Iron Man 3 star Robert Downey Jr. made an entrance with his wife in a blazing-red 2014 Audi R8 V-10 Spyder. As if that wasn’t enough, the sports car was escorted down Hollywood Boulevard by a cadre of cops on bicycles.

He was later joined on the red carpet by co-star Gwyneth Paltrow.

After the movie was screened at a pair of theaters facing each other across the boulevard, guests emerged to see more than 30 chauffeur-driven Audis arrayed across the blacktop in front of the theaters.

In the movie, virtually all the cars were Audis, but they are never shown much. Their screen time is reduced to walk-on status. But given the popularity of the past two Iron Man films, Audi must be convinced that even a bit part is better than none when it comes to the comic-book-based movies.

(From usatoday.com)

The jury sees Audi as a pioneer in the development of piloted driving
- Audi boss Stadler: “We are greatly honored to be included in the group of the world’s most innovative companies. It shows that Audi is well equipped for the future.”

News Source – Audinews.com

Audi A6/S6 and A7/S7 selected by Car and Driver as ’2013 10Best’ winners

The 2013 Audi A6/S6 and 2013 Audi A7/S7 vehicles have been named by Car and Driver, a leading automotive enthusiast publication, to the 31st annual “10Best” list. Car and Driver’s ’10Best’ recognizes the best new cars on the market under $80,000. This, in the addition to including the new S6 and S7 sport models to the roster of winners, is the second consecutive year for the Audi A6 and A7 to be selected as Car and Driver’s ’10Best’ winners.

“The A6 and A7, along with the S6 and S7 models which deliver more performance, design and technology, are a few of Audi’s greatest success stories,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Audi is proud to be recognized again by Car and Driver’s ’10Best’ for the A6/S6 and A7/S7. This proves that Audi continues to lead with a winning combination of innovative technology, progressive design and unmatched performance.”

“The A6/A7 and S6/S7 constitute a remarkable range of cars; they’ve won every Car and Driver comparison test in which they’ve competed,” said Eddie Alterman, Editor-in-Chief, Car and Driver. “This is an extraordinary achievement, especially considering the competition.”

2013 Audi A6 and A7
The award-winning 2013 Audi A6 and A7 combine thrilling performance, stunning design, and intelligent technology. Both boast an all-aluminum 3.0 TFSI® supercharged V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Aside from spectacular performance, the Audi A6 and A7 are also two of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date. Intelligent features include head-up display and the MMI® touch that recognizes handwriting. Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet (for up to 8 passenger devices), enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic news and live fuel prices, and MMI navigation with 3D Google Earth™ images.

2013 Audi S6 and S7
The all-new 2013 Audi S6 and S7 models bring exhilarating performance, intelligent efficiency technologies and exclusive “S” design cues. Building upon the industry-leading innovation of the Audi A6 and A7, the Audi S models set new standards for performance and prestige.

The new 2013 Audi S6 and S7 are both equipped with an all-new twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI engine that delivers 420 horsepower and an impressive 406 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 to 5,300 rpm and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Audi 4.0 TFSI V8 engine brings progressive performance to the luxury sedan segment with the combination of smaller displacement and higher output. Compared to the previous S6 model, it offers greater performance while reducing fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent.

Standard features that differentiate the S models from the A models include, Audi cylinder on demand™ with active engine mounts and active noise cancellation for better fuel efficiency, a rear sport differential, air suspension, and a 7-speed S tronic® transmission.

Both A and S models feature Audi connect™ with factory-installed Wi-Fi and navigation with 3D Google Earth. From the groundbreaking MMI touch and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi S6 and S7 are the perfect marriage of progressive design and sophisticated engineering.

Nominees for the 31st annual ’10Best’ list consist of all new cars, 2012 10Best winners, cars that were not available for the 2012 competition and those with significant updates. All cars must fall under the base-price cap of $80,000 and be on sale by January 2013. Full coverage of the 2013 Car and Driver 10Best awards can be found in the January issue, on newsstands early December, and online at http://www.caranddriver.com.

Official Audi Press Release:

Dynamics at their most beautiful – the Audi RS 7
Audi is expanding its RS model lineup: The RS 7 Sportback, which is making its debut at the North American International Auto Show 2013 in Detroit, stands for dynamics at their most beautiful. The large five-door coupe uses a 4.0 TFSI engine producing 412 kW (560 hp). The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 3.9 seconds, and the speed governor can be deactivated upon customer request to permit a top speed of up to 305 km/h (189.52 mph). Despite this superior performance, the Audi RS 7 Sportback consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg).

Aesthetic design, innovative technology and impressive sportiness: The RS 7 Sportback, the large five-door coupe from Audi, combines many strengths to produce a fascinating character. Its strong heart is the 4.0 TFSI, which takes Audi’s downsizing strategy to the high-end category. The twin-turbo V8 displaces 3,993 cc and develops awesome power, with 412 kW (560 hp) available between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm. A constant 750 Nm (553.17 lb-ft) of torque are available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

Because the high-revving four-cylinder engine has been rigorously designed for low load-change and flow losses, it develops this power quickly and spontaneously. The cylinder heads have the exhaust side on the inside and the intake side on the outside. The two twin-scroll turbochargers, which produce up to 1.2 bars of relative boost pressure, are located together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. Consequently, the gas paths are very short and response very good. The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the dynamic character of the twin-turbo V8. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the engine sound even fuller at the push of a button or under strong acceleration. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.

The RS 7 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. Audi limits the top speed in the standard configuration to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Top speed with the optional dynamic package is 280 km/h (173.98 mph) and
305 km/h (189.52 mph) with the dynamic package plus.

Yet the new top model of the model series consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg). This top value is due in part to the standard start-stop system and innovative thermal management.

The most innovative efficiency technology in the new Audi RS 7 Sportback is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to medium loads and engine speeds, it deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by closing their valves via electromechanical actuators. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. The operating points in the active cylinders are displaced toward higher loads, increasing efficiency.

All of these operations take just a few hundredths of a second and occur so smoothly and quickly that they can hardly be felt or heard. Active engine bearings, another high-end solution from Audi, use out-of-phase counter-oscillations to compensate for the slight vibrations that occur during four-cylinder operation. The COD technology reduces NEDC fuel consumption by roughly five percent, and even greater savings of approximately 10 percent are possible when driving at moderate speeds.

The standard eight-speed tiptronic is specially tuned to the sporty character of the Audi RS 7 Sportback. Drivers can choose between the modes D and S or change gears themselves using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design. While the lower gears of the tiptronic are closely spaced for sporty response, eighth gear is tall like an overdrive to reduce fuel consumption.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive for its decisive advantage in traction and driving safety compared with its two-wheel-drive competitors. At the heart of the quattro system is a center differential with a high locking rate and a separate oil cooler to regulate its temperature. It distributes the power as needed within a wide range between the front and rear axles. In the standard configuration, 60 percent flows to the rear and 40 percent to the front.

An intelligent software solution called torque vectoring supports the work of the differential at the cornering limit with minimal braking of the wheels that are under a reduced load. Audi also offers the optional sport differential for the rear axle, which uses two superposition gears to actively distribute the power between the wheels.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes standard with polished, 20-inch forged lightweight wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. The five-door high-performance coupe also rolls on optional 21-inch cast wheels in a choice of three designs.

Powerful brakes are located behind the large wheels. The four internally vented discs feature a weight-saving wave design and measure 390 millimeters (15.35 in) in diameter up front. Pins decouple the steel friction rings from the aluminum brake caps. Black painted six-piston calipers – optionally available in red – grip the discs. Audi also offers optional 420 millimeter (16.54 in) carbon fiber ceramic discs with anthracite gray calipers. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

Equipped with the air suspension, which harmonizes perfectly with the dynamic character of a sport coupe, the new RS 7 Sportback is sporty, yet still comfortable. The RS 7 adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in). Adaptive damping, another of the system’s features, adjusts the suspension’s response to the condition of the road, the driver’s style and the mode selected in the Audi drive select system, with which the driver can alter the function of key components in multiple steps.

Audi offers the taut sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control (DRC) as an alternative to the air suspension. It uses steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers that are connected to one another via diagonal oil lines and a central valve. Another option, which can also be integrated into Audi drive select, is the dynamic steering with its steplessly variable steering boost and ratio. As with the standard electromechanical steering, its characteristics are specially tailored for the RS 7 Sportback.

The body of the Audi RS 7 Sportback includes up to 20 percent aluminum and includes many parts of high-strength and ultra high-strength steels. Its high rigidity is the foundation for the precise handling, excellent workmanship and quiet cabin free of intrusive noise.

The character of the Audi RS 7 Sportback is immediately obvious. A series of specific design details give a sporty edge to its flowing coupe design. These include the distinctive bumpers and high-gloss black protective grille with honeycomb structure at the front of the car as well as add-on parts in matt aluminum. At the rear of the car, which features a power extending spoiler, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical tailpipe trims of the exhaust system catch the eye.

The RS 7 Sportback is available in a choice of ten exterior colors, including the new shade Nardo gray and the exclusive finish Daytona gray, matt effect. Two styling packages – matt aluminum and carbon – further customize the appearance. With these, the front center air inlet also sports a quattro badge. With the carbon styling package, the front splitter and the diffuser are somewhat more boldly shaped. Other options include the exterior mirrors with exposed carbon housings and the all-LED headlights, whose designer trims are tinted for a unique look.

The elegant dynamics carry over to the cockpit of the Audi RS 7 Sportback. The dial instruments have black faces, white scales and red needles. A 3D RS 7 logo in the tachometer is a further accent. The key, the flat-bottomed, three-spoke leather steering wheel, the illuminated door entry sills and the displays for the MMI and driver information system also sport RS badges. The driver information system includes a shift light, which indicates when the rev limit is reached. Displays for boost pressure and oil temperature plus a lap timer round out the RS 7-specific menu.

Colors and materials provide for further differentiation. The footrest, pedals and soft keys in the standard MMI navigation plus terminal shine in an aluminum-look finish. The decorative trim below the retractable monitor sports a piano finish.
6/21 http://www.audi-mediaservices.com

Carbon inlays are standard, with four additional materials available as options. The headlining comes standard in black cloth, with options for lunar silver or black Alcantara. Of course, the Audi RS 7 Sportback can also be personalized using the Audi exclusive program.

RS sport seats with pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 7 logos are standard. They are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the center sections feature diamond quilting. The seats can also be covered alternatively in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or lunar silver. Audi offers optional power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function. The two rear seats are powerfully contoured. Luggage capacity ranges from 535 to 1,390 liters (18.89 to 49.09 cu ft) depending on the position of the rear seat backs.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes with a generous list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, a tire pressure monitoring system, the parking system plus, three-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control and the Audi sound system in addition to features mentioned previously. High-end options include a head-up display, a comfort package, the dynamic package and the dynamic package plus.

The Bluetooth online car phone is an ideal complement to the standard MMI navigation plus. Its UMTS module delivers the tailored Audi connect services to the on-board monitor, and a WLAN hotspot connects the passengers’ mobile devices. Topping the range of audio modules is the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback also leads the pack when it comes to driver assistance systems. One of these is the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function including Audi pre sense front. This keeps the powerful coupe at the proper distance from the car ahead and in many situations can help to avoid accidents or mitigate their consequences.

Audi active lane assist helps the driver to keep the RS 7 Sportback on course. The park assist handles the steering when parking. The night vision assistant with highlighting of detected persons reduces the stress of driving in the dark. Audi side assist and the speed limit display round out the list.

Audi A8 is named best overall model and luxury segment winner, while Audi A4 is recognized as segment winner

Audi ranked as the top overall brand in the newly released 2012 Total Quality Index™ (TQI) study presented by Strategic Vision, scoring 918 out of a possible 1000 points. Additionally, among luxury brands priced $40,000 and above, Audi improved the most from 2011. Individual accolades include the Audi A8named as the overall Best Model and Luxury Car, and the A4 topping its category in the Near-Luxury Car segment.The Audi A8 is named the overall Best Model and topped the Luxury Car segment with scores that outpaced the industry standards in all areas, particularly environmental friendliness, seat comfort and interior quality. The 2012 Audi A8 flagship sedan, known for its superior design and advancements in engineering, technology and performance, received the overall Best Model award.

With a score of 942 out of 1000 points, the A8 was the highest-performing model in the 2012 TQI study. Innovative technological amenities, such as the Audi connect™ system, which offers Google Earth™, Google™ Local Search, clear and efficient Google™ Voice Local Search, real-time weather, fuel prices, news and travel information as well as a Wi-Fi connection for up to eight devices, facilitated the Audi A8 to surpass its competition with high marks. Audi is the only brand globally offering factory-installed wireless Internet, an advance now available in core models, such as the Audi A4, Audi A5 and Audi Q5.

For 2013, the A8 retains and refines several qualities that are heavily praised in the previous model year. The 2013 Audi A8 model line expands from two to five models. The new 3.0 TFSI® supercharged V6 and new 4.0T twin-turbo V8 engines are faster and more fuel efficient than the outgoing 4.2 liter V8 engine. The 3.0T V6 produces 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The Audi A8 4.0-liter TSFI bi-turbo V8 engine features an all-new powertrain that produces 420 hp and 444 lb-ft of toque and seamlessly goes from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. All engines are paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission with the confidence-inspiring Audi quattro® all-wheel drive system.

The Audi A4 also topped its category thanks to its progressive styling, customer perception and vehicle reliability. The Audi A4, the only car in its class to offer quattro all-wheel drive, features the award-winning 2.0 TFSI engine with 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque, combined with Audi valvelift system, variable valve timing and TFSI direct injection. Design refinements give the A4 model-line athletic elegance, most noticeably with the available Audi xenon plus lighting with LED daytime running lights and tail lamps. Available convenience technologies, such as Audi MMI® Navigation plus with Audi connect and Audi music interface, add pure enjoyment to the driving experience. Entertainment is provided by an Audi six-channel stereo system with ten speakers, or an available Bang & Olufsen® 505-watt, 14-speaker sound system.

Strategic Vision has presented Total Quality Awards annually since 1995. Based on Strategic Vision’s quantitative “ValueCentered®” NVES study, the Total Quality Index was calculated from the responses of 45,390 buyers who purchased 2012 models between September and December 2011.

To learn more about the Audi premium performance models, please visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com.

From Audi motorsport to series production: the digital rear-view mirror

- Intelligent camera/monitor system ensures an ideal view
- New technology goes into series production with the Audi R8 e-tron
- Successful debut in the Audi R18 Le Mans race car

Audi is set to make driving even safer with a new technology: the digital rear-view mirror delivers brilliant images and is due to enter small-scale production in the Audi R8 e-tron at the end of this year. This model – like the current Le Mans winners – has no rear window and hence no conventional rear-view mirror. Its high-tech successor is the digital rear-view mirror – a camera/monitor system.

A control unit produces a consistent high-contrast, brilliant image. During the hours of darkness the intelligent control system prevents dazzle from the headlights of other vehicles. The driver can dim or deactivate the display at any time. Audi is also working on incorporating additional information on the monitor in future.

The small, ultra-lightweight camera is located in an aerodynamically optimized housing which is heated in cold temperatures. It uses a lens with a diameter of just a few millimeters and covers a much larger field of vision than a conventional rear-view mirror. A color monitor with a 7.7-inch screen diagonal mounted in place of a conventional rear-view mirror is used to display the digital image data from the camera. This AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, which comes from development partner Samsung Display Co., LTD, is making its debut in a passenger car. The organic materials used in the display are self-illuminating at a low voltage – i.e. they do not require backlighting. The AMOLED technology has already proved widely successful in cell phones and similar devices in the consumer segment.

The new displays are more energy-efficient, thinner, and lighter than conventional LCD monitors. Switching times are just a few milliseconds irrespective of the ambient temperature.

The digital rear-view mirror celebrated its dazzling premiere at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the R18 e-tron quattro and R18 ultra race cars which gave Audi a one-two-three win in the legendary race. The new system proved reliable even under the grueling race conditions.

The Audi allroad has the proven capability of Audi quattro all-wheel drive, the cargo capacity of a crossover and the refinement of a luxury car. Together with its generous ground clearance and stainless steel under body protection, the allroad is at home on almost any terrain.

Here are some of the specifications: (visit us to learn more)

• Powertrain: 2.0 liter turbocharged with intercooler, DOHC in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine with FSI® direct injection, variable valve timing and Audi valvelift system
• Horsepower/torque: 211 hp @4300 rpm / 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
• Length/weight: 185.9 in. / 3891 lbs
• Ground clearance: 7.1 in.
• Wheelbase: 110.4 in.
• 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec.
• EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/ 27 mpg hwy/ 23 mpg combined
• Cargo capacity: 27.6 cu.ft / with second row folded 50.5 cu.ft

From the headlights back, the curves and lines of the car feel as if they belong together.  It’s aggressive enough to still stand out in a crowd.  If you’re looking for practical beauty, look no further than the 2013 Audi allroad.