• Audi Centre Newcastle opens its doors in brand new location
• New Audi showroom follows the global Terminal design for provincial dealerships
• Exceptional growth for Audi in Newcastle since 2005
On Thursday 11 March 2010, the new Audi Centre Newcastle facility will be officially opened by Audi Australia’s managing director, Mr Uwe Hagen, along with owner and dealer principal, Mr Wayne Sanders.
This completely redeveloped 1,100 square metre showroom and aftersales facility has been designed following Audi’s global ‘Terminal’ architecture for provincial centres and boasts an indoor display area of 480 square metres for 16 new Audi vehicles, plus an outdoor area which will showcase up to 12 Audi Approved Plus vehicles.
For service customers, 4 dedicated work bays directly onsite will ensure that aftersales service for the brand is a top priority at the new facility.
Reflecting the brand’s national growth, sales for Audi in Newcastle have grown exponentially in the past four years since owner and dealer principal Wayne Sanders joined the Audi dealer network. Starting with a relatively low base in 2005, the brand has grown by a massive 731 percent, selling 241 cars in 2009, an increase of 21 percent over the previous year.
Audi has just enjoyed it’s fifth record year in Australia, and the healthy sales in Newcastle reflect this national success, and the investment made in the brand by the Audi Centre Newcastle team, according to Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Uwe Hagen.
“This stunning new single-storey facility is a strong reflection of the success of the brand in Newcastle. It is also testament to Wayne Sander’s vision with his first Audi showroom, known as the Audi Gallery Newcastle, which was opened in the middle of Newcastle’s café strip – and not in the heart of its automotive precinct,” Mr Hagen said.
“At the time, this was very unusual but shows that this well-considered strategy was worth a small risk to create something new for the brand in the area. Customers have clearly embraced the concept and the sales growth shows this.”
According to Wayne Sanders, the new facility was the next step to ensure continued growth of the Audi brand.
“In order for the dealership to continue its growth path here, I felt the investment was very important for our future. Audi Australia has shown strong commitment to the Australian market and as a result we have also enjoyed success in Newcastle. Given the onslaught of new Audi models which are expected to arrive until 2015, we certainly needed to build a bigger, newer space for Audi,” Mr Sanders said.
By 2010, every single Audi dealership around Australia will have undergone, or be in the midst, of major renovations, or complete rebuilds in line with the company’s dynamic growth strategy. In total, around $170 million will be invested in new facilities by the Audi dealer network around the country.
The new Audi Centre Newcastle facility commenced it’s re-development and refurbishment in Q4, 2009. The $1.5 million facility was redeveloped by bolkm project management and construction.
On Thursday 11 March 2010, the official opening will take place from 6.00 – 8.00pm at the facility, located at the corner of Parry Streets and Stewart Ave, Newcastle. Audi Ambassador and rugby legend, George Gregan, will emcee the event.
Audi Centre Newcastle FAST FACTS:
Audi Centre Newcastle, corner Parry St and Stewart Ave, Newcastle
Investment in facility: $1.5 million
Size of facility: 1,100 square metres
Size of new car showroom: 480 square metres
Space for 16 vehicles to be displayed indoors
Size of Audi Approved Plus: 12 vehicle capacity outdoors
Number of service bays: 4 dedicated work bays
Commencement of refurbishment: Q4, 2009
Completion: Q1, 2010
After nine consecutive wins in the Le Mans 24, Audi was outdone by Peugeot in 2009. This year they are intent on reclaiming their title at the top with the introduction of the R15 Plus. This new super machine will avenge the rankings of its predecessor, the R15, with some added beefiness and aerodynamics and will make its debut April 11 at the 8 Heures du Castellet.
Below is an article outlining some of the highlights of the new machine and when it will have its first show down with the Peugeot during the 2010 Le Mans series.
After a score of eight wins in the competition which was ultimately stemmed in 2009 by Peugeot, Audi returns to endurance racing this year with a brand new challenger, the R15 Plus. The newcomer is poised to make its debut at the 8 Heures du Castellet on April 11.
Following the defeat of the new Audi R15 at Le Mans in 2009, the Ingolstadt-based squad lost no time returning to the drawing board in a bid to improve the efficiency and the reliability of its diesel-fuelled prototype.
But it is a brand new car the R15 Plus that will defend the colours of the German brand in 2010.
The newcomer’s aerodynamic package marks a significant shift compared to its predecessor as the team seeks to make up for the fall in power due to the latest regulations that apply to turbocharged diesel engines (lower turbo pressure). The front wing that caused a certain amount of controversy in 2009 has also been revised, as have the cooling system, engine, transmission – and lighting system.
Audi’s engineers have also been working closely with Michelin’s development and technical staff with a view to producing a competitive and more durable range of tyres for the car.
The first run of the ‘definitive’ version of the Audi R15 Plus took place on March 3, in Neustadt, Germany, and Audi and Michelin will continue their work in Florida during the test days that follow this weekend’s 12 Hours of Sebring as they further their preparations for June’s visit to Le Mans.
The official competition debut of the new German prototype will be the eight-hour race at Le Castellet (April 11), in the south of France, which kicks off the 2010 Le Mans Series calendar.
The car’s first direct clash with the Peugeot will follow a month later at Spa-Francorchamps, ahead of what promises to be a thrilling showdown in the world’s most famous endurance race in La Sarthe.
The ENCO Exclusive Audi Q5 is not available in the United States and even with their large inventory Tonkin Audi Parts won’t be stocking this kit, you will have to special order it. Most of us won’t be putting our sport utilities through the paces as they were intended so these cosmetic kits with upgraded wheels, suspension and brakes are perfect. ENCO has taken the extremely street capable Audi Q5 and made it even better; the perfect combination for the urban jungle.
Well I can’t say that I am a huge fan of this commercial (at least the making of it!) – but my love for “all-things A1″ speaks for itself and this commercial is nothing short of magical in that regard! The Audi A1 is getting some much deserved recognition in the short spot and Justin Timberlake spills his thoughts on the new machine. Take a look!
Audi’s motorsport division first announced plans in August last year to launch a 500hp-plus (373kW) version of the V10-powered R8 for use in the 2009 GT3 racing series. The first of these high-performance race cars has now finally been released, with Audi Sport Italia taking delivery on Tuesday of the car with chassis number 101.
Twelve examples will be delivered during the forthcoming weeks to six customer teams, with the first races scheduled to start next month. The six customer teams plan to race in five European GT3 championships as well as in the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring for which Audi Sport has developed an endurance version of the car.
The new car has been designed for private customer teams and fully conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations, which means they will be allowable in numerous national and international competitions. Prices start at roughly €250,000 but opt for an Audi-backed support team and prices increase to the €500,000 mark.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of AWD, the Audi R8 GT3 comes with a modified RWD powertrain and a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension is almost completely stock, with most of the modifications focusing on weight reduction and improving the car’s aerodynamics package. The kerb weight is an estimated 1,300kg – 300kg less than the production model – and a modified front end and a large rear-wing have been added to generate the required downforce for the race track.
The assembly of the race cars including the body shells is made by quattro GmbH in Heilbronn-Biberach, Germany, in a factory hall specifically for the customer sport program. The Audi factory in Györ, Hungary, delivers the V10 engines.
Audi is adding to its already phenomenal R8 line-up. If there is anyone who doesn’t know of the R8, we only have one question for you: Where have you been?! Below are some pics of the new addition to the Audi family as well as some information on the already existing models. The first of the new models will be a V-8 version of the R8 Spyder which is currently available in a V-10 option only. Not that we need another reason to LOVE the R8 – but look for this new version early 2011!
Audi currently sells three different versions of its R8 supercar, the original 4.2-liter V-8 model and the newer 5.2-liter V-10 model, which is available in either hard-top coupe or Spyder convertible bodystyles.
However, the R8 model family is set to expand with several new additions, the first of which is set to be unveiled towards the end of the year. This first model will be a V-8 version of the R8 Spyder, which currently is only available with a V-10 engine. It will be priced around the $135,000 mark and should hit showrooms in early 2011.
Also in the works is a sportier model–like the R8 wasn’t sporty enough–that will draw influences from the R8 LMS race car. Speaking at a press event late last year, Audi quattro development chief Stefan Reil hinted that lightweight versions of the R8 and TT were being considered. This wouldn’t be the first time Audi developed such a car–back in 2005 the automaker released a limited edition TT quattro Sport to mark the end of production of the previous generation TT. The car had a slight increase in power over the standard model as well as firmer suspension, a stripped our interior and Recaro bucket seats.
Soon after Reil’s comments a mysterious R8 prototype had been spotted in Germany wearing an oversized fixed rear wing, small canards attached to the front bumper, and bigger brakes. According to Car and Driver, Lamborghini’s new Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera and its 570 horsepower V-10 gives a glimpse of what to expect.
Whether this model will wear an RS badge or simply be called a R8 Sport remains to be seen.
Finally, the finicky six-speed sequential R tronic gearbox offered in the current R8 lineup is expected to be eventually replaced with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Thankfully, the open-gate six-speed manual will remain as standard.
What company do you know that can take the most advanced drive-train on earth and make it better? Audi has done it. Audi developed Quattro (all wheel drive) and has proved its strength with countless wins in motor sport. Now, with the newest generation of Quattro just around the corner, I am excited to see what they have in store for us. Audi’s Quattro is defined as: “Quattro four-wheel drive enjoys a lengthy tradition. The principle involves distributing the engine’s power permanently and optimally between all four wheels.”
It looks as though Audi has made the cut for the second serving of Iron Man. The trailer for Iron Man 2 has been released and the Audi R8 Spyder makes a cameo appearance!
In the first installment of Iron Man, the Audi R8 Coupe made its debut and I am sure I speak for most when I say how excited we all are to see not only what the movie has to offer, but what the R8 Spyder has to in store for us!
Check out the trailer below as well as some additional information on the new movie.
The new Iron Man 2 trailer – yes, that movie with lots of super-duper fast cars in it – has been released and as expected, Tony Stark has absolutely no shortage of exotic vehicular toys at his disposal. And we’re not even counting that whole Iron Man robotic suit – he now has four! – he keeps with him all the time.
Let’s see: there’s a scene at the Circuit de Monaco, a slightly different Formula-something race with Tony Stark behind the wheel of one of the race cars, and a clear-as-day shot of the new Audi R8 Spyder. And oh, there’s lots and lots of Scarlett Johansson, too.
That movie is shaping up to be a must-watch for every man on this Earth and as car enthusiasts who also happen to like hot chicks in tight Spandex will be there falling in line for the first screening.
If you haven’t seen the new trailer, here it is. Guaranteed; you’re going to love it.
Audi of Wilsonville is now well under way after the ground breaking at their new site earlier in the month. The City of Wilsonville has some of the specs and contact information now posted on their website and later this year the new Audi dealership will be up and running. Check it out.
After making its A1 debut at the Geneva Auto show early last week, Audi seems to be continuing to stack its compact line-up. Now the company has released specs of its possible A2 compact, again fueling rumors of their desire to break into the electric-car market. Audi has previously relied on their “Clean Diesel” as their green leader, but it seems they are ready to compete in this rapidly changing and extremely popular market, and with Audi , it is sure to be done right.
Check out some pics of the previously released A2 (1999) that never came to market. I am certain the new electric version will offer sleek lines and of course, the major difference, an all electric motor.
Here is an article highlighting some of the A2 features as well:
Audi is pushing hard in the small-car and green segments, with the 2011 A1 just revealed officially at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show along with new plans for the electric-drive e-tron brand. Today, rumors are circulating the Web that Audi is working on a revival of its A2 badge to help fill out its compact lineup.
The report comes out of statements by Audi CEO Rupert Stadler made during the Geneva show. He said there’s room between the A1 and A3 for another compact car. Audi board member for technology Michael Dick also said that the e-tron range’s electric plans might include the A2, reports Automotive News. These statements line up perfectly with our report on behind-the-scenes work on the A2 from last May.
So what would a reborn Audi A2 look like? A lot like the A1 and A3, we’d expect. A hatchback bodystyle is almost a given, and size will be carefully calculated to slot between the A1 and A3. Pricing might get a bit more tricky, particularly here in the U.S., where lower prices overall tend to compress the lower end of the luxury segment. We don’t expect the A2 to look like its funky-bubble, Europe-only predecessor (also pictured above).
As for powertrain, we’d expect something like what was shown in the Audi A1 e-tron concept, though possibly with more power, as the 61-horsepower continuous output would likely prove too little for a slightly larger car. Range for the A1 e-tron concept will also likely have to be improved to meet the needs of a just-above-minicar A2. Driving 31 miles on electricity and another 124 miles with the range-extending Wankel in action is fine for a city car, but for a car that might see more extended use, most of the country will want to see closer to 300 miles of total range.
It’s not yet clear exactly when the A2 will be coming, or if it will make it to the U.S. at all, but Europeans are expected to get the car sometime around 2014.
The 2011 Audi A1 (non e-tron) is still uncertain for U.S. sale, though we’ve seen indications that it will, that it won’t, and hints that it might. We’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest as it breaks.
