Audi of Tucson Blog

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.

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 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.

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 of America and Sirius XM Radio have announced a partnership in which any customers who purchase a 2013 model Acura with MMI Navigation Plus or MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch will receive a 4-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic. SiriusXM Traffic allows drivers to get information on traffic speed and flow, as well as alerts on accidents and alternative routes around congested areas.

Audi is also continuing to give customers a 3-month subscription of SiriusXM’s commercial-free music, plus premier sports, live news, talk, and comedy, with the purchase of any new Audi. The partnership was created to improve the Audi driving experience and provide Audi consumers with resourceful data that is useful for everyday driving.

“Owning an Audi has always meant more than just driving, and our discerning customers demand the most technologically advanced vehicles available,” Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America.  “We continually strive to innovate and give our customers the best in-vehicle experience, and we are excited to give our customers the opportunity to experience premium entertainment and data services such as SiriusXM satellite radio and SiriusXM Traffic.”

Sirius XM Radio Inc. has 22 million subscribers, which is the world’s largest radio broadcaster as measured by revenue. SiriusXM is available in almost every major car company in the United States and also has an Internet Radio App for Android, Apple, and Blackberry smartphones. Audi has committed to investing about $17 billion on new products and technologies throughout 2016.

To receive more information on the free 4-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic, check out your local Arizona Audi dealer.

The Audi A8 is the sportiest luxury sedan in its class. The Audi flagship combines dynamic exterior design and sporty handling with supreme comfort and convenience equipment and luxurious interior design. The Audi A8 boasts a lightweight aluminum body and a powerful, highly efficient engine.

“The new A8 has all of the luxuries that Arizona Audi A8 drivers have come to expect – power, performance, cutting–edge technology, and an overall driving experience that separates itself from its competitors,” said Audi of Tucson General Manager Neb Yonas.

The sporty, elegant and distinctive body of the Audi A8 is aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), with only the B-pillars made of ultra high-strength steel. Roughly 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel body while also impressing with high rigidity and excellent vibration comfort, it is an exemplary demonstration of Audi ultra-lightweight construction. The optional LED headlights are another high-end solution.

The Audi A8 is available at your Arizona Audi dealer with a 4.2L DOHC FSI 32-valve V8 engine and an 8-speed automatic tiptronic transmission.

The standard eight-speed tiptronic features closely-spaced gears while still featuring a wide spread for reduced fuel consumption. Its control system is purely electronic, operated with an elegant selector level and paddles on the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a distinctly sporty and rear-biased character. On request, the sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels.

“Our customers have discovered that the A8 simultaneously offers both luxurious ride comfort and sporty handling,” said Yonas.

The interior of the Audi A8 enchants with light and elegant lines, craftsman-like fit and finish, and extraordinary attention to the smallest of details. Audi offers the rear seat passengers the option of two power-adjustable and heated individual rear seats, which can be paired with the optional continuous center console. The individual seats can also be equipped with optional ventilation and massage functions, and features such as a folding table and a cool box make the passengers’ stay even more enjoyable.

“Voted most connected car of the year, the A8 with Audi connect™ system strikes the right balance between safety, convenience and infotainment,” said Yonas.

The Audi A8 features a high degree of technical intelligence. This is manifested in the optional MMI touch operating and navigation system with touchpad, in its networking with other vehicle systems and in the assistance systems. The radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop and go function works closely together with the Audi presence safety system. Further highlights include Audi side assist, the camera-based speed limit detection, Audi lane assist, the night vision assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians and the parking system plus with 360° camera.

Audi also offers many attractive infotainment modules. The optional Bluetooth online car phone, an extension of MMI navigation plus, includes an integrated WLAN hotspot and uses UMTS to deliver tailored Internet services for the driver to the car. Great sound is provided by the Bose sound system and the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen, which boasts 19 speakers.

Visit your Arizona Audi dealer to browse our 2012 Audi A8 inventory or to schedule Audi service.