Audi to launch Q7 Hybrid in 2008

The Audi Q7 was the last SUV model to launch from the platform shared with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne but it looks like it will be the first to launch a hybrid version. Automotive News is reporting that Audi will start production of the hybrid Q7 in late 2008, several months after introducing the new diesel models in the US market.

The hybrid system is being developed in conjunction with VW and Porsche. They have made the system modular so that it can be adapted to other vehicles in the product lineup. Porsche has already indicated that they will use the system on the upcoming Panamera sedan in addition to the Cayenne.

In the Q7 it will be paired up with a 3.6L V-6 and should yield about 23mpg. The electric part of the drivetrain will be able to drive the vehicle at up to 31 mph and the engine can be shut off at speeds up to 75 mph when coasting.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/09/11/audi-to-launch-q7-hybrid-in-2008/

Audi A5 receives two new engines

Audi, the German automaker continues to extend its A5 line. The recently launched A5 coupe receives now two new engines: a 3.2 FSI quattro and a 1.8 TFSI.

The 3.2 FSI engine helps the A5 to sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. The 1.8 TFSI engine helps the coupe to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds while the top speed is of 228 km/h.The average fuel consumption is of 9.2 litres in the case of the 3.2 FSI engine and 7.1 litres at the 1.8 engine.

Press release: 

Audi continues to extend its A5 model line, which has enjoyed a successful start: as of now, the sporty coupé is available with two new engine versions. The 3.2 FSI quattro allied with the six-speed manual gearbox is an especially dynamic source of power, while the 1.8 TFSI, also with manual shift, offers an extremely efficient alternative.

The 3.2 FSI, with its power output of 195 kW (265 bhp), is the most powerful engine in the A5 model line. The Audi engineers concentrated all of their expertise in this power unit, combining FSI petrol direct injection with the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable valve lift control and various measures for reducing internal friction. All this work has resulted in supreme refinement and impressive pulling power, with 330 Nm of torque available all the way from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm.

The 3.2 FSI gives the A5 performance figures worthy of a sports car. With this engine, the grand tourer sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. The powerful coupé has an average fuel consumption of just 9.2 litres. The price of the Audi A5 3.2 quattro with manual gearbox is 44,200 euros.

Extremely high efficiency is the particular strength of the 1.8 TFSI. This four-cylinder engine, which is a new addition to the coupé model line, combines the benefits of the FSI principle with the advantages of turbocharging. These technologies together generate a power output of 125 kW (170 bhp). The peak torque of 250 Nm is available from as low as 1,500 rpm. The 1.8-litre engine comes with a manual six-speed gearbox and front-wheel drive.

With the powerful four-cylinder unit, the Audi A5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 228 km/h. It sets excellent standards in terms of fuel consumption, limiting itself to an average of just 7.1 litres per 100 km. The A5 1.8 TFSI is available for 32,750 euros.

Source: http://4wheelsblog.com/released/audi-a5-receives-two-new-engines

Audi to launch Q7 Hybrid in 2008

The Audi Q7 was the last SUV model to launch from the platform shared with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne but it looks like it will be the first to launch a hybrid version. Automotive News is reporting that Audi will start production of the hybrid Q7 in late 2008, several months after introducing the new diesel models in the US market.

The hybrid system is being developed in conjunction with VW and Porsche. They have made the system modular so that it can be adapted to other vehicles in the product lineup. Porsche has already indicated that they will use the system on the upcoming Panamera sedan in addition to the Cayenne.

In the Q7 it will be paired up with a 3.6L V-6 and should yield about 23mpg. The electric part of the drivetrain will be able to drive the vehicle at up to 31 mph and the engine can be shut off at speeds up to 75 mph when coasting.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/09/11/audi-to-launch-q7-hybrid-in-2008/

Audi A5 receives two new engines

Audi, the German automaker continues to extend its A5 line. The recently launched A5 coupe receives now two new engines: a 3.2 FSI quattro and a 1.8 TFSI.

The 3.2 FSI engine helps the A5 to sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. The 1.8 TFSI engine helps the coupe to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds while the top speed is of 228 km/h.The average fuel consumption is of 9.2 litres in the case of the 3.2 FSI engine and 7.1 litres at the 1.8 engine.

Press release: 

Audi continues to extend its A5 model line, which has enjoyed a successful start: as of now, the sporty coupé is available with two new engine versions. The 3.2 FSI quattro allied with the six-speed manual gearbox is an especially dynamic source of power, while the 1.8 TFSI, also with manual shift, offers an extremely efficient alternative.

The 3.2 FSI, with its power output of 195 kW (265 bhp), is the most powerful engine in the A5 model line. The Audi engineers concentrated all of their expertise in this power unit, combining FSI petrol direct injection with the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable valve lift control and various measures for reducing internal friction. All this work has resulted in supreme refinement and impressive pulling power, with 330 Nm of torque available all the way from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm.

The 3.2 FSI gives the A5 performance figures worthy of a sports car. With this engine, the grand tourer sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. The powerful coupé has an average fuel consumption of just 9.2 litres. The price of the Audi A5 3.2 quattro with manual gearbox is 44,200 euros.

Extremely high efficiency is the particular strength of the 1.8 TFSI. This four-cylinder engine, which is a new addition to the coupé model line, combines the benefits of the FSI principle with the advantages of turbocharging. These technologies together generate a power output of 125 kW (170 bhp). The peak torque of 250 Nm is available from as low as 1,500 rpm. The 1.8-litre engine comes with a manual six-speed gearbox and front-wheel drive.

With the powerful four-cylinder unit, the Audi A5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 228 km/h. It sets excellent standards in terms of fuel consumption, limiting itself to an average of just 7.1 litres per 100 km. The A5 1.8 TFSI is available for 32,750 euros.

Source: http://4wheelsblog.com/released/audi-a5-receives-two-new-engines

2008 Audi R8 on tour around Canada

Audi has something good going on with the R8 supercar and they know it. The problem is, there isn't enough of them to go around. In order to make sure as many enthusiasts as possible get to lay eyes on the new machine, Audi is sending 15 journalists on a cross Canada jaunt from Cape Spear, all the way to the west, finishing up in Victoria, BC.

Friend of The Garage, Russ Bond from Painkillerz is lucky enough to be along for the section from Barrie, Ontario to Thunder Bay, Ontario. In fact, Russ is having a month filled with R8 goodness, having visited the press launch for the car last week and will spend next week with the press car. While Russ is on the road with the Audi R8 Trans-Canada Performance Tour, he'll be updating Painkillerz readers with daily photos and stories.

Source: http://thegarageblog.com/garage/2008-audi-r8-on-tour-around-canada/

Preview: 2010 Audi A1 hatch and cabrio

The minicar segment is about to explode, with new models planned from most of the major carmakers including, for the first time, premium labels such as Audi, which is planning to launch the new A1 hatch in 2009. A concept version of the car will be displayed at next month's Tokyo Motor Show complete with a hybrid drivetrain. These new renderings give us an accurate look at what to expect, revealing designers are going with conventional hatchback styling and Audi's familiar oversized grille.

The A1 won't be a niche model. Audi management is hoping to sell more than 100,000 units per year and will likely add a 'shooting brake' mini-estate and cabrio to its lineup. Audi is also rumored to be working on a mini SUV labeled the Q1, which you can see a preview of by clicking here. In addition to the mild hybrid version, Audi will also build cars equipped with more conventional TSI and FSI petrol engines as well as its frugal TDI diesels displacing 1.4 and 1.6L.

The car will be built on a new platform that will also spawn the next-gen VW Polo as well as allow engineers to add quattro AWD for a low-volume performance model. The new platform also means engineers may add a new low cost dual-clutch transmission with seven gears in total. Unlike the production version of the VW up! concept, the Audi A1 won't be cheap and is expected to have a price tag of around €20,000. By contrast, VW's minicar is expected to cost close to €8,000.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/preview-2010-audi-a1-hatch-and-cabrio/

600 New Employees for Audi

Audi is hiring young graduates in an effort to ensure the strong future of the brand. This year, the automaker is looking for 600 new employees.

German automaker Audi is making a bid to become the king of the mountain. Six hundred academics is the target for Audi. The young talents are there to unveil the new Audi RS6 - the company's most powerful production vehicle. Dr, Werner Widuckel, a Board Member for Human Resources at Audi AG, declared that the increase in their offering will mean more jobs in the future. Only motivated and dedicated employees will ensure company success and innovative power in the future," he said.

Most in demand are graduates in electrical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering and automotive technology. Not only academics are attracted to Audi as an employer: 682 young people started their apprenticeships last week in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Audi provides training in 20 different vocations.

"To a great extent, graduates want to identify with the products of their preferred employer. Factors such as market success and innovative power, interesting work and individual opportunities for development play an important role when choosing an employer," added Dr. Widuckel.

Last year, the automaker recruited 450 academics. The increase in the number of employees they are hiring shows the company responding to the need for engineers. The automaker is focusing on the employment of young engineers to develop highly-efficient diesel engines as well as alternative powertrains.


Source: http://theautorider.blogspot.com/2007/09/600-new-employees-for-audi.html