Audi has announced that it will take over management responsibility for Volkswagen’s Brussels, Belgium assembly plant. Late last year, VW announced that it will move production of its Golf to plants in Germany, and there was speculation that the automaker would completely close the assembly plant. are now growing that the factory may be closed completely. However, VW decided that it would use the plant’s capacity to build the Audi’s new A1 entry-level car.

Under the terms of the agreement, later this year, the Audi A3 will join the production mix, and will be built along with various Volkswagen models until the end of 2009. After that, the new, compact Audi A1 (or whatever it will be called) will be built in Brussels starting in late 2009 or early 2010.

With various work rule changes, the new competitive pay and cost structures will cut personnel costs by 20 percent. The Brussels plant will help Audi meet is goal to increase production from 905,000 cars in 2006 to 1.5 million by 2015.

Audi press release after the jump.

## Source: Audi ##

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One of two remaining original Auto Union Type D race cars from did not sell during a closed-bid auction held by Christie’s Auction House. The ultra-rare 1939 German race car is expected to be the most valuable car in the world. The Auto Union Type D is expected to go for around $12 million U.S.

The sale of the car was postponed to research its background, which revealed its history was not what was originally believed. This Type D was originally thought to have won the French Grand Prix, but another car with a less illustrious racing history. Though Christie’s didn’t think the revelation would alter the value of the car considering its rarity, apparently bidders disagreed.

This Type D was originally thought to be the winner of a Grand Prix race in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, the last European race held in Europe until after World War II. The car however did race on the Nurburgring in 1939, recording a 5th place finish. It also finished 6th at the 1939 French Grand Prix, in which two other D-types finished 1st and 2nd.

Christie’s didn’t expect this car’s less successful racing history to substantially alter its value considering how rare the cars are. Christie’s plans to put the car up for auction at a later date.

## Source: CNN ##

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Following the world premiere of the Audi A5 and S5 at last week’s Geneva Motor Show, the automaker’s executives have hinted that it is working on a convertible version of the A5. This comes as little of a surprise, as it has been widely expected for nearly as long as the coupe version. Despite the trendiness of folding metal hardtops, The Car Connection is reporting that the Audi A5 convertible will feature a traditional soft-top. While its less expensive cousin — the VW Eos — features a folding hardtop, inside sources say that the near-universal choice was for the soft top.

The Car Connection is also reported that Audi is planning a even hotter RS addition for the new A5. With the S5 powered by a 350-hp 4.2L V8, the RS5 will likely feature either the 420-hp 4.2L V8 seen in the RS4 or the 435-hp 5.2L V10 used in the S6.

## Source: The Car Connection ##

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Last night Audi released its press release officially announcing its new A5 and S5 coupes. Inspired by the Nuvolari Concept, the A5 and S5 also feature other common cues out of Audi’s current design language. The A5 and S5 are characterized by a very wide and low stance, a short front overhang and a long, flowing transition from the C pillar to the tail end. The wide shoulder line is designed to celebrate Audi’s original quattro model.

The A5 will be offered with two gas and two TDI engines. The gas engines are an all-new 1.8L TFSI four-cylinder that delivers 170bhp (available starting in the fall) and a 3.2L FSI V6 with variable valve lift delivering 265bhp and 243 lb-ft of torque. The TDI engines include a 2.7L making 190bhp and a larger 3.0L TDI developing 240bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Audi stated that its TDI models will not be offered in the U.S.

It appears that both of the smaller engines — 1.8L TFSI and 2.7L TDI will be front-wheel drive only, while the larger two engines will feature quattro all-wheel drive. The A5 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 3.2L FSI and 2.7L TDI models will be available with Audi’s multitronic CVT.

The new Audi S5 coupe will be powered by Audi V8 FSI engine, but doesn’t mention the displacement. With an output of 354bhp and 325lb-ft of torque, we’re assuming its Audi’s traditional 4.2L unit. The S5 comes standard with a six-speed manual, quattro all-wheel drive, a sportier suspension and larger brakes. Audi says the S5 can reach 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds

The A5 and S5 will premiere at the Geneva Motor Show early next month. Both the A5 and S5 will available for order from 6 March 2007 with the first deliveries to begin in June. Full press release and high-resolution photo gallery after the jump.

## Source: Audi ##

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Audi of America yesterday announced the launch of its new diesel-specific media website — www.audiusdiesel.com. A long time leader in diesel technology since it debuted the first Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) diesel in 1989, Audi is preparing for the launch of what is likely to be several new vehicles powered by new clean TDI diesel engines.

Audi’s first U.S. diesel will be the automaker’s Q7 SUV, which will feature a 3.0L V6 TDI diesel developing 233-hp and 369 lbs-ft. of torque. The new Q7 3.0 TDI will U.S. showrooms by 2008 and be available for sales in all 50 states. Audi has also unveiled another Q7 diesel, this time powered by a 500-hp 6.0L V12 TDI diesel engine that delivers 0-60 times in just 5.5 seconds, while still getting almost 20 miles/gallon. Unfortunately, Audi has not confirmed whether or not the Q7 V12 will be sold in the U.S.

Like would be expected of any diesel-focused Audi site, much of the news has something to do with Audi’s undefeated R10 TDI prototype race car.

## Source: Audi ##

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Audi’s new CEO Rupert Stadler has confirmed the automaker’s plans for a new entry level A1 model, which will likely be targeted directly at BMW’s MINI. to compete with the Mini. Production will start in 2009, with Stadler says that 100,000 units annually is realistic. The car is expected to be built at the VW Group factory in Brussels, Belgium.

The A1 is one more step in Audi’s expansion plans, which includes the R8, the new A5 coupe, the forthcoming A7 four-door coupe, and the Q5 SUV. Audi wants to increase its sales from 900,000 units in 2006 to 1.5 million by 2015. Stadler said that once the brand passes the 1.2 million units mark, it will consider manufacturing in the United States. Stadler also wants to increase margins on its car sales to rival BMW’s profit per vehicle.

## Source: Reuters ##

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Images of Audi’s new A5 hit the web yesterday and spread like wildfire. Now, less than 24 hours later, the first images of the performance Audi S5 surfaced on the internet to add to the flames. Earlier this month we reported that the S5 could debut at the Geneva Motor Show immediately after the debut of the A5 — or would debut soon after. We aren’t sure if this confirms a Geneva launch, but Audi has said it will stage two world premieres in Geneva.

The S5 will likely be powered by an uprated version of Audi’s 4.2L FSI V8, with Audi’s new Valvelift technology for an appropriate bump in power over the standard 4.2L V8.

As is typical of Audi’s ‘S’ models, the S5 sports a more aggressive front fascia with signature ‘S’ grille. The S5’s chin spoiler appears to feature an aluminum center segment, which is paired with a similar aluminum piece on the rear bumper. The modified front fascia also includes a string of LED daytime running lights like those on the R8. Out back, are the signature ‘S’ quad exhaust tips.

Inside, the S5’s interior appears to gain additional silver and carbon fiber accents, and also feature contrasting white stitching on the steering wheel and shift boot, like seen on the S8 and S6.

Will the uprated 4.2L FSI engine give the S5 the power to go head to head with BMW’s M3 coupe?

Gallery after the jump.

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Audi has invested a significant amount of time and money to develop its R8 sports car, and the automaker is planning for additional variants to keep excitement and sales high. Rumors of a drop top version have been around nearly as long as rumors of the R8 itself. According to Autovisie, it will be produced and will be called the R8 Spyder and when it debuts sometime in 2008.

It should surprise no one that Audi is working on future power upgrades, with the current 420-hp 4.2L V8 being replaced or supplemented by the 5.2L V10, born at Lamborghini and also used in the S6 and S8 sedans. The R8’s 5.2L V10 will at least be the 450-hp version used the S8, but don’t be suprised if it comes with over 500-hp like the Lamborghini Gallardo. Audi may also consider an RS8 version, sporting a 600-hp twin-turbocharged version of the V10, but that’s likely to be pure speculation.

One other engine possibility that should come as no surprise would be a version of the 6.0L V12 TDI diesel also used in the Q7 SUV. We know that a diesel-powered R8 is a top goal of Wolfgang Hatz, Audi’s executive director of powertrain development. And, according to senior board members, while it isn’t approved, Audi is working on a diesel version of its R8 sports car.

## Source: Autovisie ##

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Audi was scheduled to officially unveil its all-new A5 coupe at the Geneva Motor Show next month. However, as has been the case recently, official shots of the A5 have surfaced on the web. The Audi A5 coupe is based on Audi new Modular platform which will underpin, the next generation A4, A6, and A8. The new coupe is larger than the A4 sedan, but not quite as large as the A6, slotting nicely in between the two vehicles.

We are quite impressed with the styling of the A5. The rear three-quarter view is quite muscular, and the detail line along the car’s bodyside is elegant and graceful. Audi could have made the front of the car a little more dynamic — like some of the illustrations. But, overall, the new A5 is impressive.

The Audi A5 is expected to be offered with a 3.2L FSI V6, and 4.2L FSI V8. We will also likely see a 3.0L TDI V6 later (Europe will almost certainly get this from the start). The A5 will be available with several six-speed manual and S-Tronic (DSG), as well as a CVT. All-wheel drive will also be available across the line. Audi will also offer a high-performance S5, which may also debut in Geneva, and is expected to offer an RS5 variant further down the line.

Audi will stage the world premiere of the A5 at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show next month.

More high-resolution images after the jump.

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Audi has announced that it will stage two world premieres during its Press Conference at the Geneva Motor Show. The two new vehicles, one of which we know is the Audi A5 coupe, will be unveiled by Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi AG.

The premieres will take place on Tuesday, March 6th. We will bring you all the news soon after.

## Source: Audi ##

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Audi is expanding the range of its two highest-volume models, delivering four new, more efficient models — the A3, A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI e and A4 2.0 TFSI e (sedan or Avant). The advanced engines employ direct fuel injection for both the petrol and diesel engines.

All four new models feature a gearshift indicator, located in the instrument cluster, to indicate when drivers should upshift. The system analyzes current engine load and speed to suggest the most efficient shift points. The new gearshift indicator provides valuable information for a consumption-orientated driving style.

To improve efficiency, the A3 features higher transmission ratios for 3rd and 5th gears, while the Audi A4 models get a manual gearbox with an additional, high-ratio 6th gear. Other modifications to improve efficiency include: various weight reduction measures, low-rolling-resistance tires, and aerodynamic improvements. The engine electronics have also been tuned to reduce fuel consumption.

Audi is also relaunching its efficiency training courses to train drivers how to drive more economically.

Full press release featuring engine and pricing details after the jump.

## Source: Audi ##

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Due to changes in the rules, Audi is re-considering its participation in the American Le Mans Series. “After all the discussion in the last two weeks, we are rethinking whether we compete in the ALMS,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the head of Audi Motorsport, in an interview with Globecast Radio.

Following the most recent IMSA technical bulletion, which allows the LMP2 to run with a 5 percent larger restrictor, Audi has threatened to not participate in the ALMS after the Sebring race. Ullrich said that Audi’s R10 TDI race cars will be at the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, but will evaluate the rest of its program if the full ACO rules are not adopted.

With a 5 percent larger restrictor, the LMP2 cars should at least run even with the LMP1 cars, like the Audi R10 TDI. Audi is obviously upset over this development, since it would likely greatly diminish the return on investment that Audi expects from racing in North America. I understand IMSA’s desire to increase competitiveness, considering there is only one other non-Audi entrant in LMP1, but Audi spent a lot of money developing the R10. All of the development was based on a set of rules that has changed, and nobody wants to be beaten by a smaller team.

Audi has made similar claims before. While Audi could pull out of the ALMS, what may be more likely for them to skip a few races, especially those tight tracks that could favor the LMP2 cars.

## Source: Planet Le Mans ##

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It has been official for some time, but it is worth repeating that Audi will stage the world premiere of the A5 coupe at the Geneva Motor Show in March. But Audi’s plans go further than just the debut of the A5. According to the folks over at Fourtitude, Audi is brimming with confidence about the A5 and will also debut the S-badged model in Geneva. This marks the first time Audi will debut an S-version alongside the basic A-model version from the very beginning.

The S5 is expected to be powered by Audi’s 4.2L V8, but it won’t be the higher-revving engine out of the RS4 and the R8. However, speculation is the Audi has a few tricks up its sleeves that could bump horsepower into the 390 range.

Expect Audi to release details on both the A5 and S5 models before the Geneva Motor Show in early March. Until then, this illustraion will have to do.

## Source: Fourtitude ##

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Audi has begen to pump up the volume for its all-new A5 coupe ahead of the car’s world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Audi has said it is planning to be more aggressive with its future marketing efforts, and they are launching a microsite to generate some buzz for the new A5.

Check out the Audi A5 microsite.

## Source: Audi ##

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Audi of America today recorded its best January in the brand’s history, with sales up 5.2 percent over last year. January marked the 10th month of the past 12 when Audi sold more vehicles than the pervious year.

“Audi has a great deal of momentum as we enter 2007. We’re coming off record sales in 2006, residual values on our new vehicles are, on average, the best in the luxury set, and the R8 sports car is generating a great deal of interest in the brand.” said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America. “We have three significant launches, including the TT Coupe and Roadster, the R8 mid-engine sports car, and the A5 coupe,” he added.

Audi’s January sales were led by an 11.8 percent increase for the A4 model line, and continuing strong sales of its new Q7 SUV.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Audi of America ##

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