Showing posts with label Audi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audi. Show all posts

Friday, January 21, 2011

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S-Line pricing announced (UK)

Audi has given its hottest A1 yet a sticker price of £20,705. The A1 1.4 TFSI utilises a twincharged (supercharger & turbocharger) 1.4 litre petrol engine that kicks out 182bhp (185PS/136kW) and 250Nm (184lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission, giving a 0-60mph (97km/h) time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 141mph (227km/h). Combined fuel economy is 47.9mpg (5.8l/100km), with carbon emissions of 139g/km.

Standard features will include 17” alloy wheels, part leather/fabric sport seats, ESP w/ESD, remote central locking, air conditioning, Bluetooth, 6 speaker audio system w/iPod & MP3 compatibility, and electric front windows and door mirrors.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI

2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI
With the new R18 Audi Sports Cars is aiming for its tenth Le Mans success in 2011: Since its debut in 1999, the brand with the Four Rings has won the world’s most important endurance race as many as nine times with the R8, R10 TDI with muscular torque delivery and outstanding efficiency: TDI. Today, TDI engines are sporty, smooth and economical. The international endurance sports car racing for the last decade, there’s really just one name that has defined the discipline during that timeframe: Audi. The German nameplate that cleaned house in rallying and sedan racing before making the quantum leap to sports prototypes in 1999 has made success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other races around the globe look like a piece of strudel.
2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI
The R18's headlights, which are the first to completely consist of LEDs with optimized amount of light, are a technical highlight. The new generation of headlights was developed in close cooperation between Audi Sport Cars and the Technical Development (TE) division of AÚDI AG and by using at Le Mans, will be prepared for future use in production vehicles. Audi's light designers had the chance to make their mark on the development as well: The LEDs of the daytime light form the shape of a '1' which is intended to inspire associations with Audi's historic brand logo.
2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI he has made is configured as electrification continuous tense, the Audi Sport plans for pushing forward step by step. ”Only the efficiency of all of the time factor is very important to us,” says Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.” No matter who is the recovery of energy we can choose a key aspect for the Audi – in motorsport as well as on the production side of the house – is that it gives a real advantage.”
2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI
Significantly smaller engines than those used before will be prescribed at Le Mans in 2011 as the rule makers aim to achieve a substantial reduction of engine power. By opting for a 3.7-liter V6 TDI unit, Audi retains the diesel concept that saw its first victorious fielding in 2006. ‘From our point of view, the TDI continues to be the most efficient technology,’ says Úlrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport Cars. ‘There are good reasons why the share of TDI units among Audi’s production models is as high as it is.’
Through the innovative V6 TDI engine for the Le Mans 24 Hours, motorsport is yet again performing pioneering work for the production arm at Audi where there is a growing trend towards smaller, more economical but yet powerful engines. Another new development is the six-speed transmission in the R18 which has been specifically modified for use with the smaller engine. Development of new Audi R18 began in mid-2009. V6 TDI engine has been running on dynamometers since the summer of 2010. The 2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI, with Allan McNish at the wheel, has achieved the first essay on horse racing at the end of November.
The racing debut of the Audi R18 racing planned for Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) 6 hours on 8 May 2011. Before the show, fresh bequeath prototype consists of a round-bodied fray first on the race track at Le Mans for the official test day on April 24, and collect important data for the race on June 11 and 12 2011.
2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI
Audi plans to field three cars at Le Mans the 2011 Audi Sports Cars Racing R18 TDI, which will be entered by Audi Sport Team Joest, the most successful Le Mans team of all time. In addition, Audi Sport Team Joest will contest the Le Mans World Cup (ILMC), owned by seven airstreams absolute survival in three continents (recognizes the Le Mans 24 Hours) with two cars.In the opening race at Sebring on March 19, the team will use two “R15 plus plus” car.”Send the R18 into the race at such a starting point for prospective difficulties in logistics and conditions by placing with our development program,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Detroit 2011: Audi A6 Hybrid is Teutonic efficiency



While we have already met the 2012 Audi A6, we weren't clear on what the A6 Hybrid would look like. As it turns out, we had a pretty solid idea, as Audi officials say they have gone out of their way to keep it aesthetically true to the conventional gas-powered model.

The new A6 hybrid is a front-wheel drive affair that offers Audi's 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder with a 45-horsepower/155 pound-feet of torque electric motor sitting ahead of the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. A modest 1.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is resident in the trunk to generate 39 kW. Audi quotes an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 38 miles per gallon, noting that the A6 Hybrid can be coaxed up to 62 mph strictly on electricity, and it has a pure-electric range of three kilometers (1.86 miles).

Audi isn't confirming when this new model will go on sale, but it is widely understood that the gas-electric model was conceived with the U.S. in mind, so we wouldn't be surprised to see it roll into American dealerships before it hits the rest of the globe.

Detroit 2011: 2012 Audi A6 is predictably handsome



Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that's not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW's old "One sausage, three sizes" design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

The Powerful Version of Audi A3

Audi A3

Audi company declassified the most powerful version of five-door hatchback A3 — RS3.

2011 Audi RS3

The novelty received the 2,5-litre five-cylinder engine (340HP, 450 Nm), working together with 7-step S-tronic gear box. From 0 to 100 km/h, Audi RS3 equipped with firm system of an all wheel drive, can be accelerated for 4,6 seconds, and its maximum speed is limited by electronics on a mark of 250 km/h. According to Audi company, average fuel consumption makes 9,1 l/100 km of run. Level of CO2 — 212 grammes/km.

2011 Audi A3

Audi RS3

Interior, Audi A3

Also the most powerful Audi A3 received the new suspender underestimated on 25 mm, powerful four-piston brake gears with 370-mm disks on a front axle and with 310-mm on the rear.

Besides, the charged car has 19-inch wheel disks from an aluminium alloy, and completely disconnected system of a sports stabilisation mode.

Sales of a new Audi RS3 in the European car market start in this year. Cost of car in Germany — 49,900 euro.

New Generation of Audi A6

Audi A6

Audi company published official photos and characteristics of a new 2012 Audi A6. The body of a luxury sedan more than on 20% is made of aluminium, and its design continues a theme of unification of the "senior" and "younger" models, therefore the novelty simultaneously reminds both A4, and A7, and A8.

2012 Audi A6 will be offered to buyers with five engines: two petrol engine (204 and 300HP), and three diesel engine (177 to 245HP).

2012 Audi A6 (sedan)

2012 Audi A6

Audi A6, interior

One of the most interesting versions of the car will be hybrid: its power-plant consists of the 2,0-litre petrol motor (211HP) and the auxiliary 45-strong electric motor.

Audi A6 sales begin in the first months 2011, a bit later there will be universal Avant and sports version S6.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

SEMA 2010: Stasis holds its own with Signature Series S4 and S5




This may be Audi's first year at SEMA, but that doesn't mean other tuning houses haven't worked up some four-ringed hotness just for the Vegas show. Stasis, for example, shows off its Signature Series S4 and S5 which get by with 'just' 410 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque from their supercharged V6s, otherwise normally rated at 333 hp and 344 lb-ft.

Stasis says the 25 percent boost in power comes from nothing more than an ECU tune and its own free-flow exhaust that uses "cross flow pulse scavenging technology." The wheels are pulled from the Stasis well, either 20-inches of lightweight, cast spokes or the same diameter in ultra-lightweight forged spokes. Together with the power and the Yokohama rubber, both cars are said to be capable of achieving 1.0 gs in the corners. Suspension and brakes get some love as well.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

SEMA 2010: Stasis R8 V10 Spyder and Autonomous Audi TTS say hello to Vegas



What happens when tuners cast eyes on the Audi R8 is symptomatic of the basic and inherent awesomeness of the R8 proposition, both design- and driving-wise. See, there isn't much that happens on any tuned Audi R8 – all of them look like Audi R8s, maybe with a little more carbon fiber and a new set of wheels. There is simply nothing else to be done to it that could make it better, or, at least, we haven't seen it, and so almost all hyped R8s are known by their rims.

Stasis has joined that club, with an R8 Custom Spyder blessed with up to 7.5 psi of supercharger boost good for 710 horsepower, some suspension mods and a 20-inch set of its trademark wheels. An independent cooler keeps the supercharger chilled, and a lighter, more open exhaust runs out of larger tailpipes. It certainly looks good, and that's mostly because the R8 looks good on its own.

Of all of the high-dollar cars in Audi's first-ever space at SEMA, only the autonomous TTS was behind a barrier and untouchable. Pikes Peak dust still coated its antennas and inertial sensors, and the open hatch revealed just how much computer hardware is necessary to replace a human.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

2010 Audi R8 V10 by Wheelsandmore

http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=E1E3_4CB002C9

The brand new Audi R8 V10 looks simply amazing, This car is seems to be a powerful vehicle with 525hp, At present Wheelsandmore presents this new sports car in the market as a completely different and exclusive level luxurious sports car.
The German tuning starts manufacturing this car with a handcrafted special stainless steel, also attach a valve controlled exhaust system that is linked up with an ECU upgrade. That gives it an impressive performance of 600 HP and 590 lb of torque. All of this power is generated by new 20" 3-piece wheels. It is available in the marked in many color and verities of surface combination. The company is also offering for a KW race established special axial motion, which linked up with an adjustable rebound and compression, hydraulically liftable that is around 1.77 inches long. More over this car has an extra75 horsepower jump, that will caused for the Audi R8’s performance numbers, it is expected that this car mush have a speed more than 197mph.

The press release of this car is given below:


Wheelsandmore from Germany, individual luxury tuner for sports and super sports cars presents their latest conversion with the inconspicuous code v10 .6

To increase serial power of the V10 engine they handcrafted a special stainless steel, valve controlled exhaust system, combined with an ECU upgrade obtaining enormous 600 hp and 590 lb of torque.
Wheelsandmore achieved even more agility by installing their new 3-piece wheels, available with unlimited color and surface combinations. For the perfect visual appearance and handling they customized their „C-Sport“model sizing 9,0x20“with Continental Sport Contact III tyres 235/30/20 in the front and an 11,0x20“with 295/25/20” tires in the rear.

To lent the German sports car a sportier performance, combined with more aggressive occurrence, the tuner adopted a KW race established special coil over with adjustable rebound and compression, hydraulically lift able around 1.77 inch.

Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder is what topless hybrid dreams are made of

Audi e-tron Spyder

Audi keeps on growing its e-tron family. The automaker pulled a fast one by unveiling yet another electrified monster at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, only this time, the low-slung hybrid came sans-top. The concept is powered by two electric motors and a 300-horsepower twin-turbo TDI V6 that comes to the fight with 479 pound-feet of torque. Audi says that despite the hefty 9.1 kilowatt-hour battery mounted up front, it managed to keep the weight low and distribute the pounds evenly across the chassis. As a result, this e-tron should be plenty flingable if it ever makes it off of the stage and onto a public road.

Audi says the e-tron Spyder hits the scales at 3,196 pounds and that the drivetrain can be driver-controlled to operate on electric power only at speeds up to 37 mph for a total of 31 miles. The manufacturer says that in city driving, the capability is more than enough to hang with traffic. If not, there's always that juicy diesel V6 to play with.

Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept celebrates 30 years of performance

Audi Quattro Concept live debut

Here they are folks, the first live images we've managed to snap of the Audi Quattro Concept that's currently being debuted at the Paris Motor Show. We expect to get much more closely acquainted with the machine over the next couple of days, but until then, take a gander at the machine that Audi crafted to celebrate 30 years of Quattro performance.

Keep in mind that this sucker is packing 408 horsepower from its turbocharged five-cylinder engine and routing all those ponies through a six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels, making for a power-to-weight ratio on par with that of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Paris 2010: 2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

Despite the success of the Mini Cooper and America's newfound love of hatchbacks, Audi continues to deny us the all-new A1. There are a variety of reasons for excluding the pint-sized hatch from the U.S. market (marketing, brand image, average transaction price, etc.), but the introduction of the twin-charged A1 here at the Paris Motor Show has us questioning all of them.

Packing a 1.4-liter TFSI (read: both turbo and supercharged) inline four-cylinder engine, the A1 puts out 185 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, sends it to the front wheels through a seven-speed S tronic gearbox and can sprint to 60 in 6.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 141 mph. Think of it as the luxury alternative to the Ford Fiesta, with a price tag to match: €24,250 or just over $30k at current exchange rates.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Paris 2010: 2011 Audi R8 GT is powerful, lightweight gorgeousness

2011 Audi R8 GT

In terms of supercar hotness, the Audi R8 is indeed something special. And though we have our disagreements about Audi's R-Tronic manu-matic transmission, the R8 never ceases to impress us with its purely awesome style and dynamics.

For this year's Paris Motor Show, Audi brought out its limited-production R8 GT. Held to only 333 units retailing for €193,000 (about $256,000 USD), the R8 GT features a more powerful version of the automaker's 5.2-liter V10. In addition to the boost in horsepower (560, up from 525), this hotter R8 uses carbon fiber in place of aluminum on some of the body panels. This, in addition to thinner windshield glass and polycarbonate rear windows, drops the R8 V10's weight by 220 pounds. Slim and slender, fast and furious.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Audi UK offering upgraded 4.2L V8 for R8 Spyder

Audi R8 4.2 Spyder

The Euro-spec Audi R8 Spyder will soon be available with a more powerful version of the automaker's 4.2-liter V8 engine. The EU5-approved FSI unit gets ten more horses, going from 420 to 430 horsepower. It also gets an energy recuperation system that comes into effect during coasting and braking. The run from zero to 62 miles per hour takes 4.8 seconds, and a 186-mph top speed is possible "in the appropriate circumstances" (i.e., out on the Autobahn).

For the six-speed manual you'll need £95,545 ($147,759 USD based on current exchange rates), while the not-so-great R-Tronic will require £100,855 ($155,966 USD). The hardtop R8 will also be getting this upgraded engine, and both will be available in January of next year. Don't worry – the new engine will be coming to the U.S., as well.

[Source: Audi]

Thursday, August 19, 2010

2011 Audi Sports Car R8 GT

INGOLSTADT, Germany, May 1, 2010 Audi presents a limited-production version of it R8 high-performance sports car, the R8 GT, even more powerful, lighter and faster. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp); vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 100 kilograms (220.46 lb). The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph).
The R8 high-performance sports car has been a winner from the very beginning. This applies to both the production models, winners of the “World Performance Car” Award in 2008 (R8) and in 2010 (R8 V10), and to the race car, the R8 LMS, which won 23 races in its first season and claimed three championships. The genes of the race version are now coming to the street – in the R8 GT. The exclusive series is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT has a badge with its production number on the shift lever knob.
The extremely high strength of the body is the basis for the high-performance sports car’s precise handling, and it also offers good vibration comfort and first-rate crash safety.
The engineers also fought to shave every possible gram of weight from the technical components of R8. They shaved one kilogram (2.20 lb) from the power brake system, four kilograms (8.82 lb) from the aluminum caps of the brake discs and 9.4 kilograms (20.72 lb) from the battery. The engineers also found 2.3 kilograms (5.07 lb) in the air intake module and 2.8 kilograms (6.17 lb) in the insulation of the engine compartment.
The modified V10, whose cylinder head covers are painted red, gives the Audi R8 GT breathtaking performance. The R8 GT sprints from a standing start to highway speed in 3.6 seconds, and from zero to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in 10.8 seconds. And the thrust does not let up until the top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph) is reached.
Changes to the engine electronics coaxed an additional 26 kW from the ten-cylinder, which now produces 412 kW (560 hp) from a displacement of 5,204 cc. The torque curve peaks at 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm, 10 Nm (7.38 lb-ft) more than in the production version. The V10 has a specific power output of 79.2 kW (107.6 hp) per liter displacement. Its power-to-weight ratio is 3.70 kilograms (8.16 lb) per kW or 2.72 kilograms (6.00 lb) per hp. The engine redlines at 8,700 rpm.
The normally aspirated engine consumes an average of 13.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (17.17 US mpg) – very good fuel economy given the tremendous power. The FSI gasoline direct injection system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers at up to 120 bar of pressure. The turbulent mixture cools the cylinder walls, enabling a compression ratio of 12.5:1. A variable intake manifold and the continuous adjustment of the chain-driven camshafts ensure that the combustion chambers are fully filled. Flaps in the intake ports facilitate the formation of the mixture by inducing a tumbling motion in the inflowing air.
2011 Audi Sports Car R8 GT
The 19-inch forged wheels are 8.5 J x 19 up front and 11 J x 19 at the rear, and are shod with size 235/35 and 295/30 tires, respectively. Audi will mount 305/30 tires together with optional wheels on the rear axle upon request. Cup tires, which offer the ultimate in performance on dry roads, are available for racing enthusiasts. At Audi, reducing weight means increasing performance and efficiency, but not sacrifice. The 2011 Audi R8 GT, which Audi sells in Germany for €193,000, comes with an automatic climate control system and power windows, a navigation system with MMI operating logic and a powerful sound system.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Maserati Quattroporte gets served up Novitec Style.

Maserati

Anytime German auto tuner Novitec gets its hands on an exotic car you know that good things will happen. They’ve done multiple Ferrari’s, Audi’s, Porsche’s and BMW’s along with just about every other high-end manufacturer out there, and with this they’ve managed to build a reputation as one of the best exotic car tuning companies in the business. It now seems Novitec has gotten the bug to play with Maserati’s as it has just released a complete package for the Quattroporte S and Sport GTS.

Novitec Maserati Quattroporte

By supercharging the engine from the Maserati GTS Novitec has managed to increase power from a base of 440 hp to a whopping 600 hp. This means 0-60 times of just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of around 195 mph. Also keep in mind that this is still a big 4 passenger grand touring car. For $36,000 you get one supercharger, water-cooled inter-coolers, reinforced V-ribbed belts, fuel injectors and everything else you’ll need to make your once fast Maserati a whole hell of a lot faster.

Source: Motorator.com

Monday, July 26, 2010

2011 Audi A7 Sportback Continues 4-Door Coupe Craze

Audi A7

Not to be outdone by the likes of Aston Martin, BMW or Porsche, Audi has jumped into the sportback segment of the automotive market with the new A7. The concept of the sportback is simple. Take a four door sedan but streamline it so it gives off the impression that it is in fact a two door coupe. Then combine in the versatility of a hatchback and POOF… instant sportback. Porsche has the butt ugly Panamera, BMW has the 5 Series Gran Turismo and Aston Martin now has the stunning Rapide.


2011 Audi A7

Design wise it’s difficult to make a car in this configuration and have it look good. In fact up until now Aston Martin was the only manufacturer to nail it. Audi however is coming in hard and fast with the A7 and truth be told, it’s a good looking automobile. The new A7 has design elements that give its body line a low-slung, aerodynamic look and feel. Combine that with the long sloping hood and chopped rear deck lid and you have one aggressive looking gran touring sedan.

2011 Audi A7

From a visual standpoint the A7 is light years ahead of BMW’s 5 Series Gran Turismo and Porsche’s turtle shaped Panamera. The real question though is how is this going to affect the sales of Audi’s other big beauty, the A8. Side by side both cars exude power, elegance and sophistication, as a buyer though I’d think I’d be torn on which one to buy.

From a technical standpoint the new 2011 Audi A7 features fun toys like touchscreen navigation, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system with 1,300 watts of power (that may be overkill), full bluetooth capabilities and just about every current automotive safety feature known to man. Right now there is not too much information for those of us here in the States, but stay tuned because as soon as we learn more, you’ll learn more.

Monday, July 19, 2010

2010 Audi Cars Q7 S-Line by JE DESIGN

JE DEsign lends the Audi Q7 S-Line greater width and an awesome looking stance. The styling kit includes head lamps lens caps, which lend the car a more aggressive look. Fitting the impressive front spoiler edges helps to reduce lift. It can also lend Q7 S-line greater prestige when overtaking. Top quality, innovative engineering and a elegant design are the features of this exclusive SUV wheel. The wheel is especially made for the heavy SUV of the Volkswagen group like the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and VW Touareg.
press release :
True to the motto of “everything or nothing”, the car styling specialist from Leingarten, Germany, customizes the Q7 s-Line to create an impressive car. In addition to the muscular wide body kit, which makes this Audi look even more powerful, JE DESIGN is also offering a performance enhancement, new rims and an electronically lowered suspension.
JE DESIGN enhances the appearance of the rear end by equipping the Q7 S-Line with a new tailgate skirt attachment, which incorporates diamond-shaped openings on the right and left. In each of these openings belongs a JE DESIGN dual tailpipe from made permanently shiny, corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
The upper part of the rear end is also spectacular, which JE DESIGN adorns with a wing spoiler tail fin including a C-pillar trim. A feature that is sure to get heads turning. The same also applies to the JE DESIGN fender flare kit “WIDE BODY”, for which matching door panels are also available. In front of the rear fenders, air inlets lend the car a sportier look, without appearing “plump”. JE DESIGN is offering the muscular look as a complete body-styling kit which is cheaper than buying all single parts piece by piece.
Top quality, innovative engineering and a elegant design are the features of this exclusive SUV-wheel. The wheel is especially made for the heavy SUVs of the Volkswagen group like the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and VW Touareg. The fine figure of the JE DESIGN Q7 S-Line is rounded off by an electronically lowered suspension, which the car customizer from Leingarten offers for cars with air suspension and which finally helps the JE DESIGN Q7 to morph into a true racing SUV. Lowering for cars with standard suspension is also available and of course JE DESIGN offers for almost all engine versions a power upgrade kit.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Infiniti New Front Wheel Drive Coupe

Infiniti Essence concept car

If ever there was a premium brand with an identity crisis, it’s Infiniti. Originally, they were conceived as Nissan’s answer to Lexus. A few years of working this angle produced some disappointing cars (does anyone remember the G20 or the J30?) and even more disappointing sales results. Cars that really did rock (the Q45, for example, or later, the M45) didn’t sell particularly well despite Infitniti’s attempts to reposition themselves as a performance and luxury brand. We Americans didn’t seem to understand the marque until Infiniti finally hit their stride with the G35 series of sedans and coupes, which offered a good blend of performance, luxury and affordability.

Now it seems they’re out to confuse us again, this time by announcing a front wheel drive coupe to compete against Audi’s A3. Past Infiniti models such as the G20 or the I30 were FWD, but that was before Infiniti reinvented themselves as a performance oriented luxury brand. Of course they sell the occasional SUV, too, so maybe we need to think of them as a full line manufacturer who offers performance, luxury and versatility in their product mix. I’d just like some direction on what order those adjectives should be in.

In any case, the new FWD coupe will be designed for the Euopean market, so we may not even see it on this side of the pond. It will be smaller than their current G series, and MotorAuthority tells us it will take styling cues from last year’s Essence concept car. I’d expect the new FWD Infiniti to focus more on luxury and technology than on outright performance, but it’s far too early to tell what direction the automaker will go in. This time.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Electric Audi A1 won't be produced

Audi A1 e-Tron

According to a report out of Italy, Audi boss Rupert Stadler has said that the Audi A1 e-tron concept will not see production. Apparently the house of Audi believes that the conventional A1 will be sufficiently frugal and kind enough on the environment with its stop/start and brake energy recovery system. Additionally, there seems to be some issues with the A1's platform and its ability to house all the necessary EV components. If true, 'tis a shame – that cargo-floor-mounted Wankel engine paired with lithium-ion batteries was supposed to be good for 154 mpg, and the A1 e-tron is a package we would have enjoyed by being so green we made grass jealous.