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[<i>Motor Trend</i> announces SUV of the Year contenders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/i-motor-trend-i-announces-suv-of-the-year-contenders/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/i-motor-trend-i-announces-suv-of-the-year-contenders/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/i-motor-trend-i-announces-suv-of-the-year-contenders/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year nominees - Click above to view high-res gallery

When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we'll know all about it, because the victorious company behind the winning crossover or SUV will shout it from the rooftops (and in print, TV and web advertisements) about their shiny golden award. We can argue all day long about whether many of the nominees can be legitimately be considered sport/utlility vehicles, but either way, this year, there are 11 vehicles up for consideration, with pedigrees ranging from a single traditional body-on-frame SUV to a brace of competent and efficient family haulers and richly appointed luxury crossovers.

As Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie points out on the magazine's blog, there is only one traditional SUV on the list, and it takes the size and shape of the Toyota 4Runner. The rest of the vehicles are crossovers, with seven of the 11 candidates sporting luxury badging, three coming from General Motors and one stablemate to last year's SUV of the year, the Subaru Outback. When choosing the SUV of the year, MT says it looks at packaging, presentation and intended function, along with obvious criteria like aesthetics and performance. Hit the jump to look over the candidates for the award, click below to check out our high-res gallery, or head over to Motor Trend for more details.


Gallery: 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

Volvo XC60Cadillac SRXMercedes-Benz GLKChevrolet EquinoxLincoln MKT

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 cadillac sxr2010 lexus rx2010 subaru outback2010 toyota 4runner2010 xc602010CadillacSxr2010LexusRx2010SubaruOutback2010Toyota4runner2010Xc60acura zdxAcuraZdxaudi q5AudiQ5chevy equinoxChevyEquinoxgmc terrainGmcTerrainlincoln MKTLincolnMktsubaru outbackSubaruOutbackWed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro is crossover magic - at a cost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/review-2009-audi-q5-makes-crossover-magic-at-a-cost/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/review-2009-audi-q5-makes-crossover-magic-at-a-cost/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/review-2009-audi-q5-makes-crossover-magic-at-a-cost/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Audi Q5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quality costs. Ask a recording engineer. For the same money you'll burn on a pile of inexpensive, non-serviceable gear whose greatest virtue is that "it works," you could alternatively purchase one channel's worth of serious equipment. The trade-off is that the real kit sounds great all the time, while the cheaper stuff never does. Boiled down to their essence, they both do the same thing, but it's the quality of the components and the careful construction that make all the difference.

It's the same thing with the 2009 Audi Q5. $50,000 will put your rump in vast automotive acreage, but for the same coin, the Q5's dimensions are tidy. Combating the "quantity equals quality" mindset, Audi has made the Q5 a standout. It's filled with luxury and comfort items, and put together with typical German fastidiousness. And out on the road, the Q5 chats you up with feedback that's - dare we say - sports-like. So has Audi managed to finally put the "sport" in Sport Utility?


Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi Q5


Photos copyright (C)2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro is crossover magic - at a cost

Review: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro is crossover magic - at a cost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 audi q52009AudiQ5audiaudi crossoveraudi cuvaudi q5audi q5 crossoveraudi q5 reviewaudi suvAudiCrossoverAudiCuvAudiQ5AudiQ5CrossoverAudiQ5ReviewAudiSuvfeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarageq5reviewreviewsWed, 23 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Forbes</i> names 12 hardest new cars to find]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


2010 Audi Q5 - click above for high-res gallery

With many automakers scaling back production to better balance supply with demand, it's not surprising there are several hard-to-find models right now. Forbes Magazine made some calls and did a little research and turned up what they say is the top 12 most difficult to find cars. After the run on high-mileage cars recently, you'd expect to see hybrid models like the Toyota Prius at No. 2 on the list. Tied for second is a car on the other extreme, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both model are spending an average of 18.5 days on dealer lots.

But Forbes says the hardest to find new car recently is actually the Audi Q5. The Four-Ringed crossover sat around in showrooms an average of only 16.8 days in June and July. Audi had another hit on the list with its S5, which tied for 12th place with the Mini Cooper.

Only one other American nameplate showed up as a hot seller, and that was Ford's Escape and Escape Hybrid, slipping in at No. 10. Toyota had a whopping five vehicles on the list, including the Prius and the Lexus RX 350/RX Hybrid. The Matrix was No. 4, the FJ Cruiser No. 8, and the RAV4 was No. 9. Said another way, "Thanks, Cash for Clunkers!"

Oddly, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI didn't show up on Forbes' list. From our personal experience and reports from readers, the car is almost impossible to find due to production issues and demand -presumably that's because the study calculated days on lots for the entire Jetta lineup, not just specific models therein.


Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Forbes]

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi q5AudiQ5auto salesAutoSalesc4ccamarocash for clunkersCashForClunkerschevy camaroChevyCamarofj cruiserFjCruiserforbesforbes magazineforbes.comForbesMagazinematrixminipriusq5rav4rx 350rx 350 hybridRx350Rx350Hybrids5sportwagensportwagen dieselsportwagen tdiSportwagenDieselSportwagenTdiMon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Edmunds praises Volvo XC60, pans Cadillac SRX in new entry-lux CUV comparo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/edmunds-pans-cadillac-srx-in-new-entry-lux-cuv-comparo-praises/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/edmunds-pans-cadillac-srx-in-new-entry-lux-cuv-comparo-praises/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/edmunds-pans-cadillac-srx-in-new-entry-lux-cuv-comparo-praises/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo's new XC60 sits at the top of the pack when it battles head-to-head against the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK350, and Cadillac SRX, says Edmunds in its latest four-way comparison. The entrants, each new members of the expanding Compact Luxury Crossover segment, were all selected for the battle based on size and their less-than-$40,000 starting prices. Veterans such as the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35 were left home as they aren't rookies to the field.

With a resolutely last place finish, the Cadillac SRX was clobbered over its outward visibility, weight, lack of overall space (despite being the largest of the bunch), and cramped second-row seating. The fact that the Edmund's test car was a base FWD model didn't help either.

Tied for second place were the GLK350 and Q5, both praised for their power, ride, and handling. The Mercedes came up short in overall utility, while the Audi took some hits for its electric power steering.

According to the testers, the XC60 "won by a hair" thanks to its generous cargo capacity, second-row comfort, and "safety features galore." While the Swede offered plenty of power, it suffered from poor fuel economy and less-than-satisfying handling. So, how did a not-fun-to-drive Volvo CUV climb to the top of the comparison (one that Edmunds says, "none of our editors would personally choose")? You'll have to read their story to find out.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60


[Source: Edmunds]

Edmunds praises Volvo XC60, pans Cadillac SRX in new entry-lux CUV comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi Q5AudiQ5cadillac srxcadillac srx plug-in hybridCadillacSrxCadillacSrxPlug-inHybridComparisonEdmundsGLKmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz GLK350Mercedes-benzGlk350Q5SRXTestWinnerTue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi throws another $1,000 onto C4C incentives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/audi-throws-another-1-000-onto-c4c-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/audi-throws-another-1-000-onto-c4c-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/audi-throws-another-1-000-onto-c4c-incentives/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3a4audiaudi a3audi a4audi q5audi ttAudiA3AudiA4AudiQ5AudiTtc4ccar buyingCarBuyingcars programCarsProgramcash for clunkersCashForClunkersincentivesnhtsaq5rebatesttThu, 06 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: New Audi ad takes crack at domestics and SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/video-new-audi-ad-takes-crack-at-domestics-and-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/video-new-audi-ad-takes-crack-at-domestics-and-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/video-new-audi-ad-takes-crack-at-domestics-and-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the image above to view the video after the jump

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, you know the traditional body-on-frame SUV is all but dead. The car-based crossover has been inserted in the SUV's stead, and just about every automaker has jumped on the bandwagon. That non-exclusive group includes Audi, which offers the fuel deficient Q7 and has recently added the smaller and more efficient Q5 for 2009.

To advertise the Q5, Audi is turning to good old-fashioned humor, except this one isn't particularly funny. After the jump is a 43-second Q5 commercial that pokes fun at the traditional SUV, than tries to push the Q5 as German luxury hardware. We learned from Audi's "Meet the Beckers" series that the four-ringed automaker is good at exploiting stereotypes and this video does so with a stab at U.S. automakers (the 2010 Domestica?). Trouble is, nobody's pushing SUVs any more, and if domestics are guilty of anything, it's building too many crossovers. Hit the jump to see the video for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Nery!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New Audi ad takes crack at domestics and SUVs

VIDEO: New Audi ad takes crack at domestics and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi q5AudiQ5crossoverdomestic automakerDomesticAutomakersuvvideoTue, 05 May 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi Q5 hits America carrying $37,200 MSRP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/audi-prices-the-q5-for-america-starting-at-37-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/audi-prices-the-q5-for-america-starting-at-37-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/audi-prices-the-q5-for-america-starting-at-37-200/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

Audi has finally announced U.S. pricing for its new Q5 mid-sized crossover. For America, there is currently only one powertrain combination available, a 3.2-liter FSI V6 with quattro all-wheel drive, and that comes with a starting price of $37,200.

Just as Starbucks calls a small coffee "Tall", Audi's entry level Q5 is labeled as Premium. From there, you can go to Premium Plus specification or Prestige at $41,500 and a lofty $48,200 respectively. Add the $825 delivery charge, taxes, and other ancillary fees, and it should be easy to go well north of 50 grand.

The Q5 comes standard with Audi's third generation MMI system that adds three-dimensional rendering to the nav display, as well as a 4,400-pound towing capacity. Q5s are expected to start arriving at dealers next week and the vehicle officially goes on sale in March. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi Q5 hits America carrying $37,200 MSRP

Audi Q5 hits America carrying $37,200 MSRP originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q5audi q5 pricingAudiQ5AudiQ5PricingcrossoverQ5softroaderVW GroupVwGroupFri, 06 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi details new MMI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/audi-details-new-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/audi-details-new-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/audi-details-new-mmi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Audi's MMI in-car command system is one of the most intuitive offered by an OEM, but that isn't stopping Audi from piling on the improvements. The screen is now a seven-inch, 800x400 TFT display, being fed info from a high-capacity hard disk, a DVD drive, and an NVIDIA graphics chip. It also gets an eight-way joystick on the central knob, which means you can make mouse-like movements on the screen for point-and-click ease. In addition to all that, there are simpler vocal inputs, 3-D maps, a 10,000-number phone book, and two processors so that everything can run at the same time. It will arrive in the U.S. with the Q5 later this year, but in the mean time, you can get all the details in the lengthy press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi details new MMI

Audi details new MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi mmiaudi q5AudiMmiAudiQ5gadgetsmmiq5techThu, 29 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi kills plans for Q5 hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/audi-kills-plans-for-q5-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/audi-kills-plans-for-q5-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/audi-kills-plans-for-q5-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

A few short months after announcing that it would be killing off the Q7 hybrid SUV, Audi has decided that its smaller brother, the Q5, doesn't really need the fuel-saving option either. The German automaker cites the safety of its nickel metal hydride battery packs, but we're not completely sold on that being the real concern, especially considering the hundreds of thousands of Toyota Prius hybrids (among others, of course) already roaming the world's busiest highways with nary a problem. If not safety, then why cancel the project? Pricing is likely the biggest factor holding Audi's hybrids back, along with Audi's large investment in turbo diesels and the growing use of lightweight materials in its line, especially the use of aluminum in its chassis structures. Adding the cost of hybrid technology to these already expensive programs may seem cost prohibitive. Oh yeah, and gas is getting cheap again.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Autocar]

Audi kills plans for Q5 hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Audi is taking a cautious approach to the market as sales grind down around the world. To do that, the four-ringed automaker plans to extend its Christmas shutdown, a funny way to celebrate Audi's best global sales year ever, anticipated to crest one million units.

While the luxury competition has struggled in the rough and tumble US market, Audi has seen sales gains, which is a big reason global sales are up 3.3% year over year. Audi has been so successful of late that it came within 100 units of (the much larger) Mercedes-Benz in global October sales, while BMW is also within 10,000 units. The new A4 sedan and wagon are helping matters, and the upcoming Q5 crossover is waiting in the wings to keep things interesting in 2009.

With all that good news, why cut back production? Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler called the German automaker's performance "increasingly influenced by declining markets." In other words, Audi wants to approach the global sales decline with the novel notion of cutting production before cars start sitting on dealer lots for months on end. Makes perfect sense to us.

[Source: Reuters]

Despite strong growth, Audi plans to slow production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a4audi Q5audi salesAudiA4AudiQ5AudiSaleschristmas shutdownChristmasShutdownTue, 11 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi releases all the details on the North American Q5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/audi-releases-all-the-details-on-the-north-american-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/audi-releases-all-the-details-on-the-north-american-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/audi-releases-all-the-details-on-the-north-american-q5/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

For those of you queuing for the Q5, Audi has let loose a flood of new info on its high performance, low consumption, relatively low emission sports SUV. Consumers outside the U.S., get to choose between one of two diesel-sipping TDIs -- of 170 hp and 240 hp -- that are the envy of Stateside quattrophiles. Even with that 240 hp and 369 lb-ft, you'll still get 31 MPG. Folks in the fifty U.S. will need to make do with the 211 hp, 2.0-liter V6 FSI... which isn't exactly a complaint.

The vehicle wrapped around those engines is a study in efficiency, from the power steering pump to the energy recovery to the .33 coefficient of drag. The full press release is after the jump -- it's probably the only one you'll read this year that mentions a "holistic optimization of energy." And be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi releases all the details on the North American Q5

Audi releases all the details on the North American Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q5AudiQ5crossovercrossover suvcrossoversCrossoverSuvcuvq5Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Audi releases more images of new Q5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/pics-aplenty-audi-releases-more-images-of-new-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/pics-aplenty-audi-releases-more-images-of-new-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/pics-aplenty-audi-releases-more-images-of-new-q5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Audi Q5 with new images

Audi released the other half of its Q5 glamour shots over the weekend. We've updated the gallery with all of the images we could get our hands on (you can switch to a "high-res" view with the button on the upper right corner - perfect for saving desktops). Audi also tossed in several shots from the Q5's world introduction at the Beijing Auto Show. We always get a kick out of the designers, engineers, and executives standing around like beaming new parents. From our perspective, the Q5 looks like a typical Audi, the designs of which are beginning to lose their visual punch after having been spread across so many models.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Audi]

Pics Aplenty: Audi releases more images of new Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

For months now we've seen spy photos and heard speculation about Audi's new Q5 CUV. Now, we finally have the official news on the latest entry from Ingolstadt. Unlike its big brother the Q7, the Q5 doesn't share an architecture with a VW model. The Q5 utilizes the same underpinnings as the A5 coupe and A4 sedan/wagon. That means the Q5 has a longitudinally mounted engine rather than the transverse powerplant found in the smaller VW Tiguan.

While we were in Germany to drive the new A4, Audi invited us into their design center in Ingolstadt to check out their new virtual reality design system and have a look at the Q5 in the metal, prior to its official coming out party in Beijing. Compared to the Q7, the Q5 looks substantially more compact than its hefty sibling and is much tidier design overall, keeping with Audi's current pretensions of being a premium sporting brand. In fact the Q5 falls right in the heart of the premium mid-size CUV segment. Learn more about the Q5 design after the jump

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Beijing 2008: Officially Official - It's the 2009 Audi Q5

Beijing 2008: Officially Official - It's the 2009 Audi Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Audi Q52009AudiQ5audiaudi q5audi-q5AudiQ5auto chinaauto china 2008AutoChinaAutoChina2008beijingbeijing 2008beijing motor showbeijing2008beijingmotorshowbreakingq5q5 3.2 quattroQ53.2Quattroq5debutSat, 19 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi Q5 to be built in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/audi-q5-to-be-built-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/audi-q5-to-be-built-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/audi-q5-to-be-built-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro.

We're less than 12 hours away from seeing the Audi Q5 officially revealed at the Auto China Show in Beijing, and according to Süddeutsche Zeitung, Audi's new cute 'ute will be assembled in Changchun, in northern China. The German rag cited unspecified China-based sources for the information, but Audi isn't answering any questions ahead of the reveal tomorrow. The Q5 is due to hit dealers in Europe later this summer and sales are expected to begin in the States towards the beginning of next year. It's likely we'll hear about Audi's production plans for the Q5 during tomorrow's press conference and you can watch the reveal live on Audi's online media site.

Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe quattro


Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe Quattro


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi Q5 to be built in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our sources indicate this rendering from OmniAuto.it is very close to what Audi's upcoming Q5 will look like. Although this looks like a photograph on an Italian web site, it is really a rendering that looks nearly identical to the Q5 spy shots we showed you in February. When it debuts later this month at the Beijing Motor Show, expect the engine to be a longitudinal (north-south) mount, to allow a variety of powerplants including V8 and TDI derivatives. Thanks for the tip, Andrea!

[Source: OmniAuto]

Italian anticipazioni: Audi Q5 almost here originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audi Q5AudiQ5drawingrenderingsketchSpy shotSpyShotTue, 08 Apr 2008 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi Q5 getting 7-speed DSG, Porsche variant on the horizon, again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/audi-q5-getting-7-speed-dsg-porsche-variant-on-the-horizon-aga/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/audi-q5-getting-7-speed-dsg-porsche-variant-on-the-horizon-aga/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/audi-q5-getting-7-speed-dsg-porsche-variant-on-the-horizon-aga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Quattro Coupe Concept.

The Audi Q5 will reportedly make its official debut at the Bejing Motor Show next month and with Porsche's increased stake in the Volkswagen group - going from 31-percent to more than 50-percent - that means that VAG and Porsche might begin to finally play nice again with platform sharing.

Initially, the new Q5 was supposed to underpin Porsche's own mini 'ute, but rumors suggested that Audi's board nixed the idea for fear that a Porsche model sharing the same platform could steal sales from the new CUV. That's about to change as Porsche gets a few seats on VAG's board, and according to Autoweek, development of the vehicle-formerly-known as the Roxster is back in full swing.

While there's no new information about the Porsche, Audi's Q5 will be revealed packing the new seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox mated to a longitudinal engine. The real benefit of the new DL500 transmission is that it can handle torque output up to 405 lb.-ft. and engine revs of 8,500 rpm. The new tranny will disseminate throughout the rest of the Audi lineup in coming years, first in Quattro models, including the new A4, and then on down to the automaker's front-wheel-drive models.

Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe Quattro


Gallery: 2007 Audi Cross Coupe quattro concept


[Source: Autoweek]

Audi Q5 getting 7-speed DSG, Porsche variant on the horizon, again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi q5AudiQ5dl500 transmissionDl500Transmissiondual clutch transmissionDualClutchTransmissionporscheporsche roxsterPorscheRoxsters-tronicFri, 14 Mar 2008 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Autobild</i> supposedly unveils Audi Q5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/07/i-autobild-i-supposedly-unveils-audi-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/07/i-autobild-i-supposedly-unveils-audi-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/07/i-autobild-i-supposedly-unveils-audi-q5/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for scans of the Audi Q5.

The folks at Autobild are up to their usual shenanigans, publishing what looks to be the new Audi Q5 in all its glory. As is always the case with some of the German auto rags, we're unsure if these are official images from Audi or clever photoshops, but the proportions and details look spot-on.

The front end seems to be a nice amalgamation of the Audi A4 and the Q7 fascias, while everything aft of the A-pillar looks like the Q5's big brother at two-thirds scale. The rear light arrangement is something that seems to be carried over from Audi's show vehicles, including the Cross Cabriolet Concept.

We'll have all the details about the Audi Q5 when it's officially unveiled next month in Geneva. Thanks for the tip Tom!

[Source: Autobild via Autoblog Spanish]

Gallery: Audi Q5 - Autobild Scans

Autobild supposedly unveils Audi Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q5AudiQ5genevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowq5Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi Q5 coming to LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/audi-q5-coming-to-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/audi-q5-coming-to-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/audi-q5-coming-to-la/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Audi Q5 is coming to the city by the sea in November. The big, upscale brother to the VW Tiguan sits on the Modular Long Platform from the A5, and enters the MMA ring with the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK. It is expected to get a wide variety of engines, from the marque's FSI fours, to diesels and perhaps even the 4.2-liter V8. It might also get a 6-speed manual, but no third row seating.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi Q5 coming to LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi la auto showaudi q5AudiLaAutoShowAudiQ5la auto showLaAutoShowq5q5 debutq5 la auto showQ5DebutQ5LaAutoShowWed, 31 Oct 2007 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi delaying CUV launches until 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/24/audi-delaying-cuv-launches-until-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/24/audi-delaying-cuv-launches-until-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/24/audi-delaying-cuv-launches-until-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi is going to put off the launch of three new SUVs into its arsenal until the end of the decade, primarily for marketing reasons. Really, it's only one new model - the compact Q5 - plus diesel and hybrid versions of its Q7 crossover.

The reason for the delay is primarily to avoid Audi's newest entrants from getting lost in the ether of year-end sales drives, and thus allowing all three vehicles to be marketed as 2010 models, which were originally destined for sale in the third quarter of 2008.

Although we haven't seen the Q5, meant to compete with BMW's X3 and Mercedes' upcoming GLK, it's been well known that the new cute 'ute has been under development for some time, finding a home atop the VW Tiguan platform. The diesel Q7 will be arriving around the same time, and will come to market packing a three-liter turbo-diesel V6, producing 230 HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Since the new engine will be 50-state compliant, it's "just a matter of formality," according to Audi's U.S. head Johan de Nysschen, that the oilburner will find its way into the A4, A6 and A8 models of the future.

All three vehicles, including the 280 HP V6 hybrid-equipped Q7, are all likely to be revealed in Detroit in 2009.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi delaying CUV launches until 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi crossoveraudi cuvaudi diesel q7audi hybrid a7audi q5audi q7AudiCrossoverAudiCuvAudiDieselQ7AudiHybridA7AudiQ5AudiQ7crossovercuvdieselq5q7Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:03:00 EST