Archive | Audi

Audi to reveal 2010 A8 at Design Miami

Audi to reveal 2010 A8 at Design Miami

Audi’s celebrations for its centennial are expected to peak on Monday, when the carmaker reveals the 2010 A8 at the Design Miami art fair in Florida.

The car make has built a pavilion, which doubles as a museum, on Miami beach. “The Art of Progress” exhibit at Design Miami, inspired by the A8 and the car maker’s corporate philosophy, will be unveiled simultaneously with the A8.

Rupert Stadler, chairman of Audi’s board of management, says, “Since our inception, Audi has embraced progress in the quest to create groundbreaking technologies and deliver new ideas to the road.

Source: AutomobileMag

Posted in Audi, European imports, Import Car NewsComments (0)

Audi e-Tron headed for limited production?

Audi e-Tron headed for limited production?

At least, that’s what some sources say.

The reasons behind the rumors are that the technology used to build the e-Tron was too expensive, and that the market isn’t ready for an electric sports car.

I just want to ask, who in the world wouldn’t want to be behind the wheel of an electric sports car?

Audi e-Tron concept

Audi e-Tron concept

The e-Tron definitely won’t have any problems satisfying the speed demon in any driver. The car can jump from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 124 mph.

And all that power is produced by 4 electric motors (a pair at front, and a pair at the rear axle), so you don’t have to worry about excessive, toxic exhaust emissions.

The Audi e-Tron could very well be the link between high performance and environmental awareness, in my opinion.

Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen has confirmed that the e-Tron would be debuting in 2012. Yours truly’s crossing her fingers that the e-Tron would be headed for mass production. :)

Source: 4Wheels News

Posted in Audi, European imports, Import Car NewsComments (0)

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: 2010 Audi R8 Spyder

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: 2010 Audi R8 Spyder

2010 Audi R8 Spyder

Those Europeans definitely know a thing or two about making supercars. Here’s the 2010 Spyder’s rap sheet:

Engine: 5.2-liter, V10
0 to 60: 4.1 seconds
Max hp: 525 hp
Standard features: soft top, power rear glass window, microphone-equipped shoulder belts
Creature comfort/s: heat-reflective seat upholstery (Nappa leather)
Release date: summer 2010

Source: AutomobileMag

Posted in Audi, European importsComments (0)

Feeling Generous?

Feeling Generous?

Holiday season is drawing near, and the tradition of gift-giving is definitely in the air. Question is, have you thought about what to get your loved ones this year? Well if you’ve got a deep pocket or if you’re just feeling particularly generous to an import fanatic you know, then you’ll probably find the following list useful.

About.com’s Aaron Gold came up with a list of top 10 cars to give as a gift, and guess what — seven of these cars are import cars! The list features four import cars from European auto makes and three import cars from Asia auto makes. I think the presence of import cars on the list just goes to prove that these vehicle are definitely nothing to sneeze at.

Audi R8 (image from http://www.motortrend.com)

Audi R8

Heading the alphabetical list is the Audi R8. This Italian sports car first appeared on the auto scene in 2006. The car’s 5000 parts are fitted by hand, making each sleek, shiny Audi R8 a true work of craftsmanship. Also, the fact that this vehicle can jump from zero to sixty mph in under five seconds is a plus.

Honda S2000 CR (image from http://www.techfresh.net/)

Honda S2000 CR

Many might not consider the Honda S2000CR as the perfect gift to give, but a racing enthusiast would probably flip over it. This “club racer” offers enhanced cornering and braking, and maximum acceleration potential. This lightweight car can make any speedster happy, if he doesn’t mind the absences of an
air-conditioning system and a stereo.

Lamborghini Reventon (image from http://rollingartemporium.wordpress.com/)

Lamborghini Reventon

The third import car on the list is the highly exclusive Lamborghini Reventon. This Italian-made sports car is styled after fighter planes, and is capable of a zero-to-62 mph dash in 3.4 seconds. It seems like only a privileged few were meant to enjoy this Lamborghini sports car; aside from the fact that a Reventon would set you back a little over 1 million Euros, Lamborghini has announced that only 20 units would be available for public consumption.

Mazda Miata

Mazda Miata

Next up is the roadster Mazda Miata. Many drivers like the Mazda Miata for its combination of drivability and affordability. The 3rd generation Miata’s sleek curves are also pretty easy on the eye. And while it takes nearly 7 seconds for the Miata to go from zero to sixty mph on the road, this could be easily remedied by strategic modifications.

Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

And who doesn’t want to own a Mercedes-Benz? Cruising down the street in a classy, elegant-looking vehicle from the famed German auto make’s E-series practically guarantees getting the attention of both
pedestrians and motorists alike. Or maybe with the E63 AMG’s 378 kW-capable V8 petrol engine, you wouldn’t be cruising at all.

Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3

If your car fanatic-loved one is more about easygoing, wholesome, family driving, however, then you should get him a Saab 9-3 (sixth import car on About.com’s list).  You can choose from three variations of the 3rd generation Swedish-made 9-3: convertible, sedan, or station wagon. Whichever body style you choose, you’re sure to get a reliable engine, and topnotch safety features.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

And last on the list, but definitely not the least, is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. This all-wheel drive car is race-capable, equipped with a turbocharged flat engine. This compact car also comes equipped with features that allow the driver to select torque settings and distribution. Even this Impreza’s exhaust system is high-performance.

So, which import car will you be wrapping with a big red bow this year? :)

(sources: http://about.com, http://www.autobytel.com, http://rollingartemporium.wordpress.com, http://www.allfastcars.com, http://www.benzblogger.com, http://www.thetorquereport.com, http://www.carbodydesign.com)

Posted in Asian imports, Audi, European importsComments (1)

Audi expands its horizons in the South East Asian market

Audi expands its horizons in the South East Asian market

Audi A8 TFSI

Audi A8 TFSI

Starting mid-November to December, you can expect to see more Audi vehicles cruising the streets of Vietnam.

In cooperation with the Automotive Asia group, German automake Audi recently opened its first dealership in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Through Automotive Asia, Audi’s exclusive importer in Vietnam, Vietnamese drivers will soon be able to experience Audi’s luxury vehicles, such as the Audi A8 4.2L TFSI and the Audi Q7 4.2L TFSI. By next year, Audi plans to include the Audi A6, the Audi Q5, and the Audi A4 in the model range available to Vietnamese motorists.

Audi’s marketing and sales officials are confident with the make’s move to establish a dealership in Vietnam. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales, says that South East Asia’s developing markets represent a great opportunity for Audi. “This year we’ll sell around 40 percent more cars than in 2007. For the next years, I anticipate high growth rates of 20 to 30 percent in the region.”

Vietnam’s high economic growth rate proved to be appealing to the German auto make. Audi’s most lucrative dealership in South East Asia to date is in Singapore, where the make enjoys a market share of 11.2 percent. South East Asia continues to be one of Audi’s fastest-growing markets.

With the establishment of a new dealership in Vietnam, Audi widens its frontiers in the South East Asian region. The said Ho Chi Minh-based Automotive Asia dealership is also expected to provide full vehicle service to Vietnamese Audi consumers, from expert maintenance to premium Audi parts.

(source for content: Audi press release, source for image: http://www.product-reviews.net/)

Posted in Audi, European imports, Featured, Import Car NewsComments (1)