Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Between now and January 2, 2007, Audi of America is offering promotional lease rates on several models.

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

Best Sports Car

For the price of the F430, you could purchase two of our selection - the Porsche Cayman S - and have cash left over. So from one perspective, the Cayman's a deal, but it's much more than that. It's also the perfect blend of performance, quality, and luxury that people expect from this storied brand. We simply couldn't get enough of the great sounds the Porsche six made from just a few inches behind your head.

Best Uber Alles Car

We found the Bentley Continental Flying Spur powerful, luxurious, and a joy to drive. Under the hood is a knockout 6.0-liter, 410-kW V-12 that kicks the Spur to 100km in 4.9 seconds - just right for fleeing the paparazzi. If you want to show the world you've made it but aren't up for a Rolls, the Flying Spur's the way to go.

Best Hardtop Convertible

Tight, bright, and fun to drive, the Volkswagen Eos easily won in this category. We very much like cars with a nice balance of handling, power and quality construction. The Eos had all these, and an easy-to-take base price of $27,990. And it doesn't look like a Beetle.

Labels: Bentley, Porsche, VW

Labels: Foursprung, The German Car Blog

Das Spitzenmodell von Bugatti, das 1000 PS hat, solle demnächst in einer Sportversion mit 1200 PS auf den Markt kommen. Resch: „So starke Motoren sind in der Formel 1 nicht zugelassen.“ Auch Daimler-Chrysler plane für die E-Klasse einen knapp 700-PS-Motor.

The top model of Bugatti, which has 1000 HP, is to come shortly in a sport version with 1200 HP on the market. Resch: „So strong engines are not certified in the formula 1. “Also Daimler Chrysler flat for the E-class one scarcely 700-PS-Motor.

Labels: Bugatti

Volkswagen has told a US publication that starting with the 2007 model, Volkswagen will be offering the US a five-door GTI model.

The five-door Volkswagen GTI adds an additional 60 pounds and will cost $500 more than the three-door.

Labels: VW

Labels: Bentley

Labels: Bentley

Labels: Lamborghini

I have somewhat mixed feelings about the Cayman S. Porsche's intention was to offer a coupe between the Boxster and the 911. The car's lines seem to appeal to enthusiasts, who find the design beautiful. I've heard many people shout ''Wow!''. Personally, I think I prefer the Boxster S. In fact, both have familiar traits, most notably the big fog lights. With its bubble roofline, the car reminds me of the Audi TT.

In terms of storage, there's a generous trunk up front. In the back, space seems limited at first; however, when opening the liftgate, one realizes that a standard suitcase could easily be stored flat and fixed with the cargo net -- out of sight for potential burglars.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Porsche, VW

More cars with earth-shattering performance have been launched in the new century than we can shake a multiprofiled camshaft at. Yet, too often, supercars aren't the most super cars. Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year, the delightful 2007 Volkswagen GTI, reminds us why.

Don't get us wrong. We'll never look down our noses at 500-hp screamers with roofs so low you can slip in and out from under semitrailers without a scratch. But if the last year has shown us anything--with its punishing fuel prices and growing recognition of the dire effects of global warming--it's that what the world really needs now is not cars that are fast, but cars that are practical, fuel-efficient, and fast. And that's where the new GTI, reborn for the Volkswagen Golf's--excuse us, Rabbit's--fifth generation and once again immensely fun to drive, comes in. It's the right car for our times. Hell, it's the right car for any time.

Labels: VW

We thought it might be a done deal. Well, as with any rumors that far out and no matter how high the source, rumors are subject to change. For whatever reason, though probably costs due to the strong Euro, the RS 4 Cabriolet for the U.S.A. is now off.

Labels: Audi

These preliminary test components show exactly how “excitement and wow factors” can be added to the Audi TT and jump the car to cutting edge design. Additional design work is in progress and special packages including upswing Lambo-style (gullwing) doors for this new generation of Audi TT’s will be available soon.

Labels: Audi

AUDI AG will employ 350 employees with university qualifications next year. “We need highly qualified young professionals to strengthen the core competences of the company and thus enhance our innovative power. Interesting tasks and individual possibilities for development are elementary when it comes to remaining an attractive employer in the long-term,” Dr Werner Widuckel, Board Member for Human Resources, expresses his conviction.

Audi follows the principle of Vorsprung durch Technik in its selection of staff as well. More than half of the new employees will be deployed in the area of Technical Development. There is a particularly high demand for engineers with qualifications in the areas of electrical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering and vehicle technology. However, engineers with qualifications in other specialist areas also stand a good chance.

Experts are above all needed in the development teams for Clean Diesel engines and hybrid drive systems – AUDI AG intends to be well-prepared for the challenges of the future. For this reason, the company is actively involved in research into engines which are both efficient and powerful at the same time.

Labels: Audi

In a deserted street at night an urban fox is prowling, as it passes an electrical shop it is caught in the lights of a car which appears on a television, as the lights get closer the television bursts out of window and starts driving down the street to reveal 'Vorsprung durch Television' as the Audi Channel on 884 on Sky Television is introduced.

Labels: Audi

Racedesign has a complete aero body kit for the B4-series Audi A6, beginning with the company's RDX single-frame grille and front spoiler. As an option, Racedesign also offers a genuine Audi grille with additional styling cues from the Volkswagen GTI.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi, Lamborghini

Volkswagen has said that its new Volkswagen Tiguan will launch with a regular gasoline engine at its initial launch in 2007 in the US, but will get a 2.0 liter TDI BLUETEC in the beginning of 2008.

Volkswagen also reported that its first Petrol-Electric Hybrid will be a Jetta in 2009, which may also use the BLUETEC technology. The company also said that its luxury brand, Audi, is planning to jump on board with its own line of BLUETEC in 2008.

Labels: Audi, VW

Labels: Audi

Three new models of year 2007 Audi A6L, including 3.2 FSI (front-wheel drive), 3.2 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro, were put into market in Sanya city, Hainan Island in China on Nov, 5. Powered by top-level FSI direct injection engines, brand new Audi A6Ls maintain superior performance both at dynamic and fuel economy.

The 3.2 FSI, which gains 188 kW (255 bhp) at 6,500 rpm and generates a constant torque of 330 Nm at 3,250 rpm. The V8 4.2 FSI engine, as the top quality and superior performance unit for home grown sedans, even gains 257kW (350 bhp) at 6,800 rpm and generates a constant torque of 440 Nm at 3,500 rpm. The two new engines will further strengthen Audi's top position of high dynamic and operation at China domestic market. The base price range of Audi A6L 3.2 FSI (front-wheel drive) will come from 573,900 to 647,200 Yuan (RMB). 3.2 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro will be sold 701,300 and 856,300 Yuan (RMB) respectively.

Mr. An Tiecheng, general manager of FAW-Volkswagen, introduced 2007 new models of Audi A6L to the attendees, "FAW Volkswagen has long experienced developments and tests for the components matching and Audi A6L road test so as to be sure of the high performance and quality of the three new models".

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The goal will be to improve materials handling and the general work flow, making the plant more efficient overall. One insider told Automotive News that Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking is going to send consultants to VW’s other factories, too, with the under performing Spanish ones to be first after Wolfsburg.

The goal is to prepare VW to challenge Toyota, which is on track to become the World’s biggest carmaker by the end of 2007. The irony here is that Toyota’s own consultants helped Porsche’s turnaround in the early 90’s and it’s since become the most profitable carmaker in the business. “If anyone can challenge the Toyota benchmark (for efficiency), it’s VW,” Wiedeking said. “But that requires extremely hard work, and it doesn’t happen overnight.”

Labels: Porsche, Volkswagen

Labels: Bentley

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

In the summer months, Phillips uses what sounds like pure biodiesel in the starter tank. He uses B50 now that it's colder out and gets 40-45 mpg on whatever fuel he's using. He has a different scale for "petro-miles," though, and says he can get "hundreds of miles per diesel fuel gallon."

Labels: VW

Labels: Bentley

STUTTGART -- Four years after the launch of the current series, Porsche's iconic 911 will be upgraded for the summer of 2008.

The front end will get a larger air intake, and the rear lighting will be redesigned.

Major technological innovations to the 911 will include a conversion of the six-cylinder gasoline engine to direct injection and the addition of an optional dual-clutch transmission.

The transmission will allow shifts without interrupting driving power, even in manual mode.

Porsche's direct-injection engine, dubbed DFI, is projected to cut fuel consumption by about 10 percent.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Audi’s RS4 is race car technology in everyday clothes, it’s not pretentious and doesn’t have a tacky add-on body kit or loud graphics. It’s an exciting, rewarding and safe performance car, and is without a doubt Times Motoring’s highlight of 2006.

Labels: Audi

Seidl focuses primarily on aero body add-ons, starting with new front and rear bumpers. The front bumper has massive air-intake cutouts flanking a new matte-black grille insert. The rear bumper incorporates a skirt and a diffuser for the dual exhaust.

Side skirts are a bit more subtle. But the custom alloy wheels are distinctive, and are shod with ultra-low-profile performance rubber.

Labels: Audi

The changes aren’t massive – this is a special edition, not a completely re-engineered car. Outside there are smoked lights, 18-inch multi-spoke wheels that look just like the ones fitted to the GTi CAR Magazine raced in the Volkswagen Cup last year, and various bits of colour coding on the normally black body kit.

Let’s get straight to the point: we love the extra poke, like the leather on the seats and pretty much hate all the other changes. The problem is that the standard car is just so good that this really does feel like gilding the lilly.

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

Labels: Lamborghini

Festive lighting is all around us, but some sources are much more unusual than others. Car maker Audi, for example, has used LED illumination to spectacular effect in its new R8 sports car, which will not only pierce the night sky with a total of 24 front-mounted LED driving lamps and 186 LED brake lights, but will also shed light on a component that is rarely visible – the engine.

Due to be launched by the Vorsprung durch Technik brand next spring priced from £76,725, the 187mph 2-seater is available with an optional interior light package that not only includes Light Emitting Diode (LED) cabin illumination, but also bathes the engine compartment in LED light, drawing onlookers’ attention to its powerful eight cylinder unit through its clear glass ‘bonnet’.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Now it's in production, and it has rewritten the TT rule book. The first thing you have to say is that it still starts unequivocally with the look, but the look has translated very elegantly indeed from a car that you might have thought was impossible to follow without becoming corny.

It's every inch a TT, but slightly sharper cut, with a bit more detail in the flanks and tail, and sitting behind the now archetypal big-grille that defines the brand. More than ever, the TT looks compact but muscular, and the minimal overhangs, wide tracks and athletic forward crouch that echo the icon make it look beautifully proportioned and very well-planted.

It's terrific inside, too, with no fuss, clean shapes, clear, functional instrument binnacle and the latest incarnations of the signature rotary air vents and other techy-sporty design cues. But the look doesn't feel at all contrived, or style-for-style's sake, and of course the quality is superb.

Labels: Audi

Along those lines, and also adhering to the lines of "holy frick" and "so sweet," is Ken Prather's 1962 Volkswagen Bus, which features a mid-engine 355 small-block and a 7-inch chop job, after serving as a hippie van in a former life. This once mini-RV has been reduced to a two-seat hot rod monstrosity, complete with a steel rollcage, drag seats and a VW flower vase made of billet aluminum. Suicide doors, 10 mpg, drag parachute.

Labels: VW

Labels: The German Car Blog

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The 300km/h two-seater – due in SA in September 2007 - will be available with the (optional) interior light package that not only includes LED cabin illumination but also bathes the engine compartment in the same kind of light.

Each headlight on the R8 has 12 LED daytime running lights spaced along its lower curve as well as with bi-xenon dipped and main beam headlights. The rear has 186 LED tail lights.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Despite which, 2006 was about as unanimous as anyone can remember. Once we'd surveyed the field of runners and riders, one car stood out head and shoulders above the (admittedly very talented) competition - the new Audi TT.

Its real strength is that it blurs the boundaries between the two different categories that most of us divide cars into. There are everyday cars, the ones we can hope to own without being called up to the first eleven by a major Premiership team. And then there are the dream cars, those we can ogle from a distance and mentally put on the list for consideration when our seven numbers come up. Yet the TT, to perhaps a greater extent than anything else on the road, falls into both categories.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

Senior board members confirm Audi is working on a diesel version of its new R8 Porsche-fighter in the aftermath of its historic 2006 Le Mans win with the diesel-powered R10 racer.

The engine is the same as that just launched in the Q7 and introduced in the A8, a 6.0-liter V-12 with 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. That's slightly less power than the Lamborghini-derived V-10 version will have, but way more torque. With the right gearing, this means the diesel could be the quickest of the R8s.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Audi Channel was the first ever branded television channel in the UK. Now Audi give you another automotive first. As well as being able to access all Audi Channel programming through audi.co.uk, you can download Audi Channel content to your personal MP3 device (e.g. a video iPod) direct from the Audi Channel page on Apple iTunes.

Recent programme highlights include fashion designer Wayne Hemingway in Seville, Q7 Drivetime, Science of Sport, and “Cold Feet” star James Nesbitt “In The Front Seat”. Choose from these and many more and enjoy Audi Channel wherever you go.

Labels: Audi

Six models dressed in a birthday outfit are available. Every single model is a masterpiece designed especially for Abt Sportsline's jubilee. With the A3, A4 and A6 three special Audi models are available as well as the three Volkswagen models Eos, Golf and Passat dressed in a designer outfit. All cars from the special series are identified with a special logo "series110", which is also apparent in the car interior.

Labels: Audi

In its annual Editors’ Choice Awards, Autobytel selected the Volkswagen GTI and all-new Eos as the Best New Performance Car Under $40,000 and Best New Convertible Under $75,000, respectively. The Editors’ Choice Awards names the best new 2007 vehicles on the market as decided by a team of veteran automotive editors.

Labels: VW

The Porsche Carrera GT has stopped rolling off the production line for quite some time, but the tuning masters at Gemballa found a way to give this supercar a mean come-back.

The Gemballa Mirage WP Black Edition was built on specification for an Arabian customer.

Modifications include a unique body kit, an improved framework and the ceramic brakes have also been adapted.

They've kept the wheel size at 19-inches while the profile has been changed to 265/35 at the front and 335/30 at the back.

After tweaking the already potent 456 kW strong V10 engine and the exhaust system, the end result is a Gembella tuned Carrera GT kicking out a whopping 484 kW of power.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The Advanced Power TopLED from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has graduated to the new sports car with the four rings, the Audi R8. The headlights now feature LEDs and look absolutely stunning, with the tiny light sources emphasizing the sleek curves. The LEDs provide high-visibility daytime running light without placing an appreciable load on fuel consumption.

With their impressive performance – 18 lumen at an operating current of 140 mA – the Advanced Power TopLEDs rank between Power TopLEDs and Golden Dragons in terms of their brightness. They achieve this through a combination of ThinGaN technology and chip-level conversion to produce white light. The yellow converter is located directly on the blue chip – which is not the case with the frequently used volume encapsulation method. The result is higher luminance and better optical efficiency.

The introduction of mandatory daytime running light in numerous countries throughout Europe is giving vehicle manufacturers a further opportunity to differentiate their products from those of competitors with unique headlight designs. The Advanced Power TopLED provides concentrated light from very small dimensions and has an edge length of only 500 µm. This gives stylists enormous freedom to create imaginative designs. What’s more, their high-temperature behavior meets the stringent requirements of the automobile industry for this application.

In the Audi R8 the daytime running light is provided by twelve tiny LED spotlights per headlight. The advantage over using normal low-beam headlights for daytime running light is the much lower power consumption. The LEDs are housed in an SMT package and can be further processed by the customer using standard processes. The Advanced Power TopLED will be available on the market with these specifications from mid 2007.

Labels: Audi

The second generation of Audi's new sports car arrived earlier this year, and impressed us with its matured looks and with the excellent handling of both models - the front-wheel-driven 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder and the 3.2-liter V-6 with quattro all-wheel drive.

Both engines will be available in the 2008 TT Roadster that is expected to hit the North American market in September.

Both engines are a delight. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four delivers 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, and is teamed to a six-speed manual gearbox, while the sequential automatic six-speed S-Tronic transmission will be available. It's a muscular four-cylinder with one of the most linear power deliveries of any turbo powerplant we know.

The 3.2-liter six-cylinder has 250 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and has the S-tronic transmission (formerly DSG) standard. Its growl is considerably throatier than the turbo four, and it does deliver some additional power.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

Mach 1:

A one-day course aimed at safe driving, acquainting participants with high speeds and the racetrack in Misano. The programme establishes a correct driver position and includes intensive handling exercises. Dates 26 and 27 October 2006. Price per participant, including night at the Hotel Riviera Golf and Resort, Euro 3.960.

Mach 2:

A one-and-a-half day course with a focus on handling Lamborghini’s power output. Price per participant, including night at Charme et Relais Hotel, Euro 5.640.

Mach 3:

A two-day course in Misano, during which the participants learn to pilot a Lamborghini at racing speed. Essential elements include driving the racing line and braking techniques. A course highlight is a track session behind the wheel of the 640 hp Lamborghini Murciélago LP640, as well as the Gallardo test drive programme. Dates 30/31 October . Price per participant, including night at the Hotel Riviera Golf and Resort, Euro 7.200.

Labels: Lamborghini

This is a sophisticated, significantly larger automobile, available with all the special engineering features in Audi's repertoire, and it has a dramatically larger price tag than before as a result. Fortunately, the 2008 Audi TT Roadster also has a dramatically improved sporting personality.

This car's astonishing style and quality make it a more grown-up proposition than its rivals.

Labels: Audi

Audi AG said it will start making cars in India in the autumn of 2007 with the assembly of the Audi A6, using imported auto parts produced in Germany.

The plant in Aurangabad, located in the manufacturing facility of SkodaAuto India, plans to assemble more than 300 cars in 2008.

Labels: Audi

This has to be the most unorthodox vehicle to ever attempt lapping the 'Ring at speed. Sure there are tour buses that will shuttle people around the track for a fee, and many people run their own vehicles on the North loop to see what it feels like to be Hans Stuck, if only for 15-20 minutes. But how many of them can take a motorhome round the course in 11 minutes? Heck, that's a pretty decent time for a sports sedan.

Labels: VW

Labels: Lamborghini

Labels: VW

"So why have you brought a Lamborghini to the Faroe Islands?" asks the man in the sober grey suit. "I wanted to come somewhere with dramatic scenery and great roads," I explain.

"To a place where there are no speed cameras or petty bureaucracy." The man looks a little concerned and photographer Salt intervenes. "Alistair," he says, "let me introduce you to the Faroes Minister for Transport."

Labels: Lamborghini

Drive it down any street, anywhere in the world, and you'll be surrounded, clambered over, prodded and poked by throngs of people wanting to get up close to this extrovert supercar.

Labels: Lamborghini

Ever since we dumped the clutch at 4000 rpm in the latest, 997-based, 480-hp 911 Turbo, we've been keeping the Tiptronic (Porsche-speak for automatic) version in the back of our mind. That's because Porsche's claimed acceleration times for the slushbox Turbo are 0.3-second quicker to 60 mph. Based on the manual we tested, the automatic should be capable of hitting 60 mph in a stunning 3.1 seconds and pass the quarter in 11.4. Skeptical that the five-speed automatic version could possibly out-perform the six-speed manual's vicious, four-wheel burnout that results in a flabbergasting 1.1-second catapult to 30 mph and 3.4-second blast to 60 mph, we headed to the track.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

However choosing the winner was no problem at all. Without doubt the closest thing on the road to an out-and-out competition car is the Audi RS4.

This monster machine has a 309 kW V8 engine producing monstrous power, allied to quattro four-wheel drive and the best brakes we have ever sampled.

The RS4 can jet from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 16.6 seconds. It's electronically limited to 250 km/h.

It looks racy too and the RS4 comes with beefy wheel-arches, flashy wheels, and pumped-up shark-like spoiler gills which give it a pimped look. At the rear there are two huge exhausts complementing the overall brutal look.

Labels: Audi

Following last years win of the 'Autocar Middle East Car of the Year' award for the Audi A6 Avant, German premium car manufacturer Audi was proud to receive yet another trophy for the Audi RS4 as 'Best Premium Sports Car of the Year' at the 2006 Autocar Middle East Awards.

An independent panel of expert motoring judges cast its vote after extensive analysing, testing and judging the region's top cars. Of a possible total of 900 points, the RS4 came in second for the prestigious 'Car of the Year' award, only one point behind this years overall winner, the Porsche 997 Turbo.

Labels: Audi

It was developed in collaboration with Audi (it was labelled at first as the Audi Crossbow) and will be powered by that company's two-litre, turbocharged TFSI engine which is rated at 156kW in standard tune but can be tuned to 240kW.

The X-Bow weighs less than 700kg, which translates to electrifying performance; KTM quotes a 0-100km/h "comfortably less than four seconds" in standard trim!

A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard but a paddle-shift DSG transmission will be offered at extra cost.

Labels: Audi, Others

Which brand according to you has the best placement in the film?
I think all the brands have been placed exceptionally well. However the one that stands out is the Audi A6, especially because it blends so well with the script. Generally, audiences would expect an elite family such as the one featured in the movie, to drive around in a Mercedes. But this platform was perfect to launch a brand with the likes of Audi. International audiences are also looking up to Bollywood. Baabul has also made it to the UK charts as the 8th best movie its first weekend itself. With the Audi being placed in Baabul, it will enjoy a lot of international visibility too. .

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

Labels: Bentley

Sports coupes are our dream cars. We will likely lust after a sports sedan for its blend of practicality and performance, but what we really love is the sexy seriousness of a no-frills 2-door — a car whose shape is formed for beauty and speed, not practicality. Spry fender-flared, arched-roof coupes have always been the icon for youth and the mid-life crises. For good reason, as these are the cars that will never be a practical choice, only an emotional one.

On our last day Stephane and I sat at Caf é Roma in downtown Munich and debated which we'd take home. For him the practicality and capability of the TT was more than enough to win him over. The edgy nature of the Cayman made it my favorite, but I had to concede that the TT offered a lot more, especially for the price.

Labels: Audi, Porsche

This is the Roadster, a convertible that's sure to be a hit with style-conscious sun-seekers.

Add in the fact that the newcomer is much better to drive than the outgoing car, and Audi has another undoubted success on its hands.

Labels: Audi

There are plenty of performance cars on the market today. I don't mean the Zonda's and Koenigsegg's, but the real-life stuff, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX STi or the Mitsubishi Evo IX, either of which provide instant gratification for performance fans.

The RS 4 quattro offers the same exhilarating performance but in more refined surroundings, as befits the Audi badge. However, you do pay a good bit more for the pleasure.

Labels: Audi

Oh, there's plenty to like about the A3, starting with the sleek exterior. It looks sportier and more modern than a conventional wagon, but it's just as versatile. The cabin is refined and tastefully trimmed. Audi does a great job, too, on all the little details, things like those knurled rotary knobs on the steering wheel for the audio system.

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

Labels: Lamborghini

Labels: Bugatti

Audi's motorsports techies, titans of the oil-burning racecar scene, say they want to run the R10 racer on biofuel at next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's part of a companywide move, says Audi Sport's head of engine technology Ulrich "Torquenstein" Baretzky, to develop biofuel combustion technology for VW/Audi. But they won't be using leftover horse lard from the local bistros; they're planning to use Biomass to Liquid (BTL) fuel, or a synthetic derivative of plant-based oil, the producers of which are owned by team sponsor Shell.

Labels: Audi

As is customary for Abt, the “R” in AS7-R stands for “Racing”. And of course the vehicle based on the Q7 is a true racer. The top speed surges to approximately 260 km/h – a value that is not only impressive in the segment of the SUVs. Equipped with a supercharger, the 4.2 ltr V8 model becomes a husky performer. In comparison to the serial model, Abt has boosted the power of the AS7-R by awe-inspiring additional 150 HP. Now mighty 500 horses drive the heavyweight and manage the spring from zero to 100 km/h I just 5.9 seconds. The AS7-R is not only an extreme sports car, it is lordly, too. The front spoiler lip and fender extensions are painted in striking matt chrome; the other body parts are matt black. The extravagant as well as discreet look is continued in the car interior. The Abt designer team from Kempten has created a high-quality concept for the luxury SUV with a leather interior package and a multimedia system developed by Abt Sportsline’s technology partner Alpine Electronics. The exceptional Rear-Seat-Entertainment System comprises, amongst others, 10-inch monitors integrated in the front seats, DVD-changer for six discs, tuner, iPod, DVB-T tuner and a Playstation 2. Handling is simple – and, of course, perfected to detail; just what you would expect of an Abt car.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

- Audi R8, R10 TDI, 2006 A4 DTM, TT Roadster and Many More
- Available at European Audi Dealership Locations or Via the Internet and Hotline

The new Audi R8 sports car in one of six different colors under the Christmas tree, this year’s Le Mans winning R10 TDI on the shelf, or the starting gride of the 2006 Audi A4 DTM team on the desk. It is all possible now.

These Audi offerings are now available in 1:43 scale.

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

Called the Combined Combustion System (or CCS for short), it mixes the most favourable characteristics of both petrol and diesel technology to make one low emissions, high efficiency power unit which runs on synthetic biofuel. Mounted in the nose of the recently facelifted Touran, the engine was introduced to the motoring press this week.

The CCS engine recognises the possibility that, in order to meet tightening emissions standards and ever higher demands for fuel efficiency, car makers may have to abandon conventional petrol and diesel engines in favour of a new type of motor altogether. VW's take on this engine of the future is an advanced four-cylinder based on the German car maker’s upcoming 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine due to head into production in 2008.

Labels: Audi, VW

Labels: Bentley

Down in the village, Isgen executes a U-turn, and we speed up the magic mountain for the first time. Even though he changes gears at a relaxed 6000 rpm--some 2250 rpm shy of the redline--the two-seater feels light-footed, inspired, and very, very quick. Fourth gear seems to be fine for the quicker corners, and third is all it takes for the panoramic 90-degree stuff. No drama, no exultation, no pulling or pushing, absolutely no indication of zooming in on the limit, let alone overstepping it. Quite the contrary: the R8 corners with the precision of a pair of micrometers.

Labels: Audi

During the weekend when some of the most important names in art and fashion held parties into the wee hours of the night, one automotive brand made an important product introduction: Audi.

Among the weekend’s highlights was the private debut of the R8 to one of the most important groups of qualified buyers, those in town for Art Basel Miami. Not only were attendees likely to be good prospects as R8 customers, but many are thought- and style-leaders and able to create a buzz among their friends that few advertising campaigns can match. Even at the curbside Audi had one reason to think its newest product might be well-received: a substantial number of the guests arrived in Bentley products, Bentley being a fellow Volkswagen brand.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The Tech Car of the Year award goes to the car that shows the best in-cabin electronics, power-train innovation, and safety technology. We nominated 10 cars that received the highest ratings in CNET's uniquely tech-oriented reviews. Please vote for the car you think sports the best tech, and we'll use these results in our final determination. Look at the nominees, read the awards criteria, and discuss your choice in our forum. As of Jan. 5, 2007, we'll end user voting so we can tally the final results, and present the award on Jan. 12, 2007.

Labels: Audi

- Audi RS 4 Avant joins sedan sibling, with Cabriolet to follow
- Audi S6 V10 arrives with 320kW of power
- Audi S8 V10 launched with Gallardo engine and Bang & Olufsen sound system

Audi is launching a trio of superb S models in Australia this week with the arrival of the RS 4 Avant, S6 and S8.

These range-topping supercars represent the ultimate ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, combining exceptional performance with innovative technology and contemporary design.

Market introduction for all three models commences immediately - just in time for some lucky customers to find an Audi S model under the Christmas tree.

Labels: Audi

The next big thing is hybrids, and Wolfsburg's not about to be left holding their hats. To that effect, Volkswagen is tipped to release a hybrid Jetta in two years.

Volkswagen TDIs have already been giving hybrids a run for their money (and hybrid cynics ammunition), so we'd expect a VW hybrid to shame the Prius green.

Labels: VW

The GTI was roped in to numerous tests during its year with us. It showed its lookalike younger brother, the Polo, how a GTI should really behave on the Cat and Fiddle Pass in the Peak District (093), and it pulled out another convincing victory, albeit a slimmer one, when it met up with the Focus ST and the Octavia vRS (089).

Despite its accolades, some still accuse the GTI of being a little dull and almost too competent. In the office I wasn’t mobbed for the keys half as often as you might expect. But the beauty of a hot hatch is that it can carry five people, do a trip to the Continent, swallow the shopping (or in my case a bike) and still entertain if you decide to take the interesting way home from the shops. And none does it better than the Golf. I might be able to replace the GTI with a car that’s its equal on one of my two journeys, but I’ll struggle to find one that’s so brilliant on both.

Labels: VW

Labels: Audi

Limited. Because perfection demands it.

The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, subjecting every part and component to intense scrutiny. This ensures that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built will more than match the exacting quality standards of Audi.

Labels: Audi

Anyhow, back to that gorgeous V10 that got me in the habit of leaving my door open when turning on the car, because the sound of that yawning lion made me shudder with anticipation or with fantasies of a dry, unlimited-lap session back at Mosport. Yup, when you get to drive the kinds of cars were lucky enough to drive, you fantasize about driving them faster, farther, keeping them longer in a world paved with unblemished asphalt and ever-sharper hairpins, longer straightaways and countless esses... and no speed traps of course, or pedestrians or slow drivers to ruin our fun. For a few days, I felt like I was living in a partial fantasy world, because cars just seemed to drop out of sight, clover leaf ramps became skid pads, a couple of my favorite exits became hairpins leading into a series of curves that you could, if one were so inclined, call esses, and each was decidedly overcome with complete stability and rapture, a state of grace and composure the likes of which I had yet to witness until the S6 came into my life.

Labels: Audi

- The bridge between motorcycle and car
- Lightweight carbon fibre chassis
- Four cylinder TFSI from Audi
- Superior driving performance
- Purist, filterless driving experience
- Presentation at the Geneva Motor Show
- Pre-series production start already in 2007

KTM – Europe’s second biggest motorcycle manufacturer – will introduce the first ever car in the company’s 50-year history: the X-Bow. The background for this step can be found in the dynamic development of the company. An annual growth rate of 21 percent in sales and 25 percent in turnover has been achieved since the new start-up of the motorcycle production in the year 1992. The company’s output in 1992 was 6000 motorcycles with 160 employees while in the last financial year production was 84,421 motorcycles with 1697 employees.

Since the beginning of the new century, KTM, as the world market leader in the offroad segment has successively expanded its range of business activities into the street segment. The first step into the automotive sector is therefore a logical extension of this strategy. With the X-Bow, KTM can offer all those who do not have a motorcycle license a driving experience that is typical for the brand.

The Philosophy: Ready to Race

As different as cars and motorcycles may be, KTM has managed to transfer its development principles from two wheels to a sports car in every way. In this way the unique driving experience and the spectacular merits of the drive are not just dependent on the performance of the engine. Just as they have managed to do with motorcycles, the KTM developers have kept the weight of the vehicle extremely light by using the latest materials, an intelligent construction and a purist styling. The car will weigh only about 700 kg.

The interaction between the sophisticated aerodynamic concept and a motor sports-oriented chassis makes the X-Bow clearly superior to a far higher performance sports car. Thanks to its open form of construction, the just 70mm high windshield and the free standing wheels after the style of a Formula racing car, it is not only the appearance, but also the driving experience that is immediately evident as entirely unique.

Labels: Audi, Others

The German automaker’s newly revealed Southern strategy aims at booming cities such as Miami, Phoenix and Tampa-St. Petersburg, all of which are economically sound and fueled by solid construction and business climates.

“Audi has had its roots in the Northeast and the foul-weather regions and that is where we have seen great sales,” said Scott Keogh, the company’s chief marketing officer. “But we are going to where America is heading.”

This year, Audi has seen dramatic gains in its sales in larger southern cities. In Miami, sales have jumped 39%; in Dallas the figure is 23% and in Atlanta, 15%, Keogh said.

Labels: Audi

Straight car votes
1. Audi RS4 (pictured above): 9824
2. Toyota Fortuner: 2629
3. Dodge Caliber: 1808
4. VW Jetta: 979
5. Lexus IS250: 936

Labels: Audi

The last 300 Beetles came off the production line in Germany in 1978. This particular model (number 214) was stored/garaged, but only driven essential distances - hence the mileage. It comes with allsorts of history, including newspaper articles, the original bill of sale, the original battery still shrink-wrapped and three original bottles of oil.

When I last looked, the price was at £9,600 with a few days to go - so it's not too late to get a bid in!

Labels: VW

Two engine options will be available, the 2-litre FSI Turbo engine producing 250 hp and the R32 3.2-litre V6 with twin turbochargers producing 385 hp.

Options include a glass roof, folding spoiler and the gearbox from the Audi Quattro with four-wheel drive that gives optimum grip accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in five seconds.

Labels: Audi, VW

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

For a long time, I was convinced that this hole would be filled by a first-generation S3. It had the looks, the turbocharged engine, the all-wheel-drive system. And that all-important quattro badge, of course.

Then I test-drove one. It looked as good on paper as it did in the showroom. But where was the character, I found myself wondering. Where was the burning need to jump in and drive that its boxy predecessor inspired in me all those years ago?

It was therefore with some scepticism that I approached the second-generation S3 at the international launch in Munich, Germany. Scepticism, but also anticipation – it’s a truly captivating thing in the flesh, particularly in white. As with all these machined-looking, hewn-from-solid 21st century Audis, a simple, solid colour such as white only enhances the impact of the detailing. And detailing is what the S3 is all about; discreet flashes of power and aggression, not loud statements.

Labels: Audi

The RS 4 beat 22 deserving finalists at PCOTY, taking home the ultimate prize thanks to its winning combination of top performance, dynamism, driveability, design/function and value that made up Motor Magazine’s strict judging criteria.

According to PCOTY judge, David Morley, “The RS 4 is not just a competent car. Nor is it simply an intelligent or an efficient or a confidence-inspiring vehicle…it is much more than that. It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, it’s a Q-ship, it’s a proper muscle car. And even more importantly than all those things, it makes you want to drive it.”

The Audi RS 4 was also crowned Best Luxury Sports Car at the recent Australia’s Best Cars award ceremony, held in Sydney last week.

Also at Australia’s Best Cars, the Audi A6 3.0 TDI and Audi Q7 SUV also achieved a Top 3 placing in their respective categories of Best Luxury Car and Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive.

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

The Volkswagen Passat just took a big step forward. Bigger, sleeker, more powerful and more luxurious, the VW designers and engineers have turned what had become a rather drab family car into a more manageable albeit less sophisticated Phaeton.

Labels: VW

This distinctive model with it’s criss-crossed engraved bezel is worthy of its affiliation with the Bentley name. Black Dial with Silver toned/Luminous Hands & index Hour Markers.

Other Features: Chronograph/Stop watch functions. Fitted with the “Slide Rule” aka “Navigation Computer” which allows to compute different airborne calculations such as fuel consumption, climbing times & converting miles into nautical miles or kilomters. Double Window Large Date Displayed directly beneath the 12 o’clock position. Special Decorated Case-back has been Stamped/Embossed with the distinct shape & outline of a Bentley Hub-Cap.

Labels: Bentley

After many months of deal / no deal, it looks like Volkswagen is ever closer to being a part owner of Malaysian automaker Proton, which, as you know, owns Lotus.

According to the Associated Press, VW is looking at conducting a pre-Christmas audit of Proton, a move that would indicate VW is serious about investing in the Malaysian company.

Labels: Volkswagen

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi, Others

Why do I want to read about a roadster in this weather?
Look out of your window. Yes, you’ll see stormclouds, flooded roads and possibly a tornado, but you’ll probably also see an Audi TT roadster. In eight years 48,000 of them have been sold to optimistic Brits determined to make the most of every moment of weak sunshine. Astonishingly, more are sold in the UK than in any other country and at its peak the old model was outselling its nearest rival by three to one. So the new Roadster is headline news, whatever the weather, and we’ve driven it.

Labels: Audi

Optimizing the new Audi S3 by the Siegen-based tuning company B&B (Tel. / 30323-0 - www.bb-automobiltechnik.de ), leads to enormous performance, which normally is reserved by high quality sports cars from "Zuffenhausen".

From 306 hp at the entry level, 325 hp in the following level 2 up to 362 hp in the final tuning level, accelerates this S3 from 0 - 100km/h in only 4,9 seconds and achieves a Top speed of 275 km/h.

This 3-stage engine power enhancement package begins with a change in electronics and a slight increase in boost pressure to produce 306 hp and 410 nm. In the following power increase levels the S3 is boosted to 325 hp/435 nm or 362 hp/480 nm. To reach this performance,our technicians change the turbocharger, install a sport exhaust system consisting of a special downpipe and high-performance racing catalyst. To keep the engine in optimal operating conditions, the B&B team also optimizes injection and intake peripheral devices.

Labels: Audi

What role does design play for Audi?

Walter de’Silva: Before being assigned the responsibility for the design of the Audi brand group in 2002, Audi already had a highly distinctive design – namely, precision in form and technology. To appeal not only to the mind, but also to the heart and, as such, to people’s emotions, a new, modified design vocabulary was needed – if not only to stand apart more clearly in an age of increasingly fierce competition.

A further task for me was to establish a strong family resemblance within the growing model range, whilst emphasizing the individual characters of our cars. Although this appears to contradict itself, nature has already provided a brilliant solution to this problem. We took the analogy with real human families seriously and, in doing so, defined the genetic building blocks of the brand, the DNA, as it were. The outcome is an aesthetic canon that defines the design framework for architecture, style and details from future Audi models.

What does the future hold?

Walter de’Silva: We will be looking to further develop this concept of attending international design exhibitions. It is certain that the in-crowd will also get to experience us in future as a contemporary exhibitor of fresh ideas for design at similar such events. True to our brand slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik”, we will be constantly aiming to attract attention as a brand with unusual measures and to create trends before they become trends.

Labels: Audi

Audi's diminutive A3 hatchback, which starts at $33,980 with the company's excellent quattro all-wheel drive system, packs a lot of luxury punch in a small package, and, according to the EPA, gets a respectable 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

Labels: VW

Labels: Lamborghini

Labels: Porsche, VW

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

So why have we chosen the new TT as our Coupe of the Year? No, not to have a rose-tinted wander down memory lane to the heady days of the late Nineties. But because this one feels like a bona fide sports car. It really drives.

The old TT was a triumph of form over function. Looked a million dollars (that's about half a million quid in today's money), went like a hopped-up Golf. Which was what it was.

But jump in the new TT and you realise that whereas Audi left the TT's looks to evolve organically, it set about the underpinnings with a big hammer and replaced them with those of a real sports car.

That's not just a turn of phrase, either. Audi has given buyers of the new TT the option of specifying its Magnetic Ride suspension damping system, similar to that used in the Ferrari 599. The technology behind it is ridiculously complicated, but it allows you to thrash the TT from hairpin to S-bend without ever feeling out of your depth.

In fact, it drives even better than it looks. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is worth getting excited about.

Labels: Audi

I think it has more exuberant styling than the typical blob-shaped SUV, particularly at the front with its super-sized, gnashing oval grille. It looks like a super-sized RS4.

People who buy this titanic Teuton won't be seeking anonymity. Neither will they be cramped and, for those who set store in the "bigger-is-better" theory, the Q7 delivers.

Labels: Audi

Audi’s advisory board has agreed to spend 11.8 billion euros over the next five years in car development, with a massive 8.4 billion from that for brand-new models. The Audi brand intends to extend its range of vehicle models from the existing 22 to a total of 40 by the year 2015. From 2007 onwards, investments will rise steadily to around two billion euros per year.

Labels: Audi

R models as an example: The “R36” premiered in Essen represents the most powerful Passat of all time. It is powered by a 220 kW / 300 hp, 3.6 liter six cylinder direct injection gasoline engine (3.6 FSI). As part of standard equipment power transmission is handled by a direct shift gearbox (DSG) and permanent four-wheel drive (4MOTION). At 250 km/h the top speed is electronically regulated. In terms of speed, the Passat R36 outstrips every other Volkswagen in accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h: the sedan reaches the 100-km/h mark in 5.6 seconds (5.8 seconds for the Variant).

Labels: VW

Chief Executive Stephan Winkle-mann explained: "We are aiming to protect the mystique of the brand."

Labels: Lamborghini

ou won't fit behind the wheel, but this remote-controlled model of the luxury maker's drop-top is the next best thing - and the price tag is nowhere near the £130,500 of the 552bhp W12-engined original.

Labels: Bentley

This auction is for a Porsche 924 - pimped up in style of a sofa ... no engine but perfect for cozy DVD nights at home.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Audi Australia has achieved another record for the month of November – this time breaking through the 600 units per month barrier.

Ending the month with sales of 611 units, November 2006 is officially the best-ever result for the company in Australia. This represents a leap of 53 percent compared with November 2005.

Cumulatively, Audi is now almost 20 percent up on its November 2005 year-to-date sales result and heading into its final month of sales with an exceptionally strong outlook.

Managing Director, Joerg Hofmann, commented, “After achieving record results for five consecutive months in a row, we have raised the bar even higher this month and for the first time ever, have achieved national sales above 600 units.”

“To top off our great sales result, we have also won two impressive awards at the inaugural Drive Car of the Year event held last week in Sydney. Both the Audi TT and Q7 won their relevant categories, and the TT was crowned overall 2006 Drive Car of the Year!

“Audi’s star in undoubtedly on the rise in Australia,” Mr Hofmann said.

Audi will also launch three new cars before year-end, with the fearless RS 4 Avant, S6 and S8 supercars arriving on Australian shores in mid-December – just in time to be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree.

Labels: Audi

Labels: VW

The 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S exists in a world of absurdity matched by few other icons of suburban American extravagance. It's a performance SUV. Some would appropriately use the words "luxury-performance SUV." And luxury-performance SUVs, friends, are absurd.

But absurd can be fun, and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is like a 520-horsepower, 5,653-pound, all-wheel-drive barrel of monkeys.

Even at our test car's $133,315 sticker pop, the Cayenne Turbo S is sure to find an audience. This super-truck will be the next must-have for soccer moms in swanky Laguna Beach and every other upper-crust village in Southern California's upper-crust Orange County.

Labels: Porsche

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

The front-mounted camera perspective demonstrates the utterly ridiculous power of the Audi S1 and the equally ludicrous behavior of the spectators. Röhrl is a surgeon behind the wheel.

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi

Labels: Audi