Audi grounds flying taxi project as it rethinks Airbus partnership
Audi is having second thoughts about a partnership with Airbus to develop a flying taxi. The goal of the project was to develop a vehicle that could transition from driving to flying. Several other automakers remain interested in flying taxis, despite many unanswered questions about the technology.
Audi’s rugged A6 Allroad wagon is finally coming back to the U.S.
The 2020 Audi A6 Allroad is a lifted station wagon that boasts some off-road tech, and it's finally coming back to the U.S. In Europe, the A6 Allroad gets one of Audi's TDI diesel powertrains, but the U.S. version uses a gasoline mild-hybrid powertrain.
Volkswagen is willing to share its electric car tech with BMW and others
Volkswagen is willing to share EV tech destined for Audi and Porsche models with other automakers. This could help speed up the deployment of electric cars, an executive said. Volkswagen is planning dozens of all-electric models across multiple brands, all set to launch over the next few years.
Behind the scenes of Audi’s secret arsenal of EV tech
The first cars built on the PPE platform being co-developed by Audi and Porsche will break cover in the 2020s. The architecture is being designed from a blank slate to underpin fast, luxurious electric cars. Digital Trends saw a mock-up that previews one of the first PPE-based cars, and learned what's under the skin.
The 2020 Audi RS 4 Avant proves the best car is always a wagon
Performance wagons like the 2020 Audi RS 4 Avant provide the perfect blend of speed and practicality, but they are rare in the United States. Audi won't sell the RS 4 Avant here, for example. But Audi will bring the larger, 600-horsepower RS 6 Avant wagon to these shores.
Everything You Need to Know About Audi MMI in 2019
Multi-Media Interface (MMI) is Audi’s in-vehicle infotainment software that operates everything from the audio system to selectable driving modes. MMI has evolved over the years to meet the demands of new technologies like navigation, digital gauge clusters, and advanced driver assist systems.
The 2020 Audi RS Q3 is a souped-up SUV you’ll have to admire from afar
Enthusiasts worried Audi would deep-six its sonorous five-cylinder engine can sleep easy. It makes a comeback in both variants of the RS Q3, and it's tuned to deliver 400 hp to the four wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. Inside, the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system learn a few new tricks.
Audi streamlines its product offerings to appeal to younger buyers
Audi AG is simplifying its lineup to cut costs and consequently increase profits. The automaker has already pared down its line by 27% and is looking for an eventual 45% reduction. Audi AG CEO Bram Schot explained: We want to get more penetration in the high-end segment.
Audi balances carsharing, EVs, and sports cars as it prepares for the 2020s
Digital Trends sat down with some of Audi's top executives to learn about how the company sees itself evolving during the 2020s. It will continue to build sports cars -- that's never changing -- but they'll be joined by a bevy of electric vehicles and shared vehicles. Some will even tick all three boxes.
Everything that’s new and updated from Audi in 2020
Audi is holding steady, with only minor changes to most of its product lineup for the new year. The strategy is simple and designed to allow the new RS6 Avant performance wagon take the spotlight. Here's the full rundown of all 2020 changes.
The Audi AI:Trail Quattro concept is the autonomous off-roading EV of our dreams
Autonomous, electric concept car are a dime a dozen, but Audi put a different spin on the idea by making a self-driving, battery-powered off-roader. It's loaded with useful tech features, like a roof-mounted drone that lights up trails. It's not ready for production, but it could become a reality by 2030.
Audi’s stylish RS 7 Sportback returns with more tech, space, and power
Audi's second-generation RS 7 Sportback builds on its predecessor's strengths with a sharper, more muscular design, better technology, and an engine that's both more powerful and more efficient. The RS 7 shares most of its mechanical components with the RS 6, and it will reach showrooms in time for the 2020 model year.
The 2020 Audi A5 gets some style tweaks and a new infotainment system
The 2020 Audi A5 gets a mild styling refresh and a new infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The changes apply to the 2020 Audi A5 coupe, convertible, and Sportback, as well as the S5 versions of those body styles. Audi hasn't said whether the RS 5 coupe and Sportback will be changed for 2020.
Audi is giving buyers two cars for the price of one — for a week
Audi is giving motorists who buy or lease a 2019 model seven days of free rentals through its SilverCar division. Motorists can choose between the A4, the A5 Cabriolet, the Q5, and the Q7, and there are no mileage restrictions. The cars must be picked up from SilverCar's 26 locations in the United States.
Microeconomics and a little magic help bring the 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant to U.S.
Audi is finally bringing its high-performance RS 6 Avant to the United States. The new, fourth-generation model will arrive in American showrooms during the 2020 model year with a 600-hp, twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood. Fans have waited for the chance to drive Audi's super Awagon on American soil for decades.
2019 Audi E-Tron is the first electric car to earn top IIHS safety rating
The 2019 Audi E-Tron is the first electric car to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. But the IIHS hasn't tested the Audi's two main rivals -- the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. Audi can at least promote the E-Tron's high score in relation to gasoline SUVs.
Audi places its smallest model where escooters and skateboards intersect
Audi developed a vehicle that blurs the line between escooters and skateboards. Its E-Tron Scooter is an electric skateboard that's shaped like a longboard and fitted with a scooter-like handlebar. It has 12.5 miles of range and a 12.5-mph top speed. Production and sales are both scheduled to kick off in 2020.
Audi Sport will unleash 6 new, redesigned performance cars in the next 4 months
Audi Sport announced plans to introduce six cars by the end of 2019. Looking at the dark teaser image it released, we think we see two variants of the RS Q3, an RS4, an RS6, an RS7, and an RS Q8. We'll see them in the next four months, but don't expect all of them to be sold in the United States.
2020 Audi S6 sedan with performance-enhancing mild-hybrid tech will come to U.S.
The 2020 Audi S6 sedan boasts a mild-hybrid powertrain making 444 horsepower, and Audi promises greater responsiveness thanks to an electric compressor. The S6 is a sportier version of the Audi A6 sedan. It goes on sale in the U.S. soon with a base price of $74,895.
Audi Q3 Sportback crossover is a mini Q8 that won’t come to the U.S.
The Audi Q3 Sportback is the latest in a long line of SUV coupes. It's a version of the new second-generation Q3 with different styling meant to give it a sportier look. But this pint-sized Audi won't be sold in the U.S. Audi plans to begin European sales this fall.
Audi’s latest suspension system can help protect you during a crash
The Audi A8 is getting a more sophisticated adaptive suspension system for the European market. The system can raise or lower the body in a fraction of a second, improving ride, handling, and even safety, according to Audi. It's unclear if the U.S.-market Audi A8 will get the system as well.
Audi R8 not hardcore enough for you? Check out the LMS GT2 race car
The Audi R8 LMS GT2 is the latest racing version of Audi's R8 supercar. Audi claims the LMS GT2 is its most powerful R8 race car yet. The car was designed to compete in a new class aimed at amateur drivers. Audi unveiled the R8 LMS GT2 at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
2020 Audi Q7 gets a face-lift, updated infotainment system, mild-hybrid tech
The 2020 Audi Q7 gets a handful of updates, incorporating tech from other recent Audi models. Audi's three-row family hauler gets revised styling and an MMI infotainment system from the Q8, as well as 48-volt mild-hybrid tech. The 2020 Audi Q7 goes on sale in Europe in mid-September.
Audi’s 429-horsepower SQ8 TDI proves diesels don’t have to be slow
The Audi SQ8 TDI is a sportier version of the Audi Q8 SUV. Its diesel powertrain means the SQ8 TDI won't come to the United States, but it will give European buyers a new performance SUV option. Under the hood sits a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 429 hp and 664 pound-feet of torque.
Can Audi plant its flag on Bentley’s turf with a palatial A8-based sedan?
Audi's answer to the Mercedes-Maybach is taking shape. The company is preparing to climb to a new plateau in the automotive industry with an even more lavish offshoot of the A8, its current flagship model. There's no word yet on when the limousine will make its official debut, or what it will be powered by.
Audi launches sportier diesels in Europe, but don’t expect them in the U.S.
Audi is adding TDI diesel mild-hybrid powertrains to most of its sporty S models in Europe. The setup aims to boost performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Audi parent VW's diesel emissions cheating means they won't be coming to the U.S. Diesel is on the defensive worldwide.
Audi TT will get the ax to make way for electric cars — and the R8 may be next
Once a design leader, the Audi TT will meet its demise to make room in Audi's lineup for more electric cars. Audi executives confirmed plans to kill off the TT at the automaker's annual shareholder meeting. Audi plans to replace the TT with an electric model in the future.
The 2019 Audi A4 gets a noticeable face-lift, and adds hybrid power
Audi last tweaked the design of the Audi A4 a year ago, making mild changes to the exterior, but there are much larger changes on the way, both inside and out. The latest refresh gives the A4 a sportier, more aggressive appearance, and pushes the fuel economy to nearly 40 mpg.
Audi of America president abruptly resigns after just six months on the job
Audi of America President Mark Del Rosso is stepping down after less than six months at the helm. Audi has not provided any specifics as to why Del Rosso is departing so suddenly, or whether it was his choice to step down. Current Executive Vice President and COO Cian O’Brien will fill the role on an interim basis.
Technology trickles down from above to make the new 2019 Audi Q3 smarter
Audi's unprecedented product offensive continues with the launch of the brand-new, second-gen Q3. The firm's smallest SUV gets tech features like a virtual cockpit and a single screen variant of MMI Touch Response from bigger models. It offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and all-wheel drive.
2019 Audi TT RS gets subtle cosmetic surgery ahead of its trip to the Big Apple
The 2019 Audi TT RS gets a minor face-lift, but it keeps its signature turbocharged inline-five engine. The updated TT RS makes its United States debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The Audi TT is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, with a special-edition version also hitting showrooms.
The Audi AI:me concept shows how a self-driving city car can fight boredom
Audi unveiled a concept car named AI:me at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. It explores what an electric, autonomous, and connected city car could look like. It fights boredom with an on-board VR set while taking Audi's tech-savvy interiors to new heights. The concept could preview a follow-up to the A2 city car.
2020 Audi S6 and S7 aim to boost performance without sacrificing fuel economy
The 2020 Audi S6 and S7 are sportier versions of the Audi A6 sedan and A7 fastback, respectively. Both cars use a mild-hybrid powertrain, which generates 450 horsepower in U.S. spec. U.S. cars get a gasoline engine, but other markets will get a diesel instead.
Audi reveals the E-Tron’s full specifications ahead of its market launch
Audi has released full specifications about the E-Tron, its first series-produced electric car, ahead of the model's market launch. The E-Tron can drive for 204 miles on a single charge, according to the EPA. Audi chose to play it safe in order to maximize longevity and deliver repeatable performance.