Edmunds Daily
Audi
October 6, 2009
Audi has issued a recall on A3 hatchbacks made during model years 2006-2010, and on model year 2008-2010 TT coupes and roadsters. The problem concerns a faulty fuel tank ventilation valve.
According to NHTSA, a defective spring in this valve isn't strong enough to hold the valve closed during extreme driving conditions. This could cause a fuel leak that, in the presence of an ignition source, could trigger a vehicle fire.
Owners may take their recalled vehicles in to Audi dealers where the valves will be replaced free of charge. For more details, contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834.
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- Warren Clarke October 6, 2009, 12:02 PM
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- Audi, Vehicle Recalls
September 11, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: 2010 Audi R8 Spyder: Exposed!
Images of the 2010 Audi R8 Spyder have leaked out, less than a week before its official unveiling at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Our keen eyes spotted a few unique differences from the coupe. Can you spot them too?
Green Car Advisor: 2010 Honda CR-V on Sale Now
The 2010 Honda CR-V has been slightly revised, and is now available at dealerships nationwide. Aside from a few cosmetic changes, the CR-V's 2.4 liter engine has gained 14 more horsepower and a 1 mpg boost in fuel economy in both the city and highway. Pricing starts at $21,545.
Auto Observer: Ford Poised To Grab Medium-Truck Share with New Power Stroke Diesel
When Ford debuts its 2011 Super Duty F-Series trucks next spring, the 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel will most likely steal the spotlight. Ford's new Power Stroke diesel engine has been redesigned from the ground up, and will offer a substantial boost in horsepower and torque.
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- Ron Montoya September 11, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Audi, Edmunds Roundup, Ford, Honda
September 4, 2009
Audi has announced that the diesel-powered 2010 A3 TDI will start at $30,775 including destination. That chunk of change will get you a base front-wheel-drive A3 TDI with S Tronic, Audi's version of VW's DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission.
The A3 TDI's 2.0-liter turbodiesel four is familiar from the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, where it makes the same 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. With EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 42 highway and 34 combined, the A3 TDI boasts the highest fuel economy in the luxury car category. It will be interesting to see whether this car sells well; the diesel-fueled BMW 335d hasn't exactly been flying off the shelves, but its base price is almost 50% higher.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
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- Josh Sadlier September 4, 2009, 10:37 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Fuel Economy
August 31, 2009
By John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
Crossover versus station wagon. It has become as heated an argument among our staff as The Simpsons versus South Park or iPhone versus BlackBerry, and nowhere is it more fiercely fought than over a pair of siblings: the 2009 Audi Q5 crossover and the 2009 Audi A4 Avant wagon.
For the uninitiated, a crossover (or CUV) is essentially a car-based SUV as opposed to a traditional, truck-based SUV (such as a Chevy Tahoe). A crossover retains the latter's high seating position but typically boasts superior handling, better acceleration and braking, and higher fuel economy. In other words, no longer does SUV stand for "Slow, Unathletic Vehicle." For that matter, no longer does a station wagon scream "suburbia!" as it might've back in the days of Chevy Caprices and Volvo 240s.
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- James Riswick August 31, 2009, 1:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Comparison Road Tests
August 27, 2009
As reported over at our InsideLine sister site, Audi has announced official pricing for the 2010 Audi Q7. The base model has been dropped from the lineup and pricing (including destination) is unchanged on the 3.6 Quattro Premium (at $47,725) and the TDI Quattro Premium (at $51,725) while the top-dog 4.2 Quattro Prestige sees the formally optional S Line package made standard, increasing its price to $61,825.
Details on the updates following the jump...
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- John DiPietro August 27, 2009, 9:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Automotive Consumer News, Car Buying
- Technorati Tags:
- 2010 Audi Q7, Changes, Pricing
August 21, 2009
As our sister site InsideLine has reported, VW and its uptown cousin Audi have issued a voluntary joint recall for some vehicles equipped with the DSG automated-clutch manual transmission ("S-Tronic" in Audi-speak). Both carmakers have stated that a faulty temperature sensor could light up a warning light in the instrument panel, and in rare cases, the transmission could shift into neutral. About 13,500 VWs and 2,500 Audis have been affected.
Though a recall notice has yet to be posted by NHTSA (safercar.gov), both carmakers have said that they will contact owners of the affected vehicles in the coming weeks to have their vehicles inspected and repaired. Owners of these models may also call Volkswagen at (800) 444-8982 or Audi at (800) 253-2834 if they have any questions.
Affected Vehicles:
VW: 2009-2010 Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI and Eos.
Audi: 2009 A3, TT and TT Roadster
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- John DiPietro August 21, 2009, 9:37 AM
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- Audi, Automotive Consumer News, Car Safety, Vehicle Recalls, Volkswagen
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- 2009 VW Jetta recall
August 18, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Inside Line: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Full Test
The redesigned Buick LaCrosse has set its sights on the Lexus ES 350. Will its larger size and and modern styling be enough to lure new buyers? Follow the link for more details.
Green Car Advisor: 'Clunkers' Program Costing Wounded Vets, Other Needy People, Millions in Aid
A number of charities are seeing a sudden drop in car donations. Cars that would otherwise be donated to their organizations are instead being used as Cash for Clunker trade-ins to purchase new vehicles. This unintended consequence of the federal program has many charities estimating a 25 percent drop in donations.
IL News: Priced: 2010 Audi S4 and A5/S5 Cabriolet
Pricing was announced on the 2010 Audi S4 performance sedan and the A5/S5 convertibles. The S4 will start at $46,725, the A5 cabriolet will start at $42,825, and the S5 cabriolet will start at $59,075.
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- Ron Montoya August 18, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Audi, Automotive Consumer News, Buick, Edmunds Roundup
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- Audi, Buick LaCrosse, Cash for clunkers, Edmunds Roundup
August 13, 2009
Americans don't like wagons. Never mind about the killer combination of versatility and drivability; coolness counts in this country, and the old-fashioned station wagon hasn't been hip since the mullet went out of style. But now traditional body-on-frame SUVs have fallen from grace as well, victims of volatile gas prices, inherent packaging inefficiencies and a burgeoning sense that bigger isn't always better. That's where so-called crossovers come in: car-like underneath but SUV-like in appearance and elevation, they're the latest in wagons for those who wouldn't be caught dead in one.
Our quarry in this Edmunds Comparison Test is the best new entrant in the rapidly expanding Compact Luxury Crossover segment. The field consists of four notables that have joined the ranks within the past year: the 2009 Audi Q5, 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 and 2010 Volvo XC60. Since we limited ourselves to rookies, respected veterans like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Infiniti EX35 went uninvited. As for the redesigned 2010 Lexus RX350, we determined that its midsize interior dimensions and doughy ride would clash with this crew's intimate cabins and capable suspenders.
Shoppers in this segment want more than just typical crossover virtues like good visibility, secure handling and stout styling. They're also after an upscale cabin, premium features and confident power. Practicality counts, too, and that includes price, as these "CUVs" start at less than $40,000 -- well shy of cost-no-object territory. Details below on our winner by a hair, our loser in a landslide, and the wholly respectable tie for second place.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
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- Josh Sadlier August 13, 2009, 12:00 AM
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- Audi, Cadillac, Comparison Road Tests, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo
August 7, 2009
Audi has announced pricing on most vehicles in its 2010 lineup. Prices have been set for the A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, R8, TT and Q5. If you want to get the all the details (including 2010 model changes) and don't mind wading through enough info to fill the Hoover Dam, take a look-see after the jump.
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- Warren Clarke August 7, 2009, 2:30 PM
- Categories:
- Audi, Automotive Consumer News
- Technorati Tags:
- A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Audi, Pricing, Q5, R8, TT
August 5, 2009
If you have a federally recognized "clunker" on your hands and happen to be jonesing for a new Audi, this is your lucky month. Audi has waded into the fray by announcing an additional $1,000 consumer incentive on Cash-for-Clunkers transactions from today through August 31.
The incentive is valid for most 2009 Audis with the 2.0T power plant and some leftover 2008 models as well. Notable exceptions include the Q7 SUV and A5/S5 performance coupe -- and a notable inclusion is the V6-powered 2009 Q5 crossover. For more information and a complete list of eligible Audis, check out Audi's official press release.
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- Josh Sadlier August 5, 2009, 4:30 PM
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- Audi, Car Buying, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
July 21, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Straightline: 2010 Audi A5 2.0T Starts at Under $40,000
It is now slightly less expensive to get into an Audi A5
. Buyers, who opt for the four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission, can get the stylish coupe for $36,825 including the destination fee. Follow the link for more details on the available packages.
Auto Observer: 100,000 Plus Car Shoppers Waiting to Buy, Edmunds.com Calculates
Edmunds.com analysts have been noticing a surge of people whose research hasn't yet translated into vehicle sales. Their data points to a correlation between the unemployment rate and the average trade in mileage. Will the upcoming cash for clunkers program, be the spark that gets these buyers off the fence?
Green Car Observer: Pricing Announced for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h
Lexus' first dedicated hybrid will go on sale this August. Pricing begins at $35,075. This is a $7,055 premium over the top of the line Toyota Prius. Follow the link for more details on the available packages.
Auto Observer: Pontiac G8: The World's Best Car Nobody Was Buying
The Pontiac G8: a car that was simultaneously the high and low point of Pontiac's tumultuous history. Auto Observer's Bill Visnic best summed up the G8's quandary: "Problem was, all the love from this horde of enthusiasts, supporters, cult appreciators and basement bloggers never extended to hitting the showroom and actually buying one."
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- Ron Montoya July 21, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Audi, Car Buying, Edmunds Roundup, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels, Lexus, Pontiac
- Technorati Tags:
- Audi, Lexus, Pontiac G8
July 10, 2009
In the past few weeks I've had the privilege of driving not one, not two, but all three of the Cayennereg7 siblings, culminating with a romp in the preposterous Cayenne Turbo S yesterday. And it really has been a privilege. These are three of the most luxurious and capable SUVs on the planet. It's a testament to how good their shared platform is that it still feels remarkably tight and robust by current standards despite having debuted way back in 2004.
But it's time to play favorites. If I had $150,000 in my car account and this particular trio of SUVs to choose from -- Audi Q7 TDI, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Volkswagen Touareg 2 V6 TDI -- here's the top three ways I'd spend it.
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- Josh Sadlier July 10, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Volkswagen, Weekly Top 3
July 3, 2009
As all you diehard Weekly Top 3 fans will recall (come on, I know you're out there, you silent majority you!), I was pretty smitten with the new Volkswagen Touareg 2 V6 TDI after driving it to San Francisco and back. But the Touareg's theoretically the runt of this litter, upstaged by its Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne platform-mates. Now, there's no Cayenne diesel, so I'll spare you my "OMG I <3 this car!" paean to the Porsche.
There is a Q7 TDI, though, and it just so happens to share the Vee-Dub's powertrain. And I just so happened to snag the keys to one last weekend for my sojourn in California's ancient bristlecone pine forest.
Three reasons why I'd buy the Touareg TDI instead, coming right up.
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- Josh Sadlier July 3, 2009, 3:00 AM
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- Audi, Volkswagen, Weekly Top 3
July 1, 2009
Audi's entry-level model, the 2009 A3 is a blend of sporty hatchback and luxury wagon. This combination allows the A3 to provide both entertaining handling and convenient utility. You also get all the cachet of the Audi brand, from the exterior styling to the upmarket cabin. But is the A3 worth its comparatively higher pricetag? Our just published full test drive investigates the answer.
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- Mark Takahashi July 1, 2009, 4:28 PM
- Categories:
- Audi, New on Edmunds, Test Cars and Car Reviews
- Technorati Tags:
- 2.0 T, 2009 Audi A3, test drive
June 17, 2009
"Hey James, what car is that?"
I've been able to successfully answer that question since I was 3 years old. But sadly,
I can no longer tell Audis apart. Give me enough time, a big enough photo, a magnifying glass and man named Helmut and I'll be able to figure it out. OK, so that's an exaggeration, but when I see a newish Audi coming toward me on the road, I can't tell if its an old A4 or a new A4 or an A3 or an A5 or an A6. Go ahead, take your best guess with the four cars above. The SUVs are no better. Just the other day I thought I saw my first civilian Q5 on the road -- nope, just a Q7.
I was always able to tell BMWs apart back in the day before the company differentiated them with flame surfacing and weirdo headlights. I have no problem telling a C-Class or E-Class apart, nor the cookie-cutter Volvos. But there's something about Audi.
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- James Riswick June 17, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Thoughts from the Curb
May 26, 2009
Older car buyers are a diverse bunch. Still, there are certain themes that reveal themselves when analyzing their needs. These themes tend to be dictated by the physical challenges that many face in their golden years.
The choices listed in our top 10 vehicles for seniors stand out for the skill with which they address these themes.
Our mix of vehicles covers all the bases. There's a minivan for seniors who need extra passenger capacity, and there are compact cars for those who appreciate the parking convenience that smaller vehicles provide. Our list also includes technology-laden luxury cars, a couple of spacious full-size sedans and an innovative SUV.
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- Warren Clarke May 26, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Automotive Technology, BMW, Car Buying, Car Safety, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Tuesday's Top 10 List, Volvo
- Technorati Tags:
- car buying advice, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Seniors, Toyota
May 25, 2009
S does not equal M. Although it seems natural to compare Audi's S line of sport-tuned offerings to BMW's M division entries, we've often found that it's not a fair fight when it comes to performance. In an Inside Line comparison test, the BMW M3 trounced the Audi S5 in our instrument testing - it was quicker in all our acceleration and handling tests, and it stopped 10 feet shorter from 60 mph (100 ft!). Meanwhile, the hardcore BMW still proved perfectly capable as a daily driver. The future Audi RS5 would clearly be a closer competitor for the M3, but what to throw against the perfectly likeable S5? Well, how about the BMW 335i?
From their luxury box suite at the Santa Anita horse track, Josh Sadlier saddles up in the Audi S5 Quattro while James Riswick takes the reins of the BMW 335i Coupe, which is rear-wheel-drive but there's an all-wheel-drive version available for those in frosty climes. It's a battle of German stallions (the cars, not the editors) as dictated to Associate Editor Mark Takahashi who sat uncharacteristically comfortably sipping on a Mint Julip. Now off to the races.
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- James Riswick May 25, 2009, 9:00 AM
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- Audi, BMW, Face-Off
April 24, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
AutoObserver
Is the Excitement Over?
For anyone even moderately interested in automobiles or the global financial meltdown, it should come as no surprise that GM is likely going to kill-off the Pontiac brand. In an era when most of the models from Pontiac are rebadged vehicles from GM's stable -- save for a few exciting foreign adaptations like the G8 and GTO -- it appears that this satellite brand is simply unsustainable. This "first domino" is rumored to fall on Monday -- as if Monday's weren't hard enough.
Green Car Advisor
2010 Lexus RX 450h Pricing Revealed: A Greener Car Without Spending More Green
Though we don't expect the revamped hybrid crossover in showrooms until this summer, Lexus has revealed pricing for the 2010 RX 450h. Buyers will save about $400 compared to the 2008 base model and about $200 for the AWD model. On top of a couple extra Benjies in their wallets, owners will get more power, better fuel economy, lower emissions and additional features. Who says it isn't easy being green?
Green Car Advisor
Bill Ford Steers the Blue Oval Toward Greener Pastures
Speaking at a Fortune Magazine conference in California, Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. made it clear that the company is embracing emerging technology to power the next generation of Ford vehicles. Rather than declaring one particular technology the victor, Junior hinted that Ford may pursue several different propulsion options. Also notable is the possibility that FoMoCo may purchase advanced batteries from Asia for use in the domestic market, though Mr. Ford cautioned that the U.S. should not allow foreign countries to dominate this field.
Straightline
Audi Changes Its Engine Lineup in a Confusing, Alphabet Soup Mash-Up
Audi has made some significant changes to its U.S. engine and model lineup for 2010. If notated via its alphanumeric script, the changes would look something like: [(2009 TT + A3) - VW VR6, 2.0T] + (A4 - 265hp 3.2 V6 = 2.0T); [(S4 + A6 + (A5 + 2.0T)] = 3.0 SC V6; [S8 = (2010 - V10)] + [5.2 V10 = (S6 + R8)]; 2008 A8 (W12) = 0. For translation, head over to the Straightline blog.
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- Mark Takahashi April 24, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Audi, Automotive Consumer News, Automotive Technology, Edmunds Roundup, Ford, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels, Lexus, Pontiac
- Technorati Tags:
- Audi, Edmunds Roundup, Ford, GM, Green Cars, Lexus RX 450h, Pontiac
March 18, 2009
Hi, meet Bryn MacKinnon and Brent Romans, two editors at Edmunds.com. Each Wednesday in the Idle Chat Lounge (read: an oversized Ziggy beach towel on the grass in Brent's backyard), they pontificate on a topic that's kinda about cars.
Today's Idle Chat Topic: In our 2009 Audi A4 test drive published last week, Associate Editor Josh Sadlier described the car's optional navigation system as having an "absurdly stilted female voice" that evoked "images of alien landings." In its never-ending quest for automotive betterment, Idle Chat asks: What celebrity navigation voice would you want in the A4 instead?
Mr. Romans:
My initial reaction would be to have somebody fun, like Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson (she'd "mhrmm" every time you miss a turn) or John Madden ("Boom -- You're here!"). But I suspect that they'd get just as annoying as alien computer lady. So I'm going to have to go with Don LaFontaine
, the man who voiced thousands of movie trailers over a four-decade career. With Don navigating, every destination would be exciting as a Hollywood blockbuster. Alas, Don passed away last year, but in a world
where Audi has the technology to create alien computer lady, I'm sure we can parse Mr. LaFontaine's voice into the A4.
Ms. MacKinnon:
Brent, it's too hard to choose! I want Andy Garcia for sultry night drives, Steven Wright for deadpan hilarity, and Ernie and Bert when I have the kid in the car. And that's just for starters. So I demand that Audi give me unlimited options, because who knows what kind of mood I'm going to be in at any given moment? Incidentally, for a few years now, TomTom's has had a handful of celebrity voices available for purchase for use with its portable nav systems, but I'm not sure how long I could take the turn-by-turn stylings of Mr. T
.
Who would you pick to be the A4's celebrity voice navigator?
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- Brent Romans March 18, 2009, 12:00 PM
- Categories:
- Audi, Car Audio and Electronics, Idle Chat
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