Autoblog

VIDEO: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo is like missing Koenigsegg ancestor

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST

700-hp 1969 Saab 99 Quattro Turbo - Click above to watch video

Sweden has just over nine million people - that's an entire country whose population is just a little bigger than New York City - and we'd believe it if someone told us they exclusively devoted their time to blessing the world with peculiar automotive concoctions. We'd file this latest one under "quirky," but it's far too powerful: a 1969 Saab 99 given the Audi Quattro treatment and a turbocharging to the tune of 700 horsepower. And then left to look rather stock.

The brainchild of a man named Gustav, it's development is recorded on Savar Turbo for those of you who speak Swedish (translated, if you don't). It runs sub-10-second quarter-miles with ease, which includes a few tenths lost for wheelspin and manually shifting gears. And we like it. We like it a lot. And we want whatever he's been drinking - we're guessing drums of aquavit. Follow the jump for videos of this stealthy Swede's quarter-mile runs and have a look at what's under the hood in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo

[Source: Savar Turbo via Car Throttle]

Continue reading VIDEO: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo is like missing Koenigsegg ancestor

VIDEO: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo is like missing Koenigsegg ancestor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST

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

2010 Audi A4 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel Quattro

The 3.0-liter, 240-hp diesel that first served in the Audi Q7 has been assigned to duty in the Audi A4. We drove the 3.0 in the Q7 during last year's Audi Mileage Marathon, and both mileage and power didn't disappoint. Put into the A4, the oil burner with 369 lb-ft should shine like Alpha Centauri.

Audi says it will get you to sixty in 6.2 seconds with the six-speed Tiptronic and return 35 mpg at the same time as it already meets the Euro 6 standards coming in 2014. It's unlikely we'll get the treat in this corner of the Western Hemisphere, but that doesn't mean we won't keep looking out for it... especially as an Avant... with those wheels...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi A4 3.0 TDI

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S.

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000*

Chris Paukert — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although we haven't gotten the chance to drive it yet (we will be soon), Audi has plunked a price tag on its 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - better known as the V-10 R8. The mid-engined ten-cylinder wundercar will start at $146,000 for manual gearbox models, while the R Tronic commands $155,100 (*both are subject to a $1,200 destination charge).

Those two extra cylinders command a premium of nearly $32,000 over the 2010 R8 4.2 FSI, which runs just $114,200 by comparison (R tronic? $123,300) - the same price as it did for 2009. The V10 does grant the owner a further 105 extra horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, but that's still quite a hike.

Audi says the delivery of the first two examples of the 525-horsepower coupe have just been delivered to charity auction winners, one of whom paid $500,000 for the privilege.

We adore the eminently usable eight-cylinder R8, and hear very promising things about the new V10 model, but we'll have to hold off until we get the chance to sample the 5.2 to see if it's really worth the extra scratch. Here's hoping.

Check out the high-res gallery with new images below, official press verbiage after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000*

Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Audi "Ur-Quattro" revival rumors surface, debut expected in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rumormill

Rumors of Audi's plan to resurrect the Ur-Quattro continue to persist, with Auto Motor und Sport reporting that the highly modified A5 is due to arrive sometime next year.

According to the German pub and coinciding with earlier reports, Audi plans to bring the curb weight down to around 3,000 pounds by using scads of aluminum along with polycarbonate windows in place of their glass counterparts. Further weight reductions will come from a lightweight set of 19- or 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic brakes, while an active rear spoiler, magnetic-ride suspension system and a raced-out interior are rumored to be part of the package.

Naturally, Audi's all-wheel drive system will be the centerpiece of the reborn Ur-Quattro, but there's still plenty of questions surrounding the coupe's powertrain. Audi has supposedly decided to nix the idea of fitting its 4.2-liter V8 and will instead use either a new, twin-turbocharged V6 (odd, considering the automaker put all its efforts into creating a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 for the new S4 and A6) or possibly the 2.5-liter five cylinder currently fitted to the TT-RS in a historical nod to the new Ur's ancestry. If AMuS is to be believed, expect output somewhere between 300 and 425 hp - and there's also talk of a hybrid variant that would allow for a 20-mile electric-only commute (something about a snowball comes to mind...). Regardless, if the Ur-Quattro does come to fruition, expect it to debut sometime next year to coincide with the original's 30th anniversary, with pricing set considerably north of the current S5.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport | Image Source: AutoBild]

More Audi "Ur-Quattro" revival rumors surface, debut expected in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, too good for its own good

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Audi, Reviews

2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like nearly every other automotive outlet on the planet, we've become increasingly enamored with Audi's recent product portfolio. From the A3 to the S8, the Q7 to the R8, with all the accolades Audi's received you'd think the crew from Ingolstadt simultaneously cured cancer, rid the world of nuclear weapons and deflected a meteor destined to bring about the next ice-age.

But as the praise flowed, Audi's volume model - the A4 - grew tusks that would rival a walrus. The original A4 (B5) debuted when Boys II Men was near the top of the charts and its duo of follow-ups (the Audi B6 and B7, not the trio from Philly) were more technical reworks than thorough overhauls. But a funny thing happened in the process. As the sheet-metal evolved and the interior became a benchmark, underneath, the A4 turned into a credible sports sedan. With the engine migrating closer to the firewall, the all-wheel drive system nearing perfection and the available drivetrains offering a combination of tractability and fuel efficiency, the A4 could be all things to all people - enthusiasts included. So when developing the "all-new" A4, Audi knew it had to hit every note in pitch-perfect harmony. Our First Drive proved that many of the A4's foibles had been left in the past, but until we lived with one for a week, the jury was still sequestered in a hotel, living off an $11 per diem. Now, deliberations are over and we're prepared to deem the 2009 Audi A4 one of the best sports sedans on the market. In fact, the A4 is so good, it's almost boring. Almost...

Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, too good for its own good

Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, too good for its own good originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

As far as classic Audi models go, nothing is as iconic as the legendary "Ur-Quattro". The 1985 Audi Quattro was a beast of a car in its day, even if it only had 160 horsepower. When the new Audi S5 hit the roads, the Ingolstadt fanatics over at Fourtitude stacked the two of them up against each other, but if the latest products of the ever-churning rumormill are to be believed, Audi may be cooking one up a successor of their own.

A report from German car magazine Autobild suggests that the lightweight sport-coupe could carry the "A5 quattro sport" designation and pack a 425-horsepower V6, placing it in between the current S5 and the upcoming RS5. Sounds enticing, if a bit far-fetched. But if Audi wants to build another monster coupe, who are we to complain? Sources peg the revival to take to the streets by 2012.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Scene]

Rendered Speculation: Audi to resurrect Ur-Quattro with lightweight twin-turbo A5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Technology

Aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, vulcanized rubber...it was only a matter of time before somebody made a watch out of carbon ceramic. And who better to do it than Brembo and Meccaniche Veloci? The former you'll know well as the most recognized name in brakes. The latter may be known to some of you as the Italian watchmaker that designed the Quattro Valvole timepiece, named and styled after the four-valve cylinder head and incorporating four individual automatic Swiss watch movements. Now the two have come together to produce a special edition Quattro Valvole Carbon Ceramico (CCM), unveiled at the 2009 Baselworld watch show, that could be the ultimate car watch even among a rapidly expanding sub-segment.

The carbon-ceramic watch case is made by Brembo using the same process as it uses for producing racing brake discs. Short fibers of carbon are combined with high-strength ceramics and formed using high-pressure water jets. The result is incredibly strong yet lightweight construction that is also highly resistant to corrosion or deformation. Like Brembo's brake calipers, buyers can choose between different color combinations of red, black, yellow or silver, and the watch comes with interchangeable straps in rubber and alligator leather. As well it should, at $15,000 apiece...another element this unique timepiece shares in common with a set of carbon ceramic brakes.

[Source: Meccaniche Veloci via Gizmag]

Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retro Comparo: Fourtitude puts S5 against Ur-Quattro

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Audi

Fourtitude has conjured up an original, red 1985 Audi Quattro and yoked it next to a 2009 S5 to see how the two pull their loads. Of course, with 160 hp, a curb weight of 3,115 pounds (U.S. spec) and 58/42 weight distribution, the original Quattro and its Road & Track-timed run of 8.3 seconds from 0-60 can't compare straight-up with the S5. But historically, the Quattro was the beast that has made the S5 - and perhaps even the RS4 and R8 - a natural progression over Audi's last 27 years.

The handmade Quattro cost $5,000 more than a Porsche when it was new, and the few who own them would tell you it was worth it. Yet while the $56,840 S5 has the Quattro beat on numbers, it will be another two decades before we find out if it still has anywhere near the cachet of its ancestor. Click the link for the rest of the story.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Retro Comparo: Fourtitude puts S5 against Ur-Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a freshly-updated gallery of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is ready to assume the mantle of "it" car for 2009. You probably still remember all the tasty details from our Detroit Auto Show coverage, but here's a brief refresher, just in case. The latest, greatest R8 packs Ingolstadt's 5.2L V10 under its glass engine cover. That lump, in this application, punches out 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, which should let the new, super-duper R8 sniff around the 200-mph barrier. We've had fond things to say about this V10 in both its lesser and more extreme forms. Will it be "just right" in the R8? We can't wait to find out firsthand. In the meantime, feast your eyes on a slew of new photographs just released by Audi. They're all in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Audi]

Pics Aplenty: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900

Chris Shunk — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi A6

Audi's upgraded A6 and S6 are scheduled to hit US dealerships in January, and the four-ringed midsize sedan has new pricing to match its upgraded powertrains. The A6 3.2 premium stars at $45,100, a price bump of over $2,000 over the 2008 model. The newest member of the A6 family, which comes with a 300 hp supercharged 3.0L V6 and standard quattro AWD, starts at $53,310. That's $3,000 less than the starting price of the previous generation 4.2L V8, which packed more punch at 350 hp, but the 3.0T fights back with more low-end grunt and far better fuel economy. It manages 26/21, while the outgoing V8 averages 23 on the highway and 16 around town. The 3.0T will also hit 60 in 5.9 seconds, so it's no slouch on the track.

The top-level S6 prices out at $75,900, or $3,500 more than the outgoing model. The S6 will carry-over the 435 hp 5.2L V10 powerplant, which definitely isn't a bad thing. Given the unfavorable exchange rate between the euro and dollar, we're not surprised to see prices go up on the A6 3.2 and S6 models. It's nice to see an actual price decrease from the 3.0T versus its V8-powered predecessor, with vastly improved efficiency to boot. Hit the jump to pour over Audi's press release.

Gallery: 2009 Audi A6

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900

Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi expands A4 lineup with new FrontTrak model, six-speed manual on quattro

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi A4

Audi is expanding its A4 line-up to include two new option levels on its entry-level sedan; one equipped with FrontTrak (read: front-wheel-drive) and another that finally offers a six-speed manual on the base quattro-equipped A4.

The 2009 Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak mates a CVT to the 2.0T inline four, returning an EPA rating of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The six-speed manual quattro A4 achieves the same highway rating, but loses one mpg around town. Pricing for the FrontTrak model starts at $31,000, while the six-speed, AWD-equipped variant comes in at $31,850. Both models benefit from a host of standard equipment, including leather seating, sunroof and SIRIUS satellite radio. Make the jump for all the details.

Gallery: New Audi A4

Continue reading Audi expands A4 lineup with new FrontTrak model, six-speed manual on quattro

Audi expands A4 lineup with new FrontTrak model, six-speed manual on quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT Speedster headed to limited-production for Middle East market

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Audi, Specialty, Middle East

Click above for a high-res gallery of the spied Audi TT Clubsport Quattro.

Car dropped a dime on Audi HQ to get the scoop on the automaker's production plans for the recently spied TT Clubsport Quattro, and as suspected, the roof-less coupe will be making a limited production run. Audi plans to produce between 50 and 100 examples on the open-top TT, but there are no plans on offering it in the UK, the U.S. or other markets outside of the Middle East. The rationale behind the decision centers on the warm climes and lack of rain in the Middle East, along with Audi's commitment to becoming a purveyor of the finest automotive wares. It's a smart move on Audi's part, but we can't help but feel slighted by the decision. Tonneau technology has certainly evolved since its original implementation in post-WWII roadsters, so we would've hoped that such a solution would be offered to enthusiasts around the world.

Gallery: Audi TT Clubsport Quattro - spy shots

Gallery: Audi TT clubsport quattro concept

[Source: Car]

Audi TT Speedster headed to limited-production for Middle East market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro.

Audi has released the first official images of its newest concept before the wraps are taken off at the Lake Wörther Tour in Austria later this month. Think of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept as a smaller, racier, more attainable version of the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept shown in Detroit, with power provided by the highest specific output diesel in the world.

Look past the DTM-inspired bodywork and you'll get an aluminum-enhanced glimpse of the oilburning jewel that lies beneath. The 1,968cc turbodiesel produces 221 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque available at an oh-so-low 1,750 rpm. Power is sent through a six-speed manual transmission before it reaches the ground through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro can reach 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph. We believe it.

While the body work might be a bit over the top, the tuned A3 sits 26mm lower than stock and rides on 20-inch wheels that fit cleanly into blistered wheel arches, widening the A3's track by 33 mm in front and 46 mm in the rear. Stopping power in the front is provided by six piston calipers clamping 356mm carbon ceramic discs, while standard steel brakes are fitted out back. Inside, it's all business with a bit of show car flare, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, bolstered buckets, aluminum trim, toggle switches and a red starter button to get the party underway. Audi has also fitted the concept with a its Drive Select system, which can change throttle response, exhaust sound, power steering assist, ESP settings and magnetic ride damping on the fly.

Audi isn't saying that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro is destined for production, but it would make an excellent runabout for the times when rolling the R8 V12 TDI to the store would be overkill.

Make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Continue reading Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi metroproject quattro Concept.

Buyers of the next generation of Volkswagen-developed small cars will have one more option box to tick when placing their order: all-wheel-drive. The new platform, dubbed PQ25, will find its way underneath a handful of new models, spanning the range from the low-end (SEAT), mid-grade (VW) and luxury (Audi). All-wheel-drive won't be an option for the new SEAT Ibiza, but consumers of the next VW Polo (specifically the CrossPolo) might be able to outfit their tiny runabout with AWD, while the Audi A1, due out in late 2009, will continue the automaker's love affair with quattro.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Audi

The Outback treatment of the new Impreza may not be a best seller, but if emerging reports are to be believed, Audi thinks it can do a better mini-me impression by applying the Allroad concept - its take on the Outback theme - to the smaller A4.

Currently the Audi Allroad is based on the mid-range A6 Avant Quattro wagon, with an off-road suspension and contrasting body-cladding. Like the Outback and the XC70 version of Volvo's V70 wagon, the Allroad offers sport-ute appeal and functionality with better driving dynamics and less weight to schlep around.

A beefed-up A4 Avant Quattro could provide an attractive alternative to the emerging field of compact SUVs like the BMW X3 and Acura RDX ,as well as upcoming models like the Mercedes GLK, Infiniti EX and even Audi's own Q5. Then again, maybe poaching its own sales wouldn't be that great an idea.

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]

Enter the Rumormill: Audi A4 Allroad Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Cool Stuff" from Audi coming to the U.S.

Dan Roth — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Audi

Audi's given the A4 an S-Line package for European consumption, and they're pledging that the US won't get stiffed when the fifth-generation A4 lands in America in late 2008. The German word for sport is, uh, sport, and the S-line bits can appease S4 aspirants without the heavy outlay for the über-performing version of the A4. Inside Line has been assured by Audi USA's Christian Bokich that they "won't hold back on the cool stuff from Germany," meaning you won't have to hunt down esoteric Euro part numbers for the bits you really want; nor will you have to go at your Audi with hand tools to get something a little special.

For about $3,000, European buyers will get a lowered suspension by Quattro GmbH, 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, sport seats, special perforated Alcantara and leather, and different accents for the leather wrapped sport steering wheel. While the interior execution will be Audi sumptuous, it certainly won't make the car any sportier or faster. The bolsters on the sport seats are likely to be more snug-fitting, but what it sounds like, the main value is in the Quattro GmbH suspension which would probably be hard to duplicate for a mere $3K aftermarket. The extra finery is de rigeur in this segment, lest you forget you're driving an uprated car.

[Source: Inside Line]

"Cool Stuff" from Audi coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updates on Audi: A1 coming, Tokyo concept, A8/Bentley diet

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Audi, Bentley

4Car sat down with Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board who heads up the product engineering side of things, and came away with new insights on the MINI-fighting A1, the future of Bentley and what products are waiting in the wings.

Starting small, Audi's new A1 will not share the all-aluminum construction of the less-than-popular A2, instead using the steel PQ24 platform that underpins the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia. It will be distinctly Audi in its design, albeit in a small package, and will feature a number of technologies - specifically the MMI setup - that's found in the quad-ring's luxury offerings. Don't expect Quattro in the beginning, nor will a three-door body be offered at first, but Dick confirmed that there would be a concept debuting in Tokyo next month that hints at the A1's styling.

Audi is also developing a new alloy structure for the A8 that will underpin the next generation of Bentleys, and will likely reduce the overall weight of both models by over 300 pounds. Also, the reworked A3 is coming next year, along with a convertible version, while the Q5 will arrive in 2008 complete with either a hybrid drivetrain or a diesel engine - both slated for sales in the U.S.

[Source: 4Car]

Updates on Audi: A1 coming, Tokyo concept, A8/Bentley diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quattro times two: Audi develops new sport differential

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Audi

According to Motor Authority, Audi has developed a new differential that will find its way into all its Quattro-equipped vehicles next year. The new diff quells Audi's inherent understeer by shuffling torque between the rear wheels, thus improving overall road-holding and lending itself to more sporty (read: rear-wheel drive bias) driving dynamics.

The system, which sends 60-percent of torque to the rear wheels, will sense a loss of traction in less than 100 milliseconds and then send an appropriate amount of power to each individual wheel. Users will have the ability to select between three different preset modes, including "auto," "comfort" and "dynamic," the latter of which provides more competent handling at the expense of ride comfort.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Quattro times two: Audi develops new sport differential originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi announces U.S. pricing on new A5 and S5 models

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Audi

Click the image above for more hi-res pics.

Audi has finally released U.S. pricing on its new A5 and S5, and those of you looking to get into Audi's newest hotness can do so for the bargain price of $39,900. That's where the base A5 model will start, complete with a six-speed manual, while the S5, sporting the same stick will begin at $50,500. Throw in the six-speed Triptronic auto 'box and both prices swell by another $1,300. Naturally, both models come with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, while the A5 finds motivation from the 265 HP 3.2-liter FSI V6 and the S5 gets going under the power of the 354 HP 4.2-liter FSI V8.

You can check out all the options in the press release after the jump, and expect the manual equipped S5s to arrive at dealers in November, while the A5, A5 automatic and S5 automatic will be available in spring of '08.

[Source: Audi]

Gallery: Audi S5

Gallery: Audi A5

Continue reading Audi announces U.S. pricing on new A5 and S5 models

Audi announces U.S. pricing on new A5 and S5 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche, Audi to unite on Audi R4?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Audi, Porsche

Porsche of late is doing everything to remain in the news. Crystal balls are still trying to glean what Porsche plans to do with Lamborghini and Bugatti, which have thrived under Audi's watch. Now the brand, for which there is no substitute, has struck a deal with Audi to develop an entry level sports car called the R4 as well as the next Boxster and Cayman. The R-car will be the lowest rung in an "R" lineup that will hop even numbers from R4 to R10.

The R-cars will be geared not to compete with Porsche models: the R4 will ride below the Boxster and use turboed 4- and 5-cylinder engines. The R6 sandwiched by the 911 and Boxster, the second generation R8 to come in coupe and roadster versions, and an R10 supercar based on Audi's perennial Le Mans conqueror.

What will each party get? Audi gets Porsche engineering, Porsche gets aluminum spaceframes, diesel tech, DSG for all torque ratings, and they both get massive R&D savings. Both the R4 and the Boxster will then benefit from each company's pool of goodies, like night vision, heads-up display, brake energy recuperation, MagnaRide from Audi, and PDC from Porsche. The only thing left to decide is the timing: the Panamera drops in 2009, and Audi wants the R4 in showrooms in 2010. Stay tuned for a lot of in-house wrangling and a slew of hot new sports cars.

[Source: Car Magazine via eGM Car Tech]

Porsche, Audi to unite on Audi R4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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