Audi's chief designer Stefan Sielaff explains: "The first generation was very dogmatic and product-design-like. With the second generation, the theme was 'elegance'—softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise."
Also expected is the new Bi-Turbo V6 Diesel engine currently in development for use in the new A8 Chassis, which will be seeing duty in newer Bentley's and a possible VW TopTier vehicle.
More from Car & Driver
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Audi A8 Concept
Thursday, December 18, 2008
VAG Slovakian Plants that build Audi Q7's receive State Aid
Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest carmaker, will receive aid from the Slovak government should it expand its main factory in the country, which is set to adopt the euro in two weeks.
The Cabinet approved today the carmaker’s request for as much as 431 million koruna ($20 million) in tax relief, the government said in a statement. In exchange, Wolfsburg, Germany- based Volkswagen would have to invest as much as 300 million euros ($423 million) to upgrade the factory in the capital Bratislava and produce at least one new model.
By expanding in Slovakia, Volkswagen would benefit from wages that are lower than those in Germany and from the eastern European nation’s adoption of the euro. The plant produces the Touareg and Audi-brand Q7 sport-utility vehicles and the Skoda Octavia sedan. It also makes bodies for the Porsche Cayenne SUV.
Volkswagen wants to add a new small car at Bratislava, creating 760 jobs by 2012, according to an Economy Ministry document discussed by the Cabinet today. Work on the expansion would start early next year and take three years to complete.
Source: Bloomberg
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Audi has a new 3.0 litre V6 TDI Bi-Turbo coming
Just when you thought the thrill of 2.7t was dead, well the fun is back with the new diesel engine rumoured to deliver over 300bhp and over 440lb ft-ilbs of torque, it should be unveiled in the third-generation A8 at next year’s Frankfurt motor show and is going to possibly seeing duty in Bentley models.
Audi has a new plant in Changchun province of China
A fully digitalized final assembly shop that kicked off construction in June 2008 is taking shape in Changchun, Northeastern China, and will lift the total assembly capacity of Audi AG in China to 200,000 cars per year.
The shop is in the factory of FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd., which is a sedan joint venture of China's FAW Group Corporation, Volkswagen AG. Audi AG, and Volkswagen Automobile (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Now, the main body of the shop has sealed the roof and related infrastructure facilities have been completed about 80%. In line with the current schedule, the shop that costs around CNY 1 billion will start operation in July 2009.
Impressively, the design and management of the shop adopt digital technologies to let computers carry out dynamic simulation and data analysis, saving considerable cost and time and enhancing efficiency.
Insiders disclose that the shop will assemble the brand new generation models of Audi, including new Audi A4, Audi Q5 and other derivative models. The initially designed production capacity is 250 cars per day.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Audi Q5 Hydrid canned
“Audi won’t produce a petrol-electric hybrid until we can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer in crash situations, and hybrid technology more efficient overall. Until then we will concentrate on producing more efficient diesel engines and aluminium chassis.” -Unamed Audi source
More from AutoCar.co.uk
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Top Gear - "...your a cock if you drive an Audi RS4"
Jeremy reiterated this on the Nov 30th Episode of TopGear also on the Cool Wall
Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: Breathtaking Performance
INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start - and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.
The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks - in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.
The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp).
The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement - and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) - that's only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine - all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.
The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).
For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine
The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range.
The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel - with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip - both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.
A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive - it's the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It's not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.
44 to 56 percent - the ideal axle load distribution
The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent.
The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear - a classic racing technology - are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.
The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves.
In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system - eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in).
The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won't corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription "Audi ceramic".
Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof
The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.
The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the "World Car of the Year Awards 2008". In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more.
The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish.
A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world's first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life.
Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.
When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road - thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes.
Audi sets the example - in body weight and rigidity
The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design - the relation of weight to torsional rigidity - is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws.
The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto - a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements.
The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags.
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish.
The list of options includes other highly attractive features - such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10.
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.
Source: Audi US News
(CORRECTION TO AUDI PRESS RELEASE By The Audi Blog Site)When Less is More: The Storied Success of Audi's 2.0 TFSI I-4 Engine
"The newest Audi 2.0 TFSI engine produces substantial improvements over its predecessor by turning out 5.5 percent more horsepower (211 hp vs 200 hp) and a whopping 24.6 percent more torque (258 lb.-ft. vs. 207 lb.-ft.).
To put the new 2.0 TFSI I-4 engine's performance into perspective, consider that the engine used in the high-performance 2003-model-year S4 also achieved 258 lb-ft. of torque. But it did so with a V-6, bi-turbo configuration."
The Correction:
The Correction:
- 2001 B5 Model S4 had the 2.7 Litre 30Valve Bi-Turbo V6 Rated @ 250HP/258 ft·lb
- 2003 Model S4 had the 4.2 Litre 40 Valve V8 Rated @ 344 HP/302 lb-ft
When Less is More: The Storied Success of Audi's 2.0 TFSI I-4 Engine
When leading trade publisher Ward's Automotive Group recently set out to recognize the world's 10 best automotive engines for 2009, one turbocharged four cylinder stood out. The Audi 2.0 TFSI I-4 won a place on the list for the fourth consecutive year.
The recognition validated a core strategy at Audi: That highly efficient engines can handily deliver the personality that discriminating premium luxury car buyers expect when they get behind the steering wheel. Central to this philosophy is an engineering orientation rooted in maximizing engine performance - whether that means fuel consumption or power and sportiness.
Over the past year, the U.S. luxury car market has started to break toward Audi's position on engine technology. As long as fuel prices remain volatile, luxury buyers are putting efficiency at the top of their shopping priority lists.
"There is an outmoded assumption that bigger is automatically better when it comes to engines powering the world's premier luxury models," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "In fact, we're watching the market begin to dispel that myth and put top-shelf value on efficiency. Audi's showing them they can gain that and not surrender the enjoyable aspects of motoring."
While the blend of efficiency and sportiness applies across Audi's engine lineup, the Ward's 10 Best Engines editors took note of the 2.0 TFSI I-4's significant improvements since winning a place in the rankings for 2008.
The newest Audi 2.0 TFSI engine produces substantial improvements over its predecessor by turning out 5.5 percent more horsepower (211 hp vs 200 hp) and a whopping 24.6 percent more torque (258 lb.-ft. vs. 207 lb.-ft.).
To put the new 2.0 TFSI I-4 engine's performance into perspective, consider that the engine used in the high-performance 2003-model-year S4 also achieved 258 lb-ft. of torque. But it did so with a V-6, bi-turbo configuration.
The new 2.0 TFSI I-4 first hit the U.S. market in the all-new A4 sedan and Avant models that went on sale this past fall. In the new A4, the updated 2.0 TFSI I-4 achieved 11 percent fuel-efficiency gains, making the A4 the most economical car in its class at the filling station.
Ward's selected its 10 best Engines from a list of 32 finalists. The nominees underwent two months of testing by Ward's editors. Ward's also requires the engines on the list to be available in regular-production, U.S.- specification models available for purchase no later than the first quarter of 2009 at prices no higher than $54,000.
For more information on the Ward's 10 Best Engines winners, explore WardsAuto.com
About Audi of America
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German- engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
DTM: Audi Mugen MF308 Controversy
You might be wondering what on earth is going on over on the Audi RS4 / Audi A4 / Honda V8 Wikipedia pages & Audi/Honda Forums across the globe. Honestly when I originally put up information up with references, Audiphiles were quick to display their cognitive dissonance by deleting my entries and covering up the truth. Well I am the original Wiki poster for the controversy. I'm here to confirm what was written almost a year ago because I grow tired of the Childlike tendencies so rampant on Wikipedia which in all honesty has no use in society other than being a big Blog of truths & half-truths. So I will post it here for all to see and either accept it or not, So here are the main bits of information for you to digest.
Audi needed a reliable V8 engine for their new DTM program at the time. Neil Brown Engineering is the confirmed enginebuilder/rebuilder for AudiSport which tuning was done inhouse by Audisport using a DTM mandated Bosch Motorsport ECU. Apparently Audi contacted Honda for a solution because of their performance, reliability and dominance in IRL (Sound familiar now). Also Audi was able to reduce center of gravity in the R11/R12 chassis since the IRL platform derived V8 sat so low in the Dallara & Panoz chassis's used. Unconfirmed is if Audi took the Mugen design further for the R13 platform DTM car. Interestingly enough is Audis 4.2 litre engine in the B7 RS4 was designed with 4 valves per cylinder much like Hondas V8, which replaced the older 4.2 litre 5 valve per cylinder design from the V8 in the B6 Audi S4 (similiar in design to Ferrari's V8 used in the F355 and funny enough Both the S4 & F355 were plagued by similiar transmission troubles and were made by ZF Engineering).
Considering Audis recent use of the Lamborghini V10 in Audi vehicles this information unconfirmed goes along with a timeline of development & use in road cars by Audi.
This is the original Honda/Mugen MF308 in 3.5 litre form:
Here is the Audi Sport 4.0 Litre version and Article:
Audi pulls the plug on American LeMans Series
While Audi had originally stated it would wait to pull their involvement from ALMS, its offical.
Audi Sport North America will drop all motorsports activites,
"The decision to withdraw was a very difficult one for these reasons. Furthermore, with the Champion racing team we had a partner that operates at the highest level. The extraordinary dedication and precision of Team Champion was the key to Audi's victories over the last few years in America," said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the head of Audi Motorsport.
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Sunday, December 7, 2008
Want an S3 for $25,631.55 ??
Mercado Libre, Mexicos Ebay currently has one 8P Chassis S3 for $ 350,000 pesos. (Click here for Auction).
S3 is located in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico
Possibility of importing this little beast:
1. The US now sells the A3 Sportback with no bumper modifications aside from the US spec running lights would need to be installed.
2. An S3 could technically be imported since the only variation between engines is slightly different exhaust manifold,exhaust and ECU map.
So emissions would not be a problem since it ships with a catalytic converter and could pass and is OBD-II compliant.
3. Insuring would be a little tricky since the 3 door hatchback isn't sold but the Sportback is, if wrecked the car would have to be totaled or no claim should be made.
And warranty would be void so this would be an enthusiasts vehicle.
4. Considering the grey areas with Nissan Skylines being 
imported into the US, the S3 should be easier since crash testing would be the same as the A3 4 door Sportback.
Euro NCAP gave the A3 & S3 in hatchback/Sportback trims 4 out of 5 stars
For 2008, the IIHS added the Audi A3 Sportback to the list of Audi models designated as “Top Safety Pick” in the Midsize category.
And curious enough the NHTSA has no data for crash testing on the A3 but gives the VW GTI 2.0T their highest rating on frontal and side impact crash testing.
So cross referencing the GTI, which has the same chassis the S3 is safe for US streets.
Porsche more than likely to gain control of VAG:TKO!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Audi Drops LMP1 Program due to Economy
Audi motorsport boss Wolfgang Ullrich has confirmed that the manufacturer will not attempt to defend its Le Mans Series title next season with the new R15 TDi.
Alexandre Premat and Mike Rockenfeller won the LMS title this year in an Audi R10, but Ullrich says in this week's Autosport that the decision not to return was made to save money.
"We will not participate in the LMS," he said. "We all have to face that the economy is moving and everyone has to put something into their pocket to save money.
"The LMS has grown quite significantly but you have to face the fact that to make the best out of less money, there is no choice but to cut parts of the programme."
The Le Mans 24 Hours is, so far, the only confirmed outing for the R15 beyond the American Le Mans Series season-opener, the Sebring 12 Hours, in March.
But Ullrich says a decision about a tenth consecutive full ALMS campaign is still to be made.
"We are still in discussion about the American programme," he said. "There has to be a board decision to do it, but we are all working on it very hard."
Audi stalwarts Emanuele Pirro and Frank Biela, who have five Le Mans wins each with the marque, are likely to race Audis again next year despite not having their contracts renewed this season. Both are expected to race the new R8 GT3 car for teams in Europe.
Monday, December 1, 2008
R15 TDI to Debut In March: Artists Conception of R15
Audi's new R15 TDI, successor to the R10 TDI, will make its race debut at Sebring in March.
The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring has long seen debuts of the most successful sports cars in endurance racing.
The 57th edition - presented by Fresh from Florida on March 21, 2009 - will be no different as Audi will race its new R15 TDI prototype for the first time.
The Sebring 12 Hours, America's most demanding sports car race, also saw the first race for the Audi R8R in 1999 (which led to the highly successful R8 the next season) and the Audi R10 TDI in 2006.
The latter was the first diesel-powered sports car to win at Sebring, and it won the first of its three straight 24 Hours of Le Mans victories only months later. Audi has won Le Mans nine times overall.
"It was clear to us that we must develop a new car if we wanted to continue to be successful in Le Mans," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.
"The Audi R15 TDI is the result. The step from R10 to R15 is significantly larger than it was from the R8 to the R10."
The Audi R15 TDI differs significantly from its predecessor, the R10 TDI, at first glance and features many technically innovative details with which Audi aims to maintain its supremacy in Le Mans.
The new prototype is equipped with a smaller, lighter and even more efficient TDI engine. During the chassis and aerodynamic development Audi Sport engineers followed similar routes to those exhibited on the current Audi A4 DTM. Only the basic concept was carried over from the predecessor model: The R15 TDI is a closed-topped cockpit this time around. Audi does not wish to release any further details at this time. The first private tests with the new Le Mans sports car are scheduled for later this year.
The R15 TDI will only be presented to the public immediately before its race debut at Sebring. Audi also expects to enter three of the cars at Le Mans in June.
Source:DesignTaxi
Monday, November 24, 2008
Audi halts Hungary production line
Audi, one of Hungary's largest exporters, is suspending production at its Győr-based plant for a month in mid-December, as there is no demand for convertibles in the winter. No one will be made redundant at the factory, the company stressed. According to news portal index.hu more than 5,000 people lost their jobs to the crisis in Hungary so far and the meter is ticking.
Audi Hungaria will also halt engine production for two but possibly for four weeks around Christmas, company officials told the evening news programme of commercial TV channel TV2 on Saturday. Audi produces TT and TT Roadster sports cars and the A3 model in Hungary.
The plant suspends production briefly every Christmas, they company stressed, adding that this would not entail layoffs this year either. Local news agency MTI said Audi would still produce more than 60,000 cars this year at its Győr (northwest Hungary) unit, up from 56,000 last year, while engine output would be flat at 1.9 million units.
Economy Minister Gordon Bajnai said thousands of people would lose their jobs in the coming weeks, but the cabinet would grant specific support for small and medium-sized enterprises to retain positions and create new ones. Bajnai estimates that 1,760 employees will be axed in the immediate future, following 1,400 layoffs announced last week. He sees this process gather pace and forecasts no change in this respect in the near future.
The financial crisis left a scar on the car industry. Sales are going sharply down and an increasing number of producers make announcements of cutting back or suspending production, simply because there is no demand for their produce.
Source:Portfolio Hu
Friday, November 21, 2008
Porsche vs VW Round:2 FIGHT!!
Volkswagen's supervisory board decided on Friday to retain for now a special committee that limits top shareholder Porsche's power, rebuffing the sports car maker.
Porsche has been fighting for ways to gain more control over Volkswagen, in which it aims to have a majority stake by the end of next year, but other shareholders and labour leaders have been pushing to limit its decision-making power. The state of Lower Saxony has said it would use its blocking minority to fight Porsche's plans to hike its stake and gain access to Volkswagen's cash flows.
Labour representatives forced Porsche to seek board approval from the special committee each time it planned a cooperation with VW's luxury unit Audi -- a potential rival to Porsche's own business.The move to keep the committee came as a surprise on Friday, since Porsche less than a month ago said Volkswagen's chairman Ferdinand Piech would table a motion to dissolve the committee.
Volkswagen said the state of Lower Saxony and Porsche had agreed with VW's labour representatives and its supervisory board to "optimise" the committee. It did not say whether it was planning specific measures. Several people familiar with the matter said that the company aimed to merge two separate committees in a compromise.
One of the committees, which had been demanded by labour representatives, approves planned cooperation with Audi ahead of time, giving labour leaders a chance to block plans early on. The second one looks into the cooperation after the fact.
Volkswagen shares ended up 4.3 percent at 365.00 euros, while Porsche shares were down 2.1 percent at 46.18 euros.
Source:Reuters
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Audi V6 turbo diesel powers Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne will have a diesel option now, via Audis 3.0 litre 240hp/405.7 lbs-ft turbo V6 diesel. It will also be available to the US market in the new A4 & Q7 platforms next year.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Audi Sales increase VW Drops in Europe
Bloomberg is reporting VW sales have slumped 7.6% while the Audi brand's deliveries rose 3.3%. Keep in mind VW is Europes largest carmaker, with the credit crisis spreading through the US & Europe, european car sales have plunged 15 percent in October, the sixth consecutive monthly decline, as credit-market turmoil and an economic slowdown hurt demand.
Industrywide car sales in western Europe, including the 15 countries that were members of the EU before May 2004 plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, slid 16 percent in October to 1.03 million vehicles, led by drops of 86 percent in Iceland and 55 percent in Ireland. Deliveries in the 10 eastern European nations that have joined the EU since 2004 declined 3.2 percent to 99,076 units. By contrast, sales in those countries posted a 7.8 percent increase in September.
GM's sales in Europe fell 25 percent to 94,479 vehicles, with the Saab brand reporting a 28 percent plunge. The Detroit- based carmaker said Nov. 7 it may run short of cash by the end of the year unless the market improves or it raises more capital.
Registrations in Europe by Toyota slumped 24 percent to 54,612 cars. Asia's largest carmaker, leading GM in global auto sales this year, posted a 69 percent plunge in quarterly net income on Nov. 6. Deliveries of its Lexus brand fell 32 percent.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
TopGear - Audi R8 & Porsche 911 GT3 comical comparison
Done only the way Jezzer can do it...and Sabina Schmidt vs The Stig
Audi to show off new Safe/Green Technology
Audi will have demonstrations at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems meeting in NY this week. Showing off cutting-edge emissions reduction technology from its Audi Clean Air initiative. The group is working to create connected, intelligent vehicles that are capable of collaborating with their users and with each other to preserve the environment.
Environmentally friendly navigation lets drivers choose the most energy efficient route.
Smart engines use traffic information and advanced topography to consume less fuel. On-board cameras allow vehicles to act as smart moving traffic nodes and share traffic information with other traffic nodes and data sources. And vibration energy harvesting provides a clean energy source to power vehicle sensors.
Monday, November 17, 2008
VW "not happy" with Audi R4 project
After a heated dispute between the VW chairman, and former Audi/Porsche engineering boss, Ferdinand Piech and his cousin Wolfgang over a clause the Wolfsburg firm tried to instate to prevent a formal collaboration between Audi and Porsche without VW’s consent, things appear to have concluded amicably. This means a joint-effort between the two companies is not impossible.
Porsche certainly seems keen to re-establish its ties with Audi, if a recent interview with Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is anything to go by. Wiedeking said he was puzzled that Audi had not continued working with Porsche after the success of the RS2, and that such a project was something Porsche would have been keen to continue.
Audi S3 Sportback
Audi has announced that the S3 Sportback will come in two flavors S-Tronic (DSG) and 6 Speed manual. What makes this even more exciting is Audi now has the option to bring the S3 Sportback over to the US, which they stated hatchbacks wouldn't sell here in the states but it seems as though this is a great compromise although the cost quite possibly could put it at $44,289.93 USD. With a base 265hp would put it $10k above the VW R32, 15hp more and a possible 100ilbs less weight. The tuning advantage goes to the S3 which tuners are getting 300+ from a reflash and a turbo upgrade/reflash can net you 350+. Will Audi decide to bring this over since VW has axed plans for the R36? We can only hope..
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Sunday, November 16, 2008
LMP1 class to ban V10/V12 engines
In order to slow speeds the ACO has made it official that engines with no more than 4 litres and 8 cylinders can enter the LMP1 class by 2011 and LMP2 class will use production engines, which means either a move to LMP1 or using modified production engines which Porsche has already been developing a Directinjection V8 which saw its way in cars running in ALMS last yr.
This means Audi will have to go back to design a V8 Diesel no bigger than 4.0 litres. These rules will go into effect in 2011 and Hybrids such as 
Peugeots will be able to run this years LeMans but a class will be created next year for Hybrids and Electric LMP's.
If Audi decides to run LMP1 past 2011 this means Audi quite possibly will have a high performance V8 Diesel to put in a few selected Audis such as the RS4 and R8.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
EU to take legal action vs Germany on VW law
The European Commission said on Thursday it would take legal action against Germany by the end of the year over a law governing carmaker Volkswagen that it says violates EU rules on the free flow of capital.
The European Union's highest court last year struck down a 48-year old German law that shields Volkswagen from takeover, forcing Berlin to come up with alternative legislation.
On Thursday, Germany's Bundestag lower house of parliament approved a revised law which addresses some of the EU's concerns but not all of them.
For example, the new legislation keeps a rule that gives the state of Lower Saxony, which holds just over 20 percent of Volkswagen shares, an effective blocking minority in the firm. The EU has said explicitly that Germany must scrap the rule. The highly profitable Porsche holding company says it currently controls 42.6 per cent of voting shares at the bigger Volkswagen. The new legislation, an amendment of the long-standing "Volkswagen Law," gives Lower Saxony veto rights at shareholder meetings. Porsche will own just under 75 per cent of the giant car manufacturer when options fall due next year.
"We will move ahead with the case in the next few weeks. The Commission certainly hopes to reach a decision on the next stage before Christmas," a Commission spokesman said.
The law allows Lower Saxony, the region where Volkswagen is based, to block strategic decisions taken by the company's largest shareholder, Stuttgart-based sports carmaker Porsche.
Porsche has lobbied vigorously for the law to be overturned but encountered robust opposition from the German government and Volkswagen workers. Porsche chief executive Wendelin Wiedeking wrote to legislators, predicting that law would cause future problems for Berlin.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a speech in September at Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg that she believed the new legislation met EU demands and vowed to defend the blocking minority clause in Brussels.
A solid majority of legislators in Berlin backed the bill, which is popular because the state is seen as a guarantor of jobs at the company, the biggest industrial enterprise in Lower Saxony.
Thousands of VW workers have demonstrated in support of the law, which is also backed by Lower Saxony premier Christian Wulff, an influential member of Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU). But the labour leader at Volkswagen, Bernd Osterloh, applauded the law as a "grand signal" and said it fully met provisions of European Union law.
The European Union is expected to challenge the legislation in court, arguing that it distorts European corporate law.
Audi China Business To Be Headquartered In Beijing
A German newspaper reported that the would-be plant construction is an important measure for Audi to expand business in the Chinese market. Audi China to be established will explore new business independently, including sourcing in China and building a test centre particularly for the Chinese market. 
Audi president Rupert Stadler indicated that new Audi China division will be closer to the Chinese market and help with local production of Audi A3, which will share the platform with the upcoming sixth-generation VW Golf.
Last May, Rupert Stadler announced the code-named "Route 15" plan, which aimed to sell 1.5 million Audis by 2015, over BMW and Mercedes-Benz to be the number one luxury brand. Audi China sales will target 200,000 units by then, almost double than 100,888 in 2007.
By 2015, the Audi models will be added up to 40, most of which will also be introduced to China as it is the largest overseas market for Audi. "To meet 200,000 sales by 2015 is achievable," said Johannes Thammer, general manager of FAW-VW Audi sales division.
Also optimistic about the Chinese market is Voggenreiter, who said Audi sales forecast in China hasn't decreased though faced with financial crisis.
-Source: The Auto Channel
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Audi R4 Unleashed
Once again Porsche & Audi have collabed again producing the baby R8, the Audi R4. The chassis will be in the R4 and the upcoming Porsche Boxster/Cayman vehicles also. Weight reduction with aluminum body paneling and Audis newer 40/60 torque split should make this a thrill to drive considering the engine options. Even though Audi has stated it will do away with manual gearboxes this should be availble with Audi's 6 Speed gearbox and a 7 speed DSG option.
Possible Engines:
- 335bhp 2.5 litre TFSI 5 cylinder
- 200bhp 2.0 litre TFSI 4 cylinder
- 300bhp 3.6 litre FSI V6
- 225bhp 2.0 litre TDI common rail injection 4 cylinder
Audi R8 V10
Looks like Audi is letting the R8 compete with Lamborghini, the new R10 as I like to call it, 5.2 litre V10 552bhp. Rumour abroad only 50! headed for US since Audi is producing 50 a month of the base R8's. I haven't been able to confirm the quantity headed to our shores.
Audi gives go ahead for A3 Diesel plans
What is unknown is if they will bring the A3 3 door hatch version and offer a Quattro 6speed gearbox which I personally think would sell way better than the 4door. But there is a solid yes for the A3 Sportback FWD 6Speed DSG dogbox. Expect to see it on our shores within the next year.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Frank Biela Interview
The B5 A4 to me is still the best platform Audi everhad and still continues this day as a streetfighter across America and Europe. I myself have owned a B5 and B6 and loved them, and I still love how easy it is to modify them with the plethora of parts available from tuners everywhere. I ran across this on my way out Enjoy.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Audi Among German Companies Hit by Labor Strikes
Audi the luxury-car brand of Volkswagen was among German companies affected by strikes after the IG Metall labor union failed to reach agreement with employers over pay.
About 5,000 staff at Audi's Ingolstadt and Neckersulm plants stopped working for as much as two hours, the union said in separate e-mailed statements today. About 8,000 manufacturing workers downed tools across Germany today, the union added on its website.
IG Metall, representing 3.2 million employees, is pressing for an 8 percent pay rise next year. The union last week rejected a counteroffer from the Gesamtmetall employers' association for a one-time payment this year and a 2.1 percent increase in 2009.
Strikes will continue on Nov. 3 at E.G.O. Blanc und Fischer & Co. GmbH, which makes parts for appliances, Zehnder Group AG, General Electric Co.'s health-care unit, MSC Freiburg GmbH, Ferromatik Milacron Maschinenbau GmbH and Sick AG, IG Metall said. At least 18 production sites will be affected, it said.
The engineering sector employers' group, Gesamtmetall, offered workers a 2.9 percent wage offer over 14 months on Thursday, which IG Metall has rejected.
"This bad offer is an insult," IG Metall's deputy chairman, Detlef Wetzel, said in a statement. "On this basis, a quick solution is not possible."
The rise sought by IG Metall, which is seeking a deal for the 3.6 million workers in the engineering sector, is the biggest wage hike it has sought in 16 years.
The union is due to resume wage negotiations with Gesamtmetall on Nov. 11 in the southern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, where agreements often serve as pilot deals for the engineering sector nationwide.
Negotiators will resume talks in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia on Nov. 13, which has previously also produced pilot deals. If no deal is reach at the next round of talks, IG Metall has vowed to stage full-blown strikes to press its case.-Source:Bloomberg
Friday, October 31, 2008
Audi Announces TT-S Pricing
MSRP for the TT-S Coupe will start at $45,500 and $47,500 for the TT-S Roadster.
The 2.0 litre FSI engine will have 265 hp @ 6000 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. @2500-5000 rpm.
Judging by this pricing the newer TT-RS Coupe might not make it here and ft it does, will face the same dilemma Audi faced in which to bring the Audi S3 over or not.
Judging from Market conditions the TT-RS will probably face the same demise of the RS6.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Finally a pic of Audis new UP! Concept Metrocar
Two engines are being developed right now for this platform a diesel and petrol version. It is unknown if Audi plans to bring the supersubcompact to the US with the A1 Metro expecting to be a Mini Contender, the UP! Market would be against the ubersmall Smart ForFour now on sale in the US. While the Smart only gets 34mpg the rumour is the UP! choices of engine are trying to eye a conservative 95mpg.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Audi Design Center in Californias R25 Concept Rendering
The R25 is designed to utilize and excel in this new racing system with features such as:
1. The new Dynamic Space Frame, allowing much greater degree of flexibility, integration of circuits and rigidity
2. Algae bio fuel for endurance and electric motor capability through Wireless power transfer technology
3. Audi Design: Staying true to the “Form is Function” philosophy, there is not an ounce of needless element in the R25, which incorporates advanced technique and efficient form management into one.
The car also uses: active micro-control surfaces which optimize airflow during the race; Man Machine Interface, which inputs all vehicle data output into the driver’s helmet visor; all-around vehicle dynamic sensors and integrated on-board HD cameras with real-time data links to allow for spectator interaction, allowing fans to virtually “sit” and experience the race in any racecar through monitors and virtual reality booths.
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