USA - Audi announces the 2018 Model year upgrades to a number of it's models.http://giosautocare.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audi%20a3%20wagon%20for%202018%20update%20reviews.jpg

• Full model line improvements for 2018 Model Year vehicles builds on 76 straight months of record sales
• Sportier interior and exterior design packages offer more personalized options
• Advanced driver assistance systems including Audi side assist, now standard on more models

Audi announced its lineup for the 2018 Model Year, including full-line pricing, numerous vehicle packaging enhancements and added standard features.

The lineup changes continues Audi’s growth strategy, with a focus on producing top-quality vehicles with offerings in the right segments, and significant enhancements in technology, design and driver-assistance systems. 

In the 2018 model year vehicles, more features become standard across the lineup, and sportier interior and exterior design packages offer more options for customers.

Highlights of the 2018 Model Year line-up changes are as follows:

2018 A3 Model Line

The 2018 A3 model line continues on its path of offering a strong entry to the Audi premium lineup, now with more standard technologies and driver assistance systems. 

New for this year, the Audi music interface with two USB ports for data and charging are now standard on all models and trims, as are heated front seats. 

A3 models at the Premium Plus trim are now standard equipped with Audi side assist and offer the Bang & Olufsen Sound System as part of the Technology package, which also includes MMI® Navigation plus and the Audi Virtual Cockpit. 

A new S sport package for the S3 combines red brake calipers and Audi magnetic ride into one offering, further underscoring the sporty character of the performance sedan. Also new for 2018, the A3 Sportback e-tron now offers an available 18-inch, multispoke design wheel with all-season tires as part of the Sport package.

2018 Audi A4 Model Line

As one of the brand’s bestselling models, the A4 model line continues to represent the best in every detail with more standard driver assistance systems and new design packages for the 2018 model year. 

The newly available Black optic plus package includes exterior design components such as 18-inch 10-Y-spoke gloss black wheels with all-season tires, red brake calipers, high-gloss black side sill blades, rear lip spoiler and exterior mirror housings in high gloss black. 

Also with the Black optic plus package, the interior receives a three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel with S badging, piano black inlays, a leatherette covered center console and door armrests, and contrast red stitching throughout the interior.

Added standard features on the Premium trim include heated front seats and S line exterior design elements. Audi side assist and Audi Pre Sense rear are now standard on the Premium Plus trim. 

On the Prestige Trim, driver assistance systems including Audi active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, traffic sign recognition and high beam assistant are now standard, in addition to standard dual-pane acoustic glass for front side windows and leatherette covered center console and door armrests.

2018 A4 allroad

The A4 allroad, which offers the versatility of a wagon with an Audi level of luxury and refinement, now includes more standard driver assistance systems and technologies for 2018. 

Audi side assist and pre sense rear are now standard on Premium Plus and Audi active lane assist with adaptive cruise control and stop & go, high beam assistant and traffic sign recognition are all now standard on the Prestige trim. 

Ventilated front sport seats are now available as part of the warm weather package on the Premium Plus trim.

2018 A6 Model Line

The A6 models receive enhanced standard equipment for the 2018 Model Year. In addition to the 2.0T FWD and 2.0T quattro® variants, new this year, the A6 is now offered with a 3.0-liter TFSI® V6 engine and quattro® all-wheel drive that delivers 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. 

MMI® Navigation plus and Audi advanced key are now standard equipment on the Premium trim level. Premium plus vehicles now include standard LED headlights and full LED interior lighting and Prestige trims now include top view camera as standard.

Newly available for 2018 on Premium Plus and Prestige trim, the Competition package includes black exterior mirror housings, red brake calipers and 20-inch, 5-double-spoke Titanium matte wheels with summer tires, sport suspension and a quattro sport differential. 

Interior enhancements as part of the Competition package include brushed aluminum inlays, S sport seats with diamond stitching, three-spoke flat bottom multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and a black cloth headliner.

2018 Audi A7 Model Line

Similar to the A6 model line, the A7 models offer more standard equipment than ever before. The A7 with 3.0T V6 engine now delivers more horsepower and torque in addition to offering standard full LED ambient interior lighting on Premium Plus trims and standard corner view camera on Prestige trims. 

The newly available Competition package for A7 models includes black optic exterior elements, S-line bumpers, red brake calipers, sport suspension and a quattro sport differential in addition to sporty interior elements such as brushed aluminum inlays, flat bottom steering wheel and S sport seats with contrast stitching. 

For the 2018 model year, the S7 receives additional wheel and tire options including standard 20-inch, five-parallel spoke S-design wheels with summer tires, and available 21-inch 10-V-spoke Audi Sport wheels also with summer tires. 

The RS 7 receives standard 21-inch, five-spoke-blade-design wheels with summer tires in addition to added standard sport exhaust with black finishers.

2018 Audi A8

For the 2018 model year, the esteemed A8 continues its tradition of benchmark luxury offerings with enhanced packages. 

The A8 L equipped with the 3.0T six-cylinder engine now offers an available Executive package which includes 20-inch, five-spoke-Blade-design wheels with all-season tires and driver assistance systems such as Audi active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, head-up display, Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear. 

The Executive package also includes front seat ventilation with massage function, rear heated seats, a heated four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and a panoramic sunroof.

In addition to the 3.0T’s Executive package, 4.0T variants offer the available Executive plus package, adding rear seat comfort features including power lumbar support for rear outboard seats, separate power rear seats and rear seat ventilation with massage function.

Adding an even sportier character to the A8 model line, the Black optic packages are available in both 20-inch and 21-inch wheel sizes, and add black accents to the standard Sport style exterior package of the A8.

2018 Audi Q3 Model Line

For 2018, the compact Audi Q3 crossover now features standard S line exterior design elements including an S line front bumper, doors sills and badging, as well as heated front seats. 

A new Convenience package, available on the Premium trim, includes Audi advanced key, power tailgate, aluminum satellite inlays and an auto dimming interior mirror with compass. 

The Premium plus trim now includes standard Audi side assist and full-LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic rear turn signals. 

The available Sport plus package for Premium Plus now also includes a three-spoke flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles in addition to a Black optic exterior kit, black roof rails and 19-inch, 10-spoke titanium design wheels with all-season tires.

2018 Audi Q7 Model Line

The updated Audi Q7 continues to set a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment offering segment-leading dynamics, driver assistance systems and advanced connectivity. For the 2018 model year, Audi advanced key now comes standard across all trims. 

Premium Plus models now include standard 3D BOSE Surround Sound system, and on 3.0T Prestige models, power door closers are now standard for increased functionality.

2018 Audi TT and TTS

The 2018 TT and TTS feature updated packages offering customers more refreshed design and technology options. Parking sensors are now standard equipment on the TT Coupe and Roadster. The available technology package now includes a 12 speaker, 680 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System to deliver an impressive musical experience. 

Also new for the 2018 model year is an available S line competition package which includes high gloss exterior accents, brushed aluminum door sills and inlays, red brake calipers, S line sport suspension, leather/Alcantara-trimmed S sport seats with S line embossing and a flat-bottom multifunction S line steering wheel.

The 2018 TTS Coupe now offers an exclusive interior package that includes fine Nappa leather-trimmed S embossed front seats with contrast diamond stitching and extended leather trim and controls in three color options – Calendula Yellow, Crimson Red and Cloudy Gray.

2018 Audi R8 Coupe and Spyder

The R8, which shares approximately 50 percent of the same parts, including the V10 engine, with the R8 LMS racecar, now also features new design options in addition to more standard features. 

New for 2018, all R8 models will come standard equipped with Audi smartphone interface for compatible devices. A newly available Black optic package includes 20-inch, 10-spoke-Y design forged wheels in high gloss Anthracite finish with summer tires, gloss black exhaust tips, Mythos black side blades (V10 models only) and Titanium Black exterior trim. 

Full LED headlights with Audi laser light are available on V10 models and are standard equipment on the V10 plus.

Additional interior enhancements for the 2018 model year include standard Anthracite high-gloss inlays on V10 models and standard Carbon sigma high-gloss inlays on V10 plus models. 

Audi Sport badging on the front grille replaces the quattro badge on all R8 models, and Audi Sport puddle lights (visible when driver or passenger door is open) are now standard on all R8 models.

Additional Model Changes

The Audi A5 and Audi Q5 families are all-new for the 2018 model year. 

Model Year 2018 Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices *Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.*

Model	Engine	Transmission	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige	Single Trim
A3 Cabriolet	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$38,350	$41,600	$46,800
A3 Cabriolet	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$41,050	$44,300	$49,500
A3 Sedan	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$31,950	$35,200	$40,700
A3 Sedan	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$34,950	$38,200	$43,700
S3 Sedan	2.0T	quattro S tronic		$43,650	$48,950
A3 Sportback e-tron	1.4T	FWD S tronic	$39,500	$42,600	$48,100
A4 allroad	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$44,500	$47,200	$53,000
A4 sedan	2.0T	ultra FWD S tronic	$36,000	$39,200	$45,500
A4 Sedan	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$40,500	$43,700	$50,000
A4 Sedan	2.0T	quattro manual	$40,500	$43,700	$50,000
S4 Sedan	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic		$51,400	$55,800
A6 Sedan	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$49,700	$51,900
A6 Sedan	2.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$51,900	$54,100
A6 Sedan	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$56,500	$58,700	$61,400
S6 Sedan	4.0T	quattro S tronic		$71,900	$74,400
A7 Sedan	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic		$69,700	$72,400
S7 Sedan	4.0T	quattro S tronic		$81,200	$83,150
RS 7	4.0T	quattro Tiptronic			$113,900
RS 7 Performance	4.0T	quattro Tiptronic			$130,700
Q3	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$32,900	$35,800
Q3	2.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$35,000	$37,900
Q7	2.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$49,900	$53,900
Q7	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$56,400	$60,400	$65,400
R8 Coupe	V10	quattro S tronic				$164,900
R8 Coupe	V10 Plus	quattro S tronic				$194,400
R8 Spyder	V10	quattro S tronic				$177,100
TT Coupe	2.0T	quattro S tronic				$43,950
TTS Coupe	2.0T	quattro S tronic				$52,950

*Destination and delivery charge is not included in MSRPs listed. Destination charges on 2018 MY vehicles are as follows:

R8 model line $1,250

All other models $975

GENEVA - The new Audi RS 5 Coupe quattro gets its first outing at the best show of the year.

BITURBO V6 TFSI POWERS NEW LIGHTER, FASTER AUDI PERFORMANCE BENCHMARK

• All-new 2.9 TFSI with 450PS and 600Nm of torque from 1,900 – 5,000rpm
• 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds –more than half a second quicker than its predecessor
• The first Audi Sport model to introduce the new design idiom
• Virtual cockpit with RS-specific displays available
• Standard 155mph top speed can be increased up to 174mph
• Combined 32.5mpg - a 17 percent improvement - and 197g/km of CO2 
• quattro all-wheel drive, wheel selective torque control and Audi drive select as standard
• Overall weight reduction of up to 60kg
• Optional carbon fibre roof and fully milled wheels
• RS sport exhaust system and sport differential also available
• State-of-the-art driver assistance, safety and connectivity systems
• Ordering anticipated to open in May with first deliveries due in summer

Reaffirming its status as the indisputable head of the A5 pack and a cornerstone of the Audi Sport stable, the all-new RS 5 Coupé makes its world debut at the 87th annual Geneva Motor Show this week, delivering phenomenal pace from its brand new V6 biturbo TFSI, a lighter overall weight and a healthy hike in torque. 

The very latest in Vorsprung durch Technik is also comes to the fore, from the cutting-edge driver assistance and connectivity systems to the even more comprehensive specification as standard. 

Ordering for the 450PS, sub-four second gran turismo is expected to open from May this year, ahead of first examples reaching UK roads this summer.

“The new Audi RS 5 Coupé is the gran turismo among the RS models from Audi Sport. The high-performance Coupé combines elegant aesthetics with high everyday usability.

The car’s V6 biturbo has been developed from the ground up and provides significantly more performance coupled with higher efficiency,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH, in describing the new model.

The RS 5 Coupé is also the first car to bear the new Audi  RS design idiom that will be introduced to the Audi Sport range. The designers drew inspiration for the RS 5 Coupé from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. Massive air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models characterise the front end of the new Audi RS 5 Coupé. The Singleframe radiator grille is much wider and flatter than in the base model. Next to the headlights are additional lateral air intakes and outlets; tinted bezels differentiate the optional Matrix LED headlights. quattro blisters on the flanks emphasise the pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 millimetres.

Appropriately purposeful accents are provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and surface-mounted spoiler lip. The RS 5 Coupé rolls as standard on 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels available as an option. Gloss black, carbon and matt aluminium packages provide even more customisation options. With a length of 4,723 millimetres, the new Audi RS 5 Coupé is 74 millimetres longer than the previous model.

Packing a mighty punch, the car’s all-new 2.9 TFSI biturbo engine produces 450PS and delivers 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque, with a charismatic soundtrack that is reminiscent of the V6 TFSI housed in the original B5 RS 4. Developed from the ground up, it offers sharp increases in power and efficiency as well as an incomparably full-bodied RS sound. It produces 450PS and peak torque of 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) – up 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) from the previous model – is available across a wide band from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The top model in the A5 family sprints from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and with the optional dynamic package reaches a top speed of 174mph.

Two turbochargers are positioned centrally between the cylinder banks of the 2.9 TFSI unit. The ingested air flows to the respective turbocharger and into the combustion chambers through a dual-branch system for spontaneous response.

The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection represents a new level of efficiency among the RS models. The shortened compression stroke used here enables an engine process with a significantly higher geometric compression ratio. Combined with a power stroke that, while normal, is longer relative to the compression stroke, this allows for more efficient combustion and increased engine efficiency.

According to the NEDC, the V6 biturbo is capable of up to 32.5mpg combined, corresponding to 197 grams CO₂per km – an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model. Another factor in the greater efficiency of the new RS 5 Coupé is its significantly lower weight. It tips the scales at 1,655 kilograms, 60 kilograms less than before. A carbon roof with a visible fibre structure is available as an option.

The biturbo’s power flows through a dynamically-tuned, eight-speed tiptronic with optimised shift times to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The drive forces are distributed asymmetrically to the axles (40:60) to guarantee dynamic handling with optimal traction and the greatest possible safety. Audi Sport also offers a rear sport differential.

An updated five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model, benefiting the deft driving characteristics and agility. It also improves comfort significantly. With the standard RS sport suspension, the new Audi RS 5 Coupé sits much lower than the production model.

Audi Sport also offers the RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning. Drivers can make their personal driving experience more individual, dynamic or comfortable using the standard Audi drive select system.

Bathed in black, the interior of the new Audi RS 5 Coupé is extremely upscale and lavishly appointed. Details such as RS sport seats with optional diamond stitching in Fine Nappa leather and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport steering wheel underscore the character of the high-performance coupe in the interior as well. RS logos adorn the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims and the selector lever.

Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces. A shift light prompts the driver to upshift upon reaching the rev limit. The RS design package uses red as a vibrant contrasting colour. Package highlights are the steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads in Alcantara plus seat belts contoured in red and floor mats with the RS emblem. Audi Sport offers Sonoma green metallic as an exclusive paint finish for the RS 5 Coupé.

A comprehensive range of infotainment choices is sure to keep everyone on board entertained. The optional MMI navigation plus with MMI touch includes the hardware module Audi connect, which connects the new RS 5 Coupé to the internet via LTE. Thanks to the Audi connect SIM, which is permanently installed in the car, the flat rate data package for the connect services including Europe-wide roaming is free of charge for three years. Passengers can go online with their mobile devices via the Wi-Fi hotspot option. The Audi smartphone interface uses Apple Car Play and Android Auto to make selected apps available in a separate MMI menu. Control is easy and intuitive, thanks to natural language voice control, free text search and the multifunction steering wheel.

The touchpad in the centre console is used to zoom, scroll and enter characters. Further high-end technologies, such as the head-up display and as many as 30 driver assistance systems enhance safety, comfort and efficiency. The intelligent interplay between these systems represents another step on the road to piloted driving.

Over 13,000 units of the first-generation Audi RS 5 Coupé have been delivered to customers since 2010.

Audi to partner ABT racing for 2016/2017 in the FIA Formula e ready for a fuly factory backed entry in 2018/2019.

• Season of the world’s first electric racing series opens in Hong Kong on Sunday
• Audi official partner of ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport
• Allan McNish coordinates Formula E project for Audi Sport

While the Audi DTM team is preparing for a thrilling finale at the Hockenheimring, the new Formula E season begins on Sunday, October 9. The electric race cars of Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport will compete in the Chinese metropolis of Hong Kong, under the banner of the Four Rings for the first time.

On the road to a fully factory-backed commitment, Audi is using the 2016/2017 season to learn more about the world’s first fully electric racing series and to prepare for the 2017/2018 season. 

The former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner Allan McNish has provisionally assumed responsibility for coordinating the Formula E project at Audi Sport in Neuburg, and will be on site at the season opener alongside the Deputy Head of Audi Motorsport, Dieter Gass.

Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport has prepared intensively for the new Formula E season, and has thoroughly tested the ABT Schaeffler FE02 electric race car. After the completion of the official tests at Donington Park on September 7, above all dyno tests were on the agenda. Both the team’s drivers, Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi, practiced on the near three-kilometre long track in the Hong Kong harbour in the simulator and delivered valuable information for setting up the car and the software to the team’s engineers.

“Similar to the DTM, the Formula E race cars are homologated and cannot be altered during the season,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “At the same time, the software, which is so crucial to energy management in Formula E, can be constantly worked on. In this field, we have lots of experience from the FIA World Endurance Championship which we can use to support the team.”

In mid-September, the Formula E organization loaded the team’s four race cars onto a plane and shipped them to Hong Kong. They were delivered to the circuit this morning and handed back. In total, the team has sent about eight tons of material on the Formula E world tour.

The first step now is to set up the temporary pits in the paddock of the race track, which is located near the famous Star Ferry terminal in the Hong Kong harbour. Subsequently, the team will start working on the race cars and present them to the FIA for technical scrutineering, including the sealing of the motors, inverters, transmissions and other components.

On Saturday, October 8, from 15:00 to 15:30, a brief shakedown session on the track is scheduled. On Sunday October 9, there will be two free practice sessions, as well as qualifying which is split between four groups, followed by a “Super Pole” – individual time trials by the quickest five. The first race of the new Formula E season begins at 16:00 (10:00 CEST). The opener of the third Formula E season will be broadcast on television worldwide in 120 countries, and hundreds of media representatives have been accredited.

At fanboost.fiaformulae.com, motorsport fans can help Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi in the race with their votes on the so-called “FanBoost". Through voting, three drivers each receive extra power for a short time, up to 200 kW (270 hp). In normal race conditions, the power output of the ABT Schaeffler FE02 is 170 kW (231 hp).

PARIS - Audi Sport launches the RS 3 TCR up and ready for customer racing, Audi adds another model to its pedigree.

• Audi RS 3 LMS new entry-level model for customer sport
• Touring car for worldwide TCR racing series
• Managing Director Stephan Winkelmann: “Attractive opportunity to get started in fascinating Audi racing”

With a racing version of the new Audi RS 3 that made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, Audi Sport customer racing will extend its offering in customer sport starting in the 2017 season. The TCR version of the Audi RS 3 sedan puts customer sport at Audi on an even broader base.

“Audi has been active in motorsport on the highest level for generations,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director at Audi Sport with responsibility for the Audi R and RS models which Audi sells under the “Audi Sport” label. 

 “With the Audi R8 LMS, Audi Sport customer racing, in a very short time, managed to build a successful customer sport program alongside the factory commitments in the WEC and the DTM. The Audi R8 LMS has since become the market leader in its segment. We have the same plans for the Audi RS 3 LMS, which offers customers an attractive opportunity to get started in fascinating Audi racing.” 

The Audi RS 3 LMS is being developed by Audi Sport customer racing for the TCR category which is still relatively new. In addition to an international TCR series, with some of its races being held as part of the FIA Formula One World Championship supporting program, more and more national racing series for TCR touring cars are being founded. Even major endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are now including TCR classes.

“The TCR market has even larger potential than that of the GT3 category,” says Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “In 2016, there were ten TCR series with races in 18 countries, and more and more series are being added. With the TCR version of the RS 3 we’re also reaching countries where no GT3 races are held. The costs for a TCR race car are very low. As a result, we’re going to win new customers for Audi Sport as well. In terms of support and parts supply, they’ll benefit from the experiences we’ve been gathering with the Audi R8 LMS since 2009, which our GT3 customers have come to appreciate.” 

The Audi RS 3 LMS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of about 240 km/h. In TCR trim, the proven four-cylinder two-liter TFSI engine delivers 243 kW (330 hp).

In terms of safety, Audi Sport customer racing is not making any compromises. The extensive safety package includes an FIA-conformant safety fuel tank, a racing safety cell, the PS3 safety seat, FIA safety nets on both sides of the seat and a rescue hatch in the roof like the one used in the Audi R8 LMS.

Audi Sport customer racing will start delivering the first Audi RS 3 LMS cars to customers this December, in time before the seasons of the major TCR racing series open in 2017. The purchase price is 129,000 euros (plus VAT) for the TCR version with a sequential six-speed racing transmission and 99,000 euros (plus VAT) for a club sport version.