Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Audi A82010AudiA82011 Audi A82011AudiA8A7A8Audi A5 sportbackAudi A7Audi A8Audi S8Audi sportbackAudiA5SportbackAudiA7AudiA8AudiS8AudiSportbackS8sportbacksportback conceptSportbackConceptMon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States - although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 A82011 Audi A82011A82011AudiA8a8audiAudi A8Audi sedanAudiA8AudiSedanDesign MiamiDesign WeekDesignMiamiDesignWeekFeaturedLucy LiuLucyLiuMon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi A8L - requiem for a heavyweight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/review-2009-audi-a8l-a-requiem-for-a-heavyweight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/review-2009-audi-a8l-a-requiem-for-a-heavyweight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/review-2009-audi-a8l-a-requiem-for-a-heavyweight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Audi A8L - Click above for high-res gallery

We come not to bury the A8L, but to praise it. Next week the newest generation of Audi's aluminum spaceframe panzer will greet the world in Miami, and we expect it to be a leap through a wormhole compared to today's car. After a week with the current model at the end of its six-year run, we walked away from a saloon that still has us smitten. What we didn't expect was that, even though we didn't come to bury the thing, we would end up throwing quite a bit of dirt on it.

That might make the Audi A8 the Megan Fox of automobiles.
A funny thing happened on the way to reviewing the 2009 Audi A8L: we discovered ourselves writing compromising things about the four-ringed flagship. This is a sedan that we adore mightily, and having thought it over, we might even say unreasonably. It became the girl you're dating that you first describe as "She's great!" just before divulging a list of mildly unseemly behaviors that you'd never considered all at once, ending with, "Wow... I really do like her, but come to think of it... she's a little kooky." That might make the Audi A8 the Megan Fox of automobiles.

We drove the A8L W12 a couple of years ago, and it was possessed of so much battleship-gray girth we wanted to call it the Bismarck and park it in a Norwegian fjord for safety. Yet and still, it was glorious: an exterior awash in pulchritude, an interior so beautiful we wish we had gotten its autograph, and it gulped miles, and gas, like cognac. Since we didn't write about it, we didn't give it the philosopher's thought, and we walked away from it with only roses, no thorns. But now...


Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi A8 L


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi A8L - requiem for a heavyweight

Review: 2009 Audi A8L - requiem for a heavyweight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 audi a82009 audi a8l2009AudiA82009AudiA8la8a8laudifeaturedlreviewreview 2009 audi a8lReview2009AudiA8lreviewsWed, 25 Nov 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: More LA-based pics of the mystery psychedelic-wrap Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/spy-shots-more-la-based-pics-of-the-mystery-psychedelic-wrap-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/spy-shots-more-la-based-pics-of-the-mystery-psychedelic-wrap-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/spy-shots-more-la-based-pics-of-the-mystery-psychedelic-wrap-au/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A6A7A8AudiAudi A6Audi A7Audi A8AudiA6AudiA7AudiA8spy shotsSpyShotsThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-are-you-the-2011-audi-a8-or-are-you-the-2011-audi-a6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-are-you-the-2011-audi-a8-or-are-you-the-2011-audi-a6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-are-you-the-2011-audi-a8-or-are-you-the-2011-audi-a6/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Audi A6 or 2011 Audi A8 - Click above to watch the video

Well, is it? Hard to say. We do know that both a new Audi A8 and A6 are headed our way sooner rather than later. Sooner, as in the South Florida International Auto Show for one of the new Audis, and/or Geneva for the other. We're pretty sure that the car captured in the video you'll soon be watching after the jump is the same sedan wearing the BMW-style psychotropic body wrap in our earlier post. Only now, watching the car in motion and especially seeing it next to other vehicles, we're just not sure the Audi in question is large enough to be an A8.

Which means we might just be looking at the 2011 Audi A6. And we have to say, it almost looks too small to be an A6. Watch as the test mule passes various hatches and economy cars and seems to be about the same height, if not over all size. Maybe the mule's black paint is playing tricks on us. Or maybe - just maybe - the new A6 is going to be smaller than the current car. Time will tell. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?

VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 A62011 A82011 Audi A62011 Audi A82011A62011A82011AudiA62011AudiA8A6A8AudiAudi A6Audi A8AudiA6AudiA8DetroitGenevaWed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 coming with four-cylinder turbodiesel, new V12 under development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

Camouflaged prototypes of the 2011 Audi A8 have been caught running the Nurburgring, and accompanying these newest shots comes word that Audi's reworked flagship will be available with a host of new powerplants.

According to reports, Audi's range-topper will continue to be available with a W12, but it's expected to grow from 6.1- to 6.5-liters and exceed 500 horsepower -- 50 hp more than the outgoing twelve. Stepping down from that would be a supercharged V8 with more than 400 horsepower and a cylinder management system that could shut down up to four cylinders.

To really get the gas mileage going, however, Audi is reportedly working on a new 2.0-liter diesel with two turbos that pumps out more than 200 horsepower. If the new powerplant comes to market, it would match Mercedes-Benz' BlueEfficiency four-cylinder in the S-Class. The new A8 is expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show this January, with sales beginning in late 2010.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8


[Source: L'Automobile]

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 coming with four-cylinder turbodiesel, new V12 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 a82011 audi a82011A82011AudiA8a8audiaudi a8AudiA8dieselspy shotsspy shots 2011 audi a8spy shots audi a8SpyShotsSpyShots2011AudiA8SpyShotsAudiA8Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Reader Spy: Next-gen Audi A6 caught in So-Cal... or is it an A8?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/reader-spy-next-gen-audi-a6-caught-in-so-cal-or-is-it-an-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/reader-spy-next-gen-audi-a6-caught-in-so-cal-or-is-it-an-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/reader-spy-next-gen-audi-a6-caught-in-so-cal-or-is-it-an-a8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Audi A6/A8 mystery mule - Click above for image gallery

It's no secret that Audi will be introducing new versions of both of its biggest sedans in 2010. Redesigned iterations of the A6 and A8 are coming, with one possibly appearing at the Detroit Auto Show in January and the other likely to drop in Geneva. Thankfully, another of our ever-alert readers happened to catch one of them racking up durability miles somewhere in Simi Valley near Los Angeles. Judging by the car's psychedelic mojo, the team in Ingolstadt have hired the same company that supplies camouflage wraps for BMW.

So which of the new sedans are we seeing here? Our man Lieberman seems to think it's the A8. However, close examination of the C-pillar reveals some details despite Audi's efforts to obscure them. Overall, the car has the same steeply sloped rear glass as the current - and previous - A6. The A8 has had a more upright rear window befitting its more premium position in the lineup, but that's no guarantee for the future. We'll find out which this car is soon enough. Thanks to Nathan for the tip and the photos!

Gallery: Spy pics: Audi A6 in Simi Valley


Reader Spy: Next-gen Audi A6 caught in So-Cal... or is it an A8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 audi a62011 audi a82011AudiA62011AudiA8A6A8audiaudi a6audi a8AudiA6AudiA8spyspy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsMon, 21 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A8 is met by the sculptor's rasp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/spy-shots-2010-audi-a8-is-met-by-the-sculptors-rasp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/spy-shots-2010-audi-a8-is-met-by-the-sculptors-rasp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/spy-shots-2010-audi-a8-is-met-by-the-sculptors-rasp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The evolution of any Audi is a study in subtlety. The evolution of the A8, even by Audi standards, has been especially delicate, going from brazen lozenge to the softly curved - and elegant - geometric form it is today. There is nothing sculpted about it, and perhaps the most notable styling element the entire time has been the sedan's gaping grille.

Yet based on the teaser for and spy shots of the next version, it looks like the A8 is going has had the sculptors' hands laid upon it. Even under the camo, one can see the distinctly raised hood line and the Bangle-esque trunk line. Even though the car is longer, the greenhouse appears to be shorter, but that could be an effect of the camouflage and the way the C-pillar now flows into the sloping rear deck.

Also in contrast to the current model, the trunk is no longer flush with the rear panels, so the rear lights are broken up on two different planes, and might even be staggered - reminiscent of the previous BMW 7 Series design. We'll find out how it all comes together soon enough, but this redesign could be the biggest thing to hit the A8 since... the A8.

[Source: Fastest Car]

Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A8 is met by the sculptor's rasp originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 a82010 audi2010 audi a82010A82010Audi2010AudiA8a8audiAudi A8AudiA8luxurysedanspy shotspy shotsSpyShotSpyShotsSat, 12 Sep 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Is this the new Audi A8?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/09/is-this-the-new-audi-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/09/is-this-the-new-audi-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/09/is-this-the-new-audi-a8/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Audi A8 rendering From Inside Line/Fox SyndicationOver the past few days, we've received a number of tips about the new Audi A8. First was a report from Inside Line about Audi's top-tier sedan not making it to Frankfurt next month, and it was accompanied by renderings of a swoopy silver sedan (at right). Yet we couldn't figure out if that image, from Fox Syndication, was really the A8 that is said to be showing up in Detroit for it's first public viewing.

Then came a tip from Autoblog reader Ryan. While passing through Arizona on a cross-country road trip, he snapped photos of a couple of camouflaged Routans, as well as numerous pics of the car you see above. After first thinking it was an A6, it appears that what he might have caught is the short-wheelbase, Euro-spec Audi A8 with amber LED turn signals. Mislaid chrome striping apes Mitsubishi's "jet-fighter" grille as part of the disguise, and the cheeky Audi engineers even went so far as to include an inverted Mitsu diamond-star insignia, too.

Compared against Inside Line's rendering and the previously-released PR photo of an Audi exec with a the new A8 under a cloak, the similarities do point to the big sedan: the hood ridges, the canted headlights, the double shoulder line, the sweeping C-pillar and rear decklid treatment all appear to line up. You can check out more shots at the VW Vortex forum, and then tell us what you think: short-wheelbase A8, or something completely different? Hat tip to Ryan

[Source: VW Vortex]

Is this the new Audi A8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 a82010 audi a82010A82010AudiA8a8audiaudi a8AudiA8luxurysedanspy shotsSpyShotsSun, 09 Aug 2009 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Veil of Secrecy: Next-generation Audi A8 teased]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/veil-of-secrecy-audi-teases-the-next-generation-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/veil-of-secrecy-audi-teases-the-next-generation-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/veil-of-secrecy-audi-teases-the-next-generation-a8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Next-generation Audi A8 teaser - Click above to view in high-res

As we reported last month, the debut of the next-generation Audi A8 is tipped to have been pushed back from its anticipated launch at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. But that apparently hasn't stopped the German automaker from releasing this veiled teaser photo, giving us a hint of what we can expect from its next flagship sedan.

Peering around Audi development chief Michael Dick, the first thing that can be discerned from this shot is the strip of LED headlights forming an aggressive silhouette through the veil, a design cue that is quickly becoming Audi's trademark. Beyond that, the new A8 appears to cut a more coupe-like form in the mold of the new A5 Sportback, though not quite as extreme, with a steeply raked windshield, lower roofline and gently tapering trailing edge.

The next-gen A8 is expected to carry a wide range of engines, from a 3.0-liter diesel V6 all the way up to a 620 horsepower V10 for the S8 model.

[Source: Autovisie]

Veil of Secrecy: Next-generation Audi A8 teased originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8audiaudi a8audi a8 teaseraudi teaserAudiA8AudiA8TeaserAudiTeaserteaserWed, 22 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-2011-audi-r8-spyder-will-launch-with-v10-only-next-a8-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-2011-audi-r8-spyder-will-launch-with-v10-only-next-a8-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-2011-audi-r8-spyder-will-launch-with-v10-only-next-a8-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


2010 Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been all but confirmed by Audi that the R8 Spyder is due to debut alongside the new A5 Sportback at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, but according to two reports from Car and Driver, there will be one less vehicle on the show stand in Germany and only one engine available in the drop-top supercar.

The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will reportedly be available with the 525 hp, 5.2-liter V10 at launch -- meaning no V8 -- with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional R-tronic automated transmission. The 420 hp, 4.2-liter V8 currently fitted to the standard R8 could be added later, but Audi seems to favor sticking with the V10 until the R8's replacement arrives a few years down the road.

Additionally, it was widely reported that the 2011 Audi A8 would be unveiled in Frankfurt, but C&D says that the launch has been pushed back sometime after the LA Auto Show in December. Apparently, the reason for the delay is two-fold: Audi doesn't want to risk quelling sales of the current A8 in some of its most important markets (China, Europe and the U.S.) and the automaker is (wisely) worried that the unveiling could be overlooked at a large auto show where too many models are vying for attention. As such, the A8 could be shown initially at a private event in Florida later this year, with the first public exhibition being the Detroit Auto Show in January.


Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro


[Source: Car and Driver (1) (2)]

REPORT: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder will launch with V10 only, next A8 not coming to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 audi a82011 audi r8 spyder2011AudiA82011AudiR8SpyderA8audiDetroitAutoShowfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowr8spyderWed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One million Audi fans can't be wrong]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/one-million-audi-fans-cant-be-wrong/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/one-million-audi-fans-cant-be-wrong/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/one-million-audi-fans-cant-be-wrong/#commentsFiled under:



2008 was a tough year, but apparently it wasn't equally as tough for everybody. Audi has now reported that it broke through the 1 million unit mark last year, selling more vehicles than it ever has before.

Total global sales in 2008 came to 1,003,400 vehicles - up 4.3% over last year - including 82,000 units in December. But while the American market has typically been a vital region for European premium marques especially, U.S. sales dropped 6.1% for Audi this year, and nearly 10% in December when U.S. sales accounted for less than 10% of the company's global sales. Ingolstadt attributes its sales success to the dozen new models it introduced last year, including the Q5 and A4 (seen above). Thanks to everyone who sent in the tip, and check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading One million Audi fans can't be wrong

One million Audi fans can't be wrong originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A4A6A8audiaudi 2008audi millionaudi salesAudi2008AudiMillionAudiSalesQ5Q7S-lineTTTT SlineTTSTtSlineFri, 09 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Third-gen Audi A8 to be "stronger, sharper, more precise"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/third-gen-a8-will-be-stronger-sharper-more-precise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/third-gen-a8-will-be-stronger-sharper-more-precise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/third-gen-a8-will-be-stronger-sharper-more-precise/#commentsFiled under: ,



From the first lozenge-shaped A8 that hit American shores in 1997, Audi's flagship sedan has slowly been asserting itself more and more. The current A8 W12 is almost always given credit for its beautiful-yet-subtle design and a glorious interior. American buyers, however, haven't thrown money at it like they do the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S Class. Audi is out to change that with the 2011 A8.

Among the changes, Audi is trumpeting improvements to the car's handling, the area in which it has traditionally lost ground to its European luxo-sedan brethren. The rear-biased quattro system will also be enhanced with Audi's "sport differential" torque-vectoring system, and if other markets clamors for it, Audi will offer the front-drive A8 outside of Europe. Inside, expect a raft of changes to the interior and a "more innovative" MMI system.

As before, the A8 will come in regular and long wheelbase versions, and provide a wide range of engines for world markets, from a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel through to the S8's V10. The transmission will be the same 8-speed ZF unit used by the 2009 BMW 7 Series.

All of it will be wrapped in sheetmetal that Audi says will be "stronger, shaper, more precise," a design that will make efforts to highlight the car's aluminum build technology. Said head designer Stefan Sielaff, the car will present "a strong three-dimensional theme," and be "the first of a new styling language at Audi." We can't wait to see it. Thanks for the tip, Other Man!

[Source: Car and Driver]

Third-gen Audi A8 to be "stronger, sharper, more precise" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8audiaudi a8AudiA8BMWdesignLexusMercedes-Benzmmirs6saloonsedanv10w12Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Audi to unveil A7 in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-audi-to-unveil-a7-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-audi-to-unveil-a7-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-audi-to-unveil-a7-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Official Audi A7 Sketch

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A6A7A8AudiDetroit Auto ShowDetroitAutoShowFour RingsFourRingsNAIASMon, 22 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Forum find: 2010 Audi A8?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/28/forum-find-2010-audi-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/28/forum-find-2010-audi-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/28/forum-find-2010-audi-a8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of possible 2010 Audi A8 images

The Audi A8 is understated and elegant...but its design is a little long in the tooth. It stays as is for model year 2009, but a significant revision is due for 2010, and we should expect to see that car unveiled sometime during the upcoming show season. Thanks the Gulf4Cars forum, we might have our first look at what to expect. Our Arabic's a little rusty, so we don't know where these scans (at least they appear to be scans) came from, but they look fairly solid, so let's comment on what we can see.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A8?


[Source: Gulf4Cars]

Continue reading Forum find: 2010 Audi A8?

Forum find: 2010 Audi A8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Audi A82010AudiA8A8Audi A8AudiA8leaked photosLeakedPhotosnew Audi A8NewAudiA8next-gen A8Next-genA8Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi introduces the next MMI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you're buying an A8 this year, prepare to spend a lot of time getting to know your new MMI system. We have consistently thought that Audi's buttons-and-knob interface is the best, and it looks like they've put an entire NASA team on the job of making it better. A seven-inch TFT screen with 800x400 resolution is now controlled by an 8-position joystick. Moving from one screen to another is done via "elegant crossfades," which sounds a bit PowerPoint-ish, but we'll wait until we see it to judge. And among other improvements, navigational maps can be rendered in "birds-eye perspective" 3D, with topographical map coloration. The only thing missing is the Encyclopedia Britanica. You can check out the exhaustive press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi introduces the next MMI

Audi introduces the next MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8audiaudi a8audi mmiAudiA8AudiMmicar audioCarAudioelectronicsmminavinavigationsatnavMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi wins European Inventor of the Year Award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/audi-wins-european-inventor-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/audi-wins-european-inventor-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/audi-wins-european-inventor-of-the-year-award/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Audi has been tearing up the automotive landscape with a torrent of new products, and now it's cleaning up on the awards circuit, too. The European Patent Office awarded Audi as its third inventor of the year for its innovative new products that are helping Europe excel in the global market. The product worthy of such an award is Audi's aluminum space frame, which underpins the Audi A8, TT, R8, and Lamborghini Gallardo. The lightweight platform provides substantial weight savings vs. a traditional steel frame, which results in better fuel economy and a reduction in CO2. The space frame also provides improved structural rigidity and improved crash protection.

Hit the jump to view Audi's press release.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi wins European Inventor of the Year Award

Audi wins European Inventor of the Year Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A8Aluminum space frameAluminumSpaceFrameAudiEuropean Patent OfficeEuropeanPatentOfficeR8Thu, 15 May 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Quattro Quarterly</i> lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/i-quattro-quarterly-i-lays-out-audis-five-year-plan-for-worl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



The Audi Club of North America puts out a publication aptly titled the Quattro Quarterly that gives Audi owners the inside skinny on everything from future products to how to swap bigger brakes into their B5 S4. One of our intrepid readers, Kevin, sent us a few scans of the QQ's latest issue, where it outlines Audi's product plans for the next five years. While some of it has already been confirmed, other interesting factoids, including the future of the R8, RS-TT and the development of an R4, have long been rumored on these very pages. Follow the jump for the full breakdown on what Audi has in store, but be aware that we're handing out grains of salt below the fold.

Continue reading Quattro Quarterly lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination

Quattro Quarterly lays out Audi's five-year plan for world domination originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a2a3a4a5a6a7a8audiq3q7rs-tttt-rstt-sTue, 04 Dec 2007 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/meant-to-be-audi-integrates-the-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/meant-to-be-audi-integrates-the-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/meant-to-be-audi-integrates-the-iphone/#commentsFiled under: ,



With both Audi and Apple's minimalist design ethos, it was simply a matter of time before they joined forces and offered a way to integrate the new iPhone across the four-ringed lineup. Any Audi model equipped with Bluetooth will allow the iPhone to be paired with the vehicle, giving users the ability to make and receive hands-free phone calls, as well as providing a signal strength indicator, assigning specific names to numbers (Work, Home, etc.) and allowing access to call lists.

On the music front, the addition of the Audi Music Interface will give the vehicles MMI system direct control of all the iPod capabilities of the iPhone, allowing users to navigate everything from playlists to albums. The AMI is available as an optional extra on the A5, A6, A8 and Q7, although we'd expect the full line of Audi vehicles to allow integration sooner rather than later.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone

Meant to be: Audi integrates the iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a5a6a8amiaudiaudi music interfaceAudiMusicInterfaceintegrateintegrationiphoneipodmmiq7Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/2008-audi-a8-gets-subtle-tweaks-new-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/2008-audi-a8-gets-subtle-tweaks-new-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/2008-audi-a8-gets-subtle-tweaks-new-features/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for photo gallery

Audi's delightful A8 flagship sedan sees a number of refinements made for the 2008 model year, with the lion's share of the attention being paid to things that aren't immediately visible from the outside. The biggest addition is the 2.8L FSI six-cylinder that will be offered (in Europe, at least), which will give the big sedan fuel economy of around 28 mpg and the lowest CO2 emissions in its class at 199g/km. Power is rated at 210bhp, and the engine is good enough to allow the big cruiser to make the 0-62 run in 8 seconds. More direct steering and a revised air suspension are intended to make the '08 A8 an even more engaging partner to the person behind the wheel. And it's not as if the '07 is a slouch in that department to begin with. Audi's also building in new safety features, with a side-assist system that will alert drivers when a vehicle is in the sedan's blind spots and a lane departure warning system that will keep an eye on lane markers and alert the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel should he or she begin to go astray. Finally, the car is said to quieter than the 2007 edition.

Visually, Audi has updated the single-frame grille, incorporated new lighting in back, added new wheel styles, put turn indicators on the outside mirrors, and will offer a number of new paint finishes. New interior colors and inlays are also on tap. In short, Audi's taking a good thing and making it better. You won't hear us complaining.

[Source: Audi AG]

Gallery: 2008 Audi A8

Continue reading 2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks

2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008a8a8 la8 W12A8LA8W12s8w12Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST