Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi builds 5-millionth vehicle with Quattro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/audi-builds-5-millionth-vehicle-with-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/audi-builds-5-millionth-vehicle-with-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/audi-builds-5-millionth-vehicle-with-quattro/#commentsFiled under: ,



Quattro, the trademark name Audi has put on its all-wheel-drive system engineered for passenger vehicles, recently celebrated its five-millionth installation. The driveline has been offered in more than 140 different vehicles since its introduction more than three decades ago.

The all-wheel-drive technology made its world debut at the 1980 International Geneva Motor Show, beneath the floorpan of the Quattro Coupé, a low-volume two-door. It didn't take consumers long to embrace Audi's innovative approach. While most four-wheel-drive systems at that time utilized heavy transfer cases or second cardan shafts, Quattro was virtually tension-free, light, compact and efficient. Most importantly, enthusiasts found it was especially suitable for sports cars.

Today, the automaker offers Quattro on its full line of passenger vehicles and it is unquestionably successful (the technology enjoyed a 43 percent take rate in 2012). On models with transverse-mounted engines (A3 and TT), Audi uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuator. Under normal conditions, the clutch sends power almost exclusively to the front wheels (if wheel slippage occurs, up to 100 percent of the torque may be sent to the rear). Vehicles with engines mounted longitudinally (A4, A5, Q5, etc...) use a self-locking center differential sending 40 percent of the engine torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear under normal conditions (it is able to send the majority of the power to the axle with better traction when needed). The highest-performing Quattro systems use torque vectoring to further improve cornering grip and speeds.

Continue reading Audi builds 5-millionth vehicle with Quattro

Audi builds 5-millionth vehicle with Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattroquattroquattro all-wheel drivequattro salesMon, 25 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476542/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/audi-builds-5-millionth-vehicle-with-quattro/20476542/article-detail.xml 20476542 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/au130121628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/au130121628.jpg <![CDATA[What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Land Speed Record Audi S4 at Bonneville Salt Flats

There are an infinite number of impressive aspects to getting a 1992 Audi to clip past the 260-mph barrier. For starters, there's the fact that Jeff Gerner managed to milk a full 1,100 horsepower from the five-cylinder S4 before shuttling the power to the ground via an all-wheel drive system without vaporizing an axle. That alone deserves a round of applause, but for us, the most awe-inspiring aspect of the feat is just how smooth and drama-free the salt flat run was.

The video below, whipped up by the artisans at eGarage, shows Gerner doing the deed in Utah. There's no fuss. No wild fights for traction or mechanical failures. Just Gerner riding along like he was cruising down the highway instead of blistering a dry lake bed and setting a world record not just for the world's fastest Audi sedan, but for the world's fastest sedan, full-stop. His two runs were good enough for an average of 236.599 mph and his top speed was estimated at over 260 mph. Check out the videos below for a closer look, then head on over to Quattroworld to read more about it.

Continue reading What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this

What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4audiegaragejeff gernerland speed recordquattros4salt flatsalt flatsurs4videoworld recordworlds fastest audiThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20346445/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/11/whats-it-like-to-go-over-260-mph-in-an-20-year-old-audi-s4-wat/20346445/article-detail.xml 20346445 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-world-record-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/audi-world-record-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/2013-audi-s3-is-hot-hatch-forbidden-fruit-par-excellence/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/2013-audi-s3-is-hot-hatch-forbidden-fruit-par-excellence/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/2013-audi-s3-is-hot-hatch-forbidden-fruit-par-excellence/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Audi S3

Alas, of all the not-for-U.S. models we see every year, some sting more than others. While the Volkswagen GTI may define 'hot-hatch' stateside, the 2013 Audi S3 ups the ante, and it looks even tastier and forbidden up close.

The centerpiece of the A3 is the new 2.0-liter TFSI inline-4. The turbocharged mill generates a whopping 300 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. Power is sent through either a six-speed manual transmission or optional S-Tronic gearbox to quattro full-time all-wheel drive. With a curb weight that is 132 pounds lower than its predecessor, the S3 is able to get from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Fuel economy is listed at 6.9-liters per 100 kilometers, which converts to just over 34 miles per gallon, though the EPA testing cycle differs.

A lot of the luxury and safety tech found in the S3 comes from its larger stablemates. Adaptive cruise control, MMI user interface, navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system all put the 'premium' in 'premium performance compact.'

If you're one of the lucky European hooligans with €38,900 ($50,699) to plunk down, the S3 could be yours. You'll have to wait a few months, though, as it doesn't land in dealerships until early 2013. Audi's PR blast is posted below.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence

2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi s3audihot hatchparisparis 2012paris motor showperformance hatchbackquattros3turboturbochargedSat, 29 Sep 2012 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336235/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/29/2013-audi-s3-is-hot-hatch-forbidden-fruit-par-excellence/20336235/article-detail.xml 20336235 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-2013-audi-s3628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-2013-audi-s3628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi debuts 450-HP RS5 Cabriolet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/audi-debuts-450-hp-rs5-cabriolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/audi-debuts-450-hp-rs5-cabriolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/audi-debuts-450-hp-rs5-cabriolet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi has dropped the curtain on the painfully awesome RS5 Cabriolet, which will go on sale in Germany in Spring of 2013.

Audi's much loved 4.2-liter FSI V8 is nestled under the hood, sending 450 horsepower through a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox to Audi's Quattro all wheel drive. The S-Tronic can be operated via steering wheel paddle shifters, while the Quattro system uses a 40:60 front/rear power ratio. Depending on the conditions, it can transfer up to 70 percent of power to the front wheels, or 85 percent to the rear when needed. Together, these systems will allow the RS5 to get from a standstill up to 62 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but according to the translation, the customer can ask to have that raised to 280 km/h (174 mph).

In non-performance-related numbers, the convertible top raises in 15 seconds and closes in 17 at speeds of up to 31 mph. The RS5 is visually set off with RS badging, grey front spoiler, and standard 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Twenty-inch rollers are also available.

Word is that the RS5 Cabriolet will, in fact, be coming to America. When it goes on sale in Germany, it will carry a base price of €88,500, which translates into $111,427. No word on when the car will arrive here or how many will make the trip across the Atlantic. Check out the gallery of high-res photos and sift through the translated press release below.

Continue reading Audi debuts 450-HP RS5 Cabriolet

Audi debuts 450-HP RS5 Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi rs5 cabrioaudicabrioquattrors5 cabrioletv8Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20317560/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/06/audi-debuts-450-hp-rs5-cabriolet/20317560/article-detail.xml 20317560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-audi-rs5-cabriolet628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-audi-rs5-cabriolet628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi Quattro model to return in time for 35th anniversary?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/audi-quattro-model-to-return-in-time-for-35th-anniversary/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/audi-quattro-model-to-return-in-time-for-35th-anniversary/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/audi-quattro-model-to-return-in-time-for-35th-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi Quattro concept - front three-quarter static view

The Audi Quattro Concept revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show has, quietly, been trying to get enough traction to make a real run at production. The last we heard about it was April 2011, when the prototype engineers had a running model based on the S5 that was about 500 pounds lighter than an R8. In a poll we ran with that news, nearly 61 percent of you said you'd be interested in buying a production version of the Quattro if it were cheaper than the R8. If a report in German magazine Auto Bild is to be believed, you 61-percenters could be in luck.

Their report presents a coupe that is all kinds of tweener, having a stance "halfway between the Q5 and A5," weight between the A1 and A3, power between the S5 and RS5, and a price between the TT RS and R8. Power's been pegged at 375 horsepower from a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder (the concept we drove in 2010 put out 408 hp from the same engine), moving a four-seater coupe weighing in at around 3,000 pounds(!). As for price, it's supposedly being plotted to fill the gap between the TT RS and R8. We have no idea what to do with that stance prediction, though, since that would take the production car in the opposite direction of the ground-hugging svelteness of the concept, but even if just three out of four prognostications come true, this will be a seriously lusty piece of metal. With those specs, we'd also think the pricing would lean more toward the R8 end of the scale.

Annual sales predictions have come down to 10,000 per year from the 35,000 initially mentioned. As for when we might see any of them, Auto Bild says the car's internal name of Q35 suggests it would be Quattro's 35th anniversary gift to the world, meaning some time around 2015.

Audi Quattro model to return in time for 35th anniversary? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattroaudi quattro conceptquattroquattro conceptFri, 24 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20308020/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/audi-quattro-model-to-return-in-time-for-35th-anniversary/20308020/article-detail.xml 20308020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/quattotocome_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/quattotocome.jpg <![CDATA[Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi RS5 Pikes Peak Hill Climb car Facebook teaser shot

Audi has released a teaser shot of its entrant in the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb on its Facebook page. The teaser of the menacing coupe is also accompanied by a nice little video of Audi's past dominance. It's a nice refresher going into this weekend's hill climb, which was postponed by wildfires.

The first Audi entrant in the Hill Climb was in 1984, with Michele Mouton piloting an Audi Sport Quattro. Mouton won the even in 1985, and was unseated by Bobby Unser in 1986 in an Audi Sport Quattro S1. The S1 featured a turbocharged five-cylinder making 600 horsepower

From what we can tell from this shadowy shot, this RS5 has the gaping grill and lower valences typical of a vehicle wearing the Four Rings and an RS badge. At this angle, it looks similar to the RS5 that you can get from a dealer. The stock RS5 makes 450 horsepower from the brand's venerable 4.2-liter V8. Chances are this hill-climber will be putting out much more than that, though. We'll know for sure when it competes in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on August 12, but while you're waiting, you can check out the video by scrolling below.

Continue reading Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video]

Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi rs5a5audihill climbpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill cimbquattrors5s5videoTue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20294413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/20294413/article-detail.xml 20294413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-rs5-pikes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-rs5-pikes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Audi S1 Group B racer tear up the Kyustendil Hillclimb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Bulgarian tuner Prospeed has built a replica of Audi's fabled S1 World Rally Championship mauler out of a garden-variety Audi Coupe, and it's a convincing-looking beast. Helping in its bid for authenticity is genuine Group B horsepower: 800 ponies, to be exact. It won the Bulgarian Hillclimb Championship last year, and it recently ran up an incline at the Kyustendil Hillclimb, part of this year's championship series.

The list of modifications made to the donor car are intense, and so is the sound of the final product, singing like a crazed goldfinch as driver Nikolay Zlatkov races to the top of the hill. You can have a watch - and a listen - in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this Audi S1 Group B racer tear up the Kyustendil Hillclimb

Watch this Audi S1 Group B racer tear up the Kyustendil Hillclimb originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi coupeaudi s1bulgariagroup bgruppe bhill climbhillclimbkyustendilkyustendil hillclimbnikolay zlatkovprospeedquattros1videoFri, 27 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/20287888/article-detail.xml 20287888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/prospeeds1bulgaria_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/prospeeds1bulgaria.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A6 2.0T to get eight-speed auto and Quattro for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/audi-a6-2-0t-to-get-eight-speed-auto-and-quattro-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/audi-a6-2-0t-to-get-eight-speed-auto-and-quattro-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/audi-a6-2-0t-to-get-eight-speed-auto-and-quattro-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Audi A6 Quattro - front three-quarter view

Not much gets written about the Audi A6, which is a shame because we have found it one of the most enjoyable models in German automaker's lineup to drive. A report in Car and Driver as to the future of the A6 2.0-liter turbo might not get the model much more press, but could get it more sales. The 211-horsepower four-cylinder has only been available with a CVT and front-wheel drive; now an eight-speed automatic and Quattro appear on the option sheet.

C/D says will be a surprisingly modest $2,200 premium to move up from the FWD model to the Quattro, with $45,295 needed for the 2.0's base Premium trim - but since the front-drive CVT model will continue to be offered, we're not sure if the eight-speed Tiptronic will be a cost option as well. Even if so, there should still be a healthy stack of Benjamins between it and its German competition, and the addition of Quattro isn't expected to knock it from the top spot in fuel economy among its luxury foes. The upspec'd A6 should appear in dealerships this August.

Audi A6 2.0T to get eight-speed auto and Quattro for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi a6a6a6 2.0taudiaudi a6 2.0tquattrotiptronicMon, 25 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264876/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/25/audi-a6-2-0t-to-get-eight-speed-auto-and-quattro-for-2013/20264876/article-detail.xml 20264876 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audia62-0quattro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audia62-0quattro.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Audi's A1 Quattro get thrashed on gravel roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/watch-audis-a1-quattro-get-thrashed-on-gravel-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/watch-audis-a1-quattro-get-thrashed-on-gravel-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/watch-audis-a1-quattro-get-thrashed-on-gravel-roads/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



German magazine Sport Auto got its mitts on an Audi A1 Quattro, then tested the limited-edition hot hatch for high speed and gravel prowess. With 252 horsepower and 258 pound-feet underhood from its 2.0 TSFI engine, it's slightly down on gumption from the 500-horsepower A1 Clubsport that Audi showed off at the Wörthersee and Le Mans last year, but the bewinged A1 Quattro will still get from standstill to 62 mph in 5.7 seven seconds and onto a GPS-indicated 257 kph (159 mph).

The A1 Quattro is a little longer than the traditional A1 and it will come packed with enhanced trim, a 456-watt stereo and metallic-white paint, but we're still awaiting the small detail of pricing. Only 333 examples are to be produced, and you can see one of them in the video below.

Continue reading Watch Audi's A1 Quattro get thrashed on gravel roads

Watch Audi's A1 Quattro get thrashed on gravel roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a1 quattroa1a1 quattroaudiaudi a1 quattroquattrosport autovideoWed, 06 Jun 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20252604/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/06/watch-audis-a1-quattro-get-thrashed-on-gravel-roads/20252604/article-detail.xml 20252604 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/a1quattrosportauto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/a1quattrosportauto.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro biturbo diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/2012-audi-a6-allroad-quattro-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/2012-audi-a6-allroad-quattro-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/2012-audi-a6-allroad-quattro-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Don't Get Too Attached To This Larger Allroad

2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro

As an American living in Italy, there are often entire month-long stretches where I drive nothing but European cars that will sadly never come out to play on American soil. Such is the case for the abundantly adored Audi A6 Allroad Quattro seen here. I was initially of the assumption that since the A4 Allroad had already been confirmed for the U.S. that the A6 Allroad would be coming as well, but I am dismayed to report otherwise.

Such a pity, too. The business case for giving North America the whole range of Audi models that Germany offers apparently just doesn't pan out financially - and for some of us, it's the old predictable story of unrequited love across the chilly Atlantic.

Team Ingolstadt brought me into their home in Neckarsulm just north of hilly Stuttgart for this drive through the area's precisely cultivated fields of hops. The aroma of beer is everywhere here, which may go some way toward explaining just why the new A6 Allroad felt so good under and around me as we freight-trained along the Swabian two-lanes.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro biturbo diesel

2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro biturbo diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a6 allroad2012 audi a6 allroad quattroa6a6 allroadallroadallroad quattroaudiaudi allroadfeaturedquattroquick spinquickspinWed, 11 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20212740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/2012-audi-a6-allroad-quattro-quick-spin-review/20212740/article-detail.xml 20212740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-audi-a6-allroad-quattro-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-audi-a6-allroad-quattro-fd.jpg <![CDATA[1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-stig-blomqvist-wrc-rally-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-stig-blomqvist-wrc-rally-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-stig-blomqvist-wrc-rally-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Tearing It Up In The Deep White With The Original Stig

1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1

There are lots of fine race driver names in the history of motorsports. Sterling Moss, Alfonso Antonio Vicente Eduardo Angel Blas Francisco de Borja Cabeza de Vaca y Leighton (a.k.a. Marquis de Portago), and the ever popular Dick Trickle come to mind. We'd need to put in a strong vote, however, for Swede rally sensation Stig Blomqvist, winner of the 1984 World Rally Championship drivers' title. He drove for the Audi Sport factory team between 1982 and 1985, his Group B championship-winning season starting in a long-wheelbase Audi Quattro A2 and finishing in a short-wheelbase Sport Quattro S1.

Lucky for us, we recently had the chance to belt in beside The Stig as he powered over a west central Swedish parcours buried in deep snow. Better still, we were able to ride shotgun with the legendary shoe piloting what was essentially the same Sport Quattro S1 he drove for the last part of the '84 WRC season.

Continue reading 1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1 [w/video]

1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattroaudi sportaudi sport quattro s1blomqvistfeaturedquattroquattro s1quick spinquickspinstig blomqvisturquattroworld rally championshipwrcWed, 14 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192527/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-stig-blomqvist-wrc-rally-video/20192527/article-detail.xml 20192527 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-rally_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-rally.jpg <![CDATA[Audi celebrates return of Quattro to motorsports with another video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/audi-celebrates-return-of-quattro-to-motorsports-with-another-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/audi-celebrates-return-of-quattro-to-motorsports-with-another-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/audi-celebrates-return-of-quattro-to-motorsports-with-another-vi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi R18

As Audi shows off the new R18 e-tron Quattro, it's proving that history can be fun. In a new video, the automaker traces the origins of its 2012 Le Mans entrant back to the original Quattro that abused the space-time continuum in Group B rallying.

This isn't exactly the true return of Quattro, however, since four-wheel drive isn't allowed in LMP1. However, according to Le Mans rules you can have "500kJ (approximately 70bhp) of stored energy to be transferred to the wheels between two braking 'events at speeds above 120km/h (75mph)."

That's where the R18 e-tron's regenerative braking steps up, its flywheel unleashing stored energy at the front axle. Check it out in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Audi celebrates return of Quattro to motorsports with another video

Audi celebrates return of Quattro to motorsports with another video originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 heures du mans24 hours of le mansaudiaudi r18 e-tronaudi r18 e-tron quattrole mansmotorsportsquattror18 e-tron quattroSat, 10 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20189554/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/10/audi-celebrates-return-of-quattro-to-motorsports-with-another-vi/20189554/article-detail.xml 20189554 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/audir18vidquatt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/audir18vidquatt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi goes all Herman Melville on us to highlight benefits of Quattro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/audi-goes-all-herman-melville-on-us-to-highlight-benefits-of-qua/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/audi-goes-all-herman-melville-on-us-to-highlight-benefits-of-qua/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/audi-goes-all-herman-melville-on-us-to-highlight-benefits-of-qua/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



One man's new toy can be another's Moby Dick. Typically we'd mean that in a figurative sense, but Audi has taken things one step towards the literal - or literary - with its latest advertising spot.

The commercial centers around a Captain Ahab-like tow truck driver who has, when the roads turn white with deep snow, hooked just about everything on the road. Everything, that is, except the elusive Quattro.

The 60-second spot - called "Ahab" - features the latest A6, and is scheduled to air tomorrow during the NFL division playoffs (making it something of a junior Super Bowl ad). It will be followed by a 30-second version that will air nationally on other broadcasts, and Audi is building a broader digital content campaign around the ad as well, including a Facebook app to follow. You, however, don't have to wait for all that to see the clever clip: just click past the jump.

Continue reading Audi goes all Herman Melville on us to highlight benefits of Quattro

Audi goes all Herman Melville on us to highlight benefits of Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a6audiaudi adaudi quattronflquattrovideoFri, 13 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20148313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/audi-goes-all-herman-melville-on-us-to-highlight-benefits-of-qua/20148313/article-detail.xml 20148313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ahab-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ahab-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi S4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Standalone Sleeper Sport Sedan That Still Keeps Us Awake At Night

2013 Audi S4

The always-bustling Audi stand at next month's Detroit Auto Show figures to be cluttered with a full range of eighth-generation A4 models, all of which arrive in the States sometime between June and July. The line's real marquee model is, of course, the RS4, but that Rennsport ingredient will not be seen on the stand in Cobo just yet. (So let's change that to almost full range, and some sources are saying that there will not even be an RS4 this go-round.) The sauciest A4 present will be this model, the new S4, considered by many - this reviewer included - to be the real gem of the range, especially in comparison to the seriously costly RS4.

It's best to call this the "latest" S4, because it is definitely not all-new. However, it does partake of the mid-cycle changes to the "B8" eighth-generation, some of which we recently addressed in a first drive of the A4 and A4 Allroad Quattro. For now, though, we really don't need big changes - we'll be happy if the S4 remains our lower-volume secret.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S4

2013 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi s4a4audifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivequattros4Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/2013-audi-s4-first-drive-review/20138053/article-detail.xml 20138053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-s4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-s4-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi A4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No Mid-Life Crisis Here

2013 Audi A4

We have no intention of inviting vehement vehicular debates, but they always seem to pop up when discussing this segment of the market. That's a good thing, because getting no reaction at all would be terrible when talking about cars that are so vital to driving enthusiasts. Our topic of the day is this refreshed eighth-generation Audi A4, and while few changes are readily apparent, any packet of modifications to these bread-and-butter premium cars is worth investigating.

It's been one heck of a year for the entry-level German executive class. Besides the addition of C63 trims and a coupe bodystyle to the fourth-generation Mercedes C-Class and the all-important launch of the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series, we've just driven the latest Audi A4 2.0 TFSI up, down and over various scenic Portuguese roads, and now more than ever, it is not to be ignored.

The 2013 A4 Allroad Quattro will arrive in mid-2012 at the same time as this revamped A4, and having driven the thing, we can now say that all the mid-cycle touches have been nicely presented. While we were already big fans of the eighth-gen A4, the model's reworked nose is handsome. Specifically, we note the more pronounced curvature to the hood, as well as a more planted stance. That's a bit of visual trickery, not a wider track - Audi stylists have emphasized the design's horizontal lines up front, and they've added new head- and fog-light fixtures, along with larger air intakes down low. It appears that Audi has deliberately "nastied up" the sensible A4 a little to better prepare it for the new RS4 range-topper we expect next year. (That is if the rumors of there being no RS4 this time around are just rumors.)

Continue reading 2013 Audi A4

2013 Audi A4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0t2013 audi a4a4audifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivequattroTue, 03 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/2013-audi-a4-first-drive-review/20138695/article-detail.xml 20138695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-a4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-audi-a4-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi Gives Us Its Warrior Wagon For The Holidays



Despite recent sad decisions by Ingolstadt and the company's regional bosses in Herndon, Virginia not to include either the stunning new A6 Avant or the handsomely reworked A4 Avant in its U.S. lineup, Audi has crunched the numbers on another niche's business case and decided to throw us one hell of a bone. Arriving on our shores by July 2012 for the first time is this spanking refreshed A4 Allroad Quattro. As consolation presents go, it's a humdinger.

We've just had a shot at driving this latest A4 Allroad - a model originally created in early 2009 - in various European trims along the Portuguese shore north of Lisbon and over the mountain roads just inland of the same. We can say right off that the discreet slice of American premium car buyers who understand the Allroad legend have much to look forward to. They make up a sympathetic (though generally separate) fan club from those who buy the Subaru Outback. Allroads are for well-to-do drivers who share a passion for this rough-roading, do-it-all niche, and they won't be palmed off with traditional SUVs or their more upright crossover substitutes.

To inaugurate the second coming of the Allroad franchise to the States, Audi is holding the A4 Allroad's world premiere at January's Detroit Auto Show. Through thick and thin, Audi has always treated Motown's motor expo very seriously. Showing such a fondly admired model like the Allroad here first means a lot. There has been a lingering sense of unwilling withdrawal ever since Audi creased importing the A6-based Allroad back in 2005, and confirmation of this new model figures to be a homecoming of sorts.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a4 allroada4a4 allroadallroadaudifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivequattroWed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127421/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/20127421/article-detail.xml 20127421 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2012-audi-a6-3-0t-quattro-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2012-audi-a6-3-0t-quattro-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2012-audi-a6-3-0t-quattro-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Because "Pretty Damn Good" Is So Last Year

2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro

Earlier this year, executive editor Chris Paukert and I were chatting one morning about the 2011 Audi A6 he was driving - a car that would soon be replaced with the sharp new 2012 model you see here. Of course, we discussed how the car's styling was growing a bit long in the tooth, but aesthetics aside, Paukert's overall impression of the 2011 A6 was that it was still "pretty damn good."

Fast-forward a few months, and I'm standing in front of the 2012 A6, its full-LED headlamps glaring at me, its new sheetmetal stretched over a more aggressively styled body, complete with new aluminum components that reduce overall weight. The engine, Audi's 3.0-liter supercharged V6, was carried over from the 2011 model, albeit fitted to a brand new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. And inside - oh, inside - is a suite of technologies that will embarrass the collective staff of an Apple store.

So, if the old 2011 model was "pretty damn good," this new 2012 model must be the bee's knees, right? Oh, is it ever.

Continue reading 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro [w/video]

2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a6a6audifeaturedquattroreviewreviewsTue, 04 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071746/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/2012-audi-a6-3-0t-quattro-review/20071746/article-detail.xml 20071746 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-audi-a6-30t-quattro-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-audi-a6-30t-quattro-review.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Fifth Gear</i> remembers what made the original Audi Quattro so special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/fifth-gear-remembers-what-made-the-original-audi-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/fifth-gear-remembers-what-made-the-original-audi-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/fifth-gear-remembers-what-made-the-original-audi-quattro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

fifth gear legends audi quattro

Compiling a list of automotive legends is a task that could force all enthusiasts into a debate of epic proportions. Opinions will differ, feelings will be hurt and some deserving vehicles might wind up off the ultimate list. There is one vehicle, however, that should create little debate as to its place in the annals of all-time greats. We're talking about the original Audi Quattro, and it's clear that the folks from the UK's Fifth Gear agree.

The Fifth Gear crew managed to snag the keys to an Ur-Quattro for its Legends series, and set about tracking it down some of their local country roads. Cameras were powered up, lenses were clean and the resulting review is available to fawn over after the jump.

Continue reading Fifth Gear remembers what made the original Audi Quattro so special

Fifth Gear remembers what made the original Audi Quattro so special originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattrofifth gearfifth gear legendsquattrour-quattrovideoThu, 29 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20068616/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/29/fifth-gear-remembers-what-made-the-original-audi-quattro/20068616/article-detail.xml 20068616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-quattro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/audi-quattro.jpg <![CDATA[Audi Quattro could get green light by September]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/audi-quattro-could-get-green-light-by-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/audi-quattro-could-get-green-light-by-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/audi-quattro-could-get-green-light-by-september/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

We knew Audi was up to something when it invited us to drive the super-hot Quattro concept late last year. The coupe, currently based on the RS5 architecture, pays homage to the original Ur-Quattro from 1980, and by inviting the media to drive the delicate concept, Audi wanted to show us how serious it is about someday offering a production version.

Now, Inside Line reports that a decision about whether or not the Quattro will get the green light should come in September, before the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Stephan Reil, head of Quattro GmbH, admits that the final decision about whether or not Audi will build the Quattro concept has indeed been delayed, but that he is "optimistic" about the concept getting the green light.

Reil told Inside Line that, if produced, the Quattro would be a low-volume product with a production run of around 500 to 1,000 cars. Part of the Quattro's goodness is its focus on lightness, and with a target weight of only 3,086 pounds, plenty of exotic (and expensive) materials will need to be used in the car's construction.

Furthermore, the RS5 powertrain will need to be revised quite extensively, with Reil citing that the Quattro will need to be more powerful, and that the engine will have to be mounted longitudinally rather than transversely. Even so, Reil said that if given the green light, we could see a production Quattro in about two to three years. Here's hoping.

Audi Quattro could get green light by September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiquattroquattro conceptTue, 05 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19983016/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/05/audi-quattro-could-get-green-light-by-september/19983016/article-detail.xml 19983016 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-audi-quattro-concept-drive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-audi-quattro-concept-drive.jpg <![CDATA[Audi unveils 500hp A1 Clubsport Quattro show car at Wörthersee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/audi-unveils-500hp-a1-clubsport-quattro-show-car-at-worthersee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/audi-unveils-500hp-a1-clubsport-quattro-show-car-at-worthersee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/audi-unveils-500hp-a1-clubsport-quattro-show-car-at-worthersee/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi A1 clubsport quattro concept
Audi A1 clubsport quattro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi and all-wheel drive go together like mothers and apple pie. The German automaker has cultivated its Quattro systems as emblematic of its raison d'etre, incorporating it into its rapidly expanding range... with one exception: the A1. But that's about to change.

After launching the diminutive hatchback in front-wheel-drive only, Audi is working on extending the traction to the rear wheels as well. And to give us an idea of what to expect, the company has launched the A1 Clubsport Quattro concept among the 18 vehicles on display at its annual celebration in Wörthersee.

The little beast is built around an extensively tuned 2.5-liter turbo five with just under 500 horsepower. Optimized by direct injection and channeled to all four wheels through a six-speed manual, Audi claims the concept can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in a scant 3.7 seconds, doubling that speed in 10.9 en route to an electronically limited, Autobahn-crunching top end of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The package is rounded out by an aggressive wide-body aerodynamic kit, decked out in matte white paint with a carbon-fiber roof, with a side-exit exhaust and 19-inch alloys. While the production A1 Quattro and the S1 or RS1 to follow isn't likely to pack the 500 horses of the show car, gamers can check it out in Need for Speed ​​World for a limited time.

Audi has also released a series of visual mods - including decals and aero kits - for the existing A1 at the show. Want to read more? We've got the full press blast after the jump along, with an extensive batch of images in our high-resolution gallery.

Continue reading Audi unveils 500hp A1 Clubsport Quattro show car at Wörthersee

Audi unveils 500hp A1 Clubsport Quattro show car at Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1a1 clubsport quattroa1 quattroaudiaudi a1audi a1 clubsport quattroaudi a1 quattroaudi rs1audi s1breakingquattrors1s1WörtherseeWörtherseetourwortherseeTue, 31 May 2011 08:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19954085/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/31/audi-unveils-500hp-a1-clubsport-quattro-show-car-at-worthersee/19954085/article-detail.xml 19954085 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-01audi-a1-clubsport-quattro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-01audi-a1-clubsport-quattro.jpg -1 2