Archive for 2012
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 19th 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.
Until now, the A6 has only been available with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic, and only 211 hp. But now Audi has upped the anty by adding Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission to the A6 2.0T. While the FWD/CVT models will still continue to be made, Audi predicts the sales of the turbocharged A6 2.0T will pick up substantially now that the car is more in line with the Audi brand.
Audi is also aggressively driving the price down on both front- and all-wheel-drive A6 2.0T models. At only $43,095, the front-drive A6 2.0T that is on sale today is a great deal. This version comes equipped with a multitude of high quality features. The When it hits dealers later this summer, the A6 2.0T with Quattro will ask just $45,295 in Premium trim. A Premium Plus version—which would impress any Audi A6 Tucson driver that includes Audi’s superb MMI infotainment system, navigation, fancier wheels, xenon headlights, and a rearview camera, among other kit—starts at $49,595. Audi’s entry-level A6 undercuts BMW’s four-cylinder 528i by several grand. A 528i with xDrive all-wheel drive would cost well over $50K were one to equip it comparably to the Premium Plus A6 2.0T Quattro
The horsepower numbers may not be too impressive considering a luxury sedan in the A6′s class with 211 or 240 hp may sound underpowered, but it wasn’t too long ago that such numbers were exclusively six-cylinder territory.
In addition, the four-cylinder A6 is a great fuel efficient option that doesn’t require the extra buy-in costs of a hybrid or diesel. Although there have been rumors that Audi will offer both a hybrid and diesel version of the A6 further down the line. The 2.0T engine found in the Audi A6 with front wheel drive affords a highway fuel economy rating of 33 miles per gallon with 25mpg around town and an average of 28mpg while the all wheel drive V6 models with the 8-speed transmission offer 19mpg around town, 28 on the highway and 22 combined. We can expect to see a drop in fuel economy compared to the 2.0T front wheel drive models but the 2013 A6 2.0T with the 8-speed transmission and the Quattro drive system should still offer fuel economy that is quite a bit better than the 3.0T models.
For more information on the Audi A6 head to Audi of Tucson.
Volkswagen AG’s premium brand Audi has reported record first-half sales, helping the brand gain substantial ground on luxury-car market leader BMW and surpassing Mercedes-Benz. Demand for the A6 and Q3 sport-utility vehicle has propelled Audis growth in June.
Deliveries in the first six months of 2012 rose 12 per cent from a year earlier to 733,250 cars and SUVs as sales last month jumped 13 per cent to 133,050, Ingolstadt, Germany-based Audi said in a statement. That compared with an 8.3 per cent first-half delivery increase at Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and 6.5 per cent at Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz.
Audi Arizona drivers may find it interesting that Audi is currently ranked second amongst the world’s luxury-vehicle makers but has a target of eventually beating out BMW.
“Audi offers strong products, a strong position in the important Chinese market and a high frequency of product launches,” said Juergen Pieper, an analyst at Bankhaus Metzler in Frankfurt.
Audi has made claims that they will be the world’s largest premium car maker by 2020. In an interview with German newspapers Audi CEO Rupert Stadler admitted he now believes it will take around five years longer than previously thought to surpass BMW.
“By 2020 at the latest,” Stadler said. “It is not about overtaking BMW tomorrow or the day after, but to seize and secure the top position.”
Stadler previously set the goal of becoming the world’s top-selling premium car maker by 2015, but now concedes that target is out of reach. Complicating Audi’s pursuits is Mercedes, which has its sights set on overtaking Audi by 2015 on the way to challenging BMW for top spot in the future.
Though he didn’t mention how many sales he expects Audi to have by that date, Stadler has since revealed some very positive results for this year. He said Audi’s sales are up 12.3 percent for the first six months of this year and that the automaker is on track for an annual sales amount of 1.4 million vehicles, a new record.
For more information on Audi and their cars that are making their mark on the luxury industry, head to your local Audi dealer.
Since its creation in 2006 the Audi Q7 SUV has rivaled the popular Porsche Cayenne as the segments leader but with recent changes to rules and regulation Audi was forced to update and create the second generation of the Q7.
The second generation of the Audi Q7 will be much lighter and smaller, which in turn will also decrease its costs. The 2013 model will be based on the same platform as previous versions but will use aluminum as much as possible in the construction of the car. This will allow the SUV to shed about 650 pounds of weight and keep it within that lighter range Audi desires. There is also rumors of a possible hybrid Q7 being in the works as well.
The 2013 Q7 will be powered by a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 engine which produces 280 hp of maximum power and 295 lb-ft of torque. It will come complete with an eight speed automatic transmission and will come standard will all-wheel drive. The car will deliver a very respectable fuel economy coming in with 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, with a combined standing at 18 mpg. The 2013 Q7s 0 to 60 time comes in at just 6.9 seconds.
The diesel version of the Q7 comes standard with a 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 that can generate 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 time on the TDI diesel version was 8.6 seconds but had a higher fuel economy with 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and a combined of 20 mpg. The torque in the diesel version will aid the car to perform in any road conditions.
On the inside of the Q7 the upgraded materials make you feel the comfort and luxury instantly. The seats are made of the best material in the segment and the tilt and telescope steering wheel add to the opulence. The clean dashboard and gauge cluster look clean and organized.
For more information on the upcoming 2013 Audi Q7 check out your nearest Arizona Audi dealer.
Audi for the first time ever is introducing their first mass-production hybrid vehicle, the 2013 Audi Q5. Outside of an edition of a supercharged V6 engine and the hybrid plans the Audi crossover otherwise remains the same as the 2012 model year. It will come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. The motor will have the ability to stop and restart quickly and effectively in traffic. With this new technology the Audi Q5 will be able to improve its fuel economy to 30 mpg combined. The Q5 will also have a 0-60 mph in 7 seconds flat and the 3.2-liter V6 version reaching 6.8 seconds. The hybrid version can reach 62 mph on power from its lithium batteries alone.
The features on the 2013 model are similar to previous models and include a hard-drive-based navigation and music server system, voice recognition, wireless hotspot feature, and the latest infotainment technology. There are also nineteen-inch alloy wheels that are standard, with the option of upgrading to 20-inch wheels. The Q5 will have the ability to tow up to 4,400-pounds and features 29.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
On the exterior, the headlights have been updated to resemble those on the recently refreshed A4 and feature xenon lights wrapped around the edges. Vertical chrome slats have been added to the Q5’s grille for a proper locomotive-like appearance. Overall the car feels more like a sporty SUV rather than a hybrid crossover.
“The 2013 Audi Q5 is perfect for any family looking for the benefits of an SUV with the fuel-efficiency of a hybrid” says Audi of Tucson’s General Manager Neb Yonas.
Pricing is yet to be announced but it is expected to be comparable to the regular Audi Q5 pricing from last year. For further information or for a test drive contact your local Audi dealer.
