Audi announced today that year-to-date car sales of its sedan and sports car models for 2008 rose to a total of 30,767, a 7.5% increase over last year’s figures. Audi claimed a growing share of the luxury auto market, 6.8% in May, thanks to strong sales of the A4, A4 Cabriolet and TT models, with robust sales in key markets.
With growth throughout the year, Audi car sales contrast sharply with weaker sales among other luxury automakers weighed down by economic volatility and rising fuel costs. While German luxury automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz posted year-to-date declines or only nominal (less than 1%) growth, respectively, in passenger car sales, Audi car sales into early summer grew consistently over the corresponding five months in 2007. Audi’s strong showing in May earned it its highest share of the luxury auto market so far this year.
“In a tough market, luxury buyers are retreating from legacy prestige and putting increased value on style, performance and fuel economy — progressive elements that define Audi’s ‘new luxury,’” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America.
> More
What is the new Audi A4? It is a car that gives you new feelings every time you get behind the wheel, a car that offers the best driving pleasure; a bad boy that makes people turn their heads every time you are in the neighborhood, but in the same time a car that is capable of offering enough space and security for your entire family. And to summarize in just few words: a car that deserves the four-circle logo.
The Audi A4 made its world debut last year at the Frankfurt Auto Show and on the US market will be available starting fall 2008. It will be offered with two powerful engines, both on gasoline. One will be the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine that delivers 211 hp and one the turbocharged 3.2 FSI V6 that delivers 265 hp. The A4 will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6.3 seconds and will hit a top speed of 130 mph (electronically limited).
First unveiled in 1994, the A4 was a car with many lacks. Is true it was a quality car, but buyers would always prefer its greater competition: the BMW 3-Series. But it seems that the new generation comes to say “enough is enough”: with new look, new technology, new interior and many gadgets that makes the driving more pleasant and offers best security, the A4 is for the first time a car that stands in front of its competitors with no fear.
Compared to its predecessor, the designers tweaked the proportions into a new sporty ratio. The front overhang was shortened, and the hood and the wheelbase were extended visibly. The new A4 measures 4.70 meters (15.42 feet), nearly 12 centimeters (4.6 inches) more than its predecessor. The body also documents the advances: It is significantly stiffer and safer than its predecessor, while, at the same time, dropping about 10 percent of its weight thanks to intelligent lightweight steel construction.
> More
.
Don’t know how to upgrade your Audi? RDX Racedesign created a new racing look tuning kit for the Audi A4 which contains new front spoiler, integrated air intake covers, bonnet extension, a new rear apron attachement available both for the saloon and Avant versions and sporty grilles for air vents. The whole kit is available for the price of 797 euros!
More details after the jump! > More
Audi announced that the all-new 2009 A4 will go on sale on the US market this fall. Prices will range from $28.000 for the base version up to $38.000 for the top version.
The new Audi A4 will be launched with two powerful and smooth-running gasoline engines, which cover a range of 211 hp to 265 hp. All the powerplants have direct fuel injection, and the four-cylinder gasoline engine utilizes turbocharger technology which provides high torque.
The 2.0 TFSI is a new development, operating with the innovative Audi valvelift system (AVS), which varies the lift of the exhaust valves. In a slightly different form, this technology also benefits the 3.2 FSI by providing a further performance increase combined with greater fuel efficiency. All in all, fuel consumption by the gasoline engines has dropped by more than 10 percent, a convincing testimony for
Audi’s efficiency strategy.
Both gasoline FSI engines are available with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which is optional on 2.0 TFSI or standard on 3.2 FSI. Under normal driving conditions, this distributes the forces at a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axle. This emphasis on the rear end perfectly harmonizes with the overall dynamic character of the new A4. If needed, the self-locking center differential transfers the majority of the torque to the axle with the better traction. As in the past with all North American models, all A4 Avant models always have quattro as standard equipment.
Recently launched, the
2009 Audi A4 Avant received a little attention from H&R, the well-known sport springs manufacturer. With the new H&R components, the car height is lowered with 35 mm in order to offer better handling while keeping the comfort level the same. For those who want better handling for their Audi, H7R can also improve the chassis of the car. Of course, all the H&R components are approved by the German TUV.
Tuning World Bondsee 2008 Show brought something new to all the tuning fans: the Audi A4 3.0 TDI by Rieger Tuning. The vehicle features a stylish front-lip spoiler, new side skirts, a rear bumper featuring an air diffuser with integrated sport exhaust system, 20 inch alloy wheels.
The 3.0 liter diesel engine capable of developing 240 hp also received some ECU tweaking developing now 297 hp and an astonishing 610 Nm of torque.
More photos after the jump!
> More
This Audi A4 you see today has also a little Lamborghini in it! But unfortunately this is limited to the alloy wheels and brakes of a Gallardo. The rest of the car is customized with an ABT body kit, with widened wings in order to have an imposing presence but also with 20” alloy wheels.
The car is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine which, with the help of the ECU tuning and new exhaust system, is capable to deliver 285hp. At the interior the vehicle features a new multi-media system including a DVD reader, Playstation and radar detector, in a word all the things required for a maniac tuner in order to brake some rules on the streets.
Abt Sportsline unveiled this year at the Geneva Auto Show, their new line for the newly redesigned Audi A4. The kit contains a new front skirt, new side and rear skirts and a stylish rear roof spoiler. Abt didn’t stop on exterior and the Audi engine also receive a power upgrade.
The 1.8 liter TSI engine can be upgraded from 160hp to 200 hp or 240 hp while the diesel engine is capable of delivering 282hp instead of 240hp. The diesel engine can be also upgraded to maximum 310hp and 610 Nm of torque. In order to improve the performances and the sound of the engine Abt also added a four-pipe exhaust system. The braking system was also improved by the tuner due to the new specifications of the car. So next time you look at the A4 Wagon, think about all the goodies it might hide inside ;)
It first was no hybrid version for the Q7 for the US market, and now new A4 hybrid will get the same fate. And all because of the plummeting value of the dollar.
Audi USA communications director Jeff Kuhlman explained that the cost of homologating the hybrid system on both vehicles would likely not be offset by anticipated sales of the hybrids. As a result of low volumes and the unfavorable exchange rate, the prices would be too high to make business sense.
Instead Audi is planning to offer the A4 with the same 3.0l diesel V6 that is to be used in the Q7 and VW Touareg. That engine is already being certified and has economies of scale so that it makes business sense. At the same time it will provide a significant boost in fuel efficiency compared to the gas V6 that is also available.
Here are top 10 most important news of the week:
.
Pages: 
2 comments
Picture Gallery
RSS -
Webmaster free news |