“Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.  The carmaker put a heavy emphasis on Ducati’s engine building prowess, which makes us think their next line of subcompacts might be Italian driven.   “We must use the opportunities offered by globalization for Audi – and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Ducati,” said Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG.

Source: Audi

“As an established carmaking location, Mexico offers an excellent economic basis for Audi production operations,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management for Audi AG.  The plant will service mostly the North American market and will first begin building “an SUV” in 2016.  Even though Audi has declared Mexico the home country, the exact location of the plant has yet to be revealed and won’t be until later on this year.  Given that the country is one of the World’s top 10 automotive locations and that Audi’s parents, Volkswagen, already are well established there, the pick makes honest sense.  “Good infrastructure, competitive cost structures and existing free trade agreements played a significant role in the choice of Mexico.”

Source: Audi

Most notable at the booth are the new Audi AllRoad, the R8 GT Spyder and the red Audi TT RS. All of these cars are shown in full high-resolution glory in the gallery we have assembled for you below. Feel free to take a look.

You know you want to.

Photos Copyright Christian Moe © 2012

Colorado’s most prestigious racing event has gone through some serious changes since Röhrl broke the record in 87.  Since then, faster times have been recorded but on the altered, paved version of the course.  Even still, the current best time for the much less treacherous road is not even one minute faster than the time set by the monstrous Audi on pure dirt.  Turbocharged beyond belief, the S1 put down 600 horsepower to all four wheels and still does to this day.  Though not in race conditions, Röhrl will more than likely use all of those inline five cylinder’s ponies to attack the mountain so that Audi, rally, Pikes Peak and overall engineering fans can once again witness two legitimate icons defy reasonable thinking.

Source: Audi

Audi’s impressive quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard on all R8 models and is set up to take advantage of the mid-engine layout of the R8. The system is designed with an 85-percent rear power bias, but the viscous coupling front axle allows for up to 30-percent power at the front wheels during low traction situations. The R8 Spyder is almost mechanically identical to the coupe, but features several external design differentiations. The biggest difference besides the roof, is the omission of the R8′s trademark sideblades.

The R8 GT Spyder is where things get interesting. Available only with the V10 and created in a limited run of only 333 units (most of which already have owners) the GT Spyder is a special piece of German engineering. While the 5.2-liter V10 of the R8 and Spyder turns out 525 hp, the GT has had its engine massaged to produce a much loftier 560 hp. Thanks to a strict diet, the GT has also shed nearly 200 lbs. Thanks to the “more power, less weight” recipe the GT Spyder will accelerate to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and possesses a top speed of 197 mph. This is one quick drop-top indeed. To help bring speeds under control the GT Spyder comes standard with carbon fiber ceramic brakes. A carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) fixed rear wing provides the downforce necessary to keep the rear wheels planted during high-speed driving.

Never one to be called boring, Audi has slapped an RS badge on its new wagon, the A4 Avant, and has created a monster.

The new third-generation RS 4 Avant comes equipped with Audi’s 4.2-liter V8, a seven-speed S tronic transmission, and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The V8 is the same high-revving mill that can be found under the hood of the RS 5 Coupe, and produces 450 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. When the right pedal is pressed firmly, the RS 4 will bolt from a stop to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and continue accelerating until it hits its 155 mph limiter. If you ask nicely, however, Audi can raise that limit to 174 mph.

The S tronic transmission offers drivers the option to let the dual-clutch unit fire off lightning-quick shifts automatically, or they can change gears manually with the steering wheel-mounted paddles. The seventh gear is a high efficiency gear allowing the RS 4 to achieve an average fuel economy of about 21 mpg.

To make sure all the power coming form the engine can be handled, quattro comes standard. This all-wheel drive system has been perfected over the years, and is now one of the most trusted and advanced systems on the market. With its lightweight crown-gear center differential, the quattro system can direct power front to back to ensure the grip is always where you need it. While the system default is a 40:60 front to rear split for sporty handling, as much 70-percent of the power can be sent forward, and a full 85-percent can sent to the rear.

The RS 4 comes with more than extra power, it has also been given a large assortment of exterior modifications to notify everyone that this is a special kind of Audi. The RS suspension setup lowers the car by 20 millimeters, and the new, polished 19-inch ten-spoke forged aluminum wheels give the RS 4 an aggressive stance. Audi also offers a 20-inch five-V-spoke design as an option.

All this power and style is being kept in check by the massive brakes. There are 8-piston calipers with a black gloss paint clamping down on 14.4-inch front rotors. Track enthusiasts should consider upgrading to the 15-inch carbon fiber ceramic discs. These come with six-piston calipers painted in anthracite gray, and they cut weight.

This high-powered wagon is scheduled to begin deliveries in the fall with a base price of about €76,600 (about $100, 545.oo at current rates) in Germany.

Why is the price in Euros? Like the majority of crazy-fast wagons, there is no U.S. availability. To help keep the tears at bay, feel free to peruse our high resolution gallery below.

At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, Audi announced today that is has received several awards from the car gurus at Kelley Blue Book. More specifically, awards for Total Cost of Ownership, the site’s highest honor.

Audi as a whole was honored with the award for best Luxury Brand, while the 2012 Audi A5 was warded with best Luxury Car and the 2012 Audi Q7 with best Luxury Sport Utility.

Kelley Blue Book’s Total Cost of Ownership calculates the cost associated with owning a vehicle for the first five years, including depreciation, insurance, state fees and maintenance costs. Audi managed to beat out all its competitors including those that offer free scheduled maintenance, proving that great design and unsurpassed engineering can beat sales gimmicks.

Check out the galleries below to see the A5 and Q7 in high-resolution glory.

Just as it had done before, Audi is once again challenging the notion of what makes a successful race car and will be fielding two hybrid drive LMP1 cars at the 80th running of  the 24 Hours of Le Mans this June. Audi will field a total of four cars, two standard R18 TDI cars and the two hybrid assisted R18 TDIs. Audi will be competing with the start numbers 1 and 2 (hybrid assist) as well as 3 and 4. Most likely how they hope to finish as well.

The four main drivers have been named as André Lotterer, Allan McNish, Timo Bernhard and Oliver Jarvis, with the other drivers to be named at a later date.

Audi will not be the only hybrid runner in the class however. Toyota recently announced the TS030 Hybrid LMP1,  and Peugot was working on a hybrid version of its 908 prototype before it killed the race program.

If you can’t wait til June to see the new car on the track Audi has scheduled the first competitive outing at the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps on May 5.

With the covers officially pulled at the North American International Auto Show, the next A5 carries with it a new face and new tricks to once again make it more-than-just modern.  Taking many cues from the redesigned and currently working 2012 A6, the two door’s front is much more squared off than before.  Everything is has been sculpted to be muscular with a new hood, front bumper, broader fenders and a larger grille.  The now quintessential Audi LED head lamp accents are still present and have been redone ever so slightly to appear three dimensional.  The long roof line and trunk are still present, giving the A5 a big look.  This is good because after all, drivers of any executive coupe wouldn’t want to appear to be in a small car.  On the inside, subtle changes such as new wood-grain finishes, higher gloss accents on the steering wheel and gear shifter as well as reconfigured climate and infotainment controls offer an upgraded level of elegance.  In the hot-rod S5, new Fine Nappa leather can be had as well as Piano Black instrument surrounds. 

The A5 has never been short of technology and the 2013 expands upon that even more.  New features such as adaptive cruise control with “stop & go” and “brake guard” capability can almost drive the car for you.  Under 19 mph and with the system turned on, the A5 can detect slow-moving and or stopped vehicles and apply the brakes if needed.  And if stop and go traffic becomes complete gridlock, Audi’s new WiFi hot spot system can make things interesting while standing still.  Up to eight mobile internet devices such as smartphones and laptops can access the web around the A5 just like any coffee shop.  The in-car navigation system powered by Google Maps offers turn-by-turn directions to get out of a jam as well real-time weather, traffic and fuel prices.  Once that new destination is found, an A5 driver can get there quickly with two boosted engine options. 

Simplifying the 2013 A5 powertrain line is the base, 2.0 liter DOHC turbocharged inline four cylinder.  Pumping out a solid 211 horsepower and an even more stout 258 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0 should allow for mid six second 0-60 mph times.  The compact and efficent block can be found in the A5 and A5 Cabriolet and depending on body style, will power either the front wheels or all four.  The convertible is the only two wheel drive 2013 and puts its power down via a CVT transmission while the A5 gets quattro all wheel drive and a six speed manual standard with the seven speed S tronic dual clutch automatic optional.  Audi’s even more efficient eight speed automatic can be had with both the coupe and Cabriolet.  If more power is needed, the S5 will be there to assist any speed demon with “333″ horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0 liter supercharged V6.  The S5 will surely surprise more than just one power junkie as the direct injected DOHC six cylinder has been pulled straight from the S4.  With a Ward’s 10 Best Engines trophy in hand, the 3.0 TFSI will have big shoes to fill considering the previous S5 was powered by a 4.2 liter V8.  The 2013 model might have less power, but it will surely produce better numbers at the pump.  All S5s get quattro while the coupe comes standard with the six speed manual and the Cabriolet gets the seven speed DSG.

Changes to the 2013 Audi A5 may be subtle, but they’re just enough to keep the car interesting.  It’s more efficient drivetrain options should give it an edge against its slightly less economy concious competitors while the long lines and more muscular face add to an excellent blend of elegance and power.  Grand touring is the name of the game with this specialty segment and Audi is looking to change how it’s played.  Technology, economy, power and style all come together to create a car that drivers won’t want to leave.  When it hits showroom floors later this year, the 2013 Audi A5 model line will be ready to cruise for miles on end.

Source: Audi   

Most of the investment will be seen by Audi’s home turf.  Germany is expected to receive about $10.5 billion for updates to the assembly plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.  The 2012-2016 program will be the largest investment in Audi’s history and most of it will be put into new products.  Those new items will very from hybrid drives to full-fledged electric vehicles.  Assembly plants in Germany will get new paint, body and press shops to put out even more innovative cars and utilities.  The first product of the investment will be seen next year in the form of the A8 Hybrid.

Source: Audi