Autoblog

Audi Mileage Marathon: If it's Thursday we must be in ... ?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Audi

click for a gallery of shots from Day Three of the marathon

Day Four is upon us and we're on our way out of Chicago. We've got one of our longest days of the trip today, with a 550-mile run to Memphis for some BBQ. In Chicago we had our first driver crew swap. The first of four legs is over and a predominantly new group of drivers is taking over the diesel Audis as we move on to Dallas, Amarillo and Denver on Sunday. The nature of this trip is predominantly highway running punctuated by lunch and overnight stops in the various cities along the route. That means the diesels are truly in their element... and it shows. Diesels love steady state running and there is no way even the sophisticated two-mode hybrid system in the Chevy Tahoe can get anywhere near 30 mpg even on a long highway cruise. We're seeing up to 33 mpg in the Q7s and 38 in the Q5s. The A4s and A3s are topping 44 and 50 mpg respectively. Of course, around town those numbers drop off, but they still turn in very respectable mileage in the low 20s. Having said all that, read on after the jump to find out who was victorious in over the first leg and what I think about driving across America in a Q7.

Gallery: Audi Mileage Marathon Day 3

Continue reading Audi Mileage Marathon: If it's Thursday we must be in ... ?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive

Michael Harley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept

In a move that marks a significant departure from its current direction, BMW will offer both all- and rear-wheel drive versions of its upcoming BMW X1 model. Up to this point, consumers have only been offered all-wheel-drive mechanicals under the skin of the BMW X6, BMW X5 and smaller BMW X3. The German automaker cites weight savings and gains in efficiency as the reason why its newest and smallest SAV loses its front driveshafts, but be assured that it's also a cost-saving maneuver as automakers squeeze to keep prices down. As the models will appear virtually identical from the outside, BMW will offer the rear-wheel-drive version with a special "sDrive" badge to differentiate it from the xDrive-equipped all-wheel-drive model (of course, you'll have to squint to discern the badge differences between a rear-wheel-drive "BMW X1 sDrive28i" and the all-wheel-drive "BMW X1 xDrive28i"). Built on the 3 Series platform (and set for production at the same Leipzig plant), the showroom version of the X1 is expected to look much like the X1 Concept shown in Paris last week. There has been no word on when we'll see it on this side of the pond, but those in Europe should look for the X1 to appear in showrooms sometime in 2010.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1

Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE

[Source: Autocar]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota Sequoia

Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 confirmed for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Chrysler, LLC.

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Charger

Ending speculation about what new products Chrysler will be rolling out in 2010 is none other than Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli. Now confirmed are redesigned full-size sedans in the form of a new Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 as well as a new Jeep. While none of these vehicles is likely to be particularly fuel efficient, the man behind the scenes at Chrysler also stressed that new fuel-saving models are on their way by means of the automaker's recent partnership with Nissan. We believe that the new vehicle will be a version of the Dodge Hornet concept that we've seen everywhere these last few years.

The redesigned 300 from Chrysler and the Charger from Dodge will be extremely important launches. We expect the square-jawed styling to be radically different since Ralph Gilles, who has promised more "organic" styling, is now head of design. Lastly, we're still a bit skeptical that Chrysler will be able to launch an electric car by 2010, we'd love to be proven wrong. A hybrid drivetrain for the Charger and 300, though, seems like a real possibility.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Merry Christmas: Envoy, Trailblazer, 9-7X plant closing Dec. 23rd

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chevrolet, GMC, Saab, UAW/Unions

Looks like that Moraine, Ohio plant that was going to be shut down next year is actually going to be shuttered on December 23rd, just in time for Christmas. This is the plant responsible for production of the GMC Envoy, Chevy Trailblazer and Saab 9-7X. The General had already slowed the plant to just one shift as SUV sales, particularly sales of old SUVs like these, continue to tumble, but the plant was expected to remain open until at least early next year. On Friday the remaining 1,100 workers were gathered and told of the revised plan.

The closure isn't a total surprise, as General Motors had already announced that the Dayton-suburb plant would be closed so the company could focus more on production of small cars. That initial announcement seemed to indicate a 2010 closure, but the company has continually revised the closing date until this most recent word came. Moraine is one of four GM plants that are going to be shut down. When Janesville, Wis.; Oshawa, Ontario; and Toluca, Mexico join Moraine in closure, a total of 8,350 workers will be looking for new jobs.

[Source: Detroit News]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chinese clone wars: "Jeepzter" Hurricane replica

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUVs, China, Etc., Jeep

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chinese Jeep Hurricane clone

We've seen before how companies in China can take a radical concept design never meant for mass production, modify it a bit and offer it for sale. The latest evidence of such activity can be seen in the Jeepzter. Ostensibly a replica of the Jeep Hurricane concept from 2005, the Chinese replica does away with the dual 5.7L HEMI V8 engines for a single 650cc unit. That lone powerplant sits up front and powers the rear wheels, not all four like the concept. Of course, it goes without saying that the ridiculous turning ratio of the Hurricane has been lost in transformation, as well.

In reality, what we have here is a normal run-of-the-mill off-road utility vehicle with a plastic body cribbed from the classic Jeep concept. We're a bit fuzzy on how this sucker is "street legal" as claimed in the Craigslist ad, so we'd definitely check with your local authorities before actually making a purchase. If you just want to have a Jeep Hurricane-looking thing sitting in your garage, though, now is your chance. Thanks for the tip, toddo!

Gallery: Chinese Jeep Hurricane clone

[Source: Craigslist]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Follow the Audi Mileage Marathon starting Monday morning

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks

At 9AM Eastern on Monday morning, a fleet of 23 diesel-powered Audis will roll out from Manhattan's Tavern on the Green on a trans-continental trek to demonstrate diesel efficiency. I'm in Manhattan this afternoon preparing to spend the next week in an Audi Q7 TDI on the way to Denver and will be checking in regularly from the road as we pass through Washington, Cleveland, Chicago, Memphis, Dallas and Amarillo along the way. Audi plans to launch its fifty-state-legal Q7 TDI in the US market next spring and it seems likely that some of the other vehicles on this trip may not be far behind.

I'll be on the first two legs and Sebastian, Damon, Drew and Jonathan will take over for the second week of the trip to Los Angeles. You can also follow along at the Audi Mileage Marathon site where there's a Twitter feed following the participants as they cross the continent. There is also a live map showing our location on the road along with two blogs, including one from Audi of America boss Johan de Nysschen. Twitter users can follow audimarathon to see what some of the 200 participating journalists are saying.

Gallery: Audi Mileage Marathon

[Source: Audi Mileage Marathon]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris 2008: Ferrari boss promises no four-doors

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Paris Motor Show, Ferrari

Speculation about Ferrari building a sedan has repeatedly cropped up over the past couple decades, and Ferrari denies it every time it does. As Aston Martin, Porsche and now Lamborghini have been working on four-door cars lately, the idea that Ferrari might has gained even more traction. It looks like the Sultan of Brunei will have to continue relying on Pininfarina and other coach builders for his four-door Ferraris. Today in Paris, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo applied full carbon brakes to that theory as he stated in no uncertain terms that as long as he was holding the top office at the sports car maker, "We will never do a four-door." Wtih Ferrari selling its sports cars and GTs as fast as they can be built, Montezemolo is content to let corporate sibling Maserati handle the task of building exotic Italian four-doors.

While Ferrari owners are by definition people of considerable means, they and the company are still not immune to modern realities when it comes to both fuel prices and environmental regulation. At this years Detroit Auto Show, Ferrari displayed an F430 Spyder that could run on E85 ethanol. Similarly, the F1 side of the house is currently developing a kinetic energy recovery (KERS) hybrid drive system that, like current semi-automatic transmissions, could migrate to production vehicles. According to Montezemolo, Ferrari will not be building a V10 engine either as an upgrade to the V8 or downgrade from the V12.

[Source: Automobile]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris Preview: MOPAR to introduce Jeep Patriot Back Country concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tuners, SUVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Jeep

Click above for high-res shots of the Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept

Chrysler's in-house performance tuning arm, MOPAR, will be showing off a mildly customized version of the Jeep Patriot called the Back Country at next month's Paris Motor Show. The run-of-the-mill Patriot and Compass models, which share a platform with the Dodge Caliber, have had their interiors redone a bit for the new '09 model year and the small improvements appear to make a major difference, at least in appearance. We'll reserve final judgement until we get inside one for ourselves. At the upcoming Paris Motor Show, attendees will see a few mods to the new model, including an Optic Green paint color, blacked-out B-pillars, and a new "platinum chrome" light bar on the outside. MOPAR makes good use of its own accessories catalog with a cargo basket on the roof that sports extra off-road lights, splash gaurds and some 18-inch five-spoke alloys. Joining the refreshed interior are satin chrome details and a scuba-like fabric covering parts of the seats. This concept above goes to show that the Patriot is a decent looker and just a few minor tweaks away from being a real Jeep. Now, if they'd just take care of that Compass...

Gallery: Jeep Patriot Back Country

[Source: Carscoop]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Lagonda line could have SUV flavor

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin, Rendered Speculation

When we recently posted on Aston Martin dragging Lagonda out of its crypt, one of the assertions was that "they've reportedly ruled out the possibility of a sport-ute." That might have been nothing more than a semantic turn, as Car & Driver is reporting that the first Lagonda will be "something SUV-ish."

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said the new car will have historical influences at the same time as it is "future-orientated," but the giveaway for C&D seems to be in his line that it will be "truly versatile" and "suitable for both existing and emerging markets." We can't tell if anyone actually came out and told the mag that the car would be an SUV, but an Aston source is quoted as saying it "wouldn't be an SUV in the same way as BMW X5."

So back to the semantics of no "sport-ute" and "SUV-ish" -- this sounds like it could be a brutish, hi-luxe sedan, or even a wagon suitably forceful enough to put space between it and the Rapide. Since Aston's looking at its long-term future, we imagine it will want something that won't leech sales, and that leaves a number of options. Which one the company settles on, however, we won't know until the concept shows up at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lincoln Navigator to get fuel economy bump for 2009

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Ford, Lincoln

Click above for a gallery of the 2008 Lincoln Navigator

The window sticker on a 2008 Navigator shows a mighty low 12 mpg in the city and only 18 on the highway, so Ford went back to the drawing board to improve on that number for this year. The Blue Oval's blinged-up luxury sled boasts a fuel friendlier average of 14/20 for 2009, a marginal improvement, but an improvement nonetheless. Ford says those numbers are good enough to put the Blue Oval at the head of the luxury SUV space that includes the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX570 and Nissan QX56. Ford was able to increase fuel economy by almost 15% on the big SUV by implementing some of the same engineering tricks employed on the 2009 F-150, which itself gets up to 15/21 in SFE trim. Changes were made to the idle speed and the transmission, as well as some fancy software engineering that regulates gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off.

Ford also made standard several items that were previously only available as options, including a power lift gate, heated and cooled front seats, PowerFold third-row seats, cap-less fuel filler, Rear View Camera, flexible fuel-capable V-8 engine, SYNC and the stunning 14-speaker THX II-Certified audio system. The 2009 Navigator will also be available with Ford's new and improved navigation system with Travel Link. Ford hasn't announced any improvements for the Expedition, but we'd expect Ford's blue collar version of the Navigator will receive similar fuel economy enhancements. Hit the jump to view Ford's press release, which includes the full list of now standard features.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Lincoln Navigator to get fuel economy bump for 2009

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Breaking: Dodge EV sports car, range-extended Town & Country, Wrangler previewed

Alex Nunez — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

CNBC's Phil Lebeau got a sneak peek at the new EVs Chrysler is developing, and it looks like Auburn Hills is pulling a Tesla, among other things. The yellow Dodge EV you see here is basically an electrified Lotus Europa. Presumably equipped with lithium ion battery power, the Dodge EV has a reported operating range of 150 - 200 miles and can be plugged in to household 110 or 220 outlets. Figure a four-hour charge on the latter, and 8 or so on the former. Zero-to-sixty is said to be under 5 seconds. Like we said, this is basically Chrysler's Tesla, right down to the Lotus-sourced donor vehicle.

We'll see the Dodge EV introduced formally later this afternoon, along with range-extended EV versions of the Chrysler Town & Country (can you say, "killer app"?) and Jeep Wrangler. With regard to timing, Chrysler says it would like to have "at least one" of these vehicles on the market by the end of 2010, the unofficial official year of the electric/plug-in car.

Look for all three prototypes to head to D.C., where they'll be showcased for Congressional leaders who have a say in whether or not Washington will show Detroit the money they've been asking for.

For now, you can watch the preview unveiling of the cars on CNBC by watching this video. Chrysler's got something planned for 1PM today, so we expect to have a lot more info and photos then. Stay tuned.

UPDATED: Full details now posted here.

Gallery: Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV

[Source: CNBC]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Photos: Facelifted Range Rover in the works

Dan Roth — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, Land Rover

When you produce one of several bad-ass SUVs available to consumers, there's no need to mess with a successful formula. So while the Range Rover is due for some cosmetic tweaks, they're very subtle. Spy shots show the upper-crust truck with the stiff upper lip in action at der Nurburgring, reportedly vetting some powertrains that may not make it to North America. We may see the rumored 5.0-liter V8, but probably not the 3.0-liter diesel. No surprise. The tape job covers up the small changes to the front fascia pretty well, though the grille looks a little different upon closer inspection. But we just can't get over the image of a Rangie screaming around the track like an angered top hat, no matter what the styling changes are.

[Source: World Car Fans | Photo: Automedia]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: Ford Kuga (Euro-spec)

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, First Drive

Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro-spec Ford Kuga

The grass, they say, is always greener on the other side of the fence. Though that often appears to be the case, most of the time it isn't. Dearborn's new "One Ford" initiative promises that we'll soon be able to stop gazing longingly across the ocean at what the company offers overseas buyers, as Ford endeavors to integrate its global product line-up into one cohesive range for every market around the world. In the case of the new Fiesta, that's a good thing. Less so with regards to the Kuga. Follow the jump to read why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Kuga

Continue reading First Drive: Ford Kuga (Euro-spec)

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda developing vehicles for people with special needs

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Tech, Hatchbacks, Mazda

For the thirteenth year running, Mazda has created a number of vehicles for those with special needs to be showcased at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition in Japan. The AZ-Wagon gets a lift-gate out back so that folks limited to wheelchairs can enter and exit through the converted rear hatch while still in their wheelchairs. The MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat (pictured) is also for those in wheelchairs, but those who have the mobility to sit in a conventional seat. And the Biante Autostep has, like an RV, a step that extends whenever the rear door is opened. All of the vehicles are JDM-only, but now that we know Mazda has this kind of expertise, we'd like to speak to them about getting a Kazamai with an ejector seat. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Mazda developing vehicles for people with special needs

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics & Details Aplenty: Iveco Campagnola

Noah Joseph — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, FIAT

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Iveco Campagnola

The Italians are great at making two kinds of automobiles: supercars and super-minis. Cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and the Fiat 500 are at the top of their game, but they're at complete opposite ends of the market. In between lies the bulk of the market, like mid-size hatchbacks, family sedans and sport-utes. The Fiat Group - which controls nearly the entire Italian automotive industry - is trying hard to break out of its shell and into everyone else's with cars like the new Fiat Bravo, Maserati Quattroporte and this, the new Iveco Campagnola.

Okay, granted the Campagnola is not targeted towards mainstream buyers. But for a hard-core off-roader (or military procurement officer), Fiat's truck subsidiary Iveco is now offering an alternative to the Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler, only with some decidedly retro, premium touches. We brought you initial details on the Giugiaro-styled Campagnola just a few days ago, but now Iveco has released a whole new batch of high-resolution images and full details for your perusal. In brief, the Campagnola is based on the Massif, which Iveco launched just this past March, and is is powered by a 16-valve 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with variable-geometry turbocharger driving 176 horsepower through a locking differential and six-speed manual to all four wheels. It's available only in green or beige, with matching steel rims and a fully outfitted cabin.

You know the drill, sergeant: click on the thumbnails below to view more and follow the jump to read official details.

Gallery: Iveco Campagnola

[Source: Iveco]

Continue reading Pics & Details Aplenty: Iveco Campagnola

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA, Tuners, SUVs, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GLK SEMA show cars

Perhaps you've heard: Mercedes-Benz has this new SUV called the GLK, and it's not just the Sex and the City audience that's being targeted. The compact ute's getting-to-know-you tour will make a stop at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where four concept versions will be on display. We already told you about RENNtech's hybrid Rally Racer show truck, and now we have some info on the other three versions that'll join it in Vegas.

Naturally, BRABUS will represent, skinning the GLK300 Bluetec in Widestar duds, new wheels, and the de rigeur custom interior. No power upgrade yet, it seems, but knowing BRABUS, they'll have a version putting out approximately a trillion horsepower by the time the GLK is in customers' hands.

Boulevard Customs is prepping the GLK "Urban Whip", a garish creation sporting 26" wheels and a front end that likely depleted the world's supply of mesh grillework. Lord knows what all the other SEMA builders are gonna do now that they're faced with this crisis.

Finally, Legendary Motor Cars will show the Four Corners Rock Crawler, which rolls on big knobby rubber, has an integrated grille guard, and sports a set of roof lights. But all that's dress-up, because off-roading's not the angle. This GLK has some winch rig that lets it pull skaters into position to then grind on the truck's integrated side rails. (G-Wagen ambulance chase vehicle not included.)

Hey, no one ever said SEMA's about being particularly normal. We'll have plenty more live shots from the show in November.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLK SEMA '08 show cars

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Police in Oz hope Hummers will curb "antisocial behavior"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Government/Legal, Safety, HUMMER, Police/Emergency, Australia

Question: What's more intimidating than a group of Australian Police roaming the streets in search of drunken party-goers? Answer: Aussie Police driving Hummer H3s with the same intent... supposedly. The Hummers in question were provided by the General in all-black before getting custom livery from the authorities, complete with a blue-and-red flashing light bar on top. Police hope to be a bit more conspicuous in the SUVs, which will be prowling the nightclub districts in Melbourne. There may be a few problems with this scheme, as there will only be five such vehicles making the rounds and they are only equipped with the standard five-cylinder powerplant.

We think the Police should have visited another side of the General and raided the Holden parts bin for flat-black Mad Max-style Police cars made from the HSV W427. For added attention, a straight-through set of true duals with Cherry Bombs would surely make these mean machines stand out from the crowd much more than a few Hummers with their measly inline-five engines. Seriously, which would you rather meet in a drunken state after a night out partying?

[Source: Drive.com.au via Next Autos]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi hitting the road in cross-country diesel Mileage Marathon

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Audi, Event Alert

Click for a high res gallery of the mileage marathon vehicles

It's been a few years since Audi sold diesel-powered cars in the U.S., but that's about to change. After three years of showing what diesel is capable of at Le Mans and in the ALMS, Audi will introduce a diesel-powered Q7 TDI sometime in early 2009. Before that happens, Audi wants to show America what kind of mileage its diesel lineup gets in the real world. To do so, the German automaker has assembled a fleet of 23 vehicles including the coming Q7, the Q5, A4 and A3. Currently the Q7 is the only Audi diesel announced for the U.S. although the company has acknowledged that it's considering other models. A motley collection (aren't all groupings of journalists motley?) of 184 journalists and guests from around the world have been invited to drive the fleet across the continent from New York to Los Angeles in four legs with the goal of seeing who can get the best real world mileage. Among that collection will be several members of the Autoblog and AutoblogGreen teams, including yours truly. The Mileage Marathon kicks off on Oct. 6 in Manhattan and hits the city of angels two weeks later. We'll bring you live reports from the road as we wind across the country, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Audi Mileage Marathon

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi hitting the road in cross-country diesel Mileage Marathon

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Euro, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is set to launch (but not here in the U.S.), and it's just the thing to give that annoying neighbor with his fancy VW Touareg V10 TDI a debilitating inferiority complex. 500 horsepower and approximately enough torque to counter-rotate the Earth (758 lb-ft) come standard on Audi's diesel monster. 21-inch wheels mask carbon ceramic brakes, LED running lamps help light the way, and the interior is a festival of dead cow, TV screens, and Alcantara, all trimmed neatly in aluminum and carbon fiber. If we were, say, Russian gangsters, we'd totally be driving one of these. (Except Neff, who would undoubtedly, stubbornly continue rolling in the Alero.) In conjunction with the launch, Audi dumped a slew of new pictures on its media site, so here they are. Click away.

Gallery: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Permalink | Email this | Comments