Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #156

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Aston Martin, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Volkswagen

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

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

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

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

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

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

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

Mystery Audi - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

Gallery: Mystery So Cal Audi

[Source: Black Not Black]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback Concept

Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept

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

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

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Audi A7 concept coming to Detroit Auto Show

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:32:00 EST

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

Click above for gallery of the Audi's future concepts

While other automakers are fleeing Detroit's Cobo Hall, Audi has plans to make up for their absences. We already knew the V10-powered version of the R8 would be making its world debut at the North American International Auto Show next month and it looks like several more vehicles will be appearing as well. According the Detroit Free Press, a concept version of the upcoming A7 will make be on hand, along with a second US market diesel model. The A7 is expected to be yet another four-door vehicles with a coupe-like profile. As for the diesel, Audi hasn't said anything publicly, although the Freep expects it to be the A4 sedan. Other possibilities are the yet to be launched Q5 mid-size SUV and the compact A3, both of which were featured prominently on the recent Audi Mileage Marathon. At some point over the next year or two we expect all three to join the TDI ranks here in the US.

Gallery: Audi future lineup official sketches

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Audi A7 concept coming to Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi A7

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

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hatchback, Audi

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

Thanks for the tip, Misha.

[Source: Ilta Sanomat]

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

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Rendered Confirmation: Audi releases sketches of A5 Cabrio, Sportback, A7 and next A8

John Neff — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Audi

Click above for gallery of official Audi renderings

According to Motor Authority, Audi has released official sketches of some upcoming vehicles that are currently gestating in the German brand's product pipeline. The first is the A5 Cabrio, though we don't need a sketch to know that it will look exactly like the A5 Coupe but with a folding soft top. Next up is the A5 Sportback, a four-door coupish type thing that we expect will get in the way of A4 sales just like the CC does for the Passat over at Volkswagen. Then we have the A7, which is a four-door coupe like the A5 Sportback, just larger and with a normal trunk instead of a rear hatch. And finally we have the car you see above, the next-gen A8, which looks much more aggressive than the current model with "angry eye" headlights, a large singular grille and sharp creases all around. Still up for Audi after these models come to market are more versions of the R8 supercar, including a convertible and V10-powered variant, and the A1 minicar for Europe.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Rendered Confirmation: Audi releases sketches of A5 Cabrio, Sportback, A7 and next A8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Audi, Rendered Speculation

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

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

[Source: Car]

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

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Rendered Speculation: Will this be the new Audi A7?

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

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation

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

Gallery: 2010/11 Audi A7 - spy shots

[Source: Auto Express via German Car Blog]

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

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Spy Shots: Audi's important A7

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

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi

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

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

Gallery: 2010/11 Audi A7 - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography, Automotive News]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Audi's important A7

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

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Mercedes approves four-door convertible Ocean Drive Concept for production

John Neff — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Audi, Mercedes-Benz

click above image for a full gallery of the Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive Concept

Motor Trend is reporting that Mercedes-Benz has approved the four-door convertible Ocean Drive Concept that was introduced at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit for production. The car will reportedly be based on the S600 and arrive as a 2011 model. Being a platform-mate of the S600 means that the Ocean Drive production model will likely sport a 510-horsepower 5.5L V12 and a price tag well into the six-figure range. Of course, Mercedes could slip a myriad of possible engines into the car, from its 5.5L V8 to the 600+ horsepower biturbo V12 from AMG. With structural enhancements necessary to keep the car stiff, a high curb weight is likely that will require a big motor to move the car around.

MT also reports that the A7-based four-door convertible in Audi's product pipeline will arrive around the same time, not earlier in 2009 as some outlets have reported. Though the two will not be direct competitors (the A7 itself will be aimed downmarket at the Merceds CLS and arrive a couple years earlier), they will be the first four-door convertibles in production since the mid-60s Lincoln Continental. Hmmm... which would Drama choose?

[Source: Motor Trend]

Gallery: MB Ocean Drive Concept

Mercedes approves four-door convertible Ocean Drive Concept for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A7 coupe in the works

Erin Mays — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Europe, Audi

You've heard about the skads of new cars coming out of Audi in the near future... the A2 shooting brake (MINI, here we come!), Q5 SUV, A3 and A5 verts, the Roadjet, and not to mention the next TT. Now Audi lovers can look forward to the brand's answer to the Mercedes CLS -- the Audi A7 coupe. The four-door coupe fits nicely in terms of size between the A6 and A8 (kinda like the number 7, dontchathink?), and should show its pretty little face in concept form this November when the Los Angeles Auto Show moves to the fall.

[Source: German Car Blog]

Audi A7 coupe in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Mar 2006 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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