The new Audi Q5

Published by Servicing Stop in Audi Models on May 1st, 2012 | No Comments »

The brand new 2012 Audi Q5 has been unveiled. Although the previous version was deemed quite spectacular, there have been a number of upgrades and updates with Audi’s latest version.

Exterior look

In terms of the exterior there hasn’t been many upgrades. Audi decided to go keep the vehicle’s foundations and classy look without rebranding it completely. This will help attract the same type of market base and achieve similar sales figures from last year. There is a newly design front grille, keeping with Audi’s next generation of design. The bumpers are slightly modified to make room for the differently styled front air intakes. Interestingly there will be four new exterior colours available upon the car.

The headlights have been upgraded, which are optionally catered for xenon headlights to be installed and LED running daytime lights.

Interior

The interior will have three new optional colour schemes. There will be an glossy black chrome trim inside the cabin along with a chrome trim. High quality entertainment systems will be included too.

Engine changes

This time round there will be cleaner and engines which contain greater power too. This includes a 2.0 TSI which is able to hit an almighty 222 BHP which is an increase of 14 BHP compared to the previous engine. The fuel economy has been increased to 34.9 MPG, which is an upgrade of 2.3 MPG.

Although the 3.2 litre engine has been decreased in terms of size to a 3.0 litre TFSI V6, there is still a power increase of 2 BHP with the engine producing a total of 2 BHP altogether. The fuel economy has been improved with this particular engine by 2.8 MPG with the total MPG of the vehicle being 33.2 MPG.

The new 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine is 7 BHP better off than the previous 168 BHP engine that it replaces. The average fuel economy is 47.1 MPG.

The new 3.0 TDI V6 diesel engine is able to produce 242 BHP. The previous 3.0 TDI was only able to produce a maximum of 238 BHP. The average fuel economy is 44.1 MPG which is great improvement of 6.5 MPG in total.

As usual stop start technology will be standard upon every trim of the Audi Q5. There will be a six speed manual gearbox as standard on the four cylinder models. The 3.0 TFSI variant will receive an eight speed automatic gearbox as standard. This will be an optional extra for the 2.0 TFSI variant.

 

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Audi finally secure Ducati

Published by Servicing Stop in Audi Services on April 30th, 2012 | No Comments »

Audi have bought Ducati for an estimated £708 million. After months of speculation and negotiating the deal has finally been completed. The deal also involves Audi taking responsibility for Ducati’s liabilities which are worth £150 million.

Catching up with BMW

Some put Audi’s decision down to them wanting to close the gap with German counterparts, BMW. BMW are currently the world’s leading luxury car manufacturer with Audi lagging behind in second place, ahead of Mercedes-Benz. BMW have a sport bike division too which is performing quite at present. Expect Audi to pull out all the stops to knock BMW off their pedestal.

A second chance

Audi almost completed the deal for the Italian brand back in 1984. Ferdinand Piech, the Volkswagen Group Chairman has spoken of his regret at not purchasing the company back then when it was put up for sale. Eventually the company was bought by the founders of Cagiva, the Castiglioni brothers.

The impact Audi may have

Audi will bring a lot of much needed expertise and power to the Ducati brand. Currently there are 40,000 being produced every year. This is a significantly small amount within the motorcycle industry. Clever marketing and strategy will ensure that Audi does not lose money from investment and covers some ground on BMW, who are one of their main rivals. The Volkswagen Group have a history of revitalising automotive brands. In the past they have taken on the likes of Lamborghini and Bentley, managing to completely turn their fortunes around.

Will Ducati’s become more economical?

Audi are likely to provide expert technology ideas on ways to make their bikes fuel efficient and economical whilst offering a tremendous performance at the same time. Audi’s natural quality and success is bound to rub off over many aspects of the Ducati Company. As the deal is at it’s earliest stages it is unknown as exactly what areas of the company Audi will improve or change yet.

Ducati values, principles and philosophy will remain

One aspect that can be guaranteed is that the values and philosophy of Ducati is certain to be kept. The Volkswagen Group have a habit of ensuring that company values are kept no matter what business they take over. They always show a great respect for the respective company involved.

Will Ducati’s fortunes change? Will this help Audi knock off BMW from the top spot?

 

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Audi expanding in Mexico

Published by Servicing Stop in Audi Services on April 27th, 2012 | No Comments »

Audi have recently confirmed plans to open a new plant in Mexico. They are clearly pushing to edge closer to BMW, the world’s leading luxury car manufacturer.

Which model?

However it must be noted that the new factory will not be built and will produce any vehicles until 2016. It has been confirmed that a luxury sports utility vehicle will be built at the factory. It is not yet known whether that will be the Q3, Q5 or Q7 as of yet.

The prominence of Mexico

Experts believe the new development will cost around $2 billion. This has not been confirmed by Audi as of yet. The fact that production will commence in Mexico shows the progress that the country is clearly making.  A luxurious brand such as Audi investing in the country would bring great prosperity and hope to the countries automotive industry. Last year Mexico finished 8th in the world when ranking total vehicles produced in a single country. In total Mexico managed to produce 2.6 million vehicles which is a wonderful achievement.

It makes great business sense for more car producers to invest in Mexico. Exports are made a whole lot easier thanks to agreements with the United States, Canada, the South American region and the European Union.

Rupert Stadler, the Chairman of the Board of Management from Audi commented on the advantages of producing in Mexico saying that “(Mexico) offers an excellent economic basis for Audi production operations. Good infrastructure, competitive cost structures and existing free trade agreements played a significant role in the choice of Mexico.”

Catching up with BMW and Mercedes-Benz

It is hoped that Audi can finally rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the United States. Currently the battle is primarily between the latter. Although Audi are the fastest growing car manufacturer in the company, they really need a base for production nearby to heavily compete. This recent announcement could be the answer. It is in this particular area where BMW and Mercedes-Benz currently hold the advantage at present. BMW have a factory located in Spartanburg, South Carolina where X-model SUV’s are made. Mercedes-Benz build the M-Class, GL-Class and the R-Class in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The ever famous C-Class is also expected to be built over in the United States in from the year 2014.

Audi’s amazing growth has continued this year, not only in the United States, but across all other important car markets around the world.

 

 

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Get ready for four new Audi S models

Published by Servicing Stop in Uncategorized on April 26th, 2012 | No Comments »

Audi are set to launch four new S models in May. These will include the Audi S6, Audi S6 Avant, Audi S7 Sportback and the Audi S8. As all of them contain Audi’s prestigious S badge, they will be performance type of vehicles.

Same applies to all

The same twin turbo V8 engine will be under bonnet of all models. Power outputs will obviously differ with the maximum being 513 BHP. All models will have cylinder deactivation technology, a wonderful addition to all. This means fuel and energy will be saved as cylinders will be shut down whenever they are not required.

Prices

Prices from top to bottom will range from £53,995 to £77,900. Deliveries are able to taken from May. First arrivals of the car will be in July.

The Audi S6

The Audi S6 along with the Audi S6 Avant will contain a 4.0 litre engine capable of producing 414 BHP. In 4.6 seconds the S6 is able to hit 0 – 60 MPH. The Audi Avant is able to reach 0 – 60 MPH in only 4.7 seconds. The top speed will have a speed limit of 155 MPH. The new engine helps fuel economy and carbon emissions a great deal. The special quick shift gearbox allows the transfer of power towards the four wheel drive system. This utilises a sport differential in order to achieve this. Both will be very noticeable sitting on stylish 19 inch alloy wheels.

The Audi S7 Sportback

The Audi S7 Sportback will contain a 4.0 litre TFSI engine. The car will be able to hit 0 – 62 MPH in just 4.7 seconds. The car’s speed will once again be limited to 155 MPH. For such a powerful car it achieves a very respectable 29.4 MPG. The S tronic transmission allows the car to deliver a great deal of power. The vehicle adopts an all wheel drive format which uses a sport differential. There also be on Audi’s drive select dynamics system along with adaptive air suspension technology.

The Audi S8

The Audi S8 will contain a 4.0 litre capable of hitting a maximum of 513 BHP. The car is able to elevate from 0 – 62 MPH in 4.2 seconds. The car’s top speed will be limited to 155 MPH. Again there is an impressive fuel economy rating of 28 MPG with emissions hitting a respectable 235g/km. Power and economy ratings are greatly increased from the previous version.

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The new Audi Q7 spied

Published by Servicing Stop in Uncategorized on April 25th, 2012 | No Comments »

Audi’s new Q7 model has spied by various automotive journalists across the world. The spy shots have developed a great amount of hype throughout the car industry. Many are eagerly anticipating the new generation of the Q7. The car is expected to go on sale at the start of 2014, so fans still have a lengthy wait.

The mechanical structure not given away

The car was spotted at Audi’s test facility in Nurburgring, Germany. What’s special about the new model is the highly improved mechanical engineering under the body work. None clues were given away regarding that particular area during Audi’s test run.

Will there be more room?

From what was shown at the test track the new Audi Q7 will have larger wheel arches. The sill of the car sits lower than the previous version. This means that there could be a greater amount of space within the cabin in terms of the headroom offered. Access to the third row seats will also be made a lot easier if there is more space within the car. The vehicle’s 7 seat plan will remain.

Sharing the PL71 platform

Being part of the Volkswagen Group, expect the new Audi Q7 to be part of major plans to generalise vehicle platforms. The Q7 is expected to receive the PL71 platform, with the original being installed within the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. This will not only help Audi to save costs but will also help the new model save weight and therefore be a lot more economical.

Engine sizes decreased

As part of Audi’s future plans, the engine sizes will be decreased. This is expected not to compromise the performance of the car. Rumours claim that the engines to be made available with the car include a V6 3.0 litre engine, a V6 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine and a V8 4.0 litre turbo charged engine. There is also set to be a new plug-in hybrid model offered.

Audi couldn’t get the new generation model finished quickly enough. Many of the Q7’s rivals are already upgraded an in the second generation. This will prove to be a major stumbling block in terms of competing.

At the Indian Auto Expo, there was a brand new Audi Q7 crossover introduced to the country which contained a V12 TDI diesel engine. The car is extremely powerful, able to hit 500 BHP.

 

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Record first quarter for Audi

Published by Servicing Stop in Uncategorized on April 24th, 2012 | No Comments »

Audi have kept their lead over Mercedes-Benz so far this year. Sales for Audi were recorded at 143,500 in March which is a 14.1 per cent increase when comparing the same month in 2011. The company have managed to achieve their best ever first quarter sales thanks to strong demand in China. Audi however are still behind BMW in terms of first quarter sales.

First Quarter

First quarter sales for 2012 result in a figure of 346,100 for Audi which is a rise of 10.8 per cent. Mercedes-Benz first quarter sales reached 341,000. BMW remain the world’s leaders selling 400,000 so far throughout the first quarter.

Strong demand in China

Audi maintained their number one status in China ahead of other luxury car makers. This was largely down to sales of the new generation Audi A4, Audi A6 and Audi Q5. Altogether sales shot up by 37 per cent in March in China, who have the world’s largest automotive market. In total 31,505 Audi cars were sold in the country. When taking the first three months of 2012 into account, sales increased by 40.5 per cent in total with figures hitting 90,063. Audi’s dominance in China is a major factor behind the company overtaking Mercedes-Benz to the number two slot. The Chinese market is now larger than the German market for Audi.

The United States

In the United States Audi’s sales rose a huge 18 per cent in March, showing their strong growth spurt has no signs of fading anytime soon. The battle in North America is predominately between BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However Audi are growing faster than bother of the German counterparts. Are Audi able to push for the top two spots in country anytime soon?

The surrounding regions

Audi are doing extremely well in the surrounding countries. Brazilian Audi sales increased by 37.3 per cent, Canadian Audi sales soared by 23.3 per cent and sales within Argentina improved by 49.3 per cent.

Better than Mercedes-Benz and BMW?

Peter Schwarzenbauer has released a statement claiming that company have had a great 2012 so far and more growth is expected to continue. Audi managed to snatch the number two spot away from Mercedes-Benz in 2011. They are still behind BMW in terms of sales but are ahead on profitability stakes. This is mainly due down to the company’s association with the Volkswagen Group.

 

 

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Audi loses out to BMW

Published by Servicing Stop in Audi Services on April 23rd, 2012 | No Comments »

BMW have managed to beat Audi’s sales in the first quarter of 2012. Audi remain the fastest growing luxury brand but were still unable match BMW so far this year.

How all three lined up

This year’s success was mainly down to the new redesigned BMW 3 Series, the companies all time top seller. It has proven to be a massive hit in the United States. Sales in March alone reached a total of 29,004. Within the first three months of the year, BMW managed to sell 356,548 vehicles which represents an increase of 11 per cent from February. Clearly the car is showing a very positive pattern for the rest of the year. Mercedes-Benz sold just 313,902 with Audi coming in with 346,100 sales in total.

Luxury v Mass Car Production

All three German luxury manufacturers are targeting record sales this year, with the luxury car market expanding throughout the world. This represents a stark contrast with the mass production market. The likes of Vauxhall and Peugeot are producing too many cars, with production figures not hitting the current demand.

BMW in confident mood

Ian Robertson, the head of BMW sales has come out and said “The BMW Group achieved an all-time high in sales last month and the best first quarter in its history. We aim to continue the momentum with additional new models this year.” Can Audi topple BMW with their German rivals expressing such a great amount of confidence?

New models to rival Audi

That is not all however. There will be an addition of a BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, with the four door vehicle expected to sell quite well. A new BMW 7 Series luxury sedan may also deter sales away from Audi. The launch of BMW’s new models may mean that they will finish behind Audi yet again in terms of profit, but will remain as the world’s number one luxury car producer.

Sales expectations

In total BMW hope to sell 1.39 million for 2012. Audi are expected to sell 1.29 million with Mercedes-Benz aiming for sales of 1.28 million.

Audi’s new hybrid A3

Audi are hoping to revive their sales campaign by introducing the new Audi A3 compact model. Keeping in line with the future of the automotive industry the new A3 will come available as a plug-in hybrid.

Audi’s first quarter

Audi also posted record sales in the first quarter. This was hugely down to sales in China, Audi’s number one car market increasing by 41 per cent to 25,941.

 

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Audi to build the world’s largest showroom in Dubai

Published by Servicing Stop in Uncategorized on April 20th, 2012 | No Comments »

Audi are currently in the process of building the world’s largest showroom in Dubai. Currently under construction, Audi have imposed a number of green features within to be as economical as possible.

Green facilities

The factory will have many economical targets to achieve. This will mean that they will carry out such processes as re-using wastage water and using specific type of high grade materials.

Thomas Faerber is the General Manager for Al Nabooda Automobiles explained exactly how the new development would be extremely energy efficient and economical.  “First of all, for the block wall, we’re using material that is not the normal block brick; it is an insulated block to keep the heat outside and the cold inside. It costs approximately three times more than a normal block would. We have special insulated windows for the whole glass façade to do the same – keeping the cold inside and the heat out.”

Cleverly water will be retained from the air conditioning system and then used upon the plants among the scenery. Water from rain will be used within the building’s toilets, if Audi eventually get permission from the authorities. Mr Faerber also confirmed that there will be no air conditioning system in the basement car parks as there is clearly no need. Mr Faerber confirmed that it would be a waste of energy and money.

Mr Faerber explained why there should not be a problem. He said “I can understand the reason due to the sand and dust. The first rain will wash it away and put it in the tanks so you might face a problem with the toilet system etc. However, we have filters which we could use. At the moment we are not allowed but we’re coming to the point where, if it is allowed, we have it already there,”

Airport terminal

Uniquely the building will be built with the inspiration from an airport terminal. There will be an underground car park which will consist of two floors. The building will also consist of three floor levels, meaning there is plenty of space.

However it is not all plain sailing at the moment. There are plenty of problems at preventing which are proving to be a stumbling block. When finally completed, there will be room for up to 57 cars it is expected with the site covering a total of 94,000 square feet.

 

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The new Audi R8 to get a dual clutch

Published by Servicing Stop in Uncategorized on April 19th, 2012 | No Comments »

The new re-engineered Audi R8 will receive a dual clutch, enhancing it’s performance and overall drive. The car was spotted earlier this month, driving the automotive press crazy.

The car has been upgraded on it’s mechanical engineering, with slight changes upon the exterior too.

An amazing new optional upgrade

The new dual clutch is the most significant upgrade upon the vehicle.  It will offered as an optional extra. For owners who require that extra bit of excitement and fun on the road, the dual clutch will be a must have addition. Many expected the Audi R8 to originally contain a six speed gearbox with a standard clutch with shift mechanism. Other sources claimed that the car could contain an R-tronic system without a clutch system.

Self shifting gearbox

A self shifting gearbox would have significantly increased sales it is believed. Audi did not realise the overall potential of how profitable it would have been. This may appear on the new generation Audi R8 which may go on sale in the next two years.

V8 or V10?

The news is at it’s very earliest stages. At the moment, it is unclear as to whether the S-tronic dual clutch gearbox is to be offered upon the V8 and V10 model.

Enhancements

The brand new V10 model will see an increase of 15 BHP, from 525 BHP to 540 BHP. The V8 4.2 litre is expected to remain with 424 BHP.

New mechanical architecture

Re-engineering the current Audi R8 will come as a huge expense to the company. Many believe that although revenue will be down due that the high expenses, these will be recouped when the new generation Audi R8 goes on sale. The new re-engineered Audi R8 in question will contain the new mechanical architecture in which will be installed in the next generation.

Changes to the exterior

The exhaust appears to have a different shape from one of the few images shown. They are now in a circular type of shape rather than an oval one. The head and rear lights also appear to have a different type of shape.

It is sure to remain as one of the best selling and most desirable super cars throughout the world once yet again. Fans will get a first glimpse first hand at the Moscow motor show held later on this year in August.

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Audi to enhance the sound system for their electric vehicles

Published by Servicing Stop in Uncategorized on April 18th, 2012 | No Comments »

There is nothing better than hearing the roar of a powerful engine, according to many sports car enthusiasts.

When the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz release electric versions of some of their highly desired sports cars, the sound of the engine may be too quiet for some. Clearly they will not be attractive to the market that they are aiming for. Audi service is vital for optimum performance of the Audi cars.

Safety

That is not the main issue however. The element of safety must also be heavily considered. When crossing the road or driving, you are able to judge if there is an oncoming car through the sound of the engine. If a car is silent with no engine noise, there is a huge increase in danger. Sight alone will have to be used in order to sense the oncoming danger. Surely that will prove not be enough in today’s dangerous environment.

What Audi plan to do about it

Audi’s method of conquering this problem is to provide a synthetic engine noise to the company’s new line up of e-Tron vehicles. Rudolf Halbmeir, one of Audi’s head engineers has been put in charge of the project. The aim is to recreate the sound of a sports car, working intelligently with the engine speed and the vehicle behaviour. The sound will play out through a 40 watt loudspeaker which will fit underneath the car.

Ralf Kunkel, the Head of Acoustics at Audi has explained how the project has been an ongoing process for a number of years. “Good sound design is a complex endeavour. We have gathered a lot of expertise over the years. We have also learned how to amplify pleasant frequencies and to suppress unpleasant noises.”

Axel Brombach, a speaker expert who is working on the project said the Audi R8 e-tron sounds sports and futuristic. He said “Out of the building and to the street. A red Audi R8 e-tron pulls up around the corner, purring gently. But when Rudolf Halbmeir taps the gas pedal, the purr turns into a cultivated growl. Though not unlike an elegant V8, it is especially pure and nuanced, and is shrouded in bright and innovative overtones. The Audi R8 e-tron certainly sounds like a sports car, but also one-of-a-kind and very futuristic.”

The sound produced from the electric vehicle new speaker system will be enough to warn nearby cyclists and pedestrians. Noise pollution will be increased but safety, which is more important, will be enhanced.

 

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