Audi is one of the best known supercars.

Over the years, Audi has been actively involved in motor sports. The participation of Audi into motor sports dates back to 1930’s with their former company the Auto Union. The Audis dominated the Touring and Super Touring categories of motor racing in the 1990’s.

The four wheel drive Quattro, launched by the company in 1980 was successful in winning rallies and races worldwide. The Quattro is one of the first cars to make use of the new rules of rally racing then, which allowed the use of four-wheel drives for racing. However, the critics saw the four-wheel races as too heavy and difficult. The Quattro gained significant success in the World Rally Championship winning the 1983 (Hannu Mikkola} and the 1984 {Stig Bolmquist) drivers titles. The Quattro also got home the manufactures title in 1982 and 1984.

In 1984, Audi launched the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro. This car dominated the races in Monte Carlo and Sweden, by taking all the podium places. Audi also received the rally honors in the Honk Kong to Beijing rally in the same year. Michele Mouton is the only race driver to win a round of World Rally Championship and a driver for Audi. In 1985, Michele raced the S1 in the Pike Peaks and set a record of 11.25.39. She is the first woman to set a Pike Peak record. Walter Rohrl claimed a title for the company setting a new Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record of 10:47:85 in the Audi S1. The Audi S1 employs a 5-cylinder turbo charged engine and generates over 600hp (447kW). The S1 serves as the bas for all the S models of the company. The company entered the Trans American Racing in the year 1988. In 1989, Audi moved to International Motor Sport Association (IMSA GTO).

Touring Races

The company was successful in marketing and selling its cars in the United States of America. In the 1990’s Audi returned to Europe. The company began racing into the super touring series. The company participated in the French Supertourisme and Italian Supertourisme. The company also participated in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The Federation International de Automobile (FIA) faced difficulties in regulating the Quattro four-wheel drive system and the impact it had on the competitors, which eventually led to the ban on use of four-wheel drives for competitions. The company then started focusing on the sports car racing. The company raced with their RS4 in the Speed World GT Challenge. Few of the races allowed the use of four-wheel drives and thus enabled the Quattro to dominate as the Champion.

Sports Car Racing

Audi entered the 24-hour Le-Mans races in the year 1999. In 2003 two Bentley Speed 8s, with Audi engines competed the GTP and finished in top two positions. These cars were loaned to the fellow Volkswagen Group then. In the 2005, Le-Mans two R8s entered along with an R8 from the Audi PlayStation Team Oreca. Audi continues its active participation in the 24i Hour Le- Mans.

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Visit us at Audi. Please make sure to visit our page about Audi pictures

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The key factors guiding Audi to success are its technologies. Throughout the time the company is constantly improving the body structures, engines and in car technologies. These technical improvements serve as guiding features towards becoming a leader in the global automobile market.

Body Shells

Audi manufactures 100% galvanized cars to prevent corrosion. The company is the first mass market vehicle company to produce such cars. Earlier the company provided a 10-year warranty against corrosion of the body. However, the effectiveness of the newly adopted zinc coating has enabled the company to extend this warranty up to 12 years. Audi manufactured the first all aluminum car in the year 1994. The Audi A8 was the first car to make use of an aluminum space frame. This technology the, Audi Space Frame has been used consistently by the company to produce high performance vehicles. This frame helps to reduce the weight of the vehicles and provides the cars with superior aerodynamics.

Drive Layout

The company strongly disagrees to the conventional rear wheel drive layout privileged by other car manufacturers. The company favors the front wheel drive or the four-wheel drive layouts and makes use of a longitudinally front mounted engine in an overhung position, over the front wheels in front of the axle line. In 1970, Audi designed its own four-wheel drive (4WD) systems in passenger vehicles. The company has recently applied the Quattro badge to models such as the A3 and TT using the Swedish Haldex Traction electro-mechanical clutch 4WD systems.

Engines

Audi has always been the champion in the manufacturing of engines. The company manufactured the 2.1/2.2L, 5 cylinder engines as long lasting alternative to the conventional 6 cylinder engines in 1990’s. The new models such as the A3, A4, A6 and A8 use the 1.8L engines and replaced by new Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engines. Most petrol engines incorporate the fuel saving technology. The petrol engines manufactured by Audi include,

• 1.6 liters 4 cylinder 115bhp (86 kW)
• 2.0 liters 4 cylinder 200bhp (150 kW)
• 3.2 liters V6 250-260bhp
• 5.2 liters V10 450bhp (336 kW)

The Direct Shift Gear Box

Audi introduced the DSG or Direct shift gearbox in the early 2000’s. The DSG is an automated manual transmission drivable like the conventional automatic transmission. These systems use an electro-hydraulically controlled clutch instead of a torque converter. The Audi A3 and TT make use of this system.

Twin-charger Technology (TSI)

The conventional engine with at least 1.4L capacity is combined with a turbocharger and supercharger to produce high power output, with lower levels of carbon-di-oxide emissions. These engines are extremely fuel-efficient compared to a non-turbo engine.

This engine produces an output of 140 and 170bhp (127 kW). These engines have gained popularity amongst the motoring press and public. The engines have possible entries into the Audi range with the Audi A3 and Audi A4 models.

Audi has strived constantly to improve the performances of their cars with technological advancements. With the growth of technology, the company aims at growing to be the leader in technologically advanced automobile market.

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Visit us at Audi. Please make sure to visit our page about Audi”>http://www.audi48.com/audi_p2.aspx\”>Audi pictures

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How to save money on your next Audi service

Audi servicing is now much cheaper, for those in the know.

Thanks to European legislation, you no longer have to be tied to high Audi service costs, dictated by your local dealer.

In October 2003 new European legislation affecting the motor industry came into force called “Block Exemption Regulation” 14002002 (BER), and this now means that you can book your next Audi car service online and save up to 50% on what you might pay at your local Audi dealer.

Before the law changed it was difficult to have new cars within their warranty period serviced outside a franchised dealer. If you wanted to shop around for the best prices on Audi servicing, your hands were tied.

The change in the law now gives every car owner the freedom to service their car away from the main dealers, and still have their warranty protected.

Thousands of Audi car owners have now taken advantage of their new right and reduced their Audi serving costs, whilst benefiting from the convenience of booking with national car service providers such as Service A Car.

Service A Car is a leading online car servicing network that prides itself on the quality of its Audi servicing, their customer service and transparent pricing. Because the company is not tied to any particular car manufacturer, they are able to service any make of vehicle and compete freely in the market, on a like-for-like.

Every vehicle is rigorously serviced according to the manufacturer’s servicing schedule, using genuine recommended parts fitted by qualified technicians. This means that every Audi car service fulfils the warranty criteria and there is no compromise on the servicing standards of a main dealer.

Companies like Service A Car, who fulfil the warranty criteria when servicing your Audi, are able to maintain your service book, just as main dealer can – thereby protecting your warranty and helping you to maximise the resale value of your Audi car.

Of course, booking direct with a national car servicing network has its own advantages:

·         You no longer have to do all the running around. Service A Car collects your Audi in the morning and delivers it back that afternoon, free of charge

·         You pay a fixed Audi service price, which can be up to 50% below the price at the Audi servicing desk of your local dealer

·         No additional work is carried out without your agreement, which means no nasty surprises when it comes to paying the bill

·         Trained Customer Advisers are on hand throughout the day to keep you informed of progress, and report back on problems you asked to be investigated as part of your Audi service e.g. knocks and rattles

·         Your Audi service includes a free wash and vacuum clean

·         You simply pay with your credit or debit card and your car is delivered back to your home or work address.

Our advice for saving money on Audi car servicing is to contact a national car servicing network, who is not tied to any one particular car manufacturer, like Service A Car.

So, before you book your next Audi service, why not ask your local dealer to tell you the cost of the service (plus parts, oil and any extras) and then compare it with a fixed price quote from a national servicing network, like Service A Car?

Happy motoring,

Howard.

Chairman Service A Car

About the Author:

Service A Car is the fastest growing independent car servicing specialist in the UK with a network of over 500 garages nationwide.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/audi-service-636362.html

After the thriving launch of Audi A6 in India at the Aurangabad branch, the Audi officials are very crucial to launch its new model Audi A4 in the market from the very same plant at Aurangabad. If we consider to what the company officials say, we find that the company has been able to conglomerate at the market sales in the past seven-eight months. Audi is well planned to launch its A4 model at all its selected dealer center locations which are nearly twelve through out the nation.

Nearly 50 employees are working in CKD (Completely Knock Down) production department of the company at the group plant at Aurangabad. Indian team for the Audi production is skilled in terms of production efficiency, electronics, logistics and the available quality of the automobile. These trainees are trained at Neckarsulm at Germany.

Looking at the safety side of the car we find that the car is provided with front and side crash protectors. With (FSI) Fuel Stratified Injection system present in 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 V6 FSI petrol/gasoline engines, the car is highly equipped to give a power out-put of 200 and 255 PS or 147 and 188 KW. Both the engines give designs of engine power with four-valve per cylinder designs. According the company officials the five-valve engine is incapable to compete with the fuel stratified injection system. 2.0 TDI diesel engine is now equipped with 16 valves, there by making the car more compatible in accordance with the other cars. The earlier present 2.5 TDI engine car is now turned 3.0L which is capable of offering 204 PS or can say 150 KW. Its 5-speed manual transmission is changed to a 6-speed transmission.

The new Audi A4 has the subtle styling that whispers class and a build quality. The attention to detail inside is second to none, and the drive is certainly not going to disappoint. There is good reason the new Audi A4 is proving to be so popular.

Externally the A4 wears the new Audi goatee which lends a real aggression to the front end. Internally the new A4 has a notice to detail only Audi could manage. All materials feel expensive and the fit and finish is impeccable. As you would imagine from an Audi A4, there is abundance room to seat 4 adults comfortably, plus with the boot being one of the largest in its class, you won’t have to travel light either.

All versions of the new Audi A4 come well equipped with kit, but the S and SE models prove to be great value with competitive prices plus loads of kit and toys too.

The new Audi A4 rides and handles fantastically. With either front wheel drive or the Audi Quattro four wheel drive system, grip is sufficient. Cornering is also direct and sharp, but the suspension is still refined enough to not be upset by poor surfaces.

There is a range of 10 engines available for the new A4. The range starts with the 1.6 petrol, and goes all the way up to a 3.2 diesel, with 8 various petrol and diesel lumps in between. All the engines are more than capable, and it really comes down to preference.

Company officials are expecting that they would boom the market with their new Audi A4. So, we think that the result come forward.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/audi-a4-620167.html

The first generation Audi 3 or A3 was only released as a 3-door hatchback and was similar to the Volkswagen Golf Mk4. The Golf was its contemporary yet the Audi 3 moved a higher notch with its sportier look and its five-valve cylinder. In the late 1990s, newer and more powerful versions of the Audi 3 were released, sporting a 1.8 Turbo engine and a 1.9 TDI Diesel. In 1999, Audi 3 also came out as a five-door car, a great improvement from its 3-door model.

The 2000 model of Audi 3 had a six-speed manual gearbox, a much luxurious interior, and newly-designed headlights. Also, a brake force distribution system plus the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) traction features of the Audi 3 became standards.

The second generation of Audi 3, which was first launched in 2003, also came first as a 3-door hatchback. It remained powerful with its four-cylinder engine and the PQ35 platform. Also noticeable in Audi 3 was the new and spacious interior and storage capability. In 2004, the five-door “Sportback” was released as a newer version of the Audi 3 hatchback. Without losing its sporty design, Audi managed to include a five-door sports luxury car in its range.

The present Audi 3 uses the power train technology that enables it to be powerful in performance with its 2.0 T engine and 2.0 liter four-cylinder valve. A powerful performer, the Audi 3 remains to be one of the highest safety standards. Audi 3 is also made available in different range of engine types which provides buyers with a more extensive choice. The Audi 3 remains to be one of the most elegantly-designed compact cars that can be at par with competition. The Audi 3 is currently available in black, white, silver, and in hues of blue.

With the latest Audi 3 contract hire models, it remains to be on the top line of compact luxury cars. The Audi 3 remains to be a compact sports car that is proud of its powerful performance and comprehensive safety features that scream a lower price than those at its level than normal Audi contract hire.

By: Darrell Freeman

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Darrell F writing about the Audi A3 on contract hire and Audi leasing.

Louie Liu has been in the car aftermarket products industry for 5years. He has specialized in body kits, headlights, cold air intakes and other aftermarket products. He has deep knowledge of a wide range of products including knowledge of benefits of body kits and other products, product options and how to choose a car aftermarket product. You can learn about a wide range of body kits and other car aftermarket products at his site www.ilovebodykits.com.

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Manufactured by Covers for Auto, the legendary car cover and seat cover maker from southern California, Audi seat covers are prized by Audi enthusiasts all over the United States for their outstanding performance, exquisite looks and amazing durability. Made strictly in accordance with specifications collected from the automaker, Audi seat covers are mostly ordered by people as replacement accessory when factory installed seat covers are worn out or have become badly stained.

Also ordered are personalized Audi seat covers by buyers who insist on inserting a touch of their individuality in their cars by altering the interior look of their vehicle. Thank heavens; it can jolly well satisfy such requests, too since they maintain an enormous inventory of assorted Audi seat covers at any given point of time.

Designed and cut through intricate state-of-the-art technology and aided by CAD/CAM process of manufacturing, Audi seat covers are made from a wide array of materials, starting from velour to imported genuine sheepskin. While others charge extra for supplying head rests, arm rests, etc, The US Quality Certified (QS-9000 and TS16949) company has also been specially permitted to use some branded logos on seat covers made by them.

Since contemporary Audis have specially adapted front seats that can be tilted, folded, swung around, etc and are provided with safety devices like air bags, Audi front seat covers are provided with ‘cut outs’ or flaps that allow full functioning of the seats. Provision for integrated shoulder belts is also a regular feature of all Audi seat covers.

Visit www.covers4auto.com to find custom made seat covers for your Audi.

About the Author:

Shane Watson

Content Writer

www.covers4auto.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/audi-seat-cover-587959.html

Manufactured by Covers for Auto, the legendary car cover and seat cover maker from southern California, Audi seat covers are prized by Audi enthusiasts all over the United States for their outstanding performance, exquisite looks and amazing durability.

Made strictly in accordance with specifications collected from the automaker, Audi seat covers are mostly ordered by people as replacement accessory when factory installed seat covers are worn out or have become badly stained.

Also ordered are personalized Audi seat covers by buyers who insist on inserting a touch of their individuality in their cars by altering the interior look of their vehicle. Thank heavens; it can jolly well satisfy such requests, too since they maintain an enormous inventory of assorted Audi seat covers at any given point of time.

Designed and cut through intricate state-of-the-art technology and aided by CAD/CAM process of manufacturing, Audi seat covers are made from a wide array of materials, starting from velour to imported genuine sheepskin. While others charge extra for supplying head rests, arm rests, etc, The US Quality Certified (QS-9000 and TS16949) company has also been specially permitted to use some branded logos on seat covers made by them.

Since contemporary Audis have specially adapted front seats that can be tilted, folded, swung around, etc and are provided with safety devices like air bags

, Audi front seat covers are provided with cut outs or flaps that allow full functioning of the seats. Provision for integrated shoulder belts is also a regular feature of all Audi seat covers.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

about the author

Visit www.covers4auto.com to find custom made seat covers for your Audi.

Some people are speculating that Brad Pitt actually bought an Audi Q7. So what? He’s Brad Pitt for crying out loud. With his growing family, it really is not a wonder if he chooses such valuable luxury Sports Utility Vehicle.

Audi is a German automobile manufacturer based in Ingolstadt , Bavaria . It is one of the leading car manufacturers in the world producing quality luxury sedans sport cars, and SUVs. Its beginning was commemorated at the turn of the 20th century by a man named Augustus Horch. Audi started with a 2612 cc 2.6L car model. Next came the 3564 cc 3.6L model alongside a 4680 cc 4.7L, and a 5720 cc 5.7L models. These cars garnered victories in several sporting events. Over the years, Audi has experienced a few changes in the administration however, their reputation as competent German car manufacturer never wavered. In fact, Audi is known for the elegance and sophistication of their car designs.

With the SUV Q7, Audi has successfully mixed versatility with. Moreover, this vehicle has earned the Top Safety Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It had excellent ratings for its front, side, and rear crash protection tests. That is probably why parents whose top priority is their children’s safety are likely to eye this luxury SUV. Not only can it accommodate a healthy bunch, it has the ability to protect its passengers at a maximum.

Audi was carefully and efficiently equip each product with a comprehensive list of active as well as passive safety features which includes a stability program which functions electronically, standard four-wheel brakes with anti-lock braking system, a standard tire pressure monitoring system, and daytime running light.

The Q7 however, has the additional Quattro permanent all-wheel standard feature. It provides high levels of active safety and traction on any surface in order to reduce the chances of collision. Moreover, with the side assist system, Audi has pioneered the blind spot protection. The system detects possible collision incident before it can possibly happen and warns the driver via a directional amber LED in the inner casing of the exterior mirror.

Due to the exemplary results of the safety test, consumer interest in Audi is rapidly growing and the company has been gaining instant popularity as well as hefty sales in major markets. It is probably safe to say that Audi Q7 is the ultimate choice for a family car nowadays. So, in choosing the right luxury vehicle for the entire family, It should be on the top of your list. And even when you’re taking your kids on a vacation in crowded places such as Las Vegas , be sure to rent a reliable SUV. Safety is most important, may it be away from, or at home.

Las Vegas Exotic Car Rentals : From 1928 to 2008 we have the LARGEST selection of Exotic, Classic and Luxury Rental Cars on the Strip! From Auburns to Packards, Voyager Classics Car Rentals has the largest selection of classics available for rent anywhere in Las Vegas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_S_Fitzgerald

As you expect the Audi A7 is a 4 seater, but you buy the car for its sporty looks rather than space. “The segment for four-door coupes is growing, most significantly in North America. It is not something that can be ignored,” said a senior Audi source. Audi expects to sell around 40,000 a year once sales are in full swing. The A7 is expected to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS

New features of the Audi A7 is that it will use air springs for a better quality ride, a new 6 cylinder power plants. Normal models will run a 2.8 litre direct-injection FSI V6. Also buyers can choose between a diesel option (2.7L V6 TDI), and either single or twin turbocharged versions of the 3.0 litre V6 TDI. The interior is also expected to be higher-quality than previous models. The A7 is exclusively for a 4-seater but A6 and A8 may offer more practicality.

There all also a great variety of gearboxes, three transmissions are too be offered, with a six-speed manual and a choice of seven-speed dual-clutch or automatic transmission. The A7 could make its debut at the New York International Auto Show from March 21 - 30, 2008.

Also two new Audi models are planned further down the pipeline, the RS7 and the S7. These are both powered by the 5.2 litre v10 engines. These can reach up 600hp in the RS7. These models are expected to cost around £35,000 to £50,000.

The most recent Audi model is the R8, which was released in 2007 and is a great Audi leasing hit. The Audi R8 is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo. Many say it is the best sports car ever made, beating the Porsche 911 and was voted ‘Fastest Car in the world’ in 2008 and is very popular for Audi contract hire. The car can reach 0-60m in 4.0secs. The R8 is hard to fault, providing excellent performance and brilliant handling and refinement. The only problem with the R8 is the R-Tronic semi-automatic system is expensive and is jerky at low speeds.

Darrell F writing about the model Audi contract hire models.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Freeman