Audi R8 GT named “Sports Car of the Year 2011″

Posted on 30 November 2011 by

  • Auto Bild SportsCars names the Audi R8 GT the best sports car of the year in Essen
  • Readers vote a further five Audi models into the top three of their respective categories

The Audi R8 GT is “Sports Car of the Year 2011” in the category “Production Supercars.” 2011 marks the 10th time that a jury from the Auto Bild SportsCars trade journal has awarded the prize, which was presented this evening at the Essen Motor Show.

Stephan Reil, Head of Development at quattro GmbH, accepted the award, one of the most coveted in the German automotive industry, for the Audi R8 GT before some 450 invited guests. 70,976 readers of the magazine took part in this year’s anniversary voting for “Sports Car of the Year 2011.”

The Audi subsidiary, quattro GmbH is responsible for the development and production of the Audi high-performance sports car. Its 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 412 kW (560 hp), making it a driving machine with excellent longitudinal dynamics and lateral acceleration as well as lightning-fast, virtually instantaneous reactions. The engineers have reduced the weight of the Audi R8 GT by another 100 kg (220.46 lb) compared with the R8 5.2 FSI quattro. The car 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). Its average ECE fuel consumption is just 13.9 liters per 100 km (16.92 US mpg).

173 cars that had previously proven their worth in more than 300 tests and road reports were nominated in 17 classes, which were further broken down into Production, Tuning and Limited Production. Besides the winner, five other Audi models were placed in the top three of their respective classes: the Q7 V12 TDI in the category “Production SUV,” the RS 3 Sportback in the category “Production Compact Cars,” the RS 5 in “Production Coupés,” the Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TFSI quattro in “Production Station Wagons” and the R8 GT Spyder in the category “Production Convertibles.”

Audi R8 GT U.S. pricing starts at $196,800 as sales of limited-production sports car begin

Posted on 18 March 2011 by

  • Only 333 Audi R8 GT models will be built worldwide; 90 for U.S sales
  • Extensive use of carbon fiber parts makes the Audi R8 GT about 180 pounds lighter than the Audi R8 5.2 quattro coupe
  • Modified 5.2-liter engine achieves 560 hp, 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds, top speed of 199 mph

Audi of America established prices for the limited-production 2012 Audi R8 GT starting at $196,800 at the launch of sales in the U.S. market. The Audi R8 GT is the lightest, fastest and most powerful entry in the Audi supercar lineup, which has won global acclaim. Only 333 Audi R8 GT models will be produced worldwide, with 90 slated for U.S. buyers.

2012 R8 GT pricing (excluding $1,250 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):

R8 GT Coupe (R tronic)                 $196,800

(Information on pricing and specifications for the full Audi R8 lineup can be found at http://audiusanews.com/audi/assets/specs/11R8_PricingOptions.pdf.)

The 2012 R8 GT receives significant exterior modifications aimed at enhancing its already stellar handling, and it is powered by a modified 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine that produces 560 horsepower (35 hp more than the R8 Coupe 5.2 quattro and the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro). The 2012 R8 GT employs the R tronic sequential manual transmission. This pairing produces a top track speed of 199 mph, and a 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds. Overall, the Audi R8 GT will provide drivers with high lateral acceleration and a low center of gravity.

The signature Audi ASF® lightweight construction of the Audi R8 GT, combined with extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber body parts reduces the weight by approximately 180 pounds when compared to the Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 quattro. Key carbon fiber components are the rear hatch, spoiler and diffuser.

The Audi R8 GT continues the heritage of mid-engine configuration with quattro® all-wheel drive that has distinguished all R8 variants. The axle load distribution of the R8 GT will be 43/57 front/rear. Integrated into the front differential is axle-load-optimized torque split with self-locking differential in the rear axle.

The newest member of the Audi sports car family was inspired by the Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car. To convey its limited-edition nature, the Audi R8 GT will come with a variety of exclusive interior and exterior touches. Each car will have a numbered gearshift knob. The instrument cluster will be white with the R8 GT logo and the interior will feature carbon matte inlays. The seats, headliner, steering wheel and handbrake lever will be black Alcantara® with contrast stitching. Door sills will include aluminum inserts with the R8 GT logo.

On the exterior, the grille, distinctive sideblade and other trim parts will come in exclusive matte finishes. The Audi R8 GT will also be available in an exclusive new color: Samoa Orange.

Optional carbon-fiber reinforced ceramic brakes are available to provide superb fading resistance even in racetrack conditions. Brake calipers with a red anodized finish come with the ceramic brakes. A 12-speaker, 495-watt Bang & Olufsen® sound system is also available. The Audi R8 GT offers other trim and wheel options to personalize the full array of standard features.

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. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

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Audi R8 Spyder chosen as Best Dream Machine by MotorWeek

Posted on 11 February 2011 by

The Audi R8 Spyder won the MotorWeek 2011 Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Dream Machine. In its 30th year, the annual MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards look at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view to judge the best new cars and trucks of the year.

As a winner of a 2011 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award, the Audi R8 Spyder will be featured in an upcoming episode of MotorWeek, currently scheduled to air on Feb. 12 (check local listings) on PBS and on Discovery’s HD Theater, Feb. 22.

The MotorWeek award adds to a long list of international consumer and media honors bestowed on the high-performance Audi R8 lineup. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is the reigning World Performance Car of the Year, for just one example.

The same designers who created the Le Mans-winning prototypes also designed the R8 Spyder. From its wide stance, to its powerful wheels to the artful integration of exclusive materials like carbon fiber, the R8 Spyder is as unmistakable parked as it is in motion.

At the heart of the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is the soul stirring 525 hp 5.2 FSI V10 engine. Displayed under a transparent panel and nestled within a Carbon Fiber Sigma engine bay, the V10 screams to an astronomical 8700 rpm and propels the R8 Spyder 5.2 to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds on the way up to a top track speed of 196.4 mph. As part of a race-bred mid-engine design that contributes to superb handling dynamics, the 5.2 V10 produces 101hp/liter and features race winning technology such as FSI direct injection and a dry sump lubrication system that assures engine lubrication under the most demanding driving situations. It is no wonder then, that this same engine is used in the R8 LMS GT3 race car

Although the R8 Spyder 5.2 is a convertible, it’s still very much designed for speed. In fact, the specially designed Acoustic top incorporates three-layers of insulation comparable to a traditional hard top. This means the R8 Spyder 5.2 is capable of reaching the 195 MPH top speed without hesitation. In addition, the top is capable of retracting in 19 seconds at speeds up to 31 MPH. To learn more, please visit http://models.audiusa.com/r8-spyder.

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 276 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

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Audi January U.S. Sales Increase 20% to Set Monthly Record

Posted on 01 February 2011 by

  • January 2011 sales of 7,812 easily eclipsed the old record of 6,510 set January 2010
  • 2011 Audi A8 flagship sedan sales rise 765% year-over-year
  • Consumers demand clean diesel vehicles; sales mix hit 66% for the Audi A3 TDI and 41% for the Q7 TDI

Audi today reported January U.S. sales of 7,812 Audi cars and SUVs, which accounted for a 20% overall increase from January 2010. The previous January sales record for Audi in the U.S. was the 6,510 vehicles sold in 2010.

The strong January 2011 results followed the best year that the luxury brand has seen in the U.S. as sales surpassed 100,000 for the first time to finish the full year at 101,629 vehicles. The 8.6% share that Audi held in overall U.S. imported luxury vehicle sales at the end of 2010 also set a record for the brand.

Audi models have already earned significant awards in the U.S., including the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award to the 2011 Audi A8, four category winners in the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index and the EyesOn Design “Best Production Vehicle” awarded to the Audi A6, which is scheduled to arrive this Fall.

In January 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases exceeding 50% with five of its models: the Audi A3, Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7 and the Audi R8.

Sales of the 2011 Audi A8 flagship model, introduced in late November, jumped 765.4% from a year earlier as consumers continue to respond favorably to the most technologically advanced vehicle Audi has ever produced.

January 2011 Audi A3 sales climbed 52.8% from a year earlier as consumers continued to demand the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel model, the 2010 Green Car of the Year. Audi Q5 crossover sales continued to show the strong momentum built throughout 2010 by posting a 50.9% gain from January 2010 sales. The Audi Q7 full-size luxury crossover sales also showed a nearly 60% rise from January 2010.

“Consumers sent a strong signal that Audi is a brand on the rise,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “Our intent is to make 2011 another pacesetting year.”

Audi sales highlights – January 2011

  • January 2011 ranks as the best January in Audi of America history, eclipsing the record set in 2010.
  • Audi A8 sales numbers skyrocket due to launch of redesigned 2011 Audi A8 flagship.
  • Five models within Audi lineup post gains of over 50% YOY.

Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 January sales and news notes

  • Audi Q5 sales in January second only to A4.
  • Audi Q5 sales up 50.9% for January YOY.
  • Audi Q7 sales up 59.8% for January YOY.

Audi A3, A6 and R8 January sales and news notes

  • Audi A3 sales rose 52.8% in January; A3 TDI represents 66% of sales mix.
  • Audi A6 luxury sedan sales up 17.2% YOY.
  • R8 sales record 83.7% uptick over January 2010.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes

  • January 2011 CPO sales of 2,232 units represent 32.1% YOY surge from 1,690 vehicles a year earlier.


ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its 277 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

AUDI US SNAPSHOT –YTD–
Model Line Jan ’11 Actual Jan ’10 Actual Yr/Yr % change Jan ’11 YTD Actual Jan ’10 YTD Actual Yr/Yr % change
A3 715 468 52.8% 715 468 52.8%
A4 2,483 2,763 -10.1% 2,483 2,763 -10.1%
A5 1,054 1,051 0.3% 1,054 1,051 0.3%
A6 594 507 17.2% 594 507 17.2%
A8 450 52 765.4% 450 52 765.4%
Audi Q5 1,584 1,050 50.9% 1,584 1,050 50.9%
Audi Q7 756 473 59.8% 756 473 59.8%
R8 79 43 83.7% 79 43 83.7%
TT 97 103 -5.8% 97 103 -5.8%
Total Audi Sales 7,812 6,510 20.0% 7,812 6,510 20.0%

NOTES:
- 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued.
- 2011 and 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.
- A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models.
- TT includes Audi TT coupe’ and TT roadster models.

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Success in “Best cars of 2011” Survey: Audi Takes Top Honors in Four Categories

Posted on 28 January 2011 by

  • Yet another outstanding result for Audi in the “ams” reader survey
  • Audi A4/A5, R8 Spyder, Q5 and A1 in pole position in their categories
  • Audi A8 takes second place; A3, A6 and R8 Coupé all come in third

Again this year, the Audi success story continues in the “Best cars of 2011” reader survey, conducted by Germany’s specialist car magazine “auto motor und sport” (ams). Readers awarded top honors to four Audi models – the Audi A1, the A4/A5, the R8 Spyder and the Audi Q5. The second-ranked Audi A8 and the third-place A3, A6 and R8 Coupé round out the outstanding result.

The four first-place awards make Audi the most successful brand in this year’s survey. Straight away, the Audi A1 took first place in the “Small Car” category by a clear margin – adding yet another prestigious reader’s choice award in Germany to the sub-compact car’s accolades, after the “Golden Steering Wheel” and the “Auto Trophy.”

In the “Convertible” category, the Audi R8 Spyder repeated its success from the previous year. The Audi Q5 also successfully defended its title in the “SUV” category. And for the fourth consecutive year, the award in the “Midsize Class” went to the A4/A5 model series.

Second- and third-place awards rounded out the impressive showing. The readers of ams magazine awarded a second-place finish to the Audi A8 in the “Luxury Class” category. Receiving third place honors were the A3 in the “Compact Class,” the A6 in the “Upper Midsize Class” and the R8 Coupé among the “Sports Cars.”

This marked the thirty-fifth time that “auto motor und sport” magazine had conducted the survey – nearly 93,000 readers cast their votes in 10 categories and among 315 models.

Audi Launches Eco-Friendly Auto Show Initiative

Posted on 20 January 2011 by

  • Providing electronic product brochures began during ongoing auto show in Detroit
  • Visitors can download materials with QR code readers on smartphones
  • Effort expected to reduce printed materials by 90% during 2010-2011 auto show season alone

Audi has extended its commitment to technological innovation and environmental stewardship by giving auto show attendees the ability to have electronic brochures of Audi’s 2011 lineup delivered instantly to their mobile phones as an alternative to printed copies. The program officially launched during public days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Audi has dramatically increased its focus on environmental awareness as seen in its revolutionary TDI clean diesel product line and its e-tron electric supercar. The move to digital distribution is expected to reduce the amount of printed material handed out at shows by up to 90% by the end of the 2010-2011 season. It’s also expected to have a considerable impact on the printing, shipping and distribution costs associated with delivering brochures to millions of attendees over the course of the auto show season.

Digital Collateral is providing the technology platform, which enables visitors with smartphones to scan special, 2-dimensional “QR” barcodes that have been placed next to each model on the show floor. Scanning a code adds that model’s brochure to an online library that can be viewed right from a phone, or from any computer after the show. Visitors without smartphones can send free SMS text messages to populate their libraries- so anyone capable of sending a text can make use of the platform. The service is complimentary, requires no pre-registration, and visitors’ personal information is never revealed.

“Audi has always sought to deliver a superior experience through superior technology. Digital Collateral’s software allows us to reach more consumers more efficiently, while simultaneously reducing the costs and environmental impact associated with delivering the information our customers want,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “We look forward to finding new ways to use the Digital Collateral platform as the season progresses.”

“Digital Collateral is thrilled to partner with Audi for the 2010-2011 trade show season,” said Jaxon Repp, CEO of the Denver-based startup. “Audi customers are accustomed to having the very best technology at hand when they drive, and Digital Collateral is dedicated to making the most of the technology they have in their hands when they’re at the show. Mobile marketing is only as impactful as the message you deliver, and the product brochures, videos, and websites we’ll be delivering on behalf of Audi truly set them apart from everyone else at the show.”

Audi will continue to offer this service at major auto shows throughout the rest of the 2010-2011 season in the U.S.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its 276 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Between 2010 and 2012 the Audi Group is planning to invest around €5.5 billion, mainly in new products, in order to sustain the Company’s technological lead. Visit audiusa.com or audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

ABOUT DIGITAL COLLATERAL
Digital Collateral is the world’s simplest, most engaging mobile marketing platform. We can deliver an almost limitless variety of media to consumers at the moment of inspiration- capturing their attention and increasing engagement, and delivering the kind of real-time performance metrics previously only available to online marketers. Brands use Digital Collateral’s QR and SMS Codes in TV, Print, Radio, Out-of-Home, Trade Show and Direct Mail campaigns across the US and Canada. Visit digitalcollateral.com to learn more.

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Bradley  Stertz
Public Relations Manager, Corporate Communications (USA)
+1-703 364 7440

Audi Footsteps of Progress

Posted on 12 January 2011 by

The Audi commercial titled “Footsteps of Progress” celebrates the historic milestones associated with Audi engineering and innovation. Relentless drive at Audi continues to push the entire automotive industry forward, with the introduction of models like the Audi R8 Spyder, A8, S5, and Q5. This season, we introduce the most progressive line of luxury vehicles yet. For more details and to configure a vehicle, go to BoardwalkAudi.com today.

The Audi R8 GT High Performance Sportscar

Posted on 10 January 2011 by

Now even more dynamic, lighter, more powerful and faster: Audi is launching a limited-production version of its R8 high-performance sports car – the R8 GT. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 560 hp; vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 220.46 lbs. The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 62.14 mph in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 198.84 mph. The efficient direct-injection engine consumes only 13.9 liters of fuel per 16.92 US mpg on average. The engineers have reduced the weight of the Audi R8 GT drastically once again compared to the R8 5.2 FSI quattro. With quattro permanent all-wheel drive (and without a driver), the Audi high-performance sports car tips the scales at just 3,362 lbs, for a power-to-weight ratio of only 6 lbs. per hp.

In addition to the aluminum Audi Space Frame body, a number of new components made of carbon fiber composite play a decisive role in the car’s low weight. The R8 GT is a driving machine with breathtaking lateral acceleration and lightning-fast, nearly instantaneous reactions. The 19-inch wheels keep the car planted firmly on the asphalt, and the carbon fiber ceramic brakes. A vehicle’s brakes must be matched to its power, weight, and top speed. Brakes easily keep the power under control. The R8 GT gives a whole new meaning to the term “high-performance sports car.”

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 we cultivate a focus on top-flight performance. It’s the driving force behind every nameplate we represent, every car we maintain, and every customer we have the privilege to serve. Performance. It’s what we do.