The Audi A6 Avant and Audi A4 Avant were named Executive Estate Car of the year in Germany by two trade publications – Deutsche Handwerks Zeitung ( The German Handcraft Newspaper) and Handwerk Magazin ( The Handcraft Magazine), excuse my rough translation here.
Both Audi’s were the readers first choice in a survey conducted by the German publications, the Audi A6 Avant was named Executive Estate Car in the full size category while the Audi A4 Avant prevailed in the standard-size category, all together there were 29 state car models being evaluated.
Audi’s Avant concept impressed readers by combining a sporty and dynamic design with high utility, in the full-size category, the Audi A6 Avant superiority was seen on the number of votes it received, with 50% of the total votes on the full-size category Audi’s premium model claimed its second victory in a row.
Audi’s success was completed with the victory of the Audi A4 Avant in the standard-size category. Thanking the readers while receiving the Awards at the weekend during the International Automobile Show (AMI) in Leipzig, Germany, Markus Siebrecht, AUDI AG General Sales Manager for the Region East, noted:
“As small-business owners in the trade sector, these customers place an especially wide range of demands on their company cars. This makes us especially pleased that they picked Audi.”
The Audi Q3 is one of the most anticipated car models of the next few months, but Audi revealed the Q5 will not be assembled at the German factory of the VAG group.
Instead, Audi will build the new Q3 SUV at the Seat factory in Martorell, Spain, in an attempt to spread it’s work to balance the economic downturn.
Audi’s decision to build the Q3 in Spain comes after the industry minister specifically requested help from the Audi Group to save 13,000 jobs at the Martorell factory.
The Audi R2 is a high-performance two-seater cabriolet and is being developed with sister company VW.
The engine line-up is to include a mix of 2.0-litre four cylinder and 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol units. A diesel version is being considered, but it’s not likely to be offered from launch.
All R2 models will offer a choice between six-speed manual and seven-ratio R tronic semi-automatic gearboxes.
The performance of this new Audi sports car should be fantastic, with power outputs ranging from 200bhp to a spectacular 380bhp.
The Audi R2 continues to develop the company’s successful design theme as the tail-lamps of the new car will be sculpted to mimic the Q of its famous Quattro badge.
Inside, the high-quality cabin is likely to share much of its equipment with the BlueSport. That means an enormous touchscreen cabin control set-up, as well as lightweight sports seats.
As well as this, a clever heating system inspired by the innovative ‘headscarf’ system offered in Mercedes’ SLK is integrated into the seatbacks.
The Audi R2 is expected to be launched in 2012, with a starting price of around £30,000.
One of Audi’s main goals has always been to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions while maintaining high performance.
For the next generation of the S4 and S5 models, Audi has already established a few benchmarks to be achieved, with the focus on reducing fuel consumption while maintaining the performance at the highest levels possible.
Audi S4
Audi is developing a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that will be an intermediate stage between the new 3.0-litre supercharged V6 TFSI and the former 4.2-litre V8 engines, with 20% more fuel efficiency and similar performance to the V8 engine.
Audi S5
Another area Audi considers of high importance is weight reduction, and Audi’s goal is to reduce the weight of its next generation of cars by 30%.
The German Car Blog give a very positive review of the Audi A6.
They say of the A6: ‘Subjectively, the new cars are even better-looking; the new engines more powerful but less thirsty (Audi says down by an average of 15% across the range), the driving experience up a notch and the suspension “more refined” and the cabin “more user-friendly”.’
‘The best of the new A6 range is the 3.0 TFSI with its new supercharged (yes, it’s still badged ‘T’ for turbo, but now uses supercharging) V6. The 2995cc unit has a mechanical supercharger with two intercoolers to produce 213kW from 4850-6800rpm and 420Nm from 2500-4850rpm.’
What more could you want?!!
Audi are bringing out the brand new Q3 in 2011, it was revealed in the recent annual press conference.
There are no technical details about the car yet, but it will of course be a great one!
The 2009 Geneva Auto Show is at full blast in Switzerland and an in its centenary year Audi is drawing most of the attention to its booth with four new production models on show.
Audi A4 Allroad
Designed to handle just any type of surface the Audi A4 Allroad has permanent all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance and three engines to choose from: a 208hp 2-litre TFSI petrol engine, a 170hp 2.0 TDI and a 237hp 3-litre V6 diesel engine.
The Audi A4’s allroad crisp lines, curved surfaces and striking details give this Audi model a sporty elegance as well as a respectful look.
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro will go on sale in the UK this summer with prices starting at £29,500.
Audi A5 Cabriolet and Audi S5 cabriolet
Combining a sporty character and the pleasure of open-top-driving the cabriolet versions of the Audi A5 and S5 will sure be a success amongst Audi fans all over the world.
Five engines are available three petrol and two diesel ranging from 180hp to 265hp, all with direct fuel injection with three types of gearbox available and Audi’s full range of add-ons.
Audi TT RS and Audi TT RS Roadster
Probably the most anticipated Audi model on display at this year’s Geneva Auto show is the Audi TT RS.
The Audi TTRS has a lightweight aluminium body, quattro all-wheel-drive powered by a 2.5 litre turbocharged 5 cylinder engine capable of delivering over 300hp, 331 lb-ft, a top speed of 155mph and acceleration from 0-62 mph under 5 seconds.
Add to that all the high-end tech of the Audi RS models and you’ll understand why the new Audi TTRS is the one of the starts of this year’s Geneva Auto Show.
The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro was on display at The Geneva Motor show and it sounds like it was received well.
‘A vehicle that knows no boundaries: Audi is launching the A4 allroad quattro. With its permanent all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, the A4 can handle any road or trail; it also offers driving pleasure – even on unpaved surfaces.’
‘Naturally, the Audi A4 allroad quattro features all the innovative technologies which impart to the A4 model line its superiority: a range of powerful and highly energy-efficient engines, Audi drive select, the high-tech S tronic transmission, and innovative communication and assistance systems.’
The Audi A4 Allroad Quattro will be available early this summer!
Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with direct injection. It produces 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a top-notch sports car.
Sporty five-cylinder petrol engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the Audi quattro. The first version, launched in 1980, offered an impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). The Sport quattro from 1984, directly inspired by motor sport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25 years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.
Audi has returned to this tried and tested recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct injection to elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 bhp) from a displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in) and a specific output of 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per litre.
The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The Roadster has a weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,329 pounds) and a power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp thanks to its extremely lightweight and largely aluminium body constructed on the Audi Space Frame principle.
The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.6 seconds and the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) is merely the official figure for both versions. As an option, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (179 mph).