The VehicleVoice editorial management staff if very good to me. Being primarily on the consumer research side of AutoPacific I’m not the first choice for industry analysis or vehicle evaluations. In spite of this, I get some pretty cool assignments. Having the opportunity to drive the 2007 Audi TT along California’s Riviera this past summer was one of those assignments. The newest interpretation the Audi’s iconic design clearly exceeds its predecessor in every way. The challenge of re-designing an icon, has given Audi an even more beautiful TT. In addition, the upgraded platform, engines and transmissions have transformed the TT from a beautiful car, into a true sports car. So getting to cover the 2008 TTS at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show is a nice assignment. The TTS marks an anniversary for Audi. In 1998 the TT Coupe was introduced to the world and immediately became a design icon.

Continue reading "2008 NAIAS Audi TTS: A Good Thing Gets Better." »

Posted by Dan Hall at 06:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Can Audi Make Diesel Sexy?
Enthusiasts the world over have been taken in by Audi's R8, which launched with a 420HP V8. At the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Audi fits an updated version of their racing V12 diesel into the mid-engined supercar. In racing form, the 650HP 6.0L V12 diesel has been winning since 2006 and, Audi hopes, changing the American impression of diesel engines as smelly, loud, and slow. After the 2007 600HP Q7 V12 TDI Concept, this year Audi checks reaction to a diesel supercar.

On the track, the Audi R10 has proven diesels can perform while R8 and Q7 V12 TDI concepts bring the racing aura to the practical world. Though the R10 purpose-built race car will never be available in an Audi showroom, these TDI Concepts allow you to imagine the power in a car you can buy.

In the very sexy R8's case, the concept boasts a 500HP and an amazing 737 lb-ft 6.0L V12 TDI (available from 1750 to 3000 rpm. Less than seven inches longer than the standard V8, the compact diesel is small enough for the R8's engine bay. This V12 is different from that in last year's Q7 concept and the racing engine, with newly developed high-pressure pumps for the common-rail injection system and the AdBlue system for reducing emissions. The V12 is mated to a short-travel six-speed manual transmission and 40:60 split Quattro. This drivetrain gets the R8 V12 TDI Concept to 60mph in 4.2 seconds.

Audi AG is dedicated to diesels and sees potential for them in the States, and will make a 3.0L V6 diesel available in the Q7 and then the A4 next year. As diesels gain buzz and mainstream attention for their typically higher mpg, efforts like this V12 and Audi's racing success erode old stereotypes and help to increase consideration. You won't confuse the V6 for the V12, but racing and winning gives Audi's diesel program an image boost.

"Grace Silver" Concept Gets Beefed Up Looks, Too
The R8 V12 TDI Concept looks wider and takes larger air intakes, with RS-inspired rhombus-pattern mesh. The concept gets a continuous aluminum spoiler lip between front and rear diffusers and side air baffles below the sills. The glass roof has transparent sections over the passengers, with a functional NACA duct in the middle, complementing the restyled glazed engine compartment cover. Like the production R8, and fitting for a concept starring an engine, white LEDs in the engine compartment ensure the car's heart can be seen even at night. The duct, which Audi says is a race-car feature, accelerates air drawn to each of the V12's two cylinder banks. The concept also features all-LED headlights and taillights. The LED headlights are closer to daylight than traditional headlight options, which Audi says results in less driver fatigue in night driving. Inside, there are larger aluminum elements and more carbon fiber accents.

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Too Bad Americans Shun Wagons: 580HP Avant Won't Be Part of U.S. Lineup Audi introduced the RS6 Avant at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, along with an ultra-efficient A4 concept and a 1.4L four-cylinder TFSI engine for the European A3. The 580HP RS6 Avant, as fuel-efficient as a twin-turbocharged 5.2L V10 engine can be thanks to the direct-injection system, is about as opposite of socially conscious motoring as you get from Audi's range. The RS6 Avant goes on sale in Europe in April 2008, but in the States not at all. As a fan of Audi S and RS cars and of Audi Avants, the 580HP RS6 Avant sounds sublime. But the combination of cost and the wagon shape would make finding homes for a 580HP RS6 Avant difficult for U.S. dealers and it is no real surprise Audi of America is not going to try. European pricing for the latest version hasn't been announced, but a U.S. version would likely have played in the low-$90,000 range. Consider that a 2008 S6 starts at about $75,000 and that the 2008MY base price difference between the S4 sedan and RS4 sedan is a staggering $18,000. An RS6 Avant price tag in the low-$90,000 range puts it too near the $96,000 Audi S8 and close to the base price of a 500HP Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The European release says the RS6 is available as Avant "to start with" and offers hope for a sedan. Though a sedan would have the same price-point difficulty, it would be more likely to attract enough buyers to justify importing this particular rocket. Even more interesting, the RS6 may provide a hint at the potential for a V10-motivated R8 mid-engine sports car. A V10 is expected for the sports car, and simply giving it the S6 and S8's 450HP 5.2L V10 is not enough of a jump from the 420HP V8 it launched with. Audi didn't suggest the 580HP unit will wind its way into the R8, but we think it is only a matter of time before some manner of V10 arrives for R8 drivers.

Continue reading "2009 Audi RS6 Avant: Europe Gets a Treat" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:28 AM | Permalink

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All-New A4 Arrives Stateside Fall 2008
Despite the European introduction in September 2007 at the Frankfurt motor show and sales in some markets by the end of the year, U.S. buyers won't get to choose the latest A4 until about a year later (click for the European Audi A4 microsite). We can't wait that long to share the first details with you, of course!

The new A4 takes the latest family look, introduced with the TT and A5, and does it well from headlights to small decklid spoiler. Whether xenon or halogen headlights are ordered, the shape of the headlight and the daytime running lights accents the car's design in a new way. The wing running below the main light and supported by the line of daytime running lights adds character and design, instead of a complex "jewel-look" housing. It carries a fast rear roofline, though Audi promises good headroom for all passengers and easier ingress/egress thanks to wider-opening rear doors. The new A4 is about six inches longer than the current car, though it does not look so. Only about an inch wider, the new A4's proportions hide the larger size. Even in person, it does not look much bigger than today's sedan.

Audi's 2009 A4 moves to a new layout, once called transmission forward. The transmission now sits basically next to the engine. Benefits include more space for better interior packaging and better driving dynamics, due to the car's overall weight balance being closer to the optimal 50:50. The car also gets away with a shorter front overhang, even allowing for pedestrian and crash safety standards.

A4 Grows to be More Competitive
The size of the new A4 is almost that of the A6, shy an inch or two in each dimension, but close enough for us to conclude that the next generation A6 will be a substantially bigger car. German cars always seem to be a half size too small for the class in which they compete. With the increase in size for the A4, Audi brings their high volume mid-size car almost up to the package it requires.

Continue reading "2009 Audi A4: Frankfurt Motor Show Introduction" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Sonoma, California: Audi’s long awaited R8 has landed here in the States. This past week, VehicleVoice had the chance to review and drive the vehicle at Audi’s New Performance School at Infineon Raceway.

Purpose built to showcase new Audis to the press and host driving events for owners, the new facility at Infineon has the unmistakable Audi presence, with the proper applications of glass, steel, asphalt and, of course, aluminum. Both track and autocross courses were made available to the press for the day.

Continue reading "Audi R8 - VehicleVoice Drives Audi’s Super Car" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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I spent two days crisscrossing the massive Frankfurt auto show, and the focus on reducing emissions and improving fuel economy and "green" solutions could not be missed. Very few manufacturers were not talking about fuel economy gains in their powertrain lineup and many announced hybrid plans or showed hybrid concepts. What we're seeing here is the culmination of years of research, rather than fiberglass what-if models. Many of these hybrids or other technology-based solutions will be on the roads later this decade.

Mercedes-Benz will, during the 2009CY, offer a hybrid powertrain in the S-Class and the M-Class, while a smart fortwo mild hybrid system goes on sale in October. Porsche gave updated the Cayenne's diesel for more power but also promises a parallel series hybrid using the existing 3.6L V6 by the end of 2010CY. General Motors took the system shown under the Chevrolet Volt in January, replaced the gasoline engine with a diesel one, and created the Opel Flextreme as well as showing off an Opel Corsa Hybrid. Volvo put a plug-in hybrid into the C30 to create the Recharge concept. Land Rover is adding stop-start systems in 2009CY, and Audi will bring a hybrid to the Q7.

Small cars are more prevalent on international roads and therefore more prevalent at auto shows outside the United States. Toyota brought us the iQ, Volkswagen the up!, and Ford the Verve. Renault's latest Twingo was on the show floor as well, though this was not its debut.

Notable exceptions to the small and green game were Ferrari and the 430 Scuderia (introduced by Michael Schumacher himself), the Aston Martin DBS (officially introduced at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance), the Bentley Continental GTS Speed, the Lamborghini Reventon (of which only twenty will be made, with a price tag around $1.4 million), and Maserati.

Day two of Frankfurt's show holds most of the supplier press conferences, leaving us a chance to take photos and see some general reaction. Frankfurt's convention center has 10 halls, with at least seven of them holding the major manufacturers and others holding aftermarket and supplier stands. Walking the full show requires much time and comfortable shows and several hours. Interest was strong in the Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept (previewing the next S-Class), the Audi A4, Opel's Flextreme, Ford's Verve and Kuga, and Jaguar's XF. Peugeot and Citroen concepts, the 308RCZ and the Airscape, saw plenty of attention, as did Nissan's very odd-looking Mixim.

The Volkswagen Tiguan stand was flocked with people getting a chance to get in and crawl around the new model, with plenty also checking out the up! city car. Interestingly, every time I went through hall 6, home to Italian makes Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Ferrari, and Maserati as well as Porsche and Hyundai it was completely mobbed. On the other hand, Kia's Kee coupe concept and BMW's X6 concepts didn't seem to grab attendees as much.

While going green may be good for us, hybrid systems and new engine developments don't make for great pictures or put the enthusiasm into driving that a great-looking design can. Over the coming weeks, we'll bring you more detailed coverage of many of these. Stay tuned.

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 09:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Image compact cars are products where style, presence and image count more than absolute function. In the case of the Audi A3, winner of both AutoPacific awards for 2007 – the Vehicle Satisfaction Award and the Most Ideal Image Compact Car Award, A3 combines both emotional excellence with functional excellence. Owner preferences for power and acceleration, exterior styling and exterior size drove the new A3 to a class win, in a segment including such tough competitors as the Toyota Prius and the MINI. Ease of getting in and out was the only category where the A3 was substantially below segment average.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In Europe station wagons are accepted. They almost have to be. Families don’t have the luxury of opting for two vehicles to suit different tasks. In Europe they choose one versatile vehicle for multiple jobs. From hauling the family and their gear on a trip to Munich to commuting on a daily basis to work, the station wagon suits many families very well. In the United States us Yanks drive the SUV on the weekend and the sporty car (or stately sedan) to work during the week. The fusion of the two would have looked something like an Audi allroad… but American consumers didn’t seem to like the ambiguous styling and with slow sales Audi pulled the plug on North America.

Since the allroad (the hard core ‘Land Rover test course capable’ car-based SUV) didn’t work, Americans looking for a mid-sized Audi station wagon will have to settle for the A6 Avant.

Continue reading "2007 Audi A6 Avant 3.2 Quattro AT6 – Boring, But Not Bashful" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 05:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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AutoPacific's Detroit staff recently spent time in a 2008 Audi TT 2.0T Roadster (with the 200HP turbo I4), a 3.2 Coupe (with the 250HP 3.2L V6), and even spent a few minutes with a 3.2 Roadster. As this office includes current and former first-generation TT owners, we were particularly interested spending time with the latest TT (and with a 2002 ALMS edition coupe on hand, gave us an opportunity for the side-by-side photography in this blog). Our evaluation confirmed first impressions: Audi has successfully evolved the design into another work of art and improved interior space, handling, and performance. The first generation is still a wonderful driver. But the second generation offers enough improvements for owners of the first generation to consider trading up, and with a little more interior room should also be able to reach even more new buyers.

Our test cars were very well equipped, with eighteen-inch wheels and summer tires, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, Bluetooth, and an iPod interface. The 3.2 gets more standard equipment, including quattro, to which our Coupe added navigation plus and Magnetic Ride Suspension. Parking assist was left off both cars, but we didn't miss that feature one bit. MSRP for our roadster was $44,400 and our coupe $51,595. Base prices at www.audiusa.com, 2.0T models start at nearly $35,000 and $37,000 for coupe and roadster. Price of entry for the 3.2 S Tronic is $43,000 and $46,000. The price penalty for going topless is a rational $2000 or $3000.

Continue reading "2008 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster: An Icon Revisited" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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The French are a different bunch of people. The 24 Hours of LeMans, run the weekend of June 16, took place in a small industrial city, nearly an hour south of Paris via high-speed train. The town is of little interest to tourists with the exception of the 24 Hour race, which takes place over ordinary town roads. But don't let the sleepy little town fool you. It takes brass balls to step into the cockpit of a LeMans racer. "Le Mans is quite rightly billed as the hardest race in the world," said Allan McNish, a former Formula One driver who has raced here seven times and who won in 1998.

"In this 24-hour period, we will average more than 200 kilometers per hour, including all of the pit stops," he said. "The car will complete nearly 5,200 kilometers - which is the equivalent of a Grand Prix season in one day. It will do that without a change of the engine, without changing the brake pads or discs, without changing the gearbox, without a change in the suspension or anything."

Continue reading "Audi Diesel Power Again Dominates LeMans" »

Posted by dbarrett at 07:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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As concern regarding fossil fuels and dependence on specific suppliers mounts worldwide, answers to alternative fuel solutions remain largely elusive for the mainstream. Ethanol, hydrogen, and other fuels are not as easily accepted as one might expect.

Even diesel power has not been widely accepted in the United States. And, while there are numerous reasons why diesel power has historically been viewed differently in the U.S., today, there are several reasons why many Americans are taking a second look at diesel power.

Audi Commits Racing Fortunes to Diesel

There are several key reasons to consider diesel power, including advantages of fuel consumption, emissions, and the overall performance of modern diesel engines. To underscore these benefits, Audi embarked on a challenging mission at the turn of the (21st) century. The German car maker decided to create a LeMans racer powered by a fuel-efficient diesel engine. The goal, to win over Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, and scores of other manufacturers. The result: win after win.

Continue reading "Will Racing Success Bring Diesel Technology Forward?" »

Posted by dbarrett at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Audi A3 Wins AutoPacific 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Image Compact Car:

“The key to success among Image Compact Cars is the ‘grin factor," says AutoPacific president George Peterson. "The Audi A3 delivers. As might be expected, Audi A3 owners score their vehicle substantially higher for Exterior and Interior Styling, Handling, and being Fun-to-Drive. Instrument Layout and the Feel of Quality associated with the controls were also highly rated”.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 09:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Audi Chooses Shanghai to Introduce Concept Previewing Upcoming Small Crossover SUV
Audi's second SUV is a smaller entry set to go into production next year in Ingolstadt, and will be named Q5 when it reaches dealerships. As the production date gets closer, Audi floated a preview in the form of the Cross Coupe Quattro concept at this year's Shanghai auto show. Yes, that's right. Audi gave a worldwide introduction of a major concept at a Chinese auto show. Audi was not alone in making major product news in China this month and we'll only see more introductions in Shanghai and Beijing as the Chinese market grows.

The Audi Cross Coupe Quattro Concept face embodies Audi's latest big-mouth grilles and clearly pulls from the Q7. As such, it is likely pretty close to the production Q5's face, though the concept's extremely fast rear roofline will get raised for production. A taller rear roofline will also improve the looks, to our way of thinking. Among the interesting features on the Cross Coupe Quattro is a power-folding fabric roof, a la the 2008 Jeep Liberty. The interior shows a new direction for Audi, and the initial photos promise that they haven't lost their touch for creating great-looking interiors.

Continue reading "Audi Cross Coupe Quattro Concept: The Face of the Q5?" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Audi's pricing for the new R8 sports car is about in line with what we at AutoPacific and VehicleVoice have been expecting. The humorous side to their pricing announcement, however, are the option packages and free standing options. These guys must have taken a page from Porsche's book of optioning their cars. First, their "Convenience Package" including a 6-disc CD changer, Homelink, Bluetooth, auto dimming mirrors should be standard. The other free standing options are OK as options with the exception of the navigation system. Should be standard. Oh, well.

Audi's Slightly Edited Press Release

Audi of America has announced pricing for the all-new 2008 R8 sports car. The R8 with a six-speed manual transmission will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $109,000 when it launches this fall in the United States. Models equipped with the six-speed R tronic automatic gearbox will start at $118,000. (That's $9,000 for an automatic transmission - possibly a new record!)

The R8 is the first mid-engine sports car Audi has ever produced. With a 420 hp V8 4.2L FSI engine and rear-biased quattro® all-wheel drive system, the R8 has the performance capabilities unlike any Audi before it. With a zero to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, the R8 is the fastest Audi ever produced. The lightweight aluminum frame and body and 44:56 front-to-rear weight distribution give the R8 tremendous handling capabilities, with the balance expected of a mid-engine sports car.

Continue reading "Audi R8 Pricing - If Only I Had $125,000" »

Posted by George Peterson at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Imola is the name of a little town in Italy, located on the plains to the east of the Apennine Mountains. The region is filled with such passion for racing cars it makes Laguna Seca seem like Autopia at Disneyland. If you close your eyes you can envision the great marques making their way through the Italian countryside, nose to tail, a little road rashed, weaving their way through the hills at red line. Ferraris, Alfas, Maseratis, have all cut their teeth in and around the town of Imola. The Mille Miglia even ran through the hills behind Imola. Therefore, it seems quite fitting that Audi used ‘Imola’ to describe the yellow paint stuck to the exterior of this particular 2007 S4.

Mild Mannered?
If not for the Imola Yellow paint this S4 could have been merely a mild mannered four-door sedan and perhaps a more mature color would have been more appropriate. A more muted color would make the S4 a true Q-Ship. The S4’s main body lacks the muscular fender flares found on its more aggressive brother, the RS4, and the badging is subtle. For the most part the S4 mirrors the basic A4, but packs a bigger punch with a 4.2L V8 with 340 normally aspirated horsepower (A4 w/3.2L V6 is @ 255 hp), a six-speed manual and Quattro AWD. The same 4.2L V8 found in the larger A6 Sedan.

http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2007/01/audi_a4_32_quattro_sline_teuto_1.html

Continue reading "2007 Audi S4 – Holy Imola!" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Four years after introducing the Nuvolari concept at 2003's Geneva show, Audi brought the production reality to the 2007 Geneva show in the A5 and S5 coupe. Audi is heavily expanding their product range, including the Q7, R8, A5/S5, and upcoming Q5. A return to the coupe market with the A5 is part of a strategy for improving image and sales in the States, where sales are expected to begin in November 2007. The A5 range was given a formal introduction in Geneva, with some help from the band Yello (most widely known for the song "Oh Yeah," used in Ferris Bueller's Day Off). A new Yello song, featured at the intro, will be used for A5 advertising worldwide.

Editor's Note

We go round and round on this at AutoPacific and VehicleVoice. Not on the A5 specifically, but on the demand, desirability, design of coupes in the United States. Internally, we have a pro coupe camp and an anti coupe camp. I was once reminded by a wizened old mechanic that "It don't cost any more to carry around an extra two doors and they come in mighty handy." Guess I have always followed that adage. In fact, I have concluded over the years that coupes are more of an ego trip for car designers and senior management than providing a solid business case. Oh, I know, great reason for Mustang and MINI, but on the whole the market for coupes is much thinner than the number of coupe offerings available.

The A5 is a handsome car and a welcome addition to Audi's lineup especially in Europe where coupes have a stronger pull. Sure, A5 will sell pretty well, but it'll peak within 18-months, stabilize and then begin the inexorable slide downward, just like every sporty coupe in the past.

Continue reading "2008 Audi A5/S5 Revealed: 2007 Geneva Auto Show" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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There are few things more fun than walking through a major auto show along side AutoPacific Analyst and former General Motors brainiac, Jim Hall. You have to be patient. He knows everybody and everybody knows him, so the going is often slow. But the one liners you get to overhear as he comes upon the latest in concept cars are worth the wait. So we decided to follow him around the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but this time,we brought the video camera.

Jim checked out the new Cadillac CTS, due to hit showroom floors this October. If you haven't seen this performance sedan yet, you're going to be blown away whether you're a Cadillac fan or not. Cadillac must have had BMW's 5 series and the Audi A6 in the crosshairs when they dreamed up this beauty. Even Jim was impressed.

He also reviewed a crop of new concepts -
Lexus IS-F
Lexus LF-A
Volvo XC60
Mercedes S-Class Convertible Ocean Drive
Chevrolet Volt

Jim went to design school, so watching him chat about stamped steel is actually interesting. And you can't beat descriptions like "swoop du jour" and "Ingmar Bergman on acid."

Thanks for the stroll, Jim. It was fun.

Show Runtime - 14:44