New 2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Promotional Video Released

It can be argued that the Audi R8 V10 probably does not need a promotional video. The car can practically just sell itself. Nevertheless there will be no complaints from fans of powerful fast cars after they click on this video to see flashes of the R8 V10 and hear that marvelous engine in a professionally-shot video clip. The video runs for about a minute and a half and shows the car at a track putting some rubber on the tarmac. No fancy stunts were performed, apart from the handbrake turn at the end.

The Audi R8 V10 was finally launched to the public at the Detroit Motor Show in January after much speculation and spy pictures. It has a 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine that gives it 386kW (525hp) and 530Nm of torque. In 3.9 seconds it reaches 100km/h from standstill while top speed is 316km/h (196mph).

Source: Audi

Audi TT RS with 340hp 2.5Turbo - Official Photos, Details and Engine Sound

In addition to the official teaser shots and an audio clip of the TT RS' five-pot turbo that were released today by Audi, thanks to one of Carscoop's readers, we now have a full set of pictures as well as more detailed information on Ingolstadt's hottest ever TT model. To be officially revealed at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the TT RS will be available in both Coupe and Roadster forms. Reviving the spirit of the original Quattro models of the 1980's, Audi has equipped the TT RS with a new turbocharged 5-cylinder engine with direct-injection and a capacity of 2.5-liters.

The result is an output of 340-horspower and a maximum torque figure of 450 Nm or 331.9-lbs/ft. The sportiest TT ever uses Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system with power being transferred through a six-speed manual gearbox. In terms of performance, Audi says that the TT RS will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5,0 seconds with its top speed being electronically limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Ingolstadt's engineers also beefed up the TT RS's braking system and revised the car's suspension and electronic stability control systems.

On the outside, the TT RS gets a rather subtle treatment over the 272HP TT S model that includes slightly larger front air vents, a distinctive rear diffuser, a fixed boot spoiler and twin-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, there's a leather multifunction sports steering wheel and sports seats in a combination of Alcantara and leather

Both the TT RS Coupe and Roadster will be available in European markets during the second quarter of the year. To the misfortune of North American buyers, Audi has not approved the TT RS for U.S. launch.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.pt

2010 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro - First Official Photos

Automakers are leaving no stone unturned these days to make a buck or in Audi's case, a Euro or two. The German company is getting ready to enter a new niche segment with the presentation of the A4 Allroad Quattro, a crossover version of its latest A4 Avant that will compete head on with the new Saab 9-3X, and in some ways act as an alternative proposal to compact SUV's like its own Q5 and the BMW X5. Audi will initially offer a gasoline engine and two diesel engines for the A4 Allroad Quattro that will hit European dealerships early this summer at a basic price of €37,100.

The engine range comprises of the 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline unit that delivers 211HP and 350 Nm of torque. Matted to Audi's S-Tronic dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, it propels the Allroad to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.9 sec, and to a top speed of 230 km/h (143mph). On average, it consumes 8.1 lt of fuel per 100 km (29 mpg).

The diesel range includes the 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TDI with 170HP that's combined with a six-speed manual gearbox launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 sec and on to a top speed of 213 km/h (132mph) with an avg fuel consumption of 6.4 ly of fuel per 100 km (36.8mpg). The more powerful 3.0-liter TDI V6 delivers 240HP and is hooked up to dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission propelling the Allroad from standstill to 100 km/h 6.4 sec topping out at 236 km/h. On average, the three-liter TDI sips 7.1 lt of fuel per 100 km (33.1mpg).

Aside from the standard quattro all-wheel drive system, Audi's engineers widened the A4 Avant's front and rear tracks by 20mm (0.79-in.) while the body is higher on account of a new chassis with longer springs - though Audi did not say how high. Furthermore, the Allroad is equipped with Audi's Offroad Detection (ORD) technology that senses the type of driving surface and adjusts the ESP's control parameters accordingly. The car sits on 17-inch alloys shod in 225/55 tires.

Similar to the A6 Allroad, Audi's smaller faux-offroader gets color-contrasting body cladding, restyled bumpers, a unique grille and roof rails. Inside changes are limited to the standard electromechanical handbrake and the availability of an exclusive Allroad fabric trim.
The A4 Allroad will make its world debut in Geneva in March. The German firm has yet to disclose its plans for the North American market.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

Audi A4 Outsells BMW 3-Series in Germany

The Audi A4 is not only Audi's top selling vehicle, it was also purchased more often in Germany than the BMW 3-Series. 2008 figures for the A4 have been released, with over 98,714 units in Germany. The Audi A6 and Audi TT also topped their segment, with 45,304 and 10,630 vehicle registrations, according to the company.

Audi claims the A4 was second only to the Volkswagen Golf in terms of overall sales in Germany. Both brands are owned by VW. The figures also show a great boost for Audi, with increased sales in Germany, and all of Western Europe. Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler said, "Audi is presently experiencing stronger growth than any other premium brand in the region - and thanks to new models we will maintain this dynamism."

"In a difficult market environment, we want to further expand our market share in Germany and Western Europe."

The 2009 model year Audi A4 was released in April 2008. The '09 S4 Sedan and Avant arrive in European dealerships this quarter.

Not a bad birthday present for Audi's 100-year anniversary. Audi sold more than one million vehicles worldwide last year. BMW still leads them as the global luxury brand, having sold 1.12 million in 2008.

Source: Audi

Audi A4 Avant AllRoad Spied in the Dark

Audi is testing a new A4 allroad. These fresh spy pictures taken at night confirm that the A4 model range is to be joined by an allroad version for the first time. Allroad has so far been a name associated only with the bigger A6.

Previously the allroad was spied testing in the body of an A4 sedan mule. But this time it shows its own Avant physical appearance. The exterior reveals wider fenders, new bumpers with different air intakes, fog lights and a total look that says ‘off-road'. Of course the most noticeable thing is how high the car stands off the ground.

The Audi A4 allroad will be powered by the same petrol and turbo diesel engines as the regular A4. Quattro AWD comes standard because the vehicle is expected to live up to its promise of its offroad capabilities.

Audi will be counting on vehicles like the A4 allroad to lift its market share in the SUV/ crossover segment. Big SUV sales have been sagging at a steady pace and those interested in downsizing would look at cars like the allroad.

Source: Audi

Audi RS5 Caught Undisguised at Nurburgring

The 2010 Audi RS5 has been caught again on video testing at the Nürburgring. It looks almost completely undisguised which leads us to believe a public unveiling is not far off. Providing a harmonious soundtrack to accompany the video wasn't going to be necessary as the RS5 engine already comes with such a beautiful roaring sound.

Although specs are still some way from being released, it's known that power comes from a twin-turbo 4.2-litre V8 with around 450hp (330kW). Quattro 4WD is standard, as is a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 7-speed double clutch R tronic is a possibility given that rivals also employ these new double-clutch changers. The RS5 should be able to rush from 0 - 100km/h in about 5 seconds with a top speed limited to 250km/h.

Enjoy the video clip while waiting for July 2010 (according the Audi 2012 rollout schedule) when the RS5 hits the streets.

Source: autojunk.nl via autoblog.nl

Q5 Hybrid Back in Audi Product Plan for 2010

According to Audi's leaked rollout schedule the mid-sized Q5 Hybrid is coming to market in February 2010. However recent reports suggested that Audi had canned the Q5 Hybrid project. Now new evidence says that it's back on the 2010 menu. At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit VW Group head of powertrain development Wolfgang Hatz told Autoweek that Audi would have to bring out at least one hybrid model in order to compete.

"If you look at what you have to spend to get the advantage of the hybrid and what you have to spend on other technologies like diesel, the diesel is much more cost-effective," Hatz stated. "We have to do hybrids in order to show people that we are able to do them."

Hatz said the Q5 Hybrid would go on sale in America in late 2010. He continued to say: "At the moment, we have to spend quite a lot on the basic technology, which we can perhaps spread later on more models."

The bigger Q7 had been the initial candidate for a hybrid powertrain but economic times have seen the public buying more affordable categories of motor vehicles. A Q5 Hybrid makes sense in this case. The petrol powered Q5 is already being sold in Europe where it competes in the same category as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Source: autoweek.com via egmcartech.com

Audi Sportback Concept official details

Audi has unveiled the Sportback Concept at the Detroit motor show today.

Sticking to its strength, that is in sport wagon design, Audi has created the Sportback Concept as almost a collage of Audi design cues with touches from the A1 Concept, providing the single frame front grille, to the A5 Coupe which shares a similar tail section.

But the design is also coupe-influenced, which Audi readily admits. The coupe theme is evident in the four seat arrangement (two rear seats instead of three) of the Sportback Concept. That sort of coupe styling on a car that isn't really a coupe has become somewhat of a fashion lately. Models such as the VW CC, based on the Passat, and the BMW X6 being the most obvious examples.

The Sportback Concept is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 225 hp and 550 Nm of torque (307 lb-ft) coupled to Audi's 7-speed S tronic transmission and will be the cleanest diesel yet from Audi. This 3.0 liter oil-burner will be compliant with California's stringent emissions standards (as well as EU6 compliant) making the engine a viable option for Audi models sold in the US.

Head on over to the Audi Sportback Photo album for 48 high-res images of the Concept.

Source: Audi

Audi Announces A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel for US market in 2010

Audi has now officially introduced the new 2010 Audi A3 2.0-liter TDI. The new TDI is part of the facelifted A3 lineup, which debuted last year.

Calling it a "highly efficient diesel small luxury car," Audi believes they may have found a niche in the market that previously went undiscovered. Indeed, it is not often you find a luxury car that gets over 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

With 140 hp and 236 ft-lb of torque coming from the four-cylinder turbo-diesel, the Audi A3 TDI is meant to compete with a wide range of vehicles. Audi envisions this car as a competitor to the BMW 1-series, MINI Cooper S, Volvo C30, Volvo S40, Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight. It does seem somewhat optimistic that Audi thinks they can steal MINI, Insight, and Prius customers with their A3 TDI. After all, pricing has not even been announced yet for the A3 diesel, but base price for the petrol A3 is already more than $4,000 more than a Cooper S.

Thus, Audi is pushing the "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a key selling point, and reminding potential customers of the McPherson suspension system that comes with this car. Also included in every A3 purchase are Audi's LED daytime lights, rear LED lights, a human-focused interior, speed sensitive steering, and an all-around rigid ride.

Satellite radio, hill-hold assist, leather seats and steering wheel, and 17" alloys also come with the A3 TDI. So does a dual-clutch S-tronic transmission with all-wheel-drive. Xenon lights are optional.

After all, power alone does not make one competitive.

The 2010 Audi A3 2.0-liter TDI will go on sale in the U.S. at either the end of 2009 or the beginning of 2010. Pricing will be announced later this year.

Source: Audi

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Quattro World Debut At Detroit Auto Show

After a long time trying to make it out from under heavy camouflage, watching it go up in flames in testing, admiring it in pictures and getting to know its powertrain better, the Audi R8 5.2-litre V10 is finally within public reach. Uncovered during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the R8 V10 looks ready to create lots of rubber trails and put smiles on many faces.

Powered by a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine this car makes a heady 386kW (525hp) and 530Nm, all planted on the road via a quattro 4WD system and the standard 6-speed manual gearbox or Audi's S Tronic gearshift. The S Tronic system enables shifts of under one-tenth of a second. A button-activated launch control action hurls the car from standstill to a 3.9 second 100km/h dash. The speedo needle only stops at 316km/h (196mph).

The R8 V10 runs on 19-inch tyres with sizes of 235/35 front and 295/30 at the rear. Audi magnetic ride helps the car adapt to changing road situations while the big brakes, optionally available in ceramic, ensure good stopping power. It also has those LED lights but also stands out from its ‘older' V8 brother in a number of ways. These are more pronounced sideblades, more striking side sills, matt-aluminum-look exhaust grilles on the rear windows, rear air outlets with two cross-braces and of course those two big oval pipes.

Source: Audi