Audi’s sporty Q3 Vail Concept, built off the base model, was sent to Detroit also, to wet the whistles of car fans world wide.

Audi Q3 Vail features a powerful 2.5-liter TFSI engine, capable of producing an amazing 314 horsepower.

“The concept is painted in a color developed specially for it–Energy Red, adds Motor Authority, “which contains golden pearlescent particles. Its add-on body parts are finished in matte grey quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s rugged themes, while the aluminum and high-gloss black window surrounds add a touch of luxury.”

We’re excited to see production models of this Audi hatchback on North American dealership lots in late 2012.

Source: Motor Authority

Audi has said they will only produce 50 units of this A8 L W12 concept, each emblazoned individually with an identifying serial number, and “Audi Exclusive Concept” lettering. Audi A8 L W12 Exclusive will reportedly be powered by a 6.3 liter W12 gas engine, producing an astounding 493 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. That’s about as powerful as the regular A8 W12 – so what makes it extra special?

A “highly-refined interior finish” complete with the best leather money can buy dons the interior. The finish comes from Italian design house Poltrona Frau.

The seats are a Cognac-colored leather, highlighted with granite gray piping. Olive ash wood inlays come in a light gray-brown veneer, in addition to a leather finish on dashboard, center console, door trims and seat consoles.

Image: WCF

Audi’s flagship and movie star thanks to The Transporter series, comes with a 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine. When combined with electric motor, A8 develops an output of 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque.

Average combined fuel consumption is under 37 US mpg. The sedan can travel at speeds of up to 62 mph on electric alone. The exterior of A8 is almost identical to the regular diesel or gas version, with the exception of a charging port and “hybrid” insignia on the trunk.

An instrument cluster, which looks like it belongs in Star Wars, informs you of all internal and external atmospheric changes. Computerized gauges tell you when (and how much) the battery is charged, and just how long you can drive on it alone.

Source: fourtitude

In a statement, Audi UK described the amount as “staggering.”

The specialized vehicle was auctioned off during Elton John’s annual White Tie & Tiara Ball, which drew in 700 VIP guests to the star’s home.

This A1 was customized by the artist with a “primarily pink color scheme highlighted by other pastel shades.” It was described as “fully drivable and road legal” before it came to the auction block. In addition to the car, a canvas “spin painting” by Hirst was also offered, which may prove to be more valuable than the Audi one day.

Source: Inside Line

There are many auto makers who engage their fans on social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. But who does it the best? Audi. According to a Mashable and Visibli analysis, the car company has the most “LIKES” and most status updates within the “first hour and 20 minutes of being published.”

Specific vehicles with a huge following include the all new 2011 Audi A6 and A7.

More than 200 million Facebook users were tracked in February and March of 2011. Audi was found to have the “most-engaged fans” among pages with more than 100,000 “Likes.” For each status update, the automaker got more than 225 “Likes” per 100,000 fans. This bests celebs Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.

CEO and co-founder of Visibli Saif Ajani said he doesn’t know why Audi comes off so well – “We’re trying to find out ourselves,” he added. An Audi rep says he hasn’t seen the study, and declined comment.

It seems Audi is working on “leaning suspension” technology for use in the next generation of A5 3.0 liter TDI’s. There’s only a short video showing what appears to be an experiment from Audi’s suspension development. World Car Fans thinks it could simply be a group of students doing “something fun on their own,” since the fellows in the video below seem rather young to be working for Audi R&D.

If it is true, Audi will be the first to “corner” the leaning suspension market. See what we did there?

The Germany automaker is introducing a series of wooden-framed bikes. Three different models aimed at urban commuters, “performance enthusiasts,” and long distance riders will be sold. We’re still waiting on a single speed and fixed gear variant for those under-30, skinny jean wearing bike riders in Philly and Brooklyn.

According to Audi PR, “wood offers the smoothest ride of any bicycle frame material, thanks to its ability to absorb shock and vibration. Properly dried wood is also particularly light. Audi claims that wood weighs just one quarter as much as aluminum per cubic inch.” This ignores the fact that aluminum-framed bikes rely on hollow tubing to cut weight.

Audi also points out wooden bicycles further their “commitment to sustainability,” and are recyclable and biodegradable. But don’t leave them out in the rain or extreme heat too long.

Handmade by Renovo Hardwood Bicycles of Portland, Oregon specifically for the auto maker, bikes are priced at $6,350 for the duo City leisure bike, the duo Sport long distance commuter is $7,350, and duo Road comes in at $7,460.

Nice find by The Car Connection

Ready for launch next year, the Q5 remains somewhat unchanged as far as looks. It still sports the dotted line of Audi running lights, which have become highly popular over recent years. The car’s round stature and aerodynamic design make it a perfect candidate for hybrid technology.

Under the hood, power comes from a 208 horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI engine, combined with a 44 hp electric motor. It produces a combined 241 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of 138 mph.

Source: WCF

Audi and Grammy-winning saxophonist Kenny G have come together for a hilarious online and television video – including the brand’s 60-second spot during Super Bowl XLV. It features Kenny as a luxury prison “Riot Suppressor.”
Watch the video below, if for nothing else to hear Mr. G state: “Anyone calls me Kenny Z, I’ll F*%k em up.”

According to Audi, “Challenging viewers to re-think luxury, the ad will feature a number of elements that recall the heyday of old lux. The multiplatinum sax man Kenny G was chosen for his unmistakable music, whose songs and stylings brings the audience back to a certain era.” Audi’s 2011 Super Bowl spot also will feature the award-winning 2011 A8 sedan, the “apex of Audi’s new luxury lineup.”

Last year’s “Green Car” Audi commercials featured the A3 TDI, Green Car Journal’s 2010 “Green Car of the Year.” The 2009 Super Bowl ad featured action star Jason Statham in a series of high-speed, luxury car chase scenes.

Source: fourtitude

It will also feature “an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight.”

Audi declined to comment on when a quattro would be added to their A1 lineup, but they did hint it would be introduced in “future high performance A1 variants.”

Source: WCF