Autoblog

LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the LA Auto Show this morning, the Audi A3 TDI was crowned the 2010 Green Car of the Year, wresting the title away from last year's winner, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Even though three hybrids made this year's list of finalists, the A3's win marks the second year in a row that a TDI diesel car took top honors in the Green Car Journal competition.

The judges selection kind of meshes with AutoblogGreen readers, who overwhelmingly picked the VW Golf TDI from the list of five finalists. The other contenders were the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid (we still don't get why this car beat out the better-selling and nearly identical Ford Fusion Hybrid) and the Toyota Prius.

Each year, Green Car Journal picks the five finalists and then hands over selection duties to celebrity jurors (Jay Leno, Carroll Shelby, and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope, to name a few). During the award ceremony, Green Car Journal editor Ron Cogan said that the five finalists are notable because they are all mainstream vehicles that are available today. They exist because that's what the market is asking for. Whaddya think? Is the A3 TDI this year's rightful Green Car of the Year?

Gallery: Audi A3 TDI - 2010 Green Car of the Year

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat

LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced, diesels vs. hybrids

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Diesel

Last year, Volkswagen's new Jetta TDI was named the 2009 Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, which means that the Volkswagen Golf TDI has a bit of baggage if it wants to win the 2010 award. Regardless, the Golf was named one of five finalists today, along with the Audi A3 TDI, the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Toyota Prius. Odd that the Mercury would be chosen above the Ford Fusion Hybrid, but so it goes. That makes it two diesels and three hybrids vying for top spot.

The Green Car of the Year award is given out by Green Car Journal, which narrows the field of green cars down to five and then turns over picking the winner to "jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pop." The winner will be announced in LA on December 3, so stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading 2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced, diesels vs. hybrids

2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced, diesels vs. hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi recalls over 10,000 2006-2010 A3 and TT models over potential fuel leak

Noah Joseph — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Recalls, Hatchback, Audi

2009 Audi TT - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've got an Audi A3 or TT and like to drive it hard, you may want to check in with your local dealer, because a recall notice has been issued that is directly focused on enthusiastic drivers.

The action concerns a spring that holds the fuel tank ventilation valve closed. Under "extreme driving conditions", the spring in question might not be strong enough to prevent gasoline from leaking out. And since that could start a fire, this recall strikes us as rather important.

The vehicles in question include some 10,200 A3s, TT coupes and TT Roadsters built between September 29, 2005 and August 26, 2009. Volkswagen of America will be contacting vehicle owners to notify them of the recall, and Audi dealerships will replace the faulty ventilation valves with an improved design free of charge. Full details in the recall notice after the jump.

Gallery: Audi TT 2.0 TDI

Gallery: 2009 Audi A3

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Audi recalls over 10,000 2006-2010 A3 and TT models over potential fuel leak

Audi recalls over 10,000 2006-2010 A3 and TT models over potential fuel leak originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #147

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #147 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready for your consumption. Chris calls in to Sam and Dan, and the trio bites into a few timely topics. BMW's move to put its turbo 4.4 liter V8 into the M5 is our first subject of conversation, before moving on to more powertrain news with the rumors that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will be a four-cylinder-only affair. Audi's fuel mileage achievement with its A3 TDI is up next, before we go all power crazy and touch on Rhys Millen's mid-engined Genesis Coupe. Wrapping it up, we head to truckville, thinking about what it would mean for Chrysler to make Ram its own nameplate, ponder the new Toyota 4Runner, and finally chat about the new Ford SuperDuty before moving on to some of your excellent questions.

Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with our survey and in iTunes, as always, drop us a line at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. See you again next week, and if you start to miss your Weblogs Inc. podcasts, there's our friends at Engadget and Joystiq to help get you through the pain.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #147

Autoblog Podcast #147 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has kicked off its latest efficiency marathon in northern Norway this week with a fleet of A3, A4, A5, Q7 and TT models to demonstrate what they can do in the real world. Leading the pack in terms of minimal fuel consumption is the new A3 1.6 TDI. On the road in Norway in the opening stage, the drivers managed to squeeze out an astounding 78.4 mpg average from the 1.6-liter diesel engine. Next up was the A4 2.0 TDI e sedan, which went an average of 60.3 miles on every gallon (U.S.) of diesel.

In addition to the high efficiency models, Audi also opted to include several high performance models this time around to show that even they can get very good fuel efficiency when driven sedately. The 340-horsepower TT-RS averaged 32.22 mpg, while the utterly absurd Q7 V12 TDI with its 500 horsepower diesel V12 managed a startling 27.03 mpg. That's nearly as good as what we achieved with the V6-powered Q7 TDI on last year's U.S. Mileage Marathon, so it's not too shabby for a big SUV that would probably pull a house off of its foundation

Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi hatches diesel in America, sets price on 2010 A3 TDI at $29,950*

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

2010 Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has finally announced pricing for its long-awaited 2010 A3 TDI, and it's just about what we have been expecting. Base price for a standard front-wheel drive model comes in at $29,950 (*plus $825 destination) when equipped with the S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Naturally, we expect a fully stocked options list that can dramatically raise that starting price rather quickly.

The new A3 TDI will be available in all 50 states from late November carrying a window sticker promoting EPA estimated mileage of 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. For the sake of comparison, the Lexus HS 250h - which Audi singles out as the only real competitor to its diesel-powered hatchback - starts at $34,200 and scores 35 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Want to know more? Click here to read our review of the 2010 Audi A3 TDI and hit the jump for Audi's official press release.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi hatches diesel in America, sets price on 2010 A3 TDI at $29,950*

Audi hatches diesel in America, sets price on 2010 A3 TDI at $29,950* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Audi

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Frankfurt Motor Show is fast approaching with a slew of exciting debuts. And you can bet Audi will use the semi-annual home-turf show to debut some savory pieces of machinery, but just what those will be is still a matter of speculation. Earlier reports suggested the new A8 could bow in Frankfurt, along with ruminations of drop-top or even electric variants of the R8 supercar. But the latest reports indicate that Ingolstadt is secretly preparing the RS3 hot hatch for its close up.

Based on the A3 premium hatch, the RS3 would firmly upstage the existing S3 with the TT RS powerplant, only reportedly tuned up to as much as 400 horsepower. That's a lot of horses, but you can bet Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system would be up to the task. Frankfurt debut or not, this is one four-ringed circus we're looking forward to, whenever it's ready.

Gallery: Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport (Swedish edition) via World Car Fans]

Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi throws another $1,000 onto C4C incentives

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi

The government, dealers and consumers don't seem to know exactly what's going on with the C.A.R.S. (Cash for Clunkers) program, but Audi doesn't want to lose any momentum and has decided it's the right time to "enhance the deal even further."

From now until the end of August, if you want to swap your clunker for one of 18 eligible Audis, the Ingostadt marque will give you another $1,000 on top of the C.A.R.S. rebate. According to Audi, the allowable models include iterations of the A3, A4, TT, and Q5 from 2008 and 2009. However, there aren't any approved 2010 models, but if you've been thinking about something with four rings on it, August could be your month. Hit the jump for all the details from Audi.

Continue reading Audi throws another $1,000 onto C4C incentives

Audi throws another $1,000 onto C4C incentives originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sport Wheels offers unfortunate rhinoplasty for your Audi

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audi, Design/Style

Sport Wheels grilles for Audis -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Sport Wheels presents its latest aftermarket accessory as "an interesting alternative to the standard grille." In this case, we can give the company a gold star for truth in advertising. The range of offerings spans the Audi model line from A3 (pictured) to Q7, with only difference being the addition of vertical elements in vehicles with larger grilles. Well, that and an increased resemblance to animals described by the word "baleen."

The grilles start at €530 ($756 U.S.) and go up to €630 ($899 U.S.), and then you can add another €250 ($357 U.S.) for mounting if you don't want to touch the grille yourself. If, for some reason, you want the grille to match your car's finish, that'll be another €150 ($214 U.S.). Which is a lot of money to make your car look like this, but hey, it's your money.

Gallery: Sport Wheels Audi Grilles

[Source: Sport Wheels (translated)]

Sport Wheels offers unfortunate rhinoplasty for your Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Audi

Audi's Multi-Media Interface, which is arguably the best of the various all-in-one graphical user interface systems favored, has just got better.

According to Audi, resolution on the system's 6.5-inch screen is getting bumped up to 800 x 480, route calculation will happen faster with a 600 MHz processor, and you can scroll along the route - not just vertically and horizontally - and get speed limit data on highways.

Additionally, the system will also finally charge external MP3 players that are plugged in to the system, song titles will be displayed,

The new A3, TT, and R8 will be the first to benefit from next-step MMI when they arrive in Stateside dealerships in the autumn. U.S. pricing hasn't been announced yet, but you can read about all of the next-gen system's new bells and whistles in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8

Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three For Three: Guiness Record Driver aims to pilot Audi A3 across three continents in three days

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi

Pattner receives the keys in Ingolstadt - Click above for a high-res image gallery

There are road trips and there are road trips. This one is a fine example of the latter. With an endless roster of driving records under his belt, German auto journalist Gerhard Plattner is gearing up to drive on three continents in just three days, in the process setting yet another world record. His weapon of choice? An Audi A3 1.9 TDI, which the German automaker enthusiastically handed over just the other day.

This will hardly be the first time Plattner has set new records in a Four-Ringed car, as he already set the record for driving around the world in an Audi S2 way back in 1991, a record that still stands to this day. Known by some as "the most versatile driver in the world", Plattner has covered some 7 million kilometers (4.3 million miles) in his career, but this could be the most daunting challenge yet. Together with co-pilot Franz Doppler, Plattner will be driving on three continents - Asia, Africa and Europe - in three days.

Rather than taking the shortest route (from Egypt, along the Mediterranean coast through Israel and Syria and up into Turkey), the German duo will start in Morocco, cross the Gibraltar into Spain, across Spain, Italy, through the Alps, across the Balkans and on to Istanbul. The tour kicks off on June 8 and is scheduled to end on June 11, so stay tuned, and check out the images below and details in the press release after the jump in the meantime.

Gallery: Gerhard Plattner Receives Audi A3 for 3-Continent Tour

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Three For Three: Guiness Record Driver aims to pilot Audi A3 across three continents in three days

Three For Three: Guiness Record Driver aims to pilot Audi A3 across three continents in three days originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2011 Audi A3 grows, sedan version planned for U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, Rendered Speculation

Audi is reportedly planning to release a new version of the A3 early in 2011, and, for the first time ever, the German automaker's entry-level model is slated to get a four-door sedan variant tailored specifically for the U.S. market. While we're big fans of the current A3's mini-wagon hatchback shape, our fellow American buyers have consistently shown a propensity to choose a trunk over an arguably more useful rear hatch when given the choice.

According to Autocar, the 2011 A3 will use a version of parent-company Volkswagen's next-gen Golf architecture. Not surprisingly, then, the A3 is likely to be similar in size to the VW Jetta - itself a sedan variant of the popular hatchback. Suspension bits will consist of struts up front and a multilink arrangement out back.

Expect the next A3 to wear sheet metal with "clear links to the existing A3." Unlike the staid profile of the current Jetta, the A3 sedan is poised to get the currently en-vogue "four-door coupe" roofline. In Europe, the next A3 will sport a range of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, but we'd be surprised if Audi sees fit to offer an oil-burner in the U.S. market. In any case, we'll surely see quattro all-wheel drive and a choice of manual, automatic or DSG transmission options.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: 2011 Audi A3 grows, sedan version planned for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi unveils updated A3

Drew Phillips — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Audi

Click above for a high resolution gallery of the S3 Sportback

Audi has revealed the model updates for the European-spec 2009 A3 and S3. Both are slightly larger than the previous version, and the S3 is now available in the 5-door Sportback version. The front of the A3 receives a freshened look including a more complex design around the grille and more modern headlights with optional bi-xenon units that incorporate LEDs. At the rear there is a modified tailgate and the taillight design uses fiber optic rods to create a pretty cool effect. The interior features new aluminum design trim and new colors and fabrics for the seats, and the controls for the audio system have been given a new look. As for the powertrain, the Euro-only diesel engines have been reworked to include an updated fuel injection system. All engine options are now available with the S tronic transmission, and the 1.6, 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI engines can be paired with a newly developed seven-speed version.

Follow the jump for the full press release with all the details for the updated A3 and S3, and check out the galleries of each car below.

Gallery: 2009 Audi S3 Sportback

Gallery: 2009 Audi A3

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi unveils updated A3

Audi unveils updated A3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

It's no secret that the Mercedes-Benz A-class hasn't been a resounding success and that the automaker is looking to revamp its entry-level line-up to better compete with rivals. According to Autocar, M-B boss Dieter "Dr. Z" Zetsche has green-lighted a new model that's taking aim at the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, and will accompany the rest of the revised A-class models when it debuts in 2011.

The new model will replace the aging, if just recently facelifted, CLC and will initially come to market sporting a coupe body style instead of a three-door hatch. Mercedes plans to expand the rest of the A-classes to include at least three different body styles of each model, coinciding with the launch of the new B-class, which will be designed to compete with the upcoming BMW X1.

Power will supposedly come from a combination of direct-injection gasoline and diesel powerplants, with output ranging from 120 to 200 hp. Pricing should be competitive with BMW's 1-series models, with the new A-class falling right around the £19,000 mark.

[Source: Autocar]

Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RDX RaceDesign uglifies the Audi A3

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:11:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hatchback, Audi

While we like to cover what's going on in the German tuning scene, the haus of RDX proves that we shouldn't stray far from the Lorinzers, Schnitzers, Brabus' and Hartges of the world.

What makes this Audi A3 truly horrible isn't the lime green paint, the misaligned chrome-lipped rollers or even the Lambo-style doors that aren't included in the price of the $895 body kit. No, the biggest problem with the RDX A3 is the fact that nothing - not one damn thing - has been done under the hood. If we had to search our souls for a singular redeeming quality, it's the fact that RDX fitted LEDs from the S6 into the front fascia. Otherwise... fail.

If you must, RDX's press release is after the jump and you can check the gallery below for another acid-reflux inducing image.

Gallery: RaceDesign Audi A3

[Source: RDX RaceDesign]

Continue reading RDX RaceDesign uglifies the Audi A3

RDX RaceDesign uglifies the Audi A3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updates on Audi: A1 coming, Tokyo concept, A8/Bentley diet

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Audi, Bentley

4Car sat down with Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board who heads up the product engineering side of things, and came away with new insights on the MINI-fighting A1, the future of Bentley and what products are waiting in the wings.

Starting small, Audi's new A1 will not share the all-aluminum construction of the less-than-popular A2, instead using the steel PQ24 platform that underpins the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia. It will be distinctly Audi in its design, albeit in a small package, and will feature a number of technologies - specifically the MMI setup - that's found in the quad-ring's luxury offerings. Don't expect Quattro in the beginning, nor will a three-door body be offered at first, but Dick confirmed that there would be a concept debuting in Tokyo next month that hints at the A1's styling.

Audi is also developing a new alloy structure for the A8 that will underpin the next generation of Bentleys, and will likely reduce the overall weight of both models by over 300 pounds. Also, the reworked A3 is coming next year, along with a convertible version, while the Q5 will arrive in 2008 complete with either a hybrid drivetrain or a diesel engine - both slated for sales in the U.S.

[Source: 4Car]

Updates on Audi: A1 coming, Tokyo concept, A8/Bentley diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Audi S3

Erin Mays — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Fans everywhere of the sporty A3 hatchback have even more reason to drool -- its wicked twin, the Audi S3, just launched in Paris, and we've got pictures to prove it, thanks to Autoblog's Eric Bryant.

With 265 turbocharged horses pumped out by one of Audi's new TFSI engines, this is one hot hatch to watch. A six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox puts the power to the road through Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system, and a beefed-up suspension system takes care of the handling. Sport seats characterize the interior, with aluminum accents and panel inlay options of piano finish black, more aluminum or birch wood grain. Upholstery is cloth/leather combo unless upgraded to all leather, and the orange is SWEET in this Autoblogger's humble opinion.

Styling is another notch above the A3, where an extended front fascia and 18-inch wheels make their mark. The only complaint we have is the rear end, which the vehicle shares with the A3 -- the tail lights lack the kind of inspiration seen in the Q7 and other siblings.

The benefits of owning an S3 don't come cheap -- the vehicle starts out at 35,150 euro, or $44,650.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Audi S3

Paris Motor Show: Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BusinessWeek identifies fuel sipping luxury cars

Erin Mays — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Wagon, Green, Technology, Hatchback

In the event that high gas prices begin hitting even the wealthy, displacement-loving, power-toting blokes among us, BusinessWeek has compiled a list of the top ten most fuel efficient luxury cars. The list, especially when you include the runners-up, is a diverse showing of both automakers and fuel types, with hybrids and diesels finding a place alongside with their gasoline-powered siblings.

Mid-size: Mercedes E320 CDI, runner up: Lexus GS300
SUV: Lexus RX 400h, runner up: Volvo XC/70
Sub-compact: Acura RSX, runner up: Lexus IS250
Compact: Audi A4, runner up: Volvo S40
Small wagon: Audi A3, runner up: Volvo V50
Mid-sized wagon: Volvo V70, runner up: Saab 9-5 SportCombi
Two-seater: BMW Z4 3.0, runner up: Porsche Boxster
Mini-compact: Audi TT, runner up: BMW 330Ci
Full-size: Jaguar XJ8, runner up: Mercedes-Benz S430
Truck: Lincoln Mark LT, runner up: Cadillac Escalade EXT

The cheapest among them to drive is the Acura RSX, with the A3 and A4 coming in second if you actually want to stow some junk in the trunk.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

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Top ten most fuel-efficient large vehicles

BusinessWeek identifies fuel sipping luxury cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos'

Chris Paukert — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Lotus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru

As Esquire magazine appears to have forgotten to post its "10 Most Awesome Autos" feature from its May issue online, Terry Box at the Dallas Morning News has been kind enough to accommodate list fanatics. The men's magazine actually made a pretty good show of picking its 10 favorite cars under $50,000. No defining criteria other than price and editorial opinion appears to have been employed, so take these for whatever they're worth. In no particular order and without further delay, the envelope, please ...

Lotus Elise ($42,990):
Chevrolet Corvette ($44,490)
Mazda 6 ($19,670)
Infiniti G35 coupe ($33,200)
Ford F-150 ($19,640 to $37,005)
Audi A3 3.2 DSG ($34,700)
Subaru Legacy GT ($28,795)
BMW 3-Series ($30,900 to $44,900)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ($29,149)
Chrysler 300C SRT8 ($42,695)

So, did Esquire get it right, or is it missing something?

[Sources: Dallas Morning News; Esquire; Lotus]

Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos' originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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