“Audi Scores Big in its Homeland”

I received my “Audi News” via email today….

“As referenced in a July 10th article from BusinessWeek, a recent quality report for the German market shows Audi made big gains in vehicle quality and customer service, and scored high in vehicle appeal. BusinessWeek mentions ‘Audi’s quality ranking alone jumped 21 points in Germany from 2005, while the industry as a whole improved by only 6 points.’ The report is based solely on the opinions of current car owners. But when Germans are asked to vote on which brand they like the most regardless of what they drive now, Audi fared even better. BusinessWeek adds ‘In the 2006 reader survey by German magazine Auto Motor & Sport, Audi swept the rankings, overtaking both BMW and Mercedes for best car in the compact (A3), executive sedan (A6), and luxury sedan (A8) categories.’

2006 Audi A8 and Lexus SC 430 Comparison

Dan Lienert of ForbesAutos.com compares and contrasts the 2006 Audi A8 and the 2006 Lexus SC 430. Both are fabulous cars, but you already know my choice!

“But both sedans rank among the world’s most luxurious cars, with powerful engines, lots of legroom and tasteful styling. Both are premier status symbols, and among the most desirable cars out there.

Not surprisingly, the price difference means the LS 430 handily outsells the A8 — 19,000 versus 3,000 models in the U.S. this year. Audi does offer a more affordable A8; the entry-level model starts at $67,310, which is still 20% higher than the price of the Lexus.”

Read more…

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Audi A8 sightings this week: none

Audi A4 sightings: ton

2007 Volkswagen Touareg to redeem its glory

The Volkswagen Touareg became a huge success in executing its role as a mid-sized SUV performing highly satisfactorily along rugged roads in perfect style and comfort. However, the 2007 Touareg came along with a lot of much more interesting upgrades for the off-road enthusiast. With its Off-road German Technology, the 2007 Touareg is as promising as its 45-degree hill climb capacity.
The new Touareg features three different engines for the Touareg. First up is a 3.6 liter, V-6 engine that produces 276 horsepowers and 266 pound-feet of torque. On V8 models, a 4.2 liter V8 delivers 350 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping Touareg V10 TDI has a diesel-fueled, turbocharged V10 displacing 5.0 liters. It is rated at 310 hp and a stout 553 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. It is 11.8 inches high above the ground and it can go through 22.8 inches of water. It can tow up to 7,716lbs. and it comes with the Hill Descend Assist and Hill Climb Assist which ensures a smooth mountain ride without rolling down unexpectedly.

Volkswagen Rabbit — best $18,000 car

What car make gives the performance, safety, environmental impact, fuel economy, styling and comfort at just under $18,000. Apparently, it’s the Volkswagen Rabbit, as bared by a top-rated web site providing vehicle pricing and information.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the Rabbit ranked as one of the “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000″ because it provides “the consumer with results that are needed in today’s economy.” A Rabbit’s SRP starts at $14,990.

Know more about the Rabbit. See also how it fared well in KBB’s rankings.

Volkswagen packs a rabbit punch

A new Volkswagen has finally come out of its shell. It is poised to sweep the roads, and make its competition eat the dust. The German maker of the highly-popular Beetle and American tuning giant Neuspeed have yet again, forged hands to come up with perhaps the ultimate sports compact hatchback in the business – the 2007 Volkswagen Thunder Bunny II.




Click here for the Rabbit’s story. Read how an auto junkie perceives how the Bunny would perform.

The Volkswagen GTI W12 Concept

Volkswagen unveiled its latest design study that is bound to revolutionize speed—the GTI W12 Concept. This is the “ultra-high performance” version of the popular GTI hatchback. It boasts of a 12-cylinder, 6.0 liter motor, which makes the GTI W12 hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds! It produces 650 horsepowers and 553 pound feet of torque. The engine is based on two narrow-angle VR6 engines joined at the crank.

The car features extensive body modifications for increased aerodynamics and rides on 19-inch wheels. Volkswagen says the GTI W12 can hit a top speed of 202 mph. Although the purpose of this study design is yet unknown, and production is most unlikely, Volkswagen fans surely wanted to give this ride a try. This daring ride is a bit out of the friendly line of comfortable rides that Volkswagen makes, but it could be a sign of maturity as well.

Timo Scheider Best Audi Driver in Chaotic Race

Safety car causes confusion in the DTM Controversial result at the EuroSpeedway Communication problem costs Mattias Ekstrom points 77,500 spectators (throughout the weekend) witnessed one of the most turbulent races in DTM history at the …

2007 Volkswagen Touareg to redeem its glory

The Volkswagen Touareg became a huge success in executing its role as a mid-sized SUV performing highly satisfactorily along rugged roads in perfect style and comfort. However, the 2007 Touareg came along with a lot of much more interesting upgrades for the off-road enthusiast. With its Off-road German Technology, the 2007 Touareg is as promising as its 45-degree hill climb capacity.
The new Touareg features three different engines for the Touareg. First up is a 3.6 liter, V-6 engine that produces 276 horsepowers and 266 pound-feet of torque. On V8 models, a 4.2 liter V8 delivers 350 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping Touareg V10 TDI has a diesel-fueled, turbocharged V10 displacing 5.0 liters. It is rated at 310 hp and a stout 553 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. It is 11.8 inches high above the ground and it can go through 22.8 inches of water. It can tow up to 7,716lbs. and it comes with the Hill Descend Assist and Hill Climb Assist which ensures a smooth mountain ride without rolling down unexpectedly.

Volkswagen Group was productive according to their substantial first-quarter reports

The Volkswagen Group proudly said that they have delivered more vehicles, generated higher sales revenue and increased earnings substantially in the first quarter of 2007.

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand also increased its operating profit by €435 million to €386 million in the first quarter, which attributes primarily to the successful restructuring measures implemented last year.

“We made a good start to 2007 and further improved our financial position”, said Hans Dieter Pötsch, Volkswagen AG’s CFO, commenting on the publication of the quarterly figures. “Our new product initiative was successful. All Group brands increased their sales in the first quarter.” The Volkswagen Group delivered 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, an increase of 7.9 percent. Sales revenue grew by 5.1 % to €26.6 billion. “All brands contributed to this success.” At €1.1 billion, the Volkswagen Group’s operating profit was up significantly year-on-year. Profit after tax more than doubled to €740 million.

Pötsch said that all Group brands improved their operating profit. Like Audi’s operating profit increased by €56 million year-on-year. While, Lamborghini recorded positive earnings growth. The Škoda brand was again successful with a rising profit from €29 million to €172 million. SEAT posted an operating loss of €11 million, a substantial reduction in the previous year’s first-quarter loss.The Bentley brand increased its operating profit by €33 million to €38 million due to volume growth.

CFO Pötsch reiterated expectations for the current year, saying that the Volkswagen Group will continue the new model rollout, increase productivity and improve current processes. They also expect to slightly increase worldwide deliveries in 2007 and exceed 2006 sales revenue. For 2008, the Board of Management is confident in achieving a consolidated profit before tax of at least €5.1 billion.

Volkswagen introduces the new Passat Blumotion

Volkswagen Passat Blumotion

Volkswagen is introducing the new Passat BlueMotion to the market – the most economical car in the world in the 4.8 meter class. This Volkswagen, powered by a 77 kW / 105 PS TDI engine, breaks through the fuel consumption barrier of 5.5 liters for its class, as a sedan and Variant. Compared to the base model, the Passat BlueMotion saves 0.6 liters per 100 kilometers. Until now, such fuel economy values were exclusively attainable by much smaller vehicles.

Paired with its low fuel consumption values are reductions in carbon dioxide emissions by 10% of 15 g/km. A standard particulate filter is also integrated in the emission control system.

To notice any difference between a BlueMotion Passat and a regular one, you have to really look closely. The changes on the Passat happen on the underside, where various spoilers and skirts have been added to give a 12% improvement in slipperiness. It’s also been lowered by 15mm at the front and 8mm at the rear.

The prospects are good that the new Passat BlueMotion will be one of the most sought after models within the model series. Due to the fact that, not only does it protects the environment, it also protects the car owner’s budget. A single fill of its 70 liter fuel tanks lets the Passat BlueMotion reach theoretical operating ranges of 1,370 and 1,350 kilometers. The new BlueMotion will begin deliveries in June.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Audi’s 2009 A4

Audi will show the B8 A4 in Frankfurt in September Sources at Audi have confirmed to AudiWorld that the next generation Audi A4 will make its worldwide debut in the fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Completely redesigned both inside and …

Stars from Real Madrid Test New Audi Models

Audi presents Audi R8, Audi A5 and Audi S5 to footballers Driver safety training at the circuit of Jarama Partnership between Audi and Madrid dates back to 2003 Shortly before the crucial final spurt in the Spanish Football Championship …