Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

I want an A8 L. Every time I drive one my urge to abandon my nimble S4 in favor of the supersized, luxury sedan grows even stronger.

It’s not so much that I like the exterior design – although I do, and I consider it to quite easily be the most beautiful of all big sedans in the market today. The torque-laden V8 is a nice feature, but in reality I already have the same powerplant in my S4. The innovative Aluminum Space Frame is cool in an I-can’t-touch-it-but-know-it’s-a-big-differentiator kind of way; I’m really focused on things more tangible.

What kinds of things? If you allow me to start at a baseline whereby the A8 L is indeed a very well designed, capably powered, safe and luxurious automobile then we instead need to talk about the special goodies Audi has thoughtfully thrown into the mix. From the company that prides itself on having Vorsprung durch Technik literally flowing through its veins, it is unsurprising to see the confluence of technology and common-sense functionality which is pervasive throughout the vehicle.

Here are the top ten things which push the A8 L over the top (in no particular order).
1. Advanced Key Intelligent Security System
2. Adaptive Lighting (in conjunction with bi-xenon headlights)
3. Unmatched Audi Interior
4. Bluetooth Integration
5. Long Wheelbase
6. Alcantara Inserts and Headliner
7. Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface)
8. Self-Retracting Video Screen
9. Starter Button
10. Adaptive Suspension

Labels: Audi

Supersaloons aren't what they used to be! In the pursuit of ultimate pace, it's no longer good enough to make do with a 'mere' six or even eight cylinders - 10 is the minimum in the fast executive market.

So, with a reworked version of the V10 Lamborghini Gallardo engine, plus Audi's famous quattro drivetrain, the new S6 has all the right ingredients. The storming RS4 also proves the firm is on top of its game, and we couldn't wait to try this latest performance flagship.

Labels: Audi, Lamborghini

While Audi works to show cubic capacity is king, parent company Volkswagen is hoping to prove that its new diesel offers an alternative to sheer size.

The powerplant is fitted to the oil-burning answer to the Golf GTI, badged the GT TDI. This car's 2.0-litre four-cylinder delivers 167bhp, and also offers 350Nm of torque.

The 0-60mph sprint takes a little over eight seconds, and the top speed is 137mph. Far more impressive is that the torque is available from low in the rev range. This means pulling out of junctions in second gear causes few problems.

While the engine is pleasingly quiet on the move, the suspension set-up isn't as firm and sporty as on the GTI, and the GT's handling is significantly less composed as a result. That said, a combined economy figure of 46mpg - 11mpg better than the petrol car's - makes this more bearable.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

R you ready for the most exciting Volkswagen ever?

The newcomer is one of at least 25 new models the firm is launching over the next five years - these include the new Eos convertible, a Golf-based SUV and even a Golf coupé, as revealed by Auto Express in Issue 886. With striking looks and a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout, the new roadster will provide a cut-price rival to the Boxster, plus BMW's Z4 and Mercedes' SLK, as well as competing directly with the Honda S2000 and Vauxhall's forthcoming GT.

The mag's pictures, which are based on exclusive insider information, reveal the machine has changed little from the Concept R show car.

Key styling cues such as the wheel-at-each-corner stance, curvy shape and twin roll hoops - which hide the electric folding canvas roof - remain intact. To make the new roadster as cost-effective as possible, the concept's hi-tech cabin, which featured a fixed seating arrangement with movable pedals and a digital dashboard, will be replaced with a minimalist layout.

Keeping costs down is paramount - a production version of the Concept R was due to arrive this year, but bosses reportedly canned the project because its price had edged towards the £32,600 cost of a Boxster. VW is believed to be targeting a figure of around £27,000 for the new model.

Without a mid-engined platform in its line-up, the firm is expected to join forces with another manufacturer to create a chassis for the new roadster - which is tipped by experts to have a spaceframe layout. VW is also expected to call on the expertise of Lotus Engineering (see panel) to develop the car's suspension and handling.

Power shouldn't be a problem for the firm, though. With more than 250bhp from the 3.2-litre V6 FSI engine borrowed from the Passat saloon, the featherweight machine should cover the 0-60mph sprint in five seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155mph.

A performance diesel model, which will be powered by the 170bhp 2.0-litre engine from the Golf GT TD, will arrive soon after the petrol version debuts in 2009. Both models are set to use a six-speed manual gearbox, while the firm's DSG sequential shift transmission will also be available.

Labels: Porsche, VW

The New York Auto Show may not carry the weight of Detroit or L.A. to all of the auto industry, though the fact that this show takes place in the heart of one of the Audi brand’s top markets hasn’t gone unnoticed by schedule makers in Ingolstadt. As such, NY will play home to no less than the world launch of the second-generation TT Coupe and the latest B7 versions of the A4 and S4 Cabriolet models.

Why so many new offerings for a show that has traditionally not been as critical? Well, it’s no surprise that the US market is quite important to Audi’s aggressive growth strategies. However, timing didn’t hurt wither with the show being just one week following the Internet debut of the TT Coupe.

The rumor is that Ingolstadt initially was more skeptical about rushing the new car to New York for its show debut, though aggressive lobbying from Audi of America helped convince Germany that New York was the place to be.

The A4 and S4 Cabriolet models will hit the US market not long after their April debut in New York, though it could take some more time for the TT. Regarding the TT, there’s been no reliable word yet on when the car will hit the market, though it is a fairly safe bet that it won’t hit the market before Fall 2006.

Labels: Audi

For the second day in a row, Audi engineers from quattro GmbH have been spied testing the new R8 production car at the Nurburgring. Yesterday, a matte black and polka dot liveried car (license # HN 06918) was seen rounding the ‘Ring, while today another example (license # HN VQ 400) in a blue hue not far from the Le Mans concept car’s light blue color was even spotted sitting still with the rear engine cover up. While sadly no engine shots were attained, these photographs reveal even more accurately just how little the R8 will differ aesthetically from the original Le Mans concept car.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

But unlike Mercedes-Benz, which offers a variety of V8-powered luxury SUVs — the ML500, R500 and the new full-size GL450 — Audi has decided to straddle the entire luxury SUV segment with one vehicle, the V8-powered seven-seat 2007 Audi Q7. At a base price of $49,900, Audi has even priced the Q7 right between the Benzes.

But can one Audi take on three Benzes? After 10 days in the driver seat of the buck-toothed Q7, we're convinced it's up to the task.

The second you enter the driver seat, there's an unmistakable heft about the Q7. The doors are heavy, the seat is firm and the controls require a heavy hand. Despite its tight turning circle, the Q7 feels a bit cumbersome around town. City drivers can feel like they're piloting a small ship to the grocery store.

Audi did this on purpose. The company's cars have always had a smaller-than-they-are kind of feel, even the not-so-lithe A8 L feels light on its feet and athletic. But this time Audi has decided to increase the Q7's feeling of size from behind the wheel. Although its controls have the precision you expect in an Audi, and the Q7 changes direction as well as any SUV we've ever tested, the Q7 feels like it would rather be driven through the impending obstacle than around it.

Aglow in red illumination, the Q7's state-of-the-art interior mimics the wonderful interior in the A6 sedan. Audi has managed a high-tech presentation without a sacrifice in comfort or warmth. Our test car had the optional premium Cricket leather seating, and natural walnut, leather and aluminum trim surrounding the cockpit-style control panel. Fit and finish, along with the quality of the materials, remains industry leading.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The German prestige car manufacturer, which has supported Lord March’s two- and four-wheel motorsport extravaganza since 1998, will display and demonstrate a host of vehicles.

An ultra-rare 1939 Auto Union D-Type has been "recreated" by Roach Manufacturing and Crosswaite & Gardiner and will make its first public appearance. The D-Type’s first race with the unusual double-supercharger engine configuration was the 1939 Belgium Grand Prix while H. P. Müller won the car’s very next race (French GP).

Two other Auto Unions are also expected to come over from AUDI AG’s highly-acclaimed Museum in Ingolstadt in July.

The very original Audi quattro rallycar will be joined by a 1983 GpB Audi quattro A2 rally machine. Both ex-factory cars have been lovingly and superbly restored by Manchester-based quattro enthusiast John Hanlon.

Labels: Audi

The incredible 1,000bhp Bugatti Veyron made its first appearance at a UK event when it roared up the Goodwood hillclimb on March 23rd during the annual Festival of Speed press launch.

Lord March said: ‘I was thrilled to bring the Bugatti Veyron to Goodwood for its debut, even more so when they allowed me to drive it up the hill. It is a sensational piece of engineering. It is always an honour to welcome great drivers and riders to Goodwood for these occasions, and once again we were fortunate to be blessed with fantastic weather and a great day’s action. We are all looking forward to the Festival in July.’

Labels: Bugatti

Labels: Lamborghini

The car formally known as the Le Mans Quattro was recently caught on public roads around the Nürburgring in Germany. The concept featured a V10 "biturbo" engine with FSI to produce 610 bhp at 6,800 rpm. We'd guess the production version of this supercar, which looks close to production readiness in these photos, will debut at the Paris Show this fall.

Labels: Audi