All articles tagged with #audi
Audi reveals the RS 5 lineup with a wagon variant for the first time in the US, featuring a 678-horsepower plug-in-hybrid powertrain built from a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6; with 609 lb-ft of torque and a 0–62 mph time of 3.6 seconds, the RS 5 Avant marks Audi’s return to small RS wagons in America.
Audi debuts the RS5 as a replacement for the RS4/RS5 with a plug‑in hybrid setup: a 2.9‑liter twin‑turbo V6 plus an integrated electric motor for 630 hp and 608 lb‑ft, a 0–62 mph time of 3.6 seconds, and up to 50 miles of electric range from a 22 kWh battery. But the RS5 sedan (2,355 kg) and Avant (2,370 kg) are exceptionally heavy—even heavier than a V8 Ford F-150 SuperCab—due to the battery and AWD hardware. It adds a new center differential, torque‑vectoring rear axle, RS Torque Rear drift mode, and a Boost function. Full driving impressions will come later this year.
Volkswagen is considering abandoning its plan for a major Audi factory in the United States due to President Donald Trump’s automotive tariffs, with the CEO citing a $2.5 billion hit in the first nine months of 2025 and a 45% drop in German investment in the US in 2025 as duties took hold, amid continued trade uncertainty and potential new levies.
Audi's new F1 car, the R26, made its first track appearance during a filming day at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking a significant milestone ahead of their 2026 season debut, with official launch events scheduled in Berlin and upcoming pre-season tests.
Audi is entering Formula 1 in 2026 as a works team after acquiring Sauber, with Mattia Binotto leading the project and Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as drivers, marking the brand's first F1 venture following its announcement as an engine supplier in 2022.
Audi's iconic inline-five engine, celebrated for its unique sound and racing success over 50 years, is being commemorated with a new concept car, the GT50, but its future remains uncertain due to upcoming emissions regulations and industry shifts away from this engine layout.
Audis are known for understeer primarily due to their front-heavy weight distribution and all-wheel drive system, which favor stability over sporty oversteer. Recent engineering efforts, like active sport differentials, aim to reduce understeer, but factors like tire choice also significantly impact handling. Despite their reputation, Audi continues to improve their handling characteristics.
A passionate Audi enthusiast, Auditography, has created a detailed film criticizing recent decisions by Audi that he believes have damaged the brand's identity and passion among fans. The video, supported by community comments, highlights issues like badge removal and design changes, amid declining sales and internal strife at Audi. The community's response is mixed, with some sharing nostalgia and disappointment, while others defend the brand's evolution. The situation underscores broader industry trends and the importance of brand heritage to enthusiasts.
The ownership structures of Formula 1 teams vary widely, with entities ranging from sovereign wealth funds to private investment firms. McLaren is owned by Bahrain's Mumtalakat and MSP Sports Capital, while Ferrari is publicly traded with major stakes held by Exor N.V. and Piero Ferrari. Red Bull is owned by Red Bull GmbH, and Mercedes is equally owned by Mercedes-Benz, Toto Wolff, and INEOS. Aston Martin is led by Lawrence Stroll with a minority stake sold to Arctos Partners. Haas is fully owned by Gene Haas, Alpine by Renault and Otro Capital, Williams by Dorilton Capital, and Sauber by Audi and Qatar Investment Authority.
Apple's next-generation CarPlay is progressing, with new assets appearing in a public database, specifically focusing on Audi CarPlay instruments. These assets, submitted to the European Union Intellectual Property Office, reinforce that the next-gen CarPlay is still in development, with Audi confirmed as a partner. The first vehicles featuring this technology are expected to launch this year.
Apple has filed images of its next-generation CarPlay with the EU's Intellectual Property Office, indicating a potential launch soon. The images include designs featuring Audi's logo, although Audi has not confirmed specific plans for the system. Apple aims to release vehicles with the new CarPlay in 2024, but no specific date has been announced yet.
Sauber has signed Brazilian F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto as their new F1 driver for the 2025 season, replacing Valtteri Bottas. Bortoleto, who has impressed with his rapid rise through the ranks, will join the team as it transitions to Audi in 2026. The young driver, supported by McLaren, is seen as a promising talent, with endorsements from figures like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. Sauber's decision reflects a focus on nurturing young talent in preparation for the upcoming Audi era.
Audi has introduced the new S5 Avant, a high-performance wagon with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and mild-hybrid setup, producing 362 horsepower. The S5 Avant features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Despite its enhancements and increased size, the S5 Avant will not be available in the US, though the A5/S5 Sedan will be.
Audi is discontinuing the A4 after 30 years and replacing it with the new A5, which will serve as the brand's small executive gas sedan. The A5 features updated tech, a fresh design, and two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 for the S5. The new A5 and S5 will be available in the US as sedans starting in spring/summer 2025, with prices and additional details to be announced.
Audi is replacing the A4 sedan with the redesigned 2025 A5 and S5 models, featuring a new gas platform that will underpin about 10 new models. The A5 comes with a 268-hp turbo-4 engine, while the S5 has a 362-hp turbocharged V-6, both with standard all-wheel drive. The new A5 is larger, more luxurious, and includes advanced tech features like customizable lighting and a software-defined electric architecture. The A5 will not be available in coupe or convertible forms in North America, and pricing details are yet to be announced.