2012 launch expected for Audi Q1
Audi bosses have hinted at launching a new compact SUV-crossover positioned below the recently revealed Q5 but an even smaller soft-roader is expected to be launched to help the carmaker reach its goal of delivering 40 different models by 2015. The new entry-level soft-roader is likely to be called the Q1 and latest reports claim it won’t come onto the market until late 2012 at the earliest. Rising fuel prices are causing buyers of large SUVs to downsize to smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles...

Audi a year away from decision on U.S. production
A number of European carmakers are seriously considering starting production in the U.S. to take advantage of the low dollar and to improve production and logistic efficiencies of popular import models in North America. Volkswagen has already confirmed it’s looking for a new site in the U.S. to build a factory and Fiat has also revealed it’s considering the move and Audi, too, is thinking of doing the same. One major advantage Audi has is that it can borrow capacity at VW’s future American plant...

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport quattro concept
Audi has prepped its second Clubsport quattro concept in just two years with the reveal today of the all-new A3 TDI Clubsport quattro concept, which is set to go on show at this month’s 27th annual Lake Wörther tuner show in Austria. Last year Audi presented the TT Clubsport quattro concept and just this week we saw spy images of an actual production version. Whether this latest A3 concept spawns an actual production version remains to be seen but the car is packed with a number of features that...

Audi denies R4 plans
Despite numerous reports claiming Audi’s new Cayman-rival is in development, senior officials have confirmed there is no ‘baby’ R8, or R4 as most sources have been calling it, currently in the works. However, before we rule out the new model, remember that carmakers are well known for their tenacity in denying the existence of products until as late as possible. Last week an Audi spokesman told Automotive News the carmaker has no plans to build such a car. “It was never in our...

Audi exec hints at lightweight R8 and TT ‘Sport’ models
BMW has enjoyed some success with its CSL range of stripped out ready-to-race M3s and Mercedes-Benz is on the verge of delivering its third lightweight Black Series model. That leaves the third major German carmaker, Audi, who will soon offer uprated sports versions of its regular production models. Speaking at a recent press event Audi’s quattro development chief Stefan Reil hinted that lightweight versions of the R8 supercar and TT were being considered. Still in the works are high-performance RS...

Audi may add more powerful RS6 Avant ‘Plus’
Back in 2004 Audi released a more powerful version of its already potent RS6 as a last hurrah before the arrival of the all-new A6 and subsequent next-generation RS6. The special model was called the RS6 ‘Plus’ and it produced a peak output of 480hp – an additional 30hp over the standard model. Just as Audi did with the original RS6, the German carmaker is likely to introduce a new Plus version of the latest model. An Audi insider recently revealed to AutoTelegraaf that a more potent Plus version...

Audi planning higher volumes for A1 minicar
Audi could be producing more A1 minicars than previously predicted as the carmaker bolsters output ahead of its 2015 sales deadline. You may recall Audi has set itself an ambitious target of building more than 1.5 million vehicles by the middle of the next decade, and to help reach that goal production volumes at most of the carmaker’s plants will be increased over the coming years. A spokesperson from the company has revealed Audi’s Brussels plant is considering boosting production for the...

Audi planning higher volumes for A1 minicar
Audi could be producing more A1 minicars than previously predicted as the carmaker bolsters output ahead of its 2015 sales deadline. You may recall Audi has set itself an ambitious target of building more than 1.5 million vehicles by the middle of the next decade, and to help reach that goal production volumes at most of the carmaker’s plants will be increased over the coming years. A spokesperson from the company has revealed Audi’s Brussels plant is considering boosting production for the...

Audi Q5 debuts in Beijing
Audi has added a second model to its Q-car lineup with the unveiling of the all-new Q5 SUV at the Beijing Motor Show this weekend. The new car is designed to rival new entrants like the Mercedes-Benz GLK, which also debuted at the Beijing event, as well the current BMW X3 and Lexus RX range. The new Q5 measures 4.63m in length wheelbase is 2.81m, 1.88m across and sits 1.65m tall. It also has a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.33. To save weight engineers used aluminum for much of the vehicle’s...

Audi R8 now available with full-LED headlights
Audi is now offering full-LED headlamps for its R8 super-sports car as a €3,590 option. While currently the R8 gets LED daytime running lights, which use 54 LEDs per headlamp, the new option will get you LEDs for the turn signals, low-beam, and high-beam headlights. While the option may be expensive, Audi argues that the prominent advantages are lower energy consumption and a color that more closely resembles daylight, providing greater contrast and is easier on the human eye. LEDs have an incredibly...