This is what happens when you put an Audi Q7 on a hot wash! The German brand is upping the ante in the compact SUV sector with its all-new Q5. And these first official pictures will have Land Rover and BMW executives in a sweat.

The newcomer is aimed squarely at the Freelander 2 and X3, combining smart styling with Audi’s famous quattro four-wheel-drive system.

Measuring 4.63 metres, the Q5 is longer than its closest rivals, but bosses claim it will be the sportiest compact SUV around when it hits UK showrooms in September. From the outside there’s no mistaking its distinctive Audi grille, while its optional LED daytime running lights borrow heavily from the new A4.

The rear tailgate is aluminium to reduce weight – just like the bon-
net. LED light clusters provide a striking look at the back. A pair of alloy roof rails boosts practicality, while an extra-large panoramic sunroof features on the options list.

Buyers will get the choice of three exterior packages. Standard Q5s feature black body trim, but customers will also be able to select a full body-colour option or even pick a contrasting shade. Alternatively, sporty S Line versions provide a more aggressive look, and an optional off-road package includes beefy underbody protection and bigger alloy wheels.

Audi is famed for its quality interiors and the Q5 won’t disappoint, with wood, aluminium, chrome, leather and Alcantara all featuring inside.

A gearshift indicator in the instrument panel helps you select the most economical ratio, and the brand’s clever MMI interface controls major functions via an integrated screen on the centre console. There’s also a space-saving electronic parking brake.

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The first Audi TT to sport the ‘S’ insignia is now available to order in Coupe and Roadster forms in the UK market with prices set at £33,380 and £35,380 respectively.

Equipped with a 272 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the TTS comes with either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optionally at £1,400, the Audi S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

The TTS will reach its first UK customers in the summer of 2008. Read more »

Russia, middle of the day, a gorgeous super-car, an Audi R8 and a crazy driver. What can these lead to? Circles on the road. Is this safe? Of course not, but what can you expect from a filthy rich guy that wants to show off.

The bad thing is that he’ll probably have to change those tires and the prices are high in Russia. He’ll have to spend a few thousands for the gums. If he’s that stupid, I’m sure he affords it. Read more »

When I first read the Audi model rollout schedule for the next five years I’ve seen there is a 4-door coupe in line for sale from June 2009 and I’m talking about Audi A7.

They are already doing undercover testing for it for a series of V6 engines from 3.2-liters that develops 268 bhp to a 5-liter bi-turbo V10 engine that gives 570 bhp.

All Audi A7 will come with front-wheel drive or Quattro and the biggest surprise could be the V12 TDI engine with 493 bhp that they are testing on the R8. Read more »

Today Audi brought some more of its Le Mans-conquering technology to the street in the form of the new R8 V-12 TDI. The R8 V12 TDI is a concept that melds the 6.0L V-12 diesel from last years Q7 concept with the award winning R8 sports car.

The concept engine shares a cylinder count with the race-winning R10, but it’s actually a completely new engine with a 60-degree bank angle instead of the 90 degrees used on the race engine. While the 500 hp is only par for the course in its class, the 738 lb-ft of torque is enough to shred all four tires with ease.

While the R8 V12 TDI storms to 62mph in 4.2 seconds and maxes out at 186mph, it also manages to get 23 MPG. The combination of a 29,000-psi direct-inject fuel injection system, particulate filters and urea injection allows this beast to pass 2014 EuroVI emissions standards, too. Read more »

Audi has already publicly revealed it will be showing two vehicles at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One it called a “stunning” concept car and the other is a new production car making its world debut.

One of the two cars will reportedly be an Audi R8 powered by the brand’s V12 TDI diesel engine, this according to German mag Auto Motor und Sport.

While the R8 TDI is likely destined for production, it’s probably not the production car that Audi will debut in Detroit. If it’s the “stunning” concept, consider us stunned. Read more »

It’s that time of year where everyone’s prognosticating like Nostradamus about what the coming year will hold. The authoritative ink slingers at Automobile magazine have decided that Audi’s R8 deserves the dual honors of 2008 Automobile Of The Year and Design Of The Year, as well.

While infused with the generous spirit, Automobile named General Motor’s Two-Mode Hybrid rig Technology Of The Year.

The R8 is Audi’s sports/GT that looks like a supercar and radiates a glow across the entire Audi model line. Not only does it have neck-snapping visual presence, with a 420 horsepower V8 between the axles, there’s a deep well of accelerative force to go along with a finely-tuned AWD chassis that doesn’t scramble the occupants. Read more »