2011 Audi A8: Top of the line model gets a new look

2011 Audi A8 (courtesy: Audi)

Compare the 2011 model to this 2009 Audi A8L

Audi's aluminum masterpiece received its fair share of attention when it was officially revealed at Design Miami 2009.

When examining the full suite of images provided by  Audi, shown in this linked slideshow, the changes the 2011 Audi A8 has received are subtle but tighten its design up nicely.

The A8 continues its extensive use of aluminum, which saves weight and is very strong but also tends to drive insurance companies nuts due high costs when repairing crash damage (that is not to say that the 2011 A8 will have higher rates than competitive models).  In the A8's case,  the Audi Space Frame weighs about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure.

The A8 launches with a 4.2 liter V8 engine that sports 372 hp (up from 350 hp), 328 lb-ft torque (up from 325 lb-ft torque) and mated to an 8-speed transmission which all contribute to an estimated 15% improvement in fuel economy.  Look for more engine options to be announced by Audi at a later date as well as the introduction of the long wheelbase model.

When it comes to technology, the A8 is packed full of the latest gear.  For example, full LED headlights are available, something that is very rare in the automotive business.  These new LED headlights benefit the driver and oncoming traffic as they do not have the objectionable bluish tint that tends to send older drivers into conniptions whenever they encounter them in oncoming traffic.  That does not mean that LED headlights will be annoyance free.  Because the new LED units will allow unique packaging, some drivers will undoubtedly be tricked into thinking they are high beams.  Motor Trend did a nice comparison of LED vs. HID vs. halogen headlights, you can check out their article here.

Another A8 feature in the "trick" category is the navigation system's touchpad that allows the driver to "write" a destination address on the pad with their finger, a welcome feature that I look forward to testing.  The navigation system can also network with other modules in the car, for example it can communicate with the automatic transmission and the headlights.  Nifty.  The list of features in the A8 go on and on, in fact Audi has prepared a quick reference guide to recount the 2011 model's innovations and you can find it in this link.

The 2011 Audi A8 will hit U.S. dealer lots in late 2010 and will likely be priced very close to the current model which starts at $75,000.

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Two Audi FSI engines make Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list for 2010

What follows below is a direct press release from Audi.  I regard the engines from Volkswagen and Audi quite highly, just as I think Nissan and Infiniti also consistently have real gems in their engine bays.   This year Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Volkswagen all receive nods from Wards.

3.0 TFSI (supercharged) V6 engine with FSI direct injection (333 hp / 325 lb-ft) for Audi S4 sedan

Audi earned top honors for two engines on the respected “10 Best Engines” list from the editor of Ward’s AutoWorld.

Both the turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine with the A4, and supercharged six cylinder 3.0 TFSI engine for the sporty upgrade S4 model impressed the Ward’s editors. “This year’s list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance,” Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter said. “Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency.”

Audi is the first car company to sell 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology, starting with model year 2010. The Audi S4 sedan, new for 2010, ushered in a new era of downsizing while enhancing performance and handling over the previous generation 2008 sedan model. Audi engines have been on the Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list for six consecutive years and a total of eight times in the past 10 years.

“Audi fuel-efficient powertrain technologies excel at delivering exceptional driving performance with reduced environmental impact,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “The well-rounded approach the brand is undertaking will keep Audi in a leading position for the foreseeable future.”

To be eligible for the competition, each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2010, in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.

2.0 TFSI four cylinder engine with Audi Valvelift system and FSI direct injection (211 hp / 258 lb-ft) for Audi A4 sedan/Avant, A5 coupe and Cabriolet

Throughout October and November, six editors of Ward’s Automotive Group tested 34 vehicles from 13 auto makers in their normal driving cycles in metro Detroit. They scored each engine based on horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance and comparative data. Each engine was evaluated because it was all-new, offered significant technology upgrades or was a returning winner from last year.

The awards will be presented in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show at a ceremony on January 13, 2010

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2010 Audi A3 TDI: It's not for idiots

2009 Audi A3 (courtesy of audi)

It is rather fitting that on the day Audi USA announces pricing for its 2010 A3 TDI a quote from Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen regarding the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt makes the rounds of the blogosphere,

"No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a Corolla. So there are not enough idiots who will buy it."

It is no secret that the Germans have and thing for diesels and they'd like Americans to warm up to compression ignition. However, I don't think that kicking sand in the face of the new General Motors' virtual mascot the best move.

Click to view a gallery of Audi A3 TDI images.

One of the contentions by diesel supporters is that the fuel is getting short shrift from legislators. Is it simply a case of jealousy on the part of the diesel lobby that causes outbursts like this? No matter the case, Audi quickly realized that it had better not come off as an aloof bully so de Nysschen posted a response on Audi's Facebook page,

"I do not specifically recall using the term “car for idiots” during my informal conversation with the writer. It was certainly not my intention to leave the impression that I’m opposed to electrical vehicles, and if I was unclear on either of those points then I need to eat crow."

Everybody feel better now? If nothing else, this is at least a better use for Facebook than Honda's Crosstour debacle.

Back to the crux of this story, Audi has released pricing for the 2010 A3 TDI. The A3 TDI with S tronic front wheel drive will start at $29,950 plus an obligatory $825 destination charge. That's a small $1200 premium to pay over the gas powered 2010 A3 premium S tronic model. Sadly, you cannot specify a manual transmission with the TDI. You can already play with Audi's configurator via this link to spec out a TDI for your very own. I did note that while the initial pricing was correct, the configurator did not tally up all of my individual options. Perhaps they are not yet priced?

The Audi A3 TDI scores an impressive 42MPG in the EPA's highway cycle. During the Audi Mileage Marathon last year, some writers scored substantially higher numbers with an A3 TDI, so you might be able to squeak out better numbers for your very own.

If I were considering an A3, which I think is a fine car, and could live with the limited transmission choice, I would definitely go TDI. The question gets murkier when you consider the Jetta wagon TDI. Given that the 2010 Jetta wagon will get a much more appealing look than the current model, I would have to say that I would lean towards the Jetta, especially if VW keeps the manual transmission available on the TDI (which I am quite sure they will). You also save about six grand (comparing 2009 Jetta with 2010 A3 of course) so that is an added incentive. Still for those noble few who wish to set themselves apart from the masses, you could go farther and do a lot worse than an A3: You simply have to pay a premium for that exclusivity.

Johan de Nysschen’s remarks on the future of Audi and sustainable technology (part 1).

Johan de Nysschen’s remarks on the future of Audi and sustainable technology (part 2)

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Hatched: Audi adds to the four door coupe nest with the A5 Sportback

Audi A5 Sportback (source: audi)

There is nothing like a hot, new trend to get automotive designers excited. It seems that the very second one company finds a slightly unique new body design that resounds with customers, all the competing brands shout “Niche!” and run to the design studio to come up with their own offering.

Click to view the slideshow to examine the A5 Sportback from all angles.

So it has been with the very stylish Mercedes CLS which is a less functional sedan or a more functional coupe depending on whether you like your glass of water half full or half empty. Volkswagen responded to the CLS by saying “We can do that for about half the sticker!” and the Volkswagen CC was born. BMW has responded with the 5 Series GT which offers more practical, wagon replacement styling. Porsche has the über expensive Panamera for those drivers who feel the need to terrify three passengers seated in relative comfort. Now Audi has now taken the wraps off the A5 Sportback because you can’t have a German dog pile without every German dog on the pile.

Reviews of the Sportback have been favorable, but then again when was the last time you read a negative review of an Audi?

You can lust all you want for this car, but Audi says its only for looking, not touching here in the USA. Edmunds says that it has something to do with headliner thickness and U.S. crash regulations. Bah, humbug! I’m sure that Audi could change its tune if the exchange rates are favorable and this segment takes off. If nothing else, take comfort in the fact if this particular Sportback won’t be offered here in the States that means that the A6 wagon is probably safe. This is not the same scenario over at BMW where the company is letting it slip that if Americans are drawn to the 5 Series GT hatch it could be curtains for the 5 wagon in the USA. This would be most unwelcomed news, so as far is this author is concerned the Germans can keep their swoopy hatches if it threatens the survival of the more practical wagons.

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Diesel powered Audi R15 heads to LeMans: Catch it!

Diesel powered Audi R15

It already made history running the most laps ever at Sebring and winning its highly anticipated debut. Now the R15 takes on the world's most famous endurance race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tune in to the SPEED Channel on June 13 and 14 and watch the R15, powered by TDI clean diesel technology, make history once again.

To pump yourself up for the race, head on over to iTunes and check out Truth in 24, the documentary about Audi's 2008 run to victory at Le Mans.

Want a piece of the diesel action for yourself? Audi will be offering two TDI models in the U.S., the Q7 and A3, for your driving pleasure.

For more info: Read up on the R15. Read about the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

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'Hey! You've got carbon fiber in my titanium alloy!' Audi R8 and Ferrari 599 GTB meet by accident

Oopsie! Audi and Ferrari in less the mint condition (photo source: wrecked exotics)

According to the website Wrecked Exotics, this accident occurred on May 25th in Fu Zhou, China when an Audi R8 slammed into the rear of a Ferrari 599 GTB after a taxi suddenly stopped to pick up a passenger. Were the two exotic sports cars traveling together or was this mere happenstance? I don't know the answer to that, but you have to marvel at odds of something like this happening. Neither driver was seriously injured. As for the taxi driver? I'd suggest a vacation, far away from Fu Zhou.

For more info: Check out WreckedExotics.com

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Audi Sportback Concept

Not that's hot! Gazing at this absolutely gorgeous concept, I immediately got a case of the "I wants." What's not to like? The white oak blockboard trim, the diamond quilted leather seater, the huge glass roof? I'm happy to see that this Sportback has a different instrument panel design. I was getting a bit tired of the current Audi dash, so hopefully this car hints at a new IP design for the company. This concept presages a production model called the A7 which is based off the next generation A6. Cost? Well, take a well equipped A6 sticker and then add on top of that, let's ballpark between 10 and 20 grand. Worth it? You decide for yourself, but if the production vehicle looks anything like this concept, I'd say YES! If you can't afford it, don't worry, there will be an A5 Sportback as well.

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Audi Q5

Lot's of competitors in this space, the Q5 simply adds one more. For me, the Q5 breaks little new ground. Manufacturers believe that more people will be looking to downsize from full sized vehicles to these smaller crossovers. One thing is for sure, you'll have plenty to chose from!

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Audi Q5 Commercial

Another viral ad. Somebody sent this my way and I rather liked it. You can check it out by clicking here.

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Testing Driving the Audi Q7

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t really “get” the Audi Q7. I’ve had the keys to a white, 3.6 Premium model for several days and several hundred miles. I’ll try to make sense of this vehicle as we go along.

Firstly, the Q7 is big and it looks very imposing. Driving around Massachusetts, a lot of drivers dove right out of the way as I approached, but that snout ain’t pretty. I find the side view to quite appealing: nice clean lines.

The interior is pretty much Audi’s A6 dash. The MMI interface is perhaps the lesser evil of such interfaces, but taking delivery of this car late at night led to some early frustrations. Now that I’ve got the hang of things, I like the setup but other than a few trick customizations that can be performed via MMI, I’m not really sold on it. Also because of the “base” configuration of my car the Navigation, Information, Telephone and Name buttons didn’t do anything except subconsciously chastise me for not trying harder and earning more money to afford such luxuries.

The berber-like carpet leaves something to be desired. Yes it is easily broomed out, but I can see where it has been joined together and sometimes the joints aren’t so well executed.

Seats are comfortable, at least the first two rows, but the third row is really just for the munchkins. If you’re much taller than 5’4” then you’re simply not going to fit. Other than the carpet seams, fit and finish is well executed. An odd rattle was heard from the back and a few plastic bits had already fallen off my 9k mile example.

My wife found it impossible to reach the rear tailgate when it was raised. Yes there is a power option, but since this vehicle will have a large number of female buyers, shouldn't they have made this standard? If you get the air suspension, the Q7 can also be lowered for easier loading of the cargo bay.

So, the Q7 looks like a brute and it acts like one too. My particular model was equipped with 19” wheels and a reasonable ride given the large rolling stock. I won’t call it smooth, but a price must be paid for such stylishness. Acceleration from the 280hp V6 mill is “adequate” but as I’ll mention later on is that enough for you hard earned cash?

What really gets me, however, is the price. The Q7 does start at a friendly, for the class, $40k but if you simply left it at that I feel you’d be left wanting more. Like leather for example. The delivered price on the V6 premium is 46,675. But if you simply stopped there, many buttons on the MMI would be useless: no Bluetooth or navigation. You’ve got to get the panoramic roof. What about the air suspension, adaptive cruise, Audi side assist? Well, folks it just keeps going on and on. You can play around with pricing, but if you’re even the slightest gadget geek, you’re going to really lighten your wallet to get the Q7 to turn into a real Q-Ship.

So, what’s the price of success? A nicely optioned V8 model stickers for around $64k. Gulp. That’s a lot of cabbage. As you drive away from the dealer, you’ll still have to worry about rear seat DVD. No factory option yet, although word is that it will be available.

What you will have is a brute of an Audi munching fuel at 16/20 or 14/19 (V6/V8) miles per gallon is city/highway. The Q7 does have a large 26 gallon tank, so even with those low numbers you’ll have a decent cruising range.

Is it worth it? I guess I’ll say that it depends. I can't get over the feeling that Audi engineers were laughing as the developed the Q7. Obviously, there is market for such a vehicle, but a nimble Audi sedan it is not. If you can get your mind the price tag and mileage and want something different, then the Q7 might be your beast. Don't forget that Audi has done away with free maintenance. BMW and Land Rover are some of the last brands to offer this perk. Getting back to the Q7: I think that there are some better choices for you. The BMW X5 comes to mind, Mercedes GL also has seven seats available.

No matter what vehicle you end up with, before signing on the dotted line I highly recommend taking home your choice for an overnight trial. Most dealerships will do this once they see you are serious. If they balk, I’d just take that as a sign that the deal was not meant to be.

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