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

Posted on 13 January 2012 by

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

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

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

  • 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.

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.

Corstiaan Westerhuis Promoted to General Manager of Boardwalk Audi

Posted on 13 December 2011 by

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.

Audi A6 and A7 Selected by Car and Driver as ’2012 10Best’ Winners

Posted on 07 December 2011 by

  • In its 30th year, the ‘10Best’ award highlights top picks under $80,000
  • 2012 A6 and 2012 A7 chosen for superior technology and design
  • 2012 Audi A8L and 2012 R8 recognized as ‘Favorites Over $80K’

Audi announced that the 2012 Audi A6 and 2012 Audi A7 vehicles have been named by Car and Driver, the world’s largest automotive enthusiast publication, to the 30th annual “10Best” list. In its 30th year, “10Best” by Car and Driver recognizes the best all-new cars on the market under $80,000.

“As in years past, the cars on this year’s list represent the best overall vehicles on the market today,” said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, Car and Driver. “Out of 68 contenders, these are the ones that consistently perform the best, are a good value and are engaging, fun-to-drive vehicles.”

The all-new 2012 Audi A6 boasts an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 L TFSI® supercharged V6 engine with 310 horsepower. One of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, the A6 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.

The Audi A7 is the epitome of high style and artistry, with a five-door coupe design that is both sporty and elegant. The Audi A7 can also boast being the first car in the world to feature factory-installed Wi-Fi with Audi connect™ and navigation with 3-D Google Earth. From the groundbreaking MMI® touchpad and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi A7 is the perfect marriage of progressive design and sophisticated engineering. The A7 also sets a high standard for performance, handling and efficiency with an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 liter TFSI® V6 engine, 310hp and 325 lb-ft. of torque.

Nominees for the 30th annual “10Best” list consist of all new cars, 2011 10Best winners, cars that were not available for the 2011 competition, and those with significant updates. All cars must fall under the base-price cap of $80,000 and be on sale in January 2012. Full coverage of the 2012 Car and Driver 10Best awards can be found in the January issue, on newsstands December 6, and online at http://www.caranddriver.com/201210best

In a companion piece in the January issue, Car and Driver also named the 2012 Audi A8L and 2012 Audi R8 as ‘Favorites Over $80K.’ The A8L, Audi’s flagship sedan, was chosen for its imposing, luxurious design as well as its powerful 372 horsepower, V8 engine. The sporty R8 was selected for its supercar styling and “sci-fi bodywork.”

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
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.

ABOUT CAR AND DRIVER
Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com) is known for its expert editorial team that is highly regarded by car enthusiasts and automotive manufacturers for their integrity, engineering backgrounds, and high standards. The magazine is published monthly by Hearst Magazines (www.hearst.com), boasting the largest audience of any monthly automotive magazine. The Car and Driver brand is a leading source of information for automotive enthusiasts and in-market car buyers. The brand also extends to many platforms, including websites, mobile sites, radio, iPhone/iPad apps, events, custom marketing programs, and integrated marketing databases.

Full coverage of the 2012 Car and Driver 10Best awards can be found in the January issue, on newsstands December 6, and online at www.caranddriver.com.

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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.”

Streets without limits: Audi and BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group present “Urban Future” at Design Miami/ 2011

Posted on 30 November 2011 by

  • LED exhibit “Urban Future” will allow visitors to interact with the city of tomorrow
  • Conceptual installation is based on a vision of a city that blurs the lines between roads, sidewalks and city squares
  • BIG founder Bjarke Ingels: “The street becomes a digital surface”

Visitors to Design Miami/ 2011 from November 30 to December 4 can interact with city of the future at a special exhibit on display at the show. Produced in cooperation with Audi AG and Copenhagen-based architect firm BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, the interactive LED installation called “Urban Future” will feature a life-size rendering of a conceptual roadway based on new theories of transportation and infrastructure. The model also will feature the Audi A2 concept car, an all-electric vehicle that communicates with its surroundings.

The idea behind “Urban Future” was initially developed by BIG as their entry the 2010 Audi Urban Future Award 2010, an architecture and urban development competition that constitutes one of the pillars of the brand’s larger Urban Future Initiative. For Design Miami/ 2011, BIG founder Bjarke Ingels and Partner Andreas K. Pedersen have transformed their vision into an interactive LED installation that represents a section of the city of tomorrow. The hypothesis put forward by BIG visualizes streets that communicate with every road user, including pedestrians and vehicles.

“If I imagine a city in 25 years’ time, the vertical facades appear unchanged, but the roadway has become a digitally programmable surface. Fixed elements such as carriageways, sidewalks or city squares no longer exist” said Ingels. “The digital surfaces can be adapted to all road users and in this way control the traffic. On one single day, the street can change many times: from pedestrian area to highway, from city square to meadow.”

The Audi A2 concept is an important part of BIG’s’ installation. Audi presented the show car for the first time this year at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. BIG had a good reason for incorporating the A2 concept in his work: the car is able to communicate with its environment. For Ingels, this is a prerequisite for a networked, mobile future.

“The installation allows the visitor to experience the vision of a connected future. It answers one of the most fascinating questions of the Audi Urban Future Award in spatial terms,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. “It gives a living impression of how networking might appear in the city of the future and of how new opportunities for intelligent use of urban space might arise.”

The installation at Design Miami/ is visually reminiscent of a short section of road, and consists of a digitally programmable LED surface that senses movements, coordinates the various participants in traffic and adapts to their needs. 3D cameras record all movements and feed them into the LED surface, allowing the visitor to experience the communication between cars, pedestrians and the street at the show booth.

“Our long-term partner Audi has always used Design Miami/ as a platform to explore challenging issues in contemporary design”, says Marianne Goebl, Director of Design Miami/. “Audi’s collaboration with BIG projects us into a future where urban design and architecture interplay to create a flexible programmable environment. It is an inspiring contribution to Design Miami’s ongoing exploration of the inextricable connection between these creative fields.”

Audi has been a sponsor and exhibitor at the Design Miami/ fair since 2006. In this capacity, the brand has experimented with themes such as mobility, technology, material and design since the partnership’s inception, expressing its ideas on the future of design and encouraging creative dialogue.

ABOUT DESIGN MIAMI/
The seventh edition of Design Miami/ will feature the world’s leading galleries specializing in 20th and 21st century collectible design. Design Miami/ is the most prominent and substantive forum for design, representing a convergence of commerce and culture. Its annual shows in Basel, Switzerland (June) and Miami, Florida (December) bring together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world. For further information, please visit www.designmiami.com and www.designmiamiblog.com.

About Bjarke Ingels
Bjarke Ingels is a rising star in the international architectural scene. Much of his work revolves around the complex interrelationships of urban life. His most spectacular design objects to date are the residential apartment buildings in Ørestad on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Together with other architects of the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Ingels implemented his vision of urban density in these apartment buildings with their futuristic impression. He has already received renowned architectural prizes, including the Golden Lion. He currently teaches at Columbia University in New York.

ABOUT THE AUDI URBAN FUTURE INITIATIVE
In an effort to actively shape the transition to a new mobility epoch, the Audi Urban Future Initiative aims to establish a dialog on the synergy of mobility, architecture and urban development by means of the view into the future. Rooted in the belief that the current challenges of mobility can only be solved collectively and interdisciplinary, it represents an essential part of the brand’s commitment to urban mobility as a whole and is designed to change both thought patterns and corporate culture. For more information, please visit http://www.audi-urban-future-initiative.com.

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.

Audi achieves highest-ever U.S. annual sales eclipsing 101,629 record set in 2010

Posted on 29 November 2011 by

  • Audi set sales records in each of the first 10 months of this year with a November record expected later this week
  • Sales through the Thanksgiving weekend stood at 102,055 vehicles with more than a month to go in 2011
  • Audi Certified pre-owned sales also set an annual record, beating the mark set in 2008

With just over a month remaining in 2011, Audi of America achieved a new annual sales record over the hectic holiday shopping weekend. With 102,055 sales of premium cars and SUVs already reported this year, the Audi brand eclipsed the previous sales record of 101,629 set at the end of 2010.

Audi also established a new annual record with its Certified pre-owned sales. Audi CPO sales through the end of the Thanksgiving weekend totaled 33,102 vehicles, up 32% from a year earlier. The previous annual sales record for Audi CPO business was 32,108 vehicles sold in 2008.

The record set for new car annual sales marks the second time the Audi brand has topped the 100,000 mark since it established its U.S. business more than 41 years ago. Audi momentum has been evident throughout the year as sales set new records in every month of the year to date. Audi expects to register its 11th record month of 2011 when full November sales totals are reported later this week.

“The Audi momentum story began a few years ago with the restructuring of our U.S. business model and the steady arrival of exciting new models that have captured the imagination of the American premium car customer,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “Through precarious economic conditions, we have held fast to this plan along with our dealers who have devoted record levels of investments in their franchises.”

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 vehicles and business issues.

Even more sportiness and efficiency – The Audi A4 is now more attractive than ever

Posted on 28 November 2011 by

The best-selling Audi is now even more attractive: Audi is refreshing the A4 family. New solutions for the engines, chassis and infotainment are being added to the Sedan, Avant, allroad quattro and S4 models, making them even more sporty and efficient. New design accents provide visual cues to their sharpened character.