Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Audi Archives

August 13, 2008

Audi Q7 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2008

HERNDON, Va. -- The Audi Q7, a luxury performance SUV, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2008.

The 2008 Q7 received a "good" rating in all three crash tests: side impact, offset frontal and rear impact seat tests. In addition to the Q7, three Audi car models -- the A3, A4 and A6 -- have also been recognized as Top Safety Picks in 2008, earning Audi the most Top Safety Pick designations for 2008 models of any luxury automaker this year.

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August 5, 2008

Audi North Shore to Host Race Car Drivers Marco Werner and Lucas Luhr

HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today a motorsports gathering in partnership with Audi North Shore in Milwaukee, Wisc. on Wednesday evening, August 6, 2008.

Local customers and prospects will be hosted to welcome Audi Sport race car drivers Marco Werner and Lucas Luhr.

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The Audi Exchange to Host Race Car Driver Marco Werner

HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today a motorsports gathering in partnership with The Audi Exchange dealership in Highland Park, IL on Tuesday evening, August 5, 2008.

Local customers and prospects will be hosted to welcome Le Mans-winning race car driver Marco Werner.

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August 3, 2008

Audi Announces Pricing for 2009 A4 Sedan and Avant

HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America today released pricing for two of its newest entries, the 2009 model year Audi A4 sedan and A4 Avant.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the A4 sedan will start at $32,700, while MSRP for the A4 Avant will start at $34,500.

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August 1, 2008

Audi Reports July Sales Down 4.5%

HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today auto sales for the month of July totaling 6,804, a decrease of 4.5% from last year's figures, yet the brand expects to gain market share based on better overall performance versus the luxury segment average.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued to grow with another record-setting month; compared with last year's July figures, CPO sales rose to 2,669 units, an increase of 21.2%.

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July 15, 2008

Paul Miller Audi To Host Customers and Race Car Drivers

HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today a motorsports gathering in partnership with Paul Miller Audi in Parsippany, NJ on Tuesday evening, July 15, 2008.

Local customers and prospects will be hosted to welcome world-renowned race car drivers Marco Werner and Lucas Luhr.

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July 10, 2008

Jack Daniels Audi to Host Customers and Race Drivers Prior to July 12 Race

HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today a motorsports gathering in partnership with Jack Daniels Audi in Upper Saddle River, NJ on Wednesday evening, July 9, 2008. Local customers and prospects will be hosted to welcome world champion race car drivers Emanuele Pirro and Dindo Capello.

In preparation for Saturday's American Le Mans race at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT on July 12, the Audi drivers have already hit the ground running to practice for the race and also interact with local Audi customers and race fans to share their enthusiasm for TDI clean diesel racing and road technology.

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Audi Brings Le Mans Legend Emanuele Pirro to Palisades Audi

HERNDON, Va. -- Audi of America, Inc. demonstrated its commitment to its dealer network by scheduling a surprise appearance by Le Mans racing legend and Audi factory driver Emanuele Pirro at Palisades Audi in Nyack, New York on Tuesday, July 8.

Pirro visited the dealership to sign a mural of one of his racing triumphs from his storied 32-year career.

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July 2, 2008

Audi Reports Increased June Sales

HERNDON, Va. -- New data added below Audi's "Total Sales" on table -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today auto sales for the month of June totaling 8,203, an increase of 5.3% from last year's figures; the brand also experienced a 1.8 percent increase in market share for the month within the luxury segment to reach 7.8%.

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June 16, 2008

Audi Triumphs Again At the 24 Hours of Le Mans

INGOLSTADT, Germany and LE MANS, France -- The Audi R10 TDI remains unbeaten in the Le Mans 24 Hour race: in its third attempt, the diesel sportscar won the French endurance classic yet again. After the incredible thrill of the 76th edition of the race, Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland) triumphed at the wheel of the Audi R10 TDI number 2.

The widely anticipated duel between Audi and Peugeot definitely kept its promise: in front of a record crowd of 258,500 spectators, the two car manufacturers entered into a thrilling battle with their diesel sportscars which Audi finally won by a margin of 4m 31s.

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June 13, 2008

Audi U.S. Luxury Market Share Rises

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. has announced that year-to-date car sales of its sedan and sports car models for 2008 rose to a total of 30,767, a 7.5% increase over last year's figures.

Audi claimed a growing share of the luxury auto market, 6.8% in May, thanks to strong sales of the A4, A4 Cabriolet and TT models, with robust sales in key markets.

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June 12, 2008

Audi Improves 16 Positions in Initial Quality

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality in the results from J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 industry-wide study, released June 4, 2008. Even as initial quality improved across the auto industry, Audi distinguished itself from the pack, jumping sixteen spots to #10 with 113 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). The Audi A6 ranked third in a tie in the Midsize Premium Car segment.

"One of our most successful quality drivers has been listening to our consumers - and applying what they teach us at the earliest stages of our vehicle development," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "It is nice to have our passion for quality recognized, but our focus is on raising the bar even higher in the future."

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June 8, 2008

Audi on track to sell record 1 million cars globally in 2008

AUDI AG sold more than 426,200 vehicles worldwide from January to May, an increase of 1.5 percent. In the month of May, Audi increased sales to 88,200 vehicles, up an additional 0.8 percent versus the strong prior-year month.

The strongest growth drivers were once again the Asia/Pacific and Eastern Europe regions.

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June 7, 2008

Audi Celebrates 20 Years in China

Audi celebrated the 20th anniversary of its partnership with First Automobile Works (FAW) in Changchun today and laid the cornerstone for a new assembly hall. The company also announced the local production of the Audi Q5 at the Changchun plant.

“We hope to deliver up to 200,000 vehicles per year to customers in China by 2015. The new assembly hall is an important milestone toward achieving this goal,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG during the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the joint venture between FAW and Audi in Changchun.

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June 6, 2008

Winners Unveiled at Auto Interiors Show

DETROIT -- For the first time in several years, foreign nameplates outshined domestic competitors for top honors in the 2008 Ward's "Interior of the Year" Awards. And unlike previous years, no brand won more than a single award.

Chosen by the editors of Ward's Automotive Group, the prestigious awards were presented today to executives of the automakers at a special program held on the floor of the Ward's Auto Interiors Show at Detroit's Cobo Center.

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June 5, 2008

Report: Initial Auto Quality Improves Considerably

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Initial quality in the automotive industry has improved significantly in 2008, with substantial gains demonstrated by nearly three-fourths of the 36 ranked nameplates, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) released today.

Overall quality improves to 118 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2008, down from 125 PP100 in 2007.

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June 3, 2008

Volvo Reports Sales for May Down 21.4%

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, recorded 7,238 units sold in the United States during May. While the figure is 21.4 percent lower than May 2007 sales, the company is on track to meet its projected sales volume for 2008.

"Last year, we said 2008 sales would be 10-15 percent lower than 2007 as we balanced margin and volume," said Doug Speck, president and CEO. "We're down 11 percent, year-on-year, and that's essentially where we expected to be for a variety of business and economic reasons."

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Audi of America Reports May Sales Down 2.9%

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today auto sales for the month of May totaling 8,534, a slight decrease of 2.9% from last year's figures, however, the brand expects to record an increase in market share for the month. Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued their record-setting trend; compared with last year's May figures, CPO sales rose to 3,364 units, an increase of 42.7%.

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June 2, 2008

Audi R10 race car gets Biofuel for first time

Ingolstadt – World premiere in motorsport: At the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours on 14/15 June, the three Audi R10 TDI prototypes entered by Audi Sport Team Joest will race for the first time with the next generation of Biofuel manufactured from Biowaste and promising a reduction in the emission of CO2 by almost 90 per cent when compared with traditional diesel.

Audi fields the 650-hp plus R10 TDI, which has already won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, in sportscar races since 2006.

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May 29, 2008

Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

TUSTIN, Calif. -- A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

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May 27, 2008

Audi Sign and Drive Lease Deals

Audi is now offering no money down lease deals on three of their vehicles, through July 2, 2008.

Also known as sign and drive, this means if you've got good enough credit you can sign the lease agreement and drive away with a car without putting out a dime [or its Euro equivalent].

The hottest offer has got to be on the Audi A4 Cabriolet [convertible], for only $479 a month for 36 months.

You can also pick up a Quattro [4-wheel drive] A4 for $399 a month, an A6 for $599 a month or the Q7 SUV for $549 a month. Click here for more details.

May 22, 2008

Audi Introduces the All-New 2008 Audi Driving Experience

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the 2008 Audi driving experience and all-new Competitive Comparison program.

The second-annual nationwide tour, developed with Audi’s strategic partner Emotive is coming to eight major U.S. cities and will kick off in Chicago on July 21. For the 2008 Audi driving experience, Audi has introduced a Competitive Comparison program, which puts participants behind the wheel of the all-new 2009 Audi A4 in addition to three other vehicles in its class to prove, first-hand, the superior handling and driveability of the Audi.

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May 20, 2008

Video: Tom Brady gives Audi Q7s to his best buddies

To kick off the ninth annual Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port charity bike tour, MVP Tom Brady gathered his "best buddies," his starting offensive linemen, to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Matt Light, Stephan Neal, Dan Koppen, Logan Mankins and Nick Kaczur were each presented with an Audi Q7 SUV at a charity event in Boston.

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May 19, 2008

Collisions mar Audi finish at Salt Lake

Ingolstadt/Salt Lake City – Team Audi Sport North America’s pair of Audi R10 TDI prototypes had the chance to clinch another overall victory in the exciting fourth round of the American Le Mans Series near Salt Lake City (US state of Utah).

After a dramatic finish, however, Audi had to be content with victory in the LM P1 class.

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May 17, 2008

Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro concept

Audi, the inventor of TDI, blazes a trail in the field of engine manufacture. At the 27th annual Lake Wörther Tour being held at the end of May in the Austrian province of Carinthia, the brand behind the four rings is showcasing this technology's potential with a sensational study.

The two-liter TDI unit under the bonnet of the Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro delivers 165 kW (224 hp) and musters up 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque – the sort of pulling power normally associated with a sports car.

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Tom Brady Presents Five Linemen with Audi Q7 SUVs

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. and Hyannis Port, Mass. – Audi of America, Inc. today partnered with All-star quarterback Tom Brady to offer his own version of protection by surprising his offensive linemen with all new Audi Q7 SUVs.

Linemen Matt Light, Stephan Neal, Dan Koppen, Logan Mankins and Nick Kaczur will be given new Audi Q7 SUVs to protect them on the road and to thank them for their support of Best Buddies International and dedication during the 2007/2008 football season.

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May 13, 2008

2009 Audi A4: choice of two smoking engines

The new A4 is being launched with two gasoline engines. The 3.2 FSI is a V6 with 265 hp. The newly developed four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI is available with 211 hp.

With these engines, Audi is once again extending its lead in engine design – using the gasoline direct injection technology known as FSI, which is superior to anything offered by the competition.

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May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

Study: Cadillac, Audi Most Imporved Luxury Marques

IRVINE, Calif. -- According to Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research's Brand Watch study, Cadillac and Audi are the most improved in terms of brand perception over the past year in the Luxury Sedan segment.

Cadillac improved most among the factors of driving comfort, exterior styling, interior layout/design, interior roominess and cargo/trunk space. Audi was deemed most improved when evaluating seating capacity, luxuriousness, available options and prestige brand.

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May 2, 2008

Audi Reports Increased April Sales Down 4.6%

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today sales for the month of April totaling 7,730, a decrease of 4.6% from last year's record figures.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued their record-setting trend; compared with last year's April figures, CPO sales rose to 3,175 units, an increase of 56.4%.

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May 1, 2008

Audi Sponsors "Iron Man" Premiere and After Party in Hollywood

Editor's note: See our previous coverage, here.

AUBURN HILLS, MI. -- Audi hit the red carpet last night at the premiere of Iron Man, the summer blockbuster from Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios due in theaters May 2. Celebrities arrived at the event in Audi R8’s, Audi Q7 SUV's and A8L sedans. Tony Stark’s car, the Audi R8, was also on display on the red carpet.

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2009 Audi TTS to launch in USA at end of 2008

AUBURN HILLS, MI. -- Audi took the wraps off a new sports car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday, January 13, 2008 with the Audi TTS, the top of the TT model line.

It will be coming to U.S. dealer showrooms in late 2008. Under its hood lies a two-liter TFSI high-performance engine delivering a mighty 265 hp in the U.S.

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April 29, 2008

Audi Launches Sportscar Driving Programs in Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif. – Audi of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience based at the Audi Forum Sonoma at Infineon Raceway in California.

Created by Audi and its strategic partner, Emotive, the Audi Sportscar Experience is a hands-on driving experience designed especially for performance car enthusiasts – consumers who love to drive and experience exceptionally engineered vehicles.

The 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience will feature the new Audi R8 sportscar and the Audi RS 4 high-performance sedan.

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April 25, 2008

Audi to launch 2009 A3 in US this Fall

Ingolstadt – The Audi A3, offered in the USA exclusively with the five-door body style, raises its sporty profile with a raft of improvements and an accentuated design.

Innovative technologies such as the S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi magnetic ride, the suspension control system, makes for even greater driving pleasure. Its sharper, more striking design lends even greater expression to the A3.

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April 23, 2008

Volkswagen Group reports record global sales

WOLFSBURG, Germany - The Volkswagen Group started the second quarter of 2008 with another global record: Under increasingly difficult market conditions, Europe’s largest automaker expects to deliver some 550,000 vehicles in April, an increase of 7.0 percent compared with April 2007.

As a result, Group deliveries during the first four months of the year will exceed the two million mark for the first time.

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Volkswagen publishes biodiversity mission statement

WOLFSBURG, Germany -- Retaining biological diversity is one of the great ecological challenges of the 21st century. Without the commitment of industry, the United Nations would not be able to meet its target of stopping or at least slowing down the extinction of species.

As a globally active industrial company, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft engages in protecting biodiversity.

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April 22, 2008

Volkswagen Group Launches Environmental Microsite

HERNDON, Va. -- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. today launched responsiblemobility.com, a microsite focused on the company's sustainable mobility strategy.

The new microsite comes as the Group's Audi and Volkswagen brands prepare to embark upon their 50-state clean diesel strategy, and as the Group continues work on next generation alternative energy innovations such as biofuels and high temperature fuel cells.

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April 21, 2008

First Audi R10 TDI victory at Long Beach

Ingolstadt/Long Beach – In the 25th race of the Audi R10 TDI, the car scored a historic 1-2 victory at the Long Beach (California) round of the American Le Mans Series. After the success at St Petersburg a fortnight ago, the diesel-powered sportscar won a street race for the second time in a row.

With Lucas Luhr/Marco Werner taking their personal as well as Audi’s second win in three races in 2008, the German works drivers extended their lead in the championship standings.

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Audi uses supercomputer to advance safety research

PARIS -- ESI Group, a pioneer and world-leading supplier of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes, announced today that AUDI AG has implemented the auto industry’s fastest supercomputer to advance safety standards.

Crucial in optimizing car safety, the new system is based on ESI Group’s PAM-CRASH 2G simulation software and an HP Cluster Platform 3000BL system, providing 15.36 teraflop/s of computing performance for crash simulation models of Audi.

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April 19, 2008

2009 Audi Q5 World Premiere

Ingolstadt – The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use.

Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. The sportiest SUV in its class is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable.

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April 9, 2008

First overall victory for Audi R10 TDI in 2008 ALMS season

Ingolstadt/St Petersburg – Audi scored the first victory of the Audi R10 TDI in the 2008 American Le Mans Series in a thrilling battle in the second round at St Petersburg (US state of Florida).

Lucas Luhr who is partnered with Marco Werner finished with a victory margin of just 0.818s, having re-captured the lead of the race just three laps before the end. It was the 14th outright victory of the diesel-powered sportscar and the first overall win of Lucas Luhr in the series.

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April 8, 2008

“Iron Man” Drives the Audi R8 onto the Screen

Editor's note: See our previous coverage, here.

AUBURN HILLS, MI. -- Audi has joined forces with Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., for the release of the movie version of “Iron Man” due in theaters May 2, and will launch a global marketing campaign highlighting the role of Audi in the film.

Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark – the title character in the film. His superpowers are the result of the highly versatile and indestructible high-tech armor that he developed himself. When he is without his suit, the technically-adept billionaire relies on the Audi R8.

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April 7, 2008

Audi TDI – perennial winner in motor sports

At the beginning, the drivers couldn’t believe their ears – long time professionals like Frank Biela (Germany) and Tom Kristensen (Denmark) had to completely change their driving habits. Up to then, they had acclimatized themselves to the engine noise in their open sports cars – and now, from a certain speed onward, it could no longer be heard. That’s how quietly the V12 TDI runs in the new Audi R10.

With the 12 cylinder diesel, Audi had written a completely new chapter in the history of motor sports. The 5.5 liter TDI, which was created according to the rules applied at the Le Mans 24 hour race, is a superior racing engine.

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Audi TDI – the superior principle

The TDI engines from Audi are superior engines that feature commanding performance and dynamic power. The 221 hp of the three liter TDI that powers various Audi models, for example, provides about 80 hp of output per liter of displacement – a level that just a few years ago was reserved for the sports car segment.

Thanks to their extremely low consumption levels and their proliferation, especially in Europe, TDI engines have become the most successful efficiency technology in the world. When driven under realistic, mixed driving conditions, TDI cars generally also beat comparable models with hybrid drives.

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Audi TDI – at the top for the past two decades

Audi is the pioneer in turbocharged diesel engines with direct injection – since 1989 the company has built and sold more than 4.5 million cars with TDI engines. From the very start, the initials TDI began to develop into a synonym for superior propulsive power and a maximum efficiency; the technology has advanced to become a trend setter for the entire automotive industry.

No other drive system has yet been able to beat the turbocharged diesel direct injection engine when it comes to power combined with low consumption.

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The world’s cleanest diesel: Audi 3.0 TDI

Audi is raising diesel technology to a new level. In early 2009, the brand with the four rings will introduce the 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system to the U.S. market. The world's cleanest diesel engine will debut in the Audi Q7 and Audi A4.

The ultra low emission system combines a complete package of innovative features, including a new common rail system with piezo injectors that operate with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar (29,001 psi), highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation and further optimized turbocharging, all of which reduces engine emissions.

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The Audi R8 V12 TDI

The V12 TDI unleashes the kind of incredible power that also makes it a suitable engine for a supercar – Audi unveiled a concept car based on the R8 at the Detroit Auto show earlier this year.

Again – in a mid engine configuration – the engine produces a whopping 500 hp and 737 lb/ft of torque, which is reached at only 1,750 rpm. In terms of design, the Audi R8 V12 TDI is reminiscent of the Audi R10, the two time winner of the Le Mans 24 hour race, and the engines are also close relatives.

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The Audi Q7 V12 TDI

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI represents a new chapter in the history of diesel engines. The world’s first V12 diesel engine for a production automobile will be introduced initially to the European market during the course of this year, powering the big, high performance SUV with tremendous poise and composure.

On command, the six liter engine catapults the Q7 from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with its 500 hp capacity and 737 lb/ft of torque – just like a top flight sports car. Propulsion is electronically limited to 155 mph.

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The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI

With 326 hp and 560 lb/ft of torque over a range from 1,800 to 2,500 rpms, the Q7 4.2 TDI was the world's most powerful eight cylinder diesel engine made for a passenger car at its market introduction.

One test drive is all it takes to show what makes the TDI from Audi a smart choice as a sports engine. Just a gentle touch on the accelerator is all it takes to propel the large SUV forward.

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The Audi A5 3.0 TDI

The Audi V6 TDI engine is so packed with power that it also allows Audi’s dynamic A5 Coupe to perform impressively. With a sprint speed from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, the Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro is one of the sportiest specimens in its class.

The pressure at low and moderate rpms and the propulsive force in the upper range can only be described as impressive. Considering its potential, the 3.0 TDI is astonishingly economical – its average mileage amounts to 37 miles per gallon.

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI

A vigorous powerhouse of an engine pulsates under the hood of the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI. With a displacement of three liters, the V6 generates an impressive 221 hp and a torque 406 lb/ft. This maximum level of tractive force is available at 1,750 to 2,750 rpm – providing the driver with a vigorous power surge in all ranges.

The four valve engine is extremely compact – measuring only 440 millimeters (17.3 inches) in length.

Continue reading "The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI"

Germany Votes Audi A4 Most Popular

The Audi A4 is Germany’s most popular car. For the ninth time now, more than 100 regional weekly newspapers in the former East Germany invited their readers to vote for “Our Car.” The 56 car models launched during the past year were eligible to take part. Over 100,000 responses were received, and the Audi A4 topped the poll.

The Audi A4 has already received numerous major awards – including the “Golden Steering Wheel” from Bild am Sonntag and the “Auto 1” trophy from AutoBild naming it the best new car in all of Europe.

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The TDI Offensive from Audi

Audi, the inventor of TDI, is preparing to launch a diesel offensive in the North American market. The brand with the four rings will introduce the world’s cleanest diesel to the U.S. market in early 2009, almost simultaneous with its introduction in Europe.

The 3.0 TDI with its ultra low emission system, which fulfills the world’s most stringent emission standards, will first be offered in the Audi Q7 and then in the new Audi A4 at a later date.

Continue reading "The TDI Offensive from Audi"

First overall victory for Audi R10 TDI in 2008 ALMS season

Ingolstadt/St Petersburg – Audi scored the first victory of the Audi R10 TDI in the 2008 American Le Mans Series in a thrilling battle in the second round at St Petersburg (US state of Florida).

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April 6, 2008

Audi Lease Deals for April

Audi is offering the following lease deals for April:

2008 TT 2.0T FWD Coupe lease -- $429/month for 36-months, $3,003 due at lease inception.

2008 A4 2.0T quattro lease -- $379/month for 36-months $1,953 due at lease inception.

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April 2, 2008

April Audi Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Audi is offering 2.9% interest financing on the A3 and A4 models lines, including the S4 and RS4. Programs end 5/2/08.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report. The service is free and available now!

April 1, 2008

Audi Reports Flat March Sales

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today sales for the month of March totaling 7,987, a decrease of 0.4% from last year’s figures.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued their record-setting trend; compared with last year’s March figures, CPO sales rose to 3,283 units, an increase of 35.2%.

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March 28, 2008

Seen in New York: Audi's Hand-Built $1 Million Car

It's not very often you get to stroll past a piece of four-wheeled machinery that's worth a million bucks.

And it's even less rare to see something like that actually being driven on the street.

But indeed we did have that experience when we saw this custom built Audi R8 Le Mans concept on a NYC street.

The only one of its kind, the Le Mans Concept was built to house a V12 diesel engine that produces 500 horsepower and 730 lb.-ft. of torque. And also to look very, very cool.

And just in case someone actually knew what it was, or might decide to practice urban driving skills, the Le Mans Concept was escorted down the streets by three Audi Q7 SUVs -- one in front, one behind and one on the left, as a protective phalanx. Because who wants to make that call -- "Uh, ya, Hans, listen mein buddy, I wrecked the concept car."

March 27, 2008

Audi Renews Partnership with Carfax

CENTREVILLE, Va. -- Audi of America today announced that Carfax will continue to be the vehicle history information provider for the Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program.

Since 2003, Carfax Vehicle History Reports have been a key component in the Audi certification process. Every Audi vehicle submitted for certification must qualify for the Carfax Buyback Guarantee, in addition to meeting Audi’s stringent program guidelines.

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March 25, 2008

Audi Leaps Forward with Stunning A4 Redesign

Audi is launching a newly redesigned A4 in the United States this fall with a powerful 265 horsepower V6 FSI engine, which is a direct fuel injection model that also uses less fuel than current powerplants.

But what is really blowing away the automotive press and consumers alike is the stunning physical transformation of the A4, which features a shorter front overhang, longer hood and wheeelbase. Throughout the car's new skin you can see an attention to sculptural detail that makes the car look more and more like the Euro stunner drivers have always known it to be.

March 22, 2008

Audi Showcases R8 TDI Le Mans Concept at Audi Forum New York City

NEW YORK – Audi of America Inc. today announced it will unveil a custom-painted A5 created by New York City-based artist Hunt Slonem, at the company’s kick off event for the 2008 New York International Auto Show at the Audi Forum New York City.

The A5 is Audi’s all new sports coupe. In addition to the special A5 unveiling, Audi will showcase the highly anticipated R8 TDI Le Mans concept.

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March 21, 2008

Audi Hosts Star-Studded Event at the Audi Forum New York City

NEW YORK – Audi of America Inc. on March 19th hosted a gala event at the Audi Forum New York City to kick off the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

Celebrity attendees included superstar athlete Tom Brady, actor Will Arnett, model Tyson Beckford, philanthropist and Grammy-nominated songwriter Denise Rich and “Gossip Girl’s” Ed Westwick, Leighton Meester and Jessica Szohr.

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March 20, 2008

Audi R8 is named as 2008 World Performance/Design of the Year

INGOLSTADT, Germany and NEW YORK -- The Audi R8 has achieved a double victory at the 2008 World Car of the Year awards, winning both the World Performance Car and the World Car Design of the Year awards.

The super sports car from Audi was chosen for these awards by 47 World Car jurors from 24 countries throughout the world.

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March 19, 2008

Audi Debuts 2009 A4 Avant at New York Auto Show

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The 2009 Audi A4 Avant will feature the 2.0 TFSI, a new high-powered four- cylinder turbocharged engine that has 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The current A4 Avant offers 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 2009 A4 Sedan will also offer drivers the 2.0 TFSI or the option of a 3.2 FSI V6, with 265 hp and the patented Audi Valvelift Technology (AVS).

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March 18, 2008

Corvette Still #1 Most Requested Vehicles to Lease

CINCINNATI -- Automobile Consumer Services, Inc. (ACS), has released a list of the top 10 most requested vehicles from its popular auto leasing website www.LeaseCompare.com.

Information was collected during the second half of 2007 from more than two million lease quote requests.

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Audi Advances Audio on Q7 SUV with Bang & Olufsen

AUBURN HILLS, MI. – Audi of America, Inc. today announced the retail availability of the highline Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System in the premium Audi Q7 models for sale in the United States.

First introduced into the A8/S8 model line in Fall 2006 featuring raised lenses in the dashboard, the Audi Q7 is the second model to employ the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, which includes over 1000-watts of output via 14 speakers.

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March 17, 2008

Audi Metal Backs Ironman

Audi is back in the movie business this year with a tie-up for the R8 sports car. The website, Audi - Ironman, is one of the cooler examples of the breed, offering a long trailer with the movie's star, Robert Downey, Jr., chewing up the scenery [actually blowing it all up] as weapons inventor Tony Stark, who becomes Ironman.

Besides some background info on the R8 sportscar the super-billionaire likes to drive when he's not flying, the site has plenty of images suitable for wallpapering your desktop, not that we're car-comic book geeky enough to do that sort of thing. Not us.

Until the movie opens May 2, you'll have to content yourself with tooling around the microsite -- we also recommend the timeline feature, set up as an animated DNA sequence, interspersing historical content from both Audi and Ironman's history. Very cool.

There's also something called Crack the Code, that appears to be a real specific movie tie-in, but it's not live yet.

March 16, 2008

Audi Diesel Takes Sebring

Ingolstadt/Sebring -- The Audi R10 TDI remains unbeaten after 22 races. In a turbulent 12-hour race at Sebring (US state of Florida), Audi achieved a 1-2 victory in the LM P1 category with their diesel-powered sports cars.

Following eight Sebring victories in a row, however, Audi had to be content with class glory in the American endurance classic for the first time. In the overall classification, the two R10 TDI prototypes finished third and sixth.

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Audi A4 Special Edition Adds Flair

AUBURN HILLS, MI., February 6, 2008 – Audi has announced the debut of the 2008 A4 Special Edition, a new configuration created for customers wanting a thoroughly modern German luxury sport sedan with more exterior appeal and attractive packaging.

This adds to the popular S line exterior bumpers and grille introduced as standard features on the A4 for the 2008 model year, which include a sportier front bumper and grille design, lower side door flares, and integrated rear trunk lid spoiler.

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March 4, 2008

Audi Reports February Sales Down 6.9%

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today sales for the month of February totaling 6,152, a decrease of 6.9% from last year's figures.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued their record-setting trend; compared with last year's February figures, CPO sales came to 3,021 units, an increase of 57%.

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February 27, 2008

Audi of America Drives Hollywood’s Elite During Oscar Week

Los Angeles, CA – There was another star in town Oscar week as Audi of America took center stage at some of the industry’s most high-profile events.

With all eyes on Hollywood, nominees and winners alike were chauffeured through the Audi VIP fleet of more than 55 exclusively equipped A8L W12’s and Audi Q7’s.

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February 20, 2008

2009 Audi A4 Avant -- sporty technology and dynamic driving performance

Ingolstadt – Dynamic, elegant, and emotional; with the A4 sedan, Audi has already advanced into a new dimension.

In a few weeks, the A4 Avant will follow: The most successful premium station wagon of its class offers, along with excellent drivability and uncompromising quality, a higher utility value for sports and recreation. This vehicle combines elegance and intelligent functionality.

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February 18, 2008

Audi sponsors golfer Lorena Ochoa

Ingolstadt – For Lorena Ochoa, 2007 was absolutely a dream year: With eight triumphs, the Mexican golfer clinched the year’s largest number of victories, reaped various awards and played her way to the top of all LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tables.

Audi is particularly pleased about these exploits as the 26-year-old has been playing with support from the “four rings” for the past year and privately drives Audi cars.

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February 6, 2008

Audi Deputs 2008 A4 Special Edition in Detroit

AUBURN HILLS, MI. – Audi of America Inc. today announced the debut of the 2008 A4 Special Edition at the Chicago Auto Show.

The new configuration was created for customers wanting a thoroughly modern German luxury sport sedan with more exterior appeal and attractive packaging.

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February 3, 2008

The Audi Godfather Super Bowl Commercial Sucks

I can't believe how bad this commercial is. Audi, whose cars I love, has made a horrible ad mashing up the horse head scene from the Godfather -- with what?

The tagline of the ad, "Old luxury just got put on notice" is a non sequitur -- what, you just told the old luxury car makers that you can make ads just as shitty as they can?

The only good thing about the ad is the R8, a beautiful car. Why didn't they just make an ad about the car? What does an old movie have to do with it? Now that I'm really getting exercised, it doesn't surprise me to see it on YouTube, it screens like an amateur, look-at-me film student wannabe clip. Terrible. Doesn't build the brand, doesn't sell the car.

My dad, who knows I'm in the car biz and knows I'm watching for the ads, just called and said, "did you see that?"

"Yeah -- it sucks!"

"Yeah?" he said, obviously not understanding what they were trying to accomplish.

February 2, 2008

Updated: Audi Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Audi is now offering 2.9% interest financing on the 2008 A4 model line; no end date has been published for this program.

Since rebate programs from different manufacturers can change a couple times a month, we urge you to sign up for free updates at this page, to ensure you'll always have the latest info with which to make an informed purchase.

The service is free and available now!

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

February 1, 2008

Audi of America Reports Record January Sales

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today that its record-setting sales pace continues. Sales for the month of January totaled 6,418 vehicles, an increase of 0.3% from last year's figures.

"We look forward to the continued momentum with the Audi brand in the United States in 2008," said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President, Audi of America.

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January 31, 2008

Audi Named Official Car of Pebble Beach Golf Tourney

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. and MONTEREY, Calif. – Audi of America today announced that it has been named the official automobile of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament. As part of this three-year sponsorship agreement, 180 competitors will have access to a complimentary Audi A6 for use during the annual tournament.

Audi is bringing a new level of luxury to one of the world’s most prestigious and charitable golf tournaments as the first new car sponsor in nearly 50 years. The 72-hole PGA Tour golf championship dates back to the 1930’s and partners top Tour professionals with Hollywood celebrities, world renowned musicians and the captains of industry as they compete for a $6 million purse.

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January 30, 2008

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

January 25, 2008

2008 Audi A3 Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Audi A3 has 2.9 to 4.9% financing available; program ends 2/4/08. The 2008 Audi A3 base price -- $28,190.

Click here to get your free 2008 Audi A3 price quote!

To stay up-to-date on Audi rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

January 23, 2008

Harness the power of free price quotes!

Many of you have seen the link to get a free dealer price quote on our pages, as well as in our Current Auto Rebates report.

The free price quote is one of the best tools for savvy vehicle shoppers -- it's convenient, and there is absolutely no obligation to buy anything. Here are some of the other advantages:

-- You are essentially putting a bid out to local new vehicle dealers to compete for your business. In many cases, several dealers will respond to your price quote request. Armed with your knowledge of MSRP and rebates, you can then have dealers compete on price for your car buying dollars!

-- You can fill out a free price quote for each vehicle you are cross-shopping.

-- Schedule your test drive appointments. Just think, you know longer have to suffer the indignity of walking into a dealership and either being ignored or descended upon like a piece of fresh meat.

-- The dealership will have the vehicle you are interested in ready and waiting [if they are pros, which many are nowadays, given the competition of the Internet.]

-- You will be doing 90% of the work that goes into buying a new vehicle from the convenience of your own computer -- how civilized is that!

Get your free dealer price quote today!

Current Auto Rebates -- What You Don't Know Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars

Want to see all the rebates on every make and model vehicle for sale in the United States?

Current Auto Rebates has just launched a valuable 13-page PDF report that is the first of its kind -- listing all rebates for all vehicles. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars!

Aren't you tired of clicking through page after page on web sites to find the information you need? This report has everything you need in one convenient, easy-to-use package.

Check out CurrentAutoRebates.com and get your free PDF report today!

January 22, 2008

Audi Puts Old Luxury on Notice with Super Bowl Ad

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America Inc. will boldly declare its intention to redefine luxury in the automotive segment with its first Super Bowl ad in nearly 20 years, the company said today. The 60-second ad, which was inspired by the Oscar-winning film "The Godfather," is critical to connecting with luxury vehicle customers.

In addition to the creative content associated with the epic film, the ad features prominent placement of the Audi R8, the brand's first mid-engine sports car.

Continue reading "Audi Puts Old Luxury on Notice with Super Bowl Ad"

January 21, 2008

Audi Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Audi is offering 2.9%-4.9% interest financing on the A3 model line, and 6.9% financing on the R8. Programs end 2/4/08.

January 17, 2008

Audi Gears Up For Super Bowl Ad

THIS WILL BE A VERY big year for Audi. The company is backing two launches this year with a new ad push and a big boost in Internet spend. The company is gearing up for the launch of its new A5 sedan--which goes to market in March--and its A4 sedan, which rolls into showrooms in September, with a TV ad during the Super Bowl that features the limited-edition R8 sports car and carries a "Godfather" message.

Scott Keogh, CMO of the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based U.S. sales arm, tells Marketing Daily the company's first-ever Super Bowl ad, featuring the R8, will have a message that reflects--at least thematically--the "Godfather" story: young upstart replaces the old guard. Keogh says that ad is just the start of a series of initiatives--many of them Web-based--to promote the brand and new cars as both avant-garde and legitimate luxury players.

January 13, 2008

Max Power: Audi R8 V12 Diesel Concept

Audi is presenting a revolution in the top class at the Detroit Auto Show 2008 – the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance roadgoing sports car. The V12 TDI with a displacement of six liters powers a concept car based on the Audi R8.

This unit generates a huge 500 hp and 1,000 Newton-meters (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. Audi is writing a new chapter in diesel technology with this power unit.

Continue reading "Max Power: Audi R8 V12 Diesel Concept"

January 12, 2008

The 2008 Audi TT, S-Line, Coming to America

Click here to get a free price quote on the 2008 Audi TT!

Audi is taking the wraps off a new sports car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday, January 13, 2008 with the Audi TTS, the top of the TT model line.

It will be coming to dealer showrooms in the early summer (late November 2008 in the U.S.). Under its hood lies a two-liter TFSI high-performance engine delivering a mighty 200 kW or 272 hp (265 hp in the U.S.).

Continue reading "The 2008 Audi TT, S-Line, Coming to America"

January 9, 2008

Survey: Drivers See Toyota, Honda as Best Overall

NEW YORK -- Consumers perceived Toyota and Honda brands to be best by a wide margin, followed by Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC, according to Consumer Reports' 2008 Car Brand Perception Survey.

The survey also revealed that car buyers consider safety and quality as the most important considerations, followed by value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technical innovation.

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January 3, 2008

Audi Names Mark Del Rosse New COO

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Mark Del Rosso, an automotive sales executive and marketing specialist, will assume the duties of chief operating officer for Audi of America, Inc. beginning immediately, according to the company.

The position has been vacant since the departure of Tom Del Franco in June 2007. Del Rosso will report to Audi Executive Vice President, Johan de Nysschen.

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Audi Sales Down in December, Ends 2007 with 3.8% Gain

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi sales were down 28.5% in December, yet still set a sales record in the U.S. during 2007, according to the company.

Audi dealers sold 93,506 new vehicles during 2007, up 3.8% over 2006, which will aid Audi globally as the company has its sights set on a record year.

During 2007 Audi made significant gains in key markets, including New York (+14.9 %), Miami (+6.6 %), and Los Angeles (+12.9 %).

Continue reading "Audi Sales Down in December, Ends 2007 with 3.8% Gain"

2008 Audi Q7 Overview

Get a free price quote on the 2008 Audi Q7!

In its second year, the Audi Q7 3.6, 3.6 Premium, and 4.2 Premium models compose the 2008 line-up.

The options programs have been simplified and changes have been made to the standard equipment. SIRIUS satellite radio is now standard on 3.6 Premium and 4.2 Premium models. Some new standard equipment highlights include:

Continue reading "2008 Audi Q7 Overview"

2008 Audi A6 Overview

Get a free price quote on the 2008 Audi A6!

Like the A4 sedan and Avant models for 2008, the A6 models will receive the S line exterior treatment as standard equipment, including 18” alloy wheels and rear integrated spoiler from the S6.

Additional standard equipment for 2008 consists of headlight washers, SIRIUS satellite radio, and seat-back storage pockets.

Continue reading "2008 Audi A6 Overview"

2008 Audi A5 Overview

Get a free price quote on the 2008 Audi A5!

The third new model line for 2008 is the A5 and S5 coupes. These models are the first four-seat coupes in Audi’s line-up in the U.S. since 1991.

The A5 is powered by a 3.2 V6 FSI engine making 265 hp.

Continue reading "2008 Audi A5 Overview"

2008 Audi A4 Convertible Overview

Get a free price quote on the 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet!

The Audi A4 and S4 Cabriolets get an available factory iPod interface for 2008 and heated front seats are now standard on A4 3.2 and S4 Cabriolet models. SIRIUS satellite radio is now standard on S/RS models.

2008 RS 4 Cabriolet highlights include:

Continue reading "2008 Audi A4 Convertible Overview"

2008 Audi A4 Overview

Get a free price quote on the 2008 Audi A4.

The 2008 A4 sedan and Avant models get some significant exterior changes.

The S line package now becomes standard for the exterior. This includes revised front and rear bumpers, lower side door trim, integrated trunk lid spoiler, front grille, and S line badging.

Other important changes to the A4 are:

Continue reading "2008 Audi A4 Overview"

2008 Audi A3 Overview

Get a free price quote on the 2008 Audi A3!

The A3 model line enters 2008 largely unchanged. There are new wheel options as well as a new Titanium Package.

Manual rear side sunshades become available, as does factory-installed iPod® integration. SIRIUS® satellite radio and an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass become standard on A3 3.2 models.

Continue reading "2008 Audi A3 Overview"

December 13, 2007

Volkswagen of America to be Renamed Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

New name describes company's wide array of individual brands; reflects collaborative approach

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it has changed its name to Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. The change will be fully effective January 1.

The new name better reflects the fact that the Volkswagen Group of America includes five distinct brands: Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen, as well as the related financial services functions of Audi Financial Services, Bentley Financial Services and Volkswagen Credit.

Continue reading "Volkswagen of America to be Renamed Volkswagen Group of America, Inc."

December 12, 2007

2008 North American Car and Truck of The Year Finalists Announced

DETROIT -- General Motors has four of the six finalists for the North American Car of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year, it was announced today.

An international group of automotive journalists voted the Cadillac CTS, the Chevrolet Malibu and the Honda Accord finalists for the 2008 North American Car of the Year.

The Buick Enclave, the Mazda CX-9 and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid are finalists for the 2008 North American Truck of the Year.

Continue reading "2008 North American Car and Truck of The Year Finalists Announced"

December 10, 2007

Audi R8 "Bergdorf Edition" Being Auctioned

The exclusive Audi R8, featured in the Bergdorf Goodman 2007 Holiday Gift Book, will be auctioned in a sealed-bid auction November 16, 2007 9a (EST) through December 14, 2007 5p (EST).

The highest bidder will collaborate with famed architect and interior designer, Tony Chi, to customize his/her own Audi R8 utilizing the Audi Exclusive color palette. Auction link.

Continue reading "Audi R8 "Bergdorf Edition" Being Auctioned"

December 7, 2007

Playboy Crowns the Audi R8 Hottest Car of 2008

CHICAGO -- Which cars will be turning heads on the street this year? According to Playboy's "2008 Cars of the Year," a high-performance hybrid surges past competitors, a European import squeezes to the top, and a luxury carmaker provides one of the most fuel efficient and affordable vehicles on the road.

The selected cars were chosen by an expert team of automotive writers who traveled the world and test drove every new model hitting the showroom floor this year. The vehicles were taken on the sharpest turns, most challenging curves, and the steepest hills to properly separate the superlative from the mediocre. The vehicles featured in Playboy's January issue include:

Continue reading "Playboy Crowns the Audi R8 Hottest Car of 2008"

December 6, 2007

Audi Sponsors Design Miami/2007

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Audi of America, Inc today announced its exclusive automotive sponsorship of Design Miami/2007, the most prominent and substantial forum for international design.

For the second year, Audi is both a sponsor and creative exhibitor at the forum, which lasts from December 7th through 9th, and brings together the world’s most influential designers, art gallery owners, dealers, and collectors to present and absorb the latest trends from the world of design.

Continue reading "Audi Sponsors Design Miami/2007"

December 4, 2007

Japanese Cars Continue to Dominate Car-Owner Satisfaction Survey

South Korean Cars Make First Appearance on CR's Most Satisfying List; Domestic Models Gain Ground in Family and Luxury/Upscale Categories for the First Time in Five Years

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Japanese vehicles continue their domination over domestic and European brands in Consumer Reports' Annual Car Owner Satisfaction Survey. Of the 39 car models that made Consumer Reports' latest Most Satisfying car list, 18 toted Japanese nameplates with 10 of those built by Toyota.

For the fourth straight year, the Toyota Prius hybrid was identified by respondents as the most satisfying of any vehicle, with 92 percent of Prius owners indicating they would definitely buy one again. Following closely, were the BMW 335i coupe/convertible and Porsche Boxster, which drew scores of 91 and 90 respectively.

Continue reading "Japanese Cars Continue to Dominate Car-Owner Satisfaction Survey"

December 3, 2007

Audi reports November sales down 1.1%

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Audi of America, Inc. announced today that its record-setting sales pace continues. The company is tracking at 85,004 vehicles sold in 2007, which is 8.7% above last year.

Sales for the month of November totaled 9,104 vehicles, a decrease of 1.1% from last year’s figures.

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November 26, 2007

Audi Named Official Auto Sponsor of U.S. Ski Team

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. today announced that it is the official automotive sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team. The partnership includes sponsorship of both the Team and key U.S. events.

Building on Audi's global commitment to skiing, as the title sponsor of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup, Audi of America will be the official automotive sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team, supplying vehicles to the U.S. Ski Team in the United States and Europe across all its teams including alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined and ski jumping.

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Audi's R8 wins eurocar mag award

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Amid intense Euro-specific competition, Audi’s stunning R8 sports coupe proved to be the most technologically advanced, strikingly handsome performance vehicle the editors at european car Magazine have seen in almost a decade.

Winning european car’s 2008 Editors’ Choice award by a significant margin, the R8 distinguished itself among the european car staff as a completely viable supercar – a vehicle capable of getting groceries or going flat-out at LeMans.

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November 19, 2007

Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro

Audi has introduced a new vehicle segment with its presentation of the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show

The two-door, four-seater car measures 4.62 metres in length and combines the genes of a typical dynamic soft-top convertible from Audi with the all-round qualities of a fully fledged SUV. The muscular, powerful, but also elegant lines make no secret of this vehicle's potential.

The 240 bhp three-litre TDI engine with ultra-low emission technology delivers sporty driving dynamics with exhaust emissions on the level of the EU 6 limits. The quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system and high-tech chassis with electric ride height adjustment are a recipe for driving pleasure on all terrain and in any curve radius.

Continue reading "Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro"

November 16, 2007

Audi Has Trio of Vehicles Named Top Safety Pick

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The current line-up of Audi vehicles sold in the United States are some of the safest according to results from tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Recent crash tests by both organizations have demonstrated that Audi is among the best in the industry in terms of passenger safety and vehicle crash worthiness.

For 2008, the IIHS added the Audi A3 to the list of Audi models designated as "Top Safety Pick" in the Midsize category. 2007 "Top Safety Pick" winners A4 and A6 continued into 2008 in the Midsize and Large car category, respectively.

Continue reading "Audi Has Trio of Vehicles Named Top Safety Pick"

November 15, 2007

Audi Leads Effort to 'Optimized' CO2 Routes

LOS ANGELES -- Audi Engineers at the company's California Electronic Research Labs believe that the next step in reducing carbon dioxide emissions will come through "connected" vehicles.

Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing, Audi AG, announced today at the Los Angeles Auto Show that Audi is working with three California universities on six multi-year research projects. The efforts are aimed at reducing CO2 emissions through more intelligent interactions between driver and car, cars on the road, and in the collection and distribution of real-time traffic patterns.

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November 10, 2007

Audi's A4 grabs a golden steering wheel

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Not in the showrooms yet, but already an award-winner: the German newspaper “Bild am Sonntag” has voted the new midsize sedan with the four-ring badge the best vehicle in its class and presented it with its “Golden Steering Wheel”.

The Audi A4 won through against strong competition in the midsize class.

Continue reading "Audi's A4 grabs a golden steering wheel"

November 8, 2007

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Hella Driver Assistance Systems Now on Audi, Chrysler Vehicles

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Driver assistance systems from Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., a global tier-one supplier of automotive lighting and electronic equipment, are now available on three North American vehicles.

Hella's numerous active driver assistance systems are based on camera and ultrasonic technology, as well as infrared LIDAR-based (LIght Detection and Ranging) and 24 GHz radar.

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November 5, 2007

Audi Debuts the Audi Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi has announced the launch of the all-new Audi Sportscar Experience based at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

The Audi Sportscar Experience is part of the newly redesigned Audi driving experience, a comprehensive, three-pronged program that also includes a national tour of major racing circuits and the upcoming Audi winter driving experience program.

The Audi Sportscar Experience was created to provide the hands-on, heart-racing thrills of driving the world’s most superbly engineered high-performance vehicles, including the just-released Audi R8 exclusive sportscar, the Audi RS 4 high-performance sedan, the luxurious and sporty 5.2 liter V10 S8, and the all-new 2008 S5, the most beautiful of performance coupes.

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November 2, 2007

Audi TT dubbed best real car by vid maker

Gran Turismo Awards Crowns 2007 Audi TT as 'Best in Show' at SEMA 2007

LAS VEGAS -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA), publisher of the Gran Turismo series, the world's best selling racing game franchise with over 47 million units shipped worldwide, hosted the fifth annual Gran Turismo Awards last night in conjunction with the 2007 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) auto show in Las Vegas.

This year's highly anticipated event featured a distinguished line-up of automotive entries from top SEMA show exhibitors representing five categories, all vying for the coveted "Best in Show" title, which went to Marcel Horn for his 2007 Audi TT.

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November 1, 2007

Michelin Dominates The Field at SEMA

LAS VEGAS -- At this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas, Michelin demonstrates its unmatched tire performance capabilities and dominant position in the auto industry by displaying exclusive vehicles from the world's most iconic race teams, tuning companies and car manufacturers.

Michelin's SEMA booth focuses on Michelin's dominance across three specific segments: track, tuner and street, with a vehicle lineup that includes Audi's R10 TDI, APR R8 and an R8 sports car; Porsche's DHL Penske RS Spyder, Champion Racing Porsche and the 911 GT3RS; Corvette's C6.R race car, Lingenfelter Z06 and a special tire display announcing an answer for the growing number of Corvette owners who insist on using Michelin replacement tires.

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Audi Reports October Sales Increase of 15.4%

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Audi of America, Inc. today announced that sales for the month of October totaled 7,421 vehicles. These figures represent a 15.4% increase over last year’s figures, resulting in the best October ever. To date, Audi has sold 75,900 vehicles in 2007, a 10% increase over the previous year.

Several key markets recorded significant increases, including New York (+24.3%), Miami (+19.8%) and Los Angeles (+22.9%).

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October 26, 2007

Volvo and Volkswagen Top Certified Pre-Owned List

LAS VEGAS -- IntelliChoice has announced the winners of its ninth annual ranking of certified pre-owned (CPO) manufacturer-sponsored programs.

Overall, Volvo beat out Cadillac for the best Luxury program—one year after Cadillac ended Jaguar’s long reign in the category—while Volkswagen was recognized for the fourth straight year for best Non-Luxury program. The rankings were unveiled at the 2008 National Remarketing Conference & Used Car Expo, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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October 25, 2007

Audi unveils high-tech, high-concept hybrid minicar

TOKYO - At the Tokyo Motor Show Audi is unveiling the metroproject quattro, an original, characteristically Audi design study for the sub-compact segment.

The three-door four-seater car blends dynamic styling with exemplary economy of space and supreme quality in trailblazing fashion. At the same time, a series of visionary technical solutions take efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure into new territory as only Audi knows how.

The drive unit for the metroproject quattro showcases a fully independent, innovative hybrid technology. At work under the bonnet is a 1.4.litre TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 bhp), whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox.

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October 23, 2007

Consumer Guide Announces 2008 Best Buys

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill. -- Consumer Guide Automotive, the leading publisher of authoritative, objective new and used car reviews for 40 years, today announced the recipients of its 2008 Best Buy and Recommended Awards.

The annual list, designed to make car buying easier for consumers, represents the best overall values in 18 categories and includes a total of 87 vehicles.

The editors then use objective criteria, such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value, to assess each vehicle. The winners are divided into two categories: The Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" and "Recommended" winners.

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October 21, 2007

Audi notches 4th American Le Mans Win

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Dindo Capello (Italy) and Allan McNish (Scotland) recorded Audi’s fourth outright American Le Mans Series victory with the revolutionary near 650 hp R10 TDI in this year’s 12-race series when the 2007 LM P1 champions won an exciting four-hour ALMS finale at Laguna Seca (US state of California) for a second consecutive year.

Their #1 Audi started from fifth on the 30-car grid and averaged 87.755mph around the sweeping 2.238 mile track, featuring the legendary Corkscrew section, to finish a mere 0.410secs ahead of the second-placed #7 Porsche after a thrilling, race-long battle with both LM P2 Porsches.

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Audi remains the race car to beat

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The Audi drivers are facing a difficult task in the finale of the American Le Mans Series at Laguna Seca (US state of California). As expected the lighter LM P2 sportscars dominated qualifying. Team Audi Sport North America’s two Audi R10 TDI prototypes will start Saturday’s race as fastest LM P1 cars from fifth and seventh positions on the grid.

The 2.238-mile long track in the hills near Monterey is ideal for the LM P2 sportscars which weigh 150 kilograms less than the cars of the LM P1 top class. Furthermore, the track has traditionally little grip due to the sandy surroundings. This makes it difficult to take full advantage of the high torque of the 650-hp TDI engine.

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October 18, 2007

Audi launches diesel initiative in the U.S.

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi is launching its TDI initiative on the North American market. As early as next year, Audi will be putting the cleanest diesel engine in the world into production in the USA virtually in parallel to its launch in Europe: the 3.0 TDI with ultra-low emission system will initially be available for the Audi Q7, and later for the new Audi A4 too.

Audi has been expanding steadily in the USA for many years now, and sees the market as holding high potential for its cutting-edge TDI engines. The low-sulphur fuel required for the engines’ operation was introduced throughout the country a year ago, paving the way for the initiative to begin.

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October 16, 2007

Mike "Rocky” Rockenfeller to race for Audi's injured Pirro

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Mike "Rocky” Rockenfeller contests the finale of the American Le Mans Series at Laguna Seca (California) this coming weekend together with his German compatriot Marco Werner.

The 23-year old and youngest Audi factory driver replaces Emanuele Pirro at the wheel of the Audi R10 TDI with the start number 2. The Italian Emanuele Pirro is still not fully race fit following his heavy accident during practice for "Petit Le Mans”.

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October 14, 2007

Bumpers on luxury cars aren't luxurious: worst is Infiniti G35

4 of 11 cars sustain more than $10,000 damage in 4 minor bumps

ARLINGTON, VA — Bumpers, even those on expensive cars, don't resist damage in low-speed impacts. The Infiniti G35, the worst performer, sustained almost $14,000 damage in a series of 4 tests conducted at 3 and 6 mph by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Saab 9-3 was the best, sustaining $5,243 damage. Only 3 cars sustained less than $6,000 damage, while 4 would cost more than $10,000 to fix.

"The Infiniti was a disaster, and even the Saab sustained way too much damage in these low-speed impacts," says Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan. "There shouldn't be much or any damage in collisions at these speeds, especially to expensive and presumably well-made cars."

Continue reading "Bumpers on luxury cars aren't luxurious: worst is Infiniti G35"

October 13, 2007

VW-China targets 900,000 vehicle sales in 2007

Group reports record deliveries in first nine months with 684,786 units

BEIJING, China - Volkswagen Group China (VGC) increases its sales target for the whole year 2007 to 900,000 vehicles. In the first nine months it achieved a new sales record together with its two joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen.

Deliveries to customers in China mainland and Hong Kong grew by 30.2 percent to 684,786 (1-9 2006: 525,941) vehicles. Sales of the Volkswagen brand amounted to 594,270 (1-9 2006: 464,826, up 27.9 percent) including 6,322 imported vehicles.

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October 12, 2007

Season Finale For Audi's Diesel Racer

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The last race of the season in the American Le Mans Series is staged at Laguna Seca (US state of California) one week after the DTM finale at Hockenheim.

In contrast to the DTM, the titles in the US Sportscar series have already awarded: Audi won the Manufacturers’, Team and Drivers’ Championships in the LM P1 class for the eighth time in succession.

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October 9, 2007

Audi worldwide sales up 8.3%

INGOLSTADT, Germany - AUDI AG sold around 741,300 vehicles worldwide in the first nine months of the year – an increase of 8.3 percent (September: 84,700; up 1.8 percent).

Ralph Weyler, AUDI AG Board Member for Marketing and Sales, declared: "We are now closing in on worldwide unit sales of 950,000 vehicles for 2007 as a whole. Despite the changeover to the new Audi A4, we are aiming to acquire 45,000 new Audi customers by the end of this year on top of the record-breaking total for 2006, and notch up our twelfth record figure in a row."

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October 8, 2007

Audi promotes Silvia Tcherassi fashion show

MIAMI, Fla. - Renowned fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi has opened the new Audi Fashion Preview Presents yearly series in which Audi intends to promote Latin American designers in the United States.

Tcherassi, an Audi Ambassador in her native Colombia, debuted her Spring-Summer 2008 collection at the Moore Building in Miami’s Design District last night.

“As part of the company’s lifestyle program, Audi is looking to support up and coming designers from Latin America in the US,” said Anja Kaehny, Manager East Coast Communication and CSR for Audi.

“Miami has been chosen as the ideal setting for this yearly series as it is considered to be the capital of Latin America and it is one of the most important Hispanic markets for Audi today.”

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Audi notches 10th American Le Mans victory

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Dindo Capello (Italy) and Allan McNish (Scotland) recorded Audi’s 10th American Le Mans Series outright victory with the revolutionary 650 hp R10 TDI as the reigning LM P1 champions successfully defended their "crown” when they won Sunday’s 1,000-mile race at Road Atlanta (US state of Georgia) for a second consecutive year.

Their #1 Audi started from the front row and averaged 107.422mph during the annual Petit Le Mans race which featured nine full course caution periods accounting for 144-minutes.

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October 6, 2007

Audi's diesel racer does it again in Atlanta

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The Audi R10 TDI has written another piece of motorsport history: In qualifying for the "Petit Le Mans” race at Road Atlanta (US state of Georgia), Marco Werner drove a record-lap with the 650-hp diesel-powered sportscar. The German beat Allan McNish’s track record from the 2000 season by almost 1.5 seconds.

This means that for the first time in the tenth running of the famous American endurance race, a diesel-powered sportscar will start from pole position. Dindo Capello recorded the third fastest qualifying time overall with Team Audi Sport North America’s second Audi R10 TDI.

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October 5, 2007

Audi beinging diesel Q7 SUV to America

Note: The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI will be available in the U.S. in late-2008.

INGOLSTADT, Germany - 240 hp of output and 406 lb.-ft. of torque – the latest version of the incredibly powerful 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engine is now available in the Audi Q7.

The ultra-modern compression-ignition engine with Common Rail fuel injection system and piezo injectors impresses not only with its sheer power, but also, and even more so, with its remarkable efficiency.

On average, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI requires a mere 9.8 liters of diesel for every 100 kilometers traveled. This means that the new version needs 0.7 liters less than its predecessor, despite the significant increase in power output and torque.

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October 3, 2007

Audi introduces the sportier A4

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Sporty and superlative, progressive and emotive – the A4 takes Audi into a new dimension in the midsize car segment. The sedan’s engines provide supreme performance with fuel consumption that is an average of nine percent lower than the previous model.

The highly efficient powertrains are just as clear evidence of Audi’s outstanding technical expertise as the dynamic suspension or the many other technologies adopted directly from the large luxury class. The Audi A4 reaches the U.S. market in fall of 2008. The new Audi A4 – the new way to drive.

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October 2, 2007

Audi Reports Sales Increase for September

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. today announced that sales for the month of September totaled 8,021 vehicles, an increase of 0.2% from last year's figures. To date, Audi has sold 68,479 vehicles in 2007, a 9.4% increase over the previous year.

Several key markets recorded significant increases, including New York (+25.7%), Chicago (+21.2%), Miami (+22.8%) and Los Angeles (+22.1%).

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October 1, 2007

Audi's Allan McNish talks about Road Atlanta

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The tenth running of the "Petit Le Mans” endurance race is held at Road Atlanta (US state of Georgia) on the first weekend in October. Audi "factory” driver Allan McNish holds the track lap-record around the 4.088 kilometer (2.540 miles) circuit with a time of 1m 10.379s since the year 2000.

Will your track lap-record last another year?

"I’m afraid that my qualifying record will be broken this time. The circuit was completely resurfaced and the surface changes that existed have now disappeared. The circuit is now much flatter, less bumpy and more consistent and faster as a result.”

Continue reading "Audi's Allan McNish talks about Road Atlanta"

September 27, 2007

Audi goes for 8th consecutive petit Le Mans win

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The winning streak of AUDI AG in the 1000 mile race at Road Atlanta - better known as "Petit Le Mans” - could not be more impressive: Audi has contested the American long-distance classic seven times to date and has taken the checkered flag on each occasion as winner.

The Audi R8 was triumphant six times, the powerful 650 hp Audi R10 TDI won for the first time last year. As a result, the diesel engined sportscar took overall victory in its debut season at the three most important long-distance races of the year: Sebring, Le Mans and Petit Le Mans.

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Audi wins Euro Effie for Quattro Ad Campaign

INGOLSTADT, Germany - On Wednesday evening, AUDI AG was awarded the gold “EACA Euro Effie” at the award ceremony in Brussels. Awarded by the European Advertising Association (EACA), this is one of the most prestigious advertising awards in Europe.

The company with the four ring logo was awarded the Golden Effie for its overall campaign for the launch of its high-performance SUV, the Audi Q7, entitled “from the creator of the quattro”.

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September 26, 2007

VW Wants to Start a Dieselution

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. is launching the Dieselution Tour, a mobile marketing exhibit, to educate the media and the public on advances in clean diesel technology and alternative fuels.

Using interactive displays and exhibits, the Dieselution Tour will highlight current environmental issues and showcase advances in diesel engine technology, design and performance. Starting today, the exhibit embarks on a four-month tour, making stops at events and locations around the United States, including environmental and alternative fuel festivals, auto shows and the 2008 Super Bowl.

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'Buy American' Desire Drives Many New Shoppers to Purchase Domestic Rather Than Import Nameplates

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Despite the fact that import vehicles make up nearly 49 percent of the U.S. auto market, the country of origin still plays a crucial role in consumer choice of which make and model to purchase, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Escaped Shopper Study released today. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of why consumers may consider one model, but ultimately purchase another.

Nearly 80 percent of new-vehicle buyers limit their consideration set to include only domestic models or only import models. Among those who cross-shop for both import and domestic models, consumers who ultimately buy a domestic frequently do so because they simply decide they do not want an import. Buyers of domestic new-vehicles also frequently decide against import brands for financial reasons, most often citing that the import didn't offer aggressive rebates or other incentives.

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September 18, 2007

Volkswagen, Audi Select Cross Country for Emergency Roadside Assistance

MEDFORD, Mass. -- Cross Country Automotive Services (Cross Country), a leading provider of vehicle and driver programs, including its flagship roadside assistance service, announced that it has been selected by Volkswagen and Audi of America to provide emergency roadside assistance to their customers, beginning with the delivery of the new Audi R8 vehicle.

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September 17, 2007

Audi quattro with sport differential

INGOLSTADT, Germany - With its active sport differential, Audi elevates the road dynamics of cars with quattro permanent four-wheel drive to a new level.

An innovative regulating system distributes torque from the engine in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels. This greatly enhances agility, driving pleasure and active driving safety.

The controlled power flow enables the car to take corners even more directly and responsively, and to retain its directional stability considerably longer. Understeer becomes a thing of the past. This new high-tech device from the inventors of quattro permanent four-wheel drive will be available from 2008 onwards.

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Audi pursues lower emissions

INGOLSTADT, Germany - More dynamism with less and less fuel consumption – Audi is pursuing a consistent strategy to achieve further reductions in emissions.

With three concepts that are virtually ready for series production, Audi is using the IAA to present the technology of the near future. The new A4 2.0 TDI e Concept consumes just 4.9 liters of fuel for 100 kilometers, and thus represents a milestone in the sporty middle class.

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Audi sales up 4.2% worldwide

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi shipped around 66,400 vehicles worldwide during the month of August, 4.2 percent more than in the same month of the previous year (2006: 63,715).

The premium brand from Ingolstadt has consequently sold around 656,600 vehicles since January (up 9.2 percent; 2006: 601,519). The brand consolidated this sales growth in its most important export markets.

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September 13, 2007

Audi debuts new A4 in Frankfurt

FRANKFURT, Germany - Car lovers and music fans got double the value at the world debut of the new Audi A4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show: in addition to the fascinating A4 successor model, an extra highlight was provided by the rock star Bryan Adams.

The Canadian born singer is one of the world’s most highly acclaimed musicians whose career has spanned more than three decades. The celebrated rocker sang his classic hit single “Run To You”. As he sang, Audi’s new vehicle was unveiled as part of a spectacular show.

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Audi sponsors Best Buddies bike ride

CARMEL, Calif. - Hundreds of cyclists were at the Château Julien winery in Carmel, California, September 8th for the start of the Audi Best Buddies Challenge.

The cycle race was held in aid of the Best Buddies organization, which helps people with intellectual disabilities. The route led entrants 100 miles from Carmel to San Simeon along a spectacular stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway.

The First Lady of California and honorary chair of the event, Maria Shriver, also took part in the race personally.

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September 10, 2007

Audi announces U.S. pricing for 2008 A5, S5

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Audi of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 A5 and S5 coupes. A5 models with a six-speed manual transmission will start at $39,900 and S5 models with a six-speed manual start at $50,500.

Both the A5 and S5 have asymmetric quattro® all-wheel drive standard. Destination charges are $775 for both models, and are not included in the base price. Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmissions are available for both models and are a $1,300 option.

Manual transmission S5 models will arrive at dealers in November 2007. All A5 models and Tiptronic S5 cars will be available in spring of 2008.

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September 7, 2007

Volkswagen of America Revs Up With New Corporate Headquarters in Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine announced today that Volkswagen of America, Inc. will move its U.S. corporate headquarters to Fairfax County.

The site also will be the U.S. headquarters for Audi of America, Inc., Audi Financial Services, Volkswagen Credit and other affiliated operations. The company will invest more than $100 million and create 400 jobs for the local economy when it moves into the Herndon area of the county in 2008.

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Celebrity Attendees of Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle

- Rob Lowe to Drive Audi RS Friendship Pace Car

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi, in conjunction with Best Buddies International today announced the anticipated celebrity attendees at this year's Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle on September 8.

With Audi as a first-time host and title sponsor of this annual charity bicycle tour, Audi of America's Western Region director Michael Cagle, and other senior executives will welcome celebrity guests and riders, including Maria Shriver and her husband, California's governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood, Lacey Chabert of Mean Girls and TV's Party of Five, The Bachelor's Andy Baldwin and Tessa Horst, celebrity trainer Kim Lyons, Gunter Schlierkamp from Beerfest and The Hulk, The Ex-Wives Clubs' Marla Maples, actor Greg German and Adrian Pasdar from TV's Heroes to the historic Hearst Castle in northern California's San Simeon Hills.

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September 6, 2007

Volkswagen of America Moves to Virginia, Restructures Operations

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that as part of its new strategic direction, the Company will relocate its U.S. corporate headquarters to Virginia and also streamline and restructure its U.S. operations.

The new business strategy will bring Volkswagen of America, with its brands, Volkswagen and Audi, closer to customers, increase competitiveness, and achieve sharper focus on key markets.

Volkswagen of America, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's fourth largest automaker, will begin the transition from its current location in Auburn Hills, Michigan to Herndon, Virginia in April 2008.

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AutoPacific Announces 2007 Ideal Vehicle Awards

Lincoln Top Premium Brand, Mercury Top Mainstream Brand, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Top Vehicle, Nissan Titan Top Truck

TUSTIN, Calif. -- An "ideal" is defined as an excellent or perfect example. In the annual Ideal Vehicle Awards, announced today by automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, owners rate their new 2007 model year cars and trucks by how closely they come to their ideal.

The cars or trucks that owners would change the least are the most ideal.

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September 5, 2007

The 2008 Audi RS 6 Avant

NOTE: The RS 6 model is not scheduled for sale in the U.S.

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Outstanding top performance and maximum dynamism combined with excellent suitability for everyday use are the impressive features of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA 2007 in Frankfurt.

A newly developed V10 engine with FSI direct injection and twin turbochargers, permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control DRC set the standard for high-performance vehicles in the luxury class. 580 hp and a maximum torque of 479 ft.-lbs. add up to an unforgettable performance experience.

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September 4, 2007

Audi reports August sales up 7.1%

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. today announced sales for the month of August totaled 7,620 vehicles, an increase of 7.1% from last year's figures.

To date, Audi has sold 60,458 vehicles in 2007, a 10.8% increase over the previous year.

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September 2, 2007

ALMS: Audi claims 2nd & 3rd overall

INGOLSTADT, Germany - In the tenth race of the American Le Mans Series on the new street circuit in Detroit, Audi demonstrated their impressive performance of modern diesel engine technology.

The Audi R10 TDI of Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) was in the lead until four laps before the end of the 2:45 hours of the race. In an exciting battle it was beaten by a lighter Porsche of the LM P2 category by only 5.9 seconds.

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American Le Mans: Audi leads LM P1 category

INGOLSTADT, Germany - As the best cars of the LM P1 category, the two Audi R10 TDI sportscars start the tenth round of the American Le Mans Series in Detroit (US state of Michigan) from the fourth row of the grid.

Allan McNish (Scotland) secured the class pole position in the "king class” of the sports prototypes with a mere 0.050 seconds gap in front of his team mate Marco Werner (Germany).

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August 31, 2007

The 2008 Audi A4

INGOLSTADT, Germany - In its design, the new A4 reveals its sporty, progressive character: taut and dynamic in its outlines, it speaks the language of technical perfection. With an overall length of 185.2 inches, the saloon has a substantial, powerful road stance and offers its occupants ample space in an interior full of light.

The workmanship is typical of an Audi – quality with no compromises. The controls can be backed by the extra refinement of innovative assistance and multimedia systems. In the safety area, the brand with the four-ring emblem sets new standards: the coordinated action of the airbags and front seat belt force limiters protects the occupants even more effectively.

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August 30, 2007

Los Angeles Auto Show Hosts Nine World Premieres

LOS ANGELES -- Opening in less than 90 days, the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show will feature at least a dozen world premieres of production and/or concept vehicles from nine top automakers during the show's media days Nov. 14 and 15.

Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen are all confirmed to unveil one or more production and/or concept vehicles at this year's show.

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August 29, 2007

The new Audi 2008 A8 -- ultimate luxe driver

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi is honing the character of its flagship: from September, the Audi A8 will exhibit notably enhanced qualities. An even more precise driving feel, superior ride and acoustic comfort and subtle refinements to the design and interior underline the exceptional position of the sportiest saloon in the luxury class.

Impressive handling characteristics, pioneering technology and exclusive design and equipment – the Audi A8 defines the notion of sports appeal in the luxury segment in a distinctive, masterly way.

As the flagship of the brand, the A8 embodies the progressiveness of Audi: its extremely rigid lightweight aluminum body built according to the Audi Space Frame principle, the potent FSI powerplants with direct injection, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the highly praised MMI operating system are only some of the elements employed by Audi to demonstrate its proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik in the luxury class.

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August 27, 2007

Audi wins again in LM P1 Class

INGOLSTADT, Germany - In round nine of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), the Audi R10 TDI remains unbeaten: Allan McNish (Scotland) and Dindo Capello (Italy) scored an LM P1 category victory ahead of their team mates Marco Werner (Germany) and Emanuele Pirro (Italy) at Mosport (Canada).

During almost the entire race, the Audi R10 TDI led outright in front of the lighter LM P2 sports cars. But at the end of the race due to a technical problem, Allan McNish lost the overall victory to Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas (Porsche). With the positions one and two in the LM P1 category, Audi Sport North America clinched the LM P1 Team Championship with three races remaining.

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August 26, 2007

Audi Diesel Takes Pole Position at Mosport

INGOLSTADT, Germany - With a gap of only 0.09 seconds, Audi driver Dindo Capello (Italy) claimed the pole position for round nine of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) at Mosport (Canada).

Teammate Emanuele Pirro (Italy) drove the second Audi R10 TDI to the third fastest time overall and starts as the second fastest driver in the LM P1 category.

In the only ALMS race outside of the United States of America, the Audi drivers all but dominated the entire 20 minute qualifying on the second fastest racetrack of the season from the start.

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August 25, 2007

Report: Auto Finance Providers Exploring Direct Lending Initiatives

WESTLAKE VILLAGE -- As competition in the auto finance market intensifies, many lenders are deploying full-spectrum strategies, which consists of lenders servicing both prime and sub-prime customers, to increase volume and market share and to improve service to their dealers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study released today.

The study finds that many prime finance providers are making the transition to the sub-prime market, with 57 percent of dealers utilizing traditionally prime lenders for sub-prime customers. Conversely, only 33 percent of dealers report using traditional sub-prime lender services for their prime customers.

Continue reading "Report: Auto Finance Providers Exploring Direct Lending Initiatives"

August 23, 2007

VW May Bolt Out of Detroit

Already slammed by job losses due to cost cutting by the area's car companies and by their agency shifts, Detroit is facing another blow -- this time from Volkswagen of America and sibling Audi of America.

The automakers are considering a move of their North American headquarters out of Michigan, according to executives and managers familiar with the matter. The Detroit News reported that the relocation areas under consideration are the Washington D.C. region or North Carolina.

But the executives and manager told Advertising Age the decision is contingent on whether VW also decides to start building vehicles in one of those locales -- which would mark the German automaker's first U.S. plant since 1988.

August 22, 2007

VW Sets January to July Sales Record

WOLFSBURG, Germany - With 3.61 million vehicles sold worldwide between January and July 2007, the Volkswagen Group has set a new record for this delivery period.

The increase in sales compared to last year was 8.1 percent. In July, 522,000 vehicles delivered was an increase of 10.2 percent, which was a record for the seventh month of the year.

Continue reading "VW Sets January to July Sales Record"

Top Cars for College Students

RICHMOND, Va. -- If your college student's back to school list includes a car, you will want to know which vehicles are recommended for young drivers.

To help students and parents find the best car, CarMax and Driver's Edge, a national nonprofit organization providing youth driver education, have teamed up to recommend the top cars for college students.

Continue reading "Top Cars for College Students"

August 21, 2007

Q & A: Audi driver Marco Werner on Mosport

INGOLSTADT, Germany - This coming weekend (24-26 August), the former Grand Prix circuit of Mosport, 60 miles northeast of the Canadian metropolis Toronto in Ontario, plays host to the American Le Mans Series.

Audi factory driver Marco Werner talks about the 2.549 mile-long track on which he won in 2003 driving an Audi R8 and around which he competes with the R10 TDI for the first time this year.

After Road America, Mosport is the second fastest circuit on the American Le Mans Series calendar. Do you like the circuit?

Continue reading "Q & A: Audi driver Marco Werner on Mosport"

August 18, 2007

Audi diesel nears American Le Mans win

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The final sprint in the American Le Mans Series starts with two races within one week. On Sunday (26 August), the world’s fastest sportscars start at Mosport close to Toronto (Canada). ‘Motor City’ Detroit (Michigan state) hosts the popular sportscar racing series the following Saturday.

Continue reading "Audi diesel nears American Le Mans win"

August 15, 2007

Volkswagen Corp. Boast Eight Drop Top Models, From Lamborghini and Bentley to Audi and VW

Wolfsburg, Germany - It is high summer and so it is high season for convertibles. According to a recent study by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Authority, most of them are being driven around the Starnberger See and in the Hochtaunus region.

Meanwhile, the biggest lineup of open-air cars – worldwide – is offered by the Volkswagen Corporation. The convertible and roadster products of the brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Volkswagen span a range of no less than eight models with 39 engine variants.

Based on the motto “as you like”, there is the eternally youthful New Beetle convertible from Volkswagen as well as the kingly Bentley Azure – the uncompromising Audi TT Roadster, the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster conceptualized on the Formula car level, the clever Volkswagen Eos, the breathtaking Bentley Continental GTC, the classic and timeless Audi A4 convertible and the powerful and imposing Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.

Continue reading "Volkswagen Corp. Boast Eight Drop Top Models, From Lamborghini and Bentley to Audi and VW"

August 12, 2007

Audi diesel takes 1-2 finish at Road America

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi once more demonstrated the impressive performance of modern diesel engines in round eight of the American Le Mans Series at Road America in Wisconsin.

Both Audi R10 TDI sportscars were the dominating cars on the fastest track of the season, achieving another 1-2 victory in the LM P1 class.

After a fierce inter-team battle, Dindo Capello/Allan McNish (Italy/Scotland) beat their team-mates Emanuele Pirro/Marco Werner (Italy/Germany) by just 0.796 seconds.

Continue reading "Audi diesel takes 1-2 finish at Road America"

August 11, 2007

Audi dominates Road America qualifiers

INGOLSTADT, Germany - With a record lap Allan McNish (Scotland) has captured pole position for Audi in round eight of the American Le Mans Series at Road America.

Marco Werner (Germany) set the second fastest time in qualifying making sure that both Audi R10 TDI sportscars from Team Audi Sport North America will start Saturday’s race from the front row of the grid.

On the fastest track of the American Le Mans Series’ schedule, Audi thus ended the streak of pole positions of the lighter LM P2 cars.

Continue reading "Audi dominates Road America qualifiers"

Audi's Emanuelle Pirro talks about Road America

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Road America plays host to the American Le Mans Series on 11 August. Audi is unbeaten to date on the 4.048 mile circuit. Last year’s winner Emanuele Pirro (Italy) talks about the fastest circuit of the season with its average lap speed of approximately 132 mph.

The previous circuits were very difficult for the Audi R10 TDI. Are you looking forward to Road America?

"It’s great knowing that we’ll be driving on a fast circuit again, which suits our Audi R10 TDI a little more. We’ll have less of a disadvantage compared to 330 pound lighter LM P2 cars at Road America. However, the fundamental problem remains until such time as the regulations change, which is expected to be in 2008.”

Continue reading "Audi's Emanuelle Pirro talks about Road America"

August 10, 2007

Report: Buick and Lexus Brands Tie for Highest Vehicle Dependability

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Buick ties with Lexus to rank highest among nameplates in vehicle dependability -- marking the first time in 12 years that another brand ties with Lexus for the highest-rank position, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS) released today.

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2004 model year) vehicles, finds that Buick and Lexus tie for the top rank position with a score of 145 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Following in the top five rankings are Cadillac, Mercury and Honda, respectively.

Continue reading "Report: Buick and Lexus Brands Tie for Highest Vehicle Dependability"

August 9, 2007

2008 Audi A8 -- A gentleman's car with a flair for performance

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The Audi A8 not only offers the sportiest performance of any luxury-class saloon.

The new A8 model series features major advancements across the range, which includes the top models Audi A8 W12 and Audi S8, and offers a new driving feel whilst building on traditional strengths.

An even more precise driving feel, even better ride and acoustic comfort, and subtle refinements to the exterior and interior serve to strengthen the special status of Audi's flagship model.

Continue reading "2008 Audi A8 -- A gentleman's car with a flair for performance"

Audi's global sales rise 9.2% in july

INGOLSTADT, Germany - In July, Audi sold more than 81,000 vehicles worldwide – an increase of 9.2% (2006: 74,296). Since January, the Ingolstadt premium brand has sold approximately 590,200 vehicles (up 9.7%; 2006: 537,804).

In July, Audi maintained this dynamic growth in all large markets. On the domestic market, the sales volume of 22,908 was 3.5% higher than the result for the same month last year (2006: 22,138).

Continue reading "Audi's global sales rise 9.2% in july"

August 8, 2007

LeaseCompare Names Most Requested Vehicles to Lease: Corvette Still #1

CINCINNATI -- Automobile Consumer Services, Inc. (ACS), the leader in online direct-to-consumer auto leasing, released a list of the top 10 most requested vehicles from its popular auto leasing website LeaseCompare.com.

Information was collected during the first half of 2007 from more than two million lease quote requests.

The Top 10 Most Requested Models:

Continue reading "LeaseCompare Names Most Requested Vehicles to Lease: Corvette Still #1"

August 3, 2007

Audi launches new model -- Auto Union Type C Pedal Car

INGOLSTADT, Germany - A body made from aluminum, handcrafted leather trim and an extraordinary design – the vehicle sends Hubert Waltl, Head of Audi Toolmaking, into a rapture the instant he lays eyes on it: "This car is something really special."

And, indeed, the car in front of him is no ordinary car – it's the Auto Union Type C pedal car which AUDI AG has brought onto the market as an absolute first. No other car manufacturer offers a pedal car built so elaborately and to such a high standard.

Continue reading "Audi launches new model -- Auto Union Type C Pedal Car"

Audi looking to beat all comers with diesel

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The Audi R10 TDI has been front page news in the American Le Mans Series since March 2006.

With the revolutionary Diesel Sportscar, Audi is also proving just how efficient modern Diesel engines are on the race track. The program in the world’s most important Sportscar racing series is important in paving the way for AUDI AG’s forthcoming Diesel offensive in America.

The Diesel Sportscar, developed specifically for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is at home on fast circuits. This is why Team Audi Sport North America believes it has the opportunity to beat the preferentially treated LM P2 cars, which recently celebrated five successive overall victories. As a consequence, the LM P2 car’s minimum weight has been increased by 110 pounds by the rule makers for the 2008 season.

Continue reading "Audi looking to beat all comers with diesel"

August 2, 2007

Audi tops Chinese satisfaction survey

INGOLSTADT, Germany - For the second time in succession, Audi is ranked top in the “J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 China Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study”, which has now been released.

As in the 2006 comparative study, the J.D. Power Asia Pacific report viewed the company with the four rings as the clear leader, awarding Audi first place with 828 points out of a possible 1000. Audi is thus the only company to have occupied a top-three position for the last six years in a row.

Continue reading "Audi tops Chinese satisfaction survey"

August 1, 2007

Audi Reports 1.7% Sales Increase for July

AUBURN HILLS -- Audi of America, Inc. today announced sales for the month of July. Audi sold 7,127 vehicles during the month, an increase of 1.7% from last year's figures. To date, Audi has sold 52,838 vehicles in 2007, an 11.3% increase over the previous year.

Several key markets also recorded significant increases including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales also are up for the year. CPO sales for 2007 total 15,088, an increase of 3.9%.

July 30, 2007

Audi Q7 gets radar-based lane change warning system

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- The upscale 2007 Audi Q7 is the first vehicle sold in North America to offer a new radar-based lane-change warning system developed by Hella.

The lane-change assistant system, known as the Audi Side Assist, determines objects in the vehicle's blind spot. The system also recognizes objects not visible in the rear-view mirror.

When a vehicle enters the Audi Q7 SUV's range of vision, a subtle, yellow vertical light strip illuminates on the corresponding side-view mirror. In addition, when the driver activates a turn signal, to indicate an intention to change lanes and a vehicle is in a neighboring lane, the driver will receive a warning in the side mirror. The vehicle's vertical light strip will then flash.

Continue reading "Audi Q7 gets radar-based lane change warning system"

Car Buyer's Notebook Now Available in Nine Languages!

Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Car Buyer's Notebook is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.

The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.

All you have to do is click on the appropriate flag in the box that is on the right hand side of the site.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Spanish.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in French.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Japanese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Chinese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in German.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Korean.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Italian.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Portugese.

July 28, 2007

Highlights of the 2008 Audi R8

Audi’s first ever premium mid-engine sports car will appear in the U.S. in early-fall of 2007. Called the R8, it demonstrates everything Audi has learned from years of involvement in motorsports.

It’s lightweight aluminum chassis, high-revving 420-hp 4.2L V8 FSI engine, race-inspired suspension, quattro all-wheel drive system, and low center of gravity combine to make the R8 handle unlike any Audi before it.

The R8 is hand-assembled by quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm, Germany, where only 15 models a day are produced. R8 highlights include:

Continue reading "Highlights of the 2008 Audi R8"

All-new 2008 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster Highlights

The TT models are all-new for 2008. Both models are available with a 200 hp 2.0T FSI engine mated to a six-speed S tronic double-clutch automatic gearbox, or a 250 hp 3.2L V6 engine with quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual.

A six-speed S tronic gearbox is optional on 3.2 models.

TT highlights include:

Continue reading "All-new 2008 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster Highlights"

Audi announces changes for 2008 Q7 SUV

In its second year, the Audi Q7 3.6, 3.6 Premium, and 4.2 Premium models compose the 2008 line-up.

Continue reading "Audi announces changes for 2008 Q7 SUV"

Audi announces changes to 2008 A6 Sedan and Avant, S6 Sedan

Like the A4 sedan and Avant models for 2008, the A6 models will receive the S line exterior treatment as standard equipment, including 18” alloy wheels and rear integrated spoiler from the S6.

Additional standard equipment for 2008 consists of headlight washers, SIRIUS satellite radio, and seat-back storage pockets.

Continue reading "Audi announces changes to 2008 A6 Sedan and Avant, S6 Sedan"

July 27, 2007

Toni Melfi to head Audi communincations

INGOLSTADT, Germany - As of 1st August 2007, Toni Melfi (40) will be the new Head of Communication at AUDI AG. In this function he will report directly to Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, and to the Head of Communication for the Volkswagen Group, Stephan Grühsem.

Melfi began his career in October 1986 as a trainee in the editorial office of the "Südkurier" daily newspaper in Konstanz.

Continue reading "Toni Melfi to head Audi communincations"

July 23, 2007

Audi takes on Mid-Ohio

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The Audi R10 TDI remains undefeated in the American Le Mans Series. In the seventh round at Mid-Ohio, Team Audi Sport North America achieved a commanding 1-2 victory in the LM P1 class.

Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) finished third overall missing the outright victory by just 15.073 seconds. Their teammates Dindo Capello (Italy) and Allan McNish (Scotland) came home in fifth position and second in the LM P1 class.

Continue reading "Audi takes on Mid-Ohio"

July 19, 2007

Audi to launch world's cleanest diesel

INGOLSTADT, Germany - From mid-2008 Audi will be putting the cleanest diesel technology in the world into series production.

The new TDI engines with their ultra-low emission system combine the spontaneous performance and superior pulling power of today’s TDI power units with outstanding fuel consumption figures and incomparably low emissions.

Continue reading "Audi to launch world's cleanest diesel"

2008 Audi A5 and S5 Coupe Highlights

Audi's third new model line for 2008 is the A5 and S5 coupes. These models are the first four-seat coupes in Audi’s line-up in the U.S. since 1991.

The A5 is powered by a 3.2 V6 FSI engine making 265 hp. The S5 is equipped with a 354 hp 4.2 V8 FSI engine. Both models have standard quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox is optional on both models.

Continue reading "2008 Audi A5 and S5 Coupe Highlights"

Audi announces 2008 A4/S4 Cabriolet changes, RS 4 Cabriolet Highlights

The A4 and S4 Cabriolets remain largely unchanged. A factory iPod interface is now available and heated front seats are now standard on A4 3.2 and S4 Cabriolet models. SIRIUS satellite radio is now standard on S/RS models.

2008 RS 4 Cabriolet highlights include:

Continue reading "Audi announces 2008 A4/S4 Cabriolet changes, RS 4 Cabriolet Highlights"

Audi announces changes to 2008 A4/S4, '08 RS 4

The 2008 A4 sedan and Avant models get some significant exterior changes. The S line package now becomes standard for the exterior. This includes revised front and rear bumpers, lower side door trim, integrated trunk lid spoiler, front grille, and S line badging.

Other important changes to the A4 are:

Continue reading "Audi announces changes to 2008 A4/S4, '08 RS 4"

Audi announces changes to 2008 A3

The A3 model line enters 2008 largely unchanged. There are new wheel options as well as a new Titanium Package.

Manual rear side sunshades become available, as does factory-installed iPod integration. SIRIUS satellite radio and an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass become standard on A3 3.2 models.

Continue reading "Audi announces changes to 2008 A3"

Audi announces 2008 vehicle lineup

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Audi of America, Inc. today announced its entire 2008 model line-up. New for 2008 are the TT Coupe and Roadster, the R8 mid-engine sports car, the limited-production RS 4 Cabriolet, and the A5 and S5 coupes. These six models join the already sporty, sophisticated, and progressive line-up of Audi models, which also receive enhancements for 2008.

Audi has established simplified option packages for the current line-up to ease customer ordering, as well as a standard tire pressure monitoring system in every model. As always, Audi anticipates trends in the industry, and enhances vehicles and packaging to match customer tastes.

Continue reading "Audi announces 2008 vehicle lineup"

July 17, 2007

Audi Dindo Capello discusses Mid Ohio Sports Car Course

INGOLSTADT, Germany - The "Mid Ohio Sports Car Course” close to Lexington in Ohio State plays host to the American Le Mans Series on 21 July.

The 2.258 mile long circuit lies picturesquely among the hills and is regarded as one of the most challenging in the USA. The track was resurfaced two years ago. Audi factory driver Dindo Capello talks about the peculiarities of the circuit.

Continue reading "Audi Dindo Capello discusses Mid Ohio Sports Car Course"

July 16, 2007

Audi Debuts 5-City U.S. Ride and Drive Program

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Would you like to improve your driving skills and put them to test in a $100,000 sports car?

Audi of America, Inc. and Emotive Group will give consumers that chance, as part of the new Audi driving experience that kicks-off with a five-city tour in Miami this month.

Continue reading "Audi Debuts 5-City U.S. Ride and Drive Program"

July 13, 2007

Audi R10 Ready for Ohio

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Team Audi Sport North America breaks new ground once again with the Audi R10 TDI only 14 days after the accident-packed race at Lime Rock: The Le Mans winning diesel sportscar has, as yet, not driven a single meter at Mid Ohio (US state of Ohio). Dindo Capello/Allan McNish and Emanuele Pirro/Marco Werner therefore face yet another big challenge on the weekend of 21 July during the seventh round of the American Le Mans Series.

Continue reading "Audi R10 Ready for Ohio"

Audi Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Pike's Peak Win

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Of the many rally victories recorded by Audi in the 1980s, the last one was particularly memorable: 20 years ago, on 11 July 1987, Walter Röhrl and his Audi Sport quattro S1 won the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the US state of Colorado.

Following Audi’s withdrawal from the World Rally Championship in the previous year, this success marked the seamless transition of “Vorsprung durch Technik” into series production. After the company retired from rallying, quattro technology continued its success story on the road – Audi has sold 2.5 million cars with permanent four-wheel drive up to the present day.

Continue reading "Audi Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Pike's Peak Win"

July 8, 2007

Audi TDI unbeaten in LM P1

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Reigning champions Dindo Capello (Italy) and Allan McNish (Scotland) scored extended their lead in the American Le Mans Series at Lime Rock (US state of Connecticut) scoring their fifth consecutive class win and thus retaining the 100 percent LM P1 category winning record of the Audi R10 TDI in its 15th race.

Their team mates Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) finished fourth in the LM P1 class despite an unfortunate accident.

Continue reading "Audi TDI unbeaten in LM P1"

July 7, 2007

Audi first in class at Lime Rock

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Team Audi Sport North America’s pair of Audi R10 TDI sports cars will start Saturday’s sixth round of the American Le Mans Series at Lime Rock (US state of Connecticut) as the fastest cars of the LM P1 category from the fourth row of the grid. Allan McNish (Scotland) secured the LM P1 pole position for Audi.

Continue reading "Audi first in class at Lime Rock"

July 6, 2007

Audi Le Mans Driver Discusses Lime Rock

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Following a seven-week break enabling teams to travel to Europe to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the American Le Mans Series resumes next weekend. Round 6 of the US sportscar series takes place at Lime Rock Park (US state of Connecticut), 110 miles northeast of New York City.

The track is just 1.530 miles long and thus the shortest of the year. It is, however, considered as one of the most challenging of the entire series. Last year’s winner Allan McNish, who shares Audi Sport North America’s #1 Audi R10 TDI with Dindo Capello, talks about Lime Rock Park.

Continue reading "Audi Le Mans Driver Discusses Lime Rock"

July 5, 2007

Audi Le Mans Champ Gets his Hands on the Street Legal R8

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Tom Kristensen and the Audi R8 - this was, and continues to be, a very special relationship. Five of his so far seven victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans the Dane clinched in the successful Audi sports car.

So it was high time for the Audi factory driver to start piloting the road-going racer - that shares the name with its "big brother” from motorsport - privately as well. Now Kristensen took possession of his personal, private R8 in Ingolstadt.

Continue reading "Audi Le Mans Champ Gets his Hands on the Street Legal R8"

July 4, 2007

Get the Car Buyer's Notebook Widget!

Aren't you tired of constantly navigating to sites, several times a day to keep up with the latest news?

I know I am -- and that's why I love widgets.

Widgets are these cool pieces of desktop "furniture" [like ours at right] that you can add to your computer -- and thus have a continuous live feed of updated news -- without going to a website to scan for cool stuff. [The widget can either be "parked" on top of all windows, or left underneath -- they're customizable, too!]

In the case of Car Buyer's Notebook, we have created just such a widget for you to download to your desktop -- and when you see a story you're really interested in, click on the title and it will take you to a new browser window to see the whole thing.

Getting our widget is simple -- there's only two steps:

1. Go to Springwidgets and download the widget software.

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And you will be in automotive widget heaven!

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July 2, 2008

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June 16, 2008

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June 13, 2008

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June 12, 2008

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June 8, 2008

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June 7, 2008

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June 5, 2008

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June 2, 2008

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May 29, 2008

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May 27, 2008

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May 22, 2008

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May 20, 2008

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2009 Audi A4: choice of two smoking engines

May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

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May 2, 2008

Audi Reports Increased April Sales Down 4.6%

May 1, 2008

Audi Sponsors "Iron Man" Premiere and After Party in Hollywood

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April 29, 2008

Audi Launches Sportscar Driving Programs in Sonoma

April 25, 2008

Audi to launch 2009 A3 in US this Fall

April 23, 2008

Volkswagen Group reports record global sales

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April 22, 2008

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April 21, 2008

First Audi R10 TDI victory at Long Beach

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April 19, 2008

2009 Audi Q5 World Premiere

April 9, 2008

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April 8, 2008

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