5 inspired the Nuvolari concept car, a four-door coupe based on the A6 called the A7 (AutoWeek illustration shown), an all-new A2 aimed at the MINI, the redesigned A8 with V12 diesel and V10 gas powerplants, an A4-based low riding CUV inspired by the Roadjet concept and finally an even smaller Golf-based SUV called the Q3. You can check out the schedule for each vehicle over at GermanCarBlog.

[Source: AutoWeek and GermanCarBlog]

Related:
Audi A7 coupe in the works
Spy Shots: Audi A5 coupe
Audi readying to battle with BMW and Porsche

Audi product push includes A2, A5, A7, A8, Q3 and Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 May 2006 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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