• Audi

    Audi Unveils Bathurst 12 Hour Livery 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 31-01-2012 07:02 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Two Phoenix Racing Audi R8 LMS race cars to take on a distinctly Australian appearance
    • Australian drivers to compete in the ‘Redback Spider’
    • International drivers to compete in the ‘Kangaroo’
    Two familiar Australian icons will adorn the Team Phoenix Audi R8 LMS race cars for this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour event.

    The Audi R8 LMS will return to Mount Panorama on February 24-26 to defend its 2011 Bathurst 12 Hour title under the cover of two famous Australian animals. The pair of Team Phoenix Audi R8 LMS race cars will be disguised as a ‘Redback Spider’ and a ‘Kangaroo’.

    Australian drivers Craig Lowndes, Warren Luff and Mark Eddy will be driving a white R8 LMS, complete with a graphic of a ‘Redback Spider’ sitting in a black web that covers the entire surface of the car. The International team of Christer Jöns, Christopher Mies and Darryl O’Young will race a black R8 LMS, with the world famous yellow traffic sign that depicts a kangaroo reproduced on the bodywork.
     ...
    Read More Read More 1 Comment

    Audi Adds a V8 Spyder to its Performance Car Line-Up 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 18-01-2012 04:52 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Audi
    Article Preview

    • New R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro completes local R8 Spyder line-up
    • V8 engine with 316 kW, quattro all-wheel drive standard
    • Lightweight and quiet cloth top with electrohydraulic drive
    Audi Australia is adding a new variant to its R8 high-performance sports car lineup. Hot on the heels of the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro comes an additional variant – this time with a 4.2-litre V8 engine.

    The R8 Spyder’s 4.2-litre FSI produces 316 kW and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or R tronic sequential manual gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard.

    Available only by special customer order, the first Australian vehicles will arrive in mid-2012, with a Manufacturer List Price (MLP) of $300,400 (6-speed manual) and $316,400 (R tronic). The R8 Spyder 4.2 will feature a similarly high level of equipment that can be found on the corresponding R8 4.2 Coupe.
    These include the following highlights:
    • 19-inch 5-twin spoke design alloy wheels
    • Audi magnetic ride
    • Audi parking system advance with rear view camera
    • Metallic paint
    • Xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights
    • Sport seats upholstered in Alcantara leather
    • Wind breaker
    Superior power: the engine
    The free-breathing 4.2 FSI is a high-performance engine such as can be found in racing. It delivers an experience that enthralls all of the senses – with spontaneous, voracious throttle response, easy revving, hefty torque, prodigious power and sonorous, voluminous ‚music‘ from the engine.

    The V8 accelerates the R8 Spyder from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and on up to a top speed of 300 km/h. Both values apply for the manual transmission and for the R tronic. At Audi, dynamics also always means efficiency. The R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro with the R tronic consumes on average 13.5 litres of fuel per 100 km. Fuel consumption with the manual transmission is 14.4 litres per 100 km. A recuperation system that recovers energy during braking is standard. The forced oil pump of the dry sump lubrication system features various suction and discharge stages for load- dependent operation.
    ...
    Read More Read More

    The New Audi A6 allroad – the Avant for Any Kind of Road 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 13-01-2012 05:49 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Successful model completes the A6 model series
    • Advanced powertrain technology with turbocharging and direct fuel injection
    • Fuel consumption reduced by as much as 20 percent
    The first two generations of the allroad quattro were winners, and Audi hopes to build on this success with the third generation. Universally talented, the new A6 allroad quattro extends the range of uses for the A6 Avant because when the asphalt ends, it just keeps on driving. Performance has improved and fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.

    Body and exterior design
    The new A6 allroad quattro is 4.94 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.47 metres tall, making it a few millimetres bigger than the Avant. It follows the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle familiar from the sedan, with aluminum components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model.

    The Audi A6 allroad quattro has a distinctive, sporty road stance. It features balanced proportions, sharp lines delineate taut surfaces and the roof line flows into flat D-pillars. Audi offers progressive LED technology as an option for the headlights and taillights. The xenon plus headlights can be combined with adaptive light, which ensures that the road is always well illuminated for the situation at hand.

    The body of the new A6 allroad quattro sits six centimetres higher than that of the A6 Avant. Setting it apart are, in particular, the trim strips on the side sills, the more widely flared fenders and the single-frame grille with vertical slats. Stainless steel covers protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

    The wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting color. Audi also offers a full paint finish in combination with the optional aluminum exterior package. The color Java Braun is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

    Interior and luggage compartment
    The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.91 metres. It features a lean, elegant design, intelligent ergonomics and superior workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are gleaming aluminum. MMI comes as standard, as does the onboard computer with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.

    Visual cues differentiating the A6 allroad quattro include the carpeting and the instrument panel, which are black throughout. Other refined details include the interior color Santos Brown and the optional aluminum inlays. The door sill trims are also made of aluminum and are emblazoned with “allroad.”
    ...
    Read More Read More

    Winter Sports and Functionality – the Audi Q3 Vail 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 10-01-2012 05:37 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Compact SUV as a themed vehicle at the auto show in Detroit
    • New, practical solutions and many individual design highlights
    • 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 231 kW and 400 Nm
    Audi is unveiling a themed vehicle of a special kind at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit: the Audi Q3 Vail, with an output of 231 kW. The compact SUV, which is named after the famous winter sports venue in the United States, unites a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle. The Q3 Vail is a highlight of the young model series that only launched internationally in 2011.
    The Audi Q3 Vail represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. The themed vehicle has been designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding. The Audi Q3 Vail is a sporty and robust compact SUV offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual design highlights.

    The themed vehicle is painted in the color developed specially for it – Energy Red. The red paint contains golden pearlescent particles. The add-on body parts are in matt gray quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.

    Vertical struts made from aluminum are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille. In the area of the horizontal panel, which carries the license plate on series-built vehicles, they are pulled outwards to striking effect.
    The struts exhibit the two-tone theme that the Audi designers developed for the Q3 Vail: their lateral edges are painted in matt quartz-based paint, and the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

    In the headlights the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which hold the daytime running lights, are painted anthracite. The side air inlets further emphasize the themed vehicle’s powerful appearance; their top areas are covered by solid aluminum panels. The underbody guard beneath the front end is also made from aluminum.

    Eyecatching features on the sides of the Q3 Vail are the flared wheel arches and running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The restyled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis and snowboards – these two items of sports equipment are made from carbon fibre.

    The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient, wide-angled LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 Vail. They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.
     ...
    Read More Read More

    Audi A4 and Audi 80 - Audi Celebrates its Ten Millionth Midsize Car 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 01-11-2011 06:19 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Production landmark is a Misano Red Audi S4
    • Board Member for Production Frank Dreves: “We’re very proud of this accomplishment”
    • Four generations of both Audi 80 and Audi A4 since 1972 Sub-title
    The models in Audi’s midsize class – the Audi A4 and its predecessor, the Audi 80 – constitute the heart of the brand. The company recently celebrated a true milestone in production. In early October, the ten millionth midsize Audi rolled off the assembly line: a Misano Red Audi S4 with a black and alabaster-white interior and a V6 engine generating 245 kW of output.

    "Ten million midsize vehicles is an achievement which makes us thrilled and proud," says Frank Dreves, Board Member for Production at AUDI AG. "Thanks to its sophisticated technology and excellent quality, the Audi A4 is our bestseller – winning over customers in every market since it was launched. With our strong team and our effective Audi production system, we will continue writing this success story, especially as a modified version of the Audi A4 will soon be launched."

    Audi has been producing the A4 model family at its Ingolstadt site since 1994 and, since 2007, via the "production turntable" in Neckarsulm, as well. The Audi A4 sedan, the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro, the S4 sedan, and the S4 Avant roll off the assembly line in Ingolstadt. A certain number of A4 sedan models are produced at the Neckarsulm site.

    "The Audi A4 family ensures that capacity utilisation will remain high in the long term at our key plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm – and therefore ensures job security," explains Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council at AUDI AG. He adds: "This success was made possible in large part by our Production colleagues, who utilise their extensive expertise, relentless devotion to top quality, and considerable commitment to build the Audi A4."

    Peter Kössler, Plant Manager in Ingolstadt, emphasises: "The success story of the Audi A4 could not have been written here without the productivity and motivation of our Ingolstadt team. Work in Production becomes more complex all the time. We master this challenge by means of our streamlined processes and the expertise of our top team."

    Midsize Audi models are proven champions – and have been for 39 years. Right from the very first Audi 80, launched in 1972, the brand with the four rings set new standards in lightweight design, performance, and agility. Four generations of the Audi 80 had been produced by 1994-95, when it was replaced by the Audi A4 – which is currently in its fourth generation. The five millionth Audi A4 left the factory in March 2011.
     ...
    Read More Read More

    Audi Presents the New A5 DTM 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 13-09-2011 07:53 PM
    Categories:
    1. International
    2. Audi
    Article Preview

    • World debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt
    • Testing of the new DTM vehicle has begun
    • Reduction of costs by up to 40 percent
    On the eve of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt Audi presented its new DTM vehicle: After the V8 quattro (1990 to 1992) and the A4 (2004 to 2011) the brand with the four rings has opted to use a two-door coupe in the most popular international touring car series for the first time.

    The new Audi A5 DTM, which bears the internal project name ‘R17’ at Audi Sport, conforms to the new Technical Regulations that will come into effect in the 2012 season. The project was premised on three key aims: the safety of the vehicles, reduction of the costs by up to 40 percent and a spectacular exterior design.

    IAA visitors will have the opportunity to get a first-hand impression of the new car’s look at the Audi Hall from September 13th to 25th. The Audi A5 DTM appears lower and sturdier than its successful predecessor with which Audi has won four of the last seven DTM titles. Underneath the body, which is completely made of carbon, a new type of chassis features a hybrid construction. The combination of a carbon fibre monocoque and steel cage sets new standards in terms of safety for a race touring car. In addition, the chassis is one of more than 50 components which are identical for all DTM vehicles.

    "Due to these shared components it was possible to achieve the cost reduction target of up to 40 percent without compromising on the safety and attractiveness of the DTM vehicles," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who has been in charge of the new Audi A5 DTM development.

    The A5 DTM is 5.01 metres long, 1.95 metres wide and 1.15 metres low. The wheelbase of all DTM vehicles is identical, i.e. 2,750 millimetres. Like its predecessor, the A5 DTM is powered by a V8 engine with an output of approximately 340 kW. The six-speed transmission, now pneumatically operated using paddle shifters in the steering wheel, is a new development. The shifts are more precise compared with conventional manual gearshifts and allow the mileage of the unit to be quadrupled to up to 24,000 kilometres.
    ...
    Read More Read More 2 Comments

    Design Triumph for Audi A7 Sportback 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 27-07-2011 06:01 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Audi
    Article Preview

    • A7 Sportback awarded best-in-category in the prestigious Australian International Design Awards
    • This latest accolade adds to the growing number of design awards bestowed on the A7 Sportback since launch
    Audi’s segment-defining A7 Sportback has been awarded a prestigious Design Award as Best in Category at the 2011 Australian International Design Awards.

    This year 232 Australian and internationally-designed products were physically assessed by the expert judging panel of the Australian Design Awards, with the A7 the clear winner in the Automotive and Transport category.

    With aesthetic elegance on a grand scale, Audi again emphasises design with the A7 Sportback. The five-door coupé measures 4.97 meters long and 1.91 meters wide, but just 1.42 meters high. Its long bonnet, flowing C-pillars and the steep curve of the rear section present a dynamic overall stance.


    The interior is also a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that Audi puts into building cars; the quality of the craftsmanship is on a par with fine handcrafted goods. The senses are pampered with high quality new materials including veneers made with a laminated-wood technique; options include ambient lighting that highlights the interior.

    “We are delighted that the A7 Sportback has won its category in Australia’s most prestigious design awards,” said Uwe Hagen, Audi Australia Managing Director.

    “Good design and aesthetic excellence is a core pillar of Audi’s brand ethos, and this award confirms the outstanding position of the A7 Sportback within the field of automotive design, and the excellent response from our customers confirms the appeal of this car.”

    Brandon Gien, Managing Director of Good Design Australia, said; “Award winners are the result of unwavering dedication to good design and commitment to a professional design process. Innovation, creativity and attention to detail are clearly at the heart of each project.”

    This latest design accolade adds to the growing number of awards the A7 Sportback has received since launch, including the highly-sought after ‘Auto Bild Design Summit’.
    ...
    Read More Read More
    Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4 LastLast