Kelly Blue Book has just released an all new set of awards called the Total Cost of Ownership Awards for current model-year vehicles and brands.

The awards are based on the initial five years of ownership costs, and go to those brands and models with the lowest figures. Costs included are finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, expected fuel costs, depreciation and state fees.

Kia and Audi topped the list with the lowest cost of ownership for the brand and luxury brand categories, respectively. Notable wins include Audi, receiving recognition for fuel economy and low depreciation, while Kia got noticed for its improvement in quality. The Chevy Volt managed to beat out the Nissan Leaf in the Electric car category, while the Nissan Versa just edged out the Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris for supcompacts. Honda competed against itself in the hybrid category, with the Insight beating the Civic Hybrid and the CR-Z.

All of the category winners are as follows:

2012 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP: BRAND
KIA

2012 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP: LUXURY BRAND
AUDI

2012 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY

SUBCOMPACT CAR:
Nissan Versa

COMPACT CROSSOVER:
Nissan JUKE

COMPACT CAR:
Kia Soul

CROSSOVER:
Hyundai Santa Fe

MID-SIZE CAR:
Hyundai Sonata

LUXURY CROSSOVER:
Lexus RX 350

FULL-SIZE CAR:
Chevrolet Impala

MID-SIZE SPORT UTILITY:
Jeep Wrangler

ENTRY-LEVEL LUXURY CAR:
Volvo C30

FULL-SIZE SPORT UTILITY:
Ford Expedition

LUXURY CAR:
Audi A5

LUXURY SPORT UTILITY:
Audi Q7

HIGH-END LUXURY CAR:
Lexus LS 460

HYBRID UTILITY:
Ford Escape

SPORTS CAR:
Mazda MX-5 Miata

MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK:
Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR:
Lexus IS F

FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

HYBRID CAR:
Honda Insight

MINIVAN:
Mazda MAZDA5

ELECTRIC CAR:
Chevrolet Volt

- By: Alexandra Koken

The Audi TT RS Plus is powered a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine pumping out 360-hp an increase of 20-hp and a maximum torque of 343 lb-ft. Mated to a manual 6-speed transmission and the 7-speed S tronic automatic – the Audi TT RS Plus runs from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with the S tronic (4.4 seconds with the manual. Top speed of the car is limited to 174 mph in both Coupe and Roadster forms.

Stopping power comes from a 4-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks are installed on the front axle.

What sets the Audi TT RS Plus apart from the TT RS is mostly visual upgrades including a Singleframe radiator grille, diamond-pattern mesh is in highly polished anthracite, a frame with a matt aluminum-look finish, housings of the exterior mirrors made of carbon fiber, dual-branch sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipe trims, sound flap that beefs up the sound of the engine, 19-inch cast wheels wrapped in 255/35 tires and a large rear wing.

No word on whether the Audi TT RS Plus will come to the United States. Sales in German start alter this year with prices for the manual TT RS Plus Coupe carrying a price tag of €60,650 ($80,579 USD) or €62,800 ($83,436 USD) with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a starting price of €63,500 ($84,366) or €65,650 ($87,222 USD).

- By: Omar Rana

Audi’s next R8 is already in development with promises of being fast enough and advanced enough to keep up with supercar competitors like Lamborghini and Porsche (which it actually share a parent with).

Two variants will be available for the next R8, starting with a 4,2-liter V8, and going up to the 5.2-liter V10, both mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Each being based on the first-generation’s power, refinements have been made for greater horsepower and improved fuel economy. The V10 is expected to kick out 550hp, and still provide 25.7 mpg.

A GT is also in the works for limited production and 2016 release that makes 580 hp from a 5.2-liter V10 engine, expected to compete with the Ferrari 458 Scudiera and others in the segment.

Check out more news on the Audi R8.

Design for the R8 is expected to set the standard for Audi models to follow, and will include E-Tron, aluminum structure, four-wheel drive, and a mid-engine layout. Exterior design should be totally different from the current R8.

Borrowing from Porsche, the R8 should be receiving additional technology like brake energy recuperation and automatic stop-start.

Audi is also setting out to cut weight down on the R8, even though new safety technology is included, using a modular construction process. More carbon fiber parts have been added along with aluminum monocoque to lighten the body, as well.

The model is scheduled for debut at the Moscow Motor Show in August, with release in the UK as a coupe for late 2014, and a roadster for mid-2015.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

All three models will get the same 3.0-liter motor that makes 309 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of 155 mph mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The A6 sedan accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds, while the Allroad and Sportback models come in at 5.3 seconds.

Check out more news on the Audi A6.

While Audi has kicked up the power on the models, the automaker also improved fuel economy by way of a start/stop system and a thermal management system that quickly regulates temperatures, brining the average fuel consumption to 36.7 mpg.

A sound actuator has been added to the models to provide meaner, sportier note to the exhaust, as well.

The engine is currently available in the A6 sedan, avant, and sportback, with the A6 Allroad scheduled for spring release.

- By: Alexandra Koken

The hand-built 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder will see a limited production run of just 333 units, however, only 50 will make it to the United States.

Each model will come with a uniquely distinguished with an individual vehicle number displayed on the gear shift and a starting price tag of 211,200 (including $1,200 Destination and Delivery and Taxes).

Check out the full list of standard and optional features after the jump.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder comes from 5.2 liter FSI V10 that produces 560 horsepower and a peak torque of 398 lb-ft. That means each unit of horsepower has(6.46 lb). Mated to a 6-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes, the R8 GT Spyder goes from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 197 mph. Only 333 units will be produced.

R8 GT Spyder Standard Features | Highlights:
− 5.2L 10-cylinder, gasoline engine, aluminum block
− quattro® all-wheel-drive
− Exterior mirrors: power adjustable, heated Front Airbags: Driver and passenger full-size dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags
− Side airbags: Driver and passenger seat mounted head and thorax airbags
− Front disc brakes: 8-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
− Rear disc brakes: 4-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
− LED headlights and daytime running lights
− Sport seats, heated, 10-way power with 4-way power lumbar
− Audi navigation system plus, 6-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, Aux-in jack with 7 speakers and 5-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 Watts
− Preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) with seatbelt microphone

R8 GT Specific Standard Features | Highlights:
− 19″ R8 GT wheels with summer performance tires
− R tronic ®, 6-speed sequential gearbox with shift-by-wire technology and sports mode
− R8 GT specific sport suspension system
− R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte exterior mirrors
− R8 GT specific LED tail lights
− R8 GT specific aluminum door sill inserts
− R8 GT specific steering wheel
− R8 GT specific sport seats in Alcantara and leather
− R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte interior inlays (monoposto and interior door handles)
− R8 GT specific numbered aluminum gear knob
− Windshield frame in Alcantara

Optional Equipment | Highlights:
− Audi navigation system plus with Audi music interface w/ iPod® cable (replaces 6-disc CD changer)
− Audi Carbon Ceramic Brakes
− Bang & Olufsen Sound System (12 speakers 495 watt)
− Titanium Finish 19″ 5-arm-double-spoke-design aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires
− Forged Aluminum 19″ 5-twin-spoke-Y-design in matte silver look with summer performance tires
− Carbon fiber matte door and center console panels
− Windscreen Frame in Fine Nappa Leather (interior)

- By: Omar Rana

Car and Driver loves doing special features. So they’re back with their latest one for the 2012-year: the annual Lightning Lap. The competition is to compare some of the most critically acclaimed cars as of recent.

Taking place at Virginia’s International Raceway, the C/D team will compare a series of cars organized in various price classes and see who’s the fastest. The diversity includes and are not limited to the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the Corvette ZR1, and for the first time, SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the hot new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

It really needs no explanation. And to make things more interesting, they even provided a video!

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

And to make sure diesels are here to stay, Audi is reworking their marketing strategy to pitch their diesel Q5 mid-sized crossovers as performance versions while their hybrid variants will be pitched for fuel economy here in America. This comes after a confusing discovery where Audi apparently found that their A8 hybrid achieves no better fuel economy than the competing BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class hybrids and that the A8 diesel achieves better fuel efficiency than any of the aforementioned.

“Our current A8 with the 4.2L gasoline V-8 gets the same fuel economy as hybrids from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes,” said Audi of America’s President Johan de Nysschen. He also attributed the reason for such a result was due to Audi’s extensive use of aluminum in the space frame chassis of the current A8. “Imagine now what happens when you put a diesel in the car. You have all the drivability and driving enjoyment with even better fuel economy.”

As a result, the A8 with Audi’s turbocharged 3.0L V6 diesel achieves 39.2 mpg’s on the combined EU cycle whereas the A8 Hybrid only achieves 36.8 mpg, even when the hybrid system features the brand’s 2.0L turbocharged gas engine with a 54hp electric motor.

“We therefore have decided not to do the hybrid in the A8 for the U.S.,” added de Nysschen.

Mr. de Nysschen said there’s a similar equation with the Q5 and is the reason why the Q5 will be given two bigger turbodiesels rather than the normal 2.0L turbodiesel four-banger. The Q5 will be given the same 3.0L turbodiesel that found its way into the Q7 that we tested last year.

“The V-6 diesel already has been thoroughly developed for the U.S. for applications in the Q7, and it will be in the A6 and A8 as well, so we get economies of scale with that,” de Nysschen says. “And the hybrid’s specific consumption will be better. I think the case would be somewhat muddied if we had a 2.0L TDI (in the Q5), which tends to give the hybrids a run for the money.”

In other words, with the current technology, de Nysschen believes that its redundant to offer the Q5 with the 2.0L TDI four-banger because it would make the purpose of a Q5 hybrid completely irrelevant, which is counterintuitive with Audi of America’s plans. As a result, they’re giving the turbodiesel V6 to the Q5 and the byproduct of that move is that the Q5 V6 turbodiesel will get better fuel economy because that’s what happened when Audi gave the A8 the V6 diesel rather than the four-cylinder. That said, Audi of America is still adamant about introducing a Q5 hybrid, but because it’s not a priority for Audi of America, they’re going to weigh their bets on the V6 diesel until the Q5 hybrid achieves a better EPA rating.

“Customers are interested in efficiency, of course, but it is not the most important driver,” de Nysschen concluded. “They make that decision base on rational criteria – the cost of the technology vs. the benefit it brings. If it is not a positive answer, then it doesn’t make sense. And this is actually part of our concern (in marketing hybrids), because we believe our customers are behaving quite rationally.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: WardsAuto

Edward Cullen is a vampire concerned with safety – hence him driving a Volvo in the Twilight series. But what happens when a vampire decides to show off and buy an Audi S7? Well, we’ll let you see for yourself in Audi’s Super Bowl XLVI commercial.

Check out our original post on the 2013 Audi S7.

Check out the commercial after the jump.

Refresher: The 2013 Audi S7 Sportback is powered by a 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 making 420-hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Mated to 6-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive, the S7 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Audi has recently revealed the 2012 Audi A3 at the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas, an improved version of spy shots caught before.

The model’s interior features a dash angled in the driver’s favor, and a new MMI control panel which integrates handwriting recognition. Other highlights include circular air vents, a 7 inch pop-up infotainment system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An option for a Phone Box will also be available to mate any cell to the car seamlessly.

Working with Nvidia, Audi developed a new “modular infotainment platform” with a Terga 2 processor, timed at 1.2 GHz to utilize the phone, navigation and internet features via a Multi-Media eXtension board. Expect to see a 1.4 GHz upgrade later with the release of the quad-core Terga 3 processor.

No release date for the A3 has been mentioned yet, although the Geneva Motor Show is a likely option. The German automaker has noted that it will be “launced in many countries very soon.”

- By: Alexandra Koken

Audi is hinting that it will produce a crossover based on the new A1 compact hatchback. Known so far as the Audi Q1 that model will expand the A1 range with a more premium compact SUV that will compete with the Mini Countryman and BMW X1.

“We are not looking at what other manufacturers are doing, but we are looking at different body types”, an Audi inside told WhatCar. “You’ve seen how our SUVs have been getting smaller – Q7, Q5, Q3 – and the A1 platform could go in that direction, but nothing is planned for the near future.”

The insider said that a A1 convertible version is unlikely since it would be to close to the Audi A3 Cabriolet.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WhatCar

But fans of the original S5 will be relieved to hear that Audi has just unveiled a special edition of the S5 via their Facebook page. And no, it’s not powered by the latter 3.0L V6, but the original 4.2L V8.

But that’s not all. Audi’s Exclusive department got their hands on this last hoorah for the V8 S5 and treated it with fancy two-tone leather and stitching, unique 19-inch Rotor design wheels and a special Daytona Grey paint finish.

Only 125 S5 Special Editions will be produced and it can be had in either a 6-speed manual (the ideal cog swapper) or Audi’s Tiptronic automatic (you’d be mad to opt for this).

Prices have been estimated to start at $68,700 for the manual and $69,900 for the Tiptronic.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Fourtitiude

Over in motherland Russia, marketers and advertisers for Marlboro—yes, the American tobacco company—recently pulled an interesting stunt using an Audi and projection mapping. Ok, before I continue, what the heck is that?

Projection mapping is where a series of artists and technicians turn virtually any surface into a projection screen, whether it be two-dimensional or even three.

That said, Radugadesign, a Russian marketing team, took an Audi and put it on a stage where its backdrop wasn’t the only projection screen, the Audi itself was too.

Of course when viewing the ad, some including myself couldn’t help but laugh at the counter intuitiveness of the advertisement. As displayed in the video, Marlboro clearly shows off that smoking is “cool,” something that’s been a heavy topic of debate ever since, well, tobacco existed. And then following the advertisement, a video commenter pointed out that a message was displayed in plain Russian: smoking kills! Gotta love advertising.

Check it out after the jump. Good or bad message aside, the projection mapping result is a very neat performance.


- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoBlog

With the big final NFL game just around the corner, companies are hard at work planning their big marketing and advertising strategies for one of the most widely viewed contests in America. Lexus was one of the first to the punch, providing a little teaser for their first ever Super Bowl ad debut. Now, Audi is following suit and has just announced that they’ll be highlighting themselves as well using Audi’s signature characteristics like their LED headlamp technologies and the new 2013 Audi S7.

“With LED, there’s no mistaking an Audi. Since pioneering the technology nearly ten years ago, LED lights have established the Audi persona have become one of the most recognizable features on the road,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “Like our LEDs, this year’s Super Bowl spot will be unmistakably Audi.”

Click here for more news on the Audi S7.

Audi’s LED technology illuminates at the temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, which is the closest replication of daylight when compared to any other headlight system.

Also featured in the spot is Audi’s new top version of the epic A7 four-door coupe, which sports Audi’s latest 4.0L twin-turbocharged TFSI V8, punching out 420hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

- By: Chris Chin

Audi dropped the ill-fated (ill-fated at least in the US) model back in 2005 and continued with a successor in 2006 for the European markets only, where the Allroad turned out to be a decent hit. Not to mention, Audi introduced their Q7 and Q5 SUVs, which have been rather successful and would’ve rendered the Allroad pointless in this part of the world.

Now, Audi has just unveiled a new generation of the Audi Allroad, called the 2013 Audi A6 Allroad. Based on the C7 generation A6, the new 2013 Audi A6 Allroad continues with its original recipe.

Power can come from a variety of V6s: one TFSI gasoline engine and three TDI turbocharged oilburners. The gas engine is the same 3.0L TFSI supercharged V6 that found its way to be the base engine in the A7 and the A6 here in North America, good for 310hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to 60 in just 5.9 seconds.

The three diesels all of 3.0L displacement and are all twin-turbocharged. The first diesel produces 204hp and 332 lb-ft of twist, the next makes 245hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, and the last mill churns out 313hp and a whopping 480 lb-ft. The most powerful diesel can thrust the new Allroad to 60 in just 5.6 seconds.

The new Audi A6 Allroad will be available in Germany later this spring. Fans of the Allroad here will be disappointed to learn that it won’t be making it to our shores, simply because we still have the Q5 and Q7 SUVs.

- By: Chris Chin

Audi has made the decision to cut a sedan variant out of its upcoming RS4 models and strictly release an Avant body style for European markets.

“We will continue with the RS4 Avant, which has traditionally accounted for the majority of European sales,” says the boss of Audi’s quattro division, Stephan Riel, “but our research suggests the market for a saloon version is now rather limited.”

The decision is backed by the fact that sales have always been better for the Avant variants, and of the three preceding generations, only the last one came in a four-door body style.

Power for the next generation will come from the same 4.2-liter V8 motor borrowed from the RS5 that powered the last one, with 444hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, with a 28hp drop. The motor is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, as the six-speed manual gearbox has been dropped.

Stopping power has been upgraded with ‘wave-style’ discs that are designed with indents around the edge, with the intent to reduce weight. Quattro four-wheel drive has not been left out and includes rear-axel torque adjustment.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Head of Audi Group Design Wolfgang Egger is now taking over the Audi Brand Design operations as well. Accompanying the announcement is a head shot that doubles as a teaser photo that uses a fuzzy image of what could possibly be next for the Audi TT as a backdrop.

What little we can decipher shows similar front end lines to the current model, with an updated front bumper fascia and headlamps. While this is one of many possibilities, its timely appearance says otherwise.

Stefan Sielaff currently holds the position Egger is taking over, and will be the new Head of Volkswagen Design Center in Potsdamn and the brand’s Head of Interior Design. In addition to all of Audi design, Egger will also head all of Lamborghini design. Sielaff played a large role in Audi’s current designs including the Audi A6 and A8, and is responsible for the addition of LED lights, along with the creation of the Audi e-tron Spyder and the A2 e-tron.

Egger’s resume includes Head of Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, Head of Lancia Centro Stile, and lead design on the first Audi e-tron concept and Audi Quattro concept, among others. He will be being in the new position as of February 1, 2012.

Expect to see a new TT concept for 2012, with production anticipated for 2014.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Following the move that BMW did with the 7-Series—offering a six-cylinder powerplant for the flagship in North America—Audi announced that they will be offering a six-cylinder option as well with their A8 flagship at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

Featuring the same supercharged 3.0L V6 powering the standard A7 and A6, the A8 3.0T will offer 333hp and 325 lb-ft of twist. Power will be transferred to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic and Audi’s traditional Quattro all-wheel drive system. Otherwise, the A8 remains unchanged for the 2013 model year, so far.

Pricing and available have yet to be fully divulged to the public, but it is confirmed that the A8 will receive the V6 option for the 2013 model year.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

In the engine room, one will find the two liter turbo four (211bhp/258ft-lbs) or the 3 liter six (333bhp/325ft-lbs). The nomenclature changes a bit too: the A4 now represents the four cylinder while the S4 represents the six. The S4 comes with a six speed manual or an optional seven speed automatic. The A4 can be had with an eight speed auto or a six speed manual. The Sllroad comes standard with the eight speed auto.

Inside, you’ll find a wifi hotspot (something the C-Class and 3er don’t have), adaptive cruise control, new column mounted controls and several new trim options.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Sawyer Sutton