Audi Archive

Audi Sets Pricing for the All New 2014 A8 L TDI

– January 31, 2013Posted in: News

Pricing starts at $82,500 for the first ever 2014 Audi A8 L TDI® clean diesel with an EPA estimated fuel efficiency of 24 city/ 36 highway/ 28 combined MPG
The Audi A8 has set new standards for the luxury sedan in terms of interior and exterior design, technology, performance and efficiency. Now equipped with the new 3.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine, the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI represents a dramatic expansion of the flagship sedan and the first of four new TDI models to be introduced this year.

Starting at $82,500, the A8 L TDI clean diesel, with quattro® all-wheel drive, makes a powerful statement in achieving the best fuel economy in its segment with an EPA estimated 24/ 36/ 28 mpg (city/ highway/ combined), while at the same time generating an impressive 240 horsepower, 406 lb.-ft. of torque that seamlessly launches 0-60 MPH in 6.4 seconds.

For the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI, the package options were optimized to better reflect customer demand. The available Premium Package now consists of Audi side assist and pre sense rear, 22-way multi-contour comfort seats, font seat ventilation with massage and full LED headlights.

The A8 L TDI joins an expanding model line-up including the A8 3.0T, A8 4.0T, S8 4.0T and A8 W12. The A8 L TDI will be available in the long-wheelbase version only.

The 2014 Audi A8 L TDI will go on sale in early Spring 2013. Additional 2014 model year information and pricing for other models will be announced at later in the year.

Tags: Audi

Audi Brings More Diesel Models To U.S.

– November 19, 2012Posted in: News

Audi to introduce four new TDI® clean diesel models to the U.S. Market at the L.A. Auto Show

The Audi A8 TDI clean diesel achieves manufacturer estimated fuel efficiency of 24 city/ 36 highway

New 3.0 liter V6 TDI clean diesel models will include the Audi A8, A7, A6, Q5 and an updated Q7 TDI

Audi to use #FuelForThought at the LA Auto Show to create a social media experience at the display and online

Audi of America announces the arrival of the new TDI® clean diesel models for the Audi A8, A7, A6 and Q5 to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The addition of these four models marks the first time Audi will feature a full lineup of TDI clean diesel vehicles in the U.S. as they join the updated Q7 model. Each TDI vehicle delivers up to 30% better fuel economy and 30% lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines*, resulting in longer range and fewer trips to the fuel pump. By having more density than gasoline, diesel packs more energy content in the same amount of fuel, which helps maximize the miles per gallon when that energy is released during a more powerful combustion cycle.The TDI clean diesel engine lineup adds to Audi’s list of advanced technologies that help enhance fuel efficiency, including Audi ultra® lightweight technology, such as the use of aluminum, and the AFS® frame technology.“Owners of Audi TDI engines have helped save over 4 million gallons of gasoline, or the equivalent of more than 240,000 barrels of foreign oil, since the introduction of Audi TDI to the U.S. in 2009**,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. ” And, TDI technology delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.”In order to fuel the conversation surrounding the benefits of TDI technology in the U.S., Audi will use the hashtag, #FuelForThought and invite fans to join the conversation through a social experience at the display and online.Audi A8 TDI
The flagship of the Audi brand, the A8 TDI, makes a powerful statement in achieving a manufacturer estimated fuel efficiency of 24 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway*. The A8 TDI clean diesel executive sedan embodies superior design and progressive advancements which sets new standards for luxury sedans in terms of uncompromising efficiency and performance. The new 2014 A8 sedans dramatically expand the flagship’s engine offerings by moving from two variants (4.2 liter V8 and W12) to six, including: the entry level A8 3.0T V6; the 420 horsepower A8 4.0T V8; the new Audi S8 4.0T V8; the A8 6.0 liter W12; and the new A8 3.0 TDI V6. The new 3.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine generates an astonishing 240 horsepower with 406 lb.-ft. of torque and seamlessly goes 0-60 in 6.4 seconds.

Audi A7 TDI
The Audi A7 TDI clean diesel is the pinnacle of design and is now more fuel efficient than ever. Without compromising design or performance, every detail of the A7 TDI delivers a striking visual statement. The A7 was the first car in the world to feature available factory-installed Wi-Fi (for up to 8 passenger devices) with Audi connect™ and MMI® navigation plus with 3D Google Earth™ maps. From the groundbreaking available MMI touchpad and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi A7 TDI is the perfect marriage of progressive design, efficiency and versatile space.

Audi A6 TDI
One of Audi’s most innovative and technologically advanced models to date, the A6 TDI performance sedan sacrifices virtually nothing in performance, comfort or design. As with the successful A6 TFSI® gas engines, the A6 TDI clean diesel engine can make up to 2,000 decisions per second. Available driver assistance systems include night vision assistant, head-up display and Audi pre sense plus that helps detect imminent collisions and initiates protective measures when needed. Other available intelligent features include head-up display and a MMI Touch pad that recognizes handwriting, along with available Audi connect – the first factory-installed wireless internet connection that enables Google Earth maps, Google Local Search, and a WiFi hotspot for up to eight passenger devices.

Audi Q5 TDI
The Audi Q5 has proven itself an absolute success as one of the best-selling models in the Audi lineup. For the 2014 model year, the Q5 will receive the new TDI engine which will allow for better fuel economy along with increased torque. The Audi Q5 TDI combines the driving appeal of a sedan with high versatility of its interior space and many practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving. Audi has further sharpened the profile of its performance SUV in its design, technological advancements, driver assistance systems and fuel efficiencies. The new TDI clean diesel engine marks the fourth engine variant for the Audi Q5 model lineup, adding to the current four-cylinder 2.0T, the 3.0T V6, and the Q5 hybrid.

Audi Q7 TDI
The Audi Q7 continues to establish the standard in progressive design, sophisticated technology and fuel efficiency in premium sport utility vehicles. The benefits of TDI clean diesel technology are further enhanced through the revised V6 TDI engine that offers a 10 percent efficiency improvement compared to gasoline engines. The revised TDI clean diesel engine has an increased output of 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque that helps improve performance and offers impressive fuel economy with an EPA estimated 19 city/ 28 highway miles per gallon*. The incredibly efficient TDI clean diesel engine enables the Q7 TDI to achieve a range in excess of 700 miles per tank***.

2014 MY        Availability
A8 TDI           Spring 2013
A7 TDI           Fall 2013
A6 TDI           Fall 2013
Q5 TDI           Fall 2013

Pricing for all 2014 MY vehicles to be announced at a later date

2013 MY Availability Starting MSRP
Q7 TDI Since September 2012 $52,000

* EPA estimates. Mileage will vary.
** Based on total A3 TDI and Q7 TDI vehicles sold, average nationwide gasoline fuel prices, and EPA estimated annual average miles driven.
*** Range based on 28-mpg highway EPA estimates and a 26.4-gallon fuel-tank. Mileage will vary.

Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release. Audi Connect and SiriusXM Traffic services may require additional subscriptions. MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

Tags: Audi, Diesel

Audi Sets New World At Nürburgring Nordschleife

– June 29, 2012Posted in: News

Audi R8 e-tron sets world record at Nuerburgring Nordschleife

Audi R8 e-tron at Nuerburgring Nordschleife

The future of electric mobility at Audi is highly dynamic: The R8 e-tron has set a world record for a production vehicle with an electric drive system on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – the toughest test track in the world. Racing driver Markus Winkelhock piloted the high-performance, all-electric-drive sports car around the demanding 20.8-kilometer (12.92-mile) track in 8:09.099 minutes. With this Audi has achieved yet another milestone in its history, following overall wins at the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Le Mans.

“The R8 e-tron has given a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world,” said Michael Dick, AUDI AG Board Member for Technical Development. Dick, who completed a fast lap himself in the R8 e-tron, added: “The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track. To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure.”

A comparison with the current record lap driven by a combustion engined production car shows just how impressive the 8:09.099-minute time really is. The record time of 7:11.57 minutes was achieved with a Gumpert Apollo Sport, which is powered by a 515 kW (700 hp) Audi V8 gasoline engine.

The drive system of the Audi R8 e-tron that Markus Winkelhock drove to the world record corresponds in every detail with that of the production model that will come on the market at the end of the year. Both of the car’s electric motors generate an output of 280 kW and 820 Nm of torque; more than 4,900 Nm (3,614.05 lb-ft) are distributed to the rear wheels nearly from a standing start.

The Audi R8 e-tron accelerates from zero to 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is normally limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph); 250 km/h (155.34 mph) was approved for the record-setting lap.

The R8 e-tron’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery stores 49 KWh of energy – enough for a distance of about 215 kilometers (133.59 miles). Its “T” shape allows it to be installed in the center tunnel and in the area between the passenger compartment and the rear axle. It is charged by energy recovery during coasting and braking. The ultralight car body of the Audi R8 e-tron is made primarily of aluminum, along with CFRP components; this is a main reason why the high-performance sports car weighs just 1,780 kilograms (3,924.23 lb), despite the large battery.

In order to further underscore the production-relevance of the R8 e-tron and the capability of its drive technology, Audi has set another record on the Nordschleife in addition to the single lap record time. Immediately afterwards, Markus Winkelhock drove two fast laps in one go in a second R8 e-tron that was limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). At 8:30.873 and 8:26.096 minutes, both laps were well under the important nine-minute threshold.

“The record drives were a fantastic experience for me,” said Markus Winkelhock. The 32-year-old, who lives near Stuttgart, has a high standard for comparison – the Audi R8 LMS ultra, in which he, along with Marc Basseng, Christopher Haase and Frank Stippler, won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring a few weeks ago.

“Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics,” Winkelhock emphasized. “But with its low center of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me. In places where I really need traction, the torque vectoring – the displacement of the torque between the powered wheels – really helps me.”

Michael Dick proudly summed up events after the record-setting drive at the Nürburgring. “Within just a few weeks we’ve taken on some big challenges and in the process we’ve shown that we are at the forefront with all of our drive concepts,” he said, adding:“We won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in May in the Audi R8 LMS ultra with a ten-cylinder engine.

In mid-June we triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro – the first overall victory for a hybrid-electric vehicle in the toughest race in the world. And now we’ve set another record with the all-electric-drive R8 e-tron on the most demanding track there is.”

Tags: Audi, Nurburgring

Audi sales up 28 percent in November

– December 8, 2011Posted in: News

Around 111,400 cars delivered in the past month
Growth of 68.8 percent in China
17.8 percent increase in Europe
Board member for Sales, Schwarzenbauer: “We will sell 250,000 cars in Germany this year for the first time since 2008”

AUDI AG sold around 111,400 cars to customers worldwide in November – an increase of 28 percent. The main driving forces behind this success were continued strong growth in China and a renewed pick-up in business in Germany. In its European export markets, Audi also achieved largely two-digit growth rates. Year to date, AUDI AG sold around 1,193,100 cars through the end of November – which puts the company well on course to reach its stated sales target of 1.3 million units.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG: “We are growing against the trend in Western Europe. This has resulted in our highest market share ever. We will sell more than 250,000 cars in Germany this year for the first time since 2008.”

In Europe, around 59,900 customers bought an Audi in November – 17.8 percent more than in November 2010. From January to November, unit sales were 12.6 percent up on the prior year, with around 670,300 vehicles delivered. In Germany, Audi’s domestic market, the sales figures for November rose again by 13.8 percent to 25,093 cars – primarily thanks to the success of the new A6 generation and additional customers for the new Audi A1 and Q3 models. Over the first eleven months of the year, Audi sold 232,423 cars in Germany – an increase of 13.3 percent. In the company’s largest European export market, the United Kingdom, Audi recorded growth of 30.7 percent in November with 7,593 units sold. Cumulatively, Audi delivered 108,975 vehicles in the United Kingdom, 15.3 percent more than in the same period of 2010. In France, sales figures rose in November by 25.5 percent to 5,598 units; in Spain Audi sales increased by 32.1 percent to 2,789 units. In Russia, Audi achieved growth of 27.6 percent, selling a total of 1,801 units.

AUDI AG aims to sell at least 115,000 cars on the U.S. market this year. The company delivered 104,906 units up to the end of November, an increase of 15.2 percent. In November, 9,700 vehicles were sold, up 3.6 percent. Strong growth was achieved on the Brazilian market, with sales figures rising by 110.7 percent to 670 cars in November. Year to date, Audi sold 4,859 units in Brazil, an increase of 63.1 percent. South Africa is establishing itself as a further growth market for the AUDI AG. In November, the brand sold 1,017 cars here, up 8.2 percent. Cumulatively, sales figures are 20.1 percent up on the prior year with a total of 13,978 units.

Audi recorded growth rates well into the two-digit rate in Asia – for example in Japan (1,626 cars, up 25.9 percent) and India (425 cars, up 66 percent). In China, 29,861 customers bought an Audi model in the past month, 68.8 percent more than in the prior-year month. This made November 2011 the best month ever for Audi in China. Audi has sold a total of 283,600 cars on this market since January – an increase of 35.2 percent. “With the recent decision to establish a further production site in Foshan in the south of China, we have laid the foundations for expanding our business into new regions and smaller, rapidly growing cities, where new market opportunities are now arising for our premium products,” commented Schwarzenbauer.

Sales for AUDI AG	In month of November			Cumulative
	2011	2010	Change from 2010	2011	2010	Change from 2010
World	111,400	87,050	+28.0	1,193,110	1,003,905	+18.8
Europe	59,900	50,847	+17.8	670,300	595,459	+12.6
- Germany	25,093	22,055	+13.8	232,423	205,207	+13.3
- UK	7,593	5,809	+30.7	108,975	94,491	+15.3
- Italy	4,302	5,032	-14.5	55,583	55,214	+0.7
- France	5,598	4,460	+25.5	57,051	48,321	+18.1
- Spain	2,789	2,111	+32.1	38,172	37,178	+2.7
- Russia	1,801	1,411	+27.6	21,479	17,007	+26.3
USA	9,700	9,365	+3.6	104,906	91,083	+15.2
Brazil	670	318	+110.7	4,859	2,979	+63.1
Asia-Pacific	34,700	21,586	+60.7	339,800	255,069	+33.2
- China (incl. Hong Kong)	29,861	17,692	+68.8	283,600	209,752	+35.2
- India	425	256	+66.0	5,117	2,791	+83.3

Tags: Audi, Sales

Audi at “Wörthersee Tour 2011”

– June 5, 2011Posted in: News, Wallpapers

Click for more wallpapers and info

Audi at “Wörthersee Tour 2011”
• Audi presents the A1 clubsport quattro showcar at the Wörthersee
• New adhesive film decals in accessories program for the A1 family
• Experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro at world.needforspeed.com
• 18 Audi vehicles at the 3,500 square meter stand
Reifnitz/Ingolstadt, May 31, 2011 – It gives the impression of having just emerged from the shop, freshly painted, on its way to the first rollout on the race track. The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW fans takes place from
June 1 – 4, 2011.
The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi gasoline engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 liters with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.
The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.
Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb). The powerful engine catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds. From 0 to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) takes just 10.9 seconds, while the car goes from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.

Dynamic and brawny: the exterior
Sporting a very dynamic appearance and an exquisite finish, the showcar makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matt paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminum.

Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing.” Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the hood.

The front fenders, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.36 in). They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the fenders, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.
The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.

Tags: Audi, Concept

Interactive Audi A6 Technical Data Graphic

– February 20, 2011Posted in: News

Audi Released Interactive Technical Data Graphic for Audi A6.

Tags: Audi

Audi ended 2010 with total sales of around 1,092,400 cars

– January 8, 2011Posted in: News

Around 1,092,400 cars sold worldwide in 2010 – up 15 per cent
Click for Audi A7 Sportback Wallpaper Gallery
99,828 UK sales last year – up 9.5 per cent on 2009 (SMMT data)
A record 101,629 cars delivered in the United States
Sales chief Schwarzenbauer: “We are bringing the TDI clean diesel to the executive class in the United States”
Audi remains Europe’s best-selling premium brand

Audi ended 2010 with total sales of around 1,092,400 cars, exceeding the Company’s annual forecasts and marking the year as its best ever in terms of sales. Input from the brand’s home market again elevated Germany to first position in the overall sales rankings with 229,157 units sold. China was, however, hot on its heels with a record 227,938 units sold, while in the United States the brand achieved sales surpassing the 100,000 mark for the first time. The UK’s contribution of 99,828 units (SMMT data) is 9.5 per cent up on its 2009 figure, and positions it a very creditable fourth on the grid after the USA.

“We have set a historic sales record on the US-market, while achieving the best earnings in the United States in a long time,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. “In the next few years we will bring our successful TDI clean diesel technology to the executive class: We will offer our US customers TDI engines also in the new generation of the Audi A6 and A8. This will significantly bolster our position in this segment.”

The company had already announced the goal of doubling its proportion of executive class cars sold in the United States with the introduction of the Audi A7 Sportback and the new generation of its A6 and A8 models.

Audi also achieved record sales in the Chinese market, with demand growing considerably faster than expected. This led to Audi dealerships running low on cars at the end of the year. In all, the company delivered 227,938 cars to customers between January and December, 43.4 percent more than during the previous year.

In December Audi handed 18,186 cars over to their buyers. In Germany – as expected – the new Audi A1 helped the Ingolstadt-based carmaker to finish the year strongly. Corporate business, which is again on the upswing, also contributed to increased sales in December. With 23,950 units, AUDI AG sold 36.4 per cent more cars than during the same month last year. Sales figures for the entire year, with 229,157 units sold, were slightly above the results for 2009, despite the impact of the scrappage bonus.

Sales in December also rose significantly in Europe as a whole, to about 52,200 units, an increase of 18.2 percent compared to December 2009. From January to December, AUDI AG sold 647,600 cars in the region – and confirmed its position as Europe’s bestselling premium car brand.

Tags: Audi, Sales

£350,000 UNIQUE AUDI A1 BY HIRST FETCHES IMPRESSIVE

– June 27, 2010Posted in: News

The star of Sir Elton John’s White Tie & Tiara Ball last night (24 June 2010) was the Audi A1 car – specially spin painted by Britain’s foremost contemporary artist, Damien Hirst – which fetched a staggering £350,000 during the auction. Close to 700 VIP guests from around the world converged on the private home of Sir Elton in Windsor, UK, to support his largest annual fundraiser for his AIDS Foundation.