Autoblog

BMW may keep next 1 Series out of the US

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, BMW

As BMW prepares to introduce the all-new 2 Series coupe and convertible, the 1 Series name definitely won't be going away. We know new sedan and hatchback models are in the works; including the GT shown above. According to Car and Driver, though, the future of the 1 Series nameplate in the US could be dependent on rival premium small cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3.

In an interview with C/D, BMW's North American head of product planning and strategy, Paul Ferraiolo, said that pricing might be the biggest deterrent to offering the third-gen 1 Series in the US. As he points out, BMW currently prices the 1 not too far from the 3 Series, but Mercedes-Benz and Audi will have their new small cars priced well below the $30,000 mark. BMW's Mini brand will also factor into the consideration since the 1 GT will share its underpinnings with the next-gen Cooper lineup.

BMW may keep next 1 Series out of the US originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S3 Sedan boasts SAE 296 hp, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds

Matt Davis — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Audi

The (technically speaking) 2015 Audi S3 sedan should start at right near $39,000.

The last time Audi gifted the world with a small sport sedan was way back when the A4 wasn't an entry-luxury executive car costing relative gads of dough, so maybe since the mid-1990s. In a company decision reversal, we're now officially getting the new A3 Sportback starting later this year, but that's a five-door hatch and not a big volume attraction for markets like the United States. And there's no guarantee we'll get the S3 Sportback version yet. So, what to do?

An S3 sedan is what. Audi was nice enough to usher us in to a private audience with this hotly awaited model in a westside Manhattan pier warehouse prior to the official unveil at the New York Auto Show tomorrow. Here is just a knee-jerk reaction to lead off... She do look damned fine, kids. (We'll have live images to share soon, so keep an eye on this post later.)

This heartier version of the new smaller notchback sedan from Ingolstadt is set to launch in western Europe as of December this year (after the A3 sedan in September), and US deliveries will begin during summer 2014. Talking with Audi experts at this little get-together and shoving some numbers around, the (technically speaking) 2015 Audi S3 sedan should start at right near $39,000. US S3 sedans come standard with a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, full leather, Sirius satellite radio, the three-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles for the also-standard six-speed S-tronic, and fully automated adjustable sport seats. Unfortunately, no six-speed manual shifting will be offered.

Continue reading Audi S3 Sedan boasts SAE 296 hp, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds

Audi S3 Sedan boasts SAE 296 hp, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Audi A3 Sedan makes its world debut in NYC [UPDATE]

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Videos, Audi, Luxury

Audi is bringing some excitement to this year's New York Auto Show, showing off a 2014 A3 Sedan that will shortly be vying for attention in the luxury market's newly hot compact segment. The newly minted A3 faces immediate challenge from box-fresh small premium sedans like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Acura ILX, as well as players like the Buick Verano and the Lexus CT200h.

Of course, the German automaker will be the first to tell you that this new A3 is more than up to the challenge. Audi's typically high-level of design is in effect here, with sheet metal that is attractive without looking like a clone of the larger A4. The A3 will have the option of full LED headlamps, of course, carrying on Audi's now famous positioning in the world of recognizable lighting. Wheels will range from 16-inches to 18-inches, we're told, which will also help to cement the sporty look and premium placement of the small sedan.

The A3 Sedan will be vying for attention in the luxury market's newly hot compact segment.

Inside, the A3 now offers a driver information display that uses 3D graphics, a revised MMI system (still operable via a column-mounted knob or steering wheel controls), the choice of three different steering wheels (depending on function), optional sport seating and a whole lot more. Interior colorways fall into the black, brown, gray or beige variety, and two-tone packages are also in the mix. Cloth seats, two kinds of leather and Alacantara all find themselves among the options, as well.

The A3 will launch in Europe before it comes Stateside, and will offer a three-engine lineup when it does. All three mills are of the four-cylinder variety, with a 2.0-liter TDI offering 150-horsepower and 236-pound-feet of torque, a 1.4-liter, 140-hp and 184-lb-ft TFSI, and a 1.8-liter, 180-hp and 184-lf-ft TFSI. The diesel motor is expected to return roughly 57 miles per gallon on the combined European cycle, the 1.4 and 1.8 engines will offer 50 mpg and 42 mpg, respectively. 0-62 mile per hour times will range from 7.3 seconds for the 1.8 TFSI, to 8.7 for the TDI. As of this writing, the expected powertrain lineup for North America is still unknown.

European customers will have their choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed S tronic dual clutch setup, though we're told that there will be no manual option for US customers. We'll follow up when we know if that's forever, or just at launch. In the meantime, have a full look at our gallery of A3 images and take a moment to scan the official Audi press release, below.

UPDATE: We were able to confirm a few more facts with Audi representatives this evening. The A3 engines that will be headed to the US are the 2.0-liter TDI, 1.8-liter TFSI and the 2.0-liter TFSI. It was also reiterated that the car will make its "official" world debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next month, and will not be on sale in this country until the 2015 model year.

UPDATE II: Video added below.

Continue reading 2014 Audi A3 Sedan makes its world debut in NYC [UPDATE]

2014 Audi A3 Sedan makes its world debut in NYC [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US-bound Audi A3 Sedan spied testing

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi

As the Audi A3 sedan gets closer to its debut, Audi has camouflaged prototypes to take it on the streets for final testing. Last time we saw the A3, it was testing almost in the buff, but it was on a closed track so our spy shooters were kept at quite a distance.

Now that the newest Audi sedan is testing on public roads, our latest batch of spy shots gives us a more detailed look at the entry-level luxury player despite the swirly camo. Except for the oversized wheels and the fancy exhaust outlets and door mirrors, the production version of the car should look almost identical to the A3 sedan concept we saw in Geneva a couple years ago. Some of the details we can see include a good-sized panoramic roof that stretches almost halfway into the rear passenger space and signature Audi LED-accented headlights and taillights.

US-bound Audi A3 Sedan spied testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. not getting new A3 Wagon, separate sedan being developed

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

While we adore sexy three-door hatchbacks in the same way that our lungs crave oxygen, our fellow countrymen don't quite seem to feel the same way. Three-doors simply don't sell in America, and that's exactly why the delicious 2013 Audi A3 Wagon isn't headed to the states, according to The Detroit Bureau.

Instead, American buyers can look forward to a market-specific sedan version that Johan de Nysschen, CEO of Audi of America, says won't share so much as a single body panel with the longroof you see above. While that's a crying shame by our eyes, de Nysschen says the U.S.-spec 2013 Audi A3 will likely be successful enough to boost model sales to 30,000 per year.

The A3 Sedan is expected to bow with a more upscale, refined interior and more passenger volume as well. We wouldn't be surprised to see an abundance of available technology options as well. The Detroit Bureau says the new model may even bow with the same touch pad control system found on the Audi A8 and a larger LCD screen mounted in the dash.

U.S. not getting new A3 Wagon, separate sedan being developed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi announces A3 e-tron Electric Vehicle Pilot Program at TED [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Electric

Audi has taken to the stage at this year's TED2012 Conference in Long Beach, California to announce its first e-tron pilot program for the U.S.

Audi will be deploying a fleet of all-electric A3 hatchbacks in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Denver later this year to test the hardware underpinning its future electric vehicle efforts. The automaker hasn't announced how many A3 e-trons will be spread across the two states and D.C., but plans to enlist EV beta testers - similar to what BMW has done with the Mini E and 1 Series-based ActiveE - to get real world data on how drivers use their EVs day-to-day.

The A3 e-tron, originally revealed last April, comes packing a 26.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for a range of 90 miles, with a 100-kW (around 130 horsepower) motor driving the front wheels and putting out 199 pound-feet of torque. Performance isn't particularly impressive, with the A3 hitting 60 mph in around 11 seconds and topping out at 90 mph. And with a 400-volt rapid-charger, Audi claims the battery pack can be juiced up in around four hours.

Full details, along with a video, are available in the press blast below the fold.

Continue reading Audi announces A3 e-tron Electric Vehicle Pilot Program at TED [w/video]

Audi announces A3 e-tron Electric Vehicle Pilot Program at TED [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More pictures of the 2013 Audi A3 say hello to the Internet

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

The 2013 Audi A3 will be rolling into the Geneva Motor Show next month, but first it went to Russia to get leaked all over the Internet. We saw one angle of it a few days ago, and now we see more of what looks to be a very handsome car. The move to the new MQB platform hasn't altered anything drastically, but revisions in the hatchback's details have made for a more concentrated bearing, with very A1-like appearance.

The interior is practically a throwback to the original Audi TT, with a cleaned-up, minimalist IP sporting a screen atop the dash, the expanse below broken up only by two round vents and HVAC controls below.

The three-door is expected to be followed by variants that include a convertible, five-door and sedan. According to Google's translation of Russian, engine options will include TSFI engines with 122 and 180 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission alongside a seven-speed dual-clutch option.

More pictures of the 2013 Audi A3 say hello to the Internet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi accidentally(?) previews 2013 A3 design at CES

Zach Bowman — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Design/Style

.

Audi may have accidentally let slip the exterior design of its upcoming 2013 A3.The German automaker set about showing off the hatchback's cabin with a static display at Las Vegas' CES ahead of the vehicle's expected unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The display gives the world a sense of what to expect from the luxury compact's front seats, center console and dash, which features a stand-alone LCD display that rises out from above the instrument panel's center air vents. Like other Audi displays, the screen features various vehicle menus, including two that show off the full exterior of the three-door model.

Judging from these two quick glimpses at the hatchback, the three-door will feature a new, more aggressive face. From the looks of things, buyers can expect to continue to find a large, signature Audi single-frame grille flanked by more purposeful headlights and sporty air intakes set low int he front fascia. Head over to Audiboost.com for a closer look at the vehicle inside and out. Don't get too attached to what you see, however. Past reports have suggested the vehicle will only debut as a sedan here in the States.

Audi accidentally(?) previews 2013 A3 design at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to unveil Vail CUV concept in Detroit

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:58:00 EST

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

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler slipped up while talking to Bloomberg, telling the financial pub that in addition to the 2013 A4 and A4 AllRoad, a small crossover concept will debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

Stadler didn't give up anything in the way of details, but the concept will be dubbed the "Vail" and could be a way to gauge reception of a smaller Audi CUV in the States.

If we had to guess, the Vail will feature an Allroad-like treatment on the Euro-only Q3, likely involving a higher ride height, plastic body treatments and a more go-anywhere attitude. We'll know for sure in a few days, but we hope that's not all Audi has planned.

Audi to unveil Vail CUV concept in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW and Audi recall nearly 170,000 TDI diesel models

Zach Bowman — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Audi, Volkswagen, Diesel

Volkswagen has officially announced a recall of 168,275 Jetta TDI and Golf TDI models as well as certain Audi A3 TDI vehicles after a recent stop sale. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem stems from the fuel line that feeds injector number two. Over time, the resonance from the injector could cause the line to fail, potentially leading to an engine fire. Volkswagen will replace the line with an improved piece and fit each injector with a vibration damper to prevent the failure from occurring in the future free of charge.

The recall covers certain 2010-2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI and Audi A3 TDI models as well as certain 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Jetta Sporwagen TDI models. Volkswagen will notify owners affected by the issue and work is expected to begin in November. Hit the jump for a look at the recall notice.

Continue reading VW and Audi recall nearly 170,000 TDI diesel models

VW and Audi recall nearly 170,000 TDI diesel models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Audi A3 shows its new face

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Audi

Audi is in the midst of reshaping its entire family. The new look starts at the top with the redesigned A8, has shown itself on the A7 and A6, and will now filter its way down through the rest of the lineup. Next in line to get the updated look is the A3, and spy photographers managed to capture a cladding-covered prototype on vacation down in Argentina.

We don't yet have a clear shot at the front end, but you can expect a large gaping maw paired with bright LED daytime running lamps, similar in shape to what we see on the A6, no doubt. The real family resemblance, however, can be seen in the character line running down the length of the car. That sharp accent is now a family trademark, and lets the world know you're looking at an Audi (as if the LED-everything didn't tell you already).

Don't get too used to this three-door shape, though. When the next-generation A3 goes on sale in the United States, it will be a four-door sedan, as Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen recently confirmed. The five-door configuration will still be available in other markets, but Stateside, Audi believes a proper four-door will be what makes customers swoon.

Next-gen Audi A3 shows its new face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi previews next-generation A3 hatchback

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2013 Audi A3 preview rendering - Click above for image gallery

Audi has taken an interesting approach forecasting the next-generation A3 with a sedan concept at the Geneva Motor Show - even though the current model is principally a hatchback. When it does hit showrooms sometime next year, however, the next-gen A3 is expected to be offered first with a tailgate before a trunked version comes along - the three-door model leading the five-door, then the sedan and finally the soft-top convertible.

The news comes along with a trio of sketches released by Audi to the British motor press alongside those of the R8 GT Spyder. The renderings depict the three-door hatchback, the four-door sedan and the cabin of the next-gen A3 production model, which is tipped to be even more diverse in its engine offerings than it is in its bodystyles: expect gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid and full electric versions to be rolled out in succession.

The cabin, meanwhile, is tipped to feature the latest technologies, including Audi's MMI controller and a pop-up infotainment screen. Look for the production 2013 A3 - in one body form or another - to debut in Geneva next March, a year after the sedan concept we saw there last month.

Gallery: 2013 Audi A3 preview renderings

[Source: Audi via Autocar]

Audi previews next-generation A3 hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi A3 sedan likely for U.S., Q3 crossover not in the cards (right now)

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Crossover, Audi

Audi A3 Sedan Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Audi A3 Sedan Concept may not have been the Volkswagen Group's biggest show-stopper at the Geneva Motor Show, but it still garnered a lot of high praise from those in attendance. Automotive News reports that if produced, the A3 sedan would likely be sold here in the United States - a no-brainer, really, especially since the German automaker has long considered offering a four-door bodystyle of the A3 here in America.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member for sales and marketing, tells Automotive News that, "If you look at this specific segment around the world, you come to the conclusion that this car is designed - but it is not yet decided - with the U.S. and China in mind." Schwarzenbauer further states that these are two markets where "the [sedan] segment is quite big." The A3 sedan could come to the U.S. as early as 2013.

However, when it comes to the smaller Q3 crossover that's currently being developed, Audi has not yet decided whether it will be sold in the CUV-hungry U.S. Automotive News reports that if the Q3 is given the green light, it would not arrive for another 12 to 15 months - even though the European-spec crossover is scheduled to go on sale this year.

Gallery: Audi A3 sedan concept: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Audi A3 sedan likely for U.S., Q3 crossover not in the cards (right now) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the land of Four Rings, anything with an 'A' at the start of its model name means it's a fairly standard model. Should you see an 'S,' get excited, because that means the fun factor has been ratcheted up a notch. However, if the alpahnumeric starts with 'RS,' then it's time to put on your best steel-eyed gaze, because that particular Audi means business. The RS moniker has been used throughout the German automaker's family, and now it is landing on the A3's hatch lid, transforming the mild-mannered five-door into the 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback.

Audi has taken its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine and forced it to work a little harder. Adding more boost (now running over 17 psi, in fact), the mill in the RS3 pumps out 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed through a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and out to all four wheels, which helps pull the 2012 Audi RS3 from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. If you feel like 60 mph is too slow for your liking, then hold down the gas and you'll eventually bump against 155 mph.

There's no word yet on whether this juiced-up hot hatch will make its way Stateside, but we won't be holding our breath, as the bog-standard A3 is already plenty expensive for U.S. tastes. Either way, the RS3 goes on sale in Europe sometime during the first half of 2011.

Gallery: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi sketches 408-hp A3 sedan concept ahead of Geneva debut

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Luxury

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

Audi has released a few sketches of its Geneva-bound A3 concept, and in keeping with previous reports, the automaker is intent on bringing a sedan version of its smallest model to market.

Audi describes the A3 concept as a "four-seater notchback sedan" and measures in at 174.84-inches long - about six inches longer than the current five-door model. The front fascia is a further evolution of Audi's more aggressive snout, complete with full LED headlamps and new trapezoidal grille. The greenhouse is suitably squat, with an arching roofline that terminates in a thin, low-slung C-pillar to give it the de riguer "four-door coupe" shape.

More intriguingly, the powertrain is comprised of a turbocharged five-cylinder engine - likely pulled from the TT-RS - outputting 408 horsepower through Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. We'll have a full report from the show floor in less than two weeks, but in the meantime, get the full details in the press blast below the fold.

Gallery: Audi A3 Concept

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi sketches 408-hp A3 sedan concept ahead of Geneva debut

Audi sketches 408-hp A3 sedan concept ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As Audi plants struggle to meet demand, buyers wait months for cars

Chris Shunk — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Audi A6 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Group wants to be number one in global sales, luxury sales and, hopefully, profits. In order to reach the auto sales zenith, however, Volkswagen may need to make room for more Audi production.

Bloomberg reports that Audi is struggling to meet demand for the A3 and A6, with buyers waiting three to four months to take delivery of those models. Audi sales boss Peter Schwarzenbauer tells Bloomberg that its factories are running at full throttle and that if sales continue to grow it will be "difficult to say how long it could take to reduce waiting times."

So why aren't car buyers leaving Audi for the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz? The line for Germany's other luxury makes can be just as long. All three automakers reported record sales in January, and that's with buyers waiting up to six months for hot new vehicles like the new BMW X3. While all three German luxury struggle to keep pace with demand, experts say Audi is in the toughest spot, with wait times up to two months longer than its competitors.

Will the Volkswagen Group address the problem in a timely manner? Since Audi reportedly contributed 47 percent of VW's overall profits for the past nine months, execs should be eager to take care of their cash cow.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6: Detroit 2011

[Source: Bloomberg]

As Audi plants struggle to meet demand, buyers wait months for cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2011: Next generation MMI, Touch debuting on Audi A3

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Audi

Click above to enlarge

Take a close look at the photo above. You're looking at Audi's next generation MMI system being demoed during this morning's keynote at CES. The circuit board to the left is packing NVIDIA's Tegra chipset - the same processor powering a range of tablets and netbooks - and to the right is Audi's new scroll wheel, which has grown considerably. The reason for the added girth? Audi is incorporating the much-lauded MMI Touch interface directly into the scroll wheel. MMI Touch - which originally debuted on the A8 and is making its way to the A7 and all-new A6 - will continue to move down through the ranks of Audi's line-up and will debut on the next generation A3, likely to arrive within the next two years.

The revised MMI Touch will continue to include handwriting recognition, but will also handle scrolling and possibly gestures for panning, zooming and other functions. If you've used an iPhone, iPad or MacBook touchpad, you'll be right at home.

We also got a sneak preview of the Tegra's performance as it seamlessly rendered Google Earth, a new circular navigation menu and full 3D graphics. Audi claims to have over 100 engineers and user interface experts working on its infotainment software, and from what we've seen today, we believe them.

CES 2011: Next generation MMI, Touch debuting on Audi A3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 sedan still in the cards, but needs a little help

Chris Paukert — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

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

Audi's A3 has been something of a quiet entry point for the German automaker in the North American market, selling in modest volumes compared to its more upscale A4 and A6 brethren. According to Audi of North America president, Johan de Nysschen, those low volumes have been supply constrained for some time. The A3 has been performing so well in the European market that capacity remains in short supply. The supply constraint is so acute that Audi hasn't been offering any incentives or leasing plans to help boost the model's numbers.

Another reason for the A3's low take-rate, de Nysschen admits, is its five-door hatchback bodystyle, a configuration that is at odds with traditional expectations for premium cars among U.S. consumers. But help may be on the way.

As we first reported back in January, Audi may build a sedan version of the A3 to better appeal to this market's consumer tastes. However, the company is reluctant to undertake the cost of developing a new bodystyle for the North American market alone, and Audi of Europe apparently isn't terribly interested in offering one to its customers. The potential solution de Nysschen is pursuing hinges upon lobbying Audi's other international arms to see if they are interested in offering an A3 sedan. Of those divisions, Audi's Asian outposts would seem to be the most likely candidate, as countries like South Korea and China are very accepting of cars with trucks, and both are seen as strong growth markets.

Interestingly, de Nysschen reminded Autoblog that the A3's sales volume has actually more than doubled in the States this year. That's partly because Audi is earning more consideration from car buyers, and partly because demand for the model has fallen in Europe where it is approaching the end of its lifecycle. With less product needed to keep EU dealers happy, Audi has been able to secure more units to sell in the States. Through August, Audi sold 4,012 A3 five-doors in the States. That represents a whopping 74.8 percent year-over-year increase - a remarkable feat for a car that has been on sale since 2006. By this time last year, Audi had only managed to shift 2,295 units. Just as interesting is word that sales of the TDI diesel A3 account for around 50 percent of the model's sales - a percentage that Audi says holds true for its other TDI offering, the Q7.

The next-generation A3 is expected in 2012, but with plans for a sedan still up in the air, it seems unlikely that a four-door variant will accompany its initial rollout. Either way, the second-generation model is expected to continue sharing quite a bit with its Volkswagen counterparts, including offering a derivative of automaker's ubiquitous 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder and Quattro all-wheel drive.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI

Audi A3 sedan still in the cards, but needs a little help originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS3 takes to the 'Ring (with adjustable wing?)

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST

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

2011 Audi RS3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next generation Audi RS3 is coming, it's just a matter of when. But the bigger question is what's going to power Audi's hottest hatch when it arrives on European shores.

Considering that the A3 on which it's based shares the same platform (PQ35) as the TT RS, there's a good chance that Audi could swap the coupe's turbocharged 2.5-liter FSI inline-five into the engine bay. Unchanged, the five-pot would put out 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque to either a six-speed manual or S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, and naturally, power will be delivered to all four wheels with a similar 40:60 front-to-rear torque split.

Our recent batch of spy shots show a slightly modified A3, complete with a RS-ified fascia, lower stance and massive brakes front and rear, although the single, twin-tipped exhaust (and grilled-mounted badge) could be mistaken for a standard S3. More interestingly is the rear wing, which remained fixed during part of the RS3's 'Ring run, but was canted upwards around another section. It could be some kind of adaptive air brake or it could've just come undone while whipping around the track.

Regardless, since Audi doesn't offer an S3 in the U.S., there's little chance of the RS3 making it to the States anytime soon.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi RS3

Spy Shots: Audi RS3 takes to the 'Ring (with adjustable wing?) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #177 - What's up with the AB Podcast in iTunes?

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Technology, Acura, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Ferrari, Diesel

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

Before we get to this week's show, we wanted to explain what's up with The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes. The short story is that TV Squad, one of our sister sites in the AOL Network, recently received an update that went awry. The result was all of our RSS feeds being replaced with the TV Squad RSS feed. The issue was quickly fixed, but for some reason iTunes isn't recognizing this fact and continues to display the TV Squad podcast as if it were The Autoblog Podcast. We're in contact with people from iTunes who assure us the problem is being worked on, so hang tight.

In the meantime, if you subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast via iTunes, you will not automatically receive this week's episode. The easiest workaround until we get this fixed is to use the link below to download the MP3 file directly and drag it into iTunes. We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience, even though it's not our fault. Send your hate mail to TV Squad.

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, and Steven Ewing take on topsy-turvy topics like hybrid Ferraris, the Land Rover LRX, Hyundai's focus-grouping a pickup truck, Toyota's possible hydrogen future, and the OnStar relaunch. There's the Autoblog Garage to start, and we finish with questions for this week's 80-minute installment. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #177: What? Hybrid Ferraris, FWD Land Rovers, and Hyundai Pickups

In the Autoblog Garage:

Audi A3 TDI
Acura ZDX
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Toyota Tacoma

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, Steven J. Ewing

Runtime: 1:18:56

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #177 - What's up with the AB Podcast in iTunes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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