The cars built off of Audi’s B8 platform, including the A4 sedan, A5 coupe and their derivatives, have much too recommend them. Light weight is not among those characteristics. The lowest mass four cylinder front wheel drive A4 sedan weighs in at nearly 3,600 pounds and the V8-powered AWD S5 runs nearly 4,100 pounds. For mid-sized cars of very reasonable dimensions, these are prodigious numbers. Of course, modern safety regulations feed into this as does the continuing proliferation of feature content.
Audi is aware of the problem and is actively working to address it in its next generation of cars. Global product engineering boss Michael Dick talked to Car and Driver in Geneva last week and explained that lighter weight materials would be accompanying downsized powertrains in the next round of models. According to Dick, an early prototype of the next S5 is currently running 880 pounds lighter than the current model (pictured above). The next A6 chassis in 2011 is expected to top the 69 percent aluminum content of the current TT and A4/A5 will have more than that. The new 3.0L supercharged V6 that is going into the S4 that is launching this year will be replaced by an even smaller turbocharged four cylinder unit
One of the problems for some of the smaller teams that want to win part of the $10 million Automotive X Prize is that they might not have enough funds to get their cars into the streets for the competition. The X Prize team is looking out for them, though, and recently posted a notice about Startup Nation’s 2009 Elevator Pitch Contest that is offering cash to the best ideas to come across the Intertubes. Even if you’re not participating in the AXP, you can still submit a two-minute audio or video file here and tell them why you need X million dollars for your idea. The deadline is March 20. Another way to get some assistance is to get your idea noticed by the public. The AXP found out that the PBS show “Planet Forward” is looking for people to talk about America’s energy future. Again, you don’t need to be part of the AXP to vie for a spot, so click here and tell ‘em why we need greener cars. Better hurry, because the show is set to air before Earth Day.
Brian records the 2008 San Francisco International Auto Show, focusing on the Exotic and Luxury Cars. A few of the cars in the video are: Porsche Carrera GT Ferrari 430 Scuderia Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Ferrari F430 Spider Aston Martin DBS Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe & Roadster Aston Martin DB9 Coupe & Volante Audi R8 Porsche 997 GT3 RS Nissan GTR R35 Maserati Granturismo S and Granturismo Maserati Quattroporte Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Lamborghini Murcielago Coupe $ Roadster Lamborghini …
READ MORE @ http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/paris/2008/audis4unveilednews.html Audi has opted for a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine for its new S4, revealed here officially for the first time prior to its first public appearance at the 2008 Paris Auto Show in early October.
Audi release details of the new A6 range to be released later this year.
The new A6 has been treated to a revamp and has been enhanced in aesthetics, intelligence, power and efficiency. The Saloon and Avant models are both released with RS6 version available in both.
The car has been improved all over to improve fuel efficiency over 12% from the previous models. The aerodynamics have been carefully studied to not only improve its beautiful design but also reduced drag. The engines have also been given an overhaul using Piezo injection technology to increase efficiency.
The suspension has been given an overhaul to improve comfort and drive satisfaction compared to the older model which was already considered a great drive.
The latest generation of quattro technology is featured on this range which features a 40/60 split of power distribution to improve handling and fuel economy.
Audi have not only released more economical engines but more powerful ones as well. The highlights being the new 290PS petrol and 2.0 diesel ‘TDIe’ which achieves 53.3 mpg on a combined cycle.
Inside enhancements have been made all over notably in the Multi media Interface infotainment system. Easier, more ergonomic access of all multimedia and communcation controls is a key feature of the new A6 technology.
This model will be released later in Autumn of this year. To see the current leasing deals on the Audi A6 please follow the link below:
Audi have released details on the new Q5, a compact SUV based on the larger Audi Q7. Bigger than its rivals such as the Landrover Freelander and BMW X3 the new Q5 will offer one of the sportiest drives of any four wheel drive. With a choice of diesel and petrol engines and 3 trim grades - SE, Sport and S Line the new model should be an instant hit with customers. If leasing rates for the Q7 are anything to go by then the lease costs for the new Q5 should be very competitive thanks to strong residual values and attractive fleet discount terms.
Audi’s impressive range will gain another dimension this summer with the launch of the A5, a coupe designed to go head-to-head with BMW’s long-established market leader. The production model was unveiled at the Geneva motor show, alongside an S5 high-performance version, marking Audi’s first venture in the segment since the 80 Coupe launched in 1989..
The A5 has a sports chassis, new multilink front suspension and an extended wheelbase, made possible by moving the axle further ahead of the engine. Audi claims this makes a positive contribution to the car’s balance and handling. Standard equipment will include xenon headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, split-folding rear seat, premium audio system, climate control and automatic headlights and wipers.
Seating four and with 455 litres of boot space, the A5 will initially be offered with two V6 TDI diesel and two FSI petrol engines. A six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox will be standard on all models, with a new multitronic CVT transmission available as an option on front-wheel drive versions. Audi’s 4.2 V8 engine will be reserved for the S5 quattro model. Prices range from £30,175 for the 2.7 TDI (due September 2007) to £40,025 for the S5 (due in July).
Audi is taking orders now for its new TT Roadster, with first deliveries to UK customers expected in April. The convertible is designed to build on the success of the original Roadster, launched in 1999 and benefits from improved specification and a more rigid construction.
Using a 58 per cent aluminium, 42 per cent steel spaceframe design, the Roadster is 120 per cent more rigid than the model it replaces, promising better body control and a more comfortable ride. The design helps maintain a good weight distribution and keeps the overall kerb weight down, as does the use of a fabric rather than a metal roof. Now fully automatic, the roof takes 12 seconds to raise or lower, a job that can be done on the move at speeds up to 19mph.
At launch two engines will be available: the 200hp 2.0-litre turbo FSI, giving 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and an average 36.2mpg, and the 250hp 3.2-litre V6, with quattro all-wheel drive, giving 0-62mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds and 29.7mpg combined cycle fuel economy. Both engines can be specified with six-speed manual or S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2.0 version comes with leather and Alcantara upholstery, climate control, traction and stability control, audio system with MP3 function and 17-inch alloy wheels. The V6 adds full leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded brake system and 18-inch wheels.
