Audi of Tucson Blog

Audi has recently revealed their next step into the electric hybrid world with the Audi E-tron prototype. According to Audi, the E-tron is “a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it. The electrification of the drivetrain, above all using plug-in technology, plays a deciding role in the strategy of the brand.”

The E-Tron is  a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system that is powered by four electric motors rather than a gasoline engine. The maximum output of 313 hp is with overall torque output of 502 lb-ft . The four motors each drive one wheel and can be controlled independently, thus offering torque-vectoring functionality. It I expected to dash from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, top out at 138 mph and go as fast as 81 mph in electric-only mode.

The battery, rated at 53 kWh, takes 2.5 hours to charge with a special 400-volt electrical outlet. Audi claims that a full charge will get you about 150 miles on the road. The battery is charged not only when the car is stationary, but also when it is in motion. This form of energy recovery and return to the battery is already available today in a number of new Audi cars. During braking, the alternator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which it then feeds into the on-board electrical system.

As for the interior, eye- catching and functional references to the new drive concept characterize the interior design. They establish an advanced connection between Audi luxury and new formal characteristics. The cockpit of the E-tron is oriented toward the driver.

Instead of a classic instrument cluster, the concept car is the first Audi to be equipped with a large, fold-out central display with integrated MMI functions. The MMI is controlled via a scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the steering wheel, which is much like modern smartphones. While an analog speedometer on the right provides speed information, the instrument on the left tells the driver how much power is being drawn. The central display shows the range in the status bar and presents all key information from the infotainment and navigation systems. It also provides the driver with relevant data from the vehicle’s communication with its surroundings. The instruments combine the analog and the digital worlds into a single unit.

For more information on the Audi E-Tron concept, visit Tucson Audi.

Visit an Arizona Audi dealer to preview the 2014 Audi SQ5. The new Audi SQ5 will be the first of this model ever to be powered by a gasoline engine. The 2014 version will produce 354 hp and 346.65 lb-ft of torque. The new top-of-the-line model will sprint from zero to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.
The new SQ5 will be powered by a free-revving, supercharged, three-liter V6 engine with a displacement of 2,995 cc. An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive will transfer the power of the SQ5 firmly to the road. The fast-shifting automatic transmission will offer two modes, and will allow the driver to switch gears manually via the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The exterior will feature a platinum gray radiator grille with horizontal double bars that will have an aluminum look. Distinctive bumpers and roof spoiler will be sure to catch your eye, as will V6 T badges which will garnish the front fenders. In addition, there will be two exclusive crystal-effect finishes: Estoril Blue and Panther Black.

Bathed in black, sportiness will even carry over to the interior. The instruments will feature gray dials and white numerals; while the the pedals and shift paddles will have a shiny aluminum-look finish. The standard power-adjustable sport seats will be covered with a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, with four different colors of leather optional. The standard inlays will be brushed aluminum. Options include Carbon Atlas, Piano finish or layered aluminum and wood in Beaufort black.

Additional standard features will include xenon plus headlights with LED daytime driving lights, a stainless-steel loading-sill protector and a driver information system with color display. The luggage compartment will offer up to 59.33 cubic feet of capacity.

Audi will also offer an array of optional assistance and infotainment systems. MMI navigation plus and the Bluetooth online car phone will provide the Internet services from Audi. Also, the Audi drive select system will allow drivers to switch among several modes in various systems.

For more information on the 2014 Audi SQ5, visit Audi of Tucson!

In 2010, Audi launched the Audi Urban Future Initiative as a solution to their concerns with the future of automobiles in urban cities. The car company’s concerns stemmed from the idea that pollution and cost will eventually cause cars to become obsolete; and that architects will design cities around this idea. However, much to Audi’s surprise, their assumptions were false.

The Head of Audi Design senses that automotive strategy is ready for a change; something new without defying tradition. The objective for the design team is to redirect their attention to restructure the Audi design. Furthermore, the focus of Audi’s design future is the relationship between technology and design.

How does this affect the future of Audi’s design? The answer is simple: Adapt their automobiles to become economically sound, and to take it a step above others, adapt their ideas to the designs of urban futures.

Automotive designers and product designers at The Concept Design Studio in Munich, Germany benefit from one another’s creative ideas. They are proving themselves strong by reflecting the freedom in the work process of their creative talents. The three segments of automotive design (Color and Trim, Interior, and Exterior) will work more thoroughly together in the future in order to design a car from a universal perspective, particularly during the initial creative phase.

All of these factors will result in greater differentiation between the A, R and Q model lines in the future. Looking ahead, the design team is initially concentrating on the Q family. It embodies a hearty, distinguishing look. Audi Design, as a result, is making modelsmore three-dimensional to support the powerful presence characterizing every model.  For example, the Q model line’s removable center roof element of carbon is also distinctive. It transforms the urban SUV into an open-top all-arounder. For more information on Audi’s current and future designs, visit Tucson Audi.

To take it a step further, Audi plans to focus on electricity. With the Audi A3 e-tron, Audi recently launched its first electric vehicle pilot program. Although a challenging venture for Audi, this venture has allowed the company to maintain their innovative strong suits in designing what is a different kind of car for the future.

To check out more current and future Audi designs, visit an Arizona Audi dealer.

As automotive technology continues to advance and the quality of vehicles increases, it should come as no surprise that the value of pre-owned vehicles is at an all-time high.  Many manufacturers offer buyback programs, rebates, and other incentives to encourage buyers to consider pre-owned vehicle options, even as the price point of those vehicles edges closer to that of a new vehicle.  At your Tucson Audi dealer, the value of a pre-owned Audi has never been higher (even though prices remain comparatively low).

Nearly every manufacturer boasts some sort of certified pre-owned program, but Audi presents a superior offering in three key ways: warranty, inspection, and dealer/manufacturer incentives.

Warranty.  Audi offers one of the best certified pre-owned warranties in the market.  Certified pre-owned owners enjoy a six-year, 100,000 total vehicle mileage warranty which covers the engine, cooling system, fuel system, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, climate control, and electrical systems.  The warranty even covers emergency repairs performed by non-Audi service facilities provided the repairs were necessary and it was unreasonable to bring the vehicle to an Audi service center.  Few, if any, manufacturers offer such a comprehensive warranty program for their certified pre-owned vehicles.

Inspection.  Audi’s certification process for pre-owned vehicles begins with a 300+-point inspection.  Practically every mechanical part and interior and exterior feature (including the Audi badges) is examined by an Audi technician to ensure that every pre-owned Audi which receives certification operates just as well as it did when it was new.  The inspection is capped off with a full road test to identify and eliminate any ride, noise, or other issues which may be overlooked by a traditional garage inspection.

Incentives.  Audi offers many dealer and manufacturer incentives on certified pre-owned vehicles.  If you are interested in purchasing a used Audi, there are many offers unique to your local dealer which may sweeten the deal, such as 1.9% APR financing available at the time of this writing.

Audi produces some of the most luxurious and reliable automobiles on the road.  With the purchase of a certified pre-owned Audi, you, too, can enjoy the remarkable feeling of owning and driving one of the greatest vehicles available without any of the concerns plaguing other used vehicles.

You drive to your Arizona Audi dealer, test drive some of the world’s greatest automobiles, and finally settle on your model of choice.  You choose a trim and color, then turn to accessories.  With so many options available, how are you to choose?

Here are some Audi accessories packages (with information drawn from the manufacturer’s website) and tips to help with your all-too-important decision:

Sport and Design Package.  Every Audi is designed with both performance and style in mind, but discerning customers sometimes demand even more.  Sport and Design upgrades include everything from custom wheels to spoilers, grilles, and other appearance-altering finishing touches.  Ensuring both form and function were considered, Audi engineers designed each piece with care – your Audi will truly become one-of-a-kind with the addition of any of these accessories.

Audi TravelSpace Transport Accessories.  If driving your Audi alone isn’t entertaining enough, Audi of Tucson can help you select the right equipment to bring along the gear you need to explore the world.  Cargo carriers, ski racks, bike racks, towing packages, and other accessories provide worry-free means to get you and your accoutrements wherever you want to go.

Audi Guard Comfort and Protection Products.  You may wish to purchase a new Audi in a few years, or you may want to keep your current car in top shape for many years to come.  Either way, Audi Guard Comfort and Protection Products accessories are engineered for durability and carefully tailored to fit your vehicle.  Cargo mats, splash guards, vehicle covers, and more protect your Audi’s appearance, interior functionality, and resale value even better than automotive care alone.

Electronics.  Although not strictly necessary, electronics upgrades can quickly become some of your favorite features in your new Audi.  Whether it has been several years or only a few months since you have stopped in to check out some new automotive technology, the breadth of available electronic capabilities may astound you.  Touch screen navigation, parking assistance computers, and surround sound systems are just a few of the technological advancements which are becoming harder to pass up.

Audi Guard Car Care Products.  No one knows Audi quite like Audi, so it stands to reason that the best available products to care for your new vehicle come directly from the manufacturer.  Audi offers every cleaning product and tool you might need to keep your Audi looking great – floor carpeting, leather seats, window glass, paint, and all.

For more information about accessories packages or anything else you wish to know about today’s Audi, contact the Audi Parts and Accessories department at Audi of Tucson.

When Audi announced the addition of the Audi RS5 to its lineup of world-class sports coupes, observers around the globe took notice.  Soon, the RS5 will reach American shores, where drivers can test its performance on some of the legendary roads here in the United States.  The journey to supreme automotive enjoyment could be as short as a jaunt to your Arizona Audi dealer!

First and foremost, the RS5 looks stunning.  From the exterior finish to the detailed carbon fiber engine detailing, everything about the RS5 speaks class.  Clever touches, like the spiraling headlight design and brake rotor cut-outs deftly couple form with function – perhaps not surprising, since the RS5 comes from Audi.

For those who prefer a little muscle in their sports coupe, the RS5′s naturally aspirated, aluminum V8 engine should not be a disappointment.  450 horsepower propelled the all-wheel drive RS5 to a blistering 4.4 second 0-60 time during Car and Driver’s domestic road test.  With a standing quarter-mile time below 13 seconds and 70-0 braking in a mere 158 feet, the RS5 ensures that all of its thrills come with enough control that even weekend enthusiasts can enjoy the supercar without worry.

Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual shifting mode, the RS5 gives the driver superior control with the convenience of a smooth automatic drive when needed.  Audi’s inclusion of electric power steering only sweetens the deal, such that the RS5′s curb weight is scarcely noticeable.

Unlike most coupes with comparable performance specifications, the RS5 comes in at a respectable 16/23 city/highway miles per gallon.  The RS5′s carefully crafted interior includes all of the amenities one might expect in a contemporary automotive masterpiece, from the full-function touch screen to the flat-bottom steering wheel and colorful embellishments in all the right places.  Taken as a whole, the 2013 Audi RS5 seems well worth the two-year wait since its European introduction.  This is a supercar which is meant to be enjoyed.

To learn more about the 2013 Audi RS5, or any of Audi’s other fantastic offerings, contact Audi Tucson.

Audi of Tucson now has the newly designed Audi Allroad. The Audi Allroad, similar to the A6 Allroad before it, is designed to be more off-road-ready. The Allroad, which was designed to replace the A4 Avant, is a classy yet powerful addition to the Audi Family.

The A4 Allroad is set apart by tough styling with flared fenders, front and rear skid plates, and aluminum roof rails. There is also additional space added for ground clearance, in comparison to the A4 Avant. The overall styling stays in-line with the rest of the Audi family’s most recent updates, and includes a smoothed-over headlight design and streamlined hood. The Audi Allroad will be higher in price and specification than the Avant but will include additions such as: a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and LED-accented xenon headlights will be standard while adaptive headlights, 19-inch wheels, and a power hatch will be available.

On the inside, Audi also added additional upgrades from the outgoing A4 Avant. There are heated eight-way power front seats with driver’s-seat memory that come standard. There is also an available Sports interior package that replaces the standard front seats with 12-way power sport seats and gives the driver a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles. There is also a 505-watt Bang and Olufsen sound system option, which provides exceptional sound quality. Other interior options, which cater to the upscale Audi driver, include: bundles active lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, Audi’s variable-ratio dynamic steering, Audi Connect and MMI navigation with Google Earth map overlays will be available, along with an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

A look under the hood reveals that the Audi Allroad comes standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The 211-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine gives the Allroad an impressive peak torque of 258 lb-ft. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission that keeps the car running as smoothly as possible. The new Audi also produces fairly notable fuel economy numbers, 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

For more information on the Allroad come by your Arizona Audi dealer for a test drive!

The “50 Shades of Grey” trilogy by E.L James has become an instant sensation, and Audi has a starring role. The books are estimated to have sold over 30 million e-book and print copies in English alone, with book rights sold in several countries, making it one of the fastest-selling paperback books of all time.

Multiple Audi models are mentioned throughout all the books, including the A3, R8 Spyder, and the Q7 sport-utility, other car brands are hardly recognized at all. Luckily for Audi all this publicity came for free, Audi literally didn’t have to pay a cent to be the mainly featured brand in the series. James’ publicist said “it was a totally organic branded-placement that came about merely because Audi stayed true to its brand positioning as the high-end, luxury car of choice for users who want both design and performance.” Audi says it’s the car’s “character” that allowed the car to fit in so seamlessly with the story’s plot line.

This image is the exact standard Audi has focused on achieving over time. This year alone Audi has received Kelley Blue Book’s highest honor, the 2012 Audi A5 was selected best luxury car, and the 2012 Audi Q7 was chosen as best luxury sport utility. They were also named the Highest Premium Brand for the Autobytel and AutoPacific 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards, and swept the category for “aspirational luxury car.”

The “50 Shades of Grey” unpaid placement comes just as Audi hits its 19^th consecutive month of record sales. The company however says these record sales may, or may not, have to do with the extremely popular books. They don’t have any data proving that it’s reaching more women through the book series, but they believe the halo effect has been pretty significant.

“50 Shades of Grey” does prove that Audi is a brand that is generating real cultural relevance, and is a brand to be recognized. The success of the series has not only introduced Audi to consumers who may own other brands but also may bring these customers to the showroom floors of Arizona Audi dealers.

Head to your Audi Tucson dealer for any of the models mentioned in the “50 Shades of Grey” series, as well as many others.

The new 2013 Audi R8 has been revealed and it is refreshed with minor changes. The updates stick with the cars original aggressive-yet-spare styling that has made the R8 an iconic sports car favorite. Audi also didn’t change too much with the mechanicals, keeping the beautiful V8 and V10 engines, but adding a new dual-clutch automatic.

Audi has yet to release U.S-specific information, but as according to Audi Europe, the 2013 Audi R8 will be the same in both Europe and the United States. The changes to the exterior of the newest version of the car include new LED headlights and taillights, as well as small changes to the front fascia and grille. The headlights are completely made up of LED lights that incorporate an accent strip where the ‘eyelashes’ were on the older versions. Audi also changed the grille out to the more recent single-frame style, which features beveled upper corners that add personality. The outer front intakes get new accents to match the tweaked grille.

The taillights now have a light that runs from the inside to the outside that flashes on startup. The lights are similar to the A2 concept cars taillights, which were featured at the Frankfurt auto show last year.

The R8’s 430-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 and 525-hp, 5.2-liter V-10 engines both carry over for 2013. The six-speed manual transmission, that were popular among Audi Tucson fans, will also still be available, although it more than likely won’t make it to any other future models. Audi is changing out the R tronic single-clutch six-speed automatic for a new S tronic seven-speed-dual clutch automatic. The transmission will be smoother than the track-oriented version found in the older models.

As for the interior of the new R8, everything seems to be basically the same. There is a new trim level called the V10 Plus that has been announced for Europe consumers, but is yet to be confirmed for US customers. The Plus package seems very similar to the current-gen, limited-production R8 GT. The Plus gets a more powerful version of the regular R8’s V-10, upping output to 550 hp; specially tuned springs and dampers; as well as aero and styling upgrades.

The newest version of the R8 is set to go on sale in Europe at the end of this year, and should be available in the U.S not too long after that. Audi hasn’t confirmed when the car will make its official U.S debut. Check with your Arizona Audi dealers for more information.

There is a wide range of financing alternatives for customers in search of a new automobile. Of course you can pay cash, but for many if not most that choice involves factors such as the annual percentage rate and a “cash back” incentive. Cash back is a popular enticement that dealerships offer in order to encourage people to buy a new vehicle. While these offers seem like a good deal, potential buyers should weigh other factors to determine if the cash-back incentive makes the most financial sense. Here are a few common options explained:

Cash-Back Program:
Cash-back incentives typically are offered by the car manufacturer as a cash-back reward for people who buy a new car. For example, a consumer goes to buy a new Audi from an Arizona Audi dealer, and agrees to a financing plan, they could receive a ‘cash-back’ incentive to use as part of the cars down payment. Ultimately the cash back in conjunction with whatever discounts will allow the cars price tag to come down thousands of dollars for the consumer.

APR:
A new car is a major purchase, and few people pay cash for it. Most consumers obtain a loan to buy a new car or finance the purchase through the manufacturer or a financing department. A car loan, like any loan, comes with interest rates, known as an annual percentage rate, or APR. For example a consumer could get a 2013 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Premium for $389 per Month for a 39 Month Lease.

Low APR or Cash Back?
Some car manufacturers offer a combination of cash back and a low interest rate. Some of these offers are either/or, meaning the consumer may choose either the cash-back reward or the low interest rate, while others offer both cash back and low interest.

Calculation:
If an Audi Tucson consumer is faced with the decision of purchasing a new car with a cash-back incentive or a low APR, they must perform a few calculations. There are several automobile websites that offer calculators that help with this task. For example, if you’re offered $5,000 cash back or a 1.0 percent APR on a 48-month loan for purchase of $24,230—with no trade-in or cash down—you’ll save $13 per month by choosing the low financing over the cash-back offer.

Cash Purchase vs Low APR:
Another option for Arizona car buyers is to skip financing altogether and pay for a car in cash. Buying a car in with cash saves you money in the long run as you don’t have to pay interest, but it also takes a lot of money out of your pocket. As long as you aren’t taking money out of your emergency funds or selling other assets to purchase the car, buying a car with cash is often a good option.

For more information on any of the vehicle deals in this article as well as many others, come by Audi of Tucson.