Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Audi, UK

Trafalgar Square is located in central London. It plays host to thousands of people on a daily basis. The square is filled with memorial fountains and allows direct passage to the National gallery, and starting September 16th, it will serve as the backdrop for the London Digital Festival.

Audi has determined this would make a good time to unleash its opening salvo in favor of the impending revolution by Skynet and the robots. The automaker's mechanical beast consists of eight robotic arms and weighs over 10 metric tons. It's known simply as The Octopus. Fine, it's not an octo-armed assault system but rather a new art installation device.

Each arm features a LED headlight taken from the Audi R15 TDI racecar , mounted at the end of each arm. Messages up to 80 characters in length can be sent to octopus from a computer or smartphone via the Outrace.org website, and these bits of text will be chosen at random and written in real time in the form of "light paintings." The images will be captured by SLR cameras and then transferred into a video. The images and video will be available via the Outrace site, as well as sent to the chosen contributors. To see the arms in action, you can view streaming video at both the Outrace site and Audi.com . The footage will be available 24 hours a day, for eight days.

It all sounds quite odd yet intriguing. The big robotic arms will be able to write out letters up to nearly 12 feet high, yet they are capable of precise movements down to 0.2 millimeters. Be sure to watch the trailer after the jump , and read Audi's press release to understand what all the fuss is about. We haven't throw out that Skynet idea just yet...

[Sources: Audi, YouTube ]

Continue reading Video: Audi loans eight robot arms for art installation

Video: Audi loans eight robot arms for art installation originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/10/10 11:31 PM

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

When it comes to the new wave of weird sedan-hatchbacks popping up from various manufacturers, the Audi A7 Sportback is hands-down the most attractive, at least to our eyes. Whereas the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has a bit of a problem with proportions, the A7 Sportback manages to maintain the grace that's become a trademark of Audi exterior design. At least that's what we've seen from the press photos. Fortunately, Audi has just churned out a bevy of videos that take the time to pour over every last inch of the car so that the forum of the interwebs can make a more informed decision.

The verdict? We're still of the mind that the A7 Sportback is as attractive as this segment gets. Watching the mega sedan prowl the country paths and beaches around the Italian island of Sardina only solidified our opinion on that front. We don't expect you to take our point of view for gospel, though. Hit the jump to check out the four videos for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Catchmyshadow!

[Source: YouTube ]

Continue reading Video: Audi A7 Sportback footage hits the information superhighway

Video: Audi A7 Sportback footage hits the information superhighway originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/10/10 9:30 PM

Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich says the German manufacturer is considering mounting its first full campaign in the United States since 2008.

www.topix.net | 9/10/10 7:13 PM

The maker of VW and Audi cars said it was detecting no signs of recovery in its home market of Germany, where sales have slumped. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 9/10/10 9:50 AM

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, UK, Luxury

The Euro-spec Audi R8 Spyder will soon be available with a more powerful version of the automaker's 4.2-liter V8 engine. The EU5-approved FSI unit gets ten more horses, going from 420 to 430 horsepower. It also gets an energy recuperation system that comes into effect during coasting and braking. The run from zero to 62 miles per hour takes 4.8 seconds, and a 186-mph top speed is possible "in the appropriate circumstances" (i.e., out on the Autobahn).

For the six-speed manual you'll need £95,545 ($147,759 USD based on current exchange rates), while the not-so-great R-Tronic will require £100,855 ($155,966 USD). The hardtop R8 will also be getting this upgraded engine, and both will be available in January of next year. Don't worry - the new engine will be coming to the U.S., as well. The press release on Audi UK's new V8 is after the jump, and high-res photos are in the gallery below.



[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi UK offering upgraded 4.2L V8 for R8 Spyder

Audi UK offering upgraded 4.2L V8 for R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/9/10 7:28 PM

The Audi corporate logo is seen at the International Car Show at Heysel, on January 22, 2008 in Brussels, Belgium.

www.topix.net | 9/8/10 9:17 PM

German luxury car maker Audi reported on Wednesday record monthly sales in China and the United States as overall sales worldwide gained 22 percent in August from the level 12... feedproxy.google.com | 9/8/10 11:19 AM

German luxury car maker Audi reported on Wednesday record monthly sales in China and the United States as overall sales worldwide gained 22 percent in August from the level 12 months earlier. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 9/8/10 9:21 AM

Kuka robotics arms work on an Audi A5 automobile during the assembly process at the Audi AG factory in Germany recently.

www.topix.net | 9/8/10 4:44 AM

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi

Audi 's full-bore RS5 treatment may only be available in coupe form, but that doesn't mean droptop enthusiasts can't join in on some of the fun. Senner AG , a company known for its Audi upgrades, now offers its RS design package for the A5 Cabriolet , and while it doesn't boast the outrageous power numbers of the RS5, it certainly has the look, with a couple of eccentric one-off touches, to boot.

Starting with an A5 2.0T Cabriolet, Senner has bumped engine output from 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque up to a more palatable 275 hp and 317 lb-ft through the use of sport air filters and ECU recalibration. An all-new exhaust system has also been fitted, as well, giving the A5 a louder, angrier sound - something even the S5 Cabriolet could benefit from.

Visually, Senner has added larger front air intakes similar to those on the RS5, though the A5's foglamps have been kept intact. Filling out the wheel wells are silver-chrome 20-inch wheels, wrapped in low-profile tires (245/30 in front, 295/25 out back), and a new rear diffuser has been added to round off the host of exterior upgrades. The interior has largely been left alone, save the addition of carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin.

Senner's kit retails for a healthy €19,900 (roughly $25k USD), and when added to the €55,000 cost of a new A5 Cabriolet, that brings the whole package to €74,900, or $95,150 USD based on current exchange rates. Scroll through the gallery below to see the handsome Senner A5 from all angles, and hit the jump for the full details in the press release.



[Source: Senner AG]

Continue reading Audi won't build you an RS5 Cabrio, but Senner will sell you the next best thing

Audi won't build you an RS5 Cabrio, but Senner will sell you the next best thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/7/10 8:00 PM

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Audi

We'll be honest: we have no idea what's going on in the video after the jump. Near as we can tell, Audi wanted to work up a photo shoot for its new A1 subcompact, so the company dialed up two members of the band Tokio Hotel, packed a warehouse with 22 pieces of classic iron and went to town. Yeah, we don't quite get it ourselves. There's a '50s drag-race flavor about the whole affair thanks to a tatted-up blonde bombshell playing flag girl, which only furthers our befuddlement.

At least the song isn't half bad.

It's true that the Audi A1 is a pretty cool piece of machinery. And, yes, we dig on pre-'60s hardware as much as the next auto-obsessed site, but the two aren't quite the same kind of awesome. Maybe Audi is looking to flex the customizable side of the A1, or maybe the ad department was just looking for an excuse to meet a couple of members of Tokio Hotel. Who knows? Hit the jump to try to solve this mystery for yourself.



[Source: Audi via YouTube ]

Continue reading Video: Audi channels '50s street racing scene for A1 photo shoot?

Video: Audi channels '50s street racing scene for A1 photo shoot? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 9/7/10 5:29 PM

Bayerische Motoren Werke will expand the BMW and Mini model ranges to grow annual sales 55 percent over the next decade and fend off Volkswagen and Daimler www.businessweek.com | 9/7/10 3:49 PM

Kapow Technologies provides Web data services to more than 400 enterprises, including AT&T, Walt Disney, Morgan Stanley, Intel, Vodafone, and Audi.

www.topix.net | 9/6/10 11:28 PM

Two people die as a white van collides with a black Audi on the A34 in Berkshire. www.bbc.co.uk | 9/6/10 10:32 AM

Dominique Boesch, former general manager of Audi's Japan operation, was appointed managing director of the Audi sales division at Sino-German joint venture FAW Volkswagen Automobile Co on Sept 1, succeeding Johannes Thammer, who will take charge of Volkswagen's sales strategy in Germany. Boesch, 44, worked for Audi as sales manager in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Turkey and France after joining the Volkswagen Group in 1991. He was in charge of Audi's Singaporean operation in 2003 and ... english.people.com.cn | 9/5/10 11:31 PM

German luxury carmaker Audi plans to churn out more from its existing plant in India through a second production shift as it aims to more than double its sales by 2015, a top company executive said. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 9/5/10 10:26 PM

German luxury car manufacturer Audi's Indian subsidiary Saturday reported that its August sales grew 46 percent and stood at 250 cars. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 9/4/10 11:59 AM

German luxury carmaker Audi plans to churn out more from its existing plant in India through a second production shift as it aims to more than double its sales by 2015. economictimes.indiatimes.com | 9/4/10 12:32 AM

Luxury car-maker, Audi India has clocked a 66% growth at 1,876 units during January-August 2010 as against 1,128 units in the same period last year, the company said in a statement. www.dnaindia.com | 9/3/10 1:10 PM

The German automaker Audi, which is owned by Volkswagen, is getting worried about "crazy" steel prices, a director said Friday in an interview."At the moment, to our great... feedproxy.google.com | 9/3/10 10:48 AM

) recommendation to Accumulate from Buy and reduced Target Price from LE 230.22 to LE 201.02. Audi stated that, it has updated its financials for Mobinil after taking into account lower-than-expected... story.arabherald.com | 9/1/10 3:00 PM

) recommendation to Accumulate from Buy and reduced Target Price from LE 230.22 to LE 201.02. Audi stated that, it has updated its financials for Mobinil after taking into account lower-than-expected... feeds.caironews.net | 9/1/10 3:00 PM

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

The arrival of the A1 abroad means the tuning of Audi's pint-sized hatch begins in earnest. Germany's Senner has taken on the angry-eyed three-door and has beefed up the 1.6 TDI model, boosting output from 103 to 138 horsepower. And just the engine mods alone will run you €899 ($1,146 U.S.).

If you have more needs and more to spend, the comprehensive Senner Tuning Package for €4,999 ($6,373 U.S.) bolts on an adjustable KW suspension, 18-inch Barracuda Voltec T6 wheels, stainless steel sport exhaust and "special painting." For more details, check out the presser after the jump and for a look, hit up the gallery of high-res photos below.



[Source: Senner]

Continue reading Senner Tuning among first to amp up Audi A1

Senner Tuning among first to amp up Audi A1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/31/10 1:58 PM

Dynamism has its fascination, but it needs perfection to ensure safety. Audi offers a training program with a comprehensive range of standard course offerings to improve owners' driving abilities. Since Audi Driving Experience (ADE) was launched in China in 2003, tens of thousands of Chinese customers have participated in the global training program. In 2010, ADE training program is completely upgraded. The latest training program includes basic training, sportscar experience, to ... english.people.com.cn | 8/30/10 1:05 AM

According to reports, Balotelli was at the wheel of his Audi A8 when it collided with a BMW in Chester Road, Hulme. www.dnaindia.com | 8/29/10 10:40 AM

By Sun Zhe China's home-grown automobile brand Red Flag plans to boost its output and expand into the growing limousine market. First Auto Works (FAW) is planning to revitalize the brand, a household name in China, by investing 1.79 billion yuan ($263.24 million) to update the Red Flag production line and raise the annual output by 2013 to 30,000 units. The Red Flag is to compete with Audi A6 and Benz E-class, according to an FAW statement released Thursday at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. ... english.people.com.cn | 8/27/10 8:40 AM

The plan was to assemble 80,000 cars next year, but due to the high demand this number will be adjusted to 100,000 or even 120,000. feedproxy.google.com | 8/26/10 12:03 PM

An upcoming collaboration between revered German automaker Audi and Swedish-German design firm Kram/Weisshaar turns London's Trafalgar Square into an interactive message center.

www.topix.net | 8/26/10 11:21 AM

Initially, Audi planned on keeping its new A1 compact a European exclusive . However, after unexpected interest around the world, the company's diminutive hatchback will now go global, but unfortunately there are no plans to bring it to the U.S. The news of the Audi A1 sales expansion comes from Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi's head of marketing and ...

www.topix.net | 8/26/10 7:36 AM

Audi will field two R15 TDI diesel race cars at this year's Petit Le Mans race in Georgia.

www.topix.net | 8/26/10 12:16 AM

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Audi

The Audi A1 certainly looks the part of a premium micro mini. Luxury touches like LED headlamps and available faux aluminum trim helps make the case that Audi's newest and smallest ride deserves to wear the four-ringed badge.

But beyond attractive sheet metal and a typically wonderful Audi interior, we can't help but wonder how the A1 handles itself. Is it too small to feel luxurious on the open road? Does it have the chops to take on the venerable Mini Cooper ?

Jonny Smith from Fifth Gear attempts to answer those questions and more by taking the A1 for a spin on UK streets. Hit the jump to take in the 3:09 video. We don't want to spoil anything, but lets just say that we're very interested in getting our hands on the smallest Audi money can buy.



[Source: German Car Scene ]

Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear pricks up its ears for the Audi A1

Video: Fifth Gear pricks up its ears for the Audi A1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/24/10 10:59 PM

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Rumormill

Ever so slowly, the United States is getting over its prejudice against hatchbacks. The subcompact segment is booming more than ever and the vast majority of vehicles in this range have a five-door configuration. Take the new Ford Fiesta , for example - the hatch is easily outselling the sedan. This may be well and good for cars living in the sub-$25,000 segment, but Americans still haven't quite grasped the idea of a premium hatchback like the Audi A3 .

To try and boost sales, Audi is reportedly working on an A3 sedan for the U.S. market, which would give the automaker another vehicle to offer below the larger A4 . No details have been released about the upcoming four-door A3, but we can see how this move makes sense for Audi considering how much the A4 has grown in size over the years.

If Audi is indeed working on an A3 sedan, it will be one of a kind amongst its competitors. The BMW 1 Series is only available as a coupe and convertible in the U.S., and Mercedes-Benz doesn't have any small offerings, though the next-generation B-Class hatch is being considered for U.S. consumption . Assuming all goes well, expect to see the A3 sedan sometime around 2013.



Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Financial Times (translated )]

Report: Audi planning A3 sedan for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/24/10 6:30 PM

Chas Murphy, until recently the U.S. product manager for Audi's TT, R8 and RS sports cars, said of the R8 V10 Spyder: "You have to drive the car. It can't be put into words." Well, we drove it over the hills and through the woods of the Cleveland (Cali, not Ohio) National Forest, and we can put it into words. Rather, we can put it into one word: unfair.

The ways in which the R8 V10 Spyder is unfair leave us thoroughly taken with this open-air supercar and yet a little melancholy. You see, as good as the R8 V10 Spyder is - and there's no doubt about that - when you look at it, what you behold is the dumbing down of driving civilization. On the upside, this particular kind of dumb is among the most rewarding, outstanding kinds of idiocy you could ever hope to achieve. Find out what we mean after the jump.

Continue reading Luxist Drives the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, the World's First Unfair Droptop Supercar

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Luxist Drives the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, the World's First Unfair Droptop Supercar originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi - AudiR8 - Cleveland - Sports car - United States www.luxist.com | 8/24/10 2:01 PM

TV News: Audi/Chopard bash bring out TV stars -- There's no crying in television, which is why Jane Lynch and Kathy Griffin were all smiles Sunday night at the Audi/Chopard Emmy Week Kick-Off "Red Carpet Style" celebration at Cecconi's. feedproxy.google.com | 8/23/10 11:14 PM

TV News: Audi/Chopard bash bring out TV stars -- There's no crying in television, which is why Jane Lynch and Kathy Griffin were all smiles Sunday night at the Audi/Chopard Emmy Week Kick-Off "Red Carpet Style" celebration at Cecconi's. feedproxy.google.com | 8/23/10 11:03 PM

This week is all about the Emmy Awards — and what better way to kick off the festivities than with a luxe party hosted by Audi and Chopard. www.harpersbazaar.com | 8/23/10 5:04 PM

Just because she won The Bachelor doesn't mean Vienna Girardi's still getting priority treatment. Case in point: Vienna was turned away from Audi's pre-Emmy party last...

feeds.eonline.com | 8/23/10 5:00 PM

I’m not afraid to say that I’m in love with Nicole Scherzinger’s hot tight mocha skinned body, I want to cover it in whipped cream and dig in. Here she is posing for the cameras at some sort of event sponsored by Audi or outside an Audi dealership, in which case she [...] www.hollywoodtuna.com | 8/23/10 4:30 PM

Aug 23, 2010: The London Design Festival has invited Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram to design this year`s Trafalgar Square Installation.

www.topix.net | 8/23/10 2:46 PM

Ren Weihong / For China Daily Top player looks to consolidate position as nation's luxury segment continues to surge Beijing - The first international luxury brand to produce cars in China - it assembled 499 autos in 1988 - Germany's Audi AG now plans to more than double its lineup over the next five years as demand in the premium segment continues ...

www.topix.net | 8/23/10 11:22 AM

The first international luxury brand to produce cars in China - it assembled 499 autos in 1988 - Germany's Audi AG now plans to more than double its lineup over the next five years as demand in the premium segment continues to surge. Johannes Thammer, Audi's sales chief in China, told China Daily recently that the company will have 35 locally made or imported models in China in 2015, up from 16 this year. Audi now produces the A6L and A4L sedans along with the Q5 sports-utility vehicle at ... english.people.com.cn | 8/23/10 8:39 AM

An apology simply doesn't cut it for Lori-Ann Ellis, whose sister-in-law's DNA was found on serial killer Robert Pickton's British Columbia pig... more A Comments A Also on Driving.ca Audi R8 Spyder Ita TMs impossible to look dorky in an Audi R8 Spyder.

www.topix.net | 8/22/10 5:22 AM

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, First Drive, Luxury

The Idiot's Guide To Driving Gorgeously Quick


Chas Murphy, until recently the U.S. product manager for Audi's TT , R8 and RS sports cars, said of the R8 V10 Spyder: "You have to drive the car. It can't be put into words." Well, we drove it over the hills and through the woods of the Cleveland (Cali, not Ohio) National Forest, and we can put it into words. Rather, we can put it into one word: unfair.

The ways in which the R8 V10 Spyder is unfair leave us thoroughly taken with this open-air supercar and yet a little melancholy. You see, as good as the R8 V10 Spyder is - and there's no doubt about that - when you look at it, what you behold is the dumbing down of driving civilization. On the upside, this particular kind of dumb is among the most rewarding, outstanding kinds of idiocy you could ever hope to achieve. Find out what we mean after the jump.



Photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder

First Drive: 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/20/10 4:57 PM

Justin Timberlake presents the Audi A1 during the first press day at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show on March 2, 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland.

www.topix.net | 8/19/10 11:21 PM

Justin Timberlake presents the Audi A1 during the first press day at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show on March 2, 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland.

www.topix.net | 8/19/10 11:15 PM

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

If you're mad about the fact that Audi won't be bringing its new A1 to the United States, you'll want to look away - our spies have captured the hotter S1 version of Audi's pint-sized hatch. This prototype may only look like an A1 in S-Line trim, but our spies point out that the larger tailpipes and heartier exhaust note are a dead giveaway of this car's heightened sporting intentions.

A five-door A1 is reportedly in the works , but the S1 will likely only be available in the three-door body style. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine which will be tuned to crank out around 180 horsepower, and Audi's seven-speed S-tronic gearbox will send that power to the front two wheels. That's right, folks - no Quattro versions of the A1 (or S1) are planned, so front-wheel drive it is.

This shiny red prototype looks to be nearing the final stages of development, which means we could see the production car as early as this year's Paris Motor Show . The S1 will certainly be a hot little number, and you can see the high-res spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.



[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi S1 prototype has that 'forbidden fruit' thing going on originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/19/10 4:29 PM

Belfast car dealership, Charles Hurst, buys franchise to sell audi cars in south Dublin. www.bbc.co.uk | 8/18/10 1:48 PM

&$ &$No.4 Audi Pikes Peak, 270 million yuan. (Photo: CRI Online)&$&$&$ 【1】 【2】 【3】 english.people.com.cn | 8/13/10 8:22 AM

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Audi

Our Peeping Tom spy photographers normally catch prototypes while they're out and about on the street, but sometimes they catch a peek inside automakers' development studios from the street, snagging shots of test mules before their tires even touch the ground. This is one such case, and though these photos aren't clear as day, it's no secret that Audi's new Q3 crossover , based on the Volkswagen Tiguan , is what's being prepped behind closed doors (but not behind closed blinds).

We've known that Audi would be creating a CUV smaller than the Q5 for quite some time now, and while the baby soft-roader relies heavily on Tiguan underpinnings, we're sure that the quad-rung crossover will be much more shapely. Here, we see the sloping roofline and more rakish hatch, giving the Q3 a sportier stance than its VW-badged kin. Set to compete head-on with the BMW X1 , the Q3 should make its debut sometime in 2011 with the first production models hitting dealers later that year. Take a close look at these spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.



[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Tiguan-based Audi Q3 peeped through a window originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/12/10 7:58 PM

) and investor Hisham Tawfik last month sold the Internet- based broker Arabeya Online to Bank Audi SAL-Audi Saradar Group, for 244 million Egyptian pounds ($ 43 million), Naeem said today. Arabeya, ... feeds.caironews.net | 8/12/10 8:54 AM