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