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 2025 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Volkswagen

Porsche once again grabs the top spot (for the sixth time in a row) in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. This year’s study asked 76,000 owners 90 days after purchasing their 2010 model-year cars “how gratifying their new vehicle is to own and drive.” The answer, for the first time since 1997, was that the domestic brands were more “appealing” as a whole than the imports (the domestics earned a score of 787 on a 1,000-point scale - 13 points greater than the imports).

When it comes down to specific awards (as shown in the segment-level graphics), Ford leads with five. The automaker earned one each for the Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Flex, Fusion and Taurus. Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen each garner two awards. The Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Avalanche, both segment leaders, are the only two models that ranked highest in the 2010 APEAL study and in the 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) announced in June. Suzuki is credited with the greatest improvement this year, while Jeep drops one slot from last year’s 2009 APEAL Study and falls to the bottom of the list for 2010. Check out the gallery for the graphics, and read the full press release after the break.

[Source: JDPower.com]

Continue reading Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study

Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2025 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Europe, Technology, Audi

Handing your pride and joy over to a service tech is a nerve fraying experience. While the vast majority of service personnel out there are well trained, courteous and quick about their work, there are bad apples in every bushel, and you never know exactly who’s getting their hands on your keys. Audi is looking to put some of that worry aside with a new program that the company is calling - brace yourself - Audi Cam.

Think of it as lifecasting for your mechanic. When you bring your vehicle in to the shop for repairs, you’re connected to a technician via a two-way radio and a headset video camera. If there’s any sort of problem, the tech can contact you over the radio and vice-versa. Even better, owners get to sit in the comfy waiting room and watch the action from screens there. The company is hoping that the move will give owners some added peace of mind by giving them a peek into the inner workings of the dealership shop.

For now, it appears that Audi Cam will only be available in Europe. But who knows? It might just make the jump across The Pond and into a dealership near you soon.

[Source: Audi via World Car Fans]

Audi Cam streams video of your repairs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2025 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Technology, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

More tech in your car? Oh, that’s inevitable. But automakers are trying to figure out the best way to implement it. There are two main architectures currently; tethered and embedded. Ford’s SYNC is an example of a tethered tech-integration system that uses Bluetooth to connect to mobile devices consumers already own and carry with them. General Motors’ OnStar system is an embedded setup that builds the technology into the car. Going forward, the consensus seems to be that we’re going to see systems that combine elements of both.

A tethered system is typically less costly than an embedded alternative, and it works with equipment you already own and know how to use. Systems like Sync can extend the functionality of your gear and is an attractive option to tech-savvy consumers. The lower cost makes it possible to proliferate these kind of features into more models, instead of just being a high-end feature. However, embedded systems offer advantages of their own. With communications hardware built in to the vehicle, performance is more reliable, and safety can be enhanced by tying in to the vehicle’s crash sensors and stability control to automatically call for help if it detects a severe accident.

True to the cliche, it seems that the young’ins are more comfortable with tethered systems, while older generations prefer embedded systems. OnStar is already starting to do this, opening up the system in Chevrolet Volt applications with a mobile app that lets drivers connect to their car even when they’re away from it. The future likely holds a system that combines aspects of both, enhancing safety, beating back obsolescence and drawing on the strength of each technology to deliver the best experience as cars continue to become more sophisticated.

[Source: AutoObserver.com]

The Next Big Debate: Hardware or software? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2026 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Citroën, Design/Style

Awards season is finally winding down with the 2010 World Car of the Year and World Performance Car of the Year being handed out this morning at the 2010 New York Auto Show. After whittling the fields down to three finalists in each category, the panel of 59 international journalists voted one last time to crown the World Car of the Year.

While the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and Mercedes-Benz E-Class were nominated, it was the Polo that took home the gold for 2010 World Car of the Year.

On the performance vehicle front, the nominees were the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California, with the Audi winning top honors.

They also handed out a Design award for a group of finalists including the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro. That honor went to the Camaro. (U-S-A! U-S-A!)

The Green category saw Volkswagen‘s line of diesel-powered BlueMotion vehicles beat out the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids. (Die-sel! Die-sel!)

Click below for a gallery of all the winners.

New York 2010: Volkswagen Polo wins 2010 World Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2026 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Etc., Videos, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus

“Topless Drag Race! Audi vs BMW vs Infiniti vs Lexus.” That’s the title of Motor Trend‘s latest video. The way we see it, there are three possibilities based on MT’s title of this video… (A) Topless women drag racing cars. (B) A drag race between convertibles. (C) A drag race to determine which convertible stows its top the fastest. Guess which one is the reality.

Sure, it may not be as interesting to watch as either option A or B, but option C is likely of more importance to the average convertible driver who happens to be trapped in an unplanned downpour. Or, alternatively, if that weatherman-speculated downpour never actually comes to fruition… in which case you apparently want to be in the Audi. Not surprising, really, as the Audi is the only one of the quartet that comes with a soft top in lieu of the more fashionable folding hardtop. See for yourself in the video posted after the break.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: MT performs topless drag race that’s less interesting than it sounds

Video: MT performs topless drag race that’s less interesting than it sounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Safety, Technology, Crossover, Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Luxury, Off-Road

“Don’t hold back.”

Three words I’ve never heard before at a press event and three words that are running through my mind as I tramp down on the throttle and wheelspin my way towards the gray horizon.

Don’t hold back.

Ahead of me lies a three-quarter-mile stretch of perfectly groomed snow sitting atop a thick layer of ice, with over 300 feet of desolation on either side.

Don’t hold back.

From a standing start, the well-worn BMW X6 grapples with a lack of traction and then finally grips through the slush to propel me past 20… 30… 40… 50 mph. Then I slam on the stoppers. The ABS system pulses through the brake pedal and the coupe-shaped ‘ute grinds to a squeaky, squawky halt. Let’s try that again.

Don’t hold back.

This time I get up to 60 mph, lay on the brakes and it’s the same result. Now I’m bored, so it’s time to experiment with a few emergency lane change maneuvers. I get up to 30 mph, stab at the brake, yank the wheel to the right, then back to the left and straighten up. Nothing. No drama. No hesitation. No tail wagging. I do it again, this time at 40 mph with the traction control off. Same result. Then 50 mph. Same result. Then 60 mph. And then I promptly stuff myself into an six-foot-tall snow bank.

Didn’t hold back.

Follow the jump to read about our experience at Acura’s cold weather testing facility in Minnesota.

Continue reading Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business

Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2026 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

After two concepts and an insufferable amount of teasing, the 2011 Audi A1 has officially arrived with its sights set squarely on the Mini Cooper.

Inspired by the Metroproject Quattro from 2007, the all-new A1 is a faithful recreation of its conceptual predecessor, complete with a squat stance, short overhangs and four customizable colors for the roof arches. With a profile reminiscent of a stretched and squashed TT, the A1 spans 155.5 inches long, 68.5 inches wide and 56 inches tall, with a 97.2-inch wheelbase. Ten exterior colors are available, along with front and rear LEDs and Xenon headlamps.

Audi’s focus on the interior begins and ends with customization, with available LED lighting, black, grey, beige or “wasabi” green contrasting materials, colored air vents and an optional MMI system with a 6.5-inch screen, 10-speaker, 465-watt Bose audio system, 20 gig harddrive and Bluetooth connectivity. Although backseat passengers were apparently an afterthought, the A1 boasts 9.43 cubic feet of storage space in the rear, with 32.49 cubic feet of space available when the rear seats are folded flat.

Motivation will be provided by a choice of either two gasoline or diesel powerplants, with the 1.6-liter TDIs churning out either 90 horsepower and 169 pound feet of torque or 105 ponies and 184 lb-ft of twist. The gasoline mills will be available in either 1.2- or 1.4-liter TFSI variants, with the former putting out 86 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque and the latter delivering 122 hp and 147 lb-ft through either a five- or six-speed manual. An optional seven-speed S tronic (dual clutch) transmission is available, and both gasoline engines deliver an average of 46 mpg. For the time being, the A1 is only available with front-wheel drive.

The 2,303-pound hatch will go on sale in Europe later this year after it’s official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, with prices starting at around 16,000 euro. Two trims - Attraction or Ambition - are available, with an S Line accessories package and 18-inch wheels coming at launch. All the details can be had in the press release after the jump, but still no word yet on U.S. availability.

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Audi A1 finally arrives [w/video]

Officially Official: 2011 Audi A1 finally arrives [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2026 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To many people, Audi is replacing BMW as the go-to yuppie-mobile of choice. For one thing, Walter de’Silva’s designs are almost universally lauded (Q7 notwithstanding) whereas the new crop of Bangled Bimmers are… controversial to put it as nicely as humanly possible. But it’s not just down to looks and interior — it can’t be.

For the past decade or so Audi, BMW and of course Mercedes-Benz have all been engaged in mercilessly meeting each other tit-for-tat. 3/5/7 Series vs. 4/6/8 vs. C/E/S-Class, M/AMG/S, X5/ML/Q7, etc. It goes on forever. But the point is, Audi and BMW appear to be on equal footing and it looks like Audi has taken the copycat game to new heights.

Everyone knows that the BMW 335i is the most underrated car currently on the market in terms of raw thrust and grunt. BMW claims 300 hp and 300 torques, but even dogs know that BMW’s trick 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine puts out much closer to 350 hp and 350 tire-spinning pound feet of torque. Why? Well, lower insurance rates for their customers probably isn’t one of the reasons. However, remember that when the E90/E92 3 Series came out, BMW was still selling the 333 horsepower E46 M3. Meaning that it would be pretty hard to sell an older, $55,000 car with less power than a newer and just as quick $40,000 car. Or so the theory goes, though we should point out that BMW engineers angrily call us liars when we bring this scenario up.

And guess what? Looks like Audi is pulling the same trick with their new supercharged S4. Volkswagen and Audi tuner APR stuck a 2010 Audi S4 on an AWD-dyno and discovered the following. Instead of the 333 hp and 325 torques Audi is claiming, they pulled 331 hp and 336 pound-feet of torque… at the wheels! Figuring that AWD cars have about a 20% parasitic drivetrain power loss, the actual crank output of the S4 is huge. How huge? By our calculations just about 400 horsepower/torques. Gulp. Tip of the Audi driving cap to Brenton!

While most shops focus on tuning the latest Euro hotness, MFK has put its efforts into modifying the old-school (C5) Audi RS6, dropping the wagon over a set of 20×10.5-inch wheels and stretching some sticky 285/25 Dunlop rubber over each satin black, three-piece hoop.

Unfortunately, MFK hasn’t divulged what’s been done to the suspension, and there’s even less info about the engine mods. All we know is the twin-turbo, 4.2-liter V8′s software has been tweaked to coax out 520 horsepower - another 80 hp over the stock, Cosworth-modified mill - and a full sports exhaust is available for the princely sum of 5,999 euros (nearly $9k USD). Or maybe that’s a typo in the awkwardly translated press release below the fold.