Our Peeping Tom spy photographers normally catch prototypes while they’re out and about on the street, but sometimes they catch a peek inside automakers’ development studios from the street, snagging shots of test mules before their tires even touch the ground. This is one such case, and though these photos aren’t clear as day, it’s no secret that Audi’s new Q3 crossover, based on the Volkswagen Tiguan, is what’s being prepped behind closed doors (but not behind closed blinds).

We’ve known that Audi would be creating a CUV smaller than the Q5 for quite some time now, and while the baby soft-roader relies heavily on Tiguan underpinnings, we’re sure that the quad-rung crossover will be much more shapely. Here, we see the sloping roofline and more rakish hatch, giving the Q3 a sportier stance than its VW-badged kin. Set to compete head-on with the BMW X1, the Q3 should make its debut sometime in 2011 with the first production models hitting dealers later that year.

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Diesel

The arrival of the Audi A7 in the U.S. is almost a given, designed to slot in – predictably – between the A6 and all-new A8, while finally providing Audi with a Mercedes-Benz CLS competitor. But what of the A5 Sportback?

According to our sources, the success of the A7 will play a key role in Audi’s decision to import the A5 Sportback into the States. If the A7 is well received, the Sportback could be slotted in as a smaller alternative to the larger A7 and its closest competitor, the CLS. We haven’t been given a timeline on when the A7 could arrive, but with the European launch happening early next year, a Stateside debut in 2011 isn’t out of the question.

Audi’s product expansion isn’t just limited to new models, but includes the continued proliferation of available drivetrains. To that end, a diesel-powered A8 should arrive in the U.S. sometime next year.

When the A8 goes on sale this November, both the standard and long-wheelbase versions will launch simultaneously, each packing Audi’s 450 horsepower 4.2-liter TSI V8. The 500-hp W12, however, won’t be an option on the A8L until the first quarter of 2011. If Audi decides to equip the A8 with a diesel, expect the same 3.0-liter V6 TDI fitted to the refreshed Q7, outputting around 225 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Audi A5 Sportback could come to the States, A8 diesel due next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

In reaction to news that Audi put up an online petition to bring the TT RS to the U.S., a number of commenters opined that they’d rather have the S3. Well, you’re no closer to getting it, but you can see its even hotter brother, the RS3, in spy shots taken in Austria.

Almost all of the work seems to have taken place up front, where the hottest Audi hatch gets new headlights and gaping intakes. Even though there’s an S3 badge on the front and standard exhaust outlets in back (not the oval units reserved for Audi’s RS models), this isn’t your standard S model. The shooter claims the redline on the mule is 6,500 rpm, where as the normal S3′s redline is 6,000 rpm. And we’d be remiss not to mention these earlier spy shots of an Audi RS3 testing at the ‘Ring, wearing the same S3 badges as well.

Not that it matters – we won’t get either of them, although a hotted up A3 sedan could come someday. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start your own online petition to convince Audi otherwise. Get to work…

[Source: Autoliefhebber (translated)]

Spy Shots: Audi RS3 does Austria’s Gloßglockner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read

Watch the only Euro spec TT RS in the US roar around Willow Springs Raceway and receive a guided tour by lead Audi driving experience instructor, Paul Gerrard. The TT RS is the pinnacle of performance and design.

The official TV commercial of the Audi A1: The city is full of lights, signs, traces. Codes we know. Discover now a new code

1400 participants experienced driving pleasure in a unique sourrounding

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Audi, Luxury

The Audi TT RS wasn’t meant for U.S. consumption, but the door hasn’t quite closed on that possibility. When Audi of America let us drive the 340-horsepower coupe (it’s faster and cheaper than a Porsche Cayman S), it earned all kinds of thumbs up. Still, Ingolstadt needs to know you really want it, so now you can register your desire via a new Facebook petition.

Audi hasn’t said how many signatures are needed before importing the TT RS is deemed a “go,” but your signature can’t hurt – this one’s all carrot, no stick. If you need a reminder of the possibilities, have a look at the TT RS in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to Danielle

[Source: Audi on Facebook]

Audi creates petition to bring TT RS to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read

Stafford Audi iPhone Application Audi Application iPhone, iPad and iPod The most convenient way to search for your next Audi. Search a stock of over 70 used and 70 new cars. If the car you are looking for is not there, let us take the hassle out of finding it by submitting your unique search criteria and we will do the rest

Felix Neureuther and Julien Lizeroux quench their need for speed on the Circuit de Catalunya.

1980: unique in series production. Today: the standard to match.