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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Sportback

  • Mitsubishi prices 2010 Lancer Sportback Ralliart from $27,590

    Mitsubishi prices 2010 Lancer Sportback Ralliart from $27,590 August 7th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, August 7th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 8 Comments

    Mitsubishi prices 2010 Lancer Sportback Ralliart from $27,590 With Subaru's defection from sedan to hatch-only status for the WRX STI, some fans lost their love for the rally-bred monster and started eying the heretic's choice: the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. But fans of the Lancer have so far been stuck with the opposite problem: no hatchback.

    That problem is solved, however - or at least nearly so. There won't be a hatchback version of the Evo X, but the previously announced Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart models have been priced for the U.S. today, and with starting prices of just $19,190 for the GTS with a five-speed manual and $27,590 for the 237-horsepower, twin-clutch Ralliart... With Subaru's defection from sedan to hatch-only status for the WRX STI, some fans lost their love for the rally-bred monster and started eying the heretic's choice: the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. But fans of the Lancer have so far been stuck with the opposite problem: no hatchback. That problem is solved, however - or at least nearly so. There won't be a hatchback version of the Evo X, but the previously announced Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart models have been priced for the U.S. today, and with starting prices of just $19,190 for the GTS with a five-speed manual and $27,590 for the 237-horsepower, twin-clutch Ralliart version, there's sure to be some serious cross-shopping going on for Subaru and Mitsubishi fans alike. Tuning potential for the Ralliart model is huge - it uses a detuned version of the same 4B11 engine found in the Evo X - and with its use of the TC-SST dual-clutch transmission and standard AWD with active center differential, the Sportback Ralliart is one of the best values on the market, priced almost dead even with Subaru's manual-shifted WRX Premium. For more on the Sportback, including details on the GTS and more on the Ralliart, check out our story on their confirmation for U.S. sale.Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 2009 Read More

  • Audi releases more images for 2010 A5 Sportback

    Audi releases more images for 2010 A5 Sportback July 30th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 30th, 2009 James Martinez 22 Comments

    Audi releases more images for 2010 A5 Sportback

    Audi will be releasing a host of models in coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5 Coupe.

    Earlier this week, Audi released the first details for the new A5 Sportback, which is set to go on sale in Europe following a debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Pricing in Europe will start at €33,650 (approximately $45,000) for the base 2.0L TDI model, however, Audi has confirmed that an even cheaper...

    Audi will be releasing a host of models in coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5 Coupe. Earlier this week, Audi released the first details for the new A5 Sportback, which is set to go on sale in Europe following a debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Pricing in Europe will start at €33,650 (approximately $45,000) for the base 2.0L TDI model, however, Audi has confirmed that an even cheaper model will arrive in the middle of next year. Described as offering the practicality of an Avant wagon with the elegant styling of a coupe, the new A5 Sportback features a five door body with an elongated profile. This coupe-like silhouette is the result of a roof section with a long, tapering roofline that is 36mm lower than the A4 Sedan and of the short overhangs at the front and rear as well as the long wheelbase of 2,810mm. Inside, there’s 980L of storage available with the rear seats are folded and generous space for four adults. Initially the A5 Sportback will be available with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines. The two petrol versions, the 2.0 TFSI quattro with an output of 211hp (155kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque and the 3.2L V6 quattro generating 265hp (195kW) are both equipped with the Audi valvelift system. This feature can produce more power and higher torque as well as lower fuel consumption. The following engines are also available right from the start: the 2.0L TDI with 170hp (125kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque, a 6-speed manual gearbox and start/stop system, the 2.7 TDI with 190hp (140kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque, and the 3.0L V6 TDI with 240hp (170kW) plus an enormous 369lb-ft (500Nm) of maximum torque and quattro all-wheel drive. To ensure optimal handling performance the A5 Sportback comes with a newly developed electronic stability program with an electronic differential lock on the front axle. The car also comes with the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, which allows the driver to choose between three different modes which influences the throttle response characteristics, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic or multitronic transmissions, and supports the servotronic steering. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth, freely programmable level is also available. Expect more details to be released closer to the car’s unveiling in September. 2010 Audi A5 Sportback Audi's head designer sketches the A5 Sportback Read More

  • Ten ton Audi TT on display in Ingolstadt

    Ten ton Audi TT on display in Ingolstadt July 13th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 13th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Ten ton Audi TT on display in Ingolstadt A new landmark has arrived in the city of Ingolstadt, Germany just in time for Audi’s 100th anniversary. The landmark is a giant Audi TT, which was presented this morning in the grassy area just outside the company’s headquarters by Audi exec Dr. Werner Widuckel and Ingolstadt mayor Dr. Alfred Lehmann.

    The steel-frame sculpture, which has already been shown in Berlin, Beijing, Hong Kong and Munich, is 10.2 meters long, 4.5 meters wide, 3.25 meters high, and weighs about 10 tons. It features fiberglass laminate and Neopor foam, as well as 150 square meters of painted panels.

    Produced especially for the “Germany –... A new landmark has arrived in the city of Ingolstadt, Germany just in time for Audi’s 100th anniversary. The landmark is a giant Audi TT, which was presented this morning in the grassy area just outside the company’s headquarters by Audi exec Dr. Werner Widuckel and Ingolstadt mayor Dr. Alfred Lehmann. The steel-frame sculpture, which has already been shown in Berlin, Beijing, Hong Kong and Munich, is 10.2 meters long, 4.5 meters wide, 3.25 meters high, and weighs about 10 tons. It features fiberglass laminate and Neopor foam, as well as 150 square meters of painted panels. Produced especially for the “Germany – Land of Ideas” initiative, the sculpture stood at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin back in 2006, and later featured in Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as at the Allianz Arena in Munich. It was brought by heavy transporter to Ingolstadt last week, and last Friday was lifted by crane onto its base outside of Audi’s headquarters. The presentation of the sculpture is just one part of Audi’s centenary celebration, which takes place on the 16th of this month. A major ceremony featuring German chancellor Angela Merkel will be held in Ingolstadt as part of the celebration, and will include the unveiling of the all-new 2010 A5 Sportback. Read More

  • Audi A1 and A8 will miss September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

    Audi A1 and A8 will miss September’s Frankfurt Motor Show July 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Audi A1 and A8 will miss September’s Frankfurt Motor Show Audi is working on a handful of new models set for launch over the next 12 months but despite the prominence of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show two of the key models won’t be appearing. The cars are the all-new A1 minicar and next-generation A8 flagship.

    Both cars are expected to be revealed in production form before the end of the year but this September’s Frankfurt event won’t be used, reports Automobilwoche. Instead, the event will likely be used for the world debut of new A5 Sportback.

    We won’t have to wait until September to see the A5 Sportback however, as the car is expected to be revealed for the first... Audi is working on a handful of new models set for launch over the next 12 months but despite the prominence of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show two of the key models won’t be appearing. The cars are the all-new A1 minicar and next-generation A8 flagship. Both cars are expected to be revealed in production form before the end of the year but this September’s Frankfurt event won’t be used, reports Automobilwoche. Instead, the event will likely be used for the world debut of new A5 Sportback. We won’t have to wait until September to see the A5 Sportback however, as the car is expected to be revealed for the first time on the 16th of this month at the company’s centenary celebration taking place in Germany. While the launch dates of the A1 are still up in the air, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has previously stated that the A8 will actually be unveiled in November and available in showrooms only in the second half of next year.2011 Audi A8 renderingsAudi A1 family renderings Read More

  • Audi A5 Sportback headed to Frankfurt Motor Show

    Audi A5 Sportback headed to Frankfurt Motor Show April 30th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, April 30th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 10 Comments

    Audi A5 Sportback headed to Frankfurt Motor Show Audi will be releasing a host of models in the coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5.

    While we’ve seen concept versions of the A1 and A7 before, this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show will reportedly play host to the unveiling of the all-new A5 Sportback. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new A5 Sportback will go on sale by the end of the year, alongside the high-performance RS version of the... Audi will be releasing a host of models in the coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5. While we’ve seen concept versions of the A1 and A7 before, this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show will reportedly play host to the unveiling of the all-new A5 Sportback. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new A5 Sportback will go on sale by the end of the year, alongside the high-performance RS version of the regular A5 Coupe. A prototype of the A5 Sportback model has been spied previously, and while there is only one image we could clearly see that the car will feature a high waistline and low roof. The front-end should be identical to the A5 Coupe on which it’s based. The design appears almost like a four-door coupe but the roomy cabin, tall profile, and sloping hatchback style rear-door ensures the Sportback sits in its own niche. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring systems, which distribute drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. Power will come from the same engines used in the regular A5 lineup, with a 4.2L FSI V8 expected to appear in the range-topping RS5 model.2010 Audi A5 Sportback renderingsAudi future lineup official sketches2010 Audi A5 Sportback spy shots Read More

  • Caractere modified Audi A3 balances taste with tuning

    Caractere modified Audi A3 balances taste with tuning February 26th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, February 26th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Caractere modified Audi A3 balances taste with tuning Unlike many of their competitors, the Belgians at Caractere don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention.

    The design program for the Audi A3 offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly facelift A3, with special pieces for the Sportback.

    An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 18in and 19in sizes are available as part... Unlike many of their competitors, the Belgians at Caractere don't do the European version of tacky, flashy tuner cars. Instead, they focus on adding minor enhancements that give the owner a unique look without clamoring for attention. The design program for the Audi A3 offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly facelift A3, with special pieces for the Sportback. An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. Wheels in both 18in and 19in sizes are available as part of the program, though since it's a piecemeal system, you can always opt for your own if Caractere's don't suit your tastes. Overall, the result is surprisingly tasteful, and a definite step outside the norm for the latest round of German car body kits. For more of Caractere's work, check out their design program for the Audi A5 and S5.Caractere design program for the facelifted Audi A3 Read More

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