Lapping the Ordinary – Audi A5 Gets All Dressed Up

            Developed and designed using technology pioneered on the racetrack; Audi’s S and RS lines are engineered to have more muscle and growl as they take corners better than their trimmed down A-series siblings. Audi is currently looking to “significantly expand” the presence of the RS in the U.S. according to Filip Brabec – director of product management.

 2017 RS5 Concept Revealed

            Produced to rival their BMW and Mercedes counterparts, the “S*” (Sport) and “RS” (Racing Sport) line are scarce in the U.S. compared to other countries. The 2017 RS5 is rumored to have an estimated 500hp twin-turbo V6 and a redesigned body kit to give it a more aerodynamic and aggressive façade. A cinched up belt line and some shiny new shoes give the RS5 that fashionably late feel when you can’t help but pass by the competition.

“The racetrack isn't just a place where our drivers win trophies. It's our lab.

 Everything scrutinized, pushed beyond the limits and proven to reach new heights. That said, the trophies are pretty nice, too.”

            It’s speculated the RS5 won’t rear its head any time before 2017, but the recently redesigned A4 gives Audi drivers hope as they sit waiting for the next detail to be revealed. Every ounce of innovation is designed to make each moment in an Audi performance model more epic than the last. Contact us to find out more about your pre-order. 

Not One, Not Two, Not Three, Not Four. Audi Earns Fifth Top Crash Safety Rating of 2016

We all know that Audi is synonymous with reliability. After this year, it should also be recognized for its great safety features. Audi is cleaning up in the awards circuit yet again, topping the world renowned Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) with the highest score attainable. 5 Audi Models are IIHS Top Safety Picks + for 2016. The models are the 2017 A4 and Q7, and the 2016 Q5, A6, and A3. Some brands are lucky to even get one IIHS Top Safety Pick. To achieve not just five top picks, but with a + rating is truly remarkable.

Audi pre sense city with automatic emergency braking earned the A4 a “superior” rating for front crash prevention. The standard Audi pre sense city with automatic emergency braking earned the 2017 A4 a “superior” rating for front crash prevention. The system helps detect moving and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, at speeds of up to 52 mph and can initiate braking when a potential collision is detected.

In regards to the A4 being selected as a top safety pick, Scott Keough, President of Audi of America said, "We are very proud to have the IIHS recognize the A4 with this prestigious rating, More and more customers are seeking driver assistance systems when making their vehicle purchase decision, and the A4 demonstrates some of the best technologies available today. Having both the Q7 and now the A4 be awarded Top Safety Pick+ ratings further demonstrates our commitment to the highest levels of safety and technology in our vehicles.”


IIHS tests two different parameters: Crashworthiness, how well a vehicle protects occupants in a crash, and  crash avoidance and mitigation, which measures technology that can help prevent the crash.

The 2017 Q7 received the highest possible rating in the Small Overlap front crash test and achieved a superior rating in front crash prevention. “This year’s Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2017 Q7 represents our brand’s longstanding commitment to bringing innovative technologies to the market,” said Scott Keogh, President Audi of America. “The Q7 demonstrates our leadership in many of the advanced driver assistance systems today that will form the future of piloted driving tomorrow.”

For your top safety Audi, be sure to visit us at Audi Michiana

Audi of America Announces Enhancements and Pricing 2017 Model Year vehicles

Highlighted by sportier interiors and exterior design packages that allow more personalization by the consumer, Audi released more details about their 2017 models, including pricing.  The 2017 models will have more standard features, including the Audi smart phone interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The Audi A5 Coupe and Cabriolet model is the highlight of the 2017 class. Exuding beauty, efficiency, and sheer muscle, the A5 now features "a 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles (for models equipped with Tiptronic® transmission) and front and rear parking sensors. Also added to the A5 model line for 2017 is an optional Convenience package, offering heated front seats with driver memory, Audi advanced key and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. Available Black optic package on the A5 Coupe Sport models now includes 19” Audi Sport® 10-spoke-Y design gloss black finish wheels and gloss black exterior mirror housings and grille surround."

The A6 model line sees some considerable enhancements as well. Receiving exterior upgrades, it now has a more dynamic body to tackle any road. The interior sees a total technology enhancement, with it getting improved in-vehicle infotainment, including Audi smartphone interface for compatible devices (available on 2.0T variants and standard on 3.0T variants). Including the standard Quattro package, it also has 340 horses of power standard in all vehicles.

Most exciting to us about this? The pricing. Check out the chart of all the new Audi sedans and coupes below. All luxurious, but still within reasonable pricing parameters for their quality.

For all your Audi needs, visit us at Gurley Leep Audi and chat with one of our sales representatives today.

Source: Audi of America announces pricing for updated 2017 Model Year

Audi R8 To Drive in NASCAR?

Alright Audi fans, start your engines, hopefully. Speculation is abound from insiders that the German manufacturer could be exiting the FIA World Endurance Championship (The FIA WEC is popular in Europe and Asia, with Nissan, Audi, Porsche, and Toyota being among the competitors) for NASCAR. While many believe that the Audi R8 is destined for Formula 1 rather than the American racing circuit, it has not stopped experts from weighing in. Matthew Dilner, of NASCAR.com, tweeted on March 23, "I've heard rumors for two years of Audi entering #NASCAR and know the interest has been there. My prediction is that it will happen." This is not the first time a foreign automaker has been linked to NASCAR. After years of rumors and speculation, in 2003, Toyota officially threw their hat into the NASCAR ring, not only becoming the first foreign made vehicle in the racing circuit, but also replacing Pontiac who was on their way out. Met with skepticism at first, the inclusion of Toyota was widely viewed as a homerun, not only becoming instantly popular, but also opening a brand new market in Japan. Why would Audi not have that same affect on NASCAR with American and German fans alike?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The Audi R8 would instantly be one of the most lethal vehicles in NASCAR. This supercar was built for speed having a 5.2-liter V10 engine that delivers up to 610 hp in the R8 V10 plus. The R8 GT also goes 0 to 62 MPH in only 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 205 MPH. It is so quick that it can do a quarter mile in just 11.3 seconds. With over 600 horses of power, power will never be an issue. You need to keep in mind when hearing these numbers one key fact-- these are the numbers that the general population gets to drive. You can only imagine how souped up a racing R8 is.

Some cast some doubt over Audi R8 actually ever enter the United States, and most skeptics believe that it is only a matter of a time before it is headed to Formula 1. Wherever this car ends up, it is truly a testament to Audi as a brand that it has generated such interest to even be linked to NASCAR or Formula 1. The luxury brand is truly global.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To purchase your own Audi R8, visit our site where you could chat with one of our experienced sales representatives or you could view the R8 in our Audi Showroom.

2016 Audi R8 Spyder- Well, This Should Be Fun

 

 

Now might be a good time to sit back, relax with a cup of coffee or your favorite adult beverage, and watch the video above, which gives a brief walkaround of the new 2016 Audi R8 Spyder.  The throaty rumble of the naturally-aspirated V10 engine is enough to make you fall in love sight unseen, but once you get a look at this incredible machine, you'll realize that there are few cars on the market today that can compare.  

It almost doesn't do the car justice to reduce it to mere numbers, but we realize that the stats are important, so here goes.  According to Car and Driver "The standard V10 model gets 540 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque; the mighty V10 Plus is rated at 610 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.  The sprint from 0 to 62 mph is said to take 3.5 seconds or 3.2 seconds, and top speed for the cars is rated at an ungoverned 201 or 205 mpg"  Certainly sounds like fun to us.  

Additionally, the R8 is an all-wheel drive vehicle with a fully variable front/rear torque distribution.  The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.  There are different driving modes, including Dynamic and Performance, allowing the driver to choose the handling type for differing road conditions.  There is even a fuel-efficient "sailing" function.  

Audi has done a magnificent job with their "Virtual Cockpit" display system, and it is evident on the R8 Sypder.  While other manufacturers are trying to catch up, Audi has set the standard for virtual display instrumentation.  

Visit Audi of Michiana for more information on this and the rest of our award-winning Audi vehicles.  

Audi Named Best Overall Brand by Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has released it's Best Car Brands report for 2016, and Audi has been named Best Overall Brand.  According to Consumer Reports, they "tabulate the overall score, road-test score, and predicted reliability results for each tested model of a brand... then average those scores at the brand level. This average overall score is used to rank the car brands as an indicator of who makes the best cars.

In achieving the highest ranking, Audi had the highest overall score, the highest grade (better than average) in Predicted Reliability, and was one of only three brands that achieved a 100% score in the percentage of "Test Models That are Recommended."  The article says in conclusion: "Reliability has been solidly above average as of late, and most models do well in our owner satisfaction survey."

You can see all of these exceptional Audi vehicles at Audi of Michiana, or visit us at 4004 North Grape Road in Mishawaka. 



The 2017 Audi A4 Has Arrived

Sometimes a car is so good, it just can't wait.  The 2017 Audi A4 has arrived at Audi Michiana, and it shouldn't be missed if you are the market for a luxury sedan.  

Starting with its obvious good looks, the 2017 A4 gets your attention with the diamond-inspired Singleframe grille, and available all-LED headlamps, as well as 18-inch Audi sport-design wheels.  Inside, you will find ventilated front seats with power lumbar, aluminum inlays, and and a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters. 

Under the hood, the new A4 is powered by a 252-horsepower TFSI engine, couple with a new seven-speed S-tronic transmission, and available quattro all-wheel drive, all combined to excite the driving experience, while offering excellent gripping and handling.

There are plenty of brains to go along with the muscle as well.  Keeping with Audi tradition, the A4 offers the latest in vehicle technology, featuring available features like Audi Virtual Cockpit, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and traffic jam assist.  

Priced with a starting MSRP of just $37,300, the 2017 Audi A4 is priced like an entry-level luxury sedan, but it offers far more.  You can view our selection of 2017 Audi A4 models here, as well as our entire inventory of new and used Audi vehicles at Audi of Michiana.