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[1,682 miles in a 2014 Audi A8 L TDI - Part 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/1-682-miles-in-a-2014-audi-a8-l-tdi-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/1-682-miles-in-a-2014-audi-a8-l-tdi-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/1-682-miles-in-a-2014-audi-a8-l-tdi-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We're going to skip the joke - because this isn't one - and get straight to the punchline: If the forthcoming 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class looks like it will lead the segment in interiors, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel in the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI takes the head of the table when it comes to engines.

After joining Audi for the 12 Hours of Sebring, we stood in the parking lot of The Inn On The Lakes on Sunday morning, our thousand-yard stare interrupted by the Citgo gas station across the street. We had one key, three bags, one white A8 L TDI, something like 17 gallons of diesel in the tank and one week to burn through it. For the purposes of a Quick Spin, we could have simply traipsed around the central Florida outback, all citrus, dusty scrubland and diners lifted from Cronenberg films, made short work of measuring the refinement and potential rarefaction of the oil burner under the hood and made our way back to the Orlando airport.

But dear readers, where would the adventure be in that?

After all, the wherefore of a diesel engine in a large luxury sedan we take to be only ostensibly about the CAFE numbers. Yet we think a side effect is that it demonstrates to US audiences what European businessmen and bureaucrats already know: Put a frugal diesel in a large car and you get the ant's pants and the bee's knees: room to move with interior space and room to roam with decent gas mileage.

So this A8 L TDI was our Bactrian beast, the camel we were going to ride until it ran out of fuel, at which time we'd fill it up and continue on. Our final route ran: Sebring, Miami, Ocala, Daytona Beach, New Brunswick (Georgia), Atlanta, Birmingham (Alabama), Atlanta. It was 1,682 miles of driving in ten days, it was two fill-ups, a lot of strange food, Spring Breakers, graffiti, Dairy Queen, sand and motorcycles - and one Ferrari - along the way.

But first we'll give you the short story via our Driving Notes:
  • The cipher to translate the diesel A8, thrown up in the sky like the bat signal, was "24-36-28-857." The first three numbers are the EPA fuel economy ratings for the sedan - 24 city, 36 highway, 28 combined. Take that highway number and multiply it by the 23.8-gallon tank and you get a hypothetical range of 856.8 miles, enough to drive almost the entire coast of California - on the scenic route - from San Diego to the heart of the Redwood National Park near the Oregon border. Or you could go from New York City to Atlanta with ten miles worth of hydrocarbons left in the tank. That's what you call "range."
  • The instrument striking the note is a 3.0-liter diesel V6 with a single turbo helping it put out 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That power number could read a little low for a long-wheelbase sedan with a curb weight of 4,564 pounds, but that lopsided torque figure is ready to pull the hard load. In price, weight and torque, it slots in between the long-wheelbase A8s with their 3.0-liter V6 ($79,395, 4,409 pounds, 333 hp, 325 lb-ft) and 4.0-liter V8 ($88,095, 4,630 pounds, 420 hp, 444 lb-ft) gasoline engines, but has 97 less horsepower than the 3.0-liter and is slower than both in the run from 0-60. It gets there in 6.4 seconds, the gas V6 takes 5.5 seconds, the V8 takes 4.7. On the other hand, it's 0.6 seconds quicker than the Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec in the same race.
  • Don't be duped by the numbers, though - this car is appealingly brisk. All of the torque is called into service from 1,750 rpm, so even though it isn't a firebolt, when giving it the heave at a light or when you need to jump into a (sizable) space in traffic, you never have to worry about having enough acceleration. Give it a running start and it's even sweeter, the sedan being quick to pick up speed when rolling at 45-mph-and-above expressway clips.
  • We also enjoyed the way it managed its power. One evening during the race weekend we drove the 4.0 TFSI some 8.9 miles from the track back to the hotel, and it was the celebrated jumping frog of Highlands County - push a couple of millimeters too far into the throttle travel, the turbos kicked in and you were off. It didn't take long for us to keep our right foot resting as lightly as cotton candy on the accelerator, happy to avoid its "Catapult" mapping. The 4.0 TFSI is a fine car, but in just nine miles, we were ready to exchange the keys for the breezy-yet-brisk diesel.
  • As for detecting it was a diesel by its noise, you'd have to stand outside the car, be quiet and listen closely, or sit inside the car, turn everything else off, roll the windows down, be very quiet and listen very closely. It's a non-factor.
  • The fuel mileage is a factor, and it's why we loved this engine. Look, if we need to start clubbing other drivers over the heads with our V8- and V12-powered nether regions, there is the much more expensive W12 on offer or bottle rocket barges from the voiture couture houses of AMG and Alpina. But the A8 L TDI has everything we're looking for in performance, and after 1,682 miles of city and highway driving at an average speed of 41 mph, we averaged 30.2 mpg. Compare that, in real-world driving, to the EPA's highway mileage ratings for what could be called the competition: 31 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec, 25 mpg for the S400 Hybrid, 30 mpg for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and 23 mpg for the Lexus LS 600h L. Lest you think the hybrids are at a disadvantage, the S400 and Lexus are rated 19 mpg in the city, the BMW is rated 22 in the city - 5 mpg and 2 mpg down, respectively, on the A8's city spec.
  • The bonus: It has the largest gas tank, the furthest range and it's the least expensive of them all. You'd save about $2,000 compared to the ActiveHybrid 7, almost $10,000 versus the S400 Hybrid, more than $10,000 versus the S350 BlueTec and more than the price of a brand-new A4 compared to the Lexus. And inside, it's still all Audi A8 - so if you like the sedan with any other engine, you'll like this one, too. Worlds have collided in this car, and they've gone champagne frugal supernova.
If you'd like the long story of our eight days and 1,700 miles in the southeast, and meeting the terrible roads in Miami and The Jedi at Champion Motorsports, then read on...

Continue reading 1,682 miles in a 2014 Audi A8 L TDI - Part 1

1,682 miles in a 2014 Audi A8 L TDI - Part 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi a8 l tdi2014 audi a8 tdiaudiaudi a8audi a8 tdifeaturedquick spinquickspinThu, 06 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577052/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/1-682-miles-in-a-2014-audi-a8-l-tdi-part-1/20577052/article-detail.xml 20577052 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-audi-a8l-tdi-02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-audi-a8l-tdi-02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A8 facelift on the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/audi-a8-facelift-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/audi-a8-facelift-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/audi-a8-facelift-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Refreshed Audi A8 caught testing under camouflage - front three-quarter view

The coming Audi A8 has already been spotted in camouflage on public roads at earthly elevations, and now our snappers have caught it at elevation in the Alps. The evolution will entail modified head- and taillights, different sculpting for the grille and a new bumper profile said to be more in line with the A6 S Line.

Inside, there might also be adjustments made to input controls like the gesture touchpad and the MMI infotainment system that include behind-the-scenes improvements like new Nvidia Tegra chips, but such revisions are expected to be minor. With the S8 and the TDI just having been launched, don't be surprised if engine outputs also remain the same. The prevailing sneaking suspicion is that we'll see the car unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Audi A8 facelift on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 audi a8audiaudi a8frankfurtfrankfurt 2013frankfurt motor showspy shotsThu, 23 May 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580816/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/audi-a8-facelift-on-the-way/20580816/article-detail.xml 20580816 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-a8-facelift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-a8-facelift.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi S8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/2013-audi-s8-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/2013-audi-s8-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/2013-audi-s8-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Italy To Monaco In Ingolstadt's Crushing Performance Saloon

2013 Audi S8

I had an engagement a while back with the Audi RS5 Cabriolet in Monaco, and getting me from my lair in northern Italy by plane connection is an utter waste of time since the first flight is always to either Paris, Zurich, or Rome, three cities not at all on the way to Monaco. So I phoned Audi Italia about a quick loan of a car for the three-hour-ish drive to this event, and they were simpatici enough to propose that I keep whatever they gave me for two weeks. And what they gave me was a loaded Audi S8 with properly chosen 20-inch Dunlop SP Winter Sport treads attached.

This was about to be a much cooler two weeks than I had planned.

On the other hand, several colleagues looked at me and then at the car, and then said, "You'll love the thing until it's time to fill it." I was determined to show them all that the 23.8-gallon capacity of premium fuel would not break my will to love the S8 as though it were my own in everyday driving over the next fourteen days.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S8

2013 Audi S8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a82013 audi s8audiaudi a8audi s8featuredreviewreviewsThu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20529570/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/2013-audi-s8-review/20529570/article-detail.xml 20529570 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-s8-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-s8-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/audi-prices-2014-a8l-tdi-from-82-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/audi-prices-2014-a8l-tdi-from-82-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/audi-prices-2014-a8l-tdi-from-82-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi A8 TDI

During the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, Audi told us that it would be bringing four new diesel-powered models to the United States this year. The first to arrive is the 2014 A8L TDI you see here, and we've now learned that the big oil-sipper will be priced from $82,500, (*excluding $895 for destination).

The whole new range of diesel models will be powered by Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, good for 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in this application. Of course, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, and even in the big A8, the diesel grunt will be enough to propel the long-wheelbase flagship to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds (almost a full second slower than the A8 3.0T we reviewed last fall). That said, the A8 TDI should still be a pretty engaging steer, and considering the fact that this thing will reportedly return fuel economy figures of up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway (24 in the city), a slightly slower launch time is well worth it. (The A8 3.0T tops out at 28 mpg highway.)

Elsewhere in the segment, Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel version of its S-Class flagship, retailing for $93,000 and good for fuel economy figures of 21/31 mpg city/highway. By comparison, the A8 TDI seems like a steal, and we'll be interested to see where the forthcoming BMW 7 Series diesel falls into the class of huge oil-burning barges.

The 2014 Audi A8L TDI will hit showrooms in the US this spring. For the full details, scroll down to read the automaker's brief press blast.

Continue reading Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500*

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi a82014 audi a8 tdia8a8 la8 tdiaudidieselThu, 31 Jan 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/audi-prices-2014-a8l-tdi-from-82-500/20444914/article-detail.xml 20444914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2014-audi-a8l-tdi-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2014-audi-a8l-tdi-la.jpg <![CDATA[Audi torques the floor in LA with four new TDI oil burners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2014-audi-tdi-lineup-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2014-audi-tdi-lineup-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2014-audi-tdi-lineup-la-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Audi TDI Models

The diesels are coming. Well, one diesel engine sitting pretty under the shapely hoods of five Audi models: the A6, A7 and A8 sedans along with the Q5 crossover are joining the already available Q7, each powered by a 3.0-liter TDI engine offering up 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Suffice it to say, we're pleased.

Audi promises improvements up to 30 percent in both fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions when compared to its gasoline engines. Not all figures are available quite yet, but the A8, which is coming first in the spring of 2013, will score an estimated 24 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The run to 60 miles per hour is expected to take just 6.4 seconds in the big sedan.

Not to play favorites or anything, but we're definitely looking forward to sampling the Audi A7 TDI when it comes to market in the fall of 2013, along with the A6 and Q5. Pricing is not yet available, though the Q7 has carried a $52,000 base price since it went on sale last September.

See the four new Audi TDI models in our high-res image galleries live from the LA Auto Show above and below, and there's a press release below if you're in the mood for some more reading material. Enjoy all that torque-filled goodness!

Continue reading Audi torques the floor in LA with four new TDI oil burners

Audi torques the floor in LA with four new TDI oil burners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[2013 Audi A8L 3.0T Quattro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/2013-audi-a8l-3-0t-quattro-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/2013-audi-a8l-3-0t-quattro-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/2013-audi-a8l-3-0t-quattro-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Finding Replacement For Displacement

2013 Audi A8L 3.0T Quattro

There are few things sweeter than the modern naturally aspirated V8 engine. In the past decade, we've been blessed to experience fine examples of free-breathing eight-pot goodness from around the globe, perhaps the best of which being the growling 6.2-liter unit that Mercedes-Benz once used in just about all of its AMG models, and a close runner-up being Audi's awesome, high-revving 4.2-liter V8.

But those fiery German V8s won't be around forever. Slowly but surely, Mercedes-Benz is replacing all of its excellent 6.2-liter V8s with lighter, quieter (boo!) twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter engines. And more to the point of this review, Audi's 4.2-liter V8 that we've loved in countless applications is now a rare find. For the 2013 model year, only the R8 supercar and RS5 sport coupe are left with this truly world-class engine, which at one point could be found in the majority of Audi models. It's a damn shame.

So here we are, the year 2012, and for every 4.2-liter V8 that Ingolstadt will no longer sell you, there is instead a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. We've tested it plenty of times in the A6, A7, S4, S5 and Q7, but now Audi's flagship A8 loses its 4.2 in favor of the forced-induction six. Displacement, meet your replacement. But don't worry - that isn't all bad.

Continue reading 2013 Audi A8L 3.0T Quattro

2013 Audi A8L 3.0T Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a83.0ta8a8laudifeaturedreviewreviewsWed, 19 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20326917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/19/2013-audi-a8l-3-0t-quattro-review/20326917/article-detail.xml 20326917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-audi-a8l-30t-quattro-review-1348025303_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-audi-a8l-30t-quattro-review-1348025303.jpg <![CDATA[Next Audi A8 could get RWD-based platform, jettison all-aluminum chassis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/next-audi-a8-could-get-rwd-based-platform-jettison-all-aluminum/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/next-audi-a8-could-get-rwd-based-platform-jettison-all-aluminum/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/next-audi-a8-could-get-rwd-based-platform-jettison-all-aluminum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Audi A8 - front three-quarter view

Just because the current Audi A8 is about to get a little update for 2013 doesn't mean we can't talk about the German automaker's next generation flagship sedan.

According to a new report from Car and Driver, the next A8 is targeted for 2016 or 2017. Part of the next design will most likely employ some form of "aluminum hybrid" structure, meaning a combination of aluminum and high strength steel as well as other composite materials (the current A8 rides on an aluminum spaceframe). Porsche is working on new modular architecture to underpin the next Panamera as well as the next round of Bentley sedans, and according to the report, the A8's successor is likely to be based on this architecture as well.

Though a plan for the next A8 has not been finalized, there is good reason to believe this transition to the Porsche-developed platform may take place. Wolfgang Durheimer, the new head of research and development at Audi, came over from his previous post as Porsche's R&D chief, so he is already familiar with the Porsche architecture. This shift would mean that the next A8 would be based on a rear-wheel drive platform. Even though all U.S. A8 models rout power through Quattro all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive models are available elsewhere in the world, as the chassis is FWD-based. C/D notes that this move would make the A8 the first RWD-based Audi passenger car since WWII.

Even if Audi did market a rear-drive A8, we suspect the lion's share of them would still rely on Quattro, particularly here in North America.

Next Audi A8 could get RWD-based platform, jettison all-aluminum chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a8a8aluminiumaluminumaudirear-wheel driverwdWed, 29 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20311665/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/29/next-audi-a8-could-get-rwd-based-platform-jettison-all-aluminum/20311665/article-detail.xml 20311665 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2011-audi-a8-review---03-opt_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2011-audi-a8-review---03-opt.jpeg <![CDATA[Audi adds 420-HP 4.0T V8 to A8, upgraded 3.0L TDI to Q7 for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/audi-adds-420-hp-4-0t-v8-to-a8-upgraded-3-0l-tdi-to-q7-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/audi-adds-420-hp-4-0t-v8-to-a8-upgraded-3-0l-tdi-to-q7-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/audi-adds-420-hp-4-0t-v8-to-a8-upgraded-3-0l-tdi-to-q7-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi A8

The Audi A8 will be ditching its tried-and-true naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine for the 2013 model year. Instead, the automaker is fitting its flagship sedan with the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that's also being used in the S6 and S7, good for 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque - increases of 48 hp and 78 lb-ft versus the 4.2-liter model.

Audi will continue to offer the 6.3-liter W12 in the A8, as well as the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that was also added for the 2013 model year. All of the A8's engines are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions, and Quattro all-wheel drive is standard across the board. The A8 4.0T will start at $80,900, excluding $895 for destination.

Elsewhere in the Audi range, the large Q7 crossover is set to get an upgraded version of the 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine. This massaged mill - which is 55 pounds lighter than before - now produces 240 horsepower (an increase of 15) and 406 pound-feet of torque (same as the 2012 model), and offers improved overall efficiency. The 2013 Q7 TDI is rated at 19/28 miles per gallon (city/highway) - improvements of 2 and 3 mpg, respectively.

The upgraded 3.0-liter TDI now matches the units offered in the Q7's siblings, the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne.

Both the 2013 A8 and Q7 will go on sale later this year. Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading Audi adds 420-HP 4.0T V8 to A8, upgraded 3.0L TDI to Q7 for 2013

Audi adds 420-HP 4.0T V8 to A8, upgraded 3.0L TDI to Q7 for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a82013 audi q74.0ta8audiq7tdiFri, 20 Jul 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20282336/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/20/audi-adds-420-hp-4-0t-v8-to-a8-upgraded-3-0l-tdi-to-q7-for-2013/20282336/article-detail.xml 20282336 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2011-audi-a8-review---03_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2011-audi-a8-review---03.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi A8 Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/2012-audi-a8-hybrid-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/2012-audi-a8-hybrid-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/2012-audi-a8-hybrid-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diesel Versus Electrons Debate Continues

2012 Audi A8 Hybrid

When it comes to the hybrid market, we assume - as most of you probably do as well - that the United States is at the top of the list to get whatever hybrid models an automaker builds. That vision is apparently altering for the Germans, though, as Audi is not bringing this A8 Hybrid to the States, instead favoring Western Europe and particularly Asia.

The start of deliveries in Europe already commenced in May, and Asian deliveries will start by 2013 as Audi mulls bringing the long-wheelbase version there, as well as a right-hand-drive model. The choice to not invite North American consumers to the party might not be a forever sort of thing, but at least for the next few years, the plan appears to be set in stone.

To be honest, Audi's full parallel hybrid strategy, along with that of parent Volkswagen Group's larger cars and SUVs in general, isn't terribly amazing - there's no thinking going on outside of the box here. Across the entire VW corporate family, the better choice for these bigger cruisers is always the range of outstanding diesels that generally weigh less and can cost less than their hybrid brethren. Nonetheless, Audi's high-tech image demands that the brand show it can play in every alternative propulsion sector. With China being Audi's best market by far, this A8 Hybrid has that nation writ all over its business plan.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid

2012 Audi A8 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a8 hybrida8a8 hybridaudiaudi a8featuredfirst driveFirstDrivehybridMon, 09 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20273750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/2012-audi-a8-hybrid-first-drive-review/20273750/article-detail.xml 20273750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-audi-a8-hybrid-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-audi-a8-hybrid-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Who makes the best night-vision system? <i>Car and Driver</i> weighs in]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/who-makes-the-best-night-vision-system-car-and-driver-we/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/who-makes-the-best-night-vision-system-car-and-driver-we/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/who-makes-the-best-night-vision-system-car-and-driver-we/#commentsFiled under: , ,

C&D test night vision systems

Car and Driver Tested continues with an episode comparing the night vision systems from the Big Three German luxury makers. While the testing involves a remote-controlled turkey and a deer crossbred with a construction cone, the most interesting thing the guys from C/D do is to cover the windshields of the cars to try and drive through an autocross course relying on technology alone. Hence the conversation through the sunroofs you see pictured above.

And the results? While we wouldn't call it an epic fail, it is an entertaining one. Night vision is one of the bells and whistles that's probably not destined to trickle down from the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class anytime soon, but like most luxury features it's an impressive display of engineering.

Scroll down to watch the full episode.

Continue reading Who makes the best night-vision system? Car and Driver weighs in

Who makes the best night-vision system? Car and Driver weighs in originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesa8audiautocrossbmwCar and Drivercl-classmercedesnight visionnight vision systemMon, 18 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260610/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/18/who-makes-the-best-night-vision-system-car-and-driver-we/20260610/article-detail.xml 20260610 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/cd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/cd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi A8 3.0T matches 4.2 V8 fuel economy numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-audi-a8-3-0t-matches-4-2-v8-fuel-economy-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-audi-a8-3-0t-matches-4-2-v8-fuel-economy-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-audi-a8-3-0t-matches-4-2-v8-fuel-economy-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When Audi announced the 2013 A8 with the 3.0T V6, it didn't mention fuel economy numbers but did tout the 333-horsepower engine's "great efficiency." According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the V6 efficiency exactly matches that of the more powerful 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 - the 3.0T was rated the same 18 city, 28 highway as the naturally aspirated 4.2.

It's figured that the stop/start system fitted to the V6 will provide a slight bump, which, since the EPA doesn't factory such tech into its testing, doesn't register in the official numbers. It's difficult to make fuel economy comparisons with the same engines in other countries since they have different power ratings; in Germany, for instance, the V6 is rated at 286 hp, the 4.2 isn't offered and the 4.0 TSFI V8 makes 414 hp - but in that case, the V6 does get better gas mileage, if you're wondering.

Speaking of wondering, that's what many including our own commenters are doing about the space between the 333-hp V6 and 520-hp V8 in the S8. The report in Car and Driver posits a detuned version of the S8's motor. No matter what, the V6 A8 will be less expensive than all of them, which was the real point all along.

2013 Audi A8 3.0T matches 4.2 V8 fuel economy numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0ta8audiaudi a8audi a8 3.0tepafuel economympgTue, 08 May 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/2013-audi-a8-3-0t-matches-4-2-v8-fuel-economy-numbers/20233416/article-detail.xml 20233416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audia8mpg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audia8mpg.jpg <![CDATA[Next Audi flagship will drive autonomously in traffic jams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/next-audi-flagship-will-drive-autonomously-in-traffic-jams/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/next-audi-flagship-will-drive-autonomously-in-traffic-jams/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/next-audi-flagship-will-drive-autonomously-in-traffic-jams/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Audi had plenty to announce at CES, including the debut of its new Audi Connect system and Touchpad-integrated MMI knob, modular entertainment platform, NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset and its planned expansion of both infotainment and active safety systems.

On the safety front, Audi execs announced plans to introduce a new system dubbed Traffic Jam Assistant, which recognizes when a driver is stuck in start-and-stop traffic and can be switched into an autonomous mode that takes complete control of the steering, acceleration and brakes.

The system uses the front-mounted adaptive cruise control sensors combined with wide-angle video cameras to detect lane markings, other vehicles, barriers and pedestrians, and can control the vehicle without any driver intervention up to 37 mph. Eight ultrasonic sensors also keep tabs on what's in front of and at the sides of the vehicle, with the front sensors not only tracking the vehicle ahead, but - like Nissan's latest Predictive Forward Collision Warning System - several vehicles ahead.

If this all sounds familiar, it should. And so should the name. Mercedes-Benz has been working on a similar system called Traffic Jam Assist, which we sampled in an S-Class last year.

Like Mercedes' system, Audi's implementation should make it to market sometime next year, likely in its refreshed range-topping A8.

Next Audi flagship will drive autonomously in traffic jams originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8audiaudi a8audi traffic jam assistantcesces 2012traffic jam assistantThu, 12 Jan 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146687/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/next-audi-flagship-will-drive-autonomously-in-traffic-jams/20146687/article-detail.xml 20146687 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audi-traffic-jam-assistant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audi-traffic-jam-assistant-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi confirms 3.0T powertrain for 2013 A8 in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-confirms-3-0t-powertrain-for-2013-a8-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-confirms-3-0t-powertrain-for-2013-a8-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-confirms-3-0t-powertrain-for-2013-a8-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Audi A8

Audi has confirmed at the Detroit Auto Show that its 2013 A8 will be available with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the United States. Delivering 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque through all four wheels, the A8 3.0T will be sold in both both short- and long-wheelbase formats and it will be one of a growing crop of vehicles sold in North America with start/stop technology. The move follows confirmation that Audi will also market its flagship luxury sedan with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder TDI diesel engine.

Both powertrain combinations have already been offered in the A8 in other markets, and both engines have already been featured in other Audi models sold here, but these powerplants will be the first six-cylinder A8s sold in North America. Audi has not released official fuel economy estimates for these new powertrains.

Continue reading Audi confirms 3.0T powertrain for 2013 A8 in U.S.

Audi confirms 3.0T powertrain for 2013 A8 in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a83.0ta8audiaudi a8detroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showTue, 10 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144419/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/audi-confirms-3-0t-powertrain-for-2013-a8-in-u-s/20144419/article-detail.xml 20144419 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/2011-audi-a8-review---03-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/2011-audi-a8-review---03-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/audi-connect-now-with-google-streetview-internet-radio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/audi-connect-now-with-google-streetview-internet-radio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/audi-connect-now-with-google-streetview-internet-radio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



After Audi announced Google Earth integration in the 2011 A8, the next obvious question we had was when Google Street View was coming. The only response we got: "Just wait."

Well, the waiting is over. Audi announced today that Street View - Google's relentless outdoor photographing service - will join the high-resolution aerial and satellite images embedded in Audi's Connect infotainment system.

According to Audi, the system pre-loads data for your selected route and then integrates with your smartphone's UTMS module to provide a 360-degree view for the driver - most helpful when looking for a specific business or residence in a congested urban area.

Audi also announced its "music stream" service, which, like BMW's Internet Radio functionality, allows drivers to select from over 4,000 internet radio stations from around the world and stream them through the stereo. Details on both systems can be found in the press blast after the break.

Continue reading Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio

Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8audiaudi a8audi street viewauid street viewgoogle street viewstreet viewTue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20125682/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/audi-connect-now-with-google-streetview-internet-radio/20125682/article-detail.xml 20125682 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/at110275large-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/at110275large-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi S8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Surgical Scalpel Of Super Sports Sedans



This is less a story about a car than the tale of a 520-horsepower Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) V8 engine and the vehicle Audi reengineered to surround it. That's not even our idea: Sven Stockmar, Audi's Global Head of Product Marketing, made a point of standing behind a model of the engine - not the S8 - when he began his presentation.

This idea you can call ours: If we found the 2011 A8 "A Plus-Sized S4 with World-Beating Tech," then a single-sentence review of the S8 is [spoiler alert]: "A Plus-Sized S4 with 520 Horsepower and World-Beating Tech." There is no question that the results shine brightly and one Audi exec was right to label the S8 as "a smarter force." We only wish the car were, well, more forceful about it.

Continue reading 2012 Audi S8

2012 Audi S8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi2012 audi s82012 s8a8audiaudi s8featuredfirst driveFirstDrives8Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/20111764/article-detail.xml 20111764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/022012audis8firstdrive-opt2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/022012audis8firstdrive-opt2.jpg <![CDATA[AdSpotting: Audi recognizes true greatness in the new A8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/adspotting-audi-recognizes-true-greatness-in-the-new-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/adspotting-audi-recognizes-true-greatness-in-the-new-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/adspotting-audi-recognizes-true-greatness-in-the-new-a8/#commentsFiled under: , ,

audi a8 true greatness

Company: Volkswagen

Brand: Audi

Medium: TV

Ad Agency: Venables Bell & Partners

Product: Audi A8

Campaign: The Best

What We Like: Audi believes its latest A8 is a truly great automobile, and it's running with this idea because it seems both Car and Driver and Road & Track agree. Rather than simply spouting off a list of why it may have earned recognition, Audi is tackling its perceived greatness in a humorous manner. The spots are short, funny and to the point. The message is that you'd have to be clueless not to see the greatness put forth by Audi in its A8.

What We Don't Like: While the greatness is certainly inherent in the brand new A8, it almost seems like Audi is screaming at you to notice it. Still, if that is our one minor quibble, these ads are in pretty good shape.

Strategy: The all-new Audi A8 is a great car, and it recently received Best Large Luxury Sedan accolades from both Car and Driver and Road & Track. The automaker's ad agency is taking those awards and running with them. True greatness, as is shown in the new A8, is something that should be instantly recognizable, and it seems those who fail to see it are simply clueless.

Grade: A- (the minus is because of the perceived shouting, but the overall humor wins out).

Watch the videos after the jump and give it your own grade below.

View Poll

Continue reading AdSpotting: Audi recognizes true greatness in the new A8

AdSpotting: Audi recognizes true greatness in the new A8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8ad spottingadspottingadspotting audiaudiaudi a8audi adtrue greatnessvenables bell and partnersvideoThu, 22 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20049048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/22/adspotting-audi-recognizes-true-greatness-in-the-new-a8/20049048/article-detail.xml 20049048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-a8-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-a8-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Audi adds more luxury to the A8L W12 with the Exclusive Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/audi-a8-w12-exclusive-concept-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/audi-a8-w12-exclusive-concept-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/audi-a8-w12-exclusive-concept-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi A8 L W12 Exclusive Concept

For those that think the Audi A8L W12 isn't luxurious enough, the German automaker debuted a limited edition model here in Frankfurt dubbed the "Exclusive Concept." The A8 follows the R8 and Q7 as models available under the Exclusive label.

Unlike the R8 program that allows buyers to customize their interior, Audi has already made the choice for you with the A8L W12. The car features a unique interior with Cognac-colored Poltrona Frau leather and inlays made from olive ash. Leather covers nearly every inch of the car including the dashboard, center console, and door trims. Even the car key is made from high quality cow hide. Audi says that it plans on producing the A8 L W12 Exclusive, although just fifty examples are slated to be built.

Follow the jump for the official details in Audi's press release or check out our photos live from the show floor in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Audi adds more luxury to the A8L W12 with the Exclusive Concept

Audi adds more luxury to the A8L W12 with the Exclusive Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt motor show2012 audi a82012 audi a8l w12audiaudi a8audi a8l w12audi a8l w12 exclusiveaudi a8l w12 exclusive conceptfrankfurtfrankfurt 2011Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042522/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/audi-a8-w12-exclusive-concept-frankfurt-2011/20042522/article-detail.xml 20042522 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-a8-l-w12-exclusive-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-a8-l-w12-exclusive-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Audi spills the beans on production 37 mpg A8 Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-spills-the-beans-on-production-37-mpg-a8-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-spills-the-beans-on-production-37-mpg-a8-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-spills-the-beans-on-production-37-mpg-a8-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: ,



Diesel-lovin' Audi is slowly, slowly coming to grips with this whole hybrid thing. Earlier this year, the "We're not against hybrids" automaker finally gave out some real information about its hybrid Q5 (after years of teases and killing the program once,) and we saw the A6 hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Today, Audi is making good on the promise it made at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010 when it showed off a thinly disguised hybrid A8 concept.

Due out in 2012 (coincidentally, the 15th anniversary of the Toyota Prius), the A8 hybrid should appeal to customers who crave the German automaker's style and dislike stopping for petrol every third day. The A8 hybrid uses a 2.0 TFSI engine and an electric motor to crank out a peak output of 180 kW (245 horsepower) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque. Audi says all that power and style will come with 37 mpg (U.S.), which doesn't put the A8 at the top of the hybrid efficiency pack - remember, the A8 is huge - but it beats the pants off of the gas-only A8, which the EPA rates at 18/28/21 (city/highway/combined) mpg.

Even better for late night stealth missions to the golf course, the A8 hybrid can go three kilometers (1.86 miles) and up to 60 km/h (37.28 mph) using nothing but energy stored in its 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. Once the luxury sedan is up to speed, it can move down the highway at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on battery power, too. These are all good numbers (if only estimations from Audi, for now), and we eagerly await the chance to see how the A8 Hybrid operates in the real world. Until that time, check out the gallery below and read more details in the press release available after the jump.

Continue reading Audi spills the beans on production 37 mpg A8 Hybrid

Audi spills the beans on production 37 mpg A8 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8 hybridaudiaudi a8audi a8 hybridaudi hybridWed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20025523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/audi-spills-the-beans-on-production-37-mpg-a8-hybrid/20025523/article-detail.xml 20025523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/audi-a8-hybrid-03-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/audi-a8-hybrid-03-630.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A8 a hot seller out of the gates, nearly 60% boost in production planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-a8-a-hot-seller-out-of-the-gates-nearly-60-boost-in-produ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-a8-a-hot-seller-out-of-the-gates-nearly-60-boost-in-produ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/audi-a8-a-hot-seller-out-of-the-gates-nearly-60-boost-in-produ/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 audi a8

Audi has a hot seller on its hands. If we forced you to guess which model (and didn't let you read the title of this post), you might assume that we'd be talking about the A6 or even the Q5. Nope. The four-ringed automaker is watching its all-new 2011 A8 flagship sedan doing its best impression of hot cakes.

In fact, the stylish luxo-barge is selling so well that it's required Audi to hire more plant workers. According to Automotive News, Audi is boosting production of the A8 by 57 percent, and it needs more hands on deck to help keep the lines moving at the automaker's Neckarsulm, Germany assembly plant. The A8 still has a ways to go in matching its German luxury brethren for global volume, but the new model appears to be on the right track.

Audi A8 a hot seller out of the gates, nearly 60% boost in production planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 audi a8a8a8 salesaudiaudi a8audi salesWed, 24 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024892/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/audi-a8-a-hot-seller-out-of-the-gates-nearly-60-boost-in-produ/20024892/article-detail.xml 20024892 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/2011-audi-a8-review---03-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/2011-audi-a8-review---03-opt.jpg -1 2