Audi Blog
The latest news from the German engineered cars from the GT through to the R8, the only Audi blog you need.
Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox comethFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Audi 
Audi R8 V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We already know that Audi plans to fit the standard R8's 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 into its all-new Spyder variant early next year, and now comes word that at least one more version of the R8 is in the pipeline and that the R tronic sequential automatic might not be long for this world.
According to company insiders speaking with Car and Driver, the herky-jerky gearbox will likely be dispatched in favor of Audi's new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There's no word on the amount of torque the DCT can handle, but considering how much better the R8 V10 performed with the standard sequential tranny, we'd suspect that the dual-clutch setup will make its way onto the V8 models only. And if you're worried about the gated six-speed manual being nixed from the options list, don't be - it will continue to be available on all models.
C&D also reports that a sportier version of the R8, inspired by the LMS model, could be in the cards, packing more power (think: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera) and a not-so-insignificant weight reduction thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber. Expect that to only be available on the V10 model and yes, a fully-electric version based on the original e-tron concept is supposedly on the way and due to arrive in a few year's time.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Car and Driver]Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brotherFiled under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi, Luxury 
2011 Audi RS5 promo footage - Click above to watch video after the jump
In what is currently raw footage but what will soon undoubtedly be slickly produced promotional material, the brutalicious 2011 Audi RS5 growls around a track and on various European roads. For a brief spell it even shares the screen with one of its spiritual brethren, the Ur Quattro.
These things don't need lots of explaining - follow the jump for the sight and sounds of two of the finest Audi models ever.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Carscoop]Continue reading Video: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brother Video: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brother originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutomobile takes a look at the early history of 'sudden acceleration'Filed under: Classics, Technology, Audi, Chrysler 
Unintended acceleration didn't start with Toyota, nor did it start with the Audi 5000 - it's probably been around since the first man put a leg over what he thought was a tamed horse.
Automobile Magazine takes a look at the phenomenon of accidentally wide-open throttles circa 1957, when Chrysler began the process of putting Bendix Electrojet fuel injectors into four of its models. At one point, a test car flooded when the injector's signals were confused while passing a radio broadcast tower. It's a good read so we won't spoil it for you - follow the link below for the full story. And if you see the only remaining Electrojet-equipped Chrysler - the rest were retrofitted with carburetors - keep an eye on it...
[Source: Automobile]Automobile takes a look at the early history of 'sudden acceleration' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Audi working on successor to A2?Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Rumormill, Electric 
Audi A1 e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Seeing the Audi A1 and A1 e-tron concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show provides proof that the quad-ring automaker is putting a much larger focus on its small car offerings. With that in mind, new rumors are cropping up about a possible successor to the A2 - the quirky little hatch that never came to the U.S. and only had minor success in Europe.
"There's clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1," Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told AutoWeek during the Geneva Motor Show. The new A2 would likely be A1-based and use an electric powertrain, possibly sourced from the A1 e-tron concept. European media has reported that the A2 successor is expected to debut by 2014, and no word has been given about a possible U.S.-spec version. However, with Audi keeping the A1 away from American soil, it's likely that the A2 would be a Europe-only affair, as well.
[Source: AutoWeek]Report: Audi working on successor to A2? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teamsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Audi, Racing 
2010 Audi R8 LMS evolution - Click above for high-res image gallery
2009 proved to be a very successful opening campaign for Audi's new customer race car, the R8 LMS. Eight cars were sold to a variety of teams and between them, the cars won 23 races and three national and international GT championships. For 2010, Audi has produced a new evolution version of the R8 LMS, and by mid-April, the German automaker expects to have delivered a total of 20 cars.
The alterations to the 2010 evolution R8 are apparently targeted at improving service life and making the car easier for crews to work on, with plans calling for changes including a new six-speed gearbox. An upgraded cooling system is designed to help the R8 perform better in high temperature conditions and new openings in the body work will allow crews to inspect wear parts without pulling everything apart. The first two 2010 cars were have been delivered to UK-based United Autosport, and another 10 are slated to go out over the next several weeks. Teams running 2009 cars will also have an upgrade kit available to bring their cars up to the new spec.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Audi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teams Audi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teams originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsPics Aplenty: 2011 Audi A1 S Line in the color of lustFiled under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi 
2011 Audi A1 S Line - Click above for high-res image gallery
The not-for-U.S. (at least not for now) Audi A1 just made its public debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and we're eager to see how the new hatch stacks up to the likes of the much-loved Mini Cooper. We're especially fond of this S Line model, which gives the A1 a much more aggressive appearance and tweaks the hatch's dynamics ever so slightly.
The S Line kit is made up of two separate packages. The exterior package adds a larger roof spoiler, a revised front bumper with side air vents, more chiseled sill tops and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Beyond the host of exterior changes, the S Line sport package adds a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, a sport suspension, and a choice of either 17- or 18-inch alloys. In all, the whole S Line treatment looks great and gives us more reason to lust after the A1. Click through our gallery to see dozens of high-res shots of the A1 in its hot hatch-like S Line guise.
[Source: Audi via Carscoop]Pics Aplenty: 2011 Audi A1 S Line in the color of lust originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodnessFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi 
Abt R8 GTR - Click above for high-res image gallery
We got our first peek at Abt's R8 GTR late last year, but like with many cars, it was a whole different experience to see it in person. To say carbon fiber has been used liberally is an understatement, as the entire car is clothed in the lightweight material. The look suits the R8, and Abt has managed to give the car a more aggressive look without going overboard. The interior is lathered in carbon fiber as well, and lightweight Recaro racing seats help reduce weight even further. In total, Abt has managed to take 220 pounds off the R8's heft.
In addition to changing the look of the car, Abt has given the R8 more power as well. Its 5.2-liter V10 is now rated at 620 horsepower, good for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. Other performance upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension, ceramic brake system, lightweight 18-inch wheels and Michelin Sport Cup tires.
Sound like your thing? Abt will produce just 25 examples, so get your order in soon. More details about the car can be found in the press release after the jump and live shots from the show floor in the gallery below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodness Geneva 2010: Abt R8 GTR is full of V10, carbon fiber goodness originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid a concept in name onlyFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Audi 
Audi A8 Hybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
In the Them's Big Words department, Audi is calling its A8 Hybrid "the efficiency standard." And it's not exactly untrue since the top-of-the-peak, 211-horsepower 2.0-liter sedan boosted by a 45-hp electric motor has more power than an A3 TDI and a faster 0-to-60 sprint, yet the gas mileage comparison isn't unfavorable: the A3 gets 34 miles per gallon combined, the A8 Hybrid does 38 mpg. And you get all that A8 size and panache. And 21-inch rims. Responsibly.
All that is certain to cost you come negotiating time: It remains a concept so Audi hasn't released a price, but when you're talking about getting the moon, it's safe to figure it'll cost you a few stars. You can have a look at another glimpse of that expensive future in the gallery of high-res photos below.
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid a concept in name only Geneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid a concept in name only originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Audi A1 e-tron Wankels its way to the show floorFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Electric 
Audi A1 e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
No, Wankel is not really a verb. At least, not that we know of. But it is the last name of the man who designed the rotary engine, and we think our man Felix would be more than pleased with the latest application of his barrel-shaped internal combustion powerplant. In case you missed it before, that would be as the range-extender buried inside Audi's new A1 e-tron electric vehicle, which is currently on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
As we told you before, Audi's smallest e-tron features a 12-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack that feeds a steady stream of electrons to a front-mounted electric motor with 102 peak horsepower. The aforementioned Wankel rotary engine features one lone rotor, displaces 254cc and sits just aft of the battery pack under the rear seat. Why a Wankel? Audi says the complete package weighs in at just 154 pounds and puts out a nice, steady stream of power at a constant 5,000 RPM. Check out our gallery of live images from the show floor in Geneva below.
Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Audi A1 e-tron Wankels its way to the show floor originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Audi RS5 is a 450-horsepower two-door teaseFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi 
2011 Audi RS5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The one thing on our minds as Audi unveiled the RS5 here in Geneva is whether or not the car will come to the United States. We can't get a definitive answer from the German automaker, and although we're guessing the chances are fairly slim, we were told not to completely rule it out. Audi has listed the base price of the car only in Euros (77,000), but we'll hold on to hope until Audi officially states the car won't be sold across the pond.
Why do we want the RS5 in the U.S. so bad? For starters, it's got a 450 horsepower version of Audi's tried and true 4.2-liter V8 paired to the legendary Quattro AWD. Combine that with perhaps the best looking coupe designs on the market today and you've got one heck of an appealing sports car. Hit the jump for the newly released press release or check out our live photos in the high-res gallery below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Audi RS5 is a 450-horsepower two-door tease Geneva 2010: Audi RS5 is a 450-horsepower two-door tease originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Audi A1 to hatch jealousy in the eyes of AmericansFiled under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel
2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've just returned from Audi's press conference here at the Geneva Motor Show, where Justin Timberlake has laid claim to one of the first A1 hatchbacks that comes off the line. Funny thing is, even with his undoubtedly massive bank accounts, the pop star won't be able to get one - at least not to park in front of any of his U.S. cribs. That's because Audi has announced that the entertaining-looking three-door isn't headed to the States. Given how the A3 has festered in darkened showroom corners in the American market, we can't exactly blame them for not importing an even smaller hatchback, but somehow we think this Mini Cooper-fighter might just find a market where the frumpier, more conventional A3 has stalled.
Available in Europe with four turbocharged, direct-injected engines (two TDI diesels, two gasoline), the A1 will be available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox with optional paddle shifters. Thanks to standard start-stop and energy recuperation among other fuel-saving tricks, the A1 is estimated to reach between 44 miles-per-U.S.-gallon and 62 mpg on the European Cycle.
Audi is also showing an electrified concept version of the A1 as the latest in its e-tron family. Packing a t-shaped lithium-ion battery and a single-rotor Wankel rotary IC engine(!) along with a few external cues to hint at its extended-range hybrid technology, it also drew more than a few eyeballs.
Interestingly, Audi's press materials (available after the jump) make no mention of the availability of Quattro all-wheel drive. Whether the option will come later remains to be seen, but for now, the A1 picks up where the not-for-U.S. A2 left off.
Photos by Chris Paukert and Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Geneva 2010: Audi A1 to hatch jealousy in the eyes of Americans Geneva 2010: Audi A1 to hatch jealousy in the eyes of Americans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi A1 e-tron runs like Volt, advances ER-EV conceptFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Electric 
Audi A1 e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
After teasing us with a few goodies yesterday, Audi has just released technical details on its new A1 e-tron concept that debuts later today at the Geneva Motor Show. As we already knew, the A1 uses an extended range electric architecture like the Chevrolet Volt, but with a compact and power-dense Wankel rotary engine/generator to keep the battery alive after power from the grid is depleted. The diagrams released by Audi show that the Wankel is mounted in the car's rear behind the T-shaped battery pack that sits mostly under the rear seat.
The lithium ion battery pack has a capacity of 12 kilowatt-hours, which is claimed to provide about 30 miles of range on a charge. Unlike the 1,000+ pound pack in the original e-tron concept, this unit weighs in at just 330 pounds. The electric motor provides a standard output of 45 kW or 61 horsepower, though peak power of 75 kW or 102 hp is available in short bursts and keeps the car's 0-62 mile-per-hour time around 10 seconds. The motor and all of the power electronics reside in the car's front where the internal combustion powerplant of a conventional A1 would normally be found.
The Wankel weighs in at just 154 lbs and displaces just 254 cc of volume in its single rotor. The whole unit is small enough to sit below the cargo floor of the A1. Running at a constant 5,000 rpm, the rotary motor can extend the A1 e-tron's range to 130 miles. Why not longer? The fuel tank holds only 3.17 gallons. With the Wankel running, Audi says the A1 e-tron will return about 124 miles per gallon U.S.
Of historical note, the first ever production car with a Wankel rotary engine was introduced by NSU back in 1964. NSU later merged with Auto Union, which also included Audi, the sole surviving brand of the group.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Audi A1 e-tron runs like Volt, advances ER-EV concept Audi A1 e-tron runs like Volt, advances ER-EV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi A8 Hybrid 'design study' being shown in GenevaFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Luxury 
Audi A8 Hybrid design study - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the interesting electrified A1 e-tron concept, Audi is also showing off a hybridized version of its range-topping A8 sedan at this year's Geneva Motor Show, which it claims offers V6-levels of power with four-cylinder fuel efficiency and emissions. Backing up that claim are reported power figures of 245 horsepower (45 of which can be supplied from the electric motor) and 354 pound-feet of torque. The run to 62 miles per hour is said to take about 7.5 seconds and fuel mileage comes in at 38 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. That's about a 20-percent improvement over the standard car.
As a full hybrid, the A8 design study can run on electricity only for up to 1.2 miles at speeds of 40 miles per hour or less. Above that, the 2.0-liter TFSI engine takes over. A lithium ion battery pack of unknown capacity resides in the trunk, but Audi makes sure to point out that there's still over 14 cubic-feet of space back there for storage. The German automaker also makes pains to assure that the A8 Hybrid is still "an extremely dynamic car" - one that just so happens to return good fuel efficiency.
Check out our gallery of high-res images below, and be sure to note the Prism Silver paint with Spectra Flair (yes, really) rainbow effect and 21-inch two-color wheels. Also, check out the prominent hybrid badging on each front fender along with the door sills (illuminated, naturally) and inside on the new Powermeter in the instrument cluster. Still want more? Click past the break for the complete press release.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Audi A8 Hybrid 'design study' being shown in Geneva Audi A8 Hybrid 'design study' being shown in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroomFiled under: Videos, Audi, BMW
Good, we were hoping BMW would answer the latest challenge from Audi in the online battle of boast. Audi started up again the dormant war of words between these two German automakers a couple weeks ago by patting itself on the back for winning three Car and Driver comparisons in a row, and now BMW is striking back by bragging about its mixture of efficiency and vehicle dynamics sans compromises.
Hit the jump to watch the 1:25 video for yourself. Unfortunately, Team Motor Werks didn't get to throwing down with Audi until the very end of the spot, which takes place in an elementary school classroom. And even when the guys and gals at BMW took their swing, we're afraid it just grazes the four-ringed chin of its luxury car rival. Let us know which automaker you think scored the more direct blow by chiming in on the post-jump comments.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Audi A1 e-tron is extended-range EV with Wankel rotary generatorFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Electric 
2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Audi still hasn't released any images of its new electric A1 e-tron concept, but it has revealed some details of the car. Unlike the two previous e-tron sports car concepts that were both pure battery electric models, this one is a range-extended EV. Like the Chevrolet Volt, the A1 e-tron uses a smaller battery pack that allows it to go up to 31 miles on a single charge with no emissions.
Once the battery is depleted, an internal combustion engine kicks in to drive a 15-kilowatt generator and keep the A1 going. However, unlike the Volt or Fisker Karma, the A1 is using a single-rotor Wankel engine to drive the generator. While Wankels are not renowned for their fuel efficiency (much the opposite in fact), in this application it could work well thanks to its high power density.
The range with the Wankel running is bumped up by another 124 miles to a total of 155. With only a 15kW generator available to sustain the battery, it will be interesting to see how much performance is degraded in that mode. Audi claims the A1 e-tron achieves 123.8 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the draft EU standard for ER-EVs. We should have more details tomorrow, so stay tuned.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Geneva Preview: Audi A1 e-tron is extended-range EV with Wankel rotary generator Geneva Preview: Audi A1 e-tron is extended-range EV with Wankel rotary generator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Audi A1 takes to the test trackFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi 
The relentless run-up to the Audi A1's official introduction at the Geneva Motor Show continues unabated, this time with a video of Markus Winkelhock taking the A1 for a spin around Audi's test track in Neustadt, Germany.
The current DTM pilot for Audi gushes about the A1's communicative steering and compliant suspension, while Dr. Horst Glaser, Audi's Head of Chassis Development, hypes up the lightweight construction and quick 14.8:1 steering ratio. It's not the most compelling video, but it's nice to see the premium hatch finally on the road. And we've got to admit that the A1 looks noticeably better blacked out, without the slightly contrived aluminum roof trim. See for yourself after the jump.
Continue reading Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Audi A1-based e-tron concept headed to GenevaFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Electric
2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Audi will finally show off its new A1 minicar this week in Geneva. As usual, it'll be available in Europe with an array of gas and diesel engines, but a French website reports that the A1 will also form the basis for a third e-tron concept. If Audi sticks with the pattern it started last month in Detroit, this one will be dubbed the e-tron Geneva Concept. The idea isn't without merit; reports that Audi plans to build a roadgoing electric version of the A1 have circulated for some time.
While Audi plans to build a limited run of the R8-based e-tron that it unveiled in Frankfurt, an electric car based on the new A1 is most likely to be the brand's first volume plug-in vehicle. Small, limited-range, urban commuters like the A1 will likely dominate the electric car arena for the foreseeable future until battery costs come down. A tip of the hat to Adam!
[Source: Le Buzz Auto]Report: Audi A1-based e-tron concept headed to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Hispano Suiza is back and packing Audi R8's V10Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Electric 
Hispano Suiza - Click above for image gallery
If you've never heard of Hispano Suiza, you're not alone. The Spanish automaker hasn't been producing its own vehicles since World War II and later returned to its aerospace roots in the 1950s, merged with another firm in 2005 and had a few prototypes running around a few years back (the oft forgotten Mazels). But that's the past and this is apparently the automaker's future: A rebodied Audi R8 V10 packing a supercharger and the possibility of a hybrid system.
According to AutoBild, the Hispano Suiza's return will take place at next week's Geneva Motor Show, with the introduction of this €700,000 coupe. As you'd expect from a hastily resurrected marque, the details are as shady as the renderings in the gallery below, with Hispano Suiza claiming that the 750-horsepower R8-based show car is good for a run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds (grip is obviously an issue) and a top speed of 205 mph. There's also a talk of an additional 150 hp from a hybrid drive system, with the ability to travel on electricity along for an unspecified range. Skeptical? Of course, but we're looking forward to seeing it in person in less than a week.
[Source: Autobild via Autoblog Spanish]Geneva Preview: Hispano Suiza is back and packing Audi R8's V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst Drive: 2011 Audi A8, the Grand AndalusianFiled under: Sedan, Audi, First Drive, Luxury 
2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery
There was no sign of Sol on the Costa as I nosed the quartz-gray Audi A8 past the guard house and onto the rain-slicked traffic roundabout before heading out on the road.
The long, smooth roadway that connected the estate to the autoroute was the perfect place to get better acquainted with the A8's 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 and its 328 pound-feet of torque. Leaving the handsomely designed gear select in Drive allowed the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to run through the gears at its sole discretion. But with a flick of the steering wheel-mounted paddles (downshift with the left paddle; upshift with the right, just as God intended), I snapped down to third gear to decelerate as I approached the roundabout, the transmission responding instantly with the discipline of a well-trained Doberman, the standard Quattro all-wheel drive easily finding traction despite the rain-slicked tarmac. I merged with traffic, exited the roundabout and accelerated southwest toward Cadiz with the Mediterranean off to my left, popping into view as rain clouds scuttled toward Morocco.
Life in the south of Spain is sweet, and with the 2011 Audi A8 as a guide, it gets sweeter still.
Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Audi A8, the Grand Andalusian First Drive: 2011 Audi A8, the Grand Andalusian originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReady, set, speculate! Justin Timberlake joining new Audi concept in GenevaFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Audi 
Audi RS5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the world premiers of the RS5, the all-new A1 (complete with Justin Timberlake cameo) and the near-production A8 Hybrid, Audi plans to trot out an additional concept car onto the stage at the Geneva Motor Show, and your guess is as good as ours.
With the two previous e-tron concepts and Audi's push to get an electric sports car to market within the next two years, it almost seems inevitable that another variant of the e-tron is in the cards, but maybe not this soon. Other possibilities include a new hatch to replace the A3 - something that seems decidedly staid for an otherwise spectacular show - and our personal pick: Something TTish. So... what do you think is coming to Switzerland? Sound off in the comments below and get ready for our live coverage beginning on Tuesday.
[Source: Audi]Ready, set, speculate! Justin Timberlake joining new Audi concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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