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Spy Shots: Audi A1 about as naked as its gonna getFiled under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi 
Audi A1 Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Audi has gone the typical swirly exterior applique route with its upcoming new Mini-fighting A1 hatchback, but our intrepid spy photographers still managed to snap off a series of shots that show the premium little city car out and about undergoing shake-down testing.
Judging from these photos, it's clear that Audi's smallest vehicle will retain the German automaker's trademark headlights and their bottom row of LED highlights, along with its customary gaping grille and fascia. We're also a wee bit intrigued to see why Audi was so careful in concealing the area behind the side windows.
We'll see the rest of the A1 in all its minicar glory early next month at the Geneva Motor Show, but until then, these are the best spy shots of the car that we're likely to see. Check 'em out for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.
[Images: KGP Photography]Spy Shots: Audi A1 about as naked as its gonna get originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi's 'Truth in Motion' documentary available for free on iTunesFiled under: Etc., Videos, Audi, Canada 
Audi's got a thing going with its Truth in Motion films. The first installment took a lush, slow-motion look at what it took to win the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans, and this second installment charts the U.S. ski team's snow-and-drama-covered run to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Like that first doc, it is now available free in iTunes in both regular and HD resolutions. You can read Audi's press release after the jump, or better yet, click the link and get straight to downloading.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Audi's 'Truth in Motion' documentary available for free on iTunes Audi's 'Truth in Motion' documentary available for free on iTunes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsHow a blogger can cause Audi a headache over Green Police Super Bowl ad [w/video]Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi 
Audi Green Police Campaign - Click above to watch the video after the break
Audi is taking some heat over the unintended connection one blogger made between the company's Green Police ad that's scheduled to debut during the Super Bowl and the Ordnungspolizei, the uniformed regular German police force when the Nazis ruled Germany. Because of the Ordnungspolizei's green uniforms, they were sometimes referred to as the green police. In the ad, Audi's Green Police arrest people for crimes against the environment, things like using styrofoam cups and not composting correctly. Drivers of the A3 TDI, though, get praised for their actions. In short, it's a Super Bowl ad.
Jeff Kuhlman, the chief communications officer for Audi of America, told AutoblogGreen that he personally talked to two Jewish leaders - Abraham Foxman, head of the Anti Defamation League, and Fred Zeidman, Chairman of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial and Museum - about the green police ads and that they did not see a problem with the spot. Kuhlman added that:
One thing that I think is also needed in order to put this into perspective is the issue of green police vs. Ordnungspolizei. Ordnungspolizei is directly translated to mean Order Police. It's more than just the difference between capital letters and small letters, it's official versus nicknames. And in our research not one person drew any other distinction other than "environmental".
We researched the term. We tested the ad concept with focus groups. We sought input and reaction from key organizations, including the Jewish community, and we sent out a press release that went to thousands of media, and not one reaction. I then worked again with key Jewish leaders after the blogger raised the issue, just to make sure that we hadn't missed something, and again, we were reassured that the term is not one that has historical significance, and that reactions to the term are completely in line with our intent ... environmental enforcement.
Of course, Audi could perhaps have gone with Eco Police or Enviro Police or a bunch of other names that don't have this association and avoided the incident, but it those terms might not be available for use, either. From where we stand, it's not the best ad campaign we've ever seen, but it's also not worth getting one's eco-washed undies in a bundle about, either. After all, Israel's main arm of the Ministry of Environmental Protection in the area of enforcement and deterrence is called, you guess it, the Green Police.
[Source: mediabistro.com]Continue reading How a blogger can cause Audi a headache over Green Police Super Bowl ad [w/video] How a blogger can cause Audi a headache over Green Police Super Bowl ad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReview: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5Filed under: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Koenigsegg 
Need For Speed Shift - Click above for high-res image gallery
Fall 2009 was supposed to be the next golden age of the racing game, with the genre's two heavy hitters - Forza Motorsport 3 and Gran Turismo 5 - scheduled for release. While Xbox 360 owners were rewarded with an incredibly good Forza 3, several delays of GT5 wrecked the plans of many a Playstation 3 owner, this writer included.
But since we were hell-bent on a new racing game, the decision was made to take a chance on another new racing game that was receiving some good press: Need for Speed Shift. We've spent the last two months playing Shift on PS3 to keep ourselves busy until GT5 is finally released. Were we disappointed or pleasantly surprised with the dark horse of the racing game pack? Hit the jump to find out.
Continue reading Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5 Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi adds three new drivers to 2010 Le Mans lineup, teases R15 "Plus"Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Diesel 
New drivers for Audi R15 - Click above for high-res image gallery
After finally losing the top spot on the Le Mans podium to Peugeot last June, Audi is bound and determined to recapture victory this year. To that end the automaker has signed on three new drivers for this year's squad including one Peugeot veteran. Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer will man Audi's third car in France after a warm-up race at the 1000-kilometer race of Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium in May.
Fässler ran a pair of races for Audi in the American Le Mans Series in 2008, while Lotterer drove one of the privateer R10s for the Kolles team last year. Benoît Treluyer was part of the nine-driver Peugeot crew at Le Mans last year.
Audi also released three images of each driver sitting in what may be a new version of the R15 diesel-powered race car dubbed the "R15 TDI Plus." This new version of the R15 is being developed to address official complaints made by rival Peugeot about the original's car design. The driver images don't show much besides a decidedly sexy naked carbon fiber body, and the "Plus" moniker is a bit misleading as these modifications won't likely help the R15's performance in any way, which would give Peugeot cause for more complaints. With the new car still in development and Peugeot not willing to race against a modified version of the 2009 car, don't expect the R15 "Plus" on the starting grid at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March, though Audi is expected to be there testing the new car.
[Source: Audi, Fourtitude]Continue reading Audi adds three new drivers to 2010 Le Mans lineup, teases R15 "Plus" Audi adds three new drivers to 2010 Le Mans lineup, teases R15 "Plus" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: Volkswagen head (kinda) confirms new entry-level Porsche 356Filed under: Performance, Europe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Rumormill 
Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The head of the Volkswagen Group, Martin Winterkorn, spoke with Autocar about the possibility of a new entry level Porsche model. Perhaps fancifully dubbed the 356, the new model would slot into Porsche's lineup below the Boxster and Cayman. In England, the new baby Porsche would cost about £33,000, which means nothing to us here in the U.S. and is about what a base Boxster costs. That said, the article mentions the possibility that the next generation Boxster and Cayman might go way up scale.
Big question: what would this new 356 be? Autocar speculates that the 356 will be based heavily on the mid-engine architecture of the upcoming Audi R4 and the conceptual Volkswagen Bluesport. We don't know if the 356 will be strictly a coupe or also be available as a roadster. In fact, we don't even know if the R4 will be coupe-only. We'd image the two cars will have similar, if not identical, body configurations. Though not the engine. In order to keep some brand DNA in the Porsche, the 356 will ship with a new forced-induction flat-four.
Those that remember the 944 Turbo S and the 968 know this is in no way a bad thing - except the 924 Turbo's engine was the EA831 inline-four originally intended for the Volkswagen Bus and Audi 100. It was never really any good, even in turbo form. The reborn 356's mill (most likely a turbo as opposed to supercharged) should be good for around 250 horsepower - very close to where the base Boxster/Cayman currently sits. Expect the 356 to get much better fuel economy, however.
The new 356 will share a transmission with the R4. Again, the 924, 944 and 968 shipped with a modified Audi 100 transmission acting as a transaxle, so there is precedence. As to what that transmission will be, we don't know but we'd guess a DSG of some sort. Audi's R4 should arrive sometime in 2011, with the Porsche 356 bowing in 2012. Is any of this going to actually, you know, happen? Magic 8-Ball says, "Ask again later."
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Volkswagen head (kinda) confirms new entry-level Porsche 356 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-ReduxFiled under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Saab, Toyota, Spyker, Rumormill 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #163 of the Autoblog Podcast is here and Chris Paukert once again adds his insight as he's fast becoming the fourth regular member of the crew. First up we peek into the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by a Nissan Versa, Audi S4, and a Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. Topics follow, with our first drive of the 2011 BMW 5 Series starting us off before we move on to Ed Whitacre's new status as official General Motors CEO and get all misty about the uncertain fortunes of Saab (glad that's been cleared up.) Toyota's most recent recall for its throttle issue, the 2011 BMW 335is, and rumors of a 50th anniversary edition Ford Mustang with independent rear suspension finish us off before we take some questions and call it a night.
Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget - there's going to be big Apple Tablet news soon! Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder. Y'all ready fo' this?Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Audi, Luxury 
In case you haven't already, Audi wants you to give this angry little mongrel, the 2011 R8 Spyder, a chance. To encourage you to lean in its favor, Audi has put together 91 seconds of rather dramatic footage (and screamin' 5.2-liter V10 audio) to show you what it can do for you, if only you would allow it the opportunity. Not to put too fine a point on it - we're sold.
Follow the jump to check out the vid and decide if it changes your mind - or only makes it up more.
[Source: Audi via Autoblog UK]Continue reading Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder. Y'all ready fo' this? Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder. Y'all ready fo' this? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsIt's Good to Be the King: Juan Carlos of Spain parks a tuned Audi RS6 in his fleetFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury 
Spanish King Don Juan Carlos' Audi RS6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Wouldn't it be nice to select cars from an automaker's fleet the way you select lobsters from a tank? Some, like King Juan Carlos of Spain, can do exactly that, and this is his latest lobster: a blackout-remixed Audi RS6 sedan. About the only things not given the midnight treatment are the headlights, taillights, and signal indicators on the mirrors. Even the exhaust tips are black.
A book last year alleged that the king owned 71 cars and had a team of 65 attendants to care for them. If true, this one makes a worthy 72nd. Somehow we don't think the royal standards and light bars mounted behind the grille are normal Audi options - but we might ask next time we stop by the showroom. You can get a few more looks at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: Diario Motor (translated)]It's Good to Be the King: Juan Carlos of Spain parks a tuned Audi RS6 in his fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi A3 TDI getting 4th quarter Super Bowl ad featuring Cheap TrickFiled under: Wagon, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel, Luxury 
Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery
For the third year in a row, Audi will be running an add during the Superbowl. First there was the Godfather parody where the "Old Luxury" dude was put on notice about the R8 (which is a sports car, but who cares). Then last year's really excellent Jason Statham spot called, "Chase." This year things are going to be a bit, well, more rocking.
Ditching the notion of parodying films, Audi is instead employing the talents of the ageless (though quite well aged) rockers in Cheap Trick to promote the A3 TDI. The ad will focus on the diesel A3 being named Green Car Journal's Car of the Year. In it, Cheap Trick will be reinterpreting one of their classics and the spot should sport a, "fun, tongue-in-cheek environmental theme." Any guesses as to which song? We're thinking "He's a Whore." Make the jump to read the press release.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Audi A3 TDI getting 4th quarter Super Bowl ad featuring Cheap Trick Audi A3 TDI getting 4th quarter Super Bowl ad featuring Cheap Trick originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: First look at new Audi MMI with Google Earth integrationFiled under: Sedan, Technology, Videos, Audi, Luxury 
Audi MMI with Google Earth and handwriting input - Click above view the video after the jump
Audi isn't the first to add Google to its in-car information offerings. It is, however, the first to add Google Earth and then tie that in to a suite of mobile tools that will make using your navigation system almost as easy and comprehensive as using your home computer.
In the latest incarnation of Audi's Multimedia Interface (MMI), Google Earth provides a bird's-eye view of the surroundings. Then you can zoom over the landscape, choose a city to investigate and pull up its Wikipedia page. When you know where you want to go, let your finger do the typing on the touchpad to enter your destination. Follow the jump for a video of the system in action. The new A8 just got a little bit sweeter.
[Source: in2itech]
Continue reading Video: First look at new Audi MMI with Google Earth integration Video: First look at new Audi MMI with Google Earth integration originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi A1 to take on the white roof with multi-color options [w/video]Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Design/Style
Audi A1 teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery
We knew Audi had its eyes on the Mini with the imminent arrival of the A1 premium hatchback, but we didn't know just how closely they'd be following (or besting) the formula until Audi released a few more details on its new compact hatch.
According to the project's exterior designer Jurgen Loffler, the Audi A1 - earmarked for release next month ahead of its anticipated Geneva Motor Show debut - will be available in "a variety of colors, regardless of the body color of the car." Now that's taking the fight to the Mini, which can be ordered with a roof painted white, black, or the same color as the body, not to mention the host of roof graphics the Cooper available.
While Alfa Romeo doesn't offer such an option on its Mini-rivaling MiTo sport-hatch, Citroen notably does with its DS3. That's to say nothing of similar retro touches on the Skoda Fabia and Toyota FJ Cruiser. Looks like the Mini's trademark white roof won't be alone for long. Make the jump for Audi's official video on the design.
Continue reading Audi A1 to take on the white roof with multi-color options [w/video] Audi A1 to take on the white roof with multi-color options [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Audi teases Geneva-bound A1 with LED headlampsFiled under: Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury
The hype continues... We're still two months away from Audi's official unveiling of the pre-production A1 premium compact at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but the German automaker's going to milk it for all it's worth.
After unveiling not one, but two concepts to preview the A1, followed by some graffiti and spy shots, Audi has released the following video showing - big surprise - that the A1 will have LED headlights.
Although it's doubtful that Audi's rival for the Mini Cooper will make it across the Atlantic to American shores, Audi reportedly hopes to sell some 80,000 units per year. Ambitious? Maybe. But that's the direction the premium market is heading these days. Follow the jump to watch the video and check out the press release.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading VIDEO: Audi teases Geneva-bound A1 with LED headlamps VIDEO: Audi teases Geneva-bound A1 with LED headlamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsPolk announces 2009 Loyalty Award winners, Toyota bumps GMFiled under: Car Buying, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Land Rover, Lexus, Mini, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota  Key to the survival of any business are repeat customers, and automobiles are no different. The data miners at R.L. Polk & Company have announced the winners of their 2009 Automotive Loyalty Award after wading into facts and figures tracking customer loyalty to automotive nameplates. This is the 14th year Polk has presented the awards, and three new categories noting loyalty among specific ethnic groups were added this year.
Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer went to Toyota, unseating General Motors from its nine-year run. Toyota cleaned up two more categories - Mid/Full-Size Car for the Toyota Prius and Mid/Full-Size SUV for the Lexus RX - and also secured one of the new ethnic category awards, taking home the honors for Asian-American brand loyalty.
Honda took awards for Overall Loyalty to Make as well as picking up the new African-American and Hispanic loyalty awards. Most Improved Loyalty went to Audi for its 4.9 percent bump in customer retention. Ford's F-Series pickup and Mustang ponycar won their respective categories, while the Subaru Forester, Range Rover, and Chrysler Town & Country repeated wins in their segments. The BMW 3 Series, Mini Cooper, and Porsche 911 also took home hardware. More details are given in the press release posted after the jump.
[Source: R.L. Polk & Co.]Continue reading Polk announces 2009 Loyalty Award winners, Toyota bumps GM Polk announces 2009 Loyalty Award winners, Toyota bumps GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsPay It (Fast) Forward: Man reportedly gives away his Audi R8 V10 to pair of valetsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Audi 
2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It isn't everyday that you see a beautiful black Audi R8 V10 on the road. But it happens. What never happens is a guy driving up to you in an Audi R8 V10 and walking up to you and handing you the keys. For keeps. That was probably true before a couple weeks ago, but we can't say that is the case anymore. According to New Zealand's Independent Online, an unknown businessman has literally given the keys to his R8 to a pair of men he had never met before because he had a dream telling him to take the vehicle to Table Mountain in South Africa.
The generous man's only request was that the two men, who were given the cars because they had drivers licenses, use the German luxury vehicle to help others without wanting anything in return. To make good on their end of the bargain, Fabrice Manganga Mugala and Desire Shima are delivering food to the homeless and needy people. The two have also cut a slit into the hood of the R8 (since the engine is out back) so others can place donation money and messages therein. The slit appears to have been professionally added to the bonnet, and the inscription around the opening reads "a better future for all." We're thinking Fabrice and Desire are already reaping the benefits of a better future, and if the two pay it forward as instructed, they won't be the only ones to win out.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Independent Online]Pay It (Fast) Forward: Man reportedly gives away his Audi R8 V10 to pair of valets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAudi and NVIDIA bring 3D acceleration, Google Earth to the dashboard masses [w/video]Filed under: CES, Europe, Technology, Audi
Audi's all-new Multi Media Interface - Click above for high-res image gallery
Audi's Multi Media Interface, or MMI, may not have been all things to all people when it launched in 2004, but Audi has been continually improving the system, making it the defacto way to access media in your Quattro-equipped sled. It's getting better still, with the third generation MMI (3G MMI) getting a boost courtesy of NVIDIA mobile graphics and providing some impressive visuals in the process. While attending CES, we took a bright green Q7 TDI for a spin and then walked inside to check out what's due to arrive later this year: the 2011 Audi A8's dashboard with Google Earth integration.
Continue reading Audi and NVIDIA bring 3D acceleration, Google Earth to the dashboard masses [w/video] Audi and NVIDIA bring 3D acceleration, Google Earth to the dashboard masses [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDetroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look goodFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi 
Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder - Click above for high-res gallery
The V10-powered Audi R8 5.2 FSI is a fantastic car, whether in coupe or convertible form. Heck, it's even great in brown, as proven by the pair of cars on the show floor. It might not be our first color choice for the German supercar, although it was a nice change from the usual white, silver, and gray cars that usually are strewn about the Audi stand.
Not that it matters, of course. A look on Audi USA's web site reveals that the color isn't available here in the States. Neither are the carbon ceramic brakes that are hiding behind the 19-inch wheels. A sign of things to come? Perhaps, and we wouldn't be too heartbroken if they came up as future options. Check out the gallery below and decide for yourself whether the color suits the R8.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look good originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Audi A3 sedan being developed for U.S. onlyFiled under: Sedan, Audi 
Audi A3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Europeans go crazy for the Volkwagen Golf, but not so much for the Jetta. Like, not crazy at all. Americans, on the other hand, will give props to a hatchback, but what we really love is big butts and we cannot lie a trunk in which to put our junk. According to Inside Line, Audi has decided to stop letting its A3 hatchback be a whipping boy while trying to sway American tastes and instead it has committed to bringing us an A3 sedan.
The small sedan is already in the development pipeline and will arrive in the U.S. - its only intended market - in 2012. It is reportedly going be the size of the first-generation Audi A4, the B5 model. That sedan was 178 inches long and 68.2 inches wide, whereas the current A3 hatch is 169 inches long and 69.5 inches wide.
The question is whether the A3 only needs a trunk in order to lure more buyers. The current hatch starts at $27,270. If the Golf and Jetta are taken as examples, there is just $135 difference between the two cars, the Jetta being more expensive. This plan could theoretically work if the A3 sedan is similarly close to the hatch, but somewhere along the way we feel like it will need to shed its image as a gussied-up Golf for sales to really fly.
[Source: Inside Line]Report: Audi A3 sedan being developed for U.S. only originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDetroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen 
Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.
The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.
While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.
Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.
Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDetroit 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid coming to Geneva, no mild hybrids... everFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Audi, Electric, Diesel 
2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery
As stated earlier - and despite quotes to the contrary - Audi is increasingly serious about alternative propulsion. After pioneering direct injection and pushing the envelope of diesel technology, Audi is looking to electricity for its next round of innovations. And the fruits of its labors are coming this year.
In addition to the forthcoming hybrid Q5 (due to arrive this fall), Audi announced plans today to unveil the 2011 Audi A8 Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show this March. All told, Audi will release eight new models in 2010 and hopes that its continued work in the diesel realm, coupled with its burgeoning image in the U.S., will thrust it over one million sales next year.
However, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen said in no uncertain terms that, "We must say no" to technologies that don't move the game forward. As such, Audi will not create any "mild" hybrids and instead focus its efforts on full gasoline-electric technology as they "share more relevencies to EVs and consumer expectations." With products like the Q5 and A8 hybrid, the new interest in diesel technology in the States and the forthcoming e-tron, Audi has placed its bets and by the end of the decade, it needs them to pay off.
Detroit 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid coming to Geneva, no mild hybrids... ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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