Confirmed by trade publication Automotive News, Audi is currently exploring prospects of producing at least new one vehicle stateside. In the article posted on July 11th, Audi Chief Executive Officer Rupert Stadler stated, “It is totally clear that we need new production capacity in the U.S.,” claiming it is a only a matter of time. These words followed Stadler’s 2010 projection for Audi to sell as many as 1.5 million vehicles worldwide by the 2015 calendar year. Parent brand Volkswagen could lure Audi to their new Chattanooga, Tennessee manufacturing facility. The Chattanooga complex has currently started production of the new Volkswagen Passat.

At that time, the Audi CEO stated production inside of the United States of America was not necessary to meet their sales target. Admitting there is a strong chance for a new assembly plant in North America; Audi has since indicated the United States may not be the exact location for future production. Audi could be more inclined to assembling their vehicles in Mexico favouring lower labour and operation costs. It was also reported by the Toronto Star that the Canadian province of Ontario plans to mount a bid for a potential manufacturing facility.

More recently published rumours mention the Audi Q5 is a likely candidate for North American production. Through the 2009 and 2010 model year, the Q5 compact crossover vehicle has been the Audi range’s 2nd highest selling product in the United States market behind the A4. Audi has previously dismissed any notion of producing vehicles specific to the United States as not being in the company’s interests.

Any decision made about potential United States production is expected ahead of 2015. Audi already assembles cars in Hungary and India assembly plants. Between 1987 and 1998, Audi had also previously constructed cars in Japan aligned with Hino Motors Limited.

Information source: Audi AG, Automotive News, Toronto Star
Photo source: Chris Nagy

While domestic vehicles present a large network and a sizable parts network, repairs is generally presented with an advantage of lower maintenance costs. Well a Chrysler car, truck or crossover vehicle can confidently taken beyond the Chicago Dodge dealer, the maintenance of more foreign automobiles can present owners with more limited, costlier choices turning a dream car into a check book’s nightmare. While regular preventive maintenance can be an experience reminding one of the perils of import luxury car ownership, unforeseen breakdowns of electronic and mechanical items can create an unpleasant feeling not even the most comfortable messaging leather driver seat can easily cure. In the case of Audi vehicles, the German luxury brand has earned unfavourable notoriety in North America as an expensive product to repair. A new Audi vehicle is provided with a 4-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty from the dealership, an extended protection plan becomes an important consideration. Debated upon as a vehicle is purchased, new owners of Audi products (especially pre-owned vehicles) can be protected from the harm of massive repair shop bills.

Offering five different packages, Audi Pure Protection Program base product is the Powertrain Plan. The Powertrain Plan coverage is limited to mechanical parts linked to engine, transmission and driveshafts components. Based on the complexity of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, the Powertrain Plan could ward off some major expenses.

The next level of extended warranty protection for Audi products is the Silver Plan that adds steering, electrical and suspension parts under the coverage scheme. For Audi vehicles featuring the newer MMI entertainment systems, the Gold and enhanced protection of the Gold Plus Plan is an ideal defence for high tech items. For the most comprehensive extended warranty available, the Platinum Plan covers virtually the entire mechanical and electronic parts of an Audi product.

For all of the Audi Pure Protection Program options, perks provided includes towing coverage up to $75 and rental car payments if a covered Audi fall ill. With purchasing an Audi from the dealership, the chosen protection plan can be deluded into more convenient payments within the vehicle’s financing. Remaining with the vehicle even with sale, Audis covered with the extended warranty plan can be sold at higher resale prices as the plan is transferable through ownership.

Promising peace of mind, an extended warranty on an Audi product is a worthy thought for a prospective buyer hoping to enjoy their German luxury car for years to come.

Information source: Audi of America

Though the Audi automaker was established in 1909, most of its significant pre-world war two success occurred when the corporation became part of the Auto Union in the 1930s. Attached to evolutionary front-wheel drive cars between 1933 and 1940, the Audi name would go dormant during and well after the Second World War. Through the 1950s, Auto Union (owned at the time by Daimler-Benz) was struggling for survival as the company struggled to maintain profitably selling vehicles under the DKW name. DKW automobiles were far from stellar performers powered by antiquated two-stroke engines. In 1964, a monumental change came as German rival Volkswagen bought into the Auto Union company. With a modern four-cycle engine already in the late development stage, Volkswagen envisioned a stronger new presence resurrecting the Audi nameplate for the post-war era. Featuring a more refined four-cylinder internal combustion powerplant, the Audi division was reformed under the F103 series of vehicles.

Introduced late 1965 as a 1966 model, the Audi F103 line-up consisted of products identified by their engine power ratings. The Audi 72 was first, followed by the Audi 80 and top-performing Audi Super 90. Assembled with strong unibody construction, the Audi F103’s 172-inch total length is only 3 inches longer than the current Audi A3. Sold in two-door and four-door body styles, a three-door wagon called the Variant were shapes for the first Audis in 25 years.

A qualified go-getter, stopping was equally noteworthy with the Audi F103. A rarity in the family and smaller vehicle segment, front wheels were equipped with disc brakes. Rather underwhelming compared to even modern entry-level cars, it seems the technology usage for the time by Audi was a precursor to what would be a reputation for performance and handling.

Built between 1965 to 1972, the chance of finding this used Audi in North America is slim. The Audi brand did not land on United States soil until 1970 where the growth was gradual. In actuality, it appears Audi wants American focus on their heritage to center on the Ur-Quattro. However, at this time 45 years ago, the relaunched German auto brand owed their modern success of cars like the A4 and R8 to a mighty little four-cylinder.

Information source: Audi AG

Who would have thought Audi would be getting into the business of making bicycles? Recently, they teamed up with the only all-hardwood bike manufacturer in the world – Renovo Hardwood Bicycles – to make a line of six bikes with the Audi brand.

It makes sense, really though. The bikes are some of the best in the world, and mirror Audi’s values. The bikes are all strong, lightweight, and built on a monocoque hardwood frame. They also ride smooth as a cloud due to the wood’s ability to absorb shock better than metal.

The bikes have a high-end drivetrain made from aluminum and carbon fiber components, as well as disk brakes and LED lighting. They have three primary models available, each for a different purpose:

duo City

duo Sport

A fitness, long-distance all-weather commuter, perfect for cyclists seeking long-distance comfort and safety. The Sport drivetrain features the smooth, quiet and grease-free Gates CenterTrack belt drive coupled to the Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub, for effortless and maintenance-free shifting. Other features include drop bars for long distances; minimum fenders; medium width and puncture-resistant 28mm tires for less rolling resistance.

duo Road

A performance road bike, good for club and century rides. Features include narrow tires; no fenders; minimal accessories; and SRAM Red, compact 20-speed gear train.

And in terms of pricing, you could buy a used car for the same price:

duo City: $6,530
duo Sport: $7,350
duo Road: $7,460

Check out the gallery below, which shows all versions of the bike:

Like most major luxury car companies employing their own financing options, Audi Financial Services operates as an internal arm to leasing. Plans between 12 months to as much as 48 months is the gateway for American motorists to seat themselves (and possible family) behind the wheel of the four-ring badged German luxury car. Offering a one year leasing term, Audi Financial Services differs from Mercedes-Benz’s lowest lease term of two years. Available with allowances of 10,000 and 15,000 mile per year, leasing options hold motorists to a rather restrictive travel distance. Leasers exceeding the allotted mileage will be assessed standard overage rates.

A more friendly arrangement for shorter-term lease, Audi Financial Services is also outreaching to younger buyers through a new university graduate program. Under the College Grad Lease option, past university students who have graduated from an accredited institution within two years qualifies. College Grad Lease appliers are required to prove a full-time job where a lease payment must account for less than 25% of employment income.

For anyone leasing any vehicle, the agreement grants the leaser usage of a vehicle through the scheduled time period. When holding temporary possession of a luxury car, a duty of care for returning an upscale vehicle in best possible position is paramount especially since parts and service for Audi products is traditionally high. Inspecting he automobile once the vehicle is turned in, Audi has clearly defined criteria for how what is defined as “normal” use and “excess” damage. While a single windshield glass chip is not a concern, cracks or considerable spidering could levy a repair bill. Dashboard service lights, heavy tire wear and other physical damage is also common aspects under investigation through the inspection.

If severe damage or theft takes place during the lease term, GAP coverage is a mechanism attached to comprehensive insurance allowing the leasing party to be excused from financial burden of the lease term payments. A feature also presented on BMW and Mercedes-Benz leasing agreements, GAP coverage is automatically included on all leased Audi vehicles.

While the price of luxury can be numbed through leasing, the care and attention needed is an element leasers must appreciate.

Information and photo source: Audi USA

68,132 readers of Auto Bild SportsCars just awarded the Audi RS5 Coupe with the title “SportsCar of the Year” for 2010 in the “Production Coupes” category. 173 cars were split up amongst 17 categories, which were then divided into two “production” and “tuning” subcategories, so I guess that would be 34 categories total.

In other awards, the Audi R8 GT won second place in the “Production Supercars” category, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 won second in “Production Convertibles,” the Audi S3 Sportback got third in the “Production Compact Cars” class and the Audi RS 6 Avant also took third in “Production Station Wagons.”

Looks like those Germans are really proud of their Audis!

Adding to the existing A4 Driving Challenge game on the iPhone that Audi released in September of 2008 to promote the then-redesigned A4, the company just released a new game called “Audi A1 Beat Driver” to promote the new small car. As with any advertisement/promo-game, it doesn’t cost anything to download and play.

Audi A1 Beat Driver features nine songs to drive to the beat to, if that makes sense. In the game, you drive the A1 down a virtual road, swiping the screen to steer while trying to hit as many blocks as possible to the beat of the music. Imagine Rock Band or Guitar Hero, but with a compact car instead. As with every video game that’s ever existed, you try and collect power-ups and avoid obstacles along the way.

An International list of scores is kept on the leaderboard in-game, and naturally you can share your score via Twitter or Facebook and view more information about the Audi A1 from within the app. I wouldn’t call the game a “keeper,” but it’s definitely worth a download and one play-through.

Readers of German magazine “Auto Zeitung” recently gave Audi a few design awards. First up, Audi was voted “Brand with the most beautiful cars,” beating out over 50 other carmakers. In addition, the R8 Spyder was awarded “most beautiful convertible,” also finishing third for “most beautiful car model,” while Audi got additional props for the A5 Sportback finishing right behind it in fourth.

I don’t particularly agree with the R8 Spyder being very pretty, but you know those Germans…

photo by Mert Esmer

Audi is working especially hard recently to bring electric power to their lineup. Initially, we thought the launch of the e-tron electric sports car was a one model deal, but it turns out Audi is calling “e-tron” their “brand name for electric mobility.” The electric sports car they showed will be launched first, in late 2012 in limited numbers, but will be followed by other models powered by an electric powertrain.

The Audi A1 e-tron, for example, will likely be the next step. Audi is calling the A1 e-tron a “Mega City Vehicle,” and with a power output of 102 hp, gets 31 miles out of its electric motor. A small rotary engine serves as a range extender, giving the A1 e-tron an extra 124 miles. Audi says the car will get around 124 mpg with both the gasoline and electric motors.

Audi is also applying the electric concept to developing full hybrid vehicles. The Audi Q5 hybrid will be on the market as early as late 2010, and the A8 hybrid in being displayed as you read this at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The A8 Hybrid Concept is more of an engineering study than a preview, but the idea is solid. The concept car is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, and along with the electric motor, gets an output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

Audi S4

Well, we just got back from the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. While it isn’t quite as big or flashy as it used to be, there are still plenty of great cars, concepts, and exhibits to check out. Audi didn’t have any big news so they didn’t hold a press conference, but they have a large display full of their line-up.

Interestingly, almost every Audi vehicle present is white, except for the R8, R8 Spyder, and S5 Cabriolet, which are a special dark gold color unavailable in the production models, and the 2011 Audi A8, which is silver. Check out the photos below for a look at the Audi display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show:

Audi R8 V10

Audi TTS

Audi S5 Cabriolet

Audi Q5

2011 Audi A8

Audi A3 TDI

Audi A3 TDI rear

Audi R8 V10 Spyder

Audi Q7 S-line

Audi A5

Audi Q7 side

Audi Q7 front

Audi Q5 side

Audi Q5 rear

Audi A6

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi A4 Avant