Autoblog

2013 Audi S8

Matt Davis — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Italy To Monaco In Ingolstadt's Crushing Performance Saloon

I had an engagement a while back with the Audi RS5 Cabriolet in Monaco, and getting me from my lair in northern Italy by plane connection is an utter waste of time since the first flight is always to either Paris, Zurich, or Rome, three cities not at all on the way to Monaco. So I phoned Audi Italia about a quick loan of a car for the three-hour-ish drive to this event, and they were simpatici enough to propose that I keep whatever they gave me for two weeks. And what they gave me was a loaded Audi S8 with properly chosen 20-inch Dunlop SP Winter Sport treads attached.

This was about to be a much cooler two weeks than I had planned.

On the other hand, several colleagues looked at me and then at the car, and then said, "You'll love the thing until it's time to fill it." I was determined to show them all that the 23.8-gallon capacity of premium fuel would not break my will to love the S8 as though it were my own in everyday driving over the next fourteen days.

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2013 Audi S8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Audi A8 Hybrid

Matt Davis — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Audi, First Drives, Luxury

Diesel Versus Electrons Debate Continues

When it comes to the hybrid market, we assume - as most of you probably do as well - that the United States is at the top of the list to get whatever hybrid models an automaker builds. That vision is apparently altering for the Germans, though, as Audi is not bringing this A8 Hybrid to the States, instead favoring Western Europe and particularly Asia.

The start of deliveries in Europe already commenced in May, and Asian deliveries will start by 2013 as Audi mulls bringing the long-wheelbase version there, as well as a right-hand-drive model. The choice to not invite North American consumers to the party might not be a forever sort of thing, but at least for the next few years, the plan appears to be set in stone.

To be honest, Audi's full parallel hybrid strategy, along with that of parent Volkswagen Group's larger cars and SUVs in general, isn't terribly amazing - there's no thinking going on outside of the box here. Across the entire VW corporate family, the better choice for these bigger cruisers is always the range of outstanding diesels that generally weigh less and can cost less than their hybrid brethren. Nonetheless, Audi's high-tech image demands that the brand show it can play in every alternative propulsion sector. With China being Audi's best market by far, this A8 Hybrid has that nation writ all over its business plan.

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2012 Audi A8 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi A8 3.0T matches 4.2 V8 fuel economy numbers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Luxury

When Audi announced the 2013 A8 with the 3.0T V6, it didn't mention fuel economy numbers but did tout the 333-horsepower engine's "great efficiency." According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the V6 efficiency exactly matches that of the more powerful 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 - the 3.0T was rated the same 18 city, 28 highway as the naturally aspirated 4.2.

It's figured that the stop/start system fitted to the V6 will provide a slight bump, which, since the EPA doesn't factory such tech into its testing, doesn't register in the official numbers. It's difficult to make fuel economy comparisons with the same engines in other countries since they have different power ratings; in Germany, for instance, the V6 is rated at 286 hp, the 4.2 isn't offered and the 4.0 TSFI V8 makes 414 hp - but in that case, the V6 does get better gas mileage, if you're wondering.

Speaking of wondering, that's what many including our own commenters are doing about the space between the 333-hp V6 and 520-hp V8 in the S8. The report in Car and Driver posits a detuned version of the S8's motor. No matter what, the V6 A8 will be less expensive than all of them, which was the real point all along.

2013 Audi A8 3.0T matches 4.2 V8 fuel economy numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Audi flagship will drive autonomously in traffic jams

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Safety, Technology, Audi, Luxury

Audi had plenty to announce at CES, including the debut of its new Audi Connect system and Touchpad-integrated MMI knob, modular entertainment platform, NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset and its planned expansion of both infotainment and active safety systems.

On the safety front, Audi execs announced plans to introduce a new system dubbed Traffic Jam Assistant, which recognizes when a driver is stuck in start-and-stop traffic and can be switched into an autonomous mode that takes complete control of the steering, acceleration and brakes.

The system uses the front-mounted adaptive cruise control sensors combined with wide-angle video cameras to detect lane markings, other vehicles, barriers and pedestrians, and can control the vehicle without any driver intervention up to 37 mph. Eight ultrasonic sensors also keep tabs on what's in front of and at the sides of the vehicle, with the front sensors not only tracking the vehicle ahead, but - like Nissan's latest Predictive Forward Collision Warning System - several vehicles ahead.

If this all sounds familiar, it should. And so should the name. Mercedes-Benz has been working on a similar system called Traffic Jam Assist, which we sampled in an S-Class last year.

Like Mercedes' system, Audi's implementation should make it to market sometime next year, likely in its refreshed range-topping A8.

Next Audi flagship will drive autonomously in traffic jams originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi confirms 3.0T powertrain for 2013 A8 in U.S.

Chris Paukert — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Audi, Luxury

Audi has confirmed at the Detroit Auto Show that its 2013 A8 will be available with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the United States. Delivering 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque through all four wheels, the A8 3.0T will be sold in both both short- and long-wheelbase formats and it will be one of a growing crop of vehicles sold in North America with start/stop technology. The move follows confirmation that Audi will also market its flagship luxury sedan with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder TDI diesel engine.

Both powertrain combinations have already been offered in the A8 in other markets, and both engines have already been featured in other Audi models sold here, but these powerplants will be the first six-cylinder A8s sold in North America. Audi has not released official fuel economy estimates for these new powertrains.

Continue reading Audi confirms 3.0T powertrain for 2013 A8 in U.S.

Audi confirms 3.0T powertrain for 2013 A8 in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Audi, Luxury, Infotainment

After Audi announced Google Earth integration in the 2011 A8, the next obvious question we had was when Google Street View was coming. The only response we got: "Just wait."

Well, the waiting is over. Audi announced today that Street View - Google's relentless outdoor photographing service - will join the high-resolution aerial and satellite images embedded in Audi's Connect infotainment system.

According to Audi, the system pre-loads data for your selected route and then integrates with your smartphone's UTMS module to provide a 360-degree view for the driver - most helpful when looking for a specific business or residence in a congested urban area.

Audi also announced its "music stream" service, which, like BMW's Internet Radio functionality, allows drivers to select from over 4,000 internet radio stations from around the world and stream them through the stereo. Details on both systems can be found in the press blast after the break.

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Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AdSpotting: Audi recognizes true greatness in the new A8

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Audi

Company: Volkswagen

Brand: Audi

Medium: TV

Ad Agency: Venables Bell & Partners

Product: Audi A8

Campaign: The Best

What We Like: Audi believes its latest A8 is a truly great automobile, and it's running with this idea because it seems both Car and Driver and Road & Track agree. Rather than simply spouting off a list of why it may have earned recognition, Audi is tackling its perceived greatness in a humorous manner. The spots are short, funny and to the point. The message is that you'd have to be clueless not to see the greatness put forth by Audi in its A8.

What We Don't Like: While the greatness is certainly inherent in the brand new A8, it almost seems like Audi is screaming at you to notice it. Still, if that is our one minor quibble, these ads are in pretty good shape.

Strategy: The all-new Audi A8 is a great car, and it recently received Best Large Luxury Sedan accolades from both Car and Driver and Road & Track. The automaker's ad agency is taking those awards and running with them. True greatness, as is shown in the new A8, is something that should be instantly recognizable, and it seems those who fail to see it are simply clueless.

Grade: A- (the minus is because of the perceived shouting, but the overall humor wins out).

Watch the videos after the jump and give it your own grade below.

View Poll

Continue reading AdSpotting: Audi recognizes true greatness in the new A8

AdSpotting: Audi recognizes true greatness in the new A8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi adds more luxury to the A8L W12 with the Exclusive Concept

Drew Phillips — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Audi, Luxury

For those that think the Audi A8L W12 isn't luxurious enough, the German automaker debuted a limited edition model here in Frankfurt dubbed the "Exclusive Concept." The A8 follows the R8 and Q7 as models available under the Exclusive label.

Unlike the R8 program that allows buyers to customize their interior, Audi has already made the choice for you with the A8L W12. The car features a unique interior with Cognac-colored Poltrona Frau leather and inlays made from olive ash. Leather covers nearly every inch of the car including the dashboard, center console, and door trims. Even the car key is made from high quality cow hide. Audi says that it plans on producing the A8 L W12 Exclusive, although just fifty examples are slated to be built.

Follow the jump for the official details in Audi's press release or check out our photos live from the show floor in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Audi adds more luxury to the A8L W12 with the Exclusive Concept

Audi adds more luxury to the A8L W12 with the Exclusive Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi spills the beans on production 37 mpg A8 Hybrid

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Audi

Diesel-lovin' Audi is slowly, slowly coming to grips with this whole hybrid thing. Earlier this year, the "We're not against hybrids" automaker finally gave out some real information about its hybrid Q5 (after years of teases and killing the program once,) and we saw the A6 hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Today, Audi is making good on the promise it made at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010 when it showed off a thinly disguised hybrid A8 concept.

Due out in 2012 (coincidentally, the 15th anniversary of the Toyota Prius), the A8 hybrid should appeal to customers who crave the German automaker's style and dislike stopping for petrol every third day. The A8 hybrid uses a 2.0 TFSI engine and an electric motor to crank out a peak output of 180 kW (245 horsepower) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque. Audi says all that power and style will come with 37 mpg (U.S.), which doesn't put the A8 at the top of the hybrid efficiency pack - remember, the A8 is huge - but it beats the pants off of the gas-only A8, which the EPA rates at 18/28/21 (city/highway/combined) mpg.

Even better for late night stealth missions to the golf course, the A8 hybrid can go three kilometers (1.86 miles) and up to 60 km/h (37.28 mph) using nothing but energy stored in its 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. Once the luxury sedan is up to speed, it can move down the highway at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on battery power, too. These are all good numbers (if only estimations from Audi, for now), and we eagerly await the chance to see how the A8 Hybrid operates in the real world. Until that time, check out the gallery below and read more details in the press release available after the jump.

Continue reading Audi spills the beans on production 37 mpg A8 Hybrid

Audi spills the beans on production 37 mpg A8 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A8 a hot seller out of the gates, nearly 60% boost in production planned

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi

Audi has a hot seller on its hands. If we forced you to guess which model (and didn't let you read the title of this post), you might assume that we'd be talking about the A6 or even the Q5. Nope. The four-ringed automaker is watching its all-new 2011 A8 flagship sedan doing its best impression of hot cakes.

In fact, the stylish luxo-barge is selling so well that it's required Audi to hire more plant workers. According to Automotive News, Audi is boosting production of the A8 by 57 percent, and it needs more hands on deck to help keep the lines moving at the automaker's Neckarsulm, Germany assembly plant. The A8 still has a ways to go in matching its German luxury brethren for global volume, but the new model appears to be on the right track.

Audi A8 a hot seller out of the gates, nearly 60% boost in production planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Audi S8 brings genteel muscle

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:57:00 EST

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

It's been several months since Audi unveiled its latest A8 flagship sedan, and you know what that means, boys and girls: that's right, a new S8 is almost upon us.

The performance version of the luxury limousine has been spied undergoing what looks like final testing, given a lack of camouflage or body cladding on the test mule snapped in our high-res image gallery. The face looks more aggressive than the stock A8 but rather subtle and still tastefully elegant, with bigger wheels filling the wells and larger brakes in turn filling the wheels.

But, of course you want to know what's under the hood. Don't we all. Following a similar trajectory to arch-rival BMW's latest M5, word on the street is that the Lamborghini-derived V10 from the previous S8 will be replaced by the new twin-turbo V8 expected to find its way as well into the new S6, S7 and Bentley Continental GT. Output and efficiency are expected to increase, however, with power ratings mooted in the 500 horsepower range.

That's a lot of beef, and if we had to guess, we'd say we'll probably be scoping it out in person come September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

2012 Audi S8 brings genteel muscle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Daddy Audi A8 L W12 priced from $133,500*

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi

The paint is still drying on the 2011 Audi A8, but the Four-Ring automaker is already ready to roll out its 2012 lineup. A8 fans can now say hello a familiar variant of the flagship sedan which was missing upon launch of the launch of its redesign. The 2012 Audi A8 L will now be offered with a W12 engine under its hood and a $133,500 starting price on the window sticker. For that, you get a dozen cylinders giving 500 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque - enough to launch Audi's Big Daddy to 60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds.

Any other items of note for the 2012 model year? Yes, we're glad you asked.

The sporty 2012 Audi TT-RS can be yours if you have $56,850 to spare. The redesigned 2012 A6 sedan starts at $41,700 for the front-wheel-drive 2.0T and $49,900 for the 3.0T with Quattro all-wheel-drive. Finally, the Audi R8 GT, if you haven't already heard, will run you $196,800. Still no word on when the Spyder derivative will arrive to add a $200,000 car to Audi's lineup.

*Prices do not include taxes or destination and handling.

Continue reading Big Daddy Audi A8 L W12 priced from $133,500*

Big Daddy Audi A8 L W12 priced from $133,500* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A8 to star in new Transporter TV series

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Luxury

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

The Transporter film series is taking a detour from the silver-screen to arrive in TV land. Called - crazily enough - Transporter, the new Cinemax series stars a man who is ~~not Jason Statham~~ quite good at ... transporting. Lead actor Chris Vance's preferred method of transportation will reportedly be the redesigned Audi A8, which we think should fit the bill quite nicely. After all, a 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 paired with Quattro all-wheel-drive, excellent seats and a 1,400-watt B&O sound system should be enough to keep driver, passengers and cargo moving along quickly and comfortably.

Of course, were we the appropriately named Transporter in question, we might wait for Audi to hand over the next S8. How about you - What would be your preferred tool for the Transporter gig? Have your say in Comments.

Audi A8 to star in new Transporter TV series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ward's Automotive picks best car interiors of 2011

Chris Shunk — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Toyota, Volvo

Wards Automotive 10 Best Interiors of 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wards Automotive takes its 10 Best Interior awards seriously. The industry mag tested 51 vehicles to come up with this year's winners, which span three luxury vehicles, three economy cars, a sport sedan, a minivan, a family sedan and an SUV. Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter says the publication has never tested so many vehicles, adding, "Every auto maker wants the freshest, highest-quality interior possible for all the vehicles they sell."

Showing just how much the world of interiors has changed over the years, Chrysler was the only automaker to take home two awards, thanks to the Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee, while Kia and Hyundai could technically say the same since the Elantra and Optima each took home honors. At the same time, both Toyota and Lexus were shut out, as was Honda's Acura luxury brand and Mercedes-Benz.

Among the first-time winners for 2011 are the Ford Focus Titanium and Chevy Cruze. Click on the image above to browse through all 10 winners, or you can head over to Wards Automotive for the complete scoop.

What do you think - Did Wards get it right? If not, what was left out and what should it replace?

Gallery: Wards 2011 10 Best Interiors

[Source: Wards Automotive]

Ward's Automotive picks best car interiors of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: World Car of the Year finalists shortlisted

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Geneva Motor Show, Etc.

The list of finalists for World Car of the Year has been whittled down from 39 entries to just three, and the finalists were announced yesterday at a press conference hosted by Bridgestone at the Geneva Motor Show.

The finalists for overall Car of the Year are the 2011 Audi A8, the BMW 5 Series and the Nissan Leaf. The performance category is occupied by the the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Representing the green catergory are the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. The green car of the year will be decided by votes from three of the world's top green technology experts.

The final category in the World Car of the Year competition is design. In that category is the Aston Martin Rapide, Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Ferrari 458 Italia.

The winner of the World Car of the Year award has to represent some aspects of each category in the competition and will be decided, along with the winners in from the other categories, at the New York Auto Show on April 21.

[Source: World Car of the Year]

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Geneva 2011: World Car of the Year finalists shortlisted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A8 L Security blends serious protection with luxury and style

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Audi, Luxury

Audi A8 L Security - Click above for high-res image gallery

Attention wealthy car shoppers looking for mobile security beyond an alarm and LoJack. Your new chariot of protection has arrived and it's wearing Four Rings in the grille. Audi is preparing to launch a truly battle-ready premium sedan and it's called the A8 L Security.

Produced in a heavily guarded section of a secure workshop (no cell phones allowed), the A8 L Security is an armor-plated luxury sedan certified by the German government for compliance with the VR 7 ballistic protection standard (2009). Basically, that means this A8 L is capable of taking numerous rifle bullets and small explosive hits such as hand grenades and anti-tank mines.

All of that protection adds weight, and the Audi A8 L Security employs measures to help counter -balance the added heft. Under the hood is a 6.3-liter W12 engine that produces 500 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and both work together to push the heavy four-door from zero-to-60 miles per hour in around seven seconds.

As you may recall, Audi showed off its last generation A8 L Security in 2007, and that car cost $685,000. No word yet on a sticker price for this latest version, but armoring ain't cheap.

The full list of features on this rolling luxury tank is hugely impressive, and it's available for you to read in the press-release posted after the jump.

Gallery: Audi A8 L Security

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A8 L Security blends serious protection with luxury and style

Audi A8 L Security blends serious protection with luxury and style originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Audi A8 Super Bowl commercial riffs on children's Goodnight Moon book

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi, Luxury

Audi A8 Super Bowl commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Super Bowl is just around corner ~~and before the New England Patriots celebrate another victory~~ and that means a new crop of automotive commercials are getting ready to pry your attention away from all the drinks and food you are consuming. Audi has revealed its new ad spot that takes direct aim at established premium sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The commercial is based on Margaret Wise Brown's popular children's book Goodnight Moon, Audi says goodbye to old luxury, then welcomes progress with its all-new 2011 Audi A8 sedan.

Hop the jump to watch the new Audi Super Bowl commercial.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8 L

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Audi A8 Super Bowl commercial riffs on children's Goodnight Moon book

Video: Audi A8 Super Bowl commercial riffs on children's Goodnight Moon book originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi working on A9 super sedan?

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

The updated A8 is already here and the new A7 is on its way, but could a new Audi super sedan be just around the corner? Folks in the homeland of the four-ringed automaker are speculating that a Porsche Panamera-derived range topper is on the horizon, and that it will be dubbed the Audi A9.

According to Germany's AutoZeitung, the A9 will be offered with a choice of either rear-wheel drive(!) or the familiar Quattro all-wheel drive setup, the Audi A9 would also be available as a gas-electric hybrid. The power output could climb to 500 horsepower.

This is all just rumor at this point, but it would certainly be interesting to if the surging Audi brand can successfully float this many high-dollar products. We've seen what it can do with the premium luxury sedan thanks to the wonderful new A8, and we're we're big fans of the R8 in all its flavors, but is there enough room at the top for an A9 as well? Check out the complete rendered image at AutoZeitung and then have your say in 'Comments.'

[Source: autozeitung.de (translated)]

Rumormill: Audi working on A9 super sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobile Magazine names 2011 Automobile of the Year finalists

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Nissan

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sportswagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Have you prepared your Car of the Year bingo board? The end of 2010 is upon us and this means two things: 1) We are a step closer to fulfilling the Mayan's end of the world prophecy, and 2) Automotive publications, both in print and online, are beginning to share their "Best of" vehicle picks.

Automobile Magazine has just announced finalists for its own 2011 Automobile of the Year award. Grab your markers, check your cards and see if you have any of the following vehicles in play:

Taking a page from Motor Trend, Automobile will be announcing its winner by means of its Facebook page. The lucky vehicle will be announced November 16th at noon EST, but in the meantime, you can read why each vehicle made the cut in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

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Automobile Magazine names 2011 Automobile of the Year finalists originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi bringing four-cylinder A8 in 2012

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

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

Automakers are always looking to add a tinge of green to their fleets, and Audi is reportedly ready to drop a few cylinders on its flagship sedan. The 2012 Audi A8 will be offered as a hybrid, with a four-cylinder gasoline engine being paired with an electric motor. The A8 Hybrid will likely be offered after Audi has launched a front-wheel drive six-cylinder diesel version, both of which should provide quite a different driving experience compared to the 372 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 currently available.

The move to a smaller cylinder count comes as automakers begin to prepare for tougher CAFE standards. Audi, not wanted to be left behind, sees that Mercedes-Benz and BMW are already moving to more efficient powertrains. Mercedes, who already launched its S400 Hybrid, is also adding a four-cylinder version of its flagship model - a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel in the S250 CDI model. BMW has a different take on how it will produce more efficient luxury sedans. Rather than reducing the number of cylinders, BMW will add electric motors to its six and eight cylinder engines, so for the time being there are no plan to put a four-cylinder in the engine bay of a 7 Series.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Audi A8

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Audi bringing four-cylinder A8 in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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