Audi Ideas for a 2030 concept car

Audi is using its Facebook fans to crowdsource ideas for a concept car of the future.

Audi is asking Facebook fans for ideas for a 2030 concept car

Audi has asked its 300,000 Facebook fans what functionality and features they'd like to see on a new vehicle in 2030 as part of a competition at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which has challenged vehicle manufacturers to design a youth-oriented car of the future.

Videos created by TurnHere encourage fans to participate in the design challenge, while follow-up discussion questions solicit specific feedback, such as 'How will your car play a role in keeping you connected to your digital world in the future?'

The videos showcase real Audi designers sharing their design philosophies and visions for the future of the automobile.

Audi Previews S5 Sportback, Green A4 TDI and A3 TFSI Before Frankfurt

The S5 Sportback builds on the already sleek and stylish base of the A5 Sportback and the S5 coupe/cabrio, adding a turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine rated at a potent 333 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Despite the big power figures and making the dash to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconcds, the S5 Sportback is still rated at 24.25 mpg. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. At the buyer's option, Audi can also fit a torque-biasing sport differential to the rear axle for improved driving dynamics. Sales of the S5 Sportback will kick of in the spring of 2010.

It's not known if either of the two greener models is planned for the U.S., but with the way fuel economy and emissions regulations are going, anything is possible. The two efficiency-focused models, based on the A4 and A3, use existing powertrain technology to get the most out of their respective platforms.

The A4 3.0 TDI does its green business with a diesel engine and quattro all-wheel drive, but the real star of this car's show is the super-clean emissions technology. Cutting NOx pollutants with a new DeNOX catalyst, the system also injects AdBlue additive to further reduce harmful nitrogen-based pollutants.

The 3.0-liter diesel in the A4 3.0 TDI is the same unit that's also found in the American-market Audi Q7 TDI, so certification and marketing of a diesel-powered A4 may not require much additional investment, making it a real possibility for U.S. buyers. Its sporting performance - 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds - also means it will have the pep American buyers require, despite also scoring a relatively thrifty 35 mpg rating.

As for the A3 platform, the Frankfurt show car gets an efficient 1.2-liter TFSI engine that draws on Audi's solid turbocharging and direct-injection technologies to yield 105 horsepower while still delivering 42.7 mpg combined. Carbon dioxide emissions are similarly eco-credible at just 127 grams per kilometer, or about 18 grams per kilometer above the Toyota Prius.

The A3 is already planned to begin sales in the first quarter of 2010, but it hasn't been green-lighted for the U.S. Initial models will be sold with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive only, making it a more likely car for Europe than the U.S., though Audi could choose to bring it to our side of the Atlantic later in the year.

[Audi]

Review: 2009 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro

Front-wheel-drive layouts worked better twenty years ago, when cars were lighter and engine output was akin to a couple of ponies on quaaludes. Today's obese modern cars require serious, purebred muscle to haul them around, and as a result, quick front-wheel-drive cars suffer from easy-to-provoke wheel spin and steering that's been novocained to mask torque steer. Point a powerful front-wheel-drive car up one of San Francisco's famously steep grades and try--just try--to get moving without squealing the front tires. Now try it in the rain, or--heaven forbid--snow.

Audi solved this dilemma years ago by sending some power to the rear wheels and calling it Quattro. The A3, which is the Volkswagen GTI's lower-roofed, more luxuriously appointed cousin, was heretofore available with Quattro only when paired with the optional 3.2-liter six-cylinder. For 2009, the four-wheel-drive A3 can be ordered with the more fuel-efficient and less expensive 200-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder and dual-clutch automatic.

The result is an upscale GTI that won't roast the front tires. The A3 Quattro handles even better than the VW, too, thanks to its improved balance, lower overall height, and available magnetorheological dampers. It exhibits almost no torque steer, and it suffers from none of the GTI's syrupy brake-pedal feel.

The A3's for-2009 evolutionary face-lift includes the de rigueur LED daytime running lights (when equipped with xenon headlamps). The front-wheel-drive Audi carries a price premium of about four grand over the GTI, and the four-wheel-drive system adds another two grand. Our fully loaded test car was priced at a hard-to-swallow $41,700, but the diminutive Audi had no problem swallowing four adults and $265 worth of groceries. Even with all the extra weight, San Francisco's most ardent leadfoot couldn't coax a squeak from the Audi's front tires climbing and hill-hopping the city's steepest inclines. The same silence wasn't exhibited by his passengers, of course.

On Sale: Now
Price: $31,325/$41,700 (base/as tested)
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged I-4, 200 hp, 207 lb-ft
Drive: 4-wheel
VIA

2009 Audi A4

First and foremost the new Audi A4 will utilize Audi's up-and-coming MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) technology which will form the basis of not only the Audi A4 and A5, but the also soon-to-be-revealed Q5 crossover SUV, next-generation A6, the as-yet-to-be-announced A7 and even the next A8. MLP allows Audi to place the engine and transmission further back behind the axle and helps stretch the wheelbase without lengthing the car's exterior dimensions. Less front overhang means the 2009 Audi A4 will be less front-heavy than its predecessor, a problem which has dogged most Audis for some time.

The new Audi A4 will only be about one inch longer than the current A4, although the longer wheelbase will make it appear to be a relatively bigger car. Front and rear overhang each decrease by nearly three inches. Thanks to its available next generation quattro all-wheel drive (rear-biased with a 40/60 split) and MLP architechture the new Audi A4 will handle significantly better than any of the previous generation A4s before it.

The new Audi A4 will also get something that its A5 brethren unfortunately did not - LED tail lamps. We have been told that the development cycle on the A5 was such that tail lamp designs had to be locked-in before the more cost effective LED models to be used on the Audi A4 could be finalized. The Audi A4 will also include headlight-integrated LED daytime running lights as an option, while the S4 will get them as a standard feature.

Inside the new Audi A4 it will be more of the same from Audi; world class interior treatments will grace the Audi A4 and each of its variants. The cabin will be very similar to the A5's with a more raked (and slightly driver's side skewed) center console, an all new climate control and audio center stack and more distinctive gauges. The driver will be able to adjust the armrest both up-and-down and by sliding front to back.

Interior seating comfort will be largely unchanged from the previous A4, with the exception of the rear seats where at least an inch of additional legroom will be available due to the wheelbase changes.

Powerplants for North America will be standard Audi fare with a 2.0-liter TFSI, a 3.2-liter V6 and the 4.2-liter FSI V8 in the S4 version. Expect to see a new 1.8-liter TFSI offering for Europe as well as both 4 and 6-cylinder TDI variants. Available transmissions will include a 6-speed manual, multitronic and Audi's newest S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Audi is being very tight lipped about exact Audi A4 variants beyond the standard sedan offering. Looking at the current generation Audi A4, Audi produces the Audi A4 sedan, Audi A4 Avant, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Audi S4 sedan, Audi S4 Avant, Audi S4 Cabriolet and Audi RS4. Things will definitely change, but the final details are unknown at this time.

We can safely speculate that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Cabriolets go away in favor of a A5 and S5 Cabriolets, respectively. We have also read at least one article saying that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Avants will be replaced by the upcoming Audi Q5, although we hear that this is simply not the case. The Q5 will be marketed as an SUV, which is clearly different than the Audi A4 / S4 Avant. Last, a four-door Audi A4 Sportback has been mentioned and this remains a weak possibility as a 2010 or beyond model.

The 2009 Audi A4 will be available in Europe by spring 2008 with general availability in North America later that fall. No pricing has been confirmed, but consumers should not expect to see much in the way of price increases. One things is certain: buyers will be getting more car for the money with the next generation Audi A4.

Audi Q5 Tested

Well, the Audi Q5 is no Q7. And that’s a good thing, even if it isn’t a true sportwagon replacement.

The Audi Q5 really did impress us once we got our hands on it, even among those of us who tend to find German luxury vehicles a bit too complex and overdone. It was the baby bear of the luxury, small SUV class in most areas – everything was just right. The ride and handling were impressive (unlike the BMW X3), the interior was roomy for the class (unlike the Infiniti EX), mileage wasn’t terrible (looking at you, Volvo XC60), and its low-speed ride is composed (that’s a demerit for the Mercedes-Benz GLK).

Add in its weight and Price. Well, there’s a bit of a negative. The Q5 definitely is porky at 4,320 pounds (but when has a recent Audi been praised for its light weight?), and its $42,800 as-tested price puts it on the podium for pricey compact sporty sport-utility vehicles, just behind the BMW X3.

And, like the comparison made in the Mercedes-Benz GLK blog, the Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited does pretty much everything the Q5 does, while carrying about 900 fewer pounds and at a nearly $14,000 savings. While it lacks the cachet of a German brand, for some people that cash savings certainly softens the impact felt among peers at the tennis club.

While I do like the Q5—and my wife likes it even more—I wish there was a better business case for Audi to sell manual transmission-equipped, all-wheel-drive sportwagons (with diesel, please) rather than SUVs. With both the A4 and A6 Avants stuck with automatics, and the new S4 available only as a sedan, I guess there is always the pre-owned market.
All new 2009 Audi Q5 SUV

2012 Audi Coupe Quattro Relaunched

2012 Audi Coupe Quattro is based on the S5 coupe. Chopping the wheelbase would have burst the budget, but Audi did craft new front and rear ends onto a largely unchanged passenger cell. The Anniversario also boasts a tall rear spoiler, wider C-pillars, a lowered ride height, and wild wheel-arch flares, as well as a lighter hood, trunk lid, and doors.

Details that hark back to the original coupe include large four-ring decals, Quattro badges engraved in the polycarbonate rear windows, S1-style front air intakes, and painted aluminum wheels. More modern touches include LED running lights and adaptive underbody aerodynamics. Add to this bigger brakes, twenty-inch wheels, and an all-wheel-drive system with an even more rear-biased torque split, and you'll see why this beast marks a very special evolution of the Quattro theme. The ambitious target weight is 3100 pounds, which insiders suggest will be propelled by a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 rated at about 400 hp. Recently, though, the purists in Audi's R&D department have instead proposed a 340-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder variant of the Audi TT RS engine. That unit would be lighter and less thirsty than the six, not to mention a better fit historically. Theoretically, the Anniversario could be readied as soon as late next year. In reality, however, the project has stalled for economic reasons. Still, the car is expected to appear in concept form to honor the Coupe Quattro's thirtieth anniversary, which is due to be celebrated late next year. If the response is positive, the production version would be launched in 2012 - by which point this economic crisis hopefully will be history.

Peugeot's Audi TT

Peugeot has revealed more details about its take on the Audi TT, the RCZ.

The coupe caused a stir at the Frankfurt motor show two years ago when it was first revealed as a concept car and the production version retains the 'double bubble' roof and aluminium roof arches.

At the back, a pop-up spoiler lifts into two different positions, depending on speed.

The car is based on the same platform as the 308 small family car, but is lower and the wheels are set wider apart.

Three engines will be available from the car's launch next year.

156bhp 1.6-litre petrol
This is capable of 40.9mpg and emits 159g/km of carbon dioxide. It's mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, but a six-speed sequential automatic gearbox will be available next summer. It will be the only version to be offered with an auto 'box.

200bhp 1.6-litre petrol
The flagship model can blast from 0-62mph off in 7.6 seconds, yet is still capable of 39.8mpg and emits 165g/km of CO2. Peugeot says the four-cylinder engine will have a range of innovative technologies, such as a twin-scroll turbocharger for instant response at low revs.

Peugeot also says this engine has 'Sound System' technology, where a different sound is created at different revs. We look forward to hearing what this is all about.

163bhp 2.0-litre diesel
Diesel fans can can opt for 2.0-litre FAP which boasts fuel economy of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

Interior
Expect a sporty driving position, with what Peugeot describes as 'wrap-around seats with integral head restraints that fit like a glove'.

There are metallic highlights around the dials and the dashboard is covered in soft-feel materials that are 'high-tech in appearance and very elegant in style'.

The RCZ is described as a 2+2 coupe and Peugeot says that the two seats in the rear are 'perfectly useable' – a description which can't really be aimed at the seats in the back of a TT. The RCZ's seats can be folded down to increase boot space.

Prices have yet to be announced, but whatever the cost, buyers can spend more personalising their RCZ.

Options include a carbon-fibre roof, roof arches in various colours and a range of 18- or 19-inch alloys available in several finishes – matt or polished black, dark grey and diamante.

New Images: 2010 Audi S4

We saw the 2010 Audi S4 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and it crossed our mind at that time that everyone at the stand was so proud of Audi dropping the 340-hp V8 for a supercharged V6 that makes 333-hp. We, on the other hand, think Audi is a bit late to the market with their supercharged V6.

Rivals Infiniti and BMW have already been in the market with their 330-hp Infiniti G37 and 300-hp (actually produces 320-hp according to dyno results) BMW 335i a little over a year now.

2009 Audi S5 Review

2009 Audi S5 Price: MSRP - $51,400

The 2009 Audi S5 adds a couple of changes after a S5 debuted as a brand brand brand new indication for 2008. 2009 Audi S5 Drive Select package includes Audi Drive Select System, adaptive cessation dampers as well as energetic steering system.

2009 Audi S5 Overview

The 2009 Audi S5 is Germany’s take upon a American flesh car; with a absolute nonetheless stylish styling, it represents during both a draw towards frame as well as upon Rodeo Drive. The new Audi S5 is a provide for all a senses. It isn’t inexpensive, though after spending time in this sharp brand brand brand new coupe, many buyers will expected feel it’s value each dime.

2009 Audi S5

2009 Audi S5

2010 Audi A8 is scheduled for the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

This is the all new 2010 Audi A8. Ingolstadt’s answer to the 7-series of Bavaria and S-class of Munich.

Audi R8 Sport Lapping the Nurburgring Spied

The most apparent fault with the Audi R8 is its lack of visceral oomph. Mind you, it's no deal breaker: The 4.2L R8 took our "America's Best Handling Car" award last year. Yet the feeling is the same on the 5.2L V-10 "Plus" model. As Arthur St. Antoine wrote in his review, "The 5.2 doesn't feel that fast. If there's a flaw in the character of this immensely gifted machine, it's that it's too genteel."

If the above spy photos offer any indication, Audi could be adding some brashness. Our photographers caught what looks to be a lightweight Sport version of the mid-engine supercar running laps on the Nürburgring. The wheels and exhaust tips are 5.2L V-10 spec, but offer little information otherwise.

Aesthetic differences are minimal on this prototype. We see subtle canards on the ends of the lower fascia, quick-release buttons on the trunk, a wing, and a more aggressive rear diffuser. While there's always a hope for more power from the Gallardo-sourced, 518-hp mill in the R8, we wonder how fearful the German overlords are of stepping on the Italian's toes.

Audi Adds Another $1,000 on Top of Clunkers Deal

Now that the government has added another $2 billion to the Cash for Clunkers program, Audi has gone ahead and lobbed on an $1,000 incentive to further entice buyers.

The $1,000 cash-back offer will through Aug. 31 and includes 2008 and 2009 models. Once the 2010s are evaluated by the EPA for gas mileage ratings, it’s possible some of those models could be included. The models eligible for the deal are also limited to certain versions of the A3, A4, TT and Q5 (sorry, R8 buyers). Eighteen Audis are included overall.

Keep in mind, this deal is only available if you’re trading in a clunker under the government’s CARS program. We’re not exactly sure how many prospective Audi buyers would do so, but check after the jump for a full list of Audi vehicles eligible for the $1,000 incentive.

• 2008 Audi A3 2.0T
• 2008 Audi A4 2.0T
• 2008 Audi A4 Avant Quattro 2.0T
• 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T
• 2008 Audi TT Coupe
• 2008 Audi TT Roadster
• 2009 Audi A3 2.0T
• 2009 Audi A3 Quattro 2.0T
• 2009 Audi A4 2.0T
• 2009 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0T
  
• 2009 Audi A4 Avant Quattro 2.0T
• 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
• 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet Quattro 2.0T
• 2009 Audi TT Coupe 2.0T
• 2009 Audi TT Coupe Quattro 2.0T
• 2009 Audi TT Roadster 2.0T
• 2009 Audi TT Roadster Quattro 2.0T
• 2009 Audi Q5

Audi preparing lightweight, track-focused R8 V10?

First came the R8. Then came the race-spec R8 LMS. Then the V10-powered R8 5.2 FSI, with the roadster version waiting in the wings. The diesel version may have been canceled, but now Audi is said to be working on a light-weight, track-focused version of its flagship supercar.

Test mules for what is believed to be the so-called R8 Sport have been seen lapping the Nürburgring (where else?) with some subtle visual cues to its orientation. With a fixed rear wing and mildly revised ground effects, the lion's share of the modifications would be made under the skin where Audi is tipped to have removed luxuries like the stereo and air-con. A modified exhaust could add a few extra horses while the bulk of improvements to the car's power-to-weight ratio would be borne from the weight reduction.

Although Audi could draw inspiration from the new LP550 Valentino Balboni and jettison the all-wheel-drive system to save weight, following the previous Gallardo Superleggera's formula by keeping it in place would seem more in character for the automaker that staked its claim on Quattro.

Pricing Announced for 2010 Audi A3, A6, A8, and TT

Audi's 2010 lineup has been priced and is headed to dealerships ahead of schedule. Audi, bucking economic trends, said that sales of the A5 and S5 were more than 57 percent higher in the first seven months of the year than in the same period of 2008, causing the company to push 2010 sales ahead by "several weeks" for many models.


Changes on all models are evolutionary, with upgrades to several option packages. For the first time in 2010 — and, Audi says, the first time in the U.S. for any car manufacturer — all gasoline engines get FSI direct-injection technology.

The R8 supercar gets an all-new engine, a 5.2-liter FSI V10 that makes 525 horsepower and pushes the car from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds. Other changes for the 2010 R8 include an iPod interface, carbon-fiber-trimmed door sills and a body kit. Parking assist is now available as well, and seats get Napa leather surfaces. Prices range from $115,400 for the R8 with 4.2 FSI V8 and six-speed manual transmission to $156,300 for the R8 with the new 5.2 FSI V10 and R tronic transmission. The R8's prices include a $1,200 destination charge.

The 2010 A3 gets upgraded wheels, and xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights are now standard on Premium Plus versions. The sportier S line exterior look is now standard on all A3s. A wood-accented interior is now available on all models, and leather/Alcantara seats are optional on Titanium Sport models. Audi has done away with the 3.2 FSI engine option, and all models will have the 2.0-liter turbo engine.

The A3 starts at $28,095 for the Premium 2.0T model with manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The top-end 2.0T Quattro with S tronic and the Premium Plus package is priced at $33,675. All prices for this and other models except the R8 include an $825 destination charge. A 2.0 TDI "clean diesel" engine will be available in December, with pricing to be released later.

The 2010 A4 gets the third-generation MMI and Sirius on navigation-equipped models. Among the other option changes, Bluetooth and HomeLink are now packaged as a unit on Premium A4s, and Bang & Olufsen audio is an option now on Premium Plus models. The A4 2.0T Quattro with manual transmission and the Premium package starts at $33,175, while the top Prestige A4 2.0T Quattro Avant with Tiptronic and the Prestige package starts at $45,375.

For 2010, the A5 gets a new 2.0 TFSI version that makes 211 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The A5 TFSI cabriolet and S5 3.0 supercharged TFSI cabriolet will be out in the fall, with pricing to be announced later.

Audi notes that the A5 Quattro with manual transmission now costs $4,700 less than the previous equivalent, the manual A5 3.2 Quattro. The A5 coupe with manual transmission and Premium package costs $36,825, with the top A5 3.2 Quattro coupe with Tiptronic and Prestige package costing $49,625. The S5 with 4.2-liter V8, manual transmission and Premium Plus package costs $53,225, while the top Prestige version of the S5 4.2 V8 with Tiptronic is $58,275.

The most notable addition to the Audi A6 is a new 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine that makes 265 hp. There are also new Sport packages with 18- or 19-inch tires, lowered sport suspension and sport steering wheel. Daytime running lights are also standard on models with halogen lights. A heated steering wheel with shift paddles is now standard on A6s with the optional Cold Weather package. A6 pricing ranges from the 3.2 FSI front-wheel-drive model with Multitronic and the Premium package, which starts at $46,025, to the 3.0 TFSI Avant Quattro with Tiptronic and the Premium package, priced at $54,135.

The 2010 Q5 gets standard daytime running lights, navigation upgrades and new 18- and 19-inch sport wheel and tire choices. The Q5 will also get the new 3.2-liter FSI V6. The Q5 Quattro with Tiptronic and Premium package starts at $38,175, with the top Prestige model at $49,675.

Audi notes that the 2010 Q7 3.6, 4.2 and TDI will be out in October, with pricing and other details to be announced later.

The TT gets a "simplified" lineup for 2010 and no major changes. The prices range from $38,625 for the TT Coupe with S Tronic and the Premium package to $55,775 for the Prestige level TTS Roadster.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10

time and again, and so repeated full-on stops did not blunt the edge. This example, however, only begins to scratch the surface of the R8 V10’s true potential.

What makes this version so special is its engine. To begin with, the R8’s monster naturally aspirated engine attains the Holy Grail of producing more than 100 horsepower per litre of displacement — 100.9 in this case. Using variable valve timing on each of its four camshafts and direct fuel injection, the 5.2-litre V10 dishes out 525 stallions and 390 pound-feet of torque, 80% of which is ready to run at 1,000 rpm. It also loves to rev, and it does so freely all the way to its 8,700-rpm redline. When doing its thing, the sound it generates is commensurate with its wherewithal — when out for a leisurely loaf only the two outer tailpipes bark, which keeps things to a civil decibel level. Hit the gas and the two inner pipes open. With all four pipes playing along, the roar builds to a delightful crescendo. It is a sweet siren to be sure.

From the six-speed manual transmission, the power reaches the road through massive P235/35R19 front and P295/30R19 rear tires and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. In this case, the setup sends 85% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, which imparts the desired rear-drive feel. If slippage does occur, up to 30% of the drive can be sent forward, which keeps the electronic nanny’s intervention to a minimum. On that note, don’t turn the overseer off. Those foolhardy enough to do so will find out first-hand what separates Michael Schumacher from most mortal drivers — in spite of the quattro system, the R8 still manages to light up all four tires on a fast pull-away.

So, how fast is it? Blindingly quick, but in more ways than those usually used to quantify power and performance. To begin with, using an aluminum spaceframe keeps the mass of the body-in-white to 210 kilograms and the V10 engine only weighs 258 kg. As a result, the entire car tips the scales at just 1,620 kg. All of this means that each of the engine’s 525 pumped stallions has to motivate only 3.09 kg of leather-lined automobile. Now these numbers give rise to some equally impressive performance figures — the R8 V10 romps to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and it flashes though 200 km/h in 12 seconds. Keep the hammer down and, well, pray you get to keep both Ls.

Audi Q5

Audi joined the SUV/crossover party very late when it launched the Q7 a few years back, so the company was not able to fully reap the rewards of the boom period that other manufacturers enjoyed. However, when you enter a segment late you are able to benefit from the hits and minimize the misses that were suffered by those who went before you.

This is not to say that the new Q5 crossover is a copycat or clone vehicle, quite the contrary. I tested Audi’s small crossover and discovered that a lot of the Q7’s charms have been shared with the smaller, nimble Q5.

The Q5 is a crossover based on the A4 car platform. It shares a production line with the A4 and A4 Avant, but the Q5 is taller, longer and wider than its sedan cousins.

The size/dimensions really come into play if you park a Q5 next to a Q7. The Q7 has a shape akin to a short loaf of bread while the Q5 looks like a slightly enlarged kaiser roll. The dimensions alone indicate that the Q5 is an all-new proposition.

Measuring 15.19 feet long and 6.17 feet wide, with a height of just 5.4 feet, casual observers may view the Q5 as a pumped up wagon, but the Q5 is more. Audi wants you to think of it as an SUV/crossover with “sporty elegance” that is able to do some off-roading when required.

The Q5’s drivetrain is a one-choice-fitsall combination with a 3.2-liter FSI directinjection six-cylinder engine and a smoothshifting six-speed Tiptronic automatic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The Q5’s six-cylinder produces 270 horsepower and 243 pounds-feet of torque. Audi lists city/highway/combined fuel economy at 18/23/20 respectively. I managed about 19 mpg combined, but I had on my heavy shoes the week of the test drive.

The Q5’s front end is dominated by the familiar Audi headlights and the signature Audi single-frame grille. My test vehicle came with optional bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and creased edges are especially prominent features. Crowned by a railing, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupelike styling. The rear features a wraparound aluminum tailgate – same as the hood. Overall, I liked the styling – it looks contemporary, crisp and upscale – especially with the handsome 18-inch wheels and fatty tires.

Audi has a well-deserved reputation for designing premium interiors with a high level of fit and finish. The Q5’s plush cabin includes a driver-oriented cockpit that has an upright sitting position for a command view. The seats were a tad on the firm side, but not uncomfortable. I like how Audi accented the fine leather seating surfaces with real trim pieces, including aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome and Alcantara.

The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, three-zone climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster with a nanny function that indicates the recommended gear for efficient driving in any given situation – thanks Audi.

Next-gen Audi MMI could feature handwriting recognition

When new cars and old tech collide...

(Credit: Autobild.de/Audi)

Audi's next-generation MultiMedia Interface (MMI) could feature handwriting recognition. You read that right, handwriting recognition. Not advanced voice command. Not some science-fiction extrasensory perception interface, but plain old 20th century handwriting recognition. I thought these cabin tech interfaces were supposed to be getting less complex.

According to German car blog Autobild, the new MMI should debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt on the new Audi A8. The handwriting-recognition portion, poorly Google translated as "Finger Ready," will feature a character input square where drivers will finger-paint letters on the screen a la first-generation Palm OS Graffiti, which to be honest is still probably much faster than the current MMI's rotary-dial-based input method.

We've already had a look at the first wave of MMI upgrades, which feature a relocated MMI controller and a much-improved interface. Audi has not officially announced the handwriting system as part of its MMI roadmap, but September and the Frankfurt auto show are just around the corner.

Next-Gen Audi A8 Includes Handwriting Recognition

There's comes a time in every technology's life when the envelope gets pushed just for the sake of getting pushed. For Audi's already complex MMI, this is it. Right around this time last year, we were drooling quite profusely over the A8's next-generation Multi Media Interface (which is basically a snazzy name for an in-dash NAV system), but this year, we're wondering who exactly will take advantage of the R8's next system. Aside from getting a much needed UI makeover, Autobild is reporting that said platform will include support for handwriting recognition. So far as we can tell, you simply pencil in your next address with your greasy digits and tag the correct word that pops up there on the right. We're still waiting to hear why this is preferred over a decent voice recognition system, but hey, so long as James Bond approves, who are we to argue?

Audi Confirms '09 Outlook; Sees 2H Difficulties

Volkswagen AG's (VOW.XE) premium division Audi AG (NSU.XE) Friday confirmed its full-year operating profit outlook despite reporting a drop in net profit, but stayed in the black as many of its rivals posted losses due to weaker demand.

For the second half of the year, it expects profit to decline compared to the first half and predicts a positive operating profit in the third and fourth quarters, Chief Financial Officer Axel Strotbek told reporters.

"We're very satisfied with the result for the first half-year, but are keeping our feet on the ground because we expect to face some difficulties in the second half of the year," said Strotbek in a statement. "Despite this, we're maintaining our targets of selling 900,000 vehicles by the end of the year and achieving a significant operating profit."

In 2008 it sold just over a million cars, a mark it targets to reach again in the next two to three years.

Strotbek wasn't optimistic about the outlook for the auto market and said "the overall market probably won't improve markedly in the second half of the year."

Audi steered better through the industry gloom than its rivals due to its lower exposure to the troubled U.S. market, a large presence in China and the launch of several new or updated models.

Net profit attributable to shareholders in the first half fell to EUR671 million from EUR907 million as it sold 466,000 cars. After tax profit, or net profit including minority interests, fell to EUR697 million from EUR930 million.

Audi doesn't keep still but continues to innovate. "Every year we invest around EUR2 billion in the development of innovative products and efficient driveline technologies," Strotbek said. The company plans to launch the new A5 Sportback starts in September in Germany, with the A8 full-size sedan following in 2010 and after that, "halfway through the year, the totally new Audi A1." By 2015 the brand intends to increase its range to 42 models, from 32 currently.

Supercharged Audi S5 Cabriolet breezes in

Cabriolet lovers hopeful of an Indian summer will welcome the new Audi S5 Cabriolet, which becomes available to order in the UK this month priced at £42,245 OTR and will touch down here in October.

The latest A5 range flagship is powered by the same all-new supercharged six-cylinder engine that enables the previously V8-powered S4 Saloon to deliver characteristic sports car pace with atypically high efficiency, and its influence is equally palpable in this latest application. Working exclusively in conjunction with the equally economy-focused 7-speed S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission, the new unit pares CO2 output back to 224g/km and boosts economy to up to 29.1mpg, yet also powers the S5 Cabriolet to 62mph in 5.6 seconds and on to a governed 155mph top speed.

In common with every other S quattro Series model, the outstanding performance is achieved with the help of quattro four-wheel-drive, in this instance in the form of the latest generation asymmetric system with 40/60 rear-biased torque split. The benefits of this configuration in terms of adjustability can be felt even more acutely if the optional sport differential, with its ability to not only transfer torque between the front and rear axles but also between the rear wheels, is specified as part of the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system. When the steering wheel is turned or the car accelerated in a corner, the differential redirects power in a controlled manner to the outer rear wheel, literally pushing the car through the corner. The driver benefits from reduced steering effort and a feeling of even greater adjustability and control.

Specially tailored ‘S’ sports suspension gives the quattro system and sport differential optimum conditions in which to shine, and lowers the S5 Cabriolet body to within millimetres of its 19-inch 5 parallel spoke alloy wheels. Aluminium-look door mirrors, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, rear LED lamps, special ‘S’ front and rear styling treatments and black painted brake callipers bearing the S5 logo will also be distinguishing features.

Supercharged S5 Audi's open top flagship

Supercharged S5 Audi's open top flagship

A HIGH performance version of Audi's latest cabriolet is going on sale in October powered by a new supercharged V6 engine.

The S5 Cabriolet, priced from £42,245, will replace the open top S4 V8.

The new three-litre engine develops 330bhp and, mated to a standard seven speed S tronic dual clutch transmission, has a 0 to 60mph acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph.

Fuel economy is a claimed average of 29.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 224g/km.

The S5 can also be fitted with Audi's new sport differential giving the standard quattro four-wheel-drive system extra traction.

Like the A5 Cabrio, the S5 is fitted with a reinforced soft top which keeps noise levels to a minimum. The electrically powered hood can be lowered in 15 seconds and operated at speeds up to 31mph.

Audi S5 Cabriolet

Audi's new S5 Cabriolet replaces the S4 Cabriolet as the company's premier high-performance open-topped model. The older car's naturally-aspirated V8 engine is now a thing of the past, and in its place comes the supercharged three-litre V6 already found in the S4 saloon and Avant.

The V6 develops a maximum of 328bhp and drives all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic semi-automatic twin-clutch transmission. This arrangement gives a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155mph, so the car doesn't exactly hang about, but it also has relatively reasonable fuel economy and CO2 figures of 29.1mpg combined and 224g/km.

Closely based on the A5 Cabriolet already covered in a launch report and, in the case of the 2.0 TFSI S line, a road test, the S5 nevertheless looks significantly different with 19" alloy wheels, front and rear styling upgrades and lowered suspension.

The new car is available to order from UK dealers now, priced at £42,245, and customer deliveries are due to start in October.