REVIEWS: 2011 Audi S5 Cabriolet 3.0T

We're now well into the season in Michigan where no one fights for the keys to a convertible. This S5 Cabriolet, however, is a soft-top I wouldn't mind driving through the chilly months. Beyond the obvious advantage of all-wheel drive, the Audi has one of the quietest top-up rides I've ever experienced. Climb in, flip on the seat heaters (not so easy to do with Audi's frustratingly complex HVAC controls) and you'll soon forget the roof isn't made of steel.

That also applies to the way it drives. Mash the pedal, and the all-wheel-drive system and 7-speed dual clutch automatic take care of the rest, hurtling you to 60 mph and beyond with a pleasant blat accompanying each upshift. The only fly in Audi's dynamic punchbowl is the variable-effort steering, which reminds me how terrible it is every time I drive through our parking garage and experience the disconcerting and slightly dangerous build up in effort half way through a turn.

Read More: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/1012_2011_audi_s5_cabriolet_3_0t/index.html

Chicago Audi Dealers

2012 Audi Q3 Compact SUV Spied

We knew Audi was hard at work developing a compact SUV called the Q3, and now we have (hastily nabbed) spy photos of the thing out in the wild. The camouflaged beast seen here is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan, and will be the smallest Audi SUV, slotting under the Q5 in the brand’s lineup.

While the Tiguan-esque proportions are evident, the Q3 diverges from its VW sibling with Audi’s signature big-mouthed grille and squinty lighting elements, as well as a steeply sloped rear hatch that recalls the back of the small A1 subcompact. Like the Tiguan, expect the Q3 to employ VW Group’s 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four, and to offer buyers a choice between front- and all-wheel drive.

The Q3 will be tuned for sportier dynamics than the VW, and should offer considerably more equipment and luxury. Base prices for the 2011 Tiguan range from $24,305 for the entry-level front-wheel-drive model to $37,870 for a loaded SEL with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Based on those numbers and the Q5’s $36,075 point of entry, we’d expect the Q3 to start between $30,000 and $32,000 and stretch into the mid-$40K range.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/2012-audi-q3-compact-suv-spied/

Audi Dealers

2008 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0T

2008 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0T

VIN: WAUDF78E98A051587
Stock Number: 8A051587
Selling Price: $23,777

Highlights

Miles: 40,162
Doors: 4
Exterior Color: Brilliant Black
Interior Color: Beige
Transmission: Automatic
Engine Displacement: 2.0L
Engine Cylinders: 4
Highway MPG: 27
City MPG: 19
Audi Dealers

Audi Establishes New Research Center For EV Development

Electric vehicle development is quickly proving to be a worldwide effort, with companies and research institutes from across the globe and in varying industries and fields forming partnerships and alliances in order to accelerate the roll out of zero-emission electric vehicles.

Audi is one of the leaders in this field, previously announcing the establishment of the new e-tron sub-branding for electrified vehicles and then the formation of a partnership with China’s Tongji University to help with the research, instruction and services dealing with electromobility. Now the automaker has opened a physical center to group all the efforts of its electric vehicle development team, located at its Ingolstadt headquarters in Germany.

Approximately $100 million has been invested in the new building over the past two years. The 150,690 square-foot building houses numerous state-of-the-art test rigs, which can be used to test electric drive concepts.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1051434_audi-establishes-new-research-center-for-ev-development

Audi Dealers

BMW's revamped X3 is no threat to the Q5 according to Audi

Volkswagen AG's Audi doesn't think U.S. sales of its Q5 SUV will be hurt by the launch of BMW's second-generation X3 SUV.

“I don't expect to see any downturn in Q5 volume. In fact, we will sell more Q5s next year than we did this year,” Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America, said in an interview at the Los Angeles auto show. “The car is hot.”

The X3 begins arriving in U.S. showrooms late this year with customer deliveries starting early next year, according to BMW.

Sales of the Q5 through October rose 77 percent compared with last year to 18,735, according to Autodata Corp., a New Jersey-based researcher.

Audi has a 12-day supply of the Q5 and the company could sell 1,000 more a month if they had more vehicles, de Nysschen said.

BMW started selling the first-generation X3 in 2004, exploiting a market for a small, upscale SUV. It has since fallen behind in the segment with sales so far this year falling 2.7 percent from last year to 5,135, according to Autodata.

“It's likely we'll see the segment really grow to naturally accommodate whatever plans our BMW colleagues have,” de Nysschen said.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101119/COPY01/311199976/1295#ixzz15l606L5v

Audi's R8 GT to narrow price gap with BMW, Mercedes

BERLIN (Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AG's Audi aims to compete on pricing with BMW AG and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz with the R8 GT, its most expensive model ever.

The vehicle, which costs 193,000 euros ($270,000) in Germany, is part of a broader expansion of Audi's model range which may include a third sports car line in addition to the R8 and TT, Stephan Reil, development chief at Audi's Quattro sports car division, said in an interview.

High-end sports cars are important to Audi because they help the automaker increase the price customers are willing to pay across the entire model range by raising the brand's overall appeal.

Audi, which lags behind BMW and Mercedes in pricing power, has spent the last decade boosting its offerings.

“The more Audi advances as a premium manufacturer, the less necessary will it be for them to offer lower prices,” said Sascha Heiden, senior analyst at IHS Automotive in Frankfurt.

The average price Audi currently gets for a car in the United States, the largest market for luxury autos, is $43,820, or $12,630 less than Mercedes and $7,829 lower than BMW, according to automotive Web site Edmunds.com.

“This car will naturally have a positive impact on the flagship Audi brand,” Reil said at the carmaker's headquarters. “We can imagine many options, you'll have to wait and be surprised,” he said of new models.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101022/COPY01/310229961/1286#ixzz13gdauJj1

Audi Dealers

2012 Audi A6 Spy Photos - Future Cars

Based as it is on the same architecture as the 2012 A6, the recently unveiled Audi A7 luxo-hatch previewed how the next A6 will drive. Now, we also know how Audi’s next midliner will look, thanks to spy photographers who caught this right-hand-drive prototype running wild with hardly any camouflage.

The photos more or less confirm what we stated—and illustrated quite accurately, we gotta say—back in our April story on the upcoming A6: that it will elegantly split the difference between the two-year-old A4 and the all-new 2011 A8 flagship. Notable styling features include its more laid-back stance, the upswept lower-body contour, taillights that extend onto the trunk (like those of the rest of the Audi line), and LED running lights with a checkmark graphic that is somewhat softer than the menacing diodes of the new A8. We’d like to see a sportier edge to the mainstream sedan’s appearance, but it appears that Audi will reserve the styling flourishes for the S6 and RS6 models, which will follow in subsequent model years.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/spied/10q4/2012_audi_a6_spy_photos-future_cars

Audi Illinois

2011 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro - Long-Term Road Test Intro

Date: October 2010
Months in Fleet: 2 months
Current Mileage: 6285 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 21 mpg
Range: 554 miles
Service: $0
Normal Wear: $0
Repair: $0

Combining as it does our loves of torque, top-notch design, and brown paint, we’re crushing pretty hard on our latest long-termer, this 2011 Audi Q7 TDI. Since its arrival roughly two months ago, everyone who’s driven the big four-ringer has complimented its manners, daily usability, and menacing looks.

Volkswagen’s flexible, economical, and eminently livable 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 is underhood, and its 225 hp and 406 lb-ft are routed through a new-for-2011 eight-speed automatic transmission. (2009 and 2010 model-year Q7 TDIs had a six-speed auto.) While the horsepower figure is meager for a vehicle this size—almost 5700 pounds!—the torque delivers enough off-the-line thrust to give the impression that the Q7 is quicker than its 8.3-second 0-to-60-mph time. Partial throttle is sufficient to push you back in the seat; full-throttle shenaniganery delivers a downshift and more intake whoosh, but not much in the way of extra thrust. Less lead-footed civilians won’t notice the difference, although they will notice, as we did, the moment’s hesitation on take-off while you wait for the turbo to spool.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_audi_q7_tdi_quattro-long-term_road_test_intro

Audi Dealers

2011 Audi R8 GT – First Drive Review

We’re not quite sure the world needs an even faster, lighter, and more powerful Audi R8, but Stephan Reil, head of development at Quattro GmbH, the company’s performance division, thinks it does. “More and more customers are demanding high-performance sports cars suitable for track days and club competition events,” he explains. “Also, we want to bring some of the Audi R8 LMS race car’s technical features to the road.” What he doesn’t add, of course, is that Audi will make some serious coin out of building its run of 333 GTs: Each one carries a price premium of about $50,000 over the R8 V-10’s base of $151,750.

The basis of the R8 GT is the R8 5.2 FSI. Changes to the 5.2-liter V-10’s engine software increase output to 560 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, up from 525 and 391, respectively. The R tronic automated manual is standard. In place of the 5.2’s ­magnetorheological shocks with a cockpit-adjustable sport setting, the GT gets conventional coil-overs that can be manually ­lowered 0.4 inch. And there’s additional ­negative camber at both the front and rear.

The focus here is less on power gain than nimbleness. Audi says it has trimmed 220 pounds from the 5.2’s mass. Exhibits A, B, and C: A thinner windshield, a polycarbonate engine-compartment bulkhead, and a polycarbonate rear window save 19.8 pounds; a carbon-fiber engine cover trims 14.6 pounds over the stock aluminum piece; lightweight seats with fiberglass-reinforced plastic shells shave another 69.5.

Externally, the GT has distinctive, forged aluminum wheels, a fixed rear carbon-fiber spoiler, a double-lipped front air dam, and a rear diffuser. Inside, it gets white gauges with red GT logos, additional carbon-fiber and aluminum trim parts, and Alcantara everywhere. The car we drove was further outfitted with a race-package option that includes a full roll cage, a fire extinguisher, and four-point seatbelts.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q3/2011_audi_r8_gt-first_drive_review

Illinois Audi

2013 Audi Q3 and other Future Plans

Automotive News got the scoop on Audi's vehicle plans for the future

A1 and A2

They're not confirmed for the United States just yet, but Audi has two new small cars worthy of a mention -- just in case we do get them.

Audi's Mini competitor, the A1, debuted at last March's Geneva Motor Show, and Audi already has plans to sell it everywhere but the States. Its crisp styling and fuel-efficient engine lineup present an alternative to those not smitten with the cutesy British hatch.

A 1.4-liter twin-charged (supercharged and turbocharged) four-cylinder engine -- which produces 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission -- will top a lineup of five engines.

European sales of the A1 started at the end of August, with global sales slated to begin next year. We'll have to wait until the 2015 debut of the second-generation A1, at the earliest.

The A2, which was a slow seller in its previous iteration, will be revived for the 2013 model year. It will ride on Volkswagen's upcoming New Small Family platform, the same as the Volkswagen Up!, and will initially be part of Audi's e-tron range with a lithium-ion battery pack and all-electric propulsion. More powertrain options, including a range of efficient three-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines and a yet-to-be-defined hybrid, will come later. It's reported that only the e-tron version, if any A2 models, will make find its way across the Atlantic after production commences in 2013.

A3

Despite several updates, the current A3 is beginning to get a little long in the tooth, and is due for a complete overhaul shortly. The next-generation A3, expected for the 2012 model year, will include a sedan version in addition to the four-door hatchback.

A4

Neither the current A4, introduced for the 2009 model year, nor the S4, introduced for 2010, are set for a freshening until the 2013 model year. In the meantime, Audi is considering adding a TDI model to the A4 lineup using the 3.0-liter, turbo-diesel V-6 from the Q7. Expect an RS4 model in a few years, likely with a twin-turbocharged V-6.

A5

Expect the A5 coupe and convertible, and their higher-performance S5 siblings, to be refreshed in 2012. Prior to the refresh, the RS5 coupe will arrive, powered by a version of the S5 coupe and R8's 4.2-liter V-8 that produces 450 horsepower. It uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and offers Audi's torque-vectoring rear differential. We can't wait to try one on this side of the pond sometime next summer.

A6

Audi updated its A6 for the 2009 model year, adding a 3.0-liter supercharged, direct-injected V-6 along with a few cosmetic changes. An all-new A6, riding on the just-introduced A7 platform, is due out next year. The engine lineup will be downsized in light of increasing fuel economy and emissions standard and will include a 2.0-liter, turbo four and the 3.0-liter, supercharged V-6.

A7

Previewed by the 2009 Sportback Concept, the A7 is Audi's attempt at a four-door coupe à la Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Rather than the coupe-like styling seen on the CLS, Audi opted to create more of a hatchback profile with a steeply raked roof. When it goes on sale next year, it will only be available with the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, at least at launch. S and RS versions are rumored and have been spotted undergoing testing in Europe.

A8

The A8 is brand-new for the 2011 model year and hits dealerships this November. It features clean, familial styling and a host of technology upgrades including an MMI system with a touchpad. Powertrains for the redesigned car include a 372-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 and a 500-horsepower 6.3-liter W-12, both of which are coupled to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. As is required in this über-lux class, a long-wheelbase option will be available.

Q3

Audi's baby 'ute is going head-to-head with BMW's new X1. The upcoming crossover that looks to be based on Volkswagen's Tiguan, from spy photos, is destined for production next year, but won't come to our shores until 2013.

Q5

Audi's mid-size crossover is set for several updates this year. It just received Audi's 2.0-liter turbo four and new eight-speed automatic transmission, and later next year, a hybrid powertrain will also be added.

Q7

Last year, Audi refreshed the Q7's exterior and interior, but left the powertrain offerings untouched. This year, the only updates are in the form of engines and transmissions: The 4.2-liter V-8 and 3.6-liter V-6 have both been replaced by two takes on the 3.0-liter, supercharged V-6, offering 333 and 276 horsepower, respectively. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine will still be offered, and all of the engines are now coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

TT

Thanks to a successful Facebook petition, the TT RS is destined for the U.S. in the third-quarter of 2011. It uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter I-5 that produces 360 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, along with a six-speed manual transmission, to propel the car to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. Unfortunately for open-top motorists, the convertible version will still be relegated to Europe, but at least we finally get the TT RS.

Other updates for the TT include a slight refresh next year along with a more potent 2.0-liter I-4 base engine. A full redesign is due in 2014.

R4

Audi unveiled its e-tron Detroit Show Car at the 2010 Detroit auto show to preview the upcoming R4. The R4 will be, in the spirit of the R8, a mid-engine sports car based on the Volkswagen BlueSport Roadster chassis. When it goes on sale, likely next year, it may feature the 200-horsepower version of the A4's 2.0-liter turbo four, while the uplevel option could hum the 265-horsepower tune of the TT S. An all-electric model may be in the works for production.

R8

The R8 5.2 Spyder will go on sale early next year in time for convertible season and will later be joined by a 4.2 version. Another recent addition was the performance-topping R8 GT.

An all-electric version of the R8, previewed by the two larger orange and red e-tron concepts, will go on sale in 2012 under the e-tron sub-brand. Production of the electric supercar will be limited to just 100 units.

Read More: http://blogs.automotive.com/6687340/miscellaneous/2013-audi-q3-and-other-future-plans/index.html

Audi Illinois

2011 MTM Audi S5 Cabriolet - Specialty File

Hit by a bus: MTM hacks into the S5’s CAN-bus port and turns up the power.

With the last ergs of performance and efficiency already wrung out of today’s production engines, you’d have thought that even the best independent tuning houses would have packed up their engine dynos and gone home. Instead, these conditions have bred a superstrain of tuner, resistant to the power war’s asymptotic virus. These shops—Dinan, Hennessey, and Alpina, for three—are able to keep squeezing out more juice without losing much of a car’s overall integrity. German tuner MTM aims for a place alongside them.

Former Audi engineer Roland Mayer founded MTM (Motoren Technik Mayer) in 1990; the turbocharged inline-five sits atop his resume. Currently, Mayer’s firm tunes most of the VW Group brands, as well as Spyker, Ferrari, KTM, and Porsche cars. His newest product is the “Cantronic” system, a CAN-bus-modification unit that bores into the vehicle’s brain and makes it do funny things.

Who You Calling Funny?

In the case of this MTM S5 3.0T cabrio, Cantronic infects the engine with an additional 97 hp (for a peak of 430) and 55 more lb-ft of torque (up to 380) by modifying boost pressure and fuel delivery. Unlike back-alley chip tuning, Cantronic maintains adaptive control of these parameters to balance power, efficiency, and engine life, and the unit can be removed easily. These guys are getting smarter.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q3/2011_mtm_audi_s5_cabriolet-specialty_file

Audi Dealers

2010 Audi TT Prestige

2010 Audi TT Prestige

MSRP $43,535

Call 877-267-5417

VIN : TRUKFAFK6A1013925
Stock Number : A1013925
Transmission: Automatic
Miles: 7
Body Type: 2DR
Doors: 2
Cylinders: 4


Audi Chicago

2010 Audi A4 Premium Plus

2010 Audi A4 Premium

MSRP $37,880

Call 877-267-5417

VIN : WAUHFAFL2AN022981
Stock Number : AN022981
Transmission: Manual
Miles: 117
Body Type: 4DR
Doors: 4
Cylinders: 4

Chicago Audi

International Autos Group

International Autos has been serving Wisconsin areas for numerous years and is now proud to offer service to Illinois as well. We have become a leader in sales, service and customer satisfaction. Our experienced sales staff specializes in New and Pre-driven Mercedes Benz, Audi, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini, Porsche, Subaru and Volvo cars and trucks. We strive to provide the best customer satisfaction and assure you that if you allow us a chance to earn your business you will be satisfied with both the sale and the service we offer. Our business philosophy has always been putting our customers first and our track record of continued repeat business shows that philosophy works. Whether you choose a New or Pre-driven Mercedes Benz, Audi, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini, Porsche, Subaru or Volvo vehicle you will enjoy the hassle free purchasing experience thousands of our customers have already benefited from.

International Autos Group

R8 Spyder TV Advert - Beauty and the Beasts

	R8 Spyder TV Advert - Beauty and the Beasts "Beauty and the Beasts" is a spectacular visual feast. The film, shot in London's ExCel centre, features 28 outlandish, beastlike and heavily-modified cars, which are juxtaposed by the elegance and beauty of the R8 Spyder. Through the course of the film, Audi demonstrates the poise and agility of the R8 Spyder amidst the skilful choreography of the UK's best precision drivers. The film was created almost all in camera in a live shoot, using hardly any CGI.	From:AudiChannel Views: 763 36 ratings
	Time:01:01 Audi Chicago

2011 Audi A8L W12 - First Drive Review

Five extra inches of wheelbase and four more cylinders for Audi's flagship.

Most cars are made to be driven, of course, and there is a select group of vehicles that are made to be driven in—the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the Maybach 62, the Ford Crown Victoria. But beyond that, there exists the infinitesimally small number of cars that have been engineered with both missions in mind, offering dynamic excellence for those twirling the steering wheel and five-star appointments for those occupying the rear seats. The 2011 Audi A8L W-12 is one such vehicle, and it satisfies in almost all aspects.
Length and Luxury
The L in A8L refers to “long wheelbase.” Beyond an extra five inches between the front and rear axles, the regular A8 and the A8L don’t differ much. The forward cabins are identical, and most folks won’t be able to tell the difference from outside without the cars parked next to each other. The range-topping model we drove, with a W-12 engine under the hood, gains some additional chrome on its nose and unique exhaust finishers, but the classy, black-tie look applies equally to short- and long-wheelbase A8s.
Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q3/2011_audi_a8l_w12-first_drive_review
Audi Illinois

Audi unveils new A7

by Greg Kable

Audi has unveiled the new A7 -- a sleek, upmarket liftback previewed by the Sportback concept at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The A7 aims to provide the company with a stylish but practical rival to contemporary four-door, coupe-styled cars such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Jaguar XF.

Revealed at a gala presentation in Munich on Monday, the A7 is the second liftback model launched by Audi recently, following the smaller A5.

The new four-door is being looked upon to significantly boost Audi's market penetration in the United States when it goes on sale in North America early next year.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100727/COPY01/307279903/1193#ixzz0wKCHWSK8

Audi Dealers Chicago

2010 Audi A4 Premium Plus

2010 Audi A4 Premium Plus

VIN : WAUFFAFL9AN053295
Stock Number : AN053295
Transmission: Automatic
Miles: 3
Body Type: 4DR
Doors: 4
Cylinders: 4
Exterior Color: Brilliant Black

Chicago Audi

2010 Audi Q5 Premium

2010 Audi Q5 Premium

MSRP $41,790
Call 877-267-5417
VIN : WA1CKAFP3AA077064
Stock Number : AA077064
Transmission: Automatic
Miles: 3
Body Type: Sport Utility
Doors: 4
Cylinders: 6

Audi Chicago