The Flénu, Belgium-based team is currently going on its third year of racing, and has seen success in the previous seasons. So far, the team has clinched overall victories in the grueling Spa (Belgium) and Zolder (Belgium) 24-hour endurance races, along with another victory in the Blancpain Endurance Series as well. The team plans on announcing its drivers for the season at a later date.

The 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship 10-race season fires up on April 8 with its first race in Nogaro, France.  The series will then make stops in Belgium, Spain, Portugal, China, Russia and the Netherlands before finishing the season in a location that is still to be determined.

In total, the FIA GT1 World Championship holds races in ten countries, with each event consisting of two races over a weekend. Each race holds of up to 24 cars and 48 drivers. Qualifying involves a knock-out system, in which three sessions are held and following each session, the slowest cars are eliminated and put into grid position. The first race of each weekend is a qualifying race, and determines the starting grid for the second race, which is where the points are earned. Additionally, each car is required to change tires and drivers at least once during each race. Only top ten finishers in the second race can earn points.

Audi has been busy preparing for the 2012 racing season, evaluating its Le Mans Prototype race cars around Florida’s Sebring International Raceway. Also present were 2011 Le Mans winners Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer, each taking turns behind the wheel of the vehicles. In addition, 2008 Le Mans winners Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish were also present.

While the component tests have already started, Audi will not announce the details of the 2012 racing program, the driver line-up and the technical state of the development until a later date. But if Audi plans on keeping their exciting formula from 2011 unchanged in the LMP1 race cars, we can expect a  TDI 3.7 liter V6 turbodiesel, a mid-engined, longitudinally mounted setup surrounded by a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a closed canopy.

In a wildcard moment, arch-rival Peugeot has pulled out of the 2012 season. However, coming in after a 13-year hiatus  is Toyota, whom has not seen LMS action since 1999. Toyota and Audi will do battle at Sebring on March 17th, which marks the official start of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and America Le Mans Series (ALMS) circuits.

Last year, Audi came in second to Peugeot in the 12 Hours of Sebring, but came away victorious after the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The supercharged V6 can be found in both the Audi A6 sedan and the striking A7 four-door coupe. Consumers can also find the award-winning engine in the Q7 full-sized SUV, and the athletic S4 and S5 models. 

From a sheer power standpoint, the all-aluminum engine is good for a wholesome 310 horsepower and a substantial 325 lb-ft of torque, which peaks between 2,900 and 4,500 rpm. That’s nearly the kind of power found in a modern V8 engine, but because of its compact size, the TFSI supercharged 3.0L V6 is more efficient than an example with two more cylinders, and boasts a fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in the city 28 mpg on the highway (in the A6). And with Audi’s buttery Tiptronic transmission, you can listen to the engine’s fantastic exhaust note through eight smile-inducing gears. 

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognizes automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing new vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. The Audi A6, S5 and Q7 received recognition for the 2012 year.

The all-new 2012 A6 won the award in the Luxury Car category. One of the most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, the A6 makes up to 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. In the Luxury Sports Car category, the 2012 Audi S5 took top honors for its iconic design and dynamic character. And the 2012 Audi Q7 won the award in the Luxury Fullsize Utility Vehicle category for its ability to blend Audi refinement with generous passenger capacity.

ALG winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance, and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies remain the key factors that affect ALG’s residual value forecasts.

Click to view slideshow.The annual Kelly Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership. The 2012 Audi Q7 received two awards and the 2012 Audi A5 also received recognition.

The 2012 Audi Q7 was named Best Resale Value in the Luxury Utility Vehicle class and was one of the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value according to Kelly Blue Book’s kbb.com. The seven-passenger Q7 exceeds driver and passenger expectations for functionality and comfort. The 2012 Audi A5 was named Best Resale Value in the Luxury Car class. The A5, available in Coupe and Cabriolet models, offers drivers and passengers exceptional performance and safety.

Kelly Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelly Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide determined by a skilled staff of automotive analysts. Kelly Blue Book examines current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments and expectations for the future economy.

Drop by our dealership today to find out more about each award-winning vehicle. Our sales consultants would be happy to help you determine which vehicle best suits your needs.

“Drivers daily face an unintelligent road. Frustrations, distractions, and deterrents bombard drivers as they go from place to place,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer of Audi of America. “Audi recognizes these conditions and is on a mission to find solutions that not only assist our drivers, but also help improve daily driving conditions across the nation. Now, starting today, Audi challenges drivers to join the movement and take the ‘Driver’s Pledge’ for a more intelligent road.”

As part of the pledge, participants promise to reduce their speed at yellow lights or refrain from texting or partaking in distracting behavior while driving, among other pledges to become more aware, safe and efficient drivers. By taking the ‘Driver’s Pledge,’ participants will be entered to win a grand prize trip for two to Audi Sportscar Experience Challenge at the Audi Forum Sonoma in Northern California.

The initiative debuted at the Emmy Awards in early September, with a special mention during Audi’s 30-second spot for the all-new Audi A6. The Audi A6 was recently awarded the IIHS Top Safety Award this year for incorporating the most innovative safety technology into a vehicle. The vehicle was engineered to combat today’s road, making 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. With thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assist to highlight pedestrians it detects in front of the vehicle, Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system that is able to minimize accidents by warning the driver and applying the brakes with increasing force in an emergency, and head-up display that projects navigation data as a hologram that hovers over the windshield, the A6 is designed to analyze the road, anticipate situations for the driver, prepare for incidents and enhance the driver’s experience.

Other leading technologies include MMI® Navigation with Google Earth – an industry first that combines 3-D terrain models with aerial views and a detailed street network to calculate routes seamlessly – MMI touch pad that recognizes handwriting in multiple languages, and factory-installed wireless internet that enables features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices, makes the Audi A6 one of the most intelligent vehicles on the road today.

For more information on the Audi A6, contact our sales consultants or download the A6 app for the iPad from the Apple iTunes Store. To support the pledge, visit www.driverspledge.com.

As the youngest member of the large Audi family of V engines, the 4.0 TFSI shares all of their typical characteristics. It has the classic 90 degree cylinder angle, the chain drive for the four camshafts and ancillary units is on the back to save space, and the cylinder case is a cast aluminum-silicon alloy. The eight-cylinder unit is light weight with a highly compact construction that now has a reduced length of 497 mm (19.57 in).

Fuel is channeled through Audi’s FSI direct injection system. Improved combustion is due to the switchable flaps in the intake ports that induce a rolling type of movement in the incoming air. Like almost every Audi engine, the new 4.0 TFSI also follows the principle of downsizing, where forced induction replaces displacement. One turbocharger per cylinder bank compresses the intake air which is known as twinscroll technology. The exhaust flows to the turbine wheel at high speed through two separate ports and enables torque to be developed extremely early, just above idle.

Rather than the usual location on the outside next to the crankcase, the two turbochargers and the intercooler are located in the inside V of the cylinder banks. The exhaust side is on the inside, the intake side is on the outside. This layout provides for compact dimensions and short gas paths with minimal flow losses. To stabilize the thermal conditions in the inside V, sophisticated insulation of the hot components were implemented, in particular for the exhaust manifold.

A key innovation is Audi’s cylinder management. In low to intermediate load and rev ranges, it deactivates two cylinders in each bank of the V8, which significantly reduces fuel consumption. Thanks to a comprehensive package of innovative measures, the engine remains smooth and quite during these phases. Shutting down of the cylinders is virtually imperceptible. This cylinder management function is possible due to the latest version of the Audi valvelift system that closes the intake and exhaust valves of the affected cylinders.

The 4.0 TFSI employs all the technologies from Audi’s modular efficiency platform. These include measures to reduce friction, the start-stop system and the recuperation system, and the innovative thermal management that deactivates the water pump during the warmup phase to quickly bring the oil up to temperature. The new regulated oil pump varies the oil pressure in two stages, and the oil jet cooling for the piston heads is characteristic-controlled.

The new 4.0 TFSI provides for powerful performance in all of the large S models while at the same time demonstrating its high efficiency potential. The equipment, data, and specifications outlined in this post refers to the model range offered in Germany. Continue to follow us on Twitter and check into our Facebook community to keep up to date on the latest news.

From the A1 and the brand-new Q3 to the A6, the A7 Sportback and the A8, Audi connect is now available in nearly all Audi models. You also have the option of networking these models via the UMTS module. Having the availability of fast data transfer enables the integration of pioneering online services such as navigation using Google Earth satellite images or extremely precise traffic congestion detection with Audi traffic information online. Both services offer tremendous practical benefits. Having navigation with content from Google Earth helps improve orientation, and the traffic information will help you enhance the reliability of route planning. And, as an added bonus, the current Audi connect portfolio also delivers weather and travel information or even news to to the automobile.

And to minimize distraction and maximize convenience, all connect services are integrated into the menu structure. Passengers can also take full advantage of the internet by connecting up to eight mobile devices, such as smartphones, to the WLAN hotspot integrated into the vehicle.

As a result, these technologies enables the Audi vehicle to be extensively networked. “A hallmark of the last decade was the internal networking of the vehicle. This decade, we are going to network the vehicle with its surroundings,” is how Ricky Hudi, head of Electrics/Electronics Development, describes these developments. One aspect of this is the intelligent link between the car and the owner’s smartphone. Audi will also be networking its future models more closely with the traffic infrastructure, such as traffic lights or parking garages, to better inform drivers and to protect them against hazards. A key element to this strategy is the networking of vehicles amongst themselves with the aim of developing swarm intelligence that can be used by all traffic participants.

These approaches and ideas are the reasons why Audi earned the prize in the Global OEM Infotainment Solution category at the Telematics Update Awards.

And the second award that Audi brings home goes to Dr. Peter Steiner, head of Infotainment Development at Audi AG who was honored as an expert in the Telematics Leadership category. Dr. Steiner obtained his PhD in engineering physics from the Technical University of Munich in 1996. He began his professional career at the firm Temic as head of Airbag Control Unit Development. He joined Audi AG in 2000, where he was responsible for the Convenience Electronics Development department. He has headed Infotainment Development since 2003. In that time, he has overseen the development of multimedia, navigation, audio and telephone systems for the Audi brand as well as the third generation MMI systems. A notable achievement under his leadership was the integration of Google Earth into an automotive navigation system as a world’s first. Audi and Google were honored for this online functionality with the prize for the “Best Embedded Telematics Navigation Product” at the 2010 Telematics Update Award.

Visit the dealership today if you would like to learn more about the infotainment features found in Audi vehicles. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and our sales consultants would be more than happy to assist you.

Power is routed exclusively to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic where the torque converter has been replaced by an electric motor. There is no tach which has been replaced by a power meter that shows how much precious electricity you are discharging or recouping. As with other hybrids, the batteries–a lithium-ion pack consisting of 72 cells with a capacity of 1.3 kilowatt hours and a weight of 36.7 kg (80.91 lb)–recharges when you lift off the accelerator and when you lightly apply the brakes. The car begins to use the electric motor as a generator and to slow the car down. The hydraulic braking system is activated only during heavy braking.

The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the climate control system of the Audi A6 hybrid and uses a separate evaporator.

Three operating modes are easily selected by the driver at a push of a button. The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both engine and electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: driving with the combustion engine alone, with the electric drive alone or in hybrid mode is possible, as are recuperation and boosting.

The Audi A6 hybrid is distinguished by the subtle differentiation on the outside. The tailgate, fenders and sill panel strips bear the hybrid badging. The exclusive Arctic Silver is available. The 17-inch cast wheels feature a ten-arm turbine design and tires are sized at 225/55R17. Two-tone 18-inch wheels of size 245/45R18 are optionally available as well. The Audi A6 hybrid is based on the familiar A6 Sedan and embodies the same lightweight design technologies. At 1,770 kg (3,902 lb), it will be the lightest hybrid amongst its competitors.

Remember to keep following us on Twitter and join our Facebook community so that you’ll be one of the first to know when the Audi A6 hybrid arrives in showrooms. Or contact one of our sales consultants today to have them get in touch with you as soon as it does.

The interior is now more elegant than ever – with new steering wheels, including an option for a flattened ring, new steering column stalks, and narrow chrome clasps that frame the control elements. Also updated were the ignition key, selector lever for the automatic transmission, button for the optional Audi drive select system, and the controls for the high-efficiency air conditioning and multifunction steering wheel. All displays now illuminate in white.

The line up of engines include three gasoline and four TDI units. All engines feature forced induction and direct injection for greater pulling power. Even the entry level engine produces 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque and puts out 125 kW (170 hp). Unlike any other manufacturer, the start-stop and recuperation systems are standard with all engines.

The completely redesigned 1.8 TFSI features ground breaking innovations in the control of the valves and lifters, the thermal management concept, the injection system, the turbocharger, and the integration of the exhaust manifold. In the A5 Coupe, the high-end four cylinder unit consumes on average just 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (41.27 US mpg). This best-in-class value corresponds to 134 grams CO2 per km (215.65 g/mile) and is 21 percent lower than before. The output of the 2.0 TFSI remains unchanged at 155 kW (211 hp). While new to the Audi A5 lineup is the 3.0 TFSI which is a supercharged V6 producing 200 kW (272 hp).

The diesel engines are also impressively efficient. With the 130 kW (177 hp) 2.0 TDI and a manual transmission, the A5 Coupe consumes on average just 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (50.05 mpg) which has a CO2 equivalent of 122 g per km (196.34 g/mile) — a milestone in the coupe segment. Three V6 diesels round out the lineup on the top end. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) is the most fuel efficient six-cylinder unit in its class worldwide. in the A5 Coupe with multitronic, it consumes on average 4.9 liters (48 US mpg) of fuel and emits just 129 grams CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile). The second variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 180 kW (245 hp). Arriving at a later date is a particularly low-emissions clean diesel model that will make the A5 the first coupe on the market to meet the Euro 6 diesel standards.

The infotainment systems in the A5 have been upgraded significantly. All A5 models are equipped with a CD radio and eight speakers. The optional top-of-the-line unit is MMI navigation plus a large hard drive, seven-inch color monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player. Its controls have been improved where the number of buttons have been reduced from eight to four and the volume control now features a joystick cap to make it easier to choose songs. The voice control and digital radio reception have also received some fine-tuning.

An additional option is the Bluetooth car phone. Audi connect is the catchphrase for the attractive services this phone brings to the A5, which includes Google POI search, navigation with Google Earth images and a WLAN hotspot. The hotspot enables enables the passengers to surf the internet and send and receive email with their mobile devices.

There is a long list of features that have yet to be discussed in this post. Refer to our website to find out more about the Audi A5 or contact us to speak to one of our sales consultants to find out more.

World wide, there seems to be rapid urban growth as more and more people move to megacities. Ideally, even as the population increases, traffic will flow freely. Without such traffic flow, there are disadvantages for the quality of life, the environment, and the appearance of cities itself. Therefore, experts from such fields as architecture, urban planning, trend research, economics, and the automotive industry have a responsibility to react to this trend and work together to come up with potential strategies.

During the summit, in addition to introductory speeches, the proposals of architects Jurgen Mayer H., Bjarke Ingels and Alison Brooks for the Audi Urban Future Award 2010 will form the basis of discussions. Representing Audi, the specially created Audi Urban Future Insight Team will also have an active part. Internally, the team operates across all departments and introduces the discourse on urban life and mobility into the company. For Summit 2011, three principal themes will be explored in distinct workshops: networks, social cooperation, and resource management.

The workshop “Energies of Data – Networked City,” will question how far the city of the future will be shaped by networks. Inspired by the award-winning design of Jurgen Mayer H., participants will delve into the question of will automated driving, personalize electronic systems, and social networks generate sustainable changes in urban environments and impact individual mobility?

With “Energies of Resources – City of Abundance,” Bjarke Ingels challenges us with the idea that networks, where data are fed to participants in traffic and infrastructure which improves traffic flow. This results in a surplus in energy and free, interactively usable surfaces. So can cars and buildings thus make use of the same flexible energy storage instead of being reliant on static systems of energy supply?

Alison Brooks’ proposal is founded on concepts of social interaction. It forms the basis for the third workshop, “Energies of Social Relations – City of Cooperation.” If it is assumed that the city of the future consists of many heterogenous areas, social interaction will be enhanced. New forms of neighborly cooperation will emerge: will social exchange, common use and neighborhood assistance thus take place of individual ownership in some areas?

Audi is the first automobile company to gather important players around one table in order to connect international experts, overcome deadlocked ways of thinking and chart a sustainable course for a mobile urban future. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Audi AG for Marketing and Sales, comments on the pioneering role of the company. “For the first time an automobile company is actively engaging in the debate. We are taking a truly holistic view of the urban space and then taking the debate into our company. Today the automobile is a determining factor in the appearance of cities, but in functional terms, it is, in principle, completely isolated. In future however, automobiles will be involved and intensively networked. Audi is already doing the preparatory work for this today.”

For further information about the Audi Urban Future Initiative and Summit 2011, please go to www.audi-urban-future-initiative.com.