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  • Report: A3 Sedan Planned For Audi’s North American Lineup

    Report: A3 Sedan Planned For Audi’s North American Lineup October 5th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 5th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Report: A3 Sedan Planned For Audi’s North American Lineup

    Audi has an ambitious goal to become the top selling luxury auto brand in the world by 2015 and to do so the company is planning an aggressive new model roll out. Audi hopes to have a total of 40 different models on sale by the middle of the next decade, including several brand new additions such as the A1 minicar, A7 four-door coupe, Q3 crossover and possibly even a production version of its all-electric e-tron concept car.

    Additional vehicles will include new variations of existing lines. One of the most anticipated models is a sedan version of the next-generation A3 compact (current model pictured), which will reportedly be sold in North...

    Audi has an ambitious goal to become the top selling luxury auto brand in the world by 2015 and to do so the company is planning an aggressive new model roll out. Audi hopes to have a total of 40 different models on sale by the middle of the next decade, including several brand new additions such as the A1 minicar, A7 four-door coupe, Q3 crossover and possibly even a production version of its all-electric e-tron concept car. Additional vehicles will include new variations of existing lines. One of the most anticipated models is a sedan version of the next-generation A3 compact (current model pictured), which will reportedly be sold in North America. The dollar's weakness against the euro has forced Audi to cut back on several planned launches for the U.S., including the A1 minicar and A3 convertible. However, we will still get the A7 in about two years, a hybrid version of the Q5 next year and the aforementioned A3 sedan by 2012. The next-generation A3 is set to be unveiled in Europe late next year initially in the basic three- and five-door trims. Further down the track Audi will add a new convertible model and long-wheelbase wagon, as well as the sedan and possibly an Allroad soft-roader version. The move is designed to help the new A3 compete with BMW’s 1-Series range as well as a family of sporty models based on the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class. The first test-mules for the new A3 have already been spotted in Germany. Click here to see the spy shots. [AutoNews, sub req'd] Read More

  • Audi Automatic Transmission Now Available With Engine Stop-Start

    Audi Automatic Transmission Now Available With Engine Stop-Start October 5th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 5th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    Audi Automatic Transmission Now Available With Engine Stop-Start

    Autonomous engine stop-start systems, designed to save fuel by turning off a car’s engine when at a standstill, are increasing in popularity, especially in Europe, where fuel prices are often double what they are here. In many cases, the addition of an engine stop-start system can net fuel savings in the range of 5-10%.

    The limiting factor for their widespread use so far has been that they are mostly available with manual transmissions only (not including hybrid vehicles). This trend is starting to change, however. Early last year, German transmission specialist ZF showed off a new eight-speed automatic designed with engine stop-start...

    Autonomous engine stop-start systems, designed to save fuel by turning off a car’s engine when at a standstill, are increasing in popularity, especially in Europe, where fuel prices are often double what they are here. In many cases, the addition of an engine stop-start system can net fuel savings in the range of 5-10%. The limiting factor for their widespread use so far has been that they are mostly available with manual transmissions only (not including hybrid vehicles). This trend is starting to change, however. Early last year, German transmission specialist ZF showed off a new eight-speed automatic designed with engine stop-start capability. Now, Audi has announced that its A3 with a S tronic dual-clutch transmission is now available with an engine stop-start system. The only models so far with this feature are the highly-efficient 1.6-liter TDI and 1.4-liter TFSI. The start-stop system turns the engine off as soon as the vehicle comes to a stop; the engine stays off as long as the driver depresses the brake pedal. As soon as the driver removes their foot from the brake pedal, start-stop turns the engine back on--quietly, conveniently and quickly. According to Audi, the 1.6-liter TDI with the S tronic and engine stop-start system achieves a fuel economy of 56 mpg while the 1.4-liter TFSI gets 44 mpg. Also standard in both A3 models is an on-board energy-recovery system. During braking and coasting phases, this intelligently controls the alternator to recover energy, which is temporarily stored in the battery. This energy is then fed back into the electrical system during acceleration--thus reducing the load on the alternator. First sales will start this November. Read More

  • Audi jumps on the clunkers bandwagon, offers $1,000 off qualifying models

    Audi jumps on the clunkers bandwagon, offers $1,000 off qualifying models August 5th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, August 5th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Audi jumps on the clunkers bandwagon, offers $1,000 off qualifying models With sales skyrocketing in July to almost pre-crash levels for many carmakers - and beyond for a few - it's no surprise that Audi's joining the fray today with its own $1,000 incentive on top of the federally-funded CARS program for its qualifying models.

    The discount applies to no fewer than 18 2008 and 2009 model year cars. 2010 models are still be considered for the program, however, so if you're yearning for a newly upgraded Audi A5 2.0T, you may want to hold on for a few more weeks. Once the EPA certifies their fuel efficiency ratings, they too may be eligible.

    For those interested in an A3, A4, A4 Avant, A4 Cabrio, TT Coupe or... With sales skyrocketing in July to almost pre-crash levels for many carmakers - and beyond for a few - it's no surprise that Audi's joining the fray today with its own $1,000 incentive on top of the federally-funded CARS program for its qualifying models. The discount applies to no fewer than 18 2008 and 2009 model year cars. 2010 models are still be considered for the program, however, so if you're yearning for a newly upgraded Audi A5 2.0T, you may want to hold on for a few more weeks. Once the EPA certifies their fuel efficiency ratings, they too may be eligible. For those interested in an A3, A4, A4 Avant, A4 Cabrio, TT Coupe or Roadster, a Q5 or many of their quattro variants, however, the bargain is a go. "The CARS reimbursement enacted by Congress is a tremendous opportunity for consumers interested in upgrading to vehicles that offer better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions," said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. " Now that some uncertainties surrounding the launch of this federal program have been cleared up the time is right to enhance the deal even further." Other incentives offered for these models right now include a special 60-month APR and improved lease terms. The $1,000 incentive ends August 31, and though it may be extended, rampant demand may also shut the program down early as inventory levels fall. A complete table of the eligible Audi models can be found below. Model Year A3 2.0T 2008 A4 2.0T 2008 A4 Avant quattro 2.0T 2008 A4 Cabriolet 2.0T 2008 TT Coupe2008 TT Roadster /td> 2008 A3 2.0T 2009 A3 quattro 2.0T 2009 A4 2.0T /td> 2009 A4 quattro 2.0T 2009 A4 Avant quattro 2.0T 2009 A4 Cabriolet 2009 A4 Cabriolet quattro 2.0T 2009 TT oupe .0T 2009 TT Coupe quattro 2.0T 2009 TT Roadster 2.0T 2009 TT Roadster quattro 2.0T 2009 Audi Q5 2009 Read More

  • Spy shots: First test-mules for next-gen Audi A3

    Spy shots: First test-mules for next-gen Audi A3 July 8th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 8th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 4 Comments

    Spy shots: First test-mules for next-gen Audi A3 Audi has pushed back the arrival of its next-generation A3 by one year as it tackles the development of several other all-new models such as the A1 hatch and Q3 soft-roader. Originally slated to arrive at the end of the year, the next A3 will now hit the market in the latter parts of 2010 in the basic three and five-door hatchback models. Further down the track Audi will add a new Cabrio model and Sportback wagon, and according to previous reports there could even be a four-door coupe as well as an Allroad soft-roader.

    The move is designed to help the new A3 compete with BMW’s 1-series range as well as a family of sporty models based... Audi has pushed back the arrival of its next-generation A3 by one year as it tackles the development of several other all-new models such as the A1 hatch and Q3 soft-roader. Originally slated to arrive at the end of the year, the next A3 will now hit the market in the latter parts of 2010 in the basic three and five-door hatchback models. Further down the track Audi will add a new Cabrio model and Sportback wagon, and according to previous reports there could even be a four-door coupe as well as an Allroad soft-roader. The move is designed to help the new A3 compete with BMW’s 1-series range as well as a family of sporty models based on the next-generation Mercedes A and B-Class. The new A3’s underpinnings will once again be shared with VW’s Golf, which means Audi’s latest modular platform design has been ruled out. Compared with the current model, however, the new A3’s footprint will grow in size and its profile is expected to be sleeker. These are the first images of the next-gen A3, depicting a test-mule disguised under the sheet metal of the current Mark VI VW Golf. Audi has been using VW bodies lately for its test-mules, including a Polo body for its upcoming A1 minicar and a Tiguan body for its Q3. The images reveal that the next A3 will have a slightly wider track than the Golf, which itself is already similar in size to the current A3. This means that the next A3 will be bigger than the current model, allowing adequate space for a new A1 and possibly an A2 model. Furthermore, Audi’s latest-generation B8 A4 grew in length by 14cm over its predecessor, positioning it closer to the 5-series and E-Class in terms of size. The gap left behind will be filled by a new A3-based sedan, which German magazine Autobild reports will stretch 4.2m in length and feature coupe-like styling. Likely engine options for the A3 range of cars include a series of four-cylinder powerplants ranging from 1.2 to 2.0L in displacement. The base engine will be a 1.2L TFSI with 105hp and 175Nm of torque and this will be followed by a 1.4L TFSI with 125hp and 200Nm of torque as well as a 1.8L TFSI with 160hp and 250Nm of torque. Rounding out the four-cylinder family will be a 2.0L TFSI with 211hp and 350Nm of torque. For the performance S3 model, expect to see a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine.Audi A3 hatchback rendering2011 Audi A3 test-mule Read More

  • ABT Sportsline focuses on four-cylinder performance with A3-based AS3

    ABT Sportsline focuses on four-cylinder performance with A3-based AS3 June 8th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 8th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    ABT Sportsline focuses on four-cylinder performance with A3-based AS3 German tuner ABT Sportsline is known for its tuning work with a number of automakers, most notably those from the VW Group's portfolio such as Volkswagen and Audi models. The most recent project in the firm’s line of modified Audis is a new upgrade for the compact yet premium A3 hatchback.

    Known as the ABT AS3, the tuned A3 follows in the footsteps of similar work undertaken by ABT on the larger Audi A5. The tuning focuses on both performance enhancements and visual upgrades to give the car more grunt than the standard hatch from Audi while also making it stand out from the crowd.

    Under the hood, ABT takes the 2.0L TSI engine and... German tuner ABT Sportsline is known for its tuning work with a number of automakers, most notably those from the VW Group's portfolio such as Volkswagen and Audi models. The most recent project in the firm’s line of modified Audis is a new upgrade for the compact yet premium A3 hatchback. Known as the ABT AS3, the tuned A3 follows in the footsteps of similar work undertaken by ABT on the larger Audi A5. The tuning focuses on both performance enhancements and visual upgrades to give the car more grunt than the standard hatch from Audi while also making it stand out from the crowd. Under the hood, ABT takes the 2.0L TSI engine and winds it up to an impressive 240hp (179kW), rather than the standard model’s 200hp (147kW). Similar gains in performance are available for the other petrol engines in the A3 lineup, including a 35hp (26kW) lift to 160hp (120kW) in the 1.4L TSI engine, and a 50hp (37kW) lift to 210hp (157kW) in the 1.8L TSI unit. For the 2.0L turbodiesel A3, ABT can also lift power to a maximum of 190hp (142kW), along with plenty of torque. To help control the extra power on the road, ABT is also offering custom made performance springs that lower the car by 35mm. When coupled with an upgraded braking system, the ABT AS3 should prove to be significantly more agile than the factory A3 on the road. In terms of visual upgrades, ABT is offering a number of modifications including a new bonnet, grille, bumpers, fenders and LED daytime running lights. A full bodykit consisting of a front spoiler insert, side skirts, fender inserts, and a custom rear apron is also available.ABT Sportsline Audi A3 AS3 Read More

  • Audi expands A3 range with two new economical 1.6L TDI engines

    Audi expands A3 range with two new economical 1.6L TDI engines June 2nd, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 2nd, 2009 Jeremy Weber 2 Comments

    Audi expands A3 range with two new economical 1.6L TDI engines In the U.S. the 2009 Audi A3 is only offered with a pair of petrol engines ranging in displacement from 2.0L up to 3.2L, but in the rest of the world Audi offers a full range of engine options including both petrol and TDI diesel units. Overseas the A3 engine family has now been expanded with the addition of two new 1.6L TDI engines offering 90hp (66kW) and 105hp (77kW), respectively.

    With fuel economy of 57.37mpg (4.1L/100km) , the A3 1.6 TDI with an output of 105hp (77kW), emits a mere 109g of CO2/km. These figures are made possible by efficient technologies such as the car’s engine start-stop and energy recovery system.... In the U.S. the 2009 Audi A3 is only offered with a pair of petrol engines ranging in displacement from 2.0L up to 3.2L, but in the rest of the world Audi offers a full range of engine options including both petrol and TDI diesel units. Overseas the A3 engine family has now been expanded with the addition of two new 1.6L TDI engines offering 90hp (66kW) and 105hp (77kW), respectively. With fuel economy of 57.37mpg (4.1L/100km) , the A3 1.6 TDI with an output of 105hp (77kW), emits a mere 109g of CO2/km. These figures are made possible by efficient technologies such as the car’s engine start-stop and energy recovery system. Performance is reasonable given the car’s economy but don’t expect things to sizzle here. The energy recovery system draws kinetic energy from the car’s brakes when slowing down, converting this to electricity to take the load off the alternator, which draws power from the engine and thus consumes fuel. According to Audi, this improves fuel economy by as much as 3%. The more powerful model allows the A3 to reach 62mph in 11.4 seconds and powers it up to a top speed of 121mph. The less powerful 90hp (66kW) unit transmits 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque and takes 12.9 seconds to cover the 0-62mph dash. Even without an engine start-stop or energy recovery system, it rates in at 52.57mpg (4.5L/100km) and only emits 118g of CO2/km. Both cars are now on sale and are priced at €22,550 for the 90hp (66kW) model and €23,550 for the 105hp (77kW) model.2009 Audi A3 facelift and A3 Sportback Read More

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