Autoblog

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

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

Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback

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

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

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Reader Spy: Audi A5 Sportback caught under canvas

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

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

Audi A5 Sportback spy shots - Click above for gallery

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

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

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

Thanks, Zamafir!

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback spy pics

Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser

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

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

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

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

As far as classic Audi models go, nothing is as iconic as the legendary "Ur-Quattro". The 1985 Audi Quattro was a beast of a car in its day, even if it only had 160 horsepower. When the new Audi S5 hit the roads, the Ingolstadt fanatics over at Fourtitude stacked the two of them up against each other, but if the latest products of the ever-churning rumormill are to be believed, Audi may be cooking one up a successor of their own.

A report from German car magazine Autobild suggests that the lightweight sport-coupe could carry the "A5 quattro sport" designation and pack a 425-horsepower V6, placing it in between the current S5 and the upcoming RS5. Sounds enticing, if a bit far-fetched. But if Audi wants to build another monster coupe, who are we to complain? Sources peg the revival to take to the streets by 2012.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Scene]

Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Audi

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

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

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

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

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

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Nissan GT-R named Car of the Year by Automobile Mag

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Audi, Honda, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R

Nissan has hit a major home run with its latest Skyline, known as the GT-R here in the States. In fact, the car was knocked so far out of the park that it seems an obvious choice for anyone's Car of the Year. Nissan's latest supercar boasts enough performance to take on the best from the rest of the world regardless of price, making it an amazing value despite costing upwards of $80,000. As such, the new GT-R has been awarded the Car of the Year trophy from Automobile Mag. Who are we to argue?

Other winners of Automobile's year-end awards include Audi's stunning A5 coupe, which takes the award for Design of the Year, though it seems it feels like the A5's already been around for more than a year. Man of the Year goes to Honda's CEO, Takeo Fuki, who's company is now reaping the rewards for staying true to its initial vision of rational, fuel efficient designs after all these years. It's pretty hard to take exception with these choices, though 2009, which is right around the corner, is shaping up to be the year of fuel efficiency. Follow the jump for Automobile Mag's official press release, which has a few extra award winners we didn't mention.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Automobile]

Continue reading Nissan GT-R named Car of the Year by Automobile Mag

Nissan GT-R named Car of the Year by Automobile Mag originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to carry Abt, including hot Audi AS5

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Abt AS5 available from GGI Tuning

We've talked about Abt Sportsline's sweet range of upgraded VW and Audi offerings before, but now we have some additional good news. As you probably know if you're reading this blog, Abt offers lots of mods for the A4 and A5, including relatively subtle body kits, new wheels, a sport suspension, a freer-flowing exhaust system, and a variety of power upgrades. You really can't go wrong when you start with such good rolling stock, but some tuners manage to botch it anyhow. In the case of the Audi A5, the manufacturer already does a pretty good job with the upragdes when it turns it into an S5, but Abt goes a step or two further with pretty good results.

The Abt AS5 is one hot sports coupe, even in a refrigerator white that might seem uninspring at first glance. The one we saw here at SEMA was actually over at the Hlton. It popped up during one of the afterparties that always makes this such a fun show to attend. In this case it was at the GGI European Tuning bash where the shop was announcing their new distribution deal with the German tuner. GGI European Tuning is already the exclusive North American importer for Carlsson, Hartge and Sportec, but now they can add Abt Sportsline to the marquee. It's already one of our favorite coupes, so knowing it might be easier to get a nicely modded version in the States makes us even happier.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to offer At AS5

SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to carry Abt, including hot Audi AS5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS5 spied undisguised in Death Valley

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Audi

With the high-strung Audi RS5 looming large on the horizon, an entirely undisguised test mule has been spotted undergoing hot-weather testing in the infamous Death Valley in the southeastern United States. Picking up where the S5 left off, the test mule is wearing a new, more aggressive front end, which is expected to be matched around back by the time the model is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next March.

While these spy shots give us a more accurate picture of what to expect from the M3-rivalling Audi super-coupe visually, there remains much debate and speculation over what will be providing the motivation. The same 4.2-liter V8 from the RS4 remains one solid possibility, with the potential for a power increase to 450 hp. Other reports suggest that, like Audi differentiated the RS6 from the S6, the RS5's V8 could gain a set of turbochargers. Meanwhile, a third possibility involves shoehorning in the V10 from the RS6, with or without the turbos. Which option makes most sense depends on how Audi views the positioning of the RS5: a two-door RS4, or two-door RS6, or a beefed up S5. They all make sense to us and we'll have to wait and see what turns up. Either way, we have a feeling we won't be disappointed.

[Source: TCC]

Spy Shots: Audi RS5 spied undisguised in Death Valley originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Audi S5 Cabrio

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Rendered Speculation

With spy shots already out in the open, so to speak, anticipation is running rampant on the upcoming convertible version of the Audi A5/S5 coupe. The cabrio is anticipated to replace the convertible version of the A4, and is tipped to make its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

The photoshop rendering you see above was skillfully executed by Quinty, and gives us a pretty good idea of what the sporty S5 cabrio could look like. While its competitors opt for retractable hard-tops, the convertible A5 and S5 are expected to use a simpler (and lighter-weight) soft-top, surrounded by a chrome strip to class it up a little. Power will likely carry over from the fixed-roof version when the new convertible hits the market early next year.

[Source: Autoblog.nl via CarScoop]

Rendered Speculation: Audi S5 Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi expected to introduce A5/S5 cabrio next year

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

Filed under: Convertible, Audi

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

[Source: Inside Line]

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

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Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, Supercars, Audi, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a gallery of Abt's Essen roster

German tuning house Abt Sportsline brought everything and the kitchen sink to the Essen Motor Show, and rather than present it piecemeal, we figured we'd put the whole megillah out for you in one shot. From A4 to Touareg, the latest hardware from VW and Audi has been worked over with appearance and suspension mods. Most boast notable power upgrades as well. Yes, we'll even revisit the (unfortunately) red-and-green-trimmed Abt R8, which we first talked about last week. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed supercar, or if you're a really nostalgic New Jersey Devils fan, it might just fit the bill.

Follow the jump for the rundown on all things Abt at Essen.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt Sportsline: Essen 2007 Lineup

Continue reading Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Audi RS5 may get detuned Gallardo V10

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini

The Audi A5 was unveiled at Geneva to much fanfare, and within 30 seconds of pictures hitting the net the elegant coupe was been surrounded by rumors. We knew the S5 was part of the package, but since the newest Audi had two doors, cabrio conjecture wasn't far behind. Perhaps the most anticipated A5 talked about is an RS version, which could include either the high-revving 420-hp 4.2L V8 found in the RS4, or the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2L V10 found in the S6 and S8.

The scribes over at World Car Fans point out that the RS version typically one-ups AMG and BMW M cars, and with a 480-hp CLK out there, the Gallardo V10 would make a nice trump card. We're inclined to agree with that hypothesis, since Audi already has the powerplant in the corporate parts bin, and there isn't much tuning necessary to get it back up to 500 HP. Audi has also shown just how serious it is about keeping a power edge against RWD competitors after it had the lug nuts to slap twin-turbochargers on the V10 destined for the RS6 Avant. Either way, Audi is no longer interested in being an also-ran in the luxury market, and big-horsepower coupes will only make the brand that much more appealing to enthusiasts.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Enter the Rumormill: Audi RS5 may get detuned Gallardo V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered speculation: Another look at the Audi A5 Sportback

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Audi

Um, what's a sportback? Is that a hatch? A wagon? A bra? Car just released some new renderings of Audi's upcoming eleventeenth new model, the A5 Sportback. From the pic it looks like a five-door wagon, but that would be an avant in Audi-speak. This one has a less upright back glass and even sports a tiny horizontal deck at the bottom of the glass. Kind of like Mazda offered with the 6, but in a more wagon-like long roof form. Whatever they call it, it looks attractive and functional and is said to have an electric assist for that unique hatch. Claimed to be an answer to the Mercedes Benz CLS four-door coupe, the A5 Sportback takes the functional sedan segment on a slightly different vector. It's mind-boggling how companies like BMW, Mercedes and Audi keep churning out new body styles and models that seem to further carve up already narrow market segments, but as long as the products are functional and stylish (as this one surely is), we can't argue with them.

[Source: Car magazine]

Rendered speculation: Another look at the Audi A5 Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi ready to milk A5 line with multiple versions

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Audi

Audi has said that it wants to double the number of vehicles it offers by 2015. With 22 vehicles currently in the mix, adding coupes, convertibles, avants and sportbacks will help significantly expand the range in addition to new models like the Q5 SUV, A7 coupe-like-sedan, and A1 compact.

Yes, you did hear the term "sportbacks" earlier. Rupert Stadler, Audi's CEO, admitted his company is developing a Sportback version of the upcoming A5, along with coupe and convertible models. AutoBild is reporting that Audi will start showing these A5 variants next year. We should be seeing an A5 Convertible in November 2008, and the A5 Sportback in April of '09. After that we'll be getting the Q5, R5 and finally the RS5. Hopefully all of them will make it to the States, though likely some won't make the trek. Click through the Read link for more renderings of these A5 variants from AutoBild.

[Source: Autobild via egmcartech.com]

Audi ready to milk A5 line with multiple versions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S5 surfaces in wake of leaked A5 images

John Neff — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi

click above image to view 5 high-resolution images of the Audi S5
Images of the Audi A5 have been traveling around the internet at light speed since they were discovered some time yesterday, but this afternoon five more images of the high performance S5 model showed up to steal the spotlight. According to the Audi experts at Fourtitude.com, the S5 will likely feature a version of the A5's 4.2L V8 with FSI, Audi's Valvelift technology and a corresponding bump in power. Clearly the styling has been tweaked to be more aggressive with a modified front fascia that includes the string of LED daytime running lights that have become trademark ware for these models. A strip of what appears to be polished aluminum now adorns both the center of the front chin spoiler and the bottom of the rear bumper where, out back, it's flanked by a pair of dual tailpipes. The interior also appears to gain additional silver and carbon fiber accent trim. Will this hotted up A5 have the cajones to take on the BMW M3 Coupe? That remains to be seen, but we're left a little underwhelmed by the subtle visual modifcations apparent in these pics.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Gallery: Audi S5

Audi S5 surfaces in wake of leaked A5 images originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New details on the Audi A5

Randall Halcomb — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 16:17:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Audi

Popular Mechanics acquired an inside perspective on the upcoming Audi A5 coupe and convertible that we've heard talk of for some time. At an informal dinner in the heart of French-Canada, or more exactly Montreal, Popular Mechanics operatives questioned Audi of America's Executive Vice President, John De Nysschen, about the new model. de Nysschen outlined how the A5 would be positioned above the A4 Cabriolet in Audi's line and the A5 Cabriolet would eventually replace the drop-top A4.

This would place the A5 between the BMW 3-Series and 6-Series, and aim it squarely at the Mercedes-Benz CLK. When the car is launched in the spring of 07 (that's soon) in Europe, it will be offered with Audi's increasingly ubiquitous 4.2-liter V8. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, and a new version of the DSG gearbox. Perhaps we will even see a seven-speed second-generation DSG in the new car.

The key difference between the new A5 and the rest of Audi's lineup is that the engine will now be placed behind the front axle. In today's Audi's the engine hangs in front of the front axle, and obviously bringing the engine back will help with mass centralization and front-rear weight balance. We can safely assume the new drivetrain will include Audi's revised Quattro with more rear wheel bias, which will complement the new engine placement.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

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New details on the Audi A5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.