Audi

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. announced today the acquisition of a Land Rover dealership in Darien, Connecticut. The company estimates the dealership will generate approximately $50 million of revenue annually.

Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr., said, “We are pleased to add the Land Rover brand to our existing automotive dealership operations in Connecticut. For almost 30 years, this dealership has been serving customers in Darien, Greenwich, Westport and Stamford with a dedication to customer service. This brand complements our existing presence with Audi, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche in the Connecticut market and connects our business from Fairfield, through Darien and into Greenwich, allowing us to continue scaling our operations.”

[Source: PenskeAutomotive.com]

Audi recently premiered two new model variants at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

The Audi A3 TDI Sportback, an enthusiast favorite, and the exclusive RS 7 dynamic edition, which showcases the German automaker’s personalization program, were on display at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from April 18-27, 2014. The Penske Automotive Group social team was also there to capture the event as the public laid eyes on the two new model variants for the first time.

The decision to bring the Audi A3 TDI Sportback clean diesel to the U.S. market came thanks to the support of many car enthusiasts. The fuel-efficient compact hatchback will arrive in the U.S. in summer 2015 for the 2016 model year and join Audi’s push to expand the compact luxury segment and its TDI models.

The A3 TDI Sportback will be powered by a 150-horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel engine mated to the standard six-speed S tronic transmission. The TDI Sportback will feature the advanced technology of the recently launched A3 and is a variant of A3 family that is being introduced over the next 18 months: the Audi A3 Sedan, Audi A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI Clean Diesel Sedan, the high-performance S3 Sedan and the A3 Sportback e-tron gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV). It will also join the five 2014 TDI models available, including the A6, A7, A8 L, Q5 and Q7.

The Audi exclusive RS 7 dynamic edition will arrive at dealerships in early summer. In addition to the 560-horsepower engine found in the RS 7, the dynamic edition will include elements of an exclusive customization program: tornado red brake calipers with the RS 7 logo, 21-inch gloss black wheels, a carbon fiber splitter, diffuser, and a carbon fiber engine cover.

The interior of the RS 7 dynamic edition will feature black valcona leather seats with the RS-specific honeycomb stitch in crimson red that is also on the dashboard, gear shifter boot, center and door armrests, and along the center console. The safety belts match the crimson red accents, which are combined with the carbon fiber inlays.

Under the hood of the five-door coupe, the 560-horsepower comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) V8 engine that allows the RS 7 to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The vehicle’s cylinder-on-demand technology allows the RS 7 to deactivate four cylinders at low engine speeds to improve fuel economy by 15 percent.

Stay tuned to PenskeSocial.com for more photos, video and information about the Audi A3 TDI Sportback and the RS 7 dynamic edition.

[Source: Audi of America]

Audi has a 60-second spot planned for this year’s Super Bowl to promote its S6 sedan, but exactly which spot will air is being put in the hands of Internet users. The ad follows a high schooler as he “embarks on one of the most pivotal moments of his adolescence: prom night.” The spot is fixed up to the pivotal moment when he steals a kiss from the prom queen. From that moment, there are three possible endings.

Today, up until 11:59 pm, Audi is running three different versions on its YouTube channel and you can vote on which ending you’d like to see during The Big Game. The winning spot will run on YouTube before the game and then run in the first ad break after kickoff during the Super Bowl. Coca-Cola is running a similar interactive campaign, although its potential endings will involve cowboys, showgirls and a post-Apocalyptic badass, none of which we expect to make it into Audi’s prom night spot. Scroll below to view all three alternate ending videos and cast your vote.

When it comes to the hybrid market, we assume – as most of you probably do as well – that the United States is at the top of the list to get whatever hybrid models an automaker builds. That vision is apparently altering for the Germans, though, as Audi is not bringing this A8 Hybrid to the States, instead favoring Western Europe and particularly Asia. Find an international Audi dealership here.

The start of deliveries in Europe already commenced in May, and Asian deliveries will start by 2013 as Audi mulls bringing the long-wheelbase version there, as well as a right-hand-drive model. The choice to not invite North American consumers to the party might not be a forever sort of thing, but at least for the next few years, the plan appears to be set in stone.

To be honest, Audi’s full parallel hybrid strategy, along with that of parent Volkswagen Group’s larger cars and SUVs in general, isn’t terribly amazing – there’s no thinking going on outside of the box here. Across the entire VW corporate family, the better choice for these bigger cruisers is always the range of outstanding diesels that generally weigh less and can cost less than their hybrid brethren. Nonetheless, Audi’s high-tech image demands that the brand show it can play in every alternative propulsion sector. With China being Audi’s best market by far, this A8 Hybrid has that nation writ all over its business plan.

(Source: Autoblog.com)

For years, the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada has attracted the attention of tech enthusiasts everywhere. Since its inception in 1967, CES has been the birthplace for devices like the videocassette recorder (VCR), the compact disc (CD), and the Nintendo Entertainment System. This year, a record setting 153,000 people attended the event to get the first look at the future of technology.

This year, the automotive industry had more of a presence at CES then in previous years. Car manufacturers including Audi, Kia, Ford, Mercedes, Daimler, and many more made an appearance at the show despite the fact that the Detroit Auto Show was underway at the same time. Each manufacturer had different technology products on display. However; one of the most talked about presentations at the show was Daimler’s introduction of their new infotainment system.

The EE Times reports, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, spoke in depth about the “connected car” and about how users of the interactive infotainment system will have unlimited access to information, “everywhere and at all times”. Mobile applications such as Google Local, Street View, and Facebook are already available to Daimler customers in Europe. However, Daimler wasn’t the only manufacturer rolling out an automobile infotainment system at this year’s CES.

Audi also announced their infotainment system. Audi’s infotainment system features integration of the Audi Phone Box. The Audi Phone Box is an intelligent compartment in the center console that passes the signal of your mobile device to an external antenna on the outside of the car. This genius invention will increase call signal and allow users to download data at faster speeds. In addition to the Audi Phone Box, the infotainment system features integration of mobile applications like Google Voice. Bringing cloud-based applications to Audi’s infotainment system is just one of features that Audi buyers have to look forward to in the near future.

Attendees agree that the technological advancements introduced by companies like Audi and Daimler point to an exciting future for the “connected car” and the connected car driver. For more information about CES 2012 and the products featured at the show visit the CES web site at http://www.cesweb.org/.

Better hurry – you only have until November 30th to “make sure it counts.”

Earlier this fall, Audi announced its safe driving pledge to unite Audi drivers in a goal to make roads safer. Drivers can visit www.driverspledge.com and take the pledge by clicking on a link. According to the website, the German manufacturer set two goals: if it reaches 25,000 pledges by the end of November, it will donate $25,000 to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. At 100,000 pledges, it plans to donate an additional $50,000 to the AAA Foundation.

The company has already reached its first goal, as the counter on the site displays they have over 26,000 pledges. But they still have a long way to go until they reach 100,000.

Safe driving is something every driver can support and makes the roads better and more enjoyable for everyone. Accidents occur all year as drivers demonstrate risky behavior. It’s important to remember that no matter what kind of rush we’re in, or how many things we’re trying to juggle, practicing safe behavior while driving is not only necessary to protect our own lives, but the lives of others as well.

Audi pledges address a number of safety issues, including distracting behavior, tailgating, and speeding. It calls drivers to put down their drink and put their hands in proper position on the steering wheel, obey yellow lights and slow down, and yield to those crossing the road. To see the full list of pledges, check out their website.

Following Audi’s pledge will not only protect lives on the road, but it will make the road a more enjoyable place in general. Nobody likes getting stuck behind the slow driver in the left lane, or seeing someone speed through a red light because they didn’t slow down for the yellow one. Happier drivers are better drivers.

So what are you waiting for? Go take Audi’s Safe Driving Pledge, and make the road a better place.

The 2012 Audi A6 is set to hit U.S. soil in July, and is officially tagged with a starting price of $41,700. You may notice a marginal price cut than previous years, which was done with the intention of strategically keeping up with base models of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, the base 2012 Audi A6 forgoes the V6 unit of its competitors.

Despite this new 2012 Audi A6 not looking or even driving much differently than its predecessor, the 2012 Audi A6 sure is a lot more alluring. Like many newer car models, technology is a big differentiator from an “older” model vehicle, compared to newer models. The 2012 Audi A6 is no different, due in part to available features like a dedicated internet connection, touchpad interface and stop-and-go cruise control.

In addition to a supercharged V6, the 2012 Audi A6 will also offer a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, which will deliver 33 highway miles per gallon. The A6 is also equipped with a 3.0 TFSI that is capable of churning out 310 HP. In addition, there is also a Premium Plus package, for an additional $4,220 that offers  a large infotainment screen, upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels, Audi connect mobile data and HD radio. Furthermore, the 3.0 TFSI also comes with the Prestige package at a price of $6,880 and offers unique 18-inch V-spoke wheels, four-zone climate control, keyless entry, adaptive headlights as well as Led ambient lighting.

Audi’s chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, talks about a “line of lineage” from the first Audi 100 of 1968 to the new 2012 A6 of today. “You should never interrupt history,” says Egger. “If you want to sharpen the emotion of the brand you look to the R8, A7 or E-Tron, not the A6.” While the A8 asserts its plutocratic status and the A4 screams “upwardly mobile,” the A6 has always been the choice of those who want the trappings of success but don’t need to tell the world. It’s Audi’s most sensible car and it’s no surprise to discover that the latest incarnation is a subtle evolution of the old. (insideline.com)

The best way to describe the 2012 Audi A6 is “subtle class.”

Coming soon (July 2011) to an Audi dealership near you…

2012 Audi A6 Specs:

Vehicle
Year Make Model	2012 Audi A6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 7A)
Vehicle Type	AWD 4dr 5-passenger Sedan

Drivetrain
Configuration	Longitudinal, front-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine type	Supercharged, direct-injected, V6, gasoline
Displacement (cc/cu-in)	2,995cc (183 cu-in)
Block/head material	Aluminum/aluminum
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake-valve timing
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)	295 @ 5,250
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	324 @ 2,900
Fuel type	91-octane acceptable + 93-octane for best performance
Transmission type	Seven-speed auto-double-clutch manual

Chassis
Suspension, front	Independent multilink, coil springs
Suspension, rear	Independent multilink, coil springs
Steering type	Electric-assist, speed-proportional, rack-and-pinion steering
Steering ratio (x:1)	16
Tire size	225/55
Wheel size	17-by-8 inches front and rear
Wheel material	Alloy
Brakes, front	One-piece with 2-piston sliding calipers
Brakes, rear	One-piece with 2-piston fixed calipers

Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)	3,836
Length (in.)	193.5
Width (in.)	82.1
Height (in.)	57.3
Wheelbase (in.)	114.6
Track, front (in.)	64.0
Track, rear (in.)	63.7