2014 Audi A8

Throughout the Los Angeles Vehicle Say last November, Audi informed us that it would be bringing four new diesel-powered designs to the United States this year. The very first to arrive is the 2014 A8L TDI you see here, and we have actually now discovered that the large oil-sipper will certainly be valued from $82,500,

2014 Audi A8 TDI Front Three Quarter

The entire brand-new selection of diesel designs will be powered by Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, helpful for 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in this application. Naturally, Quattro all-wheel drive is basic, and also in the huge A8, the diesel grunt will certainly be enough to thrust the long-wheelbase flagship to 60 miles every hr in 6.4 secs (nearly a full second slower compared to the A8 3.0 T we evaluated last fall). That said, the A8 TDI must still be a rather engaging guide, and thinking about the truth that this point will reportedly return gas economic climate figures of up to 36 miles each gallon on the motorway (24 in the city), a slightly slower launch time is well worth it. (The A8 3.0 T peaks at 28 mpg road.).

2014 Audi A8 TDI rear right side view

2014 Audi A8 TDI front view

Elsewhere in the section, Mercedes-Benz provides a diesel version of its S-Class flagship, selling for $93,000 and great for gas economy numbers of 21/31 mpg city/highway. By contrast, the A8 TDI appears like a take, and we'll be interested to see where the forthcoming BMW 7 Series diesel falls under the class of significant oil-burning barges.

2014 Audi A8 TdI quattro Interior photos

The 2014 Audi A8L TDI will certainly strike showrooms in the US this springtime. For the full specifics, scroll to read through the car manufacturer's short press bash.

2013 Audi R8 e-tron Concept

After the E-tron concept and the E-tron Detroit Show car, Audi has brought us the e-tron technology platform based on the R8 from the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This has turned out to be more than just a publicity stunt or science experiment. Audi is serious about bringing this car to market and has taken the time to develop a completely new ideology behind this electric R8 and the normal gasoline version.

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

Having the exterior design of the car already completed and in supercar form it was an easier job for the Audi engineers to develop an electric version than if they would have had to start from scratch. The mid-engine design of the R8 provides the perfect location to store heavy batteries without distorting the weight balance that Audi wanted to achieve. In essence, this electric version should be able to compete on the same levels as its V8 and V10 brothers, but will it be as exhilarating?

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

That all depends on what the driver sees as excitement – The V10 version will provide an unbridled amount of power and harmonious soundtrack to go along with it, but the electric version will incorporate some of the most innovative technology available today. Being able to reach high top speeds in the least amount of time is the most important thing that a sports car can deliver, if it can do it by using batteries than we don’t really see a problem. If Audi can truly create an exciting Quattro experience with its new E-Tron R8 than they will have accomplished something truly special in this emerging market.

2013 Geneva Motor Show

If we are nearing the end of February, then it must be time for the Geneva Auto Show that takes place each year in March. This is the 83rd time that automakers will gather in the Swiss city to display their latest models; the Palexpo center will open its gates on March 5 for the press and two days later for the public and will last until March 17.

In spite of all the fuss about “green” transportation, the 2013 Geneva Auto Show’s most anticipated new models are sports cars.

First and foremost, there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C – a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a carbon fiber chassis that heralds the Italian manufacturer’s new era and its long-anticipated return to the U.S. market.

Then there’s the Formula 1 duel that has been taken to the streets: Ferrari will unveil the Enzo successor, code-named F150, and rival McLaren, the production version of the P1. Interestingly, both hypercars will be powered by hybrid powertrains and despite putting out in excess of 900-horses, they promise ultra-low CO2 emissions.

Other sports car that will make their premiere in Geneva are the open-top versions of the brand-new Corvette Stingray and the Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S in the U.S.), the Aston Martin Rapide S and Vantage SP10 and, of course, a special Lamborghini to celebrate the Sant’ Agata-based company’s 50th anniversary.

Naturally, the show won’t be only about sports cars: BMW will launch the 3-Series GT, China's Qoros its 3 Sedan, Volvo its updated range and the VW Group the electrified Audi A3 and VW Golf models.

That’s far from a full description of the cars that will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, but you can scroll down and view the provisional list in detail.

A Photo Gallery from the VW Group Family Gathering in Geneva

Like every year, the Volkswagen Group held a special media event on the night before the opening of the Geneva International Auto Salon, where it rolled out all a selection of its world premieres.

Two of the most eye-catching and talked about models were the Lamborghini Veneno and the Porsche 911 GT3 – coincidentally, the former to celebrate the Italian brand's 50th anniversary, and the latter the 50th birthday of the 911 series.

Bugatti showed off another specially version of the Veyron hypercar, while Bentley was represented by the new Flying Spur luxury sedan, and Italdesign by the Lamborghini-powered Parcour concept cars.

Other new models to go on show were the super-frugal VW XL1, of which only 250 examples will be built, the VW e-Co-Motion van, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and RS6 Avant, the Seat Leon SC, and the latest generation of the Skoda Octavia.

We'll have more pictures and details on each car from the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow morning.

Audi's Fifth World Premiere for Geneva is the New A3 Sportback g-tron

Earlier today, we shared an announcement from Audi saying that it will host the world debut of five new cars at the Geneva motor show, four of which we already knew about, and asked you to tell us what you think the fifth car could be.

The mystery of the fifth model has just been solved as the brand with the four-rings released information on the new A3 Sportback g-tron, which is the flex-fuel cousin of the petrol-electric hybrid A3 Sportback e-tron that will also break cover at the Swiss car show.

The g-tron is powered by a specially-developed version of the conventional A3's 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder engine modified to run on Audi's own e-gas, regular Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or unleaded gasoline.

Among other highlights mentioned by Audi, are the g-tron's twin tanks positioned under the luggage compartment, each of which can hold 7kg (15.4 pounds) of CNG at a maximum 200 bar pressure, while each weighs 27kg (59.5 pounds) less than a conventional diesel of gasoline tank.

Another special feature is the electronic gas pressure regulator that reduces the high pressure of the gas flowing from the cylinders down to around five to nine bar in two stages, and can automatically switch over to gasoline operation when the pressure in the tank drops under ten bar.

According to Audi, the 1.4-liter turbocharged unit develops 109hp (110PS) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of peak torque, regardless of the fuel used. The five-door model completes the standards sprint to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.0 seconds before it tops out at 190km/h (118mph). It consumers on average less than 3.5 kilograms per 100 km of CNG or Audi e-gas, while in gasoline mode, it emits less than 95g of CO2 per km.

"The CO2-neutral e-gas from Werlte will power 1,500 new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron vehicles 15,000 kilometers (9,320.57 miles) every year," said Audi in a statement, without getting into any more details about availability and prices.

Audi builds 5-millionth vehicle with Quattro

Quattro, the trademark name Audi has put on its all-wheel-drive system engineered for passenger vehicles, recently celebrated its five-millionth installation. The driveline has been offered in more than 140 different vehicles since its introduction more than three decades ago.

The all-wheel-drive technology made its world debut at the 1980 International Geneva Motor Show, beneath the floorpan of the Quattro Coupé, a low-volume two-door. It didn't take consumers long to embrace Audi's innovative approach. While most four-wheel-drive systems at that time utilized heavy transfer cases or second cardan shafts, Quattro was virtually tension-free, light, compact and efficient. Most importantly, enthusiasts found it was especially suitable for sports cars.

Today, the automaker offers Quattro on its full line of passenger vehicles and it is unquestionably successful (the technology enjoyed a 43 percent take rate in 2012). On models with transverse-mounted engines (A3 and TT), Audi uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuator. Under normal conditions, the clutch sends power almost exclusively to the front wheels (if wheel slippage occurs, up to 100 percent of the torque may be sent to the rear). Vehicles with engines mounted longitudinally (A4, A5, Q5, etc...) use a self-locking center differential sending 40 percent of the engine torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear under normal conditions (it is able to send the majority of the power to the axle with better traction when needed). The highest-performing Quattro systems use torque vectoring to further improve cornering grip and speeds.

Articles Source : Autoblog

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

Audi is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The brand with the four rings is showing the Audi A3 e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

The Audi A3 e-tron is a true Audi. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). According to the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid automobiles, the five-door model consumes on average just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 35 grams per km (56.33 g/mile). In electric mode, the Audi A3 e-tron reaches a top speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) and has a maximum range of 50 km (31.07 miles).

The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI producing 110 kW (150 hp). A clutch links the TFSI to an electric motor with an output of 75 kW. The disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels. The two powerplants complement one another. The electric motor delivers its peak torque from start to around 2000 rpm, and the TFSI's maximum pulling power is available in a range from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

The Audi A3 e-tron can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. Even in electric mode it offers powerful acceleration without the need to engage the TFSI. The driver can choose to have both powerplants active at the same time ("boosting"). When the driver lets up on the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily ("gliding"). In this way motor braking torque is eliminated and efficiency increases.

At the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3 e-tron will provide a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it. The electrification of the drivetrain, above all using plug-in technology, plays a deciding role in the strategy of the brand.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

New Audi RS Q3 Proves that it’s Faster than a Dog Sled in Promo Video

If there's one thing future owners of the new Audi RS Q3 can be sure of, it is that the high-performance SUV can outrun and out-handle a pack of Siberian huskies pulling a dog sled on the snow - or at least that's what we understand after seeing Ingolstadt's first commercial for the Geneva motor show-bound model.

What makes the RS Q3 faster than a pack of blue-eyed pouches is a petrol-fuelled 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine that generates an output of 306hp (310PS) and peak torque of 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft).

A standard seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system take that power and channel it to all four wheels.

If you live in Europe, you'll be able to get your hands on Audi's first ever RS-badged SUV this autumn.

Articles Source : Carscoop

 Video Source : Youtube

2014 Audi RS Q3

Audi is presenting the RS Q3 at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, the first RS model for the successful Q line-up. It combines outstanding everyday practicality with dynamic driving performance: It takes just 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), and its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo produces 228 kW (310 hp) and has an average fuel consumption of just 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.73 US mpg).

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3

"The RS Q3 transfers the performance philosophy of Audi to the compact SUV segment, thereby creating a new performance class," says Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. "In addition to the RS5 Cabriolet, RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, the RS Q3 is the fourth RS model that we are launching on the market in 2013. The RS family is growing to eight members - more than ever." The RS Q3 combines typical RS properties such as high performance and driving pleasure with lifestyle qualities and high utility value. The Audi RS Q3 was developed by quattro GmbH which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG.

An award-winning high-performance engine, the 2.5 TFSI, is at work under the hood of the Audi RS Q3. This five-cylinder engine has been named "International Engine of the Year" in its class for three consecutive years since 2010 by an international jury of automotive specialists. From 2,480 cc of engine displacement, the turbocharged direct-injection engine produces a maximum power of 228 kW (310 hp) at 5,200-6,700 rpm; its maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) is available between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm. These two values signify that the RS Q3 is unrivaled in its competitive field. This five-cylinder is a special engine, beginning with its fundamental concept. It is familiar from the TT RS and RS3 Sportback, and quattro GmbH modified it for use in the RS Q3.

The 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence, supported by the geometry of the air induction and exhaust systems, generates a sporty engine sound that first made Audi popular back in the 1980s.

Drivers can influence the flap control for the exhaust system and the accelerator characteristic by choosing one of the modes auto, comfort and dynamic using the standard Audi drive select system. In the dynamic mode, engine response is sharper and the engine sound more intensive.

The 2.5 TFSI accelerates the Audi RS Q3 from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.5 seconds - the best performance value in this segment. The vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). In the RS Q3, the Audi five-cylinder engine is working together with a standard start-stop-system for the first time. Other efficiency measures such as a regulated oil pump, which only pumps lubricant when needed, contribute to the car's low average fuel consumption of 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.73 US mpg) which equates to 206 grams CO2 per km (331.52 g/mile).

A standard seven-speed S tronic transfers power to the drivetrain. It was designed in a compact three-shaft configuration, and its seventh gear has a long gear ratio to save on fuel. Drivers can choose between the D and S modes for automatic shifting of the dual clutch transmission, or they can shift manually - using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever that sports a unique RS design. The Launch Control function controls acceleration from a standstill to attain optimal traction.

The heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is the hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch located at the rear axle. It ensures proper distribution of torque between the front and rear axles.

The Audi RS Q3 impresses with dynamic and stable handling without sacrificing comfort. The RS sports suspension lowers the body of the compact high-performance SUV by 25 mm (0.98 in). The battery is located in the luggage compartment to achieve better weight distribution. The independent rear wheel suspensions are controlled by four links.

The electro-mechanical rack and pinion steering system operates very efficiently, conveying a stiff, precise steering feeling. An electro-mechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are also standard.

In the Audi RS Q3, the internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front wheels have a wave design with wave-shaped outer contours, which saves approx. one kilogram (2.20 lb) of weight at the front wheels. The discs have a diameter of 365 mm (14.37 in), and they are gripped by eight-piston calipers painted black with RS logos. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a sport mode, and it can also be deactivated entirely.

The Audi RS Q3 comes on the German market with standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Three versions of 20-inch wheels are offered as well. One of these is the exclusive 5 dual-spoke V design, which is based on the Audi RS Q3 concept car that was shown at the 2012 Auto China motor show.

In addition to its engine, the Audi RS Q3 also demonstrates its special status within the Q3 line-up with a number of visual highlights. RS-specific design details emphasize the confident look of the compact, high-performance SUV. They consist of body accents and roof rails in matt aluminum, special door sill plates and door trim strips, a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, RS front bumper and quattro emblem in the front air intake. A large roof spoiler, rear bumper with distinctive diffuser insert, large elliptical tailpipe and an RS Q3 logo accentuate the rear. At a length of 4,410 mm (14.47 ft), the dynamic top model is 25 mm (0.98 in) longer than the Audi Q3. It weighs in at 1,730 kg (3814.00 lb).

The Audi RS Q3 can also be customized by one of two optional styling packages - matt aluminum or black. Styling features include the flaps in the side air intakes, the trim on the diffuser and the fins on the roof spoiler. The Audi RS Q3 is available in eight exterior colors, including the exclusive Sepang Blue pearl effect.

The sporty lines of the exterior are continued in the interior styling. The instrument cluster has gray gauges with white scales and red pointers. Contrasting stitching in rock gray trim the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with its flat bottom as well as the gear selector lever. The MMI and driver information system displays welcome the driver with the RS logo. Drivers can call up the boost pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer via the RS menu in the driver information system.

Along with the pedals, a foot support also shines in aluminum look, and the standard inlays are in piano finish black. quattro GmbH offers aluminum race or carbon as alternatives here. Black headlining is standard, and lunar silver headlining is optional.

Sport seats with embossed RS Q3 logos are also standard and are upholstered in black Alcantara/leather. Customers can also choose the optional Fine Nappa leather in black or lunar silver with contrasting stitching in rock gray or the design package with diamond stitching.

The cargo area has a base capacity of 356 liters (12.57 cubic ft), which can be increased to 1,261 liters (44.53 cubic ft) by folding down the split rear seat backs. A practical reversible loadliner is standard. Those wishing to transport even more cargo can order the towing bracket that is offered for the RS Q3.

Other standard features of the Audi RS Q3 include - in addition to the RS-specific driver information system - park assist plus, Audi sound system with ten loudspeakers, xenon plus headlights and LED tail lights. When they are not lit, the tail lights display a dark red tint.

In the infotainment area, a modular component system offers a wide range of options; at the top there is the hard-drive based navigation system, MMI Navigation plus. The surround sound system from Bose drives 14 loudspeakers with up to 465 watts of output power, while the Bluetooth car phone online together with WLAN hotspot connects the compact high-performance SUV with the Internet and brings the online services of Audi connect into the vehicle. Highly advanced driver assistance systems round out the options program.

In Germany, the base price is €54,600, and deliveries begin in fall 2013.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

New Audi RS Q3 with 306HP 2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-Five is Official

Only hours after we posted the first pictures of the Audi's hot compact SUV, the brand with the four-ring logo came out with a plethora of official images and details on the new RS Q3, which will be displayed at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show in early March.

The transformation from the concept model we saw at last year's Beijing auto show to a production car brought only a few minor cosmetic changes, such as the replacement of the carbon fiber trims inside and out with aluminum or black-colored parts, and a de-tuning of the TT RS- and RS3-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged unit, dropping power from 350hp (355PS) to 306hp (310PS).

The inline-five, which produces a peak torque figure of 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft) available between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm, is connected to a standard seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission that transfers power to all four corners via Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch located at the rear axle.

So how fast is the production RS Q3? According to Ingolstadt, it takes 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph), and its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155mph). As far as fuel economy is concerned, the performance version of the Q3 series returns a combined figure of 8.8lt/100 km (26.73 US mpg or 32.1 UK mpg).

To improve handling, quattro engineers tweaked the suspension and lowered the ride height by 25mm (about an 1 inch), placed the battery in the luggage compartment (for better weight distribution), and added ventilated and perforated brake discs up front and larger discs at the back gripped by eight-piston calipers.

Furthermore, the electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a sport mode, and it can also be deactivated entirely, while there's a Launch Control function as well. Audi says the RS Q3 weighs in at 1,730 kg (3814.00 lb).

On the outside, Audi made sure to separate the RS model from the plebeian Q3s through a number of visual highlights, such as the exclusive 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch wheels, body accents and roof rails in matt aluminum, high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, RS front bumper, a rear diffuser with a single oval tailpipe and a roof spoiler.

The interior is upgraded with bespoke sport seats upholstered in black Alcantara and leather, with diamond stitching offered as an option, a revised instrument cluster with gray gauges and white scales and red pointers, a flat –bottom steering wheel, and plenty of aluminum trims and parts.

First deliveries in Europe will start this fall, with pricing in Germany to start from €54,600 or about US$73,100.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Audi's New RS Q3 Super SUV Makes an Early Online Debut in Production Trim

Images of the production version of the Audi RS Q3 have been leaked online ahead of the high-performance crossover's official premiere, which will likely take place in Geneva next month.

We will remind you that the RS Q3 was previewed through a thinly disguised concept model at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

These first pictures suggest that Audi has made only minor changes to the concept, mainly by replacing the carbon fiber accents and trims, both inside and out, with aluminum finish parts. In addition, the aluminum-style backgrounds of the instrument panel gauges have given their place to a more traditional black layout.

We suspect that the powertrain will be the same as in the concept, which featured the TT RS’ 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five rated at 355-horses allowing the subcompact crossover to complete the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 5.2 seconds and top out at 265 km/h (165 mph), but we'll have to wait for the official release to be sure.

Articles Source : Carscoop