Category: Audi

Audi has taken a number of displays to the Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas which showcase the interior of the next-generation A3. Inadvertently, perhaps, they have given a sneak preview of the new A3 exterior too.

Let’s start inside where it seems safe to declare Audi will keep the A3 at the top of its class in regards to interior materials and quality. Adding to that, though, the A3 won’t be left behind in terms of functionality either.

Whether it’s Google Earth integration for the navigation system, the multi-purpose ‘touchwheel’, the iPhone-inspired 7″ display screen or the optional Audi Phone Box, the new A3 looks set to keep most gadget freaks happy.

Making room for the MMI controls has seen the demise of the traditional handbrake. The A3 will follow suit on its bigger cousins and now employ a simply switched park brake system.

Audi say the modular construction of its new MMI system will allow for easier upgrading throughout the A3’s model cycle; helping to keep its on-board systems more up to date as technology continues to advance.

Make sure you read the official press guff on the head-up display Audi is working on. There’s too much juicy info to summarise here. Suffice to say it is mind blowing stuff for automotive technology.

Aside from that, take note of the images below which feature images of the car in the display screen. A nice teaser for the A3, which now seems certain to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

We’ve also included a brief video from Autoblog which shows the A3 MMI system in action.

UPDATE 12 January: More exterior images can be seen HERE.

Car magazine brings word of Audi’s plans to update its R8 model, including this mash-up rendering. Due in the first half of 2014 they say the second-generation R8 will lose its iconic sideblades and, more predictably, its manual transmission too. We can only think it would be a cost or time saving measure to drop the sideblades.

The entry level V8 engine and topline V10 are expected to be kept. Of course, power will be increased slightly; expect 450bhp minimum in the V8 and 550bhp for the V10. It seems strange that the new 382kW V8 from the S8 doesn’t appear to be slated for introduction until a mid-cycle refresh. We’ll keep a watching brief on that one.

Currently the R8’s frame is 100% aluminium, but the introduction of carbon fibre to the new model is expected to help reduce weight by around 100kg overall. Both the new R8 and next-gen Lamborghini Gallardo (due in 2013) will continue to be based on Audi’s modular sports car system. Although third-gen models are expected to be built on a Porsche-developed platform when the time comes.

Before any of this happens the current R8 will receive a light makeover, which will include, finally, the introduction or a proper double-clutch transmission. The R tronic for the R8 will have seven gears and can be mated to a mildly warmed over V10 offering 540bhp.

[Source: Car]

World Car Fans brings us a decent gallery of 2012 Audi A3 spy shots. As the auto espionage pics trickle in the details revealed by Audi grow. Here we have been given a good preview of the front of the car with headlight and fog light treatments virtually undisguised.

To be honest the next-gen A3 is going to look a lot like the current 8P model. That’s no bad thing in our eyes, of course.

Actually, you only need to refer back to the A3 concept unveiled at Geneva earlier this year to see just how much Audi appears to have given away. Subtle and effective style upgrades are the order of the day for the next A3; traditionally the first model in the Volkswagen group to be released on the new ‘Golf’ platform.

[Source: WCF]

Audi has muscled on on the world of Spanish football by releasing a new A1 promo ahead of this weekend’s El Clásico fixture. Audi has a track record of associating its feisty A1 with football; you may recall previous connections to the Japanese national team and Bayern Munich.

This promo includes enough tyre sliding action to pop the eyes out of Australian regulators. Although, the reveal at the end is a nice surprise.

Rumour suggesting Audi will bring a new Audi TT concept to the Tokyo Motor Show is gathering momentum. Whatever the origins of the sketch above it has been heavily inspired by the stunning Audi quattro concept, first shown at Paris a little over a year ago.

It’s expected the next-generation TT will make a move upmarket and may step away from its Golf underpinnings. A unique steel and aluminium chassis is said to be in the mix.

Audi brought a TT shooting brake concept to the Tokyo show in 2005 and if they repeat that form again we’ll bring you the details as soon as we can.

[Source: audiblog.nl via Auto Express]

Audi has released images and information for its five-door A1 Sportback, which will go on sale in Australia around the middle of next year. It’s pretty much the same as the three-door A1 we liked so much when drove it last year.

The roofline is 16mm taller and there’s a fraction more rear leg room. However, its standard four-seat configuration tells you there’s not really going to be heaps of room in the back.

We would expect engine and trim options will match for the Sportback will match the specs offered in the three-door, but we won’t know for sure until Audi Australia confirms details closer to launch.

For now here’s a gallery of 50 images for you to enjoy. We think the A1 is quite a nice looking car. It’s a bit pricey, but otherwise a very smart choice for those willing to wear the cost. We’d love to hear your thoughts.