Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Rumormill, Electric

The original, all-aluminum Audi A2 was a unique beast, which Heinrich Timm, Audi’s head of lightweight design, maintains was ahead of its time. However, the rumored 2012 A2 is likely to utilize a steel unibody platform, and the latest reports indicate that Audi’s mini-lux will have a new reason for being special.

Autocar quotes anonymous sources who say the next A2 could be Audi’s first electric-only vehicle. While the UK rag doesn’t go into detail, Audi has dropped hints that a variant of the A2 could utilize the extended-range EV hardware under the hood of the A1 e-tron concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The e-tron utilized a 60 horsepower electric motor paired to a 330-pound lithium ion battery pack. The “extended range” part of the A1 e-tron concept comes courtesy of a small, powerful rotary engine that would work as a generator whenever the battery pack was depleted. Audi quotes the EV range of the A1 e-tron concept at about 33 miles per charge.

Do we think the A2 will be electric-only? Our magic eight-ball says “ask again later,” so we’re thinking the earliest we’ll know anything is this September at the Paris Motor Show.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Audi A2 could be electric only, or not originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2026 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Specialty

We just spent the last few days bouncing around Germany driving the 2011 Audi TT and the powertrain-enhanced Q7 (review next week), and between bouts on the autobahn and a few factory tours, we pestered our hosts about some of their Euro-only products and what we can expect in the future.

We dropped a few not-so-subtle hints in an attempt to score some seat time in the RS6 (denied) and the TT RS (achieved, and yes, it’s awesome), but the RS5 was something we were aching to drive. Unfortunately, we were short on time and didn’t get a crack at the 450-hp coupe, but on more than one occasion we mentioned that a shooting brake version would be the bee’s knees. As you’d expect, that’s probably not gonna happen, but the rendering wizard Theophilus Chin has answered our prayers in digital form.

Chin, who mocked up the three-door for a Photoshop contest, took some inspiration from past Audi coupes - including the GT - to create a two-door fastback version of the RS5 that’s loaded with win. The sloping roofline matches perfectly to the RS5′s widened haunches, and while the roof rails wouldn’t have been our first choice, we dig how they tie into the brushed aluminum front splitter, rear diffuser, side mirrors and five-spoke wheels. Too bad it probably won’t happen, but there’s a good chance those of us in the States will get a crack at the standard two-door RS5 in 2012.

[Source: TheophilusChin.com]

Rendered Speculation: Audi RS5 Shooting Brake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2026 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi, Design/Style, Luxury

Over the course of the last 20 years, each new Audi model has weighed around 10 percent more than its predecessor, but that all changed when the all-new 2009 Audi A4 (B8) debuted last year. The mid-size sedan gained less than 100 pounds over the previous model (B7), despite growing in every possible dimension. And when the next A4 arrives in five year’s time, Audi claims it will weigh less than the current model.

Heinrich Timm, head of Audi’s Lightweight Design Center, told us earlier today that the next generation A4 - likely due out in 2015 - will shed some 150 kg (330 pounds) over the B8. The move to drop the A4′s curb weight is part of a larger initiative by Audi to reduce the tonnage of its future vehicles by using more aluminum, innovative structural techniques and composites.

And the benefits of weight reduction aren’t just limited to fuel consumption and emissions. As any gearhead knows, weight affects every aspect of the vehicle’s dynamics - from handling to braking to acceleration. For every 220 pounds lost, a vehicle can accelerate to 60 mph in 20 fewer feet. Lose 440 pounds and the amount of runway saved nearly doubles.

While other automakers are employing high tensile steel to increase rigidity and reduce weight, the stuff costs nearly three-times more than a normal stamped piece. By limiting the use of tensile steel, the overall cost savings will allow Audi to utilize more exotic materials - carbon fiber in particular - to reduce weight and further enhance the driving experience.

As the father of the spaceframe, Timm knows all too well that weight reduction is the key to the next generation of automobiles. Not only will it decrease fuel consumption, increase safety and pay dividends for the driver, it’s the only way automakers can simultaneously meet new emission standards while delivering the content and driving experience customers expect. Timm says, “We want to bring it to a higher volume,” and the next generation A4 is sure to be the first in a long line of lightened Audis.

Next generation Audi A4 to shed over 300 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2026 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Diesel, Luxury

According to Autocar in the UK, which is citing unknown “high-ranking Audi insiders in Ingolstadt,” the future of the Audi R4, Volkswagen BlueSport and possibly an unnamed entry-level model from Porsche (we vote 914) are currently being mulled by the three-headed German automaker. The major stumbling block? Whether or not a stamped steel architecture or Audi’s familiar aluminum spaceframe chassis should be used.

Naturally, we’d argue for the light weight of aluminum, which seems more appropriate for a line of sportscars… but at the price point afforded by the much less expensive steel. Decisions, decisions. In any case, the British mag continues to suggest that the R4 would presumably get two turbocharged gasoline engines (1.4-liters and 1.6-liters) along with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel mill in lieu of the all-electric powertrain shown off in concept form.

Volkswagen, parent company of both Audi and Porsche, is said to get the final say in the development of all three machines, but some sort of production seems likely. Says the unnamed insider, “Scale is important to a project like this… But with three different car makers working to a common goal, the chances [of it getting the go-ahead] look good.”

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2026 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read

Filed under: Audi, Rumormill

With its lightweight aluminum spaceframe and miniature luxury aspirations, the first generation Audi A2 was a vehicle a bit ahead of its time. That would make the little Audi a revolutionary vehicle were it not for the fact that customers weren’t all that interested with the price premium that comes with expensive spaceframe technology, and it could be argued that the A2 wasn’t all that attractive, either. See above and decide for yourselves.

In any case, Autocar reports that the four-ringed automaker will make a second go at the A2 in 2012, but this time the innovative and expensive spaceframe won’t be part of the package. The British site claims that the next A2 will inherit a version of the traditional steel unibody layout from the A1, giving Audi more cost leverage when competing with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the small front drive near-lux segment.

Audi chairman Rupert Stadler reportedly stated that an EV variant is a possibility for the upcoming A2, with hardware not unlike that of the A1 e-tron concept. Regardless of the variant of A2 Audi is considering, we’re not too hopeful that the little German will ever make its way Stateside.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Audi A2 coming back in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2026 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi’s half moon-shaped fashionista, the TT is getting a bit of a nip/tuck for 2011. Both the hardtop and roadster receive modestly refreshed exteriors and interiors, along with a new 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder model whose 211 horses gallop with an eye toward superior fuel economy (Audi claims fuel economy of nearly 36 miles-per-gallon on the combined European cycle). This is the same revamped four-banger that has been appearing in engine bays throughout the German automaker’s lineup, and while its horsepower increase is modest over the 2010 model (+11), the use of Audi’s Valvelift system helps the engine generate a big slug of torque - 258 pound-feet of the stuff - a healthy 51 lb-ft. more than its predecessor. Audi says that all-wheel drive equipped TT will hit 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, so performance hasn’t suffered, either. For the U.S. market, there’s still no sign of a manual gearbox, but we’ve professed our love for the company’s six-speed S Tronic dual-clutch in the past and expect it to once again be an astute partner here.

We didn’t expect Audi to go crazy with the TT’s mid-cycle refresh and true to form, they’ve exercised due restraint. The 2011 receives bigger air inlets up front, a shinier gloss black grille finish, and, of course, Audi’s fast-becoming-compulsory LED daytime running lamps (as seen on the higher-performance TTS model). Inspect the car’s rounded rump and you’ll find a new flat black rear diffuser, (very) modestly retouched taillamps, and new exhaust outlets. New paint colors include Scuba Blue, Oolong Gray, Volcano Red and Dakota Gray.

The interior has received the hand of refinement as well, with a trio of new cabin colors, leather that’s been specially treated to resist solar heat, and are a few new aluminum bits of trim.

Audi has yet to release U.S. pricing information, but we’ll be sure to update you when it comes through. In the meantime, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi shows off revised 2011 TT with updated four-cylinder power, tweaked appearance

Audi shows off revised 2011 TT with updated four-cylinder power, tweaked appearance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2026 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

The relentless run-up to the Audi A1‘s official introduction at the Geneva Motor Show continues unabated, this time with a video of Markus Winkelhock taking the A1 for a spin around Audi’s test track in Neustadt, Germany.

The current DTM pilot for Audi gushes about the A1′s communicative steering and compliant suspension, while Dr. Horst Glaser, Audi’s Head of Chassis Development, hypes up the lightweight construction and quick 14.8:1 steering ratio. It’s not the most compelling video, but it’s nice to see the premium hatch finally on the road. And we’ve got to admit that the A1 looks noticeably better blacked out, without the slightly contrived aluminum roof trim. See for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track

Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2026 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

Audi is continuing the aluminum architecture tradition employed on the A8, R8 and TT with a new prototype of the A5 that sheds 242 pounds from the standard 2.0-liter model.

The Aluminum A5 Prototype uses the steel-bodied production vehicle as its base, then incorporates the Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology and a carbon fiber hood and trunk to bring the curb weight down from 3,130 pounds to 2,888 pounds. Compared to the V6 model, the 208 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter model has a power-to-weight ratio of 159-hp per ton, while the V6 variant trumps it by only 11 hp per ton.

While Audi’s aluminum technology is sure to find its way into future models, including the A5, Audi doesn’t plan to produce the current A5 using the ASF concept quite yet. That’s likely to happen with the next generation model due out in a few years, but talk of an Ur-Quattro revival with the S5 (or RS5) could be the opening salvo with the coupe, and this is a good indication that work is well underway. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds

Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2025 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink