All you’ll have to do is tag yourself to the image and a pixel hiding the car is unlocked. Once all pixels are unlocked, a decision will be made by the company.

We’d have to give it to Audi for bringing its fans into the fray in deciding whether or not a model is suitable for India, but there are more serious questions that need answering than asking a group of Facebook fans while studying the feasibility of a launch. A company’s decision to invest crores of rupees cannot hinge on the number of votes generated through a social media campaign.

The positive outcome is that Audi’s going to engage its fans and make them research on the S4. This will ensure that enough buzz is generated on social media platforms in the lead up to the launch.

But there is an another Audi in the pipeline. Yes, we are talking about the facelifted Audi Q5 which made its official debut at Beijing Motor show. Design wise, the all new Audi Q5 features

• Revised six-point grille
• Refreshed headlights
• Slightly updated front bumper

Mechanically, the new Audi Q5 features an electrical power steering unit instead of an hydraulic one. The chassis has been modified for increased ride comfort.

Audi India currently offers the Q5 in a myriad of petrol and diesel options. While there is no confirmation from Audi’s side, we have a very strong feeling that the new updated version of these engines will debut with the all new Q5. The set of engines include:

Petrol Engines

• 3.0-liter TSFI with two state of tune 272PS and 329PS.

Diesel engines

• 2L TDI with 150 horses
• 3L TDI with 240 horses
• 3L twin turbo TDI power with 313 horses

Audi India may choose to continue the 2.0L TSi engine as an entry level variant of the Audi Q5. Audi India assembles the Q5 in the Aurangabad plant and most of the operation is CKD.

We can expect the facelifted Audi Q5 to be immediately launched after the much-awaited Audi Q3. Or Audi may choose to give us the new Q5 as a Diwali Gift.

Source: TeamBhp Member – TheRagingBull

Currently in a very good position compared to its rivals and announcing its plans to launch around 18 new models that would include completely new vehicles and upgrades in the current offerings, it seems like achieving goals will happen sooner than expected.

Reports from European news services have revealed that Audi has applied for many new name trademarks for its imminent launches. These include seven new ones: Q6, Q8, S2, S9, RS1, RS8, R6 and three trademarks ‘E-Gasoline,’ ‘E-Diesel’, and ‘E-Benzin’ for its eco-friendly line-up of vehicles.

From this information we can speculate that the Q6 would fight against the BMW X6 and the Q8 might be a bigger more luxurious SUV than the Q7, slotting right below the production versions of the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley EXP 9F belonging to the Volkswagen Group.

The S2 and S9 are more than likely to be S-line versions of the A2 and A9 respectively. The A2 is expected make a return as a sports tourer while the A9 could be a 4 door luxury sedan and probably the most expensive offering by the four rings on sale. The RS1 and RS8 badges cannot be but sporty versions of the A1 and A8 respectively.

The R6 monicker suits a vehicle smaller and less expensive than the R8. If the TT brand gets a shot of steroids it can be eligible to wear the R6 badge.

The E-names would probably be used on the petrol- and diesel- hybrid offerings from Audi, while the E-Tron terminology connotes electric vehicles.

The Audi A4L is made by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. The BMW 3 Series long wheelbase was introduced weeks ago at the Beijing Auto Show using the F30 model and this is like a reflex action from camp Audi.

The A4 has been stretched by 110mm along its wheelbase to provide more space to the rear passengers. The facelifted A4L will be powered by the 1.8 TFSI, which is upgraded to produce 170hp, up by 10 horses, and more powerful engines such as the 2.0 TFSI and the 3.2 FSI.

Prices start from 272,800 Chinese yuan (approx. 23.3 Lakh INR) and stretch up till 578,100 Chinese yuan (approx. 49.3 Lakh INR)

China has a large number of people who love to be chauffeur driven and hence the long-wheel based models of even the smaller sedans like the A4 or 3 Series are very popular there.

[Source - AutoHome.com.cn via CarNewsChina.com]

Now, it’s time for Audi to step up its game. The company has promised to bring out a sedan based on the A3 hatchback. It all new sedan will sit below the A4 and featuring slightly bigger wheelbase and more interior space than the donor A3 hatchback.

Audi will use the MQB platform with ample use of aluminum to reduce the body weight. Power may come from 2 engines -

• 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol
• 2.0L liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder

Both are mated to a 7 speed S-tronic transmission. There are also rumors of S3 and RS3 variants with better performance as is the case S and RS derivatives of other Audi models.

The Ingolstadt giant plan to tank the S3 sedan with a host of technologies such as park assist, traffic sign detection, active lane assist, cruise control and adaptive lighting.

The Audi A3 sedan will land in showrooms by 2014 with a price tag of $28,145 (around 15 lakhs). However don’t think that the A3 sedan will have the market to itself. Mercedes has already showcased the CSC (Concept style Coupe), a sedan that will sit under the C Class in the same price bracket.

BMW is quite mum about the a rival in this segment. However, the Bavarian automaker can explore the 1 Series platform for help. Sure, it is a more performance oriented product but BMW can modify it to make it more mass market friendly to rake in the volumes.

[Source: inautonews.com]

Especially designed for the annual Wörthersee Tour – a youth-oriented, action/lifestyle/sport oriented spring festival – the Audi Q3 Red Track is your companion for the snow slopes of the Alps. Dressed in an Energy Red attire, the Red Track concept features:

• Vertical struts made from aluminum in the single-frame grille.
• Headlights, with a red tint.
• Flared wheel arches and the running boards.
• Roof racks for the skies along with a pair of auxiliary lamps.
• 5-spoke wheels in 8.5 J x 20 format.
• Black, gray and red interior with ribbed floor mats edged with narrow strips of red Velvet leather.
• Nappa Leather
• MMI navigation and more

The Audi Q3 Red Track has the same 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found under the hood of the Audi TT RS. Being mated to a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox, it generates a healthy 340 horsepower.

Even after the media drive is over, Audi India is still mum about the official launch date of the Q3 in India. But the Audi Q3 Red Track Conceptwill definitely be on display at the Worthersee Tour starting on May 16.

[Source: Autoblog.com]

IAB can reveal that this is the tag line Audi’s picked to market the S4 in India. The German company will start a campaign soon featuring Bollywood actress Gul Panag asking you to vote for Audi to bring the S4 to India.

The Audi S4 is to the Audi A4 what BMW M3 is to the 3 Series or what the C63 AMG is to the C-Class. You can argue that the RS4 is the right contemporary to the C63 or the M3, but the RS4 does not come in the sedan body style and is only available as an estate model.

Have we ever heard a sports car manufacturer talking about its product’s fuel-efficiency?

Audi will.

On top of mentioning that the S4 makes 325bhp, has a 0-100kph time of 5 seconds, it will state that the average fuel consumption of this performance-oriented variant is about 10.34kmpl. Some of the other facets of the S4 include its 3-liter V6 supercharged engine, Quattro all wheel drive and 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox.

We got a chance to go around the Buddh International Circuit in the Audi S4 yesterday. Besides the added oomph under the bonnet, what distinguishes it from the regular A4 are visual elements like the sports suspension, body kit, S4 emblems, paddle shifters and a sporty exhaust note.

Importing this car as a CBU will push the price over 65 lakh rupees but this is significantly cheaper than the C63 AMG and M3. The S4 strikes a better balance between performance and fuel economy than its German rivals at perhaps 20% cheaper price.

The S4 can create a new segment between the usual variants and the performance brute.

Audi S4 Brochure Scans

[can't see the slideshow above? Head over to the Audi S4 Brochure Scan Flickr page for direct viewing]

Audi invited us to a track day with its A4 variants at the BIC where we got a chance to test the car’s ability. Mind blown? Click through to find out!

First off was the handling and maneuverability test on a small course constructed in the parking area. The course consisted of high-speed emergency turn, 180 degree turn, slalom and ended with emergency braking maneuver. The car, being the 1.8 TSI, had front wheel drive, but still felt very stable through the course. As we took laps around the circuit, the car inspired us to go faster and faster and not for once did the car loose grip. There was a slight body roll in the slaloms but still the car felt very composed.

Driving the A4 facelift without touching the cones was pretty simple, thanks to direct feedback from the steering and predictable reactions from the chassis

The steering feedback has improved. How much? For an idea, it actually feels more connected and has a better feel than say the Mercedes E63 AMG I drove in January this year. I am more used to driving SUVs so personally, I found the steering a bit small.

Cars lineup in the pit lane waiting for the flag off ceremony to begin

On the track, the petrol being the more powerful and lighter variant, performed markedly better than its diesel counterpart. Understeer has always plagued Audi’s cars but even with traction control on, it was fun to drive hard through some of the tighter apexes. You move the steering and the car automatically finds the grip and points its nose in the direction you want it to.

Bollywood star Gul Panag and F1 racing driver Karun Chandhok hung out with media

The traction control system was playing its part but never did it try to be a spoilsport and even though it controlled the car superbly, it was hardly noticeable.

The A4 looks eye-catchy in red and black though we wouldn't complain if Audi gifted us one in white!

The 1.8 TSI motor was the winner out of the two with the power delivery being very linear until 3,000 RPM and very sporty past that up until the red line, accompanied by a sporty note. Both the upshifts and the downshifts were pretty slick and it actually felt like the gearbox was in a strong relationship with my senses!

Controls are easy to spot and the cockpit is very ergonomic

My final verdict – Audi has incorporated some of the technologies of the more superior A8 and the A6 into the A4 making it an irresistible option, and the competition has to come back with something better. Comfortable, sporty, superb interior quality, refreshed looks, best in class average fuel consumption, arguably the safest, practical interiors, gadget-loaded, fast-paced gearbox and all this at a lower price – Even without today’s track day event, we could judge that Audi had a dynamite of a car in the new A4.

Audi A4 facelift Track Day Image Gallery

[can't see the video above? Head over to the Youtube page for direct viewing]

While we have already discussed major changes over here, we are glad to report that all engine options are now 15 percent more efficient thanks to direct fuel injection and start-stop motor that come standard. Have a look at the video to see the 2013 Audi Q5 do some light off-roading and return to the tarmac as quickly as possible!

Then came a revolution in entry level crossover -BMW X1 and thus Audi shrunk the Q5 to Q3 to compete against the X1. Now Audi plans to fill in the gaps with a range of Q cars such as Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 to woo new segments of buyers.

First up is the replacement of the Q7 due in 2014. It will be based on an all new MQB evo platform which will be shared by the Volkswagen Toureg, Lamborghini Urus, and the Bentley SUV. The successor of the Q7 will be 350 kg lighter in weight thanks to a re-engineered body structure and panels made of aluminum.

Next up will be the all new Q5 based on the new MQB architecture. Later, Audi will introduce the Q2, a new entry level crossover that will sit below the Q3. The Audi Q2 will be available in five engine options

• 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine rated at 125hp
• 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine rated at 185 hp
• 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine rated at 115hp
• 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine rated at 177 hp
• A super powerful 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine with 220-hp exclusively for the performance version dubbed S Q2.

After the Q2, Audi will launch the Q8 which will be an alternative to the A9 flagship sedan that will be the new range topper for the Audi brand. The Q8 will be based on the all new Q7 platform and will be an uber luxurious SUV to rival the likes of Lamborghini Urus and Bentley SUV. The Audi Q8 will be available in five engine options

• Two petrol V-6 engines delivering 230 and 300 hp
• A 3.0-liter V-6 TDI a 250-hp
• A 4.2-liter V-8 TDI with 400-hp,
• A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with 550-hp for the SQ8

After the Q8, Audi will land the coupe crossover Q6, Audi’s alternative to the popular BMW X6. It will be based on the MQB platform of the Audi Q5 but will have a sloping roof line with a tall boy stance. It will come in both two-door and four-door guise. Mercedes Benz is said to be working on a similar coupe-crossover on the M-Class platform for a mid-decade launch.

Finally, the Audi Q4 will complete the range in 2018 which will be based on the VW Tiguan platform and will be a smaller alternative to the Audi Q6 (just as the Q5 is for the Q7) and a rival to the BMW X4. Later in 2019, Audi will roll out the second generation Q3 to replace the existing model. Expect most of these crossovers to come to the Indian market as well in due course of time.

Overdose of ‘Q’?  You bet!

[Source: automobilemag.com]