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Audi will freshen its entry-level five-door hatchback model for the 2009 model year, with exterior and interior updates. Although Audi has released only this teaser image, we can see the exterior is distinguished with a revised front end. The new hood and fenders are more expressively styled, and the bumper and large single-frame radiator grille have been modified. Daytime running lights are standard features, and the optional bi-xenon headlamps incorporate LEDs. Not shown are new door handles and wheels. The rear features a modified bumper and lights, with fiber-optic light strips. Inside the car, the updates center around a more premium look to controls and switches, as well as an updated instrument panel. The 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbo four and 3.2-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 carry over. The 2.0 TFSI engine is supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission, and the 3.2 is available exclusively with the six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, now also available for all engine versions. The independent suspension is an enhanced with an available adaptive-action shock absorber control system. The driver can choose between "Normal" and "Sport" programs...
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At the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, Audi took the wraps off the latest SUV to join its swelling ranks, the Q5. Slotting below the three-row Q7 in the range, the Q5 enters the luxury crossover vehicle market for 2009, boasting two inches in length and width over the popular BMW X3. It will be offered in the United States with a 3.2L, 265-hp V-6 FSI direct injection with all-wheel drive and a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The exterior design has a premium yet friendly feel that reminds of the Volkswagen Tiguan, wrapped in Q7 elegance, and finished by the distinct brand-signature trapezoidal grille. Bi-xenon headlamps are available, and LED taillights are standard. Audi brags about the 0.33 drag coefficient—low for an SUV. Thankfully, it appears the Q5 has bucked the recent trend for short side glass and large C-pillars conspiring to reduce outward visibility. The interior balances luxury with versatility. The cabin materials count aluminum, woods, chrome, leather, and Alcantara, as well as a large selection of optional design packages. The instrument cluster has a display screen, and there is large, central monitor. A navigation system with real-time traffic ability is available. The infotainment...
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Nary a blockbuster film makes it to the big screen without a sponsored, automotive tie-in. When Marvel super hero Iron Man takes to the screen on May 2, his marketing sidekick will be an Audi R8 . This pairs the brilliant, high-tech-driven Tony Stark played by Robert Downey Jr. with an exotic, high-tech coupe. No word if the R8 can fire repulsor beams from its four grille rings. Downey Jr. said in an official release, "I grew up with the Audi mystique. This carmaker has always been right in the forefront when it comes to technology, performance, innovation, and safety. I see Tony and myself as worthy ambassadors for Audi -- we're genuine fans of the make." If you watch the Iron Man movie trailer , you can see perhaps the cast had other feelings about a Cobra replica. There will be other Audis in the film, such as an S5 driven by Virginia "Pepper" Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. If you’re like Downey Jr., a fan of Audi and Iron Man, then it is worth flying over to a micro-site dedicated to the film. (Warning: you must turn off your pop-up blocker to visit.) It features technophile, billionaire Tony Stark's top-secret workshop. Two perspectives are available...
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Audi will introduce a TT diesel sports car at the Geneva Motor Show this week boasting 50 mpg. For the first time, the TT will be offered—in Europe—with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. Using common-rail fuel injection, this powerplant produces 168 horsepower, with a stout 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Audi claims it produces 20-percent less carbon dioxide than an equivalent gasoline engine. Already offered in the A4 sedan , this TDI engine promises a 0-60 mph time under 7.5 seconds. The TT TDI coupe has a 140-mph top speed and claims 53.3 mpg—quite impressive for a car that promises serious fun and luxury. For those who want to lower the top, the roadster makes do with a 138-mph terminal velocity and thrifty 51.3 mpg. The latest diesel engines are clean, quiet, thrifty, and delightfully powerful. More choices are expected here in the United States over the next couple of years, promising significant fuel-economy gains over traditional engines. However, right now, diesel fuel is priced above gasoline on average, partially negating some operating benefits. As worldwide demand for diesel continues to increase, it remains to be seen what role diesels will play in cars. Would you consider a diesel...
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The countdown is on for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and some kindly manufacturers are providing an early peek at things to come. Following up the redesigned Audi A4 sedan is the wagon edition, the A4 Avant. Audi has teased us with the promise of a new high-powered, four-cylinder turbocharged engine to be unveiled next month that promises an increase in performance and fuel economy. In Europe, the A4 already boasts a tempting array of powerplants: 1.8 TFSI – 164 hp, 184 lb.-ft. 3.2 FSI – 265 hp, 243 lb.-ft. 2.0 TDI – 143 hp, 236 lb.-ft. 2.0 TDI – 170 hp, 258 lb.-ft. 3.0 TDI – 240 hp, 367 lb.-ft. The Avant gives the sedan a straightforward wagon treatment, benefiting from the new platform and its longer wheelbase. A shift in proportions over the previous generation gives the Avant a sleeker, sportier look while gaining handling acumen from the revised suspension. Likewise, the latest A4 range boast a more sophisticated, feature-rich interior that sees the entire car line inch up in the luxury-car ranks. Raise the powered hatch on the Avant and you’ll find a carpet-lined cargo area with features such as a reversible cargo floor and a retractable cargo cover. Naturally, the rear seat is...
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