Archive for the 'audi' Category



Spy Shots: Twin-turbo M5 and M7 prototypes

Wednesday 31 December 1969 @ 6:59 pm

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Will the M5 get a twin-turbo and be joined by an M7? Mr. Lehmann and Co. have caught an M5 and a 7-Series with extra ventage. It’s hypothesized that Audi has understated the RS6’s pony count, telling the world it’s 580 when it’s actually 600. And now with both Mercedes and Audi outdoing the M in the horsepower war, the theory is that that’s an insult BMW simply cannot allow. Hence the addition of double-barrel blowers to equalize the equation.

As for the possibility of an M7, all there is to see are a large scoop at the front of the hood and two smaller scoops at the rear. With years of AMG S-Classes and Audi S8’s behind us, if there is an M7 on the way, all we can say is: it’s about time.

[Source: World Can Fans]

 

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BMW becomes world’s biggest-selling premium automaker

Wednesday 31 December 1969 @ 6:59 pm

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BMW outdid compatriots Mercedes and Audi to sell the most cars in August, taking the cake with the number one spot and probably the Benjamins as well. Compared to Audi’s 66,400 cars and Mercedes’ (and smart’s) 96,200, BMW (with MINI) rolled 99,755 cars off dealer lots.

BMW couldn’t have done it without the success of the MINI, and we can debate whether it’s fair to include it in a shootout. Minus the little British lifestyle accessory, BMW only moved 85,003 units. Nevertheless, as long as its in there, it bodes well for the blue-and-white propeller, with the X5 and MINI (which is up 24%) still doing very well. All three makers have new and refreshed models on the way shortly, but BMW also has the brand new — and certain to be popular — volume-selling 1-Series and MINI Clubman in the works.

And not that they will add too much to the tally, but while we’re throwing things in, there’s the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe that will probably outsell Maybach all by itself. If it isn’t already, the question soon will be: can you get too much BMW?

[Source: Motor Authority]

 

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Autoblog Night Watch: Needell hints at Veyron ‘vert, 5th Gear pegs Audi A5 vs. BMW 335i

Wednesday 31 December 1969 @ 6:59 pm

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We found a couple great Fifth Gear videos for you from the new season, so we decided to put both into one post. First (above), Vicky Butler-Henderson pits two of the hottest luxury sport coupes, the all-new Audi S5 and the BMW 335i. These two vehicles show just how far the sport coupe market has come in the past few years, and Vicky took both to the track to see which vehicle was quicker. The rear-drive Bimmer had it all over the S5 in the handling department while also weighing a few hundred pounds less, but the S5 used its over 50HP advantage courtesy of its brute-force V8 engine to even the score. Click play above to see who won the time trial by a minuscule .6 seconds.

Hit the jump to view the second Fifth Gear video, and see what could be a teaser of the Veyron cabrio.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Autoblog Night Watch: Needell hints at Veyron ‘vert, 5th Gear pegs Audi A5 vs. BMW 335i

 

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BMW to show 1-series based concept in Tokyo

Wednesday 31 December 1969 @ 6:59 pm

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Over the course of the last few weeks, we’ve been constantly updating our comprehensive list of debuts slated for the Tokyo Motor Show, but one glaring omission continually jumped out at us: BMW. We know they’ll be showing off the M3 Sedan, but it was rumored that something else would grace the Bavarian’s show stand. Automotive News finally shed some light on the mystery model, but it doesn’t reveal much.

BMW will be showing a concept built atop the 1-series platform, but when AN quizzed a BMW spokesperson, all they would say is that the unnamed concept won’t be the X1 mini ‘ute. Our first suspicion was the 1-series convertible, but that’s far too dull for Tokyo. We’ll let the relentless speculation begin below.

As for the rest of the Germans, we know Audi is bringing the A1 concept to the show, which should be close to the production model set to debut in 2009, while Volkswagen will be releasing its first Up! variant in the form of a five-door minivan concept.

We’ll be on a plane to Tokyo this time next week, so expect more to follow soon.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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Autoblog Podcast #85

Wednesday 31 December 1969 @ 6:00 pm

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Episode 85 of the Autoblog Podcast finds us reminiscing about the North American International Auto Show that recently invaded Detroit. It was perhaps not as thrilling as past shows, but the new F-150 and Ram hauled and herded some excitement into Cobo. Both pickups are newly spiffed and bristling with new features and engineering. While the trucks are no doubt big news, the CTS Coupe stokes our fires far more. We hope to see it visited by the V-series gnomes, too.

There were a passel of diesels at the show, too. Audi’s V12 TDI R8 concept was filled with design gumdrops for us to chew on, besides the 12-pot 500-hp diesel that returns mileage in the 20s. BMW had its 335d and some X5 alphabet soup thing, and Honda showed its clean diesel. Beyond oil burners, we took an IRL look at the Hyundais Genesis and found it surprising beyond what pictures convey. The Lancer Ralliart turned out to be a charmer, while we question the very existence of VW’s Passat CC, and Fisker’s bestickered Karma was certainly software-worthy vaporware. Mazda had the best car in the show with its racy Furai, and the Lincoln MKT threatens Cadillac not one whit. Ford’s Verve is a bright spot, though, and it can’t get here fast enough. We had a lot more to say, but ran out of time to say it this time around. Watch this space for more, but for now, enjoy all 33 minutes of #85.

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