Tag: Audi

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Audi

Audi Q5 S line image gallery

Audi Q5 S line

As a rule I don’t care much for mid-sized SUVs, but I think the award winning Audi Q5 is going to be the exception that proves the rule. Based on Audi’s MLB/MLP platform (see also A5 and A4), the Q5 offers a rare solution to its segment—an exterior design that is both in proportion and expertly styled. It is a much more successful solution than the clumsy BMW X3, and reports I’ve heard from the Q5 international dealer launch suggest the Q5 drives as well as it looks.

These images of the Q5 feature the S line exterior package. Here’s what Audi press blurb has to say:

The S line exterior package gives the Audi Q5 an even more dynamic presence in the form of a distinctive grill design, new bumpers, accentuated air inlets, a spoiler lip and a diffuser insert at the rear. All exterior add-on parts and the door trim strips are painted in the body color, and S line logos adorn the fenders and door sill strips. The cargo area trim strip is in gleaming stainless steel, and trims give the exhaust tailpipes of the four-cylinder versions a more prominent look.

Enjoy the images below, and don’t forget to click on the pics to launch a 2000px super image. Use the comments form to leave your thoughts.

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Audi

Audi Q5 claims gold before reaching starting blocks

Audi Q5

Earlier this year the Audi Q5 was revealed to the motoring world in China. Released prior to the Games, Audi was keen to get plenty of images in front of the soon to be iconic Olympic venues. Now, following that debut, the Q5 has won the “Golden Steering Wheel” award in the SUV class. A nice gig for Audi to be collecting awards for the Q5 even before its market release.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, was in Berlin to collect the gong. “This is a tremendous success for both the new Q5 and the Audi brand. To me, it is also an acknowledgment of the great performance of our highly motivated and committed team,” said Stadler during the awards ceremony. “Our Golden Steering Wheel also proves to me that this car is apparently not only close to my heart; it also convinced the jury.”

Audi have won more “Golden Steering Wheel” awards than any other manufacturer after picking up their first in 1975.

Also of interest, the Q5 dealer reveal took place in Spain last week, with around 14 dealers from Australia making the trip.

Perhaps the most successful step for the Q5 is proving to the world that a small-mid size SUV can actually look half decent. The Q5 is definitely a more cohesive design execution than BMW’s awkward X3, and the Audi also looks neater than it’s Tiguan stablemate form Volkswagen.

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Audi

2009 Audi S3 image gallery

2009 Audi S3 coupe

Hope you enjoy this selection of images of the 2009 Audi S3 range, including images of the familiar 3-door Coupé and the newly introduced 5-door Sportback. Also included at the end of the gallery is Audi’s press release from the Paris Motor Show and technical drawing of both models.

Click on an image to load a 2000x1320px super image.

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Audi

Audi RS6 Avant opens up

Audi RS6 Avant

Audi’s bahnstorming RS6 Avant is now on sale in Australia. Starting at $270,946 it’s fair to say buyers of this car won’t be feeling the squeeze at the petrol pump. Which is just as well, because extracting 426kW from the 5.0 litre V10 twin turbo takes a fair amount of fuel. That said, some may consider a combined urban/highway fuel consumption claim of 14.0l/100km a small price to pay for such stupendous performance. Fair enough too.

Although, there’s probably not too many that wouldn’t wince at the Luxury Car Tax giving $50K a very serious nudge, this, on top of 20-odd-thousand in GST. Wowsers!

There’s not much else to say other than enjoy the pics and stats below. Oh, the RS6 sedan will arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2009. If you’d like to check out video footage of the RS6 Avant in action, then check out Fifth Gear‘s take, filed by Tiff Needell.

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Audi

Audi S3 Sportback docks down under

Audi S3 Sportback

Back in April AUSmotive brought you pictures of the S3 Sportback, now, you can go to your local Audi dealer and see one for yourself. The five-door über hatch is 72mm longer than the three-door and Audi expects the Sportback to account for over two-thirds of Australian S3 sales. Local deliveries start in November, although I’ve heard of at least one customer receiving his S3 Sportback already.

The addition of the Sportback model ties in with a mid-cycle refresh for the 8P A3 range. Apart from the cosmetic tweaks, mostly to do with the light clusters, customers can now option some pretty trick gear on the S3 that has been previously unavailable. Technology such as Audi magnetic ride (as seen on the R8 and TT) and Audi Park Assist can now be added for $2,400 and $950 respectively.

The S3 is a lovely piece of kit, 188kW in a small car generally helps. Starting at $68,310 plus on roads, the introduction of a five-door model to the range will no doubt broaden the car’s appeal.

You know the drill, more pics and words below.

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Porsche Volkswagen

Porsche wants full control of Volkswagen before Christmas

Porsche & Volkswagen logosWell, before December actually. Porsche will hold present their annual results to the media on 26 November, and if they have their way between now and then they will have increased their stake in Volkswagen to an “absolute majority”.

This Sydney Morning Herald article explains a few of the hurdles Porsche still has to resolve before being able to fulfill their lofty ambitions. The major stumbling block is the Lower Saxony government’s blocking vote—despite only controlling 20.1 per cent of the stock. The European Commission is involved and back in July, when assessing any likely competition issues, they declared “Porsche will continue to face several strong, effective competitors”.

With just over 35 per cent of Volkswagen shares, Porsche already has effective control of the company, however formalising the majority shareholding is becoming more acrimonious by the day. Volkswagen objects to Porsche’s wish to gain access to Audi technology and is doing all it can to stand in the way of what is most probably an inevitable takeover.

Whatever happens, it is fascinating viewing and considering the possible permutations of technology and platform sharing certainly whets the appetite.

Source: Reuters, autoblog & SMH

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Audi

Audi supercharges all new S4

All new Audi S4

If you’re looking for a new mid-size saloon, or estate for that matter, that can take you from rest to the legal speed limit in a shade over five seconds, while using less than 10 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres—and let’s face it, who isn’t—then Audi have the car for you. The all new Audi S4. Powered by a brand new 3-litre V6 engine, it puts out bona fide performance all of its own, while whetting the appetite for the next gen RS4. Just don’t bother trying to work out what TFSI stands for. Back in the day it meant Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection, but now, in this world of “mehcanical turbo charging”—yes that’s it, what you and I call super charging—it is probably best just to leave it to Audi to define. The addition of the blower helps the new V6 produce the very respectable numbers of 245kW/440Nm.

You may have guessed that AUSmotive is generally a fan of all things Audi, and the new S4 is no exception. Due for its first public reveal at the Paris Motor Show in a couple of weeks I can’t wait until I can get my own eyes on one when they arrive down under in the latter half of 2009.

More pics and details below. As always, click on each image for larger versions.

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: Audi R8 4.2 quattro

Audi R8

Well the drums rolled off in my forehead and the guns went off in my chest…

That’s how I felt with Audi’s teutonic symphony orchestra behind me today. Welcome to the Audi R8. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a V8 and what better place to put it than right behind your ears. All 309kW of it.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I defy anyone to claim they don’t like the silhouette of the R8. It is simply stunning. I’m not sure Audi’s understated desirability has been executed better. So, when sir is considering a quarter of a million dollars on a supercar sir can be assured that with the R8 he will look the part and create the appropriate, albeit subtle, impression. A point highlighted by the looks and smiles from nearby traffic during today’s drive. Mash your right foot to the floor and you’ll be creating smiles on a demographic far broader than Audi ever planned. While putting a grin on your face that has you giggling like a mischievous school boy.

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Audi Motorsports

Audi R8 GT3 – purpose built customer racecar

Audi R8 GT3

Remember when you were a kid and you had your dream car, a car, that in your mind, you would take from the factory and make it the fastest damn thing the world had ever seen. Well Audi has gone part way to helping you fulfill your dream with the release of the R8 GT3 race version. Clearly the guys down at Audi Sport, quattro GmbH and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft had plenty of Meccano when they were kids and it looks as though they shared similar dreams to the rest of us. Fortunately, unlike the chavtastic ricers you see doof-doofing at your local mall, these guys have actually put their Meccano skills to good use.

The R8 GT3 is a race ready customer car that meets all GT3 racing regulations out of the box. That means the 500hp+ (375kW) normally aspirated V8 is driven via the rear wheels only. A race strength 6 speed sequential transmission has been developed. Amazingly many of the suspension components are standard OEM parts. Three purpose built factories will be opened to service the vehicles in Ingolstadt, Necksarlum and Györ. Rich buggers living our dreams will be able to take delivery of their new dream racecar in the latter half of 2009.

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Audi

Audi unleashes 426kW RS6 sedan

Audi RS6 Avant

Audi have just unleashed the RS6 sedan. With the same 5-litre V10 twin turbo from the Avant, the engine produces a mammoth 426kW (580bhp) and this is one car that sure needs reigning in. Let’s not forget the 650Nm or torque, available from as low as 1500rpm. Epic! Australia’s first taste of this rocket ship is just weeks away with RS6 Avant deliveries expected in September, while the sedan will be in showrooms from the first quarter of 2009. The Avant has a list price of $259,000 and pricing for the sedan will be announced closer to local release.

Full release below, including more images.

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Audi

Audi R8 Spider seen unmasked at Nürburgring

Audi R8 Targa

NextAutos is reporting sightings of an Audi R8 Spider on roads near Germany’s famed Nürburgring. The Spider—although naming has not been confirmed—is believed to be available with the existing 4.2 litre V8 engine as well as the 5.0 litre V10, as the large tailpipes on these shots would indicate. The familiar side blades of the R8 hard top have been removed in the conversion to the soft top roof, but this certainly hasn’t lessened the eye candy appeal of the stunning R8. Expect to see an official release from Audi at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Make sure you follow the link below to the NextAutos article, which has more images for your visual pleasure!

Source: NextAutos via autoblog

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Audi

carsguide drives the Audi TTS

Okay so the video itself may not be the sharpest clip you’ll see, but these guys have driven the stunning Audi TTS and I haven’t!