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2012 Audi R8 Spyder Convertible: Most Expensive to Insure, But Most Fun to Drive

2012-02-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, so you’ve had your eye on the Audi R8 Spyder convertible (#wantanR8), but are you willing to fork out the money to pay for insurance?

According to Insure.com, the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder Convertible is the most expensive car to insure ($3,384 per year). Insure.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to provide insurance rates on more than 900 car models from six major car insurance companies. Rates were not available for some cars, especially exotic cars. We would guess that many of the exotic cars probably cost much more than the Spyder to insure.

Quadrant calculates average annual insurance premiums based on a single 40-year-old male driver with a clean driving record, good credit, and who commutes 12 miles to work each day.

The second and third most expensive cars to insure for 2012 were the Mercedes CL600 BI-T Coupe ($3,307 per year) and Mercedes S600 BI-T ($2,948 per year).

We’re curious...If you are considering purchasing an R8 Spyder convertible, will the cost of car insurance, gas, and maintenance deter you from buying it? We say that if you can pay for the car, you probably don’t mind the cost of maintenance. Besides, there are many ways to find cheap auto insurance nowadays.

According to Audi, they are only shipping 50 R8 GT Spyders to the U.S. (333 will be produced overall) with a sticker price of $210,000, which has become the company’s priciest creation to date. Of course, you get what you pay for. At 560 horsepower and a top speed of 197 mph, we can’t deny that this will be the most exciting Audi to drive. It was just selected as Autobytel's 2012 Convertible of the Year. Can't argue with that!

For those of you who enjoy videos, the folks over at OneEightTurbo.com have put together a 10 minute video of a drive with the 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder along with a slideshow of the interior.

Review: 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro Tiptronic

2012-01-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

2011 was a great year, and the Q5 made for an even better year for the Audi brand. In December 2011 the company had sold 24,908 units year-to-date (YTD), compared to 23, 518 units YTD in December 2010, which was a 5.9% increase.

These numbers may impress you, but as for me, I had to experience the Q5 for myself to believe the hype.

When the Q5 arrived for the week visit, I have to admit that I wasn’t expected to be wowed. After all, this is the little brother (or sister) to the illustrious Q7, which blew me away when I first drove it. How much better could a mini SUV be, anyways? I still sometimes succumb to the “Bigger is Better” mentality, so you can understand where my thinking comes from. However, one week with the Q5 was enough to change that mindset.

The Interior

To say that the cabin is "plush" is an understatement.

I’ll offer you fair warning. Once you go with a Prestige and Luxury package in any Audi, you’ll never go back to just a regular interior. The Bang and Olufsen sound system, thermo cupholder, leather instrument panel top and door arm rests, premium Milano ventilated front seats, parking system plus with rearview camera, Audi side assist that lights up when there‘s a car in your blind spot, and Audi adaptive light is enough to convert you into a “car snob”. If you can shell out the extra $9,500 for these upgrades, we'll let you slide a little if you want to be snooty.

If that's not enough, let's add on a little more comfort and convenience, shall we? The heatable, 12-way power front seats allows you to get that seat just right. Add on the memory driver seating so you don't have to manually adjust the seat every time you get in the car. Then when you're ready to start the engine, all you have to do is press a button. The advanced key just has to be anywhere inside the car for it to start.

With all these little luxuries, a 5-hour drive to Vegas is much better than riding first class in any jet plane - even if the trip is much longer. The Q5 is a great little road warrior for the front seat passengers, but doesn’t leave too much leg room for back seat riders unless they’re little kids or if any of the front passengers has long legs (as my fiance does). And if you are riding with children in the back seat on long road trips, you can have them look up in the sky via the panoramic sun roof and play “I Spy”.

As for the bells and whistles, the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) in the Q5 is a familiar sight for Audi enthusiasts. Navigation, music (including SIRIUS satellite radio with 3 month complimentary subscription), and driver settings can be accessed with a knob right below the gear shift. With bluetooth you do have other options for music, including streaming of Pandora from a smart phone or synching an iPod. Then there’s a CD/DVD player and slots for SD cards.

The Exterior

Another wow factor that adds pizazz to the Audi Q5 is the S-line package. Our tester was equipped with 20-inch wheels and 255/45 summer performance tires. You also get the xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights, which isn’t available in the Premium or Premium Plus versions.

As far as outer appearances go, who is going to argue the fact that this car looks good? The distinctive grille; the curvy, sporty stature; and the little details like the honeycomb-designed inlays plus chrome accents all combine together to create one fine-looking vehicle that demands a double take.

I could go on and on about how the car looks good on the outside, but we’ll let these pictures speak for themselves…

The Drive

The Q5 3.2 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and the standard quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The Audi drive select, which is a $2,950 option, puts you in charge of how you want to conquer the road. Drive select gives you the choice of "comfort", "auto", or "dynamic" which configures the engine, transmission, steering, shock absorbers and the sport differential depending on which option you choose. I spent most of the time in "auto", but at times switched to the sporty "dynamic" when navigating through windy roads and hills.

When trying to come up with an adjective to describe how I feel when driving the Q5, the only word that repeats in my mind is "steadfast". The Q5 hugs the road, making it easy to weave through highway traffic. With 270 horsepower, you have enough to give you a little boost when stepping on the gas pedal.

At 18 city MPG and 23 highway MPG, the Q5 gets pretty decent gas mileage. I averaged about 21 mpg in my week with the Q5, which included a combination of city and highway, but mostly highway - and the air conditioning on about half the time.

Pricing

The base price for the 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 is $42,500. Tag on all the luxuries we mentioned in this review and you're looking at a total price of $59,900.00

Click here for more pictures of the Audi Q5 posted on our Facebook page.

#WantAnR8: What Does Your Ideal R8 Look Like?

2011-12-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, Audi announced on its Facebook page last week that the company is celebrating the milestone of reaching 4,000,000 fans by building a special Audi R8 V10 Coupe. Fans can vote for their favorite color, interior, transmission, and wheel design. Audi will build the R8 based on the features with the most votes. Click here to cast your vote!

My ideal R8 would be white with black interior, six-speed manual transmission, and titanium finished wheels. As much as I enjoy the comfort of automatic transmission, a sports car just isn't a sports car without manual gear shifts.

And speaking of the R8, Joseph Teegardin is the latest person to drive one in the #WantAnR8 campaign on Twitter. Check out the video...

What Does Your Car Say About You?

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

For Friday fun, I thought I'd share this infographic about what your car says about you... What do you think? Are Audi owners "status seekers"?

What does your car say about you?? by AutoInsuranceComparison.org

Audi at 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show (Video and Photos)

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

On our way to Las Vegas in the Q5 (Full review to come soon!), we decided to take a slight detour and head up to enjoy the first day of the Los Angeles Auto Show. More importantly, I wanted to get an up close look at the e-Tron concept car that I've been admiring for the past year.

Check out our video footage...(or watch via YouTube)

I'm not sure why I didn't get any video footage of the R8 GT. Maybe because I was so in awe of the e-Tron concept car which was right beside it.

For photos from the show, check out the gallery over at our Facebook page.

Audi A7 In the Spotlight

2011-11-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

When I reviewed the A7 a couple months ago, I was in awe of its beauty - so much so that it made me think twice about changing my mind about the dream car. The magic of the A7 is something that everyone should experience in their lifetime.

So it comes as no surprise that the Audi A7 won best Luxury On-Road vehicle in the 2012 Active Lifestyle of the Year Awards, an annual competition that recognizes the best vehicles for active people. Automobile Magazine also named the A7 the "2012 Car of the Year".

The video below from AutoMobile Magazine explains why they chose the A7 as Car of the Year...

Review: 2011 Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro Auto Tiptronic Sedan

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

There are two types of luxury cars. There are luxury cars...and then there are luxury cars. The Audi A8L belongs to the second group. Once you slip behind the wheel of this car, you'll never want to get out. Never? Yes, never. As I begin to write this review and start reminiscing about the week that I spent with the A8L, I still remain speechless over its magnificence. Who needs to go to the spa to relax when you have this car?

With a 395% increase in sales, it's obvious that luxury car enthusiasts are diggin' the Audi A8L just as much I am. It has 22 more horsepower than its predecessor, weighs 350 less, and is packed with all the technological bells and whistles which Tech Crunch says is nearly perfect.

The Exterior

The Audi A8L has a very simple, understated, but yet, very commanding aura about it. This car is for people who appreciate elegance, but don't want to be obnoxious

As many Audi enthusiasts would agree, the full LED lights and chrome grille are unmistakably the highlight of the exterior. That's not to say, though, that the little details don't count. I also love the chrome trim along the back bumper. Some people think the grille is just too much, but I personally like it. Everyone has different tastes, right?

Our tester also came equipped with the optional sporty-looking 20-inch wheels and summer tires, which adds even more to the sleek, stylish design of the exterior.

The Interior

The feeling I got when I slipped into the driver's seat of this beauty is unexplainable. To put it simply: It's pure bliss. Even a friend of mine who owned a BMW 7-Series said the interior of the Audi A8L is so much better. The plush leather seating can adjust 18 ways to ensure that you are absolutely comfortable, which also has a memory function so you don't have to manually adjust the seat every time you get in the car. The front seats can also be heated, but not cooled in this test vehicle. (Cooled seats is an extra option, but much needed in San Diego!) And if you're traveling to a hot place like Las Vegas, or you just want some privacy while riding in the back seat, the power side and rear windows have sunshades for added comfort and protection from the sun.

But what was it about the interior that wowed me? One would think that it is the convenience of a voice command system for navigation, or the multi-function steering wheel for music selection. However, I was amazed by the LED ambient interior lighting, which really enhanced the experience. I liken it to being in a spaceship, or what I think one would feel like!

No Audi car review would be complete without mentioning the revolutionary MMI Navigation Plus system with its touch pad that allows you to search quickly through your contacts on your phone, or you can write in your destination without taking your eyes off the road. The 8" LCD monitor rises up out of the dashboard when the car starts, and is connected to the rearview camera and parking system.

The Drive

"How does the Audi A8 feel like when you're driving?" I asked my fiance.

"It feels like I'm on a cloud," he replied.

My thoughts exactly.

With 372 horsepower, 328 lb or torque, and an all-wheel drive system, this baby is something to write home about. Our tester was equipped with the Audi's drive select plus package ($2,300) that includes quattro sports rear differential and dynamic steering to deliver that sports car feel whenever you so desire. I had no idea that you could get that type of sports car driving performance in a sedan, but in the world of Audi, anything is possible.

And since you're getting decent gas mileage (17 City MPG and 27 Highway MPG), it's ok to crank up the speed a little to get the full experience of floating in a cloud.

One of the driving features that I like is the Electronic Stabilization Program that includes Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which I was able to experience first-hand as we were navigating through hills. The car would automatically apply the brakes as we rolled downhill and prevented it from swerving.

Pricing

Base Price (MSRP): $84,000
Audi drive select plus package: $2,300
20-inch wheels w/ summer tires: $1,200
Destination Charge: $875
Total Price as Shown: $88,375
Fuel, license, title fees, and taxes not included

Check out more photos of the 2011 Audi A8L on Flickr....

Audi Continues to Break Sales Records

2011-10-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

Audi continues its domination of the luxury car market...or so we like to think. Of course, we are just a little biased. However, if you do look at the numbers, Audi is making strides and setting sales records left and right. This week Audi of America reported record September U.S. sales of 9,725 vehicles, which beat the previous record of 8,151 vehicles sold in 2010.

So, what are people loving right now? The gorgeous Audi A6. A demand for the all-new 2012 A6 led to a 42.8% increase on 1,124 vehicles sold when compared to August 2010 sales. For the record-setting month of September 2011, Audi recorded year-to-date (YTD) sales increases of over 25% with four of its models: the Audi A8, the Audi Q7, the Audi R8 and the Audi TT.

The one model that had the most increase compared to September 2010 is the Audi A8. (My dream car!) This year 411 vehicles were sold, whereas only 83 were sold last year. Sidenote: Stay tuned because we'll be posting a review of the A8 soon!

Here's a quick snapshot of September 2011 Audi car sales as compared to September 2010...

NOTES:
- 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued.
- 2010 A5 numbers include Audi A5 cabriolet and coupe’ and S5 cabriolet and coupe’ models. 2009 A5 numbers do not include the cabriolet models.
- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.
- All-new A7 model sales began in april 2011.
- 2010 A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models. 2011 A8 includes Audi A8 sedan and A8L sedan.
- TT includes Audi TT coupe’ and TT roadster models.

Do You #WantAnR8?

2011-09-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

How much do you love the Audi R8? Let Audi count the ways...

Joanne McCoy, the original #WantAnR8 tweeter, shared her love...and got the chance to drive the R8 around for a day. Tell Audi on Twitter why you want an R8 and someone just may pull up to your house with one...

Audi Unveils Two New Electric Innovations

2011-09-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Right now, gas prices in San Francisco can be as high as $4.49 per gallon. Sometimes driving an Audi around in such a highly priced market can be draining to the wallet. It should be no surprise that there are so many places for car title loans in San Francisco to get extra money before payday. While our public transportation system might be stellar and the rest of the city is far ahead of the times in terms of progressiveness, we still rely on fossil fuels to get us from point A to point B.

In order to help decrease our reliance upon fossil fuels, Audi has introduced two new electric vehicles into the foray at recent European auto shows; the Audi A2 and an experimental urban friendly vehicle.

According to CNET UK, the new Audi A2 electric is fortified with the latest in gadgetry in order to live up to its futuristic image. It's basic design will be the same as the A1 vehicle, but will feature things that would make the A1 look like it belongs on The Flintstones. There will be a semi-autonomous driving feature which will match other car's movements during slow moving traffic. On board Wi-Fi capabilities will allow users to openly access the Internet while driving along.

The car's lighting system will also feature mind-blowing technology such as fog lights that beam symbols on the road that warn other drivers not to hit you.

The new concept car unveiled by Audi at the auto show in Frankfurt, Germany is reminiscent of the Plymouth Prowler. Instead of embracing the gas guzzling, hot-rod philosophy of the 1950's; the new Audi concept hopes to embrace a minimalistic urban lifestyle. The car has a wireless charging capability that utilizes Audi's AWC for contactless wireless charging. The battery takes about 20 to 60 minutes to fully charge and can last for up to 45 miles.

Photo Credit: AutoViva.com
Hybrid Cars reports that Audi wanted to see how much of a car people really need. The actual car section of the vehicle is extremely narrow and the wheels are separated off to the sides. I don't expect to see this car on the road too often, but it is an indicator of the technological and creative prowess of the Audi team.

High gas prices, bad air quality, and global warming are all enemies of the Audi corporation. I love how they are coming up with new ways to beat them.

Audi Car Buying and Selling Resource: Motors.co.uk

2011-09-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here at The Unofficial Audi Blog, not only do we want to be a source for Audi news and car reviews, but we also want to be a resource to help people buy and sell used Audi cars. Because many of our readers are from the UK, we want this post to be dedicated to a UK car-related site we just recently found out about: motors.co.uk/.

Not only can you buy and sell cars on Motors.co.uk, but they offer informative guides including buying and selling guides...

Some of the tips offered when selling a car include gathering all paperwork together and putting them in a neat folder, pricing it right, not being pushy, and get the car looking really clean, but don't go overboard.

You can also read their Audi car reviews and watch videos of specific Audi models...

When buying cars online, regardless of what site you're using, it's always important to do your due diligence. I've seen many bogus car advertisements on classified sites like Craigslist. Keep in mind that saying when shopping for a car online, "If it's too good to be true..." What's nice about the Motors.co.uk site is that they check to make sure the car has not been stolen, that it has not been written-off by an insurance company (damaged too seriously), and that it has not been imported or exported.

Have you ever used Motors.co.uk to shop or buy a used Audi? Share your experience via comments!

Review: 2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro Auto Tiptronic Sedan

2011-09-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

I’m going through withdrawals. Ever since I had to give back the Audi A7 after driving with it for a week, I’ve been experiencing withdrawals. I compare everything else I’ve driven to the A7, and when I say no other car has come close to it, I mean nothing. Okay, maybe when I get to drive the R8, I’ll have a change of heart, but until then, I’m in love with that A7.

The Exterior

Let’s face it, many of us buy a car because of how it looks, right? So let’s start with the exterior. This particular model we tested was equipped with the prestige package, which includes the S-line exterior that stands for sexy, sleek, sporty, sensuous, solid, and every good word that starts with “S”. And even though celebrity starts with “C”, we’ll add that as a word to describe the A7 because it turned heads everywhere we went. My favorite part of the exterior is the hexagon design in the bumper that gives it a distinctive look. Adding even more to the sporty style of the A7 is the spoiler that can go up or down with the touch of a button.

Our tester came with the 20” ten-parallel-spoke wheels with summer performance tires, but the standard is the 18” alloy wheels with all-season tires or you can get the optional 19” five-double-spoke wheels.

Of course, we can’t forget the Xenon headlights with and signature LED daytime running lights that Audi is known for. The prestige package includes the adaptive headlights which make it easier to see at night when making turns around corners, plus you get front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera. Also, I like the Audi side assist option that alerts you via lights in the side view mirrors when there is a car in your blind spot.

For more photos visit the Audi A7 set on our Flickr page

The Interior

Once you sit in this car, you’ll never want to get out. Who would want to when you have plush leather seating, Sirius satellite radio (3 month complimentary subscription) with BOSE surround sound, Audi Connect which turns the car into a Wifi hotspot for up to 8 devices (6 month complimentary subscription), and the ability to make phone calls via a bluetooth connection to your mobile phone. It’s heaven for the technology-inclined.

Audi is most notable for its multi-media interface (MMI) with its high-resolution color screen. The new touch pad is a highlight that allows you to navigate through the radio, navigation, and telephone options. For example, if you want to make a phone call, you can either draw the first letter of the person you want to call and the system will go through your cell phone’s directory and bring up a list of contacts beginning with that letter. In order to browse through your radio presets, you can simply touch the number on the pad that corresponds with the station you want to listen to. If you don't want to use the touch pad, the system also has voice recognition so that you can say an address, call a number, or even find the nearest gas station while you're driving.

My three favorite features are:

Memory seating for both driver and passenger
Cooling seats - The only suggestion I have is to allow adjustment of the temperature. During the hot, sweaty summer days I would like it to be cooler.
Keyless go - Just push the button next to the gear shift and go.

Words can't describe just how beautiful the interior is, so we'll leave it up to this brief video to show you instead...

For passengers in the back seats, the leg room is not that great, so this car isn't ideal for long road trips with tall people. However, there is ample room in the trunk for luggage. And for those beautiful days in Southern California, the sun roof is a huge plus.

The Drive

The 2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro comes standard with a 310 hp supercharged V6 engine, 325 lb-ft. of torque, 8-speed automatic transmission with dynamic shift program (DSP), quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with rear torque bias. Needless to say, it’s a force to be reckoned with. A slight tap on the gas pedal and you’re off to the races. The car just beckons you to test its power. Going from 0 to 60 took 6 seconds, but I didn’t even use my lead foot. Who knew a sedan could look and feel so sporty?

Audi drive select allows you to choose from three different drive settings: 1) Comfort, 2) Dynamic, and 3) Auto; or you create a custom driving experience to your liking. If you want the full sports car experience, then the Dynamic setting will work best. I chose to drive in the Auto setting for the majority of the time to let the car work its own magic, although in stop and go driving, I liked the Dynamic setting which made me feel like I was in a jet plane taking off.

The Servotronic vehicle speed-sensitive power steering and ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program), which also come standard in the A7, made handling the car much easier - especially during the drive through the winding mountains of North County San Diego. At times wondered if I was driving in a spaceship instead of a car. That’s how smooth the drive was. When driving at fast speeds on the freeway, you can feel that the steering wheel was much tighter.

For a supercharged car, you'll get decent miles - 18 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. In our week together, I averaged about 22 mpg in a combination of city and highway driving.

Pricing

Base Price: $59,250.00

Moonlight blue metallic: $475.00
Beige interior w/ dark carpet: Included
Eight-speed Tiptronic transmission: Included
Prestige package: $6,330.00

S-line exterior
19" wheels with all-season tires
Audi Connect
Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera
Front seat ventilation
Advanced key
4-zone automatic climate control
BOSE surround sound system
HD Radio
Power Steering column adjust
Adaptive headlights
Ambient lighting plus
7" color Driver Information System

20" wheels with summer performance tires: $1,200.00
Audi side assist: $500.00
Front Filler Panel: Included
Audi Connect/Google Earth: Included
Destination Charge: $875.000

Total Price As Shown: $68,630.00

A Trip to Powell Street Promenade

2011-09-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was in San Francisco, so of course I had to check out the Powell Street Promenade, a project that Audi sponsored.

Powell is a very busy street that attracts tons of tourists because at the intersection of Powell and Market Street is where people can catch the cable cars. Not only that, but tons of retail stores and restaurants line the street.

People now have a place to sit as they wait for others who are inside the stores shopping...

I love the combination of urban design and nature...

It just so happens that there was an Audi A4 in the background when I took this picture. How cool was that?

Find out more about the project by visiting www.progressonpowell.com

Audi Motorcycle Eye Candy

2011-08-31T01:39:00.000-07:00

The Audi RB-1200 S concept motorcycle is the most aesthetically pleasing piece of two-wheeled machinery that I have ever laid eyes upon. Its design is flawlessly aerodynamic and its alluring contours are a pleasure to behold. The overall elegance of the motorbike speaks volumes to Audi’s ever expanding pursuit of distancing itself from all other market contenders.

When the RB-1200 S prototype hits the American market, I am sure that it will be as coveted as the Audi vehicle line has been over the past several years. Imagine owning the RB-1200 S, the first production bike in Audi’s prestigious history. You can accentuate the already stellar design of this bike by accessorizing it with a panoramic view, custom fiber, Vision R Shark Helmet. These Shark helmets definitely go with the style of an Audi motorcycle.

The Vision R helmet has a unique ‘rapid anti fog system’ as well as ’shark tooth’ communication technology. The bike and the helmet combine to create the ideal eye candy scenario. Integrating style with performance, Audi and Shark technologies combine to form an irresistible tandem.

Audi Announces Location For Upcoming H2O Show

2011-08-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

By Liam Condit

Every year the H2O festival is put on, a show to promote and experiment. It’s a chance for people to show new Audi cars and Volkswagen cars that use water-cooled engines. The show is based in Ocean City, Maryland, but the venue has been something of a mystery since the casino where it is usually based has become notoriously hard to book since the implementation of slot machine gaming there.

Speculation has been rife with regards to where and even if the show would be held at all. The lack of knowledge about whether the event would be held meant competition became rife with several other new upstart shows looking to muscle in on Audi and Volkswagen’s lack of a venue. One in particular almost was able to put on a two week show but was unfortunately folded after

Audi’s show promoter revealed they had found a venue. It was announced on Thursday in Twitter posts from Jay Shoup that the event would be moving to Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, not far away from the racetrack, on September 24 and 25.

The show itself has been a revelation, with new Audi and Volkswagen cars being shown each year, all showing off water cooling systems. A graphic designer by trade the show’s promoter, Jay Shoup moved his show to Ocean Downs, Maryland in its third year. Since then the show has seen around 25% growth per year. In 2010 the show had 1,300 cars registered as well as 6,000 visitors and is a chance for enthusiasts to take advantage of long stretches of roads, beautiful scenery and the promotion of where Audi and Volkswagen could potentially take their cars in the future.

Photo Credit: OWENthatsmyname

Three Ways to Get a Good Deal on a New Audi

2011-08-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it, if you want to buy a new Audi, you’re going to have to fork over some of that hard-earned cash. If you are going to work hard, you might as well have something to show for it, right? There are ways, however, that you can still find a deal on a brand new Audi.

I was browsing through some forums and came across someone wanted to know how they could find a cheap new Audi, so I thought I’d share three tips I’ve learned from friends as well as my own experience in car buying...

1. Get on your local Audi dealership’s mailing list - Sign up for their email newsletter, follow them on Twitter or Facebook. Sometimes Audi dealerships will have “internet only” deals. It also helps to befriend an Audi salesperson who can keep you updated on sales and special events.

2. Wait until the end of the year - Audi dealerships will want to make room for next year’s models, so they’ll start to discount cars that are currently in the showroom. You’ll still be getting a brand new, never-owned Audi - although it won’t be next year’s model.

3. Good ole internet research - There are many sites and services that can help you score a deal Audi cars. In the U.S. there is a site called AutoDiscountGroup.com that has partnerships with Audi dealerships in your area that have overstock. You search their overstock inventory database and they match you up with a dealership that has the best deal. If you’re in the UK, there’s a site called New-Car-Discount.com where you can find a cheap new Audi. They’re an independent car brokerage where all the vehicles through the site are UK sourced and come with a full manufacturer’s warranty.

Do you have any tips on how to get a good deal on a new Audi?

Follow Audi on Foursquare

2011-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Audi's page on Foursquare

by Matthew Brownson

Today, you can’t be a B2C company without an active presence on social media channels. Marketers everywhere are looking for effective ways to leverage social media to get the word out, and Audi is making moves to position itself as one of the social media leaders in the luxury market. Besides the brand’s work on Twitter and Facebook, Audi marketers are digging into the audience of Foursquare, a location-based gaming service that uses GPS data. It’s all locational, and isn’t that what driving is about?

In the spirit of Foursquare, the Audi brand is making its presence known by offering tips on great places to drive and where to park, following the social media model of “content to commerce,” a strategy that details aligning your brand with helpful information that applies to directly to your audience. Social media has created a two-way channel between brands and consumers, and Audi is doing its best to keep the conversation alive through its new strategy on Foursquare (https://foursquare.com/audi).

For those of you that aren’t very familiar with Foursquare, head over to the website to read a little bit more about how it works. Perhaps most importantly, the location-based information offered by Foursquare and similar services has made services like Groupon Now possible.

According to a recent article posted in Cars.com: “Have you checked into Foursquare at your local coffee or burrito shop lately to get a good deal? Well, Audi wants you to follow them so you can check in and find the best driving roads in the country. For most locations, Foursquare has a Tips section where users usually let you know if a bar has good Buffalo wings or if a grocery store accepts double coupons. Audi is leaving comments about great places to drive and even where to park. This is the first time we’ve seen this type of use from an automaker or even casual users. However, the automaker only has 13 tips so far.”

For your Audi dealer, embracing social media means better customer loyalty through better customer engagement. Drivers who may not have looked into the benefits of driving an Audi will be exposed to the brand, which will breed more Audi drivers for the future.

About the Author:
Matthew Brownson is a blogger and auto enthusiast who writes about the greenest cars. His article features information on Alexandria Audi dealer and Dale City Audi dealer.

What Has Contributed to Audi's Success?

2011-08-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

There seems to be no limit for the Audi brand this year. The company has set a new record with 652,970 deliveries of Audi vehicles worldwide in the first six months of 2011. In 2010, the company sold 554,864 vehicles. This means an increase of 23 percent in revenue compared to last year.

Let's wrap our mind around this for just a second: 21.5 billion in revenue (EUR) in six months! That's around 30 billion U.S. dollars...

Axel Strotbek, Board Member for Finance and Organization, said that this increase is due to "the significant rise in deliveries, an improved model mix and our continual cost optimization measures."

I think a combination of great marketing and the variety in models has made a significant impact on Audi's success. They've developed models that fit just about any type of lifestyle. If you're someone who wants to conserve on fuel, but you like SUV's, there's the Audi Q7...or if you like prestigious four door sedans with all the bells and whistles, there's the A8. If you have a fast life and like fast, luxurious cars, there's the R8. Audi has a car for every personality.

What do you think? What has contributed to Audi's success?

How to Save Money on Audi Car Insurance

2011-07-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

Owning a luxury vehicle does have its perks, but one of the downsides is that car insurance can get a little pricey. Being that Audi is a luxury brand, you can expect to fork over quite a bit of money for insurance.

I did some searching to see if I could find average rates for car insurance on various Audi models, but there are so many factors involved in determining rates that it became difficult to determine an “average”. Some of the things that insurance companies do look at is your age, the average miles you drive per day, the type of vehicle it is (sports car, sedan, SUV, etc.), your driving history, and on and on. Some companies will even look at your credit score!

However, there are several ways that you can save money on car insurance:

Have a good driving record. The more claims you file and accidents you are involved in, the higher your insurance premium will be.

Safety features. Some companies will offer lower payments if the vehicle is equipped with certain safety features such as anti-lock brakes, automatic seatbelts, and airbags. FYI: The anti-lock brake system is optimized with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and is standard on all Audi models.

Drive less. You may be eligible for a low-mileage discount if you carpool to work or if you drive less than the average number of miles per year.

Don’t pay for unnecessary coverage. If you don’t rent cars very often, you can probably eliminate rental car coverage. Also, if you already have a good health insurance plan, you may not need personal injury protection.

These are just a few ways that you can save money on car insurance for your Audi. I recommend consulting with your agent to find out all the different types of discounts being offered to see what you’re eligible for.

Canada Audi Forum Q & A

2011-07-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

For those of you in Canada looking to connect with other Audi enthusiasts, check out Canada's largest Audi forum. I found out a little bit about the forum through Rick P., one of the moderators. Read the interview below...

1) How long has the forum been active?

AudiForum.ca was first launched around March 2006 by Daniel Sitar. Within that same year AudiForum.ca was acquired by ForuMedia Inc, revamped, reskinned and restaffed. It took some time to make AudiForum.ca active with regards to users and posts but that was achieved by a small group of very active users who joined.

2) What are the most common questions/threads in the forum?

Lets start by saying the most active areas of the site are:
the Audi A4 section here http://www.audiforum.ca/audi-a4/ & the General Audi section here http://www.audiforum.ca/general-audi-discussion/

When it comes to questions, the most common are trouble shooting questions of all kinds. That is what makes AudiForum.ca very unique. It is that willingness of the users to assist others in making their Audi experience enjoyable.

3) Are there many members who are based outside of Canada?

Oddly enough, the majority of our traffic comes from the US followed by Canada in close second. The moderators and admins have talked about this before, how could we be attracting more US based members than our own Canadians? We attribute the growth in both the US and Canadian market to the friendliness of the members of the site. Egos are checked at the door, anyone can join. It is our passion of Audis that brings us all together.

4) Are there any special events in Canada that Audi enthusiasts get excited about?

AudiForum.ca is blessed with having some active Audi clubs based within the site. Since there are a few clubs I will only reference the most active, Golden Horseshoe Audi Club. Each month the club has actively been promoting unique events such as Free Oil changes and or BBQs at sponsor shops. One of my personal favorite events that I attended was the Krown Lakeshore Audi meet. Pictures can be seen here http://www.audiforum.ca/golden-horseshoe-audi-club/64911-krown-lakeshore-event-may-7th-2011-a-9.html

One of the more national events is Vagkraft. This year it is on August 14 at the Powerade Centre in Brampton, Ontario. AudiForum.ca will be attending.

5) What does it take to join the forum or the club?

Joining AudiForum.ca is free. You don’t need an Audi to come join in and participate. Everyone is very friendly. Once registered on the forum you can speak to one of the club reps and they will inform you on how to join their club.

New Audi Q3 Interior: It's All in the Details

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

“Our work has a sensuous character...We want to give the exterior and the interior a strong aesthetic – its very own soul." --Rosalie Schrader, Designer of Audi's Color and Trim Team

When I slip behind the wheel of an Audi, I'm immediately transported to car Heaven. The sweet smell of buttery leather combined with wood or aluminum inlays puts me into zen mode. I feel complete.

And now Audi continues to arouse our senses by coming up with new ideas for the interior of the Q3. The latest innovation is a dark brown, open-pored inlay made of larch wood. Currently the standard inlays in the Q3 are platinum or truffle beige. It is supposed to appear even more three-dimensional and more natural. The aluminum mesh material is stamped out in a honeycomb pattern.

New interior for the Audi Q3

The optional LED interior light package for the new Q3 features white light-emitting diodes that are used to provide interior and reading light with low energy consumption. They illuminate the doors, the headlining, the footwells, the vanity mirrors and the storage compartments; even the cupholders are accented by ring-shaped LED light guides.

What do you think about the Q3's new option for the interior?

Source: Audi AG

Audi Drivers Look to the Future

2011-07-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

In case you missed my post about Audi's new "Project New York" a couple months ago, here's a guest by Craig Dudek who shares his thoughts about it...

More and more brands across all industries are looking to thought leadership as a mode of marketing their images. It’s definitely a product of the social media revolution, which has caused marketers everywhere to start looking at their field as a two-way conversation with consumers. Audi drivers are among some of the happiest on the road, and they found out about their brand through the amazing work the marketers at Audi have put in.

As a marketer myself, I can look at the Audi model and get great ideas on how to best market products in other industries. One of the biggest new initiatives the Audi brand has pushed is an exhibit that looks at how New York City will look in 30 years, focusing mostly on the perspective of the transportation industry.

This kind of foresight is only available in the auto industry, and Audi is one of the best brands to get the job done. It doesn’t hurt that the exhibit bears the Audi brand, which will help interested consumers understand the role that Audi plays in the future of the transportation industry.

The 50-foot interactive exhibit is called “Project New York” and gives us a look at the future set in Manhattan. Audi drivers are on a clear path to success supporting the Audi brand, which expects to play a big role in the future of the industry.

Creating a debate around how the future will appear is a great way to spark more talk about the brand itself, and the exhibit is sure to drum up some buzz. According to the recent press release,“‘Audi Urban Future: Project New York’ envisions a new city based on the award-winning concepts from the inaugural Audi Urban Future Award – hosted in 2010 in Venice, Italy – including the winning entry by J. MAYER H. Architects from Berlin.

The project not only offers a glimpse into what the city of the future could look like, but also sparks a conversation around innovation, new ways of communicating, never-before-seen concepts of living spaces, new versions of roadways and infrastructure solutions for the future.”Philadelphia Audi A3 drivers are happy to have a brand that has the total foresight and experience of Audi, and Audi is happy to join in the conversation that is raging across the industry.

People can catch a glimpse of what the Audi brand has in store for the next few years when they visit the exhibit in New York City. The exhibit has already been on display for over a month, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still drivers out there interested in seeing what it has to offer.

About the Author:
Craig Dudek is a blogger and auto enthusiast who writes about the greenest cars. His articles features information on the Audi Danbury and Audi Philadelphia dealership.

The Intersection of Art + Audi

2011-07-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Don't you love when a photographer has an appreciation for Audi in all its beauty and glory?

I was browsing through Flickr this weekend and came across these stunning photos of the 2011 Audi A1 posted by NRMA Drivers Seat:

Speaking of the A1 and art, Scott of I Am Audi shares this video of Audi A1 Graffiti.

Video: Audi Navigation System Plus

2011-07-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Audi vehicles is the Navigation System Plus. I love to go on road trips, so a navigation system definitely comes in handy. During the road trip with the Audi A3 earlier this year, I used the navigation system to help me find a restaurant close to the coffee shop where I had met a friend. On another road trip, the navigation system helped me as I was driving through Los Angeles. I love that it guided me on a route that didn't have congested traffic. If you've ever driven through LA traffic, you know how valuable a tool the navigation system is!

Audi America just posted a video on YouTube offering an overview with some of the features of the Navigation System Plus...

On the Radar: Audi R8 Spyder

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder

Ah, the Audi R8. You really can't get a better-looking sports car. Forget the "mid-life crisis phase", this car is for anyone at anytime. The R8 Spyder in particular has been on the radar of car enthusiasts around the world.

Audi announced this week that it has unveiled the R8 GT Spyder. Highlights of this limited edition model include:

* Output has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp)
* Weight of the vehicle has been reduced by 85 kilograms (187.39 lb)
* Accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds
* Reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph)

Is the R8 Spyder "The Best of the Best"? Well, according to Robb Report it is. Earlier this month the magazine launched an iPad application to coincide with its signature “Best of the Best” June issue.

Within the issue’s Wheels section, “Best of the Best” editorial selections include:

Automobiles

- Sports Cars: Ferrari 458 Italia

- Coupes & GTs: Aston Martin V12 Vantage

- Convertibles: Audi R8 V10 Spyder

- Sedans: Bentley Mulsanne

- Sport-Utility Vehicles: Porsche Cayenne Turbo

- Specialty Vehicles: Executive Transport - Becker JetVan; Off-Road Vehicle - TLC Icon FJ44; Performance Sports Car - Singer 911; Sport Wagon - Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

Here's a blog dedicated to the R8 (It's in French, so use Google to translate): http://www.cercleaudir8.fr

What's your favorite feature of the Audi R8 Spyder?