Audi: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2005

Fourtitude and their new UK-based writer David Corfield, who is also the publishing editor of the new Audi print magazine "Total Audi", have a short review of the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2005.

The event is always extremely well supported by manufacturers and racing teams and this year was no exception, particularly for fans of the Audi group.

The company were here with an impressive display to celebrate the quattro’s 25th anniversary. From Walter Röhrl’s infamous 1987 Pike’s Peak Sport quattro to the very first quattro rally car from 1980 – reunited with original driver Hannu Mikkola for the first time since its restoration – Audi were here to make their presence felt.

And perhaps the most impressive sight (certainly the dirtiest), was its victorious R8 sports prototype, which came to Goodwood straight from the Le Mans chequered flag to bask in the glory of a record five wins. The R8 looked superb, bringing a real flavour of Le Mans to the event, mixing bug splatter with peaches and cream.

On the specially prepared rally stage – a new addition to the event this year – legendary Audi driver Hannu Mikkola took the quattro A2 rally car he used on the 1983 Tour de Corse and threw it around the dirt track with great enthusiasm. Remarkably, Mikkola and his 23-year old quattro were only a few seconds off the pace set by the modern rally machinery and the crowd loved every moment of his homecoming.

Read more here.

Source: Fourtitude

Audi: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2005

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Audi: Innovative Technology

Fourtitude has some great articles on their website about some of Audi's innovative technology for the future.


Please read the article about "An Analysis of Driver Assistance" here.


If you are interested in "Innovative Solutions and Future Trends at the Driver's Workplace" please read here.


Or you can read about Audi's cooperation with Bang&Olufsen and their advanced sound system for the Audi A8 here.


Source: Fourtitude

Audi: Innovative Technology

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LeMans 2005: stats

Here are some stats about the 2005 LeMans 24 hour car race:

• 230.000 spectators, an increase of 15% in relation to the previous year


• 1.43 million television viewers followed the start on France 2, an increase of 37% in relation to last year


• 1 out of 5 TV viewers watched the start of the greatest endurance race in the world


• Almost the same number saw the finish on France 3 the next day


• World wide 325 million TV viewers watched the race on the five continents


• 1854 journalists from 36 countries (as against 27 in 2004) were given accreditation for the race


• 51 million enthusiasts consulted the Internet pages on the lemans.org site live coverage compared with 35 million in 2004 (23% French, 20% Japanese, 13% American and 9% Danish)

Source: Fourtitude

LeMans 2005: stats

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Audi: new print magazine in UK

A brand-new UK-based Audi print magazine will be out in September, called "TotalAudi".

Welcome to Total Audi, a brand new magazine for Audi drivers around the world.
No matter whether your Audi is old or new, there’s a place for you – and your car – right here. In each and every issue we will be putting you in touch with the Audi experience at all levels: from what it’s actually like to drive the latest high-performance models, to practical advice on how to keep your cherished classic Audi on the road.
We’ve cut no corners on this magazine. Our promise to you is a monthly feast of high-quality features on all aspects of Audi cars and Audi culture, lavishly illustrated with superb photography and written by the best journalists around.

Total Audi is not available in the shops.

Source: TotalAudi

Audi: new print magazine in UK

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King Kong is back!

Please be reminded that Volkswagen is only going to offer the exclusive previews of the Peter Jackson remake of "King Kong" for another 12 hours!
After that you have to wait until December for the real movie.

And here are the links to the movies:
Small, Medium, Large.

Source: Volkswagen

King Kong is back!

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Audi: Head-up display with laser projection

German car magazine "Auto Motor und Sport" is reporting that Audi is planning to use head-up displays with laser projection soon.
This is just the first step regarding the high information density and the need for new displays.
According to Willibert Schleuter, responsible for electric and electronic development, Audi will display such information like speed and driving directions from the navigation system.
The laser projection will be used to reach better contrast and better pictures.

In future it is planned to also show and mark traffic signs, distance warnings or to display the navigation arrows directly "on" the real streets.
In mid-term not only a small part of the front window shall be used, it is planned to use the whole window. This is currently tested in the "Electronics Research Laboratory" (ERL) in the US.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (only in German)

Audi: Head-up display with laser projection

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Audi A4 DTM Edition: more power!

10 races, 3 titles, 1 champion: The Audi A4 DTM.
To let you participate in Audi's great victory in last year's German race series "DTM", you can now order the Audi A4 DTM edition with even more power.

Audi is launching a throwback to its successes in the DTM championship in the shape of the A4 DTM edition. quattro GmbH is sending an extremely sporty version of the mid-size saloon car with a power output of 220 bhp and cutting-edge turbo FSI engine technology onto the road. The Audi A4 DTM Edition with 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive will cost € 38,550. The 6-speed manual gearbox version of the DTM Edition in combination with quattro four-wheel drive is to cost € 40,650.

The A4 DTM Edition is aimed at customers who want to further accentuate the already sporty orientation of the series-production models. The Audi A4 DTM Edition is powered by the new 2.0 turbo FSI engine. The power of this direct injection engine with turbocharger was especially boosted for the new model from 200 to 220 bhp, and torque was increased from 280 to 300 Nm.

The special model is based on the new Audi A4 saloon, but boasts a more dynamic appearance. The exterior of the Audi A4 DTM Edition is distinguished by the new side sills and the DTM logo in the rubbing strips of the rear doors. The striking single-frame radiator grille is in Phantom Black, and as an option, the exterior mirrors are also available in Phantom Black, at no extra charge. The newly developed front bumper is distinguished by a striking carbon-fibre lip in black at the bottom, derived from the field of motor sport. Additional air vents at the front and rear provide another sporty touch to the car.

Source: Fourtitude

Audi A4 DTM Edition: more power!

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Audi A6: New Entry-Level Petrol Engine

Audi is extending its range of engines for the A6 to include the 2.0 TFSI, a turbocharged petrol direct injection engine. This four-cylinder power plant is also the new entry-level petrol engine.

The 2.0 TFSI delivers 170 bhp in the Audi A6. This free-revving, high-torque and, at the same time, economical engine combines petrol direct injection with a turbocharger. Audi was the first manufacturer to introduce this technology in series production. Boasting 280 Nm of torque, available across a wide speed range from 1800 to 4200 rpm, the FSI engine offers excellent pulling power at any time. The A6 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and touches a top speed of 227 km/h. Its fuel consumption measures just 7.9 litres per 100 km.

Audi offers the front-wheel-drive A6 2.0 TFSI as a saloon and an Avant with manual gearbox or multitronic. Prices for the Audi A6 2.0 TFSI start at
EUR 32,700.

Audi now offers seven engines for the A6, and they all meet the Euro 4 standard. The customer can also choose between different automatic transmissions and manual gearboxes, as well as between front-wheel drive and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The Audi A6 has received numerous international awards since its market launch a year ago.

Source: Fourtitude

Audi A6: New Entry-Level Petrol Engine

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Kong is back! Brought to you by Volkswagen.

According to German magazine "Der Spiegel" Volkswagen is going to sponsor the remake of King Kong, which is part of the cooperation between Volkswagen and NBC Universal.
It's worldwide the first long-term sponsoring of a company with a Hollywood studio: the cooperation is set for 3 years.

And they have a big bang, right at the start: Volkswagen is sponsoring the Peter Jackson remake of "King Kong"!
Starting from June 28th, 02.44 am CET Volkswagen is showing exclusively a 2.5 minute collection of movie sequences for just 48 hours. You can watch the movie on Volkswagen's website www.volkswagen.com.
And here are the links to the movies:
Small, Medium, Large.

According to Volkswagen spokesman Emanuela Wilm, Volkswagen will also use movie scenes for some Touareg ads and commercials in TV, magazines and in movie theatres.

Source: Spiegel Online (only in German), KongisKing.net

Kong is back! Brought to you by Volkswagen.

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Audi A8 L W12: Follow-Up Test

Inside Line made a follow-up test of the Audi A8 L W12 and they seem to be quite expressed. They also have some nice interior shots.

The 2005 Audi A8 L W12 is many things. It's large. It's expensive. It's fast and it's comfortable. It's also stylish, technologically advanced and even sexy. But most of all, the Audi A8 W12 is reason enough for people to talk to you.

Audi does things differently — always has. If BMW and Mercedes-Benz zig, Audi zags, usually for the better. This time the zag takes the form of a unique engine design. The top-of-the-line BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class sport V12 engines. So what does Audi do? It designs a W12.

Instead of having two banks of six inline cylinders like a traditional V12 design, the 12-cylinder bores in the W12 engine are also split into two banks of six.

Although the Audi's sticker price is shocking, after a week in the A8's 16-way adjustable seats, it actually seems justified. This is as good as cars get.

One editor put it best when he said, "The Audi appeals to me more than the 7 Series or the S-Class. I just feel at home in it."

Home indeed.

In addition they have a short video of their follow-up test. Please check the article's link for more details.

Source: Inside Line

Audi A8 L W12: Follow-Up Test

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Audi A3: 3-Door Gets Facelift

The 3-door Audi A3 gets a new face and extra dose of exclusivity.

The most obvious change can be seen at the front end of the vehicle. The three-door A3 now also sports the new single-frame grille which makes the latest Audi models so unmistakeable. The new Audi face enhances the dynamism of the three-door model even more significantly than before. The coupé-like line which combines tautness and athleticism has been retained. The gently rising baseline of the window area and the coupé-like roof line converge in the powerful tail end. This is also where the visual centre of gravity of the three-door A3 is, the powerful tail making the whole car look as if it is about to leap forward.

Source: GermanCarFans

Audi A3: 3-Door Gets Facelift

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Audi Q7: 3rd stage of going public

It's the Audi Q7 weekend: first Audi's upcoming SUV was spotted in Colorado and now Audi opened the 3rd stage of the going public called "Performance".
Two more stages are coming, called "Comfort" and "Flexibility".

You can download more revealing pictures than ever before and they also have a new screensaver out.
Please watch the offical Audi Q7 microsite.

Source: Audi

Audi Q7: 3rd stage of going public

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DTM: Audi driver Ekström defends lead

Mattias Ekström, who has really a great season so far, defended his lead in Germany's car race series DTM by finishing 2nd at Motopark Oschersleben in front of 88.000 spectators.

"I’m satisfied with my result. If you want to move forward from the fifth position on the grid to second place, you mustn’t make a single mistake, and the pit stops have to be perfect – we successfully met both of these challenges today. Although I was able to catch up with Gary (Paffett) on the final laps, it was too late for an attack. It’s a nice feeling to be able to go to Audi’s home race at Nuremberg as the leader of the standings."

Next race will be in Nuremberg, around 70 km north of Ingolstadt and therefore recognized as Audi's home race. Usually you can expect that a lot of Audi's employees are coming to there and also usually they make a big noise when an Audi is passing their corner.
It's really a big event for them and absolutely worth a visit!

Source: Fourtitude

DTM: Audi driver Ekström defends lead

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Audi Q7: spotted in Colorado

The guys from "Inside Line" spotted the Audi Q7, Audi's upcoming premium sport SUV, in Colorado and are giving us an exclusive first glimpse.

Rest assured, you don't have to worry that the Audi Q7 is nothing more than a reskinned Volkswagen Touareg or Porsche Cayenne.

Despite the fact that it shares the same platform as the SUVs from VW and Porsche, the Q7 rides on a nearly 6-inch-longer wheelbase that gives it a much leaner and more athletic appearance. Its overall dimensions give it the look of a tall wagon similar to the current allroad, but the Q7 is larger and better proportioned.

Johan De Nysschen, executive vice president of Audi of America, confirmed the news and wasn't shy about the reasoning behind the move. "The sportiest utility vehicle will no longer be sold at Porsche dealerships," he said with a smile.

Source: Inside Line

Audi Q7: spotted in Colorado

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Johan De Nysschen: Quote of the month

Audi of America's Executive Vice President said about Audi's Q7:
"The sportiest utility vehicle will no longer be sold at Porsche dealerships."

Source: Inside Line

Johan De Nysschen: Quote of the month

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Audi RS 4: Ride of the Valkyres

Fourtitude's George Achorn had the chance to get a ride in the new Audi RS 4 during the 24 hours of LeMans.

If there’s a car in Audi’s lineup that is closest in DNA to the R8s screaming through the night just yards away, then it surely must be the new RS 4 sedan. It’s the first production Audi to use one of their venerable 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engines that’s fitted with FSI direct injection, pumping out a peak 414bhp at 7,800 rpm, 317 lb. ft. of torque at 5,500 rpm and it’ll happily rev all the way up to a 8,250 rpm redline.

Then I get a tap on the shoulder. One of the attractive French women attending the signup desk tells me it’s time to go. My blood starts to pump in anticipation. It’s now about 2AM. I’m punchy, but I’m about to get a ride in the new RS 4 for the first time under the shroud of darkness.

Given my state of tiredness, the cover of night and that I’m not driving, I keep mentally telling myself to try to remember every detail as I ride in the shuttle through the dirt roads of the airport to the far end of the runway.

Under the moon and some flood lights Audi has brought in to help illuminate the area, I step out of the shuttle to see three RS 4s sitting eerily in the darkness while I hear the song of blazing Le Mans racecars not more than a half-mile away. There’s a red one, a gray one and a black one, and it appears they’ve been giving rides part of the evening at the hands of some professional French drivers.

George is really a lucky guy. You should read his article!

Source: Fourtitude

Audi RS 4: Ride of the Valkyres

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VW Fox: pictures of some studies

German car magazine Autobild has some pictures of the two studies "VW CrossFox" and "VW Fox Pepper".
The VW CrossFox is a cross country model of the VW Fox. It has a 1,6-Liter engine with 101 bhp. The engine can run with gasoline as well as alcohol.



They also have some pictures of a study called VW Fox Pepper, a sporty version of the VW Fox.



Nice and small!

Source: Autobild (only in German)

VW Fox: pictures of some studies

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Audi RS4: photo gallery

AutoWeek has a nice photo gallery of the new Audi RS4 from their latest test drive.
This car is really hot, especially in red.
You should watch it! Or even better, drive it, if you have a chance.

Source: AutoWeek

Audi RS4: photo gallery

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Audi: 3 models in current TopGear magazine

Three great new Audis break cover in this month's Top Gear mag - the Gallardo-sized aluminium R9 supercar, multiple Le Mans-winning R8 and the understated but amazing new RS4.
Short movie of the Audi RS 4 world premiere at Audi's quattro night (5 minutes).
Long movie of the Audi RS 4 world premiere (30 minutes).

Source: TopGear

Audi: 3 models in current TopGear magazine

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Audi TT quattro sport: vehicle review

AutoWeek has a review about the Audi TT quattro sport with the the title "A Legend Lives On: Audi creates the best version of the design that changed the company forever".

As a farewell to the legend­ary existing design, Audi introduced the TT quattro Sport in March at the Geneva show. Emphasis here is on lighter weight, greater power and torque, the overall appearance and drive characteristics. It’s a simple recipe for sure, but this TT is something special.

Working with the base 1.8-liter turbo coupe with quattro, Audi nudged horsepower up from 222 hp to 237 hp at 5900 rpm and bumped the torque rating from 207 lb-ft to 236 lb-ft between 2300 and 5000 rpm. Engineers also managed to peel 165 pounds off the car. Based on the new curb weight of 3065 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio is just 12.9 pounds per hp vs. the standard car’s 14.5 pounds per pony.

The handsome S-line package skirts the lower part of the TT quattro Sport, with slightly firmer suspension and 15-spoke, 18-inch forged alumi­num wheels with 235/40 tires. The Sport gets a pronounced rear spoiler and a two-tone paint scheme.

And you’ll need to hold things down. Driving this tight little TT brings out the celebration in any road. We felt the road-hugging solidness of the car only 500 yards away from the train station. We simply knew right away this is one of the best two-seaters ever; it’s a pity we didn’t get this five or six years ago—and that the United States will not get this model at all.

This article is definitely a must read for all Audi TT enthusiasts, and after reading it, we all are!
Thanks Matt for this great review.

Source: AutoWeek

Audi TT quattro sport: vehicle review

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Audi: Celebrating Landmark Anniversary at Goodwood

Audi celebrates a landmark anniversary at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next weekend (24-26 June) with a fitting reunion. One of the world’s greatest rally drivers, Hannu Mikkola, will be reunited at the annual speed event with a car that changed the face of the sport forever.

In October 1980, the “Flying Finn” tested an Audi quattro rally car for the very first time in public - a prelude to the remarkable 25 rally championship titles won worldwide by Audi between 1981 and ’85. Mikkola will drive that very same pioneering Audi quattro, which rattled the sport to its core, at a motorsport event for the first time since the Portugal test 25 years ago.

The Audi, which has been beautifully restored by Manchester-based quattro enthusiast John Hanlon, changed the face of rallying forever. Whether on dry or wet tarmac roads, snow and ice or indeed muddy forest stages, four-wheel-drive rally cars became the norm the world over and to this day still dominate the sport.

The most successful modern day sportscar in recent times, the actual 2005 Le Mans race winning Audi R8, will be on display throughout the three-day event. Now a five-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Audi R8 has scored an incredible 54 outright race wins from 66 starts. Furthermore, an Audi R8 has never retired from a race with mechanical problems since its race debut in March 2000. Since 2001, the R8 has benefited from FSI, direct fuel injection, offering crucial petrol saving characteristics - like the quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, a technical innovation that is now commonplace throughout Audi’s product range.

Please check also the official website of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Source: Fourtitude

Audi: Celebrating Landmark Anniversary at Goodwood

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Audi TT: test drive

ForbesAutos has a test drive of the Audi TT with the title "Forever young?".
Although we have our doubts about some of ForbesAutos opinions and so-called "tests", we do not want to hide this test drive from you.

With its rounded body and handsome, aluminum-trimmed interior, Audi's TT remains fresh even without a major redesign since its 2000 debut. The high beltline and symmetrical curves make it look something like a modern-day Volkswagen Karmann Ghia from the 1960s.

They also have a short questionnaire on the second page, if the Audi TT is for you.
And again, they compare a classic design beauty like the Audi TT, which is already called a future classic car, with cars like the Honda S2000 or the Infinity G35 Coupé. Truly unbelievable in my opinion, but please make your own mind ...

Source: ForbesAutos

Audi TT: test drive

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Audi: new models confirmed!

The German internet newspaper "Netzeitung" is reporting that according to one of Germany's most important car magazine, the "Automobilwoche", Audi boss Dr. Martin Winterkorn confirmed that Audi is working on 3 new models:


1. the Audi A3 convertible


2. the Audi A5 Coupé


3. a compact SUV, known as the Audi Q5

Dr. Winterkorn is also quoted that "Audi shall be the leading premium brand by end of this decade".
Good news for all Audi lovers!

Source: Netzeitung, Automobilwoche (only in German)

Audi: new models confirmed!

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VW Beetle: Is Herbie really fully loaded?

Inside Line is asking the question if Herbie, a well-known VW Beetle, is really fully loaded.

But where in the pantheon of great car flicks does something like
Herbie: Fully Loaded fit? Should we immediately dismiss the too-cute VW as Disney Kid's stuff or is there a place for the lovable Love Bug in the who's who of hot movie cars?

Check some of the original Herbie movies and you'll quickly learn that the diminutive Beetle has been racking up kills on unsuspecting Vettes, Ferraris, Maseratis and the occasional Apollo 5000GT (a.k.a. the Thorndyke Special) since the heyday of TransAm racing. Sure, it's mostly movie magic, but just the thought of a '60s-era VW bug passing an AC Cobra is entertaining on so many levels.

But words can't really communicate the nature of such a car, so we've compiled a series of photos of the real Herbie in action. We've included original artist sketches and exclusive behind-the-scenes photos as well as promotional stills from the actual film. If you don't think a little VW with a silly name can be taken seriously as a performance car, you'll want to check out these pics.

And if you still can't get enough Herbie, we've also provided a short behind-the-scenes video courtesy of Disney Pictures. This video includes commentary from some of the actors and the director of the film. They've also included a look at how NASCAR played a major role in the movie.

They also have some great pictures and a short "behind-the-scenes"-movie. Check it out!

Source: Inside Line

VW Beetle: Is Herbie really fully loaded?

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VW: Carlos Sainz will drive the Paris-Dakar rallye

According to German's top car magazine "Auto Motor und Sport" the Spanish race legend Carlos Sainz will drive this year's Paris-Dakar rallye for Volkswagen in a VW Race Touareg.
Carlos Sainz was rallye world champion of 1990 and 1992. His navigator is supposed to be Andreas Schulz, who is respected as an expert for this job also.

VW will start with at least 4 Race Touareg this year. The Race Touareg will get a facelift and also two turbochargers for the 5 cylinder diesel engine.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (only in German)

VW: Carlos Sainz will drive the Paris-Dakar rallye

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VW Touareg: Preparing for the DARPA challenge

As mentioned earlier, the Stanford University is using a modified VW Touareg for the DARPA challenge.
Jalopnik is giving you the latest update on that, including the news that this "ghostly" driven VW Touareg already successfully completed an off-road course at Germany’s Motopark Oschersleben.

And as you can see, VW of America changed their well-known slogan "Drivers wanted." to "Drivers not required.". Nice marketing!

Please also read this article.

Source: Jalopnik

VW Touareg: Preparing for the DARPA challenge

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VW Golf Plus: Test by GermanCarFans

GermanCarFans had the opportunity to test a new VW Golf Plus. It is 9.5 centimeters taller, with a completely new design, LED taillights and positioned between the VW Golf and the VW Touran.

The Golf Plus, as the name suggests, is more than just a standard Golf clone with a raised roof and fancy Phaeton style LED tailamps. Conversely, the styling differences are significant and not one piece of exterior sheet metal is shared between the two but the Golf Plus still manages to remain "pure" Golf. The overall package clearly defines the Golf Plus as an individual model and not just a variation of the hatchback.

Driving this car was not only fun but the engine being a 1.6L FSI with 6-speed manual as standard felt more powerful than the stated 115hp / 155nm @ 4000 rpm. The engine was responsive and pulled through the rev range smoothly. Given the curb weight of 1600kg (3500 lbs.) the Golf Plus was surprisingly maneuverable and stable considering the equipped tires. Contributing to the Golf Plus' stability is a slightly improved multilink suspension to compensate for the higher center of gravity and body weight. I also liked the speed sensitive electromechanical steering which gave a firm solid feel at higher speeds and light floating feel during low speeds or parking maneuvers. Overall, the driving dynamics were positive and the typical Volkswagen fun factor was ever present.

Source: GermanCarFans

VW Golf Plus: Test by GermanCarFans

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Audi: Winner of the 24 hours of LeMans!

Audi wins again the 24 hours of LeMans for the fifth time now. It was the 55th win in about 60 races overall. A new record also! Another time Audi wrote car race history.

It was a great victory based on the reliability of the Audi R8 and the low fuel consumption of the FSI engine, which is now going to retire.
Please watch the Fourtitude photo galleries of some really great pictures of this event.
Congratulations to Tom Kristensen and his team.

Source: LeMans.org and Fourtitude

Audi: Winner of the 24 hours of LeMans!

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The 24 hours of LeMans

See all the latest information about the 24 hours of LeMans on the official website. Just click the link below!

Good luck Audi teams!

Source: LeMans.org and Fourtitude

The 24 hours of LeMans

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Ask Autoblog: Should I get a new Audi A3? Or Certified Pre-Owned A4?

Let me tell you my opinion first: Whatever your answer will be, you will make a good choice anyway. Both cars are great! It's just depending on your personal needs and favourites.

If you really want the newest car technology, that smell and bumper-to-bumper coverage, the A3 (right) is a fun-to-drive car with practical cargo space – like a larger, more aggressive Mini Cooper. If you want more passenger room, less depreciation (roughly $3,000 less over 5 years) and a softer, more comfortable ride, the used A4 is your car. It provides a more pleasing interior with a design that should stand up better to the test of time, if not a bit bland for some people. It does, however, lack the legroom in the rear. If AWD is important to you, check to see when the A3s will start arriving with Quattro, as they are all front-driven right now.

Source: Autoblog

Ask Autoblog: Should I get a new Audi A3? Or Certified Pre-Owned A4?

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Audi: Second row in LeMans

Fourtitude's George Achorn made a trip to LeMans and is reporting about this year's LeMans car race.
Audi's R8 sports cars are third, fifth and eighth on the grid.

Despite the handicaps imposed by the regulations, the Audi R8 makes a good impression in its sixth and last start at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Audi factory driver Allan McNish (Team ADT Champion Racing) set the third-fastest time shortly after 10 p.m. in Thursday’s final qualifying session. Thus, the best-placed R8 will start the race on Saturday from the second row of the grid. Formula 1 test driver Franck Montagny secured Audi PlayStation Team ORECA the fifth spot on the grid at their first Le Mans entry with an Audi. The second "American” R8 will start the race from the fourth row.

Rain showers on Wednesday meant that the starting positions for the 73rd edition of the French Endurance classic were decided in the final qualifying session on Thursday evening. Although all three Audi R8 sports cars were already fitted with the engines for the race, Allan McNish lost just 3.080 seconds to pole position on the 13.650 kilometres – much less than expected. During the pre-test session a fortnight ago, the fastest sports cars of the new generation, which the regulations allow a significant power-advantage, had been almost six seconds faster.

Because they did not see any chance to secure a place on the front-row of the grid due to the handicaps, the Audi teams during qualifying completely concentrated on the setup for the race which will start on Saturday at 4 p.m. After an impressive crowd attended the qualifying, organisers expect a record-crowd over the weekend. The Audi teams must prepare themselves for a similar heat battle as in 2002: For Saturday and Sunday, temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius are predicted for the Sarthe area. Eurosport TV covers almost ten hours live coverage from Le Mans.

Source: Fourtitude

Audi: Second row in LeMans

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The German Car Blog: Featured on Jalopnik!

The German Car Blog is featured again on Jalopnik for our article and pictures of the upcoming Audi models.
Thanks guys!

Source: Jalopnik

The German Car Blog: Featured on Jalopnik!

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Audi: Website for Golfers

Audi started a website called "myGolf" dedicated to Golf enthusiasts.
Golf players can see their latest results, the development of their handicap or apply online for a tournament. You can also find more information about city trips, lifestyle and entertainment. In addition you can order brochures of Audi models and the Audi Golf equipment.

Audi is active in the fields of golf since 15 years already. The Audi quattro Cup is worldwide one of the biggest and most popular amateur golf tournament series. Last year more than 75.000 players from more than 30 countries participated.

Unfortunately the site is only available in German.

Source: Audi

Audi: Website for Golfers

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Audi A6 3.2: A hot car for techies

When it comes to CNet, the Audi A6 is a hot car for techies. They also have a 2.5 minutes video about that.

Top 5 tech extras:
Keyless entry and starting
Advanced direct fuel injection
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Choice of Sirius or XM Radio
Built-in voice recognition

Over-the-top tech feature:
The Audi A6's doors unlock when its air bags deploy.

Source: CNet

Audi A6 3.2: A hot car for techies

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LeMans 2005: Full coverage by Fourtitude

Fourtitude is going to cover this year's LeMans event from the French country side.
Please check out their website for the latest news, pictures and results.
Let's see how Audi is doing this year, because it's a tough task this time. Audi has to deal with several disadvantages due to the rules and their success in the past events.

Source: Fourtitude

LeMans 2005: Full coverage by Fourtitude

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VW Golf: The Pope's Golf and a good sense of humor

no comment ...

Source: Jalopnik

VW Golf: The Pope's Golf and a good sense of humor

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Audi RS4: road test

TopGear also made a road test of the new Audi RS4 and they had a model in red, which looks really hot.

Hit the RS4's brushed alloy starter button and you'd better know what you're letting yourself in for. Via a selection of conductors, chips and relays, you could be, as Maximus says in the opening sequence of Gladiator, about to "unleash hell."

Should the RS4 be threatening to lull you into too great a sense of familiarity, there's another button that now begs to be pressed. It's marked 'S' for 'Sport', but should really have a 'B' for 'Ballistic'.

The first sensation it provokes is a severe clamping of the buttocks, as motors narrow the sides of the seat squabs to hold the driver even more firmly in place. If your backside is of Pavarotti proportions, prepare for agony.

The RS4 proves what can be done.

Having been asked to invest £10,000 more than the manager of their local estate agent paid for his M3, compensation for the RS4 driver comes with the expectation that they should easily be able to leave him behind on most roads and in most conditions. Added reassurance arrives with the knowledge that there's nothing else quite like this car.

We say: The Audi Le Mans experience, only mildly.

Source: TopGear

Audi RS4: road test

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VW Phaeton V6 TDI 4Motion: road test

BBC's TopGear made a road test with the VW Phaeton V6 TDI 4Motion and after doing so, they are asking why nobody likes this car.

God, if there is a handful of cars as good as this around right now, I'd be surprised.

A fiver under £37,000 will secure you a slice of ueber-engineering. The deal secures you a V6 Phaeton with the latest, anything but bog- standard 225bhp, three-litre V6 turbodiesel. And that's complete with leather, satnav, xenon, 12-way adjustable front seats, adjustable damping control, an audio system that would not disgrace your home and that remarkable four-zone 'draughtless' air conditioning.

We say: Get over the VW badge, get into the engineering and the quality - all at under £50k.

Source: TopGear

VW Phaeton V6 TDI 4Motion: road test

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Audi A6 Avant: Tuning by Abt Sportsline

GermanCarFans has a nice picture of the Audi AS6 Avant, a modified version of the Audi A6 Avant by Abt Sportsline.

The optics of the Abt AS6 Avant wakes passion and invites you to get into the car. The shapely Abt-front grill and newly designed front spoiler lip give the front sporty traits. Broad side skirts provide the AS6 Avant with a dominant roadability and underline the dynamic design of the standard model. With the rear wing on the rear offering increased downforce on the rear axis, the Bavarians demonstrate sportiness. The rear skirt inset with the 4-pipe stainless steel rear muffler bearing the Abt logo is a real eye catcher.

Especially the power of the Abt Sportsline AS6 Avant shows the passion the Abt-engineers have for tuning Audi models. A power upgrade through modifying the motor management was developed on the basis of the Audi A6 3.0 TDI. Thanks to this technically demanding method the Abt AS6 Avant performs impressive 265 bhp and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. This is a plus of 40 bhp and 100 Nm with regards to the standard vehicle.

The power of the Abt AS6 Avant is transmitted via the specially tuned suspension springs. They lower the body of the estate car by approx. 40 millimetres and thus optically contribute to the dynamic appearance. More important, however, is the optimisation of the driving characteristics. Handling is noticeably improved and the progressively operating springs permit a sportier manner of driving.

The Abt-light alloy wheels SP1-Titan are also responsible for transmitting the power onto the asphalt. The one-piece cast wheels in classical five-spoke design in the dimension 19 inch are equipped with tyres 245/35 R19 of technology partner Continental.

Source: GermanCarFans

Audi A6 Avant: Tuning by Abt Sportsline

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Audi A4: compared with Infiniti's G35

Forbes made a "showroom showdown" between the Audi A4 and Infiniti's G35.
After reading it, you will find out that Forbes better should not have opened a website about cars, because all they do is comparing the price stickers and the functionality of the cars. They never drove one of these cars!
In addition, how can they compare such an ugly looking Nissan (yes, they also have some nice looking ones over in Japan) with an award-crowded Audi A4?
Ok, I think you got my opinion about this test, but you should read by yourself.

Source: Forbes

Audi A4: compared with Infiniti's G35

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Audi: Hot!

Business Week is writing that Audi is "hot". Of course we already knew it, but now it comes to a wider recognition.

Chef Sache. That's German for "the boss's business." And when it's the boss's business at Audi, watch out. Each month, Audi's compulsive chief executive, Martin Winterkorn, rolls up his sleeves and leads a trouble-shooting session with managers and engineers at the company's electronics center, zeroing in on faulty systems and problem parts. Winterkorn's rules: no shifting the blame to anyone else, such as suppliers. No phone calls to subordinates -- the brains to remedy the defects better be in the room. And no one leaves until a fix is found.

Audi's 53,000 workers -- fiercely proud of the company's engineering heritage, which goes back to founder August Horch -- are as obsessed as Winterkorn with building cars that outshine BMW and Mercedes. Production Chief Frank Dreves pauses in the lobby of headquarters to make a point about the latest A3 Sportback. "Feel this," says Dreves, running his fingers over a nearly invisible laser-welded seam between the roof of the tomato red car and the side panel. "This is normally a gutter in every car. We invented a new laser welding process to eliminate the gutter to reduce interior noise. None of our competitors bothers to do this."

Forging a luxury brand has also required stand-out design. In 2002, Piëch lured Italian designer Walter Maria de Silva to Audi from Alfa Romeo. A year later, De Silva unveiled a bold, more sculptured look for the A6 and A8 sedans that started hitting the market last year. The deep front grille, now being extended through most of the model line, gives Audi an edgier look.

Source: Business Week

Audi: Hot!

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Audi of America: Success of "Art of the Heist" viral campaign

According to ClickZ the "Art of Heist" viral campaign by Audi of America for the new Audi A3 is a big success.

The company says the game has generated four times more online buzz for the A3 compact car, has engaged more than 200,000 people in a single day, and has attracted 79 percent more qualified visitors to the Audi Web site, as compared with previous efforts.

The effort, which began on April 1 in New York, revved up with the fictional theft of an Audi A3. Since then, game players have followed -- and participated in -- the adventures of Nisha Roberts and Ian Yarbrough, two specialists in recovering snatched art, as they track down digital clues hidden in Audis across the country. The tale of game designer Virgil Tatum, who is developing a game based on Roberts, also plays into the narrative.

Audi is counting the game as a success because it's generated high levels of online buzz. The company says it's seen four times as much discussion of the A3 online as it had before the program began. In addition, those who've clicked on a campaign-related online ad and gone to the A3 microsite have generated 34 percent of their page views in areas the carmaker terms "buying indicator" pages. These include a vehicle configurator, a payment estimator, and a feature that lets users request a quote. According to Audi, this allowed the company to tag 79 percent more site visitors as "qualified," as compared to previous launch efforts.

Source: ClickZ

Audi of America: Success of "Art of the Heist" viral campaign

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Audi A8: being polished for Dubai customer

Jalopnik has a nice report about a polished Audi A8 for a customer in Dubai. The tuning was done by MTM and looks similar to the Audi A8 Space Frame prototype which was shown in Tokyo some years ago and which you can see now in the Audi museum in Ingolstadt, Germany.

The original paint was completely stripped to the metal (and plastic) using the finest-grained sandpaper this side of a baby’s bonnet. Then, the metal parts were polished to a high gloss, while the plastic parts were layered in a chrome-emulating series of paints and varnishes. Afterward, the 4.2-liter V8 was also tweaked to 450hp, a custom, ride-leveling suspension was installed and a set of really (really) shiny MTM rims were fitted.

Source: Jalopnik

Audi A8: being polished for Dubai customer

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VW Beetle: TDI together with DSG

Many reports lately are about this combination: a TDI engine with DSG transmission. Now it comes to a VW Beetle and the Automobile Magazine is reporting about it.

Convincing evidence that an old dog can learn a new trick, the tediously familiar Volkswagen New Beetle makes its eighth year of production a whole lot more interesting with one very tricky option: the remarkable direct-shift gearbox (DSG). Debuting to acclaim in the 2004 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro, DSG radically shortens shift times by anticipating and preselecting the next gear. With one gear driving the wheels and another poised to take over when the computer (or the driver) gives the nod, the act of shifting becomes a lightning-quick relay race. Two clutches alternately open and close as one gear after another goes from at-bat to on-deck status in a scant two-tenths of a second, with no interruption of the torque flow during full-throttle acceleration.

DSG won't make the New Beetle TDI the street racer's weapon of choice, but it does make it attractive for drivers who care about more than fuel economy-42 mpg has never been so much fun.

Source: Automobile Magazine

VW Beetle: TDI together with DSG

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Audi: more pictures of the new models!

Autobild has a preview of all upcoming Audi models, inlcuding some computer graphics how they might look.


It's mentioned that the grille will be turned (!) for the new Audi A3 convertible to remind of the old Auto Union models.


The Audi A5 will replace the A4 convertible in 2008.


Also nice as coupé!


The new Audi TT will be available Q2 2006 and will be based on the Audi A3 platform, but as an extreme lightweight due to his aluminium space frame body.

Source: Autobild (only in German)

Audi: more pictures of the new models!

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VW Sharan: pictures

Another article in Autobild is showing a picture of the possible next VW Sharan, VW's family van in Europe.
It's said that it will also most probably be based on the new VW Passat, but with even more space. The VW Sharan is a full 7-seater and could be available from 2007.

Source: Autobild (only in German)

VW Sharan: pictures

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VW Maxivan: pictures

German car magazine Autobild is reporting that VW is preparing a crossover van, probably based on the new VW Passat, so far called VW Maxivan.
It's similar to the Mercedes R-class and will be the "replacement" for the VW Microbus which is not going to be produced.
The VW Maxivan could be available from 2007.

Source: Autobild (only in German)

VW Maxivan: pictures

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VW CrossGolf: more spy shots!

The Car Connection has some more spy shots of the upcoming VW CrossGolf in 2007.

Under the codename Marrakesh, Volkswagen is getting on with the development of the new 4x4 Golf model, based on the Golf Plus tall wagon not seen in the States.

Prototypes of the crossover were sighted last winter during cold-weather testing in Scandinavia and have now been caught at Germany 's Nürburgring.

The raised ride height has been designed to offer extra ground clearance. Under the skin, the new SUV features a re-engineered version of the Golf's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which will also appear on the upcoming A3 Allroad from VW's sister firm, Audi.

Inside, the CrossGolf gets the same cabin as the Golf Plus, with three rear seats that fold and slide independently of each other. Pricing and specification details for the Golf Plus range have yet to be announced, but the soft-roader is set to make its showroom debut in 2006. It will be equipped with transversely mounted engines delivering up to 250 horsepower.

The new CrossGolf/Marrakesh is Volkswagen's second try to market a off-road-capable version of the Golf. The first one was the not so successful Golf Country, introduced in 1990.

Source: The Car Connection

VW CrossGolf: more spy shots!

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Audi A3: Quick take

Autoblog has a nice "quick take" of the new Audi A3. They couldn't wait to get their hands on one, so they just went to their local dealership.
An advice I can recommend to everybody by the way ...

First of all, it is a heck of a lot bigger than the marketing materials or the press pictures let on. You would do yourself a favor if you try to ignore the fact it shares a platform with the new fifth generation Golf/Jetta. The interior and exterior trim put it a head above those mainstream cars. Sure the new VWs are nice, but the A3 is in a whole other league. The Jetta has a lot more hard plastic in the interior and is not as sporty. The A3 is more of a driver’s car. The controls are all at your fingertips. The steering wheel is thick and covered in perforated leather, the gear shift is placed right where it should be, and even the switch controls for the windows are purposefully placed.

Another thing that struck me was the stereo. This little car is packed with ten speakers, and it delivers excellent sound and power. Audi’s steering wheel controls are well thought out, and the inclusion of radio information into the gauge cluster is a nice touch.

Source: Autoblog

Audi A3: Quick take

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Audi A3 convertible: New pictures

AutoSpies has some new pictures about the possible Audi A3 convertible.
It's a must see! I really hope this car is going to be built...

If this new A3 cabriolet does half as well as the new A3 sportwagon is doing then Audi should have another hit on their hands...

Source: AutoSpies

Audi A3 convertible: New pictures

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VW Passat: To get DSG with TDI

Autoblog is reporting that the new VW Passat will get the DSG transmassion for the 2.0 TDI diesel engine.
Nice combination!

Source: Autoblog

VW Passat: To get DSG with TDI

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I'm back!

Hello readers,

I am back from my trip to Japan and ready to start writing again.
After a short recovery sleep, I will bring you the latest news and opinion about the German car scene again.
I am really sorry for being very quiet for 2 weeks, but from the stats I saw that you kept on visiting.
Thanks for your ongoing support!

The German Car Blog

I'm back!

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About us

The German Car Blog is delivering news and opinion about Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, VW and Porsche since 13th March 2005 and is run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.

We are the most authoritative website in the blogoshere when it comes to German cars and we are your one-stop shop for news related to the brands above.

How did we start?
Well, we are readers too. But it took us too much time each day to search for all the great news, because back in the beginning of 2005 there was no German Car Blog.
Therefore we started to collect and aggregate news, mainly intended for us, our friends and colleagues, but we soon realized that we share the desire for the latest information with many people and so we decided to go public.

Where are the other German brands?
We can't count the times we have received this question. But the answer is quite simple. The German Car Blog was established by people with a passion for particular brands and we are where we are today due to that passion. As soon as we find editors who have a passion for the other brands, we will start thinking of introducing them here.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR

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