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[REPORT: Audi R8 Spyder coming in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-audi-r8-spyder-coming-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-audi-r8-spyder-coming-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-audi-r8-spyder-coming-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Autoblog visits the R8 assembly line in Germany - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Pacified as we've been by the appearance of the 5.2-liter FSI V10 and LMS competition spec versions of the Audi R8, it's been a while since we've heard anything about the roadster version. But reports citing unnamed company insiders suggest that the ruthless roofless supercar is scheduled to hit the market by 2011.

Since Ingolstadt opts to stick with soft-tops on its other convertible models, the R8 Spyder is expected to follow suit in order to save on space and added weight. Earlier reports suggested a partial convertible targa-style roof opening, but the drop-top flagship is likely to get a more conventional and complete solution. The big question mark remains over whether the convertible variant will be limited to the V8 powertrain or whether it will get the more potent 5.2-liter V10... we'd hope that if they can manage to pack it all in behind the buckets, a V10 roadster would prove a delectable alternative to the likes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster and Ferrari California, to say nothing of the R8's own sister Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder.

[Source: What Car?]

REPORT: Audi R8 Spyder coming in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 cabrioaudi r8 convertibvleaudi r8 roadsteraudi r8 spideraudi r8 spyderaudi r8 targaAudiR8AudiR8CabrioAudiR8ConvertibvleAudiR8RoadsterAudiR8SpiderAudiR8SpyderAudiR8Targar8r8 cabrior8 convertibler8 roadsterr8 spiderr8 spyderr8 targaR8CabrioR8ConvertibleR8RoadsterR8SpiderR8SpyderR8TargaThu, 30 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R8 cabrio won't get canvas roof or folding hard top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/audi-r8-cabrio-wont-get-canvas-roof-or-folding-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/audi-r8-cabrio-wont-get-canvas-roof-or-folding-hard-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/audi-r8-cabrio-wont-get-canvas-roof-or-folding-hard-top/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no secret that Audi's planned expansion of its R8 lineup will include upgraded engines (both gasoline- and diesel-powered) and a new convertible version that's likely to make an appearance next year. The crew at Car have already shown us a sketch of what a drop-top R8 could look like, complete with twin humps aft of the passenger compartment concealing the V8 beast beneath and aluminum (or composite) blades that have been halved to integrate into the beltline. But according to the Brit pub, Audi has decided that a canvas roof or a folding hard top isn't feasible due to the mid-mounted mill. Instead, a removable targa roof that can be detached and stowed (in your heated and carpeted garage?) will be fitted to the R8 to allow open air motoring with a bit of preplanning. It's a somewhat inelegant solution for a vehicle that exudes sophistication, and we think Audi would be advised to check out what its corporate kissing cousin, Lamborghini, is doing with its own convertible supercars.

[Source: Car]

Audi R8 cabrio won't get canvas roof or folding hard top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 cabrioaudi r8 convertibleaudi r8 targaAudiR8AudiR8CabrioAudiR8ConvertibleAudiR8Targar8Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi counting down to new era that starts at kickoff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/audi-starts-countdown-to-a-new-era-during-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/audi-starts-countdown-to-a-new-era-during-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/audi-starts-countdown-to-a-new-era-during-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi has updated its U.S. website with a short video that features a counter ticking the time away "until the moment of truth." The seconds flying by lead up to the date and time of Super Bowl XLII this Sunday. Below is a short message that says, "On February 3, 2008, over 140 million TV viewers will witness the start of a new era. Register now for your exclusive sneak preview... and more."

While the video only shows dark glimpses of the R8's wheel and headlight, something tells us Audi has big things planned for its very expensive Godfather-themed Super Bowl commercial. Registering on Audi's website will get you a free sneak preview of the ad on the morning of the Super Bowl, so we have, of course, already signed up and will let you know what we see.

While tipsters are telling us that an R8 Cabrio may debut in the ad, we've found no hard evidence to back this up. Instead, we expect the ad to introduce a new image of Audi to American consumers. Audi lacks the prestige and cachet of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States, and from what Scott Keogh, marketing head for Audi of America, has already revealed, it sounds as if the German brand will position its German competitors as old farts compared to the new hotness that is Audi. Thanks to everyone who sent us this tip!

[Source: Audi]

BONUS! We've included a high-res preview gallery of the 2008 Audi R8 that we've just had in the Autoblog Garage. Our review of the R8 is coming soon, so enjoy this sneak preview in the mean time.

Audi counting down to new era that starts at kickoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r8 cabrioaudi r8 convertibleAudiR8CabrioAudiR8Convertiblesuper bowlsuper bowl adSuperBowlSuperBowlAdWed, 30 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/detroit-preview-audi-has-plans-for-big-showing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The quad-ring obsessives over at Fourtitude have the inside scoop on what Audi plans to unveil in Detroit this January, and enthusiasts stand to benefit from a duo of performance products in the form of an R8 concept and what's likely to be the production version of the TT-S.

Audi's midship masterpiece has only been on the market a few months, but it's been all but confirmed that bigger things are on the way. The rendering above was supposedly released to a handful of lucky press outlets a few weeks back and it obviously foretells a future convertible variant of the R8. Rumors about a powerplant upgrade in the form of a V10 are also circulating, but we think its doubtful that Audi would blow it all on one show.

While the R8 convertible is pure motoring pr0n, the TT-S is proof that Audi is taking its performance offerings seriously. The exterior benefits from a number of S-line goodies originally spied at the 'Ring, while power is expected to come courtesy of the European S3's 265 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four. The combination of a more aggressive suspension, larger brakes and upgraded rolling stock is sure to capitalize on the TT's already nimble chassis.

Head on over to Fourtitude for a rendering of the TT-S and to get an eyeful of the R8 cabrio concept.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Detroit Preview: Audi has plans for big showing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 cabrioaudi r8 convertibleaudi tt-saudi ttsAudiR8CabrioAudiR8ConvertibleAudiTt-sAudiTtstt-sttsTue, 27 Nov 2007 08:26:00 EST