Anderson Germany Rolls Out Tuned Audi Q7 V12 Diesel with 550HP

Tuning specialist Anderson Germany has got its hands on the most insane version of Audi's Q7 SUV, the flagship V12 TDI model. In stock form, the 12-cylinder oil-burner generates an output of 500 horsepower and a ludicrous 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement, enough to get the all-wheel drive model to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.5 seconds. A new air filter and software optimizations from Anderson Germany help increase output by 10 per cent to 550-horsepower.

The tuning firm also fitted the Q7 V12 TDI with new brakes featuring eye-popping red-calipers and a lowering module for the suspension.

Next up on Anderson Germany's list is the exterior enhancements, which come in the form of a carbon fiber package for the front grille surround, mirror caps, rear diffuser and roof rails, while all logos, the air-vents, the twin tail pipes and the grille are finished in a shiny black color. The smoked lights at the back and a new set of 22-inch alloy wheels with black spokes shod in 295/30 22 tires all around, are also part of the package.

For the interior, the tuning company proposes white carbon-applications on the dashboard, steering wheel and doors, while the seating surfaces and door panels are upholstered in leather and quilted black Alcantara with contrasting white seems. Optionally, Anderson Germany also offers a matching child seat. The new LED lights round off the interior upgrades.

The German tuner has not given pricing yet on the new Q7 V12 TDI package.

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Audi Sets New Sales Record in the U.S. Delivering More than 100,000 Cars in 2010

Audi of America sold more than 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. last year for the first time ever, the company announced today. More specifically, the VW Group's luxury brand delivered a total of 101,629 cars and SUVs in the States, posting a 23 per cent gain over 2009 and shattering its previous record of 93,506 units in 2007.

“For Audi, 2010 was a groundbreaking year”, said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “Audi is one of the best performing franchises in the business today. Consumers respond favorably to superior engineering, efficient performance, and differentiated styling, and that’s what they see in Audi”.

While the firm's sales were definitely helped by the rebounding economy, the Ingolstadt-based automaker also expanded its vehicle line-up to more than 10 models and close to 20 variants, giving American customers more options.

The Q5 was one of the best selling models, registering a 70.5% jump in demand compared to 2009. Furthermore, it seems that diesels are catching on, as 53% of all A3 models sold were equipped with TDI engines.

According to Audi, “the powerful brand momentum will build throughout 2011”, fueled by the unveiling of the all-new A7, advertising campaigns and the company’s long-term investment strategy.

By Csaba Daradics

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High Demand for German Luxury Cars in the U.S. and China

Germany’s car market has definitely seen better days, as sales in the first 11 months of 2010 are down 25.2% compared to the same period last year. However, strong demand for luxury cars in the U.S. and China is keeping premium automakers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz busy during the holiday season and, most importantly, profitable.

“2010 was expected to be a tough year all round” John Lawson, a London-based analyst at Citi Investment Research, wrote in a report. “But rich China sales have leapt (and) foreign exchange has been very supportive”.

As a result, German manufacturers have shortened Christmas holidays and are keeping some of their production facilities open between Christmas and New Year’s.

State-side, the premium segments have seen an 11.1 percent increase in demand, outperforming the overall market growth. Audi has profited the most from the economical rebound, with sales up 23.6% for the year through November. Mercedes follows closely behind, with an 18.6% increase, while BMW takes third place with +11.6%, according to Autodata Corp.

The Chinese market fared even better, registering a 40% increase in the luxury car segment, also led by the Ingolstadt-based carmaker. Nine of the ten top selling premium vehicles in China are German, with Lexus securing just one spot on the list. Furthermore, the uphill trend is expected continue over the next five years.

“The luxury car segment is expected to keep double-digit growth in the next five years, with the booming number of second-time buyers who are eager to distinguish themselves and keen to prove their social status”, J.D. Power said in a December report about the Chinese market.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Detnews

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Audi to Invest €11.6 Billion in New Products, Technologies and Human Resources Over the Next Five Years

In the next five years, Audi will invest approximately €11.6 billion in new products and technologies, production facilities and human resources, the Ingolstadt based manufacturer announced today.

“With this investment, we are laying the foundation for sustained, profitable growth, and supporting our claim to leadership in the premium car segment”, said Axel Strotbek, Board Member for Finance and Organization of AUDI AG.

More than €9.5 billion, or about 80 per cent of the total investment, will go into developing new products and technologies, including electric and hybrid powertrains that will be used by models like the Audi R8 e-tron or Q5 Hybrid. Part of this amount will also go into further improving the new A6’s line-up and launching the Q3 crossover.

In the same period of time, €5 billion will be spent on upgrading the company’s production facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

“In addition to our foreign sites, the German sites will also profit greatly from the Audi brand’s good worldwide prospects for growth, especially in China,” Strotbek said.

Last but not least, Audi is going to hire new personnel, seen as a key asset for further expansion.

“Innovation requires people”, said Thomas Sigi, Member of the AUDI AG Board of Management for Human Resources. “For this reason, we want to hire around 1,200 experts in 2011 who will primarily bolster our electromobility and lightweight construction fields of competence, as well as the implementation of our growth strategy”.

By Csaba Daradics

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Audi Proposes R8 Spyder Car Cover for Unhappy BMW and Mercedes Owners

From the creators of last year's R8 V10 garage door decal promo, comes this new advertising project for Audi. This time, creative advertising agency Lowe Roche, came up with a groovy Audi R8 Spyder car cover aimed at BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners who are disappointed with their vehicles, as well as the rest of us who can't afford [...] Ingolstadt's flagship roadster model.

Here's the description from Lowe Roche's webpage: "Don’t have an Audi R8 Spyder? Now you can pretend to have one. Trick your neighbors, and best of all, trick yourself into thinking you have the car of your dreams. Perfect for the BMW or Mercedes owner in your life filled with regret."

Is it just me, or does the wording make the description sound overly conceited?

Source: Lowe Roche

Unholy Tuning: Audi R8 Sedan Based on A8 Limo

If you were ever wondering what an actuall Audi R8 sports sedan would look like, sorry to say, you're out of luck. However, if by any twisted chance you're interested in finding out what would happen if a first-generation A8 and R8 got naughty in bed, scroll down and check out the rest of the photos. According to the forum members of the Audizine site, the R8-wannabe sports sedan was snagged outside Hooters (now, why aren't we surprised...) in Montreal, Canada.

Source: Audizine

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Senner Tuning Bumps the Audi RS5’s Output to 506HP

With the Audi RS5, Senner Tuning took all the usual steps: some exterior appointments, upgraded suspension and of course, more power. Starting with the engine modifications, the 4.2-liter direct-injected V8’s output was boosted to 506 hp (+56 ponies) and 478 Nm or (353 lb-ft (+48Nm or 36 lb-ft), by letting it “breathe” more efficiently through a new, valve-controlled stainless steel exhaust system. Thanks to these changes, the modified RS5 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, or almost half a second faster than the stock model.

The removal of the electronic speed limiter allows the coupe to reach a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). Speed-thirsty customers can also opt for a tire swap, in which case, the RS5 can go up to 300 km/h (186 mph).

The Bilstein-sourced B16 PSS10 coilover kit, which allows for adjustable damping, both on the compression and rebound cycles, in 10 stages, and the 20-inch alloy wheels with 225/30 rubber up front and 295/25 at the back, round off the performance upgrades.

On the outside, exterior changes are limited to carbon fiber mirror casings, a new window frame finish and a blacked out honeycomb front grille.

Inside, upon request, Senner Tuning can fit the cabin with carbon fiber and custom leather trim.

The complete car costs €113,900 (or US $150,075 at today’s exchange rates), including all taxes and registration, while customers already owning an RS5 will have to pay €18,900 (US $24,903) for the conversion kit.

By Csaba Daradics

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