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Brace yourselves for another round of swoopy coupe time boys and girls. Er, let’s make that swoopy four-door coupe, which is, of course, a contradiction in terms, albeit an increasingly popular one. Of course no one wants to drive the Audi Oxymoron, which is why the brand with the four linked rings is calling their hyper-styled new offering the A7. And here’s some shots of it mushing around Germany’s famed Nürburgring.

Our impressions? It looks pretty good on the track of all tracks, with just a bit more body lean than you might expect. However, this is probably not the RS7 (or whatever they’re going to call the high performance variant). That said, why would the base model have a pop-up, downforce-generating rear spoiler? We love the fact that zee Germans seem to be creating new automotive niches out of thin air. Anyhow, the upcoming A7 seems to be carving out an entirely new space.

We know that the original push behind the A7 was to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the O.G. four-door coupe. But what’s with the Audi’s hatch? Yes, the roof seems to slope off at a precipitous angle, but there’s quite clearly a hatch – just like the Porsche Panamera. But unlike the biggest on-road Porker, the A7 rides not on a bespoke chassis but instead on a version of Audi’s modular aluminum chassis that currently underpins the new A8 and will support the upcoming A6.

Curiously, and perhaps wisely, Audi didn’t go down the BMW rabbit hole of creating a high-riding station wagon (like the 5 Series Gran Turismo), either. Best we can figure, the A7 will be just like a Jaguar XF – only with a fifth door. Why, then, would one be compelled to purchase the A7 over, say an A6 Avant? The A7 will probably be a bit larger than the A6 (perhaps just marginally bigger, but bigger nonetheless) and to some, size still matters. Besides, lots of folks simply don’t want a two-box wagon form, preferring the added flash of a more streamlined form. And if you’re Audi, you’ll probably get bigger margins out of something like this than an estate, too – especially when the A7 is rumored to be priced just under the A8.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi A7 slinks onto the ‘Ring

Measuring approximately 17.5 feet long, the 2011 Audi A8 L W12 is certainly quite grandioso. And while the 500-horsepower 12-cylinder engine and new eight-speed automatic transmission are certainly nothing to sneeze at, what’s most impressive about the long-wheelbase A8 is the rear seat accommodations. Holy mackerel.

You want gobs of leather, a full-length center console, heated and cooled seats that massage you as well as a folding ottoman for premium comfort? You got it. The A8 L’s 122.9-inch wheelbase means there’s tons of legroom (duh), and we’re seriously eager to get some R&R time in the back of this luxury barge. See for yourself in the galleries below.

Live photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Beijing 2010: 2011 Audi A8 L W12 stretches onto the stage

With European deliveries set to begin in just a couple of months, reports indicate that the Audi RS5 will, in the end, make it to the North American market, 444-horsepower V8 and all. But it could take a little while.

The first RS5s will begin arriving in customers’ hands in Germany this coming June with a sticker price pegged at €65,300, representing a 32.4 percent price hike over the existing S5 coupe. Inside Line calculates that translates to about $88k by straight conversion, but applied to the U.S. market price for the S5, the 32.4% increase comes out closer to $69,500. Audi, however, doesn’t anticipate selling many of the super-coupes Stateside, and is therefore planning on bringing every RS5 over fully equipped, with the sport differential, Dynamic Ride Control system and Boysen sport exhaust.

So equipped, sources peg the American price for a loaded RS5 at around $75,000. But Audi reportedly warns not to start counting the days just yet, as first North American deliveries likely won’t begin before August or September 2011.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Audi RS5 to arrive Stateside by Sept 2011, again

When the Audi S8 was nixed from the automaker’s lineup late last year, the news produced a collective sigh around Autoblog Towers. Audi’s largest, most powerful sedan held a special place in our hearts, but redemption appears to be right around corner – the Nürburgring’s Carousel, to be exact.

With the introduction of the standard A8 in the rearview mirror, Audi has begun work on the S-ified variant of its stately saloon, and like the RS6, it’s rumored to be powered by a Lamborghini Gallardo-derived V10, with a duo of turbochargers hanging from the exhaust manifolds.

The output of the next S8 will jump from the outgoing model’s 444 horsepower to somewhere north of 600 hp, with torque boosted from around 400 pound-feet to upwards of 550 lb-ft of twist.

Although these spy shots don’t provide a clear glimpse of the stylistic upgrades, expect a more chiseled front fascia, lower ride height and modified rear diffuser. Quad tailpipes hint at the 5.2-liter twin-turbo beast within, while massive stoppers are expected to be framed by 20- or 21-inch wheels.

We’re expecting the S8 to make its debut sometime later this year or early in 2011, with sales beginning in the middle of next year.

Spy Shots: Next-gen Audi S8 may boast 620 HP from Lambo-derived V10

When Audi first announced it would be relying on the talents of Justin Timberlake to push the company’s new A1, we were a little skeptical. At first, it looked like JT was to do little more than stand on stage and look pretty next to the pint-sized hatch, but it appears the four-rings has other plans in mind, including a new action driving series starring none other than the singer-turned actor.

If you’re thinking a bunch of star-packed mini-movies sponsored by a German automaker sounds more than a little familiar, it should. BMW followed the same recipe with Clive Owen in The Hire way back in 2001 and 2002. The result was a total of eight short films that remain some of our favorite time-wasters to this day. What can we say? You can’t have James Brown drag race the devil for his soul and not be a winner.

From what we can tell from the short trailer, Audi’s effort looks to have all the right ingredients. There’s gun fire, car chases, tire smoke, good music and, of course, a hot antagonist (Dania Ramirez). Throw in any semblance of plot, and you’ve already got 9/10ths of a Michael Bay masterpiece. Sign us up. You can hit the jump to see the trailer before the action begins next month.

Continue reading Video: Audi and Justin Timberlake show off The Next Big Thing

Video: Audi and Justin Timberlake show off The Next Big Thing

Audi’s half moon-shaped fashionista, the TT is getting a bit of a nip/tuck for 2011. Both the hardtop and roadster receive modestly refreshed exteriors and interiors, along with a new 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder model whose 211 horses gallop with an eye toward superior fuel economy (Audi claims fuel economy of nearly 36 miles-per-gallon on the combined European cycle). This is the same revamped four-banger that has been appearing in engine bays throughout the German automaker’s lineup, and while its horsepower increase is modest over the 2010 model (+11), the use of Audi’s Valvelift system helps the engine generate a big slug of torque – 258 pound-feet of the stuff – a healthy 51 lb-ft. more than its predecessor. Audi says that all-wheel drive equipped TT will hit 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, so performance hasn’t suffered, either. For the U.S. market, there’s still no sign of a manual gearbox, but we’ve professed our love for the company’s six-speed S Tronic dual-clutch in the past and expect it to once again be an astute partner here.

We didn’t expect Audi to go crazy with the TT’s mid-cycle refresh and true to form, they’ve exercised due restraint. The 2011 receives bigger air inlets up front, a shinier gloss black grille finish, and, of course, Audi’s fast-becoming-compulsory LED daytime running lamps (as seen on the higher-performance TTS model). Inspect the car’s rounded rump and you’ll find a new flat black rear diffuser, (very) modestly retouched taillamps, and new exhaust outlets. New paint colors include Scuba Blue, Oolong Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray.

The interior has received the hand of refinement as well, with a trio of new cabin colors, leather that’s been specially treated to resist solar heat, and are a few new aluminum bits of trim.

Audi has yet to release U.S. pricing information, but we’ll be sure to update you when it comes through. In the meantime, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi shows off revised 2011 TT with updated four-cylinder power, tweaked appearance

Audi shows off revised 2011 TT with updated four-cylinder power, tweaked appearance

Along with blessing us with a revised TT for 2011, the Audi Q7 gets a few choice upgrades in its home market of Germany, including a few new engines and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded Q7 doesn’t benefit from any new sheetmetal, though Audi has seen fit to put the S4’s supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 to good use under the hood of its behemoth SUV. Available in two states of tune, the blown V6 puts out 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the base version, and the upgraded mill produces the same 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque as its sports sedan sibling.

A new 3.0-liter TDI is also available for the 2011 model year, delivering 240 hp and a more-than-adequate 406 lb-ft of twist from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Not only does the new diesel deliver respectable performance times (0-60 in 7.9 seconds) and above average fuel economy, but the weight of the oilburner has been reduced by 44 pounds.

All revised, German-bound Q7s receive a new eight-speed automatic gearbox based on the outgoing six-speed cog-swapper, with higher ratios and Tiptronic actuation, along with standard Drive and Sport modes. There’s no word on whether this transmission is bound for the U.S. market in the near future, but we’d suspect Stateside Q7s will benefit from the new ‘box by the end of the year. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Update: An Audi USA spokesman tells Autoblog that the 2011 Q7 V6 TDI will retain its 225 hp / 406 lb-ft rating and launch with the new eight-speed in September. The gasoline V6 TFSI will also be available here in both 272 and 333 hp flavors beginning in November 2010.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

In what is currently raw footage but what will soon undoubtedly be slickly produced promotional material, the brutalicious 2011 Audi RS5 growls around a track and on various European roads. For a brief spell it even shares the screen with one of its spiritual brethren, the Ur Quattro.

These things don’t need lots of explaining – follow the jump for the sight and sounds of two of the finest Audi models ever.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brother

Video: Promolicious clips of the Audi RS5 meeting its Ur Quattro brother

The not-for-U.S. (at least not for now) Audi A1 just made its public debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and we’re eager to see how the new hatch stacks up to the likes of the much-loved Mini Cooper. We’re especially fond of this S Line model, which gives the A1 a much more aggressive appearance and tweaks the hatch’s dynamics ever so slightly.

The S Line kit is made up of two separate packages. The exterior package adds a larger roof spoiler, a revised front bumper with side air vents, more chiseled sill tops and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Beyond the host of exterior changes, the S Line sport package adds a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, a sport suspension, and a choice of either 17- or 18-inch alloys. In all, the whole S Line treatment looks great and gives us more reason to lust after the A1. Click through our gallery to see dozens of high-res shots of the A1 in its hot hatch-like S Line guise.

[Source: Audi via Carscoop]

Pics Aplenty: 2011 Audi A1 S Line in the color of lust

The one thing on our minds as Audi unveiled the RS5 here in Geneva is whether or not the car will come to the United States. We can’t get a definitive answer from the German automaker, and although we’re guessing the chances are fairly slim, we were told not to completely rule it out. Audi has listed the base price of the car only in Euros (77,000), but we’ll hold on to hope until Audi officially states the car won’t be sold across the pond.

Why do we want the RS5 in the U.S. so bad? For starters, it’s got a 450 horsepower version of Audi’s tried and true 4.2-liter V8 paired to the legendary Quattro AWD. Combine that with perhaps the best looking coupe designs on the market today and you’ve got one heck of an appealing sports car. Hit the jump for the newly released press release or check out our live photos in the high-res gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Audi RS5 is a 450-horsepower two-door tease

Geneva 2010: Audi RS5 is a 450-horsepower two-door tease

2011 Audi A1 – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve just returned from Audi’s press conference here at the Geneva Motor Show, where Justin Timberlake has laid claim to one of the first A1 hatchbacks that comes off the line. Funny thing is, even with his undoubtedly massive bank accounts, the pop star won’t be able to get one – at least not to park in front of any of his U.S. cribs. That’s because Audi has announced that the entertaining-looking three-door isn’t headed to the States. Given how the A3 has festered in darkened showroom corners in the American market, we can’t exactly blame them for not importing an even smaller hatchback, but somehow we think this Mini Cooper-fighter might just find a market where the frumpier, more conventional A3 has stalled.

Available in Europe with four turbocharged, direct-injected engines (two TDI diesels, two gasoline), the A1 will be available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox with optional paddle shifters. Thanks to standard start-stop and energy recuperation among other fuel-saving tricks, the A1 is estimated to reach between 44 miles-per-U.S.-gallon and 62 mpg on the European Cycle.

Audi is also showing an electrified concept version of the A1 as the latest in its e-tron family. Packing a t-shaped lithium-ion battery and a single-rotor Wankel rotary IC engine(!) along with a few external cues to hint at its extended-range hybrid technology, it also drew more than a few eyeballs.

Interestingly, Audi’s press materials (available after the jump) make no mention of the availability of Quattro all-wheel drive. Whether the option will come later remains to be seen, but for now, the A1 picks up where the not-for-U.S. A2 left off.

Photos by Chris Paukert and Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Audi A1 to hatch jealousy in the eyes of Americans

Geneva 2010: Audi A1 to hatch jealousy in the eyes of Americans

Audi still hasn’t released any images of its new electric A1 e-tron concept, but it has revealed some details of the car. Unlike the two previous e-tron sports car concepts that were both pure battery electric models, this one is a range-extended EV. Like the Chevrolet Volt, the A1 e-tron uses a smaller battery pack that allows it to go up to 31 miles on a single charge with no emissions.

Once the battery is depleted, an internal combustion engine kicks in to drive a 15-kilowatt generator and keep the A1 going. However, unlike the Volt or Fisker Karma, the A1 is using a single-rotor Wankel engine to drive the generator. While Wankels are not renowned for their fuel efficiency (much the opposite in fact), in this application it could work well thanks to its high power density.

The range with the Wankel running is bumped up by another 124 miles to a total of 155. With only a 15kW generator available to sustain the battery, it will be interesting to see how much performance is degraded in that mode. Audi claims the A1 e-tron achieves 123.8 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the draft EU standard for ER-EVs. We should have more details tomorrow, so stay tuned.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Audi A1 e-tron is extended-range EV with Wankel rotary generator

Geneva Preview: Audi A1 e-tron is extended-range EV with Wankel rotary generator

The relentless run-up to the Audi A1’s official introduction at the Geneva Motor Show continues unabated, this time with a video of Markus Winkelhock taking the A1 for a spin around Audi’s test track in Neustadt, Germany.

The current DTM pilot for Audi gushes about the A1’s communicative steering and compliant suspension, while Dr. Horst Glaser, Audi’s Head of Chassis Development, hypes up the lightweight construction and quick 14.8:1 steering ratio. It’s not the most compelling video, but it’s nice to see the premium hatch finally on the road. And we’ve got to admit that the A1 looks noticeably better blacked out, without the slightly contrived aluminum roof trim. See for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track

Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track

Audi will finally show off its new A1 minicar this week in Geneva. As usual, it’ll be available in Europe with an array of gas and diesel engines, but a French website reports that the A1 will also form the basis for a third e-tron concept. If Audi sticks with the pattern it started last month in Detroit, this one will be dubbed the e-tron Geneva Concept. The idea isn’t without merit; reports that Audi plans to build a roadgoing electric version of the A1 have circulated for some time.

While Audi plans to build a limited run of the R8-based e-tron that it unveiled in Frankfurt, an electric car based on the new A1 is most likely to be the brand’s first volume plug-in vehicle. Small, limited-range, urban commuters like the A1 will likely dominate the electric car arena for the foreseeable future until battery costs come down. A tip of the hat to Adam!

[Source: Le Buzz Auto]

Report: Audi A1-based e-tron concept headed to Geneva

First Drive: 2011 Audi A8, the Grand Andalusian

The all-new A8 is another technological tour de force from Audi, but does it have the requiste grandeur to compete with the BMW 7 Series and M-B S-Class?

Report: General Motors looking at two previous Hummer offers

General Motors may have announced that Hummer is winding down, but before the SUV manufacturer is shuttered, the General is pursuing two more bidders to save the brand.

Officially Official: 2011 Porsche Cayenne revealed before Geneva debut [w/video]

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne has arrived, and not only does the Turbo S return, but the sportiest sport-ute gets a hybrid option.

Also of interest:

• Mugen accessories for the Honda CR-Z officially revealed
• Pagani Zonda Tricolore is a ground-bound air force tribute
• AZ residents revolting against speed cameras, only 38% pay tickets
• Reader Spy: Is that you, Toyobaru?
• AMG working on entry-level coupe

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.25.10

There was no sign of Sol on the Costa as I nosed the quartz-gray Audi A8 past the guard house and onto the rain-slicked traffic roundabout before heading out on the road.

The long, smooth roadway that connected the estate to the autoroute was the perfect place to get better acquainted with the A8’s 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 and its 328 pound-feet of torque. Leaving the handsomely designed gear select in Drive allowed the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to run through the gears at its sole discretion. But with a flick of the steering wheel-mounted paddles (downshift with the left paddle; upshift with the right, just as God intended), I snapped down to third gear to decelerate as I approached the roundabout, the transmission responding instantly with the discipline of a well-trained Doberman, the standard Quattro all-wheel drive easily finding traction despite the rain-slicked tarmac. I merged with traffic, exited the roundabout and accelerated southwest toward Cadiz with the Mediterranean off to my left, popping into view as rain clouds scuttled toward Morocco.

Life in the south of Spain is sweet, and with the 2011 Audi A8 as a guide, it gets sweeter still.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Audi A8, the Grand Andalusian

First Drive: 2011 Audi A8, the Grand Andalusian

In addition to the world premiers of the RS5, the all-new A1 (complete with Justin Timberlake cameo) and the near-production A8 Hybrid, Audi plans to trot out an additional concept car onto the stage at the Geneva Motor Show, and your guess is as good as ours.

With the two previous e-tron concepts and Audi’s push to get an electric sports car to market within the next two years, it almost seems inevitable that another variant of the e-tron is in the cards, but maybe not this soon. Other possibilities include a new hatch to replace the A3 – something that seems decidedly staid for an otherwise spectacular show – and our personal pick: Something TTish. So… what do you think is coming to Switzerland? Sound off in the comments below and get ready for our live coverage beginning on Tuesday.

[Source: Audi]

Ready, set, speculate! Justin Timberlake joining new Audi concept in Geneva

The Audi R8 Spyder was introduced at Frankfurt with a stonking V10 powertrain nestled snugly in its boot, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the righteous 525-horsepower mill will be the R8 droptop’s only source of power. Our West Coast friends at Inside LIne insist that the more reasonable 4.2-liter V8 that powers the “base” R8 is going to be offered as well… eventually.

The availability of a V8-powered Spyder could drop the price of entry by $30,000 or more, and it could prove to be an attractive option to potential customers who are more interested in the R8 Spyder as a fashion statement than as a near-supercar with outstanding performance. IL estimates that a V8-powered, topless R8 could arrive in showrooms sometime next year.

Who knows, perhaps Audi will find it in its collective heart to utilize the updated, better-breathing 450-hp 4.2-liter that is scheduled to arrive under the bonnet of the RS5 – not a bad consolation prize for a luxury car buyer looking to become part of the 500 Horsepower Club.

[Source: Inside Line]

V8-powered Audi R8 Spyder in the pipeline?

The next über-model from Audi’s Quattro GmbH division won’t officially debut in Geneva for another week, but images from its brochure have already made their way onto the web. The Audi RS5 coupe will no doubt take the performance of Audi’s B8 platform to levels beyond the much-loved and departed RS4. What we don’t know at this point is how high that level will go, and what the motive power will be.

It’s probably safe to assume it’ll fall somewhere between the 420 horsepower of the Audi RS4 and the 571 hp of the current Audi RS6. Since the V10 used the R8 and RS6 isn’t really in keeping with Audi’s current engine-downsizing philosophy (not to mention that the 10-cylinder probably wouldn’t fir into the smaller A5’s engine bay), perhaps we’ll a turbo or supercharged version of the 4.2-liter V8 in the current S5, or a maybe even a more severely amplified version of the 3.0-liter TFSI V6 from the S4. Either way, we can’t wait to get our hands on the RS5. A tip of the hat to Liam!

[Source: AUSmotive.com]

Leakage alert: Audi RS5 brochure images surface ahead of Geneva