Audi
Audi’s entire EV range will carry e-tron badge
Written by admin on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Audi
After the great response of the public to the e-Tron EV concept at Los Angeles, Frankfurt, and Detroit Auto shows, Audi revealed that their entire range of electric coupes will carry the e-tron branding and that the roll out of the electric supercars will be limited.
The carmaker appears to be eyeing a similar strategy of how they marketed the legendary Audi Quattro. So we can expect that the e-Tron brand will have the same angst, power, and distinction when it goes to production two years from now.
The first batch of e-Trons will be assembled in Ingolstadt where they also do their electric car research, testing, and designing. The expected end goal is to produce at least 1,000 units of the e-Trons though it has not been revealed which Audi factory will handle the production.
Next generation Audi A3 sedan exclusive for North America
Written by admin on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Audi
Audi is determined to take the lead as the best selling luxury brand in the world by 2015. Accomplishing this goal will entail aggressiveness on the carmaker’s part as it plans to roll out quite a number of new car models.
The car manufacturer is looking at about 42 different car units being marketed by mid of the next decade. Audi is looking at the A7 4-door coupe, A1 minicar, Q3 Crossover, and even a production of its e-tron concept vehicle.
Other vehicles to beef up the line up will be variations of their existing models. One of the highly awaited units is the next generation of Audi A3 sedan. According to insiders, the 2013 model A3 sedan will be distributed exclusively in North America.
The financial crisis and weakening dollar has forced Audi to cutback on its plans to launch cars like the A3 convertible and A1 minicar in the United States. However, North America will still see the hybrid version of the Q5 before the year ends, A7 by 2011, and the A3 sedan by 2012.
Mcchip optimizes ECU of Audi TT-RS to output 400HP
Written by admin on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Audi
Mcchip enhances performances of vehicles by tweaking the ECU or electronic control unit and the vehicle management setup. The German tuning company’s latest pimping was done with the Audi TT-RS, giving it a performance boost. Well, the TT-RS does not necessarily need some extra power but Mcchip just wants to get as much from the engine as possible.
The stock Audi TT-RS has a turbocharged 2.5L 5-cylinder powertrain under its hood that can output 340hp and an excellent torque of 325lb-ft.
The first stage of the boost involved some inexpensive adjustment done by Mcchip and the power was raised to about 380hp. The torque jumps to 406lb-ft which can literally outpace other sports cars in the market today. The torque is really impressive given the 2.5L displacement. What Mcchip did for the second stage which takes the figures to 400hp will be revealed in the future.
2010 Audi Q7 starts roll off this month, gets minor Updates
Written by admin on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Audi
Audi released information that the 2010 Q7 will get new LED lighting treatment and an upgrade of its Multi Media Interface or MMI. The new Q7 also gets a new style of rims and new paint for the lower body.
The planned changes are very minor considering that the Audi Q7 is one of the most competitive big SUVs in the market right now, rivaling the BMW X5 and the next-gen M-Class from Mercedes-Benz.
A new tail lamp LED setup will be in place. Audi will also make available options for LED daytime lights and turn signals.
The 2010 Q7 will also have the latest version of Audi’s MMI, joystick control, 3D navigation map, and Sirius traffic data. The driver or occupant can actually say that they are hungry and the system will lead them to the nearest restaurants.
The Q7 has a history of good ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is also considered one of the safest vehicles in Audi’s fleet with Top Safety Pick recognition from the IIHS or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The 3.6L variant has a fuel economy of 14 mpg on city driving and jumps to 20 while cruising the highway. The 4.2L Q7 goes for 13mpg on city streets and 18 mpg on the highway.
The 2010 Q7 rolls out of Audi dealerships this month with sticker price starting at $47,725. The turbodiesel variant goes for at least $51,725. Consumers can get a $1150 tax credit if they buy the Q7 considered as a green vehicle.
