A Mechanical Symphony: A couple more Audis worth posting

A new A8, another view of the R8 Spyder and the R8 E-tron. To think this is the same company that through the 80's was suffering a brand implode many thought would never be shed. The unintended acceleration fiasco just about killed the company. But this company has risen far above its former self with a wide variety of offerings, and interiors that are still considered the best in the business.

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

by Chris Paukert (RSS feed) on Nov 30th 2009 at 9:34PM

2011 Audi A8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the newwundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States – although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.

Gallery:2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Gallery:2011 Audi A8

Live photos copyright ©2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

LA 2009: Audi R8 Spyder is shown again, this time in red

by Michael Harley (RSS feed) on Dec 2nd, 2009 at 9:27PM

2010 Audi R8 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

This isn't the first time we've seen the drop-top Audi R8 Spyder. Images were leaked in early September, and we were there in Frankfurt for its official debut. That said, its unveiling at the LA Auto Show was less than climactic... other than the fact the Spyder was sporting a flashy bright-red bodywork.

New hue aside, the new convertible variant is a looker from its carbon-fiber mirrors to polished aluminum wheels. The blades are gone and it has gained 476 pounds in the transformation, but the standard Lambo-derived 525-hp V10 will still rip it to 60 mph in about four seconds flat. For the details (again), we've posted the press release after the jump.

Gallery:LA 2009: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder

[Source: Audi]

LA 2009: Audi e-tron, orange you terribly sad it was repainted

by Michael Harley (RSS feed) on Dec 2nd, 2009 at 8:56PM

Audi e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We weren't exactly electrified by Audi's e-tron concept when it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in blazing red paint this past September, but we did like the color. So, when the e-tron reappeared at the LA Auto Show this week wearing orange... bummer.

As a refresh, the e-tron concept uses four electric motors with a combined output of 313 horsepower (and a mind-boggling 3,319 lb-ft of torque) to move its 3,527-pound mass to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. More impressive is its rolling acceleration from 37-75 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically-limited to 124 mph. According to Audi, we'll see a production version in 2012.