Boardwalk Audi | Audi Dealer Serving Dallas, DFW & Plano Texas

DealerRater® Names Boardwalk Audi 2012 Audi Dealer of the Year for the State of Texas

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

DealerRater, the world’s premier car dealer review web site, just announced the winners of the 2012 Dealer of the Year Award Program. Through this award program, 37 manufacturer categories were represented and Boardwalk Audi, located in Plano, Texas was named 2012 Audi Dealer of the Year for the State of Texas.

According to recent studies, 84% of Americans say online evaluations have an influence on their decision to purchase a product/service, and 73% of car shoppers now consult online dealership reviews.

“Consumers are increasingly relying on credible, third-party review sites like DealerRater to research prospective dealerships across multiple geographic areas and vehicle brands so as to find the right car dealer committed to quality customer service,” said Chip Grueter, President of DealerRater. “We congratulate Boardwalk Audi and look forward to their continued success.”

Brian Ongaro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Boardwalk Auto Group said, “We are honored that Boardwalk Audi was named DealerRater 2012 Audi Dealer of the Year for Texas. We embrace the complete unbiased customer feedback and the transparency that DealerRater provides our entire team at Boardwalk Audi. We also want to take this opportunity to thank all of our team members for their unparalleled commitment to excellence, thus making this award a reality.”

The 2012 award winners demonstrated consistently high PowerScore ratings for customer satisfaction, placing them in the top of their class. The PowerScore is determined using a Bayesian algorithm that factors the dealership’s average DealerRater consumer rating and the total number of reviews written about the dealership during the 2011 calendar year.

The winners of the 2012 Dealer of the Year Awards were announced at the 2012 NADA & ATD Convention and Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada during a press conference on Sunday, February 5, 2012.

About Boardwalk Audi
With its distinctive 42,000 square foot dealership–the largest in the Audi USA dealer portfolio—Boardwalk Audi is committed to interlacing Audi’s unparalleled engineering prowess with exceptional service performance. As a member of Boardwalk Auto Group, Boardwalk Audi cultivates a focus on top-flight performance.

About Boardwalk Auto Group
Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Learn more about Boardwalk Auto Group at http://www.BoardwalkAutoGroup.com.

About DealerRater®
DealerRater was founded in 2002 as the first car dealer review website worldwide. DealerRater is the world’s #1 online resource for anyone seeking third-party information on automobile dealerships. DealerRater features more than 41,000 U.S. and Canadian car dealers, nearly 600,000 user reviews and over 1,000,000 cars for sale. DealerRater attracts more than 8 million consumers every year who visit the site to search for car dealerships, read current reviews, write their own descriptive reviews, and find car deals – all for free. Car dealers are rated on the criteria of customer service, quality of work, friendliness, price and overall experience. In addition, DealerRater offers qualified car dealers a Certified Dealer Program as a reputation management tool to help them grow their online presence and achieve higher SEO rankings across the Web. Today, more than 4,200 dealers are members of DealerRater’s Certification Program.

Audi Super Bowl Spot to Highlight Signature LED Technology and 2013 Audi S7

Posted on 19 January 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

For the 5th year in a row, Audi will air a :60 spot in the first quarter
Signature LED technology takes center stage in Super Bowl spot
LED-themed activations kick off January 29 at the Audi Forum in New York

– Audi revealed details of its highly-anticipated Super Bowl advertisement, slated to run in the first quarter of the big game on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. In the upcoming 60-second spot, the brand’s signature LED headlights will take center stage along with the new 2013 Audi S7 sedan. The story theme remains undisclosed.

“With LED, there’s no mistaking an Audi. Since pioneering the technology nearly ten years ago, LED lights have established the Audi persona have become one of the most recognizable features on the road,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “Like our LEDs, this year’s Super Bowl spot will be unmistakably Audi.”

At 5,500 Kelvin, Audi LED headlights are the closest re-creation of daylight available, providing numerous safety benefits, such as helping drivers’ eyes perceive more contrast experience less strain. Traditional lights take 0.2 seconds to engage, while LEDs are immediately activated making driving safer, faster. In addition to safety, LED lights save resources by using 50-percent less power required from the alternator – which in turn reduces the load put on the vehicle’s engine – and can last the lifetime of a vehicle.

Throughout February, enthusiasts can visit Audiusa.com to interact with LED-themed content and learn more about Audi’s signature technology, including its design, safety, efficiency and performance benefits. Beginning on January 29, visitors to the Audi Forum in New York can explore an interactive LED-focused digital experience.

The all-new Audi S7 combines thrilling performance, stunning design, and intelligent efficiency technologies in a package that further enhances Audi’s exciting new A7 five-door coupe. Audi MMI Navigation plus comes standard on the S7, which includes Audi connect™ enabling Google Maps™ and Google Search™ as well as a Wi-Fi® hot spot for up to eight devices. The Audi S7 is fitted with the new 4.0 liter TFSI® with 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Super Bowl XLVI marks the brand‘s fifth consecutive time as an advertiser in the big game. San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners is creating the spot.

In last year’s “Release the Hounds” spot, Audi became the first Super Bowl advertiser in history to tag an ad with a Twitter hashtag. The adventurous spot, featuring the new Audi A8 flagship sedan, was a parody of individuals attempting to escape from the confines of old luxury as portrayed in a luxury prison. The spot also featured a comical cameo by legendary musician Kenny G.

In 2010, Audi’s Super Bowl ad showcased a soundtrack created by rock legends Cheap Trick and featured the A3 TDI “Green Car of the Year” clean diesel vehicle, showing how easy being green can be. The brand’s 2009 spot featured actor Jason Statham in a series of high-speed chase scenes involving luxury competitors, sending the message that luxury is evolving. In 2008, the brand’s first Super Bowl spot delivered a parody of the movie “The Godfather,” signaling that Audi was ready to take on the perceived luxury leaders.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

Audi Launches Campaign to Celebrate Revolutionary quattro™ All-Wheel Drive Technology

Posted on 13 January 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

New :60 TV spot to debut nationally during NFL division playoffs
Spot entitled “Ahab” takes inspiration from classic Herman Melville novel
Campaign centered around Audi quattro with digital content, Facebook app and YouTube playlist

Audi today announced a new advertising and marketing campaign to celebrate its innovative all-wheel drive technology, quattro™. Audi quattro is the top-selling luxury all-wheel drive system in the world, providing superior traction and handling and a balanced drive no matter the road condition. Audi is the only premium manufacturer to offer all-wheel drive on every one of its models.

The new campaign, with the tagline “the legendary Audi quattro,” consists of a :60 television spot that will kick off during the National Football League division playoffs on Jan. 14. The ad will also air nationally as a :30 spot. Entitled “Ahab,” the spot turns to one of the all-time classics in American literature for inspiration to help demonstrate the superiority of the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system on the toughest winter roads. The spot re-imagines Herman Melville’s epic struggle between obsessed sea captain and the elusive white whale, but in Audi’s modern incarnation, Ahab is a tow truck driver battling snowdrifts and whiteout conditions and his nemesis, the Audi quattro.

“Audi quattro has been a part of the brand’s DNA for over 30 years and is core to the performance and design of Audi vehicles,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “With this new campaign, Audi aims to celebrate its pioneer technology and continual commitment to its development, while increasing Audi’s brand image and awareness, particularly of our all-wheel drive experience.”

In addition to the “Ahab” broadcast spots, the campaign utilizes multiple platforms to bring to life the Audi quattro story, including display and mobile banners on weather and ski sites, online video placements and banners in enthusiast communities, refreshed content on Audi’s “30+ Years of quattro” Facebook app and a new quattro playlist on YouTube.

As the first manufacturer to develop all-wheel drive technology for production sedans, Audi introduced quattro over three decades ago, setting the benchmark for driver confidence and performance. The advantage of all-wheel drive was most apparent when Audi introduced quattro to the World Rally Championship in 1981, resulting in an astounding 24 wins and a number of World Championships. The technology was so superior that it was later deemed an “unfair advantage” and banned from road racing altogether after repeatedly dominating the field.

Today, in that same competitive spirit, quattro all-wheel drive continues to be refined. In Audi vehicles with a longitudinal engine configuration, quattro is essentially a mechanical system with a self-locking center differential and continuously variable torque distribution. Audi quattro instantly responds to wheel speed differences and dynamically adjusts power to the wheels with the best traction. It is supported by advanced electronic control systems that together offer numerous benefits over other all-wheel drive systems. Featuring a 40:60 rear torque bias, the latest version of quattro offers sports car-like performance and handling, distributing traction to all four wheels for quicker off-the-line power and the ability to take on a 37.5 degree incline.

Audi quattro all-wheel drive is available on all models, including the new 2012 Audi A6, one of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date. The A6 boasts an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 L TFSI® supercharged V6 engine with 310 horsepower, and makes up to 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. Safety in the all-new Audi A6 is enhanced by a thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assistant as well as the Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system. Other intelligent features include head-up display and a MMI® Touch pad that recognizes handwriting in multiple languages. Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic news and live fuel prices, and MMI Navigation with 3-D Google Earth™ images.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUDI
With its distinctive 42,000 square foot dealership–the largest in the Audi USA dealer portfolio–Boardwalk Audi is committed to interlacing Audi’s unparalleled engineering prowess with exceptional service performance. As a member of Boardwalk Auto Group, Boardwalk Audi cultivates a focus on top-flight performance.

Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Learn more about Boardwalk Auto Group at http://www.BoardwalkAutoGroup.com.

Winter sports and functionality – the Audi Q3 Vail

Posted on 10 January 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

Compact SUV as a themed vehicle at the auto show in Detroit
New, practical solutions and many individual design highlights
2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft)

Audi is unveiling a themed vehicle of a special kind at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – the Audi Q3 Vail with an output of 231 kW (314 hp). The compact SUV, which is named after the famous winter sports venue in the United States, unites a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle. The Q3 Vail is a highlight of the young model series that only launched in 2011.

The Audi Q3 Vail represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. The themed vehicle has been designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding. The Audi Q3 Vail is a sporty and robust compact SUV offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual design highlights.

The themed vehicle is painted in the color developed specially for it – Energy Red. The red paint contains golden pearlescent particles. The add-on body parts are in matt gray quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.

Vertical struts made from aluminum are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille. In the area of the horizontal panel, which carries the license plate on series-built vehicles, they are pulled outwards to striking effect.

The struts exhibit the bicolor theme that the Audi designers developed for the
Q3 Vail: their lateral edges are painted in matt quartz-based paint, and the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

In the headlights the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which generate the daytime running lights, are painted anthracite. The side air inlets further emphasize the themed vehicle’s powerful appearance; their top areas are covered by solid aluminum panels. The underbody guard beneath the front end is also made from aluminum.

Eyecatching features on the sides of the Q3 Vail are the flared wheel arches and running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The restyled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis and snowboards – these two items of sports equipment are made from carbon fiber.

The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient, wide-angled
LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 Vail. They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.

The Audi Q3 Vail is fitted with five-arm wheels in 8.5 J x 20 format. Mirroring the single-frame grille, their visible edges have a high-gloss finish, while the inside areas feature the same matt quartz-based paint. The off-road tires are size 255/45. Track width has increased 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) at the front and rear compared to series-built models, and the body is 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) higher. The themed vehicle also features unique solutions at the back – the two tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system are integrated in the diffuser and underbody guard area.

In the interior of the Audi Q3 Vail, three colors offer an ambience of sophistication and sporty elegance – black, gray and red. The headlining is made from titanium gray Alcantara; large parts of the interior, including the carpet, are black. The black, ribbed floor mats are edged with narrow strips of red velvet-finish leather.

An innovative leather/fabric material is used for the upholstery – thin strips of leather just a few tenths of a millimeter wide, are interwoven with yarn. The upholstery features piping with double seams; like the contrasting stitching, the piping is red. Small sections of the upholstery are made from red velvet-finish leather – a hardwearing material that looks similar to nubuck leather at first glance, but in fact has a finer structure. The segments integrated in the door trims are also in red velvet-finish leather, trimmed in steel gray Fine Nappa leather.

The entire instrument panel in the themed vehicle is trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. Contrasting stitching in titanium gray is an elegant highlight. The leather across the hood of the instrument cluster is steel gray with red contrasting stitching. This color scheme is replicated on the door armrests at the front and rear. The front section of the center tunnel also has a leather trim.

The inlays around the S tronic selector level, at the front of the cockpit and in the doors comprise a three-dimensional stainless steel mesh that requires a complex manufacturing process. The selector lever features a high-gloss black ring and an aluminum badge with a milled “Q3 Vail” signature. The lever gaiter is enhanced by red stitching.

Aluminum takes center stage in the instrument cluster. The most striking elements are the metal dials around the speedometer and rev counter. They were made using a rotary-grinding process. Metal is also used on their rings and around the edges of the control lights. Horizontal bars and small fins give the dials and needle centers a sporty, three-dimensional look. The leather steering wheel features red contrasting stitching and an aluminum trim. Behind it are two large shift paddles for manually controlling the seven-speed S tronic. The footrest and the pedals have thin pads made from rubber. Slits offer a glimpse of the stainless steel beneath the pads.

In some parts of the interior the trims are in high-gloss black – the display and control elements on top of them appear to float. This applies to the area surrounding the driver information system, the zone around the air vents, the periphery of the MMI terminal and the row of switches on the center console. Aluminum inserts give the black switches an air of sophistication. Chrome trims adorn the controls of the air conditioning system; the air vents have black ribs and chrome-trimmed rotary knobs.

The soft keys for the MMI navigation plus system are made from aluminum, while the control terminal benefits visually from narrow strips of the same material. The monitor, which can be folded out manually, has a trim that matches the surface of the instrument panel. The system includes an animation showing the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the Audi Q3 Vail. In regions that are not included in the map data, the MMI navigation plus system logs the GPS coordinates of the route – for assistance during the return journey.

The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail includes two practical devices for winter sports fans. The side wall of the trunk houses a charging station. It can be used for storing flashlights and charging them inductively at the same time. The same technology is used for the Thermos bottle. It is located in the cup holder between the front seats and is able to chill or warm drinks. Both devices have LEDs that show the current charge level. One attractive extra is that, in addition to LED lighting, the flashlights incorporate an infra-red heating element that can be used for warming your hands or a pair of ski boots.

Another intelligent solution in the themed vehicle is the trunk mat, which has integrated heated seat cushions. The mat can be folded out and laid over the loading lip. This protects the trunk edge while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and also provides a warm area to sit on when putting on or taking off your ski boots. Small LED spotlights on the inside of the tailgate provide light.

The Audi Q3 Vail features a 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging that generates an output of 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 2,480 cc.

The engine’s five cylinders are consecutively numbered; red wrinkled-finish paint has been applied to the cylinder head cover. A panel made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) partially covers the engine, and the air filter is also protected against dirt. There is a decorative trim made from plastic around the engine compartment. The acoustic mat on the inside of the engine hood has a “Q3 Vail” logo embroidered in dark gray.

The power of the turbocharged five-cylinder unit is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The
Audi Q3 Vail accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and continues to a top speed of 262 km/h (162.80 mph).

# # #

The Audi Group delivered around 1,092,400 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2010. The Company posted revenue of €35.4 billion and an operating profit of €3.3 billion in 2010. In the first half of 2011, the Audi Group sold 652,970 vehicles bearing the four rings worldwide and achieved record figures in terms of revenue (€21.5 billion) and operating profit (€2.5 billion). Audi produces vehicles in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), GyÅ‘r (Hungary), Changchun (China) and Brussels (Belgium). Aurangabad in India saw the start of CKD production of the Audi A6 at the end of 2007, of the Audi A4 in early October 2008 and of the Audi Q5 in July 2010. Production of the new Audi A1 has been running at the Brussels plant since May 2010. The Audi Q3 has been built in Martorell (Spain) since June 2011. The Company is active in more than 100 markets worldwide. AUDI AG’s wholly owned subsidiaries include AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft., Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A. in Sant’Agata Bolognese (Italy) and quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm. Audi currently employs around 60,000 people worldwide, including around 46,600 in Germany. Between 2011 and 2015 the brand with the four rings is planning to invest more than €11 billion, mainly in new products, in order to sustain the Company’s technological lead embodied in its “Vorsprung durch Technik” slogan. By 2015, Audi plans to increase the number of models in its portfolio to 42.

Audi has long been fulfilling its social responsibility on many levels – with the aim of making the future worth living for generations to come. The basis for Audi’s lasting success is therefore formed by environmental protection, the conservation of resources, international competitiveness and a forward-looking human resources policy. One example of AUDI AG’s commitment to environmental issues is the newly established Audi Environmental Foundation. Under the heading of “Audi balanced mobility,” the Company is directing its activities toward a major goal – comprehensive CO2-neutral mobility.

Iconic Audi allroad returns to the U.S. for the 2013 Model Year

Posted on 10 January 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

Audi allroad returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2005
Iconic design and functionality blended with segment-leading technology
Allroad debuts at North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Making its re-entry into the U.S. market for the first time since 2005, the Audi allroad made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new allroad is built on the A4 platform and has been modified to meet the functionality and design elements that define the iconic allroad.

The new allroad features 211 horsepower with 258 pounds-foot of torque that makes it faster and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

The exterior features a unique single frame grille design with vertical chrome struts, stainless steel skid plates and side sills, and raised aluminum-optic roof rails. Matte finished lower bumpers and wheel arches are standard, while a full paint finish is optional.

The Audi allroad will replace the A4 Avant starting in the 2013 model year, and will be 0.6 inches wider and 2.3 inches taller with 1.5 inches greater ground clearance. The new allroad is 185.9 inches in length with a wheelbase of 110.4 inches. Compared to its predecessor, the new allroad has a longer wheelbase for ride comfort and more headroom for front passengers. The allroad has 27 cubic feet of cargo space and a spacious 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. An optional power tailgate is available. 18-inch wheels are standard, and 19-inch wheels are optional.

The interior of the new allroad features a standard Panorama sunroof, 8-way power seats, and Aluminum Trigon inlays. Heated front seats, driver memory, a choice of three wood inlays, and a 505 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System are optional. The allroad can also be equipped with a sports interior package featuring 12-way power front sport seats, and a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles.

Audi offers several advanced technology features for the A4 family, including adaptive front lighting and Audi side assist, which monitors the space behind and beside the A4 by radar and detects any vehicles in neighboring lanes. Driving in the A4 is also enhanced by the optional Driver Assistance package, which features adaptive cruise control that keeps the A4 at a constant distance from the preceding vehicle, active lane assist, and dynamic steering. Dynamic steering varies the effort as well as the steering ratio at different speeds. Active lane assist allows the steering to help maintain lane discipline should the driver begin to sway outside of the lane markings without setting the turn signal.

Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling the innovative infotainment system called Audi connect™. Previously available in the A6, A7, A8 and Q7, Audi connect will now be available on all A4 and A5 models, making Audi the only brand worldwide to feature this level of internet system integrated service in the segment.

Engine
− 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque

Powertrain
− 8-speed tiptronic transmission, standard
− quattro permanent all-wheel drive, standard
− 27 cubic feet of cargo space 50 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded down

Chassis
− 185.9 inches in length; wheelbase of 110.4 inches, longer than predecessor for ride comfort and more headroom for front passengers
− 18-inch wheels standard, 19-inch wheels optional
Exterior
− Features single frame grille design with vertical chrome struts, stainless steel skid plates and side sills, and raised aluminum-optic roof rails
− Matte finished lower bumpers and wheel arches standard, full paint finish optional
− Unique single frame grille design with vertical chrome struts, stainless steel skid plates and side sills, and aluminum-optic roof rails. Matte finished lower bumpers and wheel arches are standard, full paint finish is optional

Interior
− Standard Panorama sunroof, 8-way power seats and Aluminum Trigon inlays
− Optional heated front seats, driver memory, choice of three wood inlays and 505 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System
− Available sports interior package with 12-way power front sport seats and three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles

Technology
− Audi offers advanced technology features, including Audi side assist and adaptive front lighting. Also available is the Audi Driver Assistance package, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go, active lane assist and dynamic steering
− Factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices. First introduced in the A7, A4 models will be first in the segment with factory installed internet connectivity.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

The New Audi A4 and S4 for 2013 Model Year

Posted on 09 January 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

Audi presents the re-designed A4 and S4 models
The allroad quattro returns to the U.S. for the first time in 7 years
Highest levels of integrated connectivity and driver assistance systems in the segment with Audi connect™

Audi brings intelligent technologies, efficiency, exhilarating driving dynamics, state-of-the-art infotainment and new design elements to the best-selling Audi A4 series for the 2013 model year. Now in its eighth generation, the Audi A4 – known for its progressive design, sportiness and efficient performance – is available in Sedan and sporty S4 models, and – making its re-entry into the U.S. market – the iconic Audi allroad quattro.

The chassis of the A4 is striking with its sporty precision, high ride comfort and superior safety. Aluminum components of the five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension provide responsive handling and are optimized to reduce weight. The electromechanical power steering is new in all models of the series and requires no energy for straight-ahead motion, thereby reducing emissions of up to 11g/mile. In addition, it is lighter than the previous hydraulic steering system further improving efficiency through its reduced weight.

Exclusive to Audi, the A4 model also features Audi drive select, a system that adjusts the vehicle’s transmission shift characteristics, throttle response, and dynamic steering. On the S4, the Audi drive select system can also control the adaptive damping suspension and quattro sport differential. Audi drive select offers 27 distinct driving configurations, allowing drivers to configure vehicle drive characteristics exactly to their liking with their choice of Comfort, Auto, Dynamic or Individual settings.

The Audi A4 series has a striking new exterior design with accentuated horizontal lines, arched engine hood, tapered upper corners of the single frame grill, and three-dimensionally highlighted cross ribs and Audi rings. The A4 has redesigned bumpers with angular air inlets, revised grille, and rectangular front fog lights. The allroad quattro is easily recognizable with its flared wheel arches, vertical chrome struts in the grille, and round fog lights. The headlights have also been redesigned both in terms of their exterior shape and the arrangement of the lighting elements. The unmistakable LED daytime running lights have been redesigned and make the A4 instantly recognizable.

The interior of the A4 models has also been refined, with reconfigured climate and infotainment controls, and exclusive wood inlays. The switchgear, steering wheel, and instrument panel have also been enhanced with chrome and high-gloss applications. The result is a further strengthening of the benchmark interior on the A4.

All interior colors – except black – have been re-coordinated and the upholstery range has been revised with Fine Nappa leather. Inlays are now available in Aluminum Trigon, Walnut dark brown, fine grain Ash natural, and layered Oak. The interior of the S line sport package comes in black, refined with high-quality applications. 17-inch wheels are standard on the A4, 18-inch wheels are standard on the S4 and allroad, and 19-inch wheels are optional on all carlines.

The A4 Sedan’s luggage compartment has 17 cubic feet of space, and 34 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The A4 allroad quattro has 28 cubic feet of space and 50 cubic feet with the seats folded down, respectively. An electrically-operated tailgate is available for the allroad.

Audi offers several advanced technology features for the A4 family, including adaptive front lighting and Audi side assist, which monitors the space behind and beside the A4 by radar and detects any vehicles in the neighboring lanes. Driving in the A4 is also enhanced by the optional Driver Assistance package, which features adaptive cruise control that keeps the A4 at a constant distance from the preceding vehicle, active lane assist, and dynamic steering. Dynamic steering varies the effort as well as the steering ratio. Active lane assist allows the steering to help maintain lane discipline should the driver begin to sway outside of the lane markings without setting the turn signal.

Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling the innovative infotainment system called Audi connect™. Previously available in the A6, A7, A8 and Q7, Audi connect will now be available on all A4 models, making Audi the only brand worldwide to feature this level of integrated connectivity in the B segment.

With Audi connect, the onboard MMI® Navigation system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps and real-time SiriusXM Traffic information, for a true aerial view of the route. Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices; Google Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews; the myAudi Destination feature, which allows registered users to log on to Google Maps™ from any location and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle; and a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices to simultaneously use the wireless connectivity.

Engine
− 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (A4 and allroad)
− 3.0 liter TFSI engine with 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque (S4)

Powertrain
− Continuously variable multitronic transmission is standard on the A4 sedan
− Six-speed manual transmission is standard on the A4 quattro and S4 sedans
− Seven-speed S tronic transmission is optional on the S4
− Eight-speed tiptronic transmission is standard on the allroad and optional on the A4 quattro sedan
− quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard on the S4 and allroad, and available on the A4 sedan

Chassis
− Sporty precision, high ride comfort and superior safety
− Audi drive select with choice of Comfort, Auto, Dynamic or Individual settings
− 17-inch wheels standard on A4, 18-inch wheels standard on S4 and allroad, 19-inch wheels optional on all car lines

Exterior
− New design with accentuated lines, arched engine hood, tapered upper corners of the single frame grille, and three-dimensionally highlighted cross ribs and Audi rings
− Redesigned headlamp and tail lamp designs; available Xenon plus headlights and LED daytime running lights & taillights
− New paint finishes for A4, including Scuba Blue metallic & Volcano Red metallic; new paint finishes for S4 include Prism Silver crystal effect and Misano Red pearl effect
− New LED license plate lighting

Interior
− New steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays; high-gloss applications and slender chrome trim at the controls
− Modified wiper and signal stalks, and ignition key
− Re-coordinated interior colors and revised upholster range, with Fine Nappa leather replacing Silk Nappa leather on S4
− New inlays: Layered Oak, and fine grain Ash natural (matte finish)

Technology
− Audi offers advanced technology features, including Audi side assist and adaptive front lighting. Also available is the Audi Driver Assistance package, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go, active lane assist and dynamic steering
− Factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices. First introduced in the A7, A4 models will be first in the segment with factory installed internet connectivity.

Audi sets all-time U.S. sales record in 2011; brand expects momentum to continue into 2012

Posted on 05 January 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

December 2011 sales set all-time record with 12,655 vehicles sold, a 20% gain across the model line up
2011 marks the best year in Audi of America history, with 12 straight months of record-setting sales and 117,561 vehicles sold YTD
Record-shattering 2011 sales propelled by demand for C- and D-segment vehicles, representing 34% of the sales mix, and strong TDI® clean diesel sales

Audi announced record U.S. sales of 117,561 vehicles sold in 2011, eclipsing the prior record of 101,629 vehicles sold in 2010. Marking the best year Audi has ever enjoyed in the U.S. market, year-end sales increased 15.7% over 2010. December 2011 also set a new all-time monthly record, with 12,655 vehicles sold, a 20% increase over the same period last year.“Another record year of sales reinforces the Audi position in the U.S. market, as consumers increasingly choose Audi over other luxury competitors,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “In 2012, Audi will continue to capture a significant share of the premium luxury market with exceptionally engineered vehicles.”December results were buoyed by strong performance in the C and D segments, with record December sales for the technologically advanced Audi A6, the design-forward Audi A7 and the flagship A8 sedan. A6 sales of 1,855 increased 124% over 2010, while sales of the A8 luxury sedan increased 35% to 678 vehicles sold. Sales of the all-new Audi A7 four-door coupe remained solid, with 887 vehicles sold in December.

Highlights:
• Best December ever, and best month ever, with 12,655 vehicles sold, a 20% increase over December 2010; December also marked the first month with over 12,000 vehicles sold in Audi of America history
• Record sales every month of 2011 for a total of 117,561 vehicles sold YTD, a 15.7% increase over last year (limited by available inventory)
• A8 sales grew 275% YTD to 5,700 units sold in 2011
• A6, A7 December sales marked the best month of 2011
• C- and D-segment sales surged: 34% mix in December 2011 vs. 22% in December 2010
• The Audi TT continues its success, due mainly to strong sales of TT RS, with a 238% increase in December to 216 vehicles sold
• Demand for key models is exceptionally strong: days’ supply for Q5 and Q7 in single digits nationally
• TDI mix remains very strong: 55% of total A3 sales YTD and 41% of total Q7 sales YTD were TDI clean diesel models
• December was a record month for Audi Certified pre-owned, surpassing the record in December 2007 of 2,889 sales, with 3,406 units sold; YTD sales set a new all-time annual record with a total of 37,259 units sold in 2011

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

AUDI US SNAPSHOT				–YTD–
Model Line	Dec. ’11 Actual	Dec. ’10 Actual	Yr/Yr % change	Dec. ’11 YTD Actual	Dec. ’10 YTD Actual	Yr/Yr % change
A3	635	578	9.9%	6,561	6,558	-0.9%
A4	3,722	3,513	5.9%	35,234	34,672	1.6%
A5	1,273	1,455	-12.5%	15,385	16,379	-6.1%
A6	1,855	828	124.0%	11,124	8,675	28.2%
A7	887	0	0.0%	6,270	0	0.0%
A8	678	502	35.1%	5,700	1,521	274.8%
Audi Q5	2,337	2,473	-5.5%	24,908	23,518	5.9%
Audi Q7	919	1,014	-9.4%	8,998	7,976	12.8%
R8	133	119	11.8%	1,145	799	43.3%
TT	216	64	237.5%	2,236	1,531	46.0%
Total Audi Sales	12,655	10,546	20.0%	117,561	101,629	15.7%

NOTES:
- 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued.
- 2010 A5 numbers include Audi A5 cabriolet and coupe’ and S5 cabriolet and coupe’
models. 2009 A5 numbers do not include the cabriolet models.
- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.
- All-new A7 model sales began in april 2011.
- 2010 A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models. 2011 A8 includes Audi A8 sedan and A8L sedan.
- TT includes Audi TT coupe’ and TT roadster models.

Live from Detroit: The Audi Press Conference at the North American International Auto Show

Posted on 05 January 2012 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

Monday, January 9, 2012, 12:50 EST: live TV broadcast via satellite
Internet: live stream on Audi MediaServices, and via AudiMedia and Audi MediaKiosk app on the move
AudiMedia Detroit: mobile portal with all important information on the auto show

The new Audi A4 model line will be celebrating its show premiere at the North American International Auto Show 2012 in Detroit. There are various possibilities for following the Audi Press Conference live there.

Press Conference at the North American International Auto Show
Monday, January 9, 2012
12:50 (EST), 18:50 (CET)
Detroit

You can record the event live by downlink with the satellite coordinates. A comprehensive list of the various downlink options is enclosed at the end of this communication.

You can experience the press conference with information in German at www.audi-mediaservices.com/detroit2012/de. The English version can be found at www.audi-mediaservices.com/detroit2012/en.

You can view the press conference – wherever you are – live on your iPhone with the AudiMedia app, or via iPhone or iPad with the Audi MediaKiosk app. And in the Audi MediaKiosk, you will receive all important press information, news and press kits for the entire model range. You will find information on the Audi apps and instructions for downloading the applications at http://bit.ly/audi_media_apps.

AudiMedia Detroit: All important information for representatives of the press is made available very quickly and conveniently by the mobile portal http://www.audimedia-detroit.mobi. Here you can access details of Audi Communications press contacts via the “Contact” area and by entering the password “audidetroit”.

Audi researching production of electrical energy storage devices

Posted on 13 December 2011 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

New state-funded project with industry and research partners
Production Board Member Frank Dreves: “Expertise for the efficient, safe and sustainable volume production of electric cars”
Important stimulus for Germany as an industrial location

Audi is continuing to step up its activities in the field of electric mobility. Today the car manufacturer is launching the eProduction research project together with selected partners. Its goal is to generate expertise in the assembly of traction batteries and develop a production concept for the energy storage devices of electric cars. The three-year project is being sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

“With eProduction we are taking the next important step on the road to electric mobility,” says Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production at AUDI AG. This research project will give Audi the expertise to produce the battery systems and some of their peripheral components itself. “This will put us in a position to produce electrically powered cars in larger numbers – in a way that is efficient, safe, robust and sustainable,” explains Dreves.

A traction battery is a highly complex system. As far as its performance and lifetime are concerned, the arrangement of the cells plays a similarly important role as the cooling system, which can use either air or coolant. Components such as the high-voltage and service connections, the electronic management system, the electromechanical components, the housing and various sensors and actuators round out the battery system.

Through the eProduction research project, Audi is looking to build up the necessary process and automation infrastructure – with the goal of developing a marketable production concept for high-voltage energy storage devices in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The future process chain starts with the materials used, considers matters of lightweight construction and the depth of value added, includes new contacting and joining techniques and ends with test methods suitable for volume production.

Audi has acquired two companies as its project partners – the software experts from Dassault Systèmes and the engineering specialists from Fees Verzahnungstechnik. Seven universities and institutes are also involved: Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden), Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz), Munich University of Technology (TU München), the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen, the Rheinische Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences) in Cologne, the RWTH Aachen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials in Bremen.

One focus of the research project is the safety of employees during the production of high-voltage components. This includes numerous aspects – from the training of staff and the automation of certain work steps to the virtual validation process, which involves simulating and analyzing the later production steps on the computer, also taking account of ergonomic factors. Another research focus concerns the question as to how existing norms and standards, on protective clothing for example, have to be evolved for the production of electrical components.

The expertise that the partners in the eProduction research project jointly provide could mean an innovation leap for industry in Germany as a whole. This should help the German government to reach its goal of putting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2020. It also has the potential to secure employment in Germany in the medium and long term.

Ministry Director Prof. Dr. Wolf-Dieter Lukas emphasizes the project’s contribution toward safeguarding Germany’s competitiveness: “The increasing level of electrification of the automobile has significant consequences for the production process. This applies particularly to battery production, which represents a large proportion of the value chain.” Lukas is pleased that a high-powered consortium has been formed under the leadership of AUDI AG as part of the “eProduction” project that intends to go new ways not just in terms of production but also with regard to providing the necessary training for the required specialist employees. “We at the BMBF are delighted to be supporting this project through our sponsorship.”

In its publication “Schlüsseltechnologien für die Elektromobilität (STROM)” (Key Technologies for Electric Mobility), the BMBF states its intention to sponsor the project as part of the high-tech strategy IKT 2020 with a total budget of 11.3 million euros.

Corstiaan Westerhuis Promoted to General Manager of Boardwalk Audi

Posted on 13 December 2011 by Boardwalk Audi Plano

Boardwalk Audi former General Sales Manager, Corstiaan Westerhuis was promoted to General Manager effective September 1, 2011. “Corstiaan has been a key part of the success of our sales department and we are thrilled to promote him to this important position to oversee the entire operation,” said Ken Ambrose, Senior Vice President of Boardwalk Auto Group.

Prior to this position, Corstiaan Westerhuis worked in numerous management positions within Boardwalk Audi including Audi Brand Specialist, Internet Manager, New Car Manager, CPO Manager, and General Sales Manager. Prior to his entry to the automotive business, Corstiaan worked as a medic for ten years, after earning his degree from Saddleback College in Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine. Corstiaan is married to Rosemary and they reside in Grapevine, Texas, with their two dogs.

“Corstiaan was instrumental in Boardwalk Audi becoming the #1 DealerRater Certified Audi Dealer in the State of Texas in 2011, along with leading us to be recognized as an Audi Magna Award Recipient,” said Ken Ambrose.

About Boardwalk Audi
With its distinctive 42,000 square foot dealership–the largest in the Audi USA dealer portfolio–Boardwalk Audi is committed to interlacing Audi’s unparalleled engineering prowess with exceptional service performance. As a member of Boardwalk Auto Group, Boardwalk Audi cultivates a focus on top-flight performance.

About Boardwalk Auto Group
Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Learn more about Boardwalk Auto Group at http://www.BoardwalkAutoGroup.com.