Drawing inspiration on the recent vampire television and movie craze, the latest 60-second Audi Super Bowl commercial features the brand’s newest S7 Sportback. Though the ad features an exclusive cast of vampires, these Audi luxury car TV spot have not be the blood-like elixir fans of the myriad of romantic drama-based vampire flicks will enjoy.

Capturing the modern vampire depiction as young and stylish rather than the legendary Dracula, this latest Super Bowl advertisement has the popular nocturnal creatures partying in the woods around a bonfire. As the crowd of vampires celebrate in the darkness, one of their comrades was rushing to the party in the five-door coupe. Showing up with the vampire’s equivalent of a keg of beer (a cooler of blood), the 2013 Audi S7 Sportback illuminates the night with its available LED headlamps. Serving as one of the more recognizable features obtainable on Audi vehicles, the LED headlights are not only four times more efficient than convention halogen light but project a much higher intensity of white light. As the vampire drives his S7 Sportback to the ‘blood-sucker’s’ social gathering, the pure white light energy from the Audi S7 Sportback (an innovation that helped Audi win the 2010 and 2011 Le Mans 24-Hour race) resulted in a side-effect from the partying clan. Once arriving at his destination, the vampire driving his Audi S7 Sportback unknowingly brought a plague to forest. The bright light of the S7 Sportback’s LED headlamps destroyed almost every vampire around the bonfire.

The 2012 commercial isn’t the not time Audi has attempted to poke fun at pop culture signatures. In 2009, the automaker make light of the culture trend that made words like “Going Green: and “Carbon Footprint” a nemesis to many automobile fans.

In the commercial that ran during Super Bowl 44, Audi rose against a fictional force of near draconian environmentalist. The advertisement depicted an environmentally friendly world radically enforced by a large and forceful squad called the “Green Police”. To the musical background of a rerecorded version of the Cheap Trick classic “Dream Police”, the Green Police aggressively carried out arrests of people deemed to be making decisions harmful to the environment. At the end of the 2010 Super Bowl commercial, a Green Police member at a highway checkpoint observed the German luxury brand’s newest Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel. Satisfied with the clean diesel powerplant, the Audi A3 TDI was allowed to proceed.

The 2012 Super Bowl advertisement is the 5th year that Audi has provided a car commercial during the most-watched annual sporting event on television. Since launching this promotion during an American football broadcast, their objective has always been to break into the lucrative United States premium car market. Achieving record sales in 2011, Audi has shown a winning ability to score touchdowns in the marketplace.

Information and photo source: Audi USA

Once a chore for well-established automakers to incorporate electrified powerplants in a realistic production vehicle, the task has become much easier in recent model years as high volume and even premium car builders have embraced the technology. In reality, optimizing electric vehicle technology is likely to be the only method for some automakers to meet fleet fuel economy regulations without drastically removing our favourite high fuel-consuming cars. Under the pressure of higher fuel prices than on North American roads, European auto companies have long been providing customers with smaller gasoline engines and longer-range diesel powerplants. However, the push for all-electric as well as electric-assist automobiles is receiving the same enthusiasm for promoting more fuel savings.

Since 2009, Audi has delighted the taste buds of green-conscious auto show goers with the promise of their e-tron technology to premium vehicle customers. Putting electric-sourced movement at the forefront of a future involving luxury-branded motoring, the latest Audi e-tron Spyder introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the best of everything a fan of the four-ring division would want.

Started as an all-electric showcase, Audi’s e-tron has begun to embrace the plug-in hybrid propulsion model. Chiefly moved by two electric motors mounted to the front axle through urban travel, 88 total horsepower drives the e-tron Spyder as far as 50 kilometers or 31 miles on a single charge. Under more performance-based driving experiences, the German auto company adds a twin-turbocharged, 3-liter TDI engine to back up the electric power. Setting the Audi concept vehicle in motion through 300 horsepower, this is the same TDI engine revealed on the European Audi A8 with a 50 horsepower boost. The Audi e-tron Spyder also providing “boosting“ under acceleration as the two electric motors shoots the car movement in concert with the turbocharged diesel engine. Combining 388 horsepower and a collective 739 pounds-feet of torque, the experimental sports car proposed by e-tron is estimated to send performance-seeking riders from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. Using a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Audi e-tron Spyder maximizes performance and vehicle efficiency.

An urban-centric sport convertible, this latest Audi e-tron Spyder shows off a striking performance ambition. Within 13.32 foot in length by 5.94 feet in width, the Audi e-tron Spyder accomplishes a race car appearance inspired by the R8 LMS vehicle. Looking over the road with LED headlamps, the highly-aluminum Audi Space Frame is based around a mid-engined design configuration. Carbon fiber touches such as a spoiler and rear diffuser creates a sporty accent to the Audi e-tron Spyder’s outer surface. Hind side area engine cover allows the upper stack of the Audi TDI powerplant to poke through the Audi e-tron Spyder. Completing the theme of a thrilling street rod or race car, 20-inch aluminum wheels formulates into a turbine blade design. With the notable exception to the chopped windscreen, the Audi e-tron Spyder displays a consider production car grace.

Including the full-array of exterior lighting and wearing side view mirrors, the interior of the Audi e-tron Spyder is clean but practical. Given a light and breezy appearance with a gentle degree of curves, Audi’s sports car concept features two racing-inspired bucket seats. For a high-tech interior touch, the Audi MMI system is behind the comfort as well as entertainment in the snug spyder. Instead of the center-mounted control display, the Audi e-tron Spyder instrument panel embeds the MMI setup between gauges. The Audi MMI can be controlled either through the traditional center-mounted unit or via a touch-sensitive steering wheel panel.

Buying time before the first e-tron powered Audi joins cars for sale in the 2014 model year, Audi has begun selling the Audi A6 Hybrid sedan. Once released, the Audi e-tron sports car will not be alone in exploring the world of plug-in hybrid premium personal vehicles. A Chevrolet Volt-based Cadillac ELR and a BMW i8 are set for arrival in showrooms over the next several years.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

If you plan on installing a set of aftermarket Audi HID headlights, there are certain things you need to consider prior to installation. Unless your Audi is already equipped with a manufacturer’s set of HIDs, the process won’t be as simple as merely switching out one set of bulbs for another. You’ll need to install a new ballast as well as potentially install a wire harness adaptor and other components, though so long as your vehicle is a more recent model, you shouldn’t have to make any cuts into the body of your vehicle. The installation process is usually rather quick, but you’ll still want to set aside a few hours in case you need to make additional adjustments along the way.

HIDs are customizable by color, so if you’re more focused on style and not so worried about installation, this part you may find interesting. Differences in light colors are based on a spectrum of various color temperatures. The color temperatures range from 3000K, which is a light with a yellow hue, all the way to 12000K, which is a vivid blue light color. The most popular HID color tends to be the 6000K, which is a white light with a slight blue tint, though there are pure white lights and purple lights available as well. Be sure to remember also that color temperatures only correspond to the color of the light; the temperature has no effect on the brightness or effectiveness of the headlights.

So if you want to continue on the Audi path of setting your car apart from the mainstream, consider a set of colored HID lights for your Audi vehicle that are exotic and bold, yet also impressively adept at lighting the road ahead.

An exotic flavour reserved for the European market, the Audi RS3 made its premiere early this year as a 340-horsepower interpretation of their compact car. Assuming the form of the unimposing five-door Audi A3 Sportback, the RS3 asserts itself in 0 with 62 mile per hour acceleration in only 4.6 seconds. While North Americans receive only the word of this hyper-powered A3-based car’s existence, the commuters on the Autobahn are able to indulge in the full thrill of this quattro all-wheel drive powered RS3 factory sport compact. With less than a year on the market, there is one performance tuner so bold to believe they could pull even more from the Audi RS3 Sportback.

Residing little more than a seven kilometer traveling distance from the Ingolstadt headquarters of Audi, MTM (Motoren-Technik-Mayer GmbH) began building supped-up versions of the premium auto brand’s quattro since 1985. Envy beyond envy, German aftermarket performance house MTM has approached the Audi RS3 Sportback thinking how they can make something great even better. Augmenting the five-door car to the tastes of even finer performance tuning, the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI is born by the small-volume vehicle producer.

Strikingly similar to the Audi RS3 Sportback in exterior and interior looks (with exception to the multi-colour paint scheme assembled on the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI show vehicle), the treatment conducted by the Ingolstadt performance tuner is limited largely to performance gains. Playing with the Audi 2.5 TFSI engine (found in the RS3 as well as the TT RS), MTM enhances their version of the compact Sportback with 472 horsepower. Credited for pushing up the output from the 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine by 132 horsepower are some tweaks MTM made to the turbocharger unit, high-flow air intake and some optimized spark plugs. The MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI is also given a unique voice with a new exhaust system.

As 472 horsepower funnels through the sport-oriented quattro all-wheel drive system, MTM made special modifications to the A3-based sport compact. An adjustable air suspension system is added for improved sport handling and electronic lowering. The MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI rides on bimoto alloy wheels featuring a 9-spoke racing-inspired design. Enhancing the dynamic performance, the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI strengthens the stopping power of the quattro driven wheels. Eight-piston Brembo brake calipers supplies firm, controlled vehicle deceleration of the super-tuned compact car.

A 15-hour procedure, the conversion to the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI costs 10,600 euros (equal to about $14,180 US) in addition to the stock Audi RS3 Sportback’s retail price.

Information source: Audi AG, MTM
Photo source: MTM

An annual event where the best in sports car racing sprint around the Road Atlanta circuit for 1,000 miles or 10-hours (whichever comes first), the Petit Le Mans has become a final event in the sports car racing season. One of many sports car races Audi has won on a multitude of occasions since 2000, the Audi Sport Team Joest race organization will be wearing silver into combat for the first time with their 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R18 TDI prototype sports car. While tested at the Sebring International Raceway just days after the Mobil 12 hour race, the Audi R18 TDI prototype sports car will make its competitive debut in the North America at the 2011 Petit Le Mans in Road Atlanta.

Built to new safety and performance rules set out by the ACO (the French sanctioning body that oversees many sports car events including the 24 Hour of Le Mans race), the Audi R18 TDI is another evolution on the competitive ladder the premium carmaker. Powered by a smaller V-6 engine through an electronic gearbox, the R18 prototype sports car has better weight balance than the previous Audi R15 Plus. The biggest change to the Audi racing machine was the incorporation of a roof over the driver. A closed cockpit prototype, the R18 became the first such vehicle since the early Audi R8C that run last in 1999.

Long respected as a showcase where the best creations of auto manufacturers competed on speed and endurance, sports car racing is once again relevant as a test bed for modern automotive technology. In the case of Audi, their prototype sports car program aided in the refinement of several items currently utilized in production car. Their Audi R8 prototype won the Le Mans 24-hour race thanks to the FSI gasoline direct injection technology allowing team drivers to remain on track longer. Since the introduction of the Audi R10 in 2006, the German automaker advocates their clean diesel technology discovering an unfair advantage over gasoline-powered race cars. In the Audi R18 TDI, the race vehicle is the showcase for full LED headlights recently introduced in production vehicles including the Audi A8 sedan. Introduced as low-beam illumination on the Audi R15 TDI sports car, the LED lighting technology is fine-tuned for the R18 prototype.

Making its debut at the 2011 Petit Le Mans, this race is part of the 6-race run for the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. An award that the ACO established in 2010, this is a modern initiate to crown a global honour. Leaving the 6-Hours of Silverstone, the Peugeot squad’s 908 prototype has propelled the French team to a 7-point lead over Audi Sport Team Joest. Having won the Petit Le Mans 9 times in the LMP (Le Mans Prototype) class, the Audi R18 TDI will have to out muscle the Peugeot who has won the previous two Road Atlanta events.

On October 1st, Audi Sport Team Joest will bring a two-car contingent with three drivers per Audi R15 TDI race machine. In car #1, Timo Bernard, Romain Dumas and Marcel Fassler combining for 4 overall wins at Road Atlanta. The #2 Audi R18 TDI will be helmed by an experienced trio of Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Dindo Capello.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

In the sport sedan category, the BMW M3 and the M5 sedan has been the perennial targets for every premium carmaker. Combining high-performance with luxury comfort, the German sports sedans sold by BMW has provoked some worthy adversaries from Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and Audi. In the case of Audi, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show gives a first public view for new S model vehicles expected to take the fight to BMW M line and the Mercedes AMG brand. A fourth generation Audi S6 one of the revised premium performance products at the German show intent to win over favour of speed-seeking luxury.

The Audi S6 sport sedan’s positioning in the performance luxury category is always a little confusing. Based on the Audi A6, the S6 performance and price focuses on the performance oriented versions of smaller sedans from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This is considered as a strength for the Audi S6 supplying itself as a relatively good value in previous model years. The new S6 sedan enters the limelight as vehicle engineered as a perfect balance between performance, premium accompaniment and practically.

Making use of the fresh, new look of the Audi A6, the basis of the S6 starts with lightweight exterior construction consisting of around 20 percent aluminum. For the Audi S6 sedan, the vehicle becomes 0.63 inches longer than the A6 with standard 19-inch cast aluminum wheels presenting a sportier look. The sensation of aluminum on the wheels is an auto racing-inspired touch the Audi S6 assemblies along other exterior surfaces including along the front bumper, the side mirrors and the edge of the rear bumper diffuser. The addition of a rear diffuser accompanies a rear deck spoiler on the Audi S6 sedan. Employing two unique colour tones over the A6, the Audi S6 can be ordered with Estoril Blue and Prism Silver each embodying a crystal effect. Over top of the chosen paint colour, S6 and V8T badges adorn the Audi S6’s exterior. Besides the standard set of 19-inch wheels, different wheel styles and sizes up to 20 inches can tailor decorate an Audi S6 to performance tastes.

As with all Audi vehicles in the S brand, the S6 moves through the capable quattro all-wheel drive system. Featuring adaptive air suspension sport, the Audi S6 ride can be driver adjusted between a 10-millimeter range. Together, the all-wheel drive and sport-tuned air suspension is set to deliver remarkable handling credentials for the new generation Audi S6. Braking for the 4,178-pound German sedan is executed with four-wheel disc brakes sporting matte black painted calipers. For braking performance under hard-driving conditions, the Audi S6 can be equipped with an optional set of carbon fiber ceramic brakes.

Inside the Audi S6’s renewed cabin, the sports sedan is a marriage of luxury refinement and performance car aggression certain to entice many drivers. Individuals behind the wheel will quickly enamour themselves to the Audi S6 sedan’s interior touches such as the red engine ignition button, aluminum-like foot pedals and technological driving aids including adaptive cruise control as well as heads-up display. Audi’s 360 degree parking camera is equipped on the S6 sedan associated with the MMI navigation plus system. Consisting of an 8-inch center touch display, the Audi S6 sedan’s MMI navigation plus provides Bluetooth connectivity and even wireless Internet into the car. Adjustable front sport seats with power lumber will improve the driver’s connection with their Zen feeling inside of the new Audi S6.

Audi’s entry-level S model using the new 4.0 TFSI engine, this brand new powerplant incorporates eight cylinders fed by a twin turbocharged forced air induction set-up. Not as powerful as the new Audi S8, the Audi S6’s variation of the 4.0 TFSI powerplant produces a more modest 420 horsepower. Compared to the previous generation Audi S6’s 5.2 liter V-10 engine, there is 15 fewer horsepower propelling the quattro all-wheel drive system for the new S6. With emphasis placed on improving fuel economy, the sacrifice of horsepower brings a surprisingly high increase in traveling mileage. Capable of travelling an average 24 miles per gallon of gasoline, the new Audi S6’s TFSI engine employs a cylinder on demand system and start/stop technology to maximize gasoline use.

Despite being a running on a smaller powerplant, new twin-turbocharged Audi S6 is actually faster than its predecessor. Accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an estimated 4.8 seconds, the new S6 sedan is 0.4 seconds quicker than the 2010 Audi S6.

At least in Europe, a wagon version of the Audi S6 (called the S6 Avant) will be sold. The Audi S6 Avant will feature all the performance enhancements embedded into the sedan counterpart but will present 59.33 cubic feet of cargo room. With popularity of sport wagons making the Audi S6 Avant a viable choice in the European market, American Audi buyers are unlikely to see the cargo-friendly version. Traditionally, the wagon variants of vehicles (especially sports wagons) are denied entrance into the North American model line-up.

Pricing and additional details for the Audi S6 will be announced shortly for the European and North American market.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Preparing to show off the radical urban concept design at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi’s inventive look to a motoring future could be seen as a little too distant. For North American motorists in particular, the small, ultralight concept car would instantly come into conflict with the desire for cargo room and passenger space. Planning a sensational arrangement of production and design evaluations for the auto show at Frankfurt, Audi has recently announced the addition of a compact, electric vehicle fitting more easily into today’s driving lifestyle. Registered as a concept car, the Audi A2 explores advanced technology integrating with contemporary automotive fashion.

Residing within tight quarters, the Audi A2 concept car advocates the incredible packaging potential of an electric powertrain platform. A total length of 3.8 meters (149.61 inches), the A2 concept is 19.37 inches shorter than the smallest North American Audi, the A3. Featuring Audi’s aluminum construction techniques along with a dark glass roof, the A2 concept is a four-door hatchback configured with a mature sport utility crossover gracefulness.

An all-electric powertrain on the Audi A2 concept keeps items such as the battery and motors positioned to maximize interior space. Though a small vehicle, four passengers are still positioned comfortably inside the Audi A2 concept. Thin seats manufactured using plastic blow molding is positioned individually in the cabin. Also included in the Audi concept vehicle‘s cabin is a center storage spot ideal for carrying a bicycle with front wheels removed. A flat floor area made of recycled polyester covers beneath the feet of the passengers of the Audi A2 concept car while gentle light enters overhead through the glass roof with press button operation. Inside the minimalist cabin, touch control panels and a 7-inch screen continues to inspire innovation of the Audi A2 concept.

Beyond exhibiting effective of space, the Audi A2 concept is highlighted by charming illumination inside and outside. Employing LED lighting for the headlamps and taillights, Audi touts their presence as “the next phase” in the technology‘s development. Positioned in what is known as a matrix beam, the headlamp construction involves diodes combined with microreflectors to create a better quality view of the road. In assisting other motorists, a rear fog light incorporating laser diodes provides superior warning to following drivers. With the use of lasers diodes, a warning triangle projected by the A2 concept can penetrate even inclement weather conditions such as fog.

Along with the LEDs found in the conventional lit positions of the Audi A2 concept, an application known as dynamic light. A pair of light bars runs under the A2 concept’s side windows delivering a number of functions. An extension of turn signal lighting when the vehicle is motion, Sensors included within Audi’s dynamic light assemblies offer driver and passengers touchless entrance through simple gestures.

A design exercise at the Frankfurt Motor Show for 2011, the implementation for a production-based compact Audi electrified powerplant has been a topic of automotive rumour mills. During the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Audi revealed an A1 concept utilizing the company’s e-tron plug-in hybrid technology. Recent tests of a converted version of previous generation A2 compact showed immense potential. Said to have crossed a distance of 372 miles on a single charge, the experimental A2 was powered off an experimental battery created by Mirko Hannemann. Assembled through a partnership between Lekker Energie and DBM Energy, their Audi A2 electric was not an official factory prototype leaving uncertainty if Audi AG engineers have realized the battery technology for the new concept car.

Joining the urban concept and three new ranges of the Audi S model family debuting at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt starting September 15th, the A2 concept shows another dimension of the premium German brand’s automotive expression.

Information source: Audi AG, Engadget.com
Photo source: Audi AG

The kick-off to the world indoor auto show season, 2011 is the lucky biennial year where automotive enthusiasts get to relish in the spectacle of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Guaranteed already to be a showcase of new ideas in the ever-evolving auto industry, production and concept vehicles are presented in abundance for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show even as more than two weeks separate the exhibit’s grand opening. A motor show of world intrigue, Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been wetting the appetites of potential show goers through previews of their Frankfurt Motor Show presentations. An exhibition based in their home country, Volkswagen’s luxury car brand Audi will also be making a strong showing on September 15th.

In preparation for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show, Audi has a history of bringing profound guidance for where they want to take their brand’s image. In the last Frankfurt show in 2009, Audi presented their e-tron concept for the very first time to the public. Since the showing almost two years ago, Audi’s continuing development of e-tron is likely to directly lead to a production-based vehicle. Audi also publicly premiered the R8 Spyder at the 2009 show generating some more tradition open-motoring performance buzz. As their world sales increased by 15 percent in 2010 (just one year following the Audi’s last Frankfurt display), the German auto company’s success will garner more focus on their upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show plans. Supplying samples for performance and low-impact driving, Audi seems ready to entertain the German city’s crowd.

Presented in early to mid August, Audi’s prospect for exploiting a full city car design led to the urban concept brainchild. The urban concept car was unveiled ahead of the Frankfurt show in illustrated form ahead of the lightweight 1+1 passenger vehicle’s presentation in real life. Since the debut of the Audi urban concept sketches on August 10th, Audi immediately followed-up the early images with an open top version of the unique smaller car. The Spyder version of the urban concept shares the impressive sport style in a small, electric vehicle package.

Aside from the debut of a radical new way of motoring, Audi will use Frankfurt as the official public introduction of three new models of their S performance line. Added to the 2012 Audi portfolio, the S6 (including the S6 Avant) and the large S8 sedan will debut as new generation vehicles. For the first time since its introduction last year, the Audi A7 Sportback receives its initial taste of S line enthusiasm. Receiving its first eight-cylinder powerplant, the S7 Sportback, along with the S6 and S8, will receive a new generation engine engineered to provide top performance along with improved fuel economy.

Taking a similar approach as with Mercedes-Benz and BMW by consolidating engines used in their performance line-ups, a new 4.0 liter V-8 engine will beat under the hood of all three S models. Smaller than the S line’s previous benchmark, the more compact Audi engine is just as exciting as the next generation models. Providing up to 520 horsepower of sheer driving excitement, the S6, S7 Sportback and the S8 will be guided by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

As a third separate feature ready to attract spectators at the Audi pavilion, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will debut a concept version of the A2. The Audi A2 concept displays a compact car form optimizing cargo space thanks to an electric powertrain. Just recently announced, the Audi A2 concept has become the latest edition to a flashy auto show presentation.

Starting September 15th, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to more than 850,000 spectators and over 13,000 members of the esteemed media. With only two weeks remaining until Audi’s near and distant future vision of premium motoring is unveiled to the public, Audisite.com will provide fans of the German luxury brand with in-depth information on the vehicles being profiled.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Talking non-stop about hybrid power and even zero emission vehicles, premium automotive brand Audi painted a rich picture for electric propulsion in a future line-up. Promoting e-tron and even prepared to display a bold ultra light Urban Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the environmentally conscious luxury car fan has probably become unsettled that an electric-assist production car had yet to come to materialize.

Finally, the promise of the Audi A6 hybrid brought partially electric propulsion to German luxury car line. Introduced for Europe and recently announced for the United States, the Audi A6 hybrid is eagerly anticipated for what will be an expanding product selection of vehicles. Audi’s second production vehicle inflates not only the hybrid car portfolio but expands to the A8 flagship promising more than 36-mile per gallon driving.

Moving the big 2012 Audi A8 hybrid sedan is the same gasoline/electric powertrain combination being demonstrated on the newly released hybrid-equipped A6. Main power will be sourced from the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder gasoline engine. Along producing 211 horsepower, the TFSI engine works in concert with a 40-kilowatt electric motor. A permanent magnet synchronous motor, the electric assist unit for the Audi A8 hybrid is packaged securely between the two-liter engine and the eight-speed tiptronic transmission. Combined, the gasoline and electric powerplants generate a sufficient amount of momentum to move the over 202-inch long sedan. The Audi A8 hybrid maximum performance output is 245 horsepower with a total 345 pounds-feet of torque.

Though horsepower may not be as impressive as the 4.2 liter V-8 or the 6.3 liter W-12 powerplants, the 2012 Audi A8 hybrid’s configuration is calibrated for robust fuel economy. Burning less than 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers, the Audi A8 hybrid’s fuel consumption for an American road translates to 36.75 miles per gallon in average driving. Compared to the current V-8 powered Audi A8 sedan, the hybrid model delivers average gas mileage allowing the large four-door to roll 14 miles longer after every gallon of gasoline.

Thanks to the heavily modified 8-speed transmission of the Audi A8 hybrid, a special wet, multi-plate clutch acts as an intelligent conductor between the two power units. Using ideal coordination between the TFSI engine and the electric motor, the Audi A8 hybrid operates under five operating modes. Of these propulsion options is an electric only mode that draws power directly from a lithium-ion battery. Through acceleration, the Audi A8 hybrid can be pushed to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) purely on electric power. At speeds of 60 kilometers per hour (37.3 miles per hour), battery capacity will allow the sedan to move 3 kilometers (1.86 miles per hour). A water-cooled lithium-ion battery, the electrical storage for the powertrain is climate-controlled for optimal performance.

With all the changes performed out of sight, this latest hybrid is nonetheless a typical 2012 Audi A8 sedan. Unique touches to the Audi A8 hybrid (for the most part) is low-tone at first glance with only ‘hybrid‘ badges immediately informing observers. Astute Audi fans will be able to identify some A8 hybrids through an optional Arctic White colour available only on the 2012 hybrid sedan model. Turbine blade design 18-inch and optional 19-inch alloy wheels spin will exclusively spin the A8 hybrid sedan‘s tires. The Bose audio system, three-zone automatic climate control and LED headlamps are standard equipment catered not only for luxury enjoyment but also to optimize the A8 hybrid’s energy usage.

Announced only for European markets for sometime in 2012, this ultra-efficient Audi A8 hybrid could be in the United States in just a matter of time due to stricter CAFÉ fleet fuel economy standards.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Higher end automotive are always under the test of social ideals and economic factors. Emerging as a challenge for future auto industry is limiting environmental impact. The reality of incorporating for fuel-efficient products into future vehicle line-ups is causing all luxury carmakers to envision their brand images much different forms.

While Mercedes-Benz allows the Smart car to advertise some type of more urban-directed content, BMW has most recently pressed the start of their electrified vehicle-oriented BMW i sub brand into the 2014 model year. For the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, American car company Cadillac explored more conservative proportions with their Urban Luxury Concept. In these cases, the premium carmakers, often challenged to prove their vehicles to be the best examples in the world, has risen to the occasion building smaller, lighter, fuel-efficient designs while preserving the best of their brand identity. Entering itself in a position to best what the world premium car industry has to offer, Audi will show up the latest edition in their e-tron electric vehicles in the smallest possible shape. Debuting a practical two-passenger concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show upcoming in September, the Audi Urban Concept car launches Audi onto an all-new wave of thought.

Existing in such a small confide the Urban Concept vehicle appears brilliantly relay common Audi exterior qualities. Though actual dimensions are not defined at this time, the Audi Urban Concept is certain to measure as one of the smallest design concept ever conceived by the Germany luxury brand. Likely to be more aesthetic than functional, the large simple front grille opening boldly holds the Audi rings. Primarily light silver exterior in the images issued by Audi, the Urban Concept is accented by a red stripe traveling upwards along each side of the vehicle. Massive 21-inch wheels complete the Audi Urban Concept further enhancing the sense of smallness for the design study.

Audi has been one of the leading auto brands in the implementation of lightweight technology throughout their product line. Relying on the properties of aluminum in creating the structure of current production vehicles, Audi ventures into design exploration with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) creating the small Urban Concept car. The use of CFRP applied to the small vehicle should guarantee a relatively feather-light existence compared to production cars.

Powerplant has only been announced as featuring two electric motors propelled by energy stored in a lithium-ion battery. Benefiting from Audi’s e-tron program, the range and speed of the Audi Urban Concept was yet to be provided ahead of the unveiling at Frankfurt.

Opening up the interior through the movement of a single panel, the Audi Urban Concept introduces an interesting cabin layout. Called a 1+1 seat vehicle, the passenger sits slightly further back than the driver‘s position. Providing the passenger with a performance feel, the design should also be helpful in furnishing a greater field of view to the driver of the Audi Urban Concept.

Audi fans and small car enthusiasts can expect more information on the Urban Concept design to be revealed at the Frankfurt exhibit.

Information and photo source: Audi AG