Audi Q5

Massa has also spent time on Ferrari's racing simulator

2011-10-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

Ferrari just announced that injured driver Felipe Massa could be back in the saddle as early as Monday. Massa hasn't been in an F1 car since July's Hungarian Grand Prix, when a spring from another car flew up and hit him above his eye, fracturing his skull.

The first time he has even been back on track was last week when he took the wheel of a kart. Because of testing bans in place this season in F1, Massa can't drive the current car he was running until Hungary. As he gets back up to speed, the FIA has granted him permission to drive a 2007-spec car fitted with GP2 tires.

Massa has also spent time on Ferrari's racing simulator. Word has it he's already mastered Barcelona and is working hard at beating the Interlagos circuit now. Before taking the wheel of the 2007 car, he still needs to pass an examination, but once he's cleared, he could be on track in Italy by Monday. This will be testing only as the driver isn't expected to compete for Ferrari any more this season.

Google driverless car

2011-05-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

If the bills pass, Nevada will be the first state in the world where driverless cars are legal.
The two bills include one that will allow the licensing and testing of autonomous cars, while the other, interestingly, will be an exemption to the text-while-driving legislation. As users of the Google car are not technically driving it, talking or texting on your mobile isn’t really regarded unsafe.

Sebastian Thrun, one of the Google car creators, has already provided a sizeable argument which claims that driverless cars, if put into practice, could save millions of lives out on the roads. He also says the cars could potentially free up traffic problems, giving motorists some of their time back.

Using roof-mounted cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder, the Google autonomous car has already been tested in the US, and has covered more than 225,000km. The car is able to calculate sudden traffic changes, read extremely narrow mountain roads at night, and even integrate with pedestrians and avoid accidents.
A decision is expected to be reached about the possible legislation changes before the Legislature’s session ends in June. We’ll keep you updated.

Audi A3 preview renderings

2011-04-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

A3 with a sedan concept at the Geneva Motor Show – even though the current model is principally a hatchback. When it does hit showrooms sometime next year, however, the next-gen A3 is expected to be offered first with a tailgate before a trunked version comes along – the three-door model leading the five-door, then the sedan and finally the soft-top convertible.
The news comes along with a trio of sketches released by Audi to the British motor press alongside those of the R8 GT Spyder. The renderings depict the three-door hatchback, the four-door sedan and the cabin of the next-gen A3 production model, which is tipped to be even more diverse in its engine offerings than it is in its bodystyles: expect gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid and full electric versions to be rolled out in succession.

The North Pole and the South Pole

2011-04-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

To do so, he wants to go carbon-neutral, and Audi has partnered up with Nilson to help make sure he accomplishes his goal.Called the Pole2Pole Expedition, Nilson plans to go from the North Pole to the South Pole in six stages. Nilson's means of transportation will be skis, a dog-sled, sailboat, bicycle and kite-sled. Audi has provided a light-weight sled that will allow Nilson to transport his equipment as he nears the southern pole, and the automaker has also offered up its test facility so Nilson can ensure that it will withstand the harsh conditions to which it'll be subjected. The test facility is capable of recreating freezing temperatures and vicious wind, two of many environmental hazards awaiting Nilson on his trip.In addition to the carbon-fiber sled and cold-weather testing, Audi has supplied a Q5 that will serve as a support vehicle as Nilson treks across the Americas. The Q5 spews CO2 so the team will work to offset the difference and keep the expedition carbon neutral.

Detroit and New Orleans both have epic problems

2011-03-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Detroit and New Orleans both have epic problems, but Detroit is not the "new" New Orleans, no matter how you divine the numbers from the latest Federal Census.

According to the last Census, the city of Detroit is hitting a new nadir, worse than the dives it took in the early 1980s. Detroit lost a crushing quarter-million people in the last decade, while Sun Belt cities like Las Vegas and Atlanta boomed. In the city limits, the population has sunk to 713,000 people, from nearly 2 million in the 1950s, and nearly a million in the 2000 census. By the numbers, the city lost an average of 65 people a day, over the past ten years--shrinking it back to a size it hasn't seen since 1910, before the auto industry boomed.

The Detroit suburbs are growing, but the city itself is now only twice as large as New Orleans. Both are disaster zones of a kind: Detroit's become the auto industry's painful appendix, while New Orleans has replaced its port for the most part with hordes of tourists, but still has crushing poverty and crime and huge swaths of land left empty by Hurricane Katrina.

Jeep Shows Off 2011 Wrangler

2010-10-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

2011 Jeep Wrangler Patriot Shows Off facelift
Before you move to the Chrysler, Jeep said it does not speak or act on the data set taken from a model year '11 Wrangler product Monday. Mike Connor said he saw what looked like a van disguised Wrangler Woodward Avenue last weekend. Connor could see a badge for the likely sub-model: gross.

Given the success of a four-door Wrangler Unlimited, it is highly likely that Chrysler Fiat is working on the long-rumored Wrangler pickup for the short-term production. The Unlimited is about 60 percent of sales in progress, and a pick-up may be additional sales of the Wrangler brand. A collection should be ready for production in the first half of 2011.

2011 Jeep Patriot Front View In Motion
Click to view gallery
The '11 Wrangler is one of two Jeep models that show updates, as it is, the money for upgrades in mid-cycle, a strategy that has been able to distinguish a crosstown rival Ford. For '11, the Patriot gets a new look with chassis and Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) improvements and better interior.

Thus, the '11 Compass, Jeep is not included in this overview.

2011 Jeep Wrangler front and rear
Click to view gallery
The Wrangler is generally lifting sheet is limited, but there is a beloved Jeep, we begin with her. The high-end '11 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara is the upper body color instead of black top models come in previous years. The Wrangler Unlimited Sport reserves the black above, despite all the new design '11 Unlimited "light" get (DOL) with small D-pillars for a larger rear window and rear side windows, creating better visibility. The panels have always been made of a composite material, recasting it easier and less expensive.

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Paris Motor Show

2010-09-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year's Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker's promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Edmunds' Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.

Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids.

We'll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.

Dodge customizes Vipers for select stores

2010-06-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

We’ve seen many special-edition Dodge Vipers for the car's final year--the ACR-X, the Vooodoo Viper, the 1:33. It's almost as if every Viper is a special edition.

With that in mind, Chrysler is now letting dealerships get into the act. Just 50 total Vipers will be made under a program that allows dealers to make the dreams of their best customers reality. The dealer and the customer essentially come up with their own limited-edition-model Viper.

The first three are a black and race yellow Viper heading to a Nebraska dealer, a snakeskin green and black model going to Texas and a black and plum crazy purple Viper going to Illinois.

Whatever color scheme they choose, enthusiasts will get a 600-hp V10 underhood.

Lancia Centro Stile concept sketches

2010-06-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

Lancia Centro Stile concept sketches – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lancia's website links to Centro Stile, the design section of the brand, where you can find all manner of concepts drawn by the same people who might be trading crayons with Chrysler's designers by the end of the year. There are a couple of oldies in the bunch, but then there's the sketch above, a concept coupe, and a new take on the Ypsilon supermini that's rumored to be under consideration as a Chrysler bound for the U.S.

The thing that gets us most about these sketches is how utterly far away they are from Chrysler's design language, stoking all kinds of questions about how the two brands will be combined. Sergio Marchionne has said that because Chrysler and Lancia don't overlap in terms of vehicle sizes, the two brands could be joined to create a full line-up. Based on these designs we're thinking there will be a Jekyll and Hyde line in there, because we just can't wrap our heads around the pictured coupe with goggle-eye headlights and a giant grille.

Have a look at the other sketches in the gallery of high-res photos below, and maybe you can tell us how a Lancia Ypsilon becomes a Chrysler Ypsilon and doesn't look like a bad episode of "Will it Blend?"

Gallery: Lancia Centro Stile concept sketches

Flame on, Fifth Tata Nano Bursts into Flames

2010-04-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

Another Nano, the fifth from since 2009, has gone up in smoke, this time in Gujarat, western India. For reference, the last one toasted itself in Mumbai in late March, 2010. According to Business Week, an email from Tata states that "the car belonged to the company and has no design flaw."

Bursting into flames due to "faulty switches that caused smoke and plastic parts to melt" seems like a possible design flaw to me.

As for an update regarding Tata's Mumbai victim (Tata still can't determine the cause of the fire), Satish Purshotam Sawant wants some compensation for putting him and his family in danger...in the form of Rs 15 lakhs (1,500,000 Rupees or ~$33,700 US) and a Fiat Punto. Tata says no dice: it's either a new Nano or a full refund.

In response, Sawant has filed a First Information Report with local authorities.

"It's been ten days and there's been no response from Tata Motors or Concorde [the dealer where Sawant purchased the car]. I've read in the newspapers that [Tata spokesman] Debasis Ray says technical investigations are on. Isn't it Tata Motors' responsibility to give details of the investigation?"

Yes, yes it is.

We'll see how this plays out.

Audi Q5 £24,910 - £36,700

2010-02-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Decent small SUV that can threaten the larger Q7 price-wise if you start getting jiggy with the options
Comfort

Audi bangs on about the Q5 being a ‘sporty' SUV, which it isn't really - it's just a bit stiff. It rides well on the smaller wheel sizes, but drop a set of dubs on the thing (they look the best) and the ride quality deteriorates dramatically. Still, the engines are all rather lovely, there's plenty of space and you could use a Q5 everyday and still have a cheeky grin left over.
10 out of 20
Performance

Most people (77-percent in the UK according to Audi) will plump for the 2.0-TDI with 168bhp, 0-62mph in 9.5 and a top end of 126mph. And you can see why - it just works, smooth, surprisingly revvy, quiet enough. If you want quicker, then you can go for the all-new TFSI petrol with 211bhp, 0-62mph in a Golf GTi-matching 7.2 and 137mph top end. Top of the tree, unusually, is an oil-burner - the 3.0-V6 TDi. And that's quick too, 0-62mph in 6.5 and 139mph. Don't worry though, there isn't a bad engine in the range and the new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox is the best yet.
15 out of 20
Cool

In certain sections of society the Q5 is the law. Sections of society where ‘what the neighbours think' is a driving force. In others, it's a very nice thing, with very little desire attached. Are SUVs - even smaller ones - cool anymore?
10 out of 20
Quality

Superb quality from Audi on the Q5 - you just can't fault it. Great materials, lovely engineering - even when they blank off switches for all the stuff you didn't order, it looks good. Even the mapping for the satellite navigation is brilliant.
17 out of 20
Handling

The Q5 has a long wheelbase for its size thanks to a bit of clever packaging that stuffs the diff behind the engine and ahead of the clutch. That makes for a surprisingly capable tall car that could actually surprise lots of stuff. But it's not fun and not exciting. What we have here is a supremely well-engineered car that doesn't revel in going fast, it just does so cleanly and with the minimum fuss. Top points for ability, less for not caring what it feels like.
10 out of 20
Practicality

Not as humongously crap to park in a multi-story carpark as the Q7, the Q5 is actually very, very useful. Plenty of room for four, enough for five, 540-litre boot with the seats up, 1560-litres with them folded. I hate to say this, but you really can stow plenty of stuff and still get there if you like more ‘active' sports...
16 out of 20
Running costs

The little diesel (£29,950) will return early 40s mpg, the bigger V6 diesel (£37,540) late thirties and the 2.0-litre petrol (£31,440) low thirties. Insurance is relatively high; 14,15 and 17 depending on your power output, but the road tax is reasonable for an SUV; the 2.0Tdi is just £170 a year, with the other two £210. That's engine efficiency for you.
5 out of 20
TG Tips

Audi Q5 Overview

2010-02-01T04:05:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Audi Q5 is more subtly good-looking than most sedans; its softly sculptured lines use height and stance to convey all the right SUV messages. “I’m going to go ahead and say it: The Q5 is super cute,” comments the reviewer at MotherProof. “It’s so good-looking that it robbed me of my dignity; I couldn’t help but squeal and say things best represented by teenagers’ texting (OMG i <3 it!).” In the eyes of the Automobile Magazine reviewer, “the Q5 is a very handsome, even pretty.

See More 2009 Audi Q5 Photos

The liveried HGV was created for the launch of the scheme

2010-01-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a police vehicle guaranteed to make you move out of the fast lane pretty quick! This liveried lorry, complete with flashing blue lights, has been unveiled as part of a crackdown on dodgy HGV drivers.

The aim is to give cops some much-needed height so they can see directly into lorry cabs. It allows them to catch drivers using mobile phones, watching DVDs on laptops or committing other offences.

The initiative is the first of its kind in the UK, and is being run by the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG). This is part of the West Midlands force, which looks after 450 miles of road between Cheshire and South Wales. A spokesman said: “One officer drives the truck while another sits in the passenger seat armed with a hand-held video camera, ready to film into the lorry’s cab as we overtake.” If an offence is being committed, or the driver’s behaviour arouses suspicion, the officer will radio an unmarked police car following behind, which pulls it over. If the driver disputes the reason for being stopped, the video footage can be used as evidence in court.

The liveried HGV was created for the launch of the scheme, but isn’t actually taking part. Unmarked lorries supplied by local hauliers will be used instead.

2011 Ford Mustang also comes with a few styling tweak

2010-01-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

So the all-new Mustang five-point-oh is revealed in its full glory! Using a new and sophisticated V8 engine, this car brings back the “5.0″ badge which means a lot to ‘Stang fans. And of course it won’t disappoint them when it comes to action, as it’s got 412 hp and 390 pound-feet of torque. And it’s efficient as well, sort of!

This new 5.o liter aluminum block V8 has four-valves per cylinder and comes with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) technology. This system results in increased volumetric and thermal efficiency, and that results in faster response across a broad range of engine speeds. It also has specially designed tubular exhaust headers. Ford has announced any performance figures yet.

The 2011 Mustang 5.0 can be had with either a six-speed automatic transmission which returns 25 mpg highway and 17 in the city, or a six-speedmanual transmission with 24 mpg highway and 16 city. These are great numbers considering the class of the car.

Apparently Ford was determined to make the new Mustang a proper handling car, because they went to enormous length tuning the chassis and suspension. The car comes as standard with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings. Stabilizer bar diameters, spring rates and dampers all have been tuned for improved dynamics.

As an optional package, you may order the Brembo braking system with 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires. Ford says these features are for serious enthusiasts!

2011 Ford Mustang also comes with a few styling tweaks, new 160 mph speedometer and the tachometer redline which now begins from 7,000 rpm instead of 6500! But the main feature is the “5.0″ badge on the fenders. There’s also three new colors available including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver. Other new convenience technologies include:

Standard message center
Integrated blind spot mirrors
MyKey programmable vehicle key
Illuminated visors
Universal garage door opener
Sun visor storage

Renault Pushes Ahead With EV Li-Ion Battery

2009-12-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

French auto maker Renault SA is developing electric-vehicle lithium-ion batteries with two new suppliers, despite its heavy reliance on the Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.-NEC Tokin Corp. joint venture, Automotive Energy Supply Corp.

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn earlier this year declared owning battery technology is a core requirement for any auto maker.

"We are ready to sell the battery to whoever is interested," he said in October, referring to the batteries from the AESC. "We are making it a core business, because we think the battery is going to be an essential piece of technology for our century.”

Last month, AESC announced it was raising production capacity from 65,000 to 100,000 units annually in Japan.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is building a 100,000-unit battery factory in France with support from the French atomic energy commission and the French Strategic Investment Fund.

In South Korea, Renault Samsung Motors Inc. is working with SK Energy Co. Ltd. and SB LiMotive Co. Ltd to develop Li-ion batteries.

At a press event to introduce the new SM5 sedan, Renault Samsung CEO Jean-Marie Hurtiger tells journalists Renault plans to build EVs in South Korea and is working on projects with the two local battery makers.

SK Energy is a petrochemical and energy company that began making Li-ion batteries for mobile devices in 2005. SB LiMotive is a 2008 JV between Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH and Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. that recently announced its first contract with BMW AG.

Zoe 3-door hatchback concept one of four EVs Renault plans to build.

"We plan to produce Renault Group's electric vehicles in Korea,” Hurtiger says. “And once the government's plans are finalized, we will take our position as to when electric vehicles will be mass-produced in Korea."

The SM5 was unveiled at the Renault Samsung technical center in Giheung, where SB LiMotive also has its headquarters. Hurtiger says he expects South Korea to be a major supplier of EV batteries, thanks to a strong industry and strong support of the government.

The executive notes Renault will build the four EVs exhibited at this year’s Frankfurt auto show at four different plants, three of which have been announced.

Production is to begin in first-half 2011 for the Kangoo light-commercial EV in Maubeuge, France; Twizy 2-seater in Valladolid, Spain; Fluence sedan in Bursa, Turkey; and the Zoe, a 4-seat city car, in Flins, France.

SK Energy has developed six different Li-ion cells for hybrid, plug-in and battery EVs and was chosen in October to supply Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. HEVs – one of the projects of Daimler AG’s global hybrid center, which owns Mitsubishi Fuso.

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Study Forecasts Big Market for EVs, Batteries

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Renault Plugs EV Strategy in Frankfurt

SB LiMotive has development operations in Giheung, Stuttgart and Orion Township, MI. In Springboro, OH, it makes nickel-metal-hydride batteries in an operation acquired from Energy Conversion Devices and is building a factory in Ulsan, Korea, for Li-ion battery production.

At the Frankfurt show, SB LiMotive President Young said he expects to begin series production of Li-ion batteries for hybrids in 2011 and EVs in 2012.

Renault invested $344 million to develop the third-generation SM5 midsize sedan, which uses many elements of the current Renault Laguna. Production began at the Busan, South Korea, plant in October, with domestic sales to begin in January.

The SM5’s 2.0L engines were developed by Nissan (gasoline) and Renault (diesel). Alain Diboine, who heads research and development at Renault Samsung, says the body of the new SM5 was developed at the local technical center for the first time.

Renault will sell the SM5 in Europe as a Renault, probably called the Safrane, which was the name of the car that preceded the first Laguna in the upper-medium segment. The auto maker currently sells the second-generation SM5 as a Renault Safrane in Middle Eastern markets.

The SM5 has 3-zone air conditioning, an air filter and perfume diffuser, bi-xenon adaptive front lights and a massage function for the driver that the auto maker says improves blood circulation and combats fatigue. In Korea, it will compete with the segment leading Hyundai Sonata.

Expect GM Europe to renew pursuit of government

2009-12-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Expect GM Europe to renew pursuit of government aid for its Germany-based Opel/Vauxhall operations as it restructures under new management.

Nick Reilly, recently named president-GM Europe following Fritz Henderson’s sudden resignation as General Motors Co. CEO, says in a weekend conference call there is no truth to the belief GM has sufficient cash on hand to shore up Opel.
“Much of that money will be needed for Delphi and completing restructuring in the US.,” he says, referring to the auto maker’s commitment to support its former captive parts supplier that emerged from bankruptcy in October as Delphi Holdings LLP.

“We also have some of that money in an escrow account for disasters in the U.S., and we can’t touch that,” Reilly says. “Third, the U.S. market remains depressed, and we have to have some money to get us through 2011. We also need to pay back loans to the U.S. government.”

He expresses hope Germany’s government will be as receptive to supporting Opel under GM leadership as it was to the prospect of seeing Opel owned and operated by Canadian mega-supplier Magna International Inc. GM’s board scuttled Magna’s planned acquisition of Opel last month.

“We’ve prepared an application for the German government,” Reilly says. “They were willing to support the Magna deal, so we expect some support for our plan. Financial aid is no different from other car companies in the U.S. or Japan or other European countries.”

Opel needs €1 billion ($1.2 billion) to execute its restructuring and some €3.3 billion ($5 billion) to develop new products, he says, adding the auto maker will not see a profit next year.

Meanwhile, the search for a GM Europe CEO is called off, with Reilly assuming responsibility for both Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet Europe. Day-to-day operations at Chevrolet Europe will be managed by Wayne Brannon.
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The management shakeup seems to signal the resolve of Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and interim CEO in the wake of Henderson’s departure, to instigate change quickly.

Additional appointments are expected this week, Reilly says, adding development of a minicar is a “top priority” at Opel.

“I want to clarify that we will also need to continue with light-commercial vehicles; that is a reasonable share of our business,” he adds.

Mid-engined Ghepardo is one part Corvette, one part Camaro

2009-11-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

Caccia Custom Cars Ghepardo - click above image for high-res gallery

Here's what we know: Caccia Custom Cars took a 2002 Chevy Camaro and a 2002 Chevy Corvette and created the Ghepardo. The car uses the Camaro's frame and the Corvette's motor and suspension. The motor is mounted amidships, albeit backwards (note the throttle body). And the House of Kolor paint is called Pagan Gold. Also, you should not confuse this SEMA all-star Ghepardo with the 2006 Bizzarrini Ghepardo concept.

As for this Ghepadro... it's not that bad looking. In fact, the longer we stare at the exterior, the more we like what we see. Obviously we can't get past the gaudy chainmail armor covering up every single vent and opening. And we'd prefer if the five-slot wheels weren't chromed. That said, in profile, it's a nice looking mid-engine coupe and the rear is quite muscular. The front even has a touch of new Lexus, which while sacriligious for a Chevy-on-Chevy mashup like this, ain't bad at all.

The interior, on the other hand, is a house of horrors. Everything is covered over in prison-grade Alcantara or carbon fiber-look fiberglass. Even the fire extinguisher!! Also, we're pretty sure a 15/16" cutting tool isn't the smartest Dremel attachment to use for a show car. In fact, in this Autoblogger's mind, the Ghepardo is now in the running neck-and-neck with the Masonry Vitesse Rose for having the worst interior ever – quite a distinction! Additionally, the Ghepardo fills our minds with the delightful image of Corvette and Camaro fans/owners beating each other to pulps with giant oversized cartoon hammers. Perhaps that's just the food around here talking...

Ghepardo by Caccia Custom Cars

ABC News caught up with Toyota Vice President Yukitoshi Fun

2009-11-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

Remember Toyota's massive 3.8 million unit unintended acceleration recall that was attributed to pesky floor mats? It appears defective floor mats doesn't tell the whole story, as the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared in a statement that "this (unintended acceleration) matter is not closed," adding "removal of the floor mats is simply an interim measure, not a remedy of the underlying defect in the vehicles."

Up to 2,000 Toyota customers claim to have experienced a sudden surge of acceleration, and some reportedly told ABC News that they didn't even have the recalled floor mats in their vehicles. Even more disturbing are the results of an ABC News investigation that reportedly found "hundreds" of accidents and up to 16 deaths as a result of unintended acceleration.

Four of those deaths occurred in August when an off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer, traveling with his wife, daughter and brother in-law, were killed after their Lexus accelerated uncontrollably. The driver's brother in-law called 911 and said that the brakes didn't work before the vehicle reached an intersection, struck another car, went into a ditch and caught fire. Some Toyota owners feel there is an electronic glitch in the system that controls the throttle and the ABC report shows that there is some anecdotal evidence which illustrates that incidents rose after the system was put into place in 2002, but so far, NHTSA has found no evidence to support those claims after six investigations.

ABC News caught up with Toyota Vice President Yukitoshi Funo (pictured second from left) and asked him if Toyota was covering anything up. Funo replied "It is not part of the Toyota culture and Toyota way to cover up anything," adding that the Japanese automaker is working with NHTSA to come up with an agreement on how to proceed going forward.

If you own a Toyota or Lexus and you are concerned about this issue, it appears that there is little that will be done in the short term other than tie down or remove the floor mats. If you do experience the acceleration issue, Consumer Reports suggests shifting your vehicle into neutral, pressing the brake and holding it down in an effort to bring your vehicle to a stop. This post and video from CR demonstrates how to effectively resolve the situation, and the risks of pumping the brakes. Turning off your vehicle could be a bad idea, as turning off the engine will also result in the loss of power steering and power brakes.

Rev for iPhone reaches 2.0, includes data-logging [w/ VIDEO]

2009-11-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Since there are approximately one trillion iPhones in the world and about ten-times as many apps, it's not hard to find a program to suit your needs. But in the automotive sphere, there aren't nearly as many quality applications and even fewer that can deliver the information most gearheads crave. Thankfully, DevToaster has answered the call with Rev, and putting out the 2.0 release of its popular diagnostic and performance program.

In addition to offering code-reading and clearing features, along with OBD metrics for everything from coolant temp to throttle position (full features here), Rev includes built-in metrics for lateral and forward acceleration to calculate horsepower and torque, saved vehicles, GPS tracking and data-logging. In a bid to make the program more user friendly on the fly, it's reworked its interface to make it easier to edit the visual representations for the virtual (and customizable) gauges and graphs.

Although it's $39.99 App Store price seems like a deal considering its capabilities, the steep price of the company's wireless OBD-II controller ($149.99, pictured at right) is slightly harder to swallow. However, DevToaster is working on bringing the cost of the unit down in the near future and hopes to bring out both a series of "fun," "green" utilities and has talked with Google about developing a version for Android phones. Look for a full review of the 2.0 software soon.

Champion's Champions Crowned at 2009 Race of Champions

2009-11-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

2009 Race of Champions – Click above for high-res image gallery

Every year, around the world, drivers compete wheel to wheel in all manner of racing series, from rally to F1, touring cars to Le Mans and everything in between. It gives racing fans plenty of varied action to follow, but it leaves one question ultimately unanswered: who is the world's best driver? That's where the Race of Champions comes in.

The event has been held every year since 1988 at the end of the regular racing season, giving the world's best from all manner of racing series the world over a chance to compete against one another on equal footing and common ground. And this year's Race of Champions was no less decisive. Follow the jump to read who claimed victory as the champion of champions.

Race of Champions 2009

Cars and Coffee roadshow headed for New England

2009-10-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Cars and Coffee, the informal and inclusive wheeled hootenanny originated in Irvine, California has been spreading across the country faster than swine flu. There's no stage with bad cover bands, not a trophy in sight, but you're always likely to see some astounding vehicles.

Herb Chambers, New England dealership juggernaut, has thrown his support behind a New England gathering. "Herb himself is a super car enthusiast," says John Covell, Director of Marketing for the Herb Chambers Companies, "He thought that others would enjoy it." A new BMW dealership in Sudbury, MA, where the event is being held this Saturday, October 10th, is a supporting cast member.

Cynics may dismiss this as another ploy akin to inflatable dinosaurs, but when was the last time you were invited out by a car dealership to drink free coffee and ogle a McLaren F1 on a Saturday morning? Running from 7-10 AM, the inaugural event will be over before many people's days get under way. "Herb is passionate about cars and he's passionate about this business. If our customers understand that we share their passion, that's a good thing," sums up Covell. Hey, if he doesn't mind us drooling all over his McLaren, we'll agree.

New GM marketing boss Mark LaNeve apparently unaware that diesel is now cheaper than gas

2009-06-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last several years, we've heard a lot of excuses from many auto executives as to why their companies aren't offering diesel engines in their American market cars. Yesterday, General Motors' Mark LaNeve, the company's vice president of sales and marketing, made an appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal. The final question of the segment came from a viewer wondering why GM has failed to offer U.S. consumers the chance to buy some of the high-mileage diesel cars it offers in Europe.

It would appear that LaNeve might have done better to take a pass on the question. Instead of talking about the cost of making those diesels meet U.S. emissions regulations or the difficulty in helping Americans overcome the misconceptions about the fuel, he claimed that no one has successfully cracked the diesel passenger nut in the U.S. (which based on VW's May sales appears to be wrong). More startlingly, LaNeve went on to claim that diesel is $1.25 a gallon more expensive than gasoline. According to the Energy Information Agency, the national average for diesel this week is $2.35 / gallon while regular gas is $2.52 or $0.17 more than diesel. Admittedly, the fact that diesel is now cheaper than 87 octane gas is a recent development (a trend that nobody is sure how long it will last), but – going on national television and quoting outdated fuel prices as a reason for your bankrupt company's business decisions... well, that doesn't strike us as a terribly hot idea.

You can hear the question and response at 20:30 into the video replay over at C-SPAN.

Audi Q5 Audi Q5 - New 2009 2010 Audi Q5 Prices, Photos, Specs

2009-04-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

Andrew Frankel

It’s been more than 10 years since the Land Rover Freelander came to dominate the British market for mid-sized SUVs — 10 years for Audi to design, engineer and develop an ideal soft-roader of its own. In theory, such a car should be nothing less than brilliant.

The trouble is, the German car manufacturer has become impossible to second-guess of late. The R8 supercar should have been terrible because Audi had shown time and again it did not understand how to make a truly involving driver’s car. It was brilliant. On the other hand, the new A4 should have played to all Audi’s strengths and knocked the BMW 3-series for six. In the event, it turned out to be disappointing. And, most recently, the A3 Cabriolet, a compromised conversion of an already ancient design, was always going to be awful until it turned out to be really rather good.

So what would I have guessed about this new Q5? I’d have known that the class in which it competes is the single most underachieving category of all, and even the very best, the Land Rover Freelander 2 and Ford Kuga, are no more than okay. I’d have known too that the only SUV Audi has made to date, the hulking great Q7, is definitely a car I’d avoid. Finally, I’d have known that the Q5 used the same platform as the mediocre A4 and, being heavier, taller and inevitably more cumbersome, shouldn’t handle nearly as well. Before writing a review, therefore, I’d have sharpened my pen in preparation for some acerbic commentary with confidence. And yet, contrary to every expectation, the Q5 is the car this wholly unremarkable class has been waiting for.

Prices start at £29,950 for the 2.0 litre turbo diesel model, which will not only outsell all other models combined but also deserves to: there’s a 2 litre petrol, which makes you work too hard and pay too much at the pumps for its extra performance, and a 3 litre diesel, worth avoiding for its horrid steering alone.

By contrast, the basic diesel offers an outstanding blend of pace and economy, coupled with driving dynamics that place it at the top of the class. Its 0-62mph time of 9.5sec isn’t going to win it any drag races, but when you consider that the equivalent Freelander takes 11.7sec, it’s clear this is a useful level of performance for a car such as this. More useful too is the promise of 42.1mpg and impressively low CO2 emissions (175g/km), which is likely to make it the darling of those running SUVs as company cars.

Perhaps most surprising of all, particularly given its unprepossessing A4 underpinnings, is that the Q5 is mildly engaging to drive on a decent road, words you rarely hear about cars in this category. It steers precisely and doesn’t lurch over brows or want to fall over if you aim it at a quick corner: it responds as you might expect a normal car to.

It’s pretty normal inside too, as you’d expect of any Audi. The quality of the interior is impressive, its layout logical and its operation entirely straightforward. It’s not sumptuously spacious, but there’s more than enough room in the back and boot to service the needs of a typical family of four and the labrador.

There is, however, a level of damnation intended in all this faint praise. For the Q5’s abilities are only impressive relative to those of the bores that populate the SUV scene. The elephant in the room is the fact that you could still save yourself a packet in the showroom and at the fuel pump by buying any one of a number of conventional small estates that would do the job better. You could, for instance, buy a BMW 320d SE Touring, which hits 62mph in 8.1sec rather than 9.5sec, does 57.6mpg compared with 42.1mpg, emits just 131g/km of CO2 instead of 175 and has a top speed of 142mph, not 126mph. And the BMW is so much better to drive that any further comparison is meaningless.

While people continue to care more about status, however, and are prepared to pay through the nose for the privilege of sitting above the riffraff, we must compare like with like, and if we do that with the Q5, it enters its class at the very top. A BMW X3 is too ugly and flawed (the ride is harsh, the interior poorly laid out and the build quality not up to BMW’s usual standard), the more characterful Freelander too slow, and as for Ford’s impressive new Kuga, it desperately needs a more powerful diesel. When it gets one later this year, the Q5 may have a convincing opponent to deal with; for now, however, it’s out on its own.

The only proviso is off-road performance. I didn’t have the opportunity to test the Q5 thoroughly in this environment, though I look forward to doing so. The chances are that without the Freelander’s chassis and terrain response system, which allows you to adapt power and suspension settings to suit tarmac, snow, mud or sand, the Q5 would struggle to match its Land Rover rival. But in these straitened times, prospective owners will ask themselves the question: exactly how far off road am I really likely to take this car? The truth, as we know, is likely to be no further than a friendly farmer’s field at the next wedding or village fete.

Audi Q5 2,0 TDI SE

ENGINE 1968cc, four cylinders

POWER 168bhp @ 4200rpm

TORQUE 258lb ft @ 1750rpm

TRANSMISSION Six-speed manual

FUEL /CO2 42.1mpg / 175g/km

PERFORMANCE 0-62mph: 9.5sec

TOP SPEED 126mph

PRICE £29,950

ROAD TAX BAND E (£170 a year)

RELEASE DATE September

VERDICT A new class champion

Worth considering

BMW X3 2.0d SE £29,715

For Excellent engine gives great performance, mpg and emissions

Against Looks awkward inside and out; poor ride quality

Land Rover Freelander 2 £28,995

For Good-looking; exceptional off road; big boot; great image

Against Performance, mpg and emissions now off the class pace

all-new 2009 Audi Q5

2009-04-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

REVIEWS:

2009 Audi Q5

Automobile Magazine has just driven the all-new, 2009 Audi Q5, a vehicle that made its world debut this past April at the Beijing auto show and which is Audi's answer to the BMW X3. The Q5 is the latest luxury entry in the small crossover SUV market segment that has grown rapidly in recent years and which is expected to continue expanding as more and more Americans ditch their full-size SUVs for smaller crossovers that drive better, achieve better fuel economy, and yet retain many of the utility and all-weather features of traditional SUVs. While vehicles as myriad as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, and Hyundai Santa Fe serve the mainstream part of this market segment, the 2009 Audi Q5 joins the likes of the BMW X3, the Acura RDX, and the Land Rover LR2 in serving the luxury slice of the small-crossover segment. When it goes on sale here in February or March of 2009, it will also be joined by the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLK and the all-new Volvo XC60. Like those vehicles, the Q5 attempts to let its drivers have it all: attractive, modern styling; a powerful but efficient drivetrain; a luxurious, versatile interior; a full complement of safety equipment; and a sporty driving experience. Now that we've driven the U.S.-spec version of the 2009 Q5 in Valencia, Spain, let's see how successful Audi was in meeting those goals.

Not just another pretty face.

To our eyes, the Q5 is a very handsome, even pretty, vehicle, with good proportions and exquisite detailing in items like the LED headlights and taillamps. Audi's modern, so-called shield grille dominates the front-end styling, and it makes for a very attractive face. In America, the Q5 will be offered exclusively with a full chrome treatment for the grille, whereas in other markets it is available in glossy black and matte gray guise as well. The European market also is offered an off-road styling package with polished front scuff plates, but at launch, Audi of America will not offer that here. Eighteen-, nineteen-, and twenty-inch wheels will be offered, and all of them are attractive, save for a twenty-inch chrome wheel (twenty-inch aluminum are also available).

In Spain, where Audi enjoys a higher luxury-brand awareness and regard than BMW and Mercedes-Benz (so claims Audi) and where Audi A3s and A4s are a very common site, people on the streets of Valencia took favorable notice of the Q5. We expect that Americans will like it, as well.

Step in, sit down, enjoy.

Anyone who has sat inside the 2009 Audi Q5's big brother, the Q7, or for that matter in the new, 2009 Audi A4 or Audi's flagship, the R8 supercoupe, will instantly recognize the Q5's interior design theme, instrument panel, and controls. As in all contemporary Audi models, the Q5's interior is beautifully rendered in quality plastics, supple leather, and precisely engineered controls. It's a very pleasant place to be.

For the U.S. market, many features will of course be standard, such as power seats, windows, and locks; leather upholstery, a ten-speaker stereo, 60/40-split rear seats that recline and also slide fore and aft by four inches; and a new-and-improved version of Audi's MMI, or Multi-Media Interface, system that controls climate, radio, and navigation functions through a central knob and a display screen.

Audi of America plans two major options packages plus a number of stand-alone options.

The first options package will include bi-xenon headlights and a power-operated tailgate, among other items. (Cornering headlights will not be offered.)

The second options package will offer keyless start, a blind-spot detection system, nineteen-inch wheels, and a 14-speaker, 504-watt, Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

Among the stand-alone options are:

An all-new navigation system, bundled with a rearview camera, that is likely to cost about $2400;
A panoramic sunroof, which Audi claims is the biggest in the segment;
The aforementioned Bang & Olufsen stereo, which will probably cost about $1000;
An S Line exterior appearance package, which includes twenty-inch wheels;
The aforementioned twenty-inch chrome wheels;
Adaptive cruise control;
Audi Drive Select, which allows the driver to choose among three levels of tuning for three dynamic parameters: powertrain, suspension, and steering. This option is likely to cost close to $3000; more details on it are below.

2009 Audi Q5 Revealed

2009-04-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

Audi used the Beijing Motor Show in earl 2008 to launch its all-new Q5 crossover. Building on the success of its larger Q7, Audi hopes the Q5 will allow it to capitalize on the growing demand for more compact SUVs.

(Click here to use Leftlane's Price Quote Form to get Audi Q5 pricing information from a trusted local dealer. Zero obligation)

In 2007, Audi announced it would build the Q5, following a 300 million euro investment in the Ingolstadt production facility. The crossover is Audi's answer to the X3 from BMW and Mercedes' new GLK.

At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment -- creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high, giving it a sporty appearance. 19-inch wheels further bolster this look.

The Q5 shares a platform with the A4 and A5. The platform's layout will make it possible for Audi to offer a full range of engines, meaning that the brand's various FSI-equipped four and six-cylinder engines, plus some high efficiency diesel models will be offered. It's even possible that the 4.2 litre V8 will find its way under the hood for an S-line version.

Current global engine choices include: a 2.0 TFSI (211 hp / 258 lb-ft), a 2.0 TDI (170 hp / 258 lb-ft), and a 3.0 TDI (240 hp / 369 lb-ft). It's not know which engines will be offered in the U.S. market.

The Q5 has an updated version of the quattro all-wheel-drive system with a six-speed manual or the new seven-speed DSG gearbox. It comes equipped stahdard with hill-descent control and an adjustable air suspension. The Q5 is a five-seater, unlike the seven-person Q7.

Despite being a car-based crossover, the Q5 is still capable off-road. Its climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is very respectable. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 7.87 inches, with a fording depth of up to 19.69 inches when driving through water.

The Q5 can be ordered with a number of luxury features. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.

Additional extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swiveling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated.

Audi Q5 (2009) Review

2009-04-16T01:17:00.000-07:00

More Audi Q5 Pictures

Many manufacturers claim that their SUVs have sports car-like handling, but few high-riding 4x4s actually manage to deliver on this score. Audi's compact Q5 can. It's not a hardcore off-roader, but on-road the only other SUV that can touch it is BMW's bigger and more expensive X6.

Audi offers a selection of high-performance engines: the new 208bhp turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0 TFSI petrol, 168bhp 2.0 TDI and 237bhp 3.0 V6 TDI and, coming later, 266bhp 3.2 FSI and 'entry-level' 178bhp 2.0 TFSI and 138bhp 2.0 TDI units. The 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI initially come with the seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch sequential-shift gearbox only.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that the Q5's simply a posher-badged version of the rather disappointing Volkswagen Tiguan. Besides the more powerful engine options, its underpinnings are substantially different; it is longer and wider, its engines are installed differently (lengthways in the engine bay, compared to the Tiguan's transverse layout), and it has the Quattro four-wheel-drive system instead of 4Motion, giving very different driving dynamics.

And perhaps more importantly, the Q5 has all the snob value and luxuries of the gargantuan Q7, scaled down into a much more manageable and less environmentally-offensive package. It's impressive.

UK order books open in September 2008, with deliveries towards the end of the year; prices start from £30,600 for the 2.0 TFSI S-tronic.

2009 Audi Q5 - Spied/Car News/News/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

2009-04-16T01:16:00.000-07:00

Audi Q5

If you're in need of a more family-friendly ride, there's a new contender to consider. Sportier and smaller than its big brother, the Audi Q7, the 2009 Audi Q5 ($TBA) features a fuel efficient 3.2 V6 FSI engine with 6-speed Tiptronic shifting and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The compact crossover SUV also offers side assist passing technology, 3-zone climate control system, and Generation 3 MMI, and navigation with real-time traffic information

More Cars | SUVs & Wagons

First Drive: 2009 Audi Q5

2009-04-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

We think it's normal to feel some trepidation when driving an SUV outside the United States, even a compact crossover like the 2009 Audi Q5. Utility vehicles don't get any kind of special treatment here in Valencia, Spain, and once you stray from the main motorways, the roads get narrow and drivers in subcompacts get fearless. Yet even as we're squeezing the Q5 between medieval buildings with tiny Renaults underfoot, we're relaxed, because Audi's new SUV is the right size.

Probably you're not surprised to hear this, as the 2009 Audi Q5 is built in Ingolstadt, Germany, from the same unibody platform architecture as the 2009 Audi A4. Both ride on a 110.6-inch wheelbase, and the Q5 is actually 3 inches shorter than the A4 sedan at 182.2 inches. Audi's compact SUV is 3 inches wider, however, at 74.8 inches from shoulder to shoulder.

Overall, the 2009 Audi Q5 feels a lot like the A4, albeit one that sits 7.8 inches off the ground. This is a space-efficient approach to SUV design, and it makes sense given that the U.S. is not the No. 1 market for the Audi Q5. Of course, we'll take a significant 28 percent chunk from overall production when the Q5 goes on sale here in March 2009, but Western European drivers are expected to buy up 38 percent of the annual run.

Full-on Luxury in a Compact SUV
Plenty of competition awaits the 2009 Audi Q5, and as you'd expect, its exterior proportions nearly match those of the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60. Audi also names the Lexus RX 350 — the progenitor of the not-too-large luxury crossover SUV breed — as a likely rival, but the midsize RX is a few inches longer than the others.

The Bimmer and the Benz are the ones that matter most to Audi, though, and the dedication of the Ingolstadt designers to this rivalry is evident from the moment you open the driver door. The cheaper materials you typically see in this class are absent in the Q5, which has the same top-quality plastics, vinyls, leather and wood as the A4. The control layout is identical, too, and the only appreciable difference is the ability to outfit the Q5 with a panoramic sunroof.

Even without the extra-large skylight, the 2009 Audi Q5 manages to feel roomy whether you're seated in the front or rear. The rear seats recline, and Audi says fore/aft adjustment will be available, too. We catch a ride in a German-spec Q5, and there's ample space and comfort for all 70 inches and 150 pounds of us. We probably wouldn't say this about the X3 and certainly not the EX35.

Although the Q5's luggage capacity of 19 cubic feet doesn't seem like much compared to the 30 cubes of the BMW X3, the cargo bay feels roomier than that. With luck, the sturdy adjustable cargo tracks in the Euro-spec model will show up in the U.S. version.

Folding down the 60/40-split rear seats yields 55 cubic feet — 5 more than the '09 A4 Avant but 16 fewer than the Bimmer. A fold-flat front passenger seat will be optional.

Lots of Drivetrains, but Only One for Us
Europeans will also see a long list of optional drivetrains for the 2009 Audi Q5. The base combination is Audi's 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder (2.0 TDI) paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The next step up is a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder (2.0T), followed by a direct-injection 3.2-liter gasoline V6 and a 3.0-liter diesel V6 (3.0 TDI). Audi's new seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission is standard for the 2.0T and both V6s.

In contrast, our Q5 will come only with the 3.2-liter FSI V6, rated at 270 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, and it will have a conventional six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. As in Europe, though, this automatic will drive all four wheels through the all-wheel drive. The center differential is located right behind the engine, and ordinarily it apportions 40 percent of available torque to the front wheels.

After driving both a Q5 3.2 and a Q5 3.0 TDI with the S tronic gearbox, we're feeling a little wistful. In contrast to most automated manual gearboxes, S tronic really does approach automatic-transmission levels of smoothness, and we putter along in Valencia's beach traffic without unduly irritating our passengers.

What really makes S tronic worthwhile, though, is its rapid response under full throttle, especially when you use the steering wheel paddle shifters. When the S tronic brain determines that you're driving with some commitment, it serves up rev-matched downshifts. Unfortunately, Audi is concerned that you might complain about rough shift quality with the S tronic.

A Capable V6
Most people will be content with the 3.2-liter V6's torque, as there's enough here to accommodate most driving situations. Still, this V6 lacks the low- and midrange punch of the Infiniti EX35's 3.5-liter V6, and as a result, the Q5 comes across as a bit less athletic.

In a utopian America untroubled by smog and high diesel prices, we'd prefer the 3.0 TDI, which offers 236 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It moves the Q5 around with more muscle while offering acceptable refinement for a diesel.

Audi expects the U.S.-spec Q5 3.2 with the six-speed automatic to hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The Audi Q5 3.2 S tronic carries a 6.8-second 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time, so it might have a tenth-of-a-second advantage. If we were allowed to have the 3.0 TDI, it would hit the mark in 6.5 seconds. We've timed the EX35 at 6.3 seconds, and the X3 is far behind at 7.2. Audi's internal tests suggest the U.S.-spec 2009 Q5 will return about 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.

Handles Well, but Don't Get the 20s
Keeping weight down in sport-utility vehicles is always a challenge, and no company knows this better than Audi, builder of the 5,400-pound Q7. However, we expect the 2009 Audi Q5 to come in about 1,000 pounds lighter than the full-size Q. In service of this goal, the company has used aluminum for the suspension links, reducing unsprung weight. The Q5 uses the same five-link front suspension design as the A4, while its multilink rear is shared with the A6 and A8 sedans.

Around turns, the Q5 feels balanced and secure, even if doesn't quite replicate the sport sedan feel of the EX35 and X3. The steering is precise, but as on the A4, the variable-ratio rack feels a little artificial in its weighting and feedback.

Audi will offer a selection of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels on the 2009 Audi Q5, and after experiencing a Q5 with both 235/45R20 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires and 235/55R19 Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires, we'd caution against getting the 20s. Even when we put the adaptive suspension in Comfort mode using the Audi Drive Select (ADS) interface that's part of the optional Multi Media Interface (MMI), the ride is simply too stiff, especially for those in the backseat. The 19s allow for much more compliance.

Audi's Balanced Approach
Although we might prefer to drive a 2009 Audi Q5 with an S tronic transmission, a torquey diesel engine and more alert steering, the compromise that Audi has worked out here just might be the best one in the small luxury crossover SUV class.

The Q5 looks and feels more luxurious than either the X3 or the GLK, and it's simply more practical than the EX35. In addition, Filip Brabec, Audi USA's general manager of product planning, tells us the Q5 will offer "usual Audi pricing" in this segment, meaning this luxury crossover will likely come in a bit less expensive than its German rivals.

Premium-brand manufacturers are just beginning to figure out the way to build compact luxury utility vehicles that Americans actually want to drive. The 2009 Audi Q5 is perhaps the first small luxury SUV we've driven that feels like a complete package. It's pleasant to drive, capable of carrying four adult passengers, and almost everything about it feels upscale enough to justify what you'll pay for it.

Audi sets 2009 model-year prices for all-new Q5 crossover

2009-04-16T01:14:00.000-07:00

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Audi sets 2009 model-year prices for all-new Q5 crossover- Audi Q5 will change views on how a luxury crossover should look and perform
- Segment-exclusive features include three-zone climate control, standard LED tail lights, reclining and sliding rear seats and available Audi drive select
- Best-in-class EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city/20 mpg combined

Audi set the base price for its all-new and segment-redefining 2009 Audi Q5 crossover vehicle at $37,200. The Audi Q5 will begin to arrive in U.S. dealerships next week and will be offered in three equipment levels. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the 2009 model-year Audi Q5 Premium starts at $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200. Prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.

With the new Q5, Audi will have its first crossover vehicle for luxury car buyers who otherwise might have considered buying the Lexus RX, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

The launch of this new vehicle allows Audi its first opportunity to surpass those, and other, contenders in the popular luxury crossover vehicle segment. The new Audi Q5, with its combination of head-turning exterior and interior design, comprehensive safety features expected of a premium luxury vehicle, technological innovation and responsive Audi performance, more than achieves that goal.

'Luxury crossover vehicles appeal to a wide audience seeking both practicality and performance,' said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. 'But monotony has developed in that segment - sameness we're certain the Audi Q5 now disrupts with its array of distinctive styling cues and forward-thinking features.'

The Q5 indeed offers plenty of unique features that give it a balance of functionality, luxury and performance. The Q5 will be the only vehicle in its segment with three-zone climate control, which lets drivers and passengers select their own comfort levels. It is the only vehicle in its segment with 40/20/40 rear seats that recline and offer fore-aft adjustment for the comfort of passengers and for balancing cargo-carrying capabilities.

Audi is also equipping the Q5 with its signature LED tail lights as standard equipment, including running lights, brake lights and turn signals. The Audi Q5 will offer standard hitch preparation for 4,400-pounds of towing capacity, which puts it at the head of its class. Also standard are roof rails with aluminum cross bars that sync with the Audi ESP system to adapt accordingly.

Audi has a strong reputation for outstanding automotive interiors and that tradition carries through in the Q5 with standard twelve-way power front seats, leather seating surfaces throughout and genuine wood or brushed aluminum inlays. Available exclusive luxury touches on the Audi Q5 include the Bang & Olufsen Sound System and the exclusive Audi drive select system that allows motorists to choose among four distinctive driving configurations.

The Audi Q5 will be the first model sold in the U.S. with available MMI Navigation plus, the third generation of Audi's acclaimed MMI (Multi-Media Interface) system, which manages entertainment, communications and navigational information.

The new MMI Navigation plus offers a high-capacity hard disk with 40 gigabytes of memory (including 10 GB for media storage), DVD drive and an automotive grade NVIDIA™ chip for graphics processing. The added processing power allows MMI Navigation plus to render 3D maps of the entire U.S., including branded points of interest, and detailed images of buildings while offering real-time traffic information. The system also features a new, larger screen that measures seven inches from corner to corner, a vocal command recognition system that understands complete words in a variety of languages and improved joystick controls.

The Audi Q5 is derived from the same Audi-exclusive platform first developed for the A4 model range. The versatility of that vehicle platform gives the Q5 the driving comfort and performance characteristics of a luxury performance automobile and the longest wheelbase in its class. The efficient engineering and design of the Q5 also translated into shorter front and rear overhangs for better weight distribution to help stability. Audi also widened the vehicle platform to increase shoulder room inside the Q5 and to optimize the driver's seating position for a more commanding view of the road.

The Audi Q5 will also lead the segment of AWD, gasoline-powertrain crossover vehicles in fuel economy. According to the U.S. EPA, the Audi Q5 achieves 18 mpg city mileag

Audi Q5 (2009) with pictures and wallpapers

2009-04-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

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The new Audi Q5 combines the poise of a sports saloon with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear incorporating the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi drive select control system have been brought together to create a performance SUV for all seasons and all surfaces.

The dimensions alone indicate that this is a SUV of all-new proportions. Measuring 4.63 metres long and 1.88 metres wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 metres high, giving it a more purposeful stance than any of its competitors. What's more, this SUV sets another benchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.

With its elegant, flowing lines the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be equipped with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges are especially prominent features.

Crowned by a rail, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate - made from aluminum like the bonnet - clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The tail lights are available with distinctive LED lighting technology as well.

Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 - black (standard), contrasting colour or a full body-coloured paint finish. Two body packages are available as well. The S line exterior package imparts a more sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels gives the SUV a more robust character.

Long wheelbase, roomy interior

At 2.81 metres in length, the wheelbase is the longest in its segment, creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 540 to 1,560 litres in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.

The Audi Q5 has been designed to make light work of leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the "rear bench seat plus", which slides 100 millimetres lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passenger's seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied as standard, and on request Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well - an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.

Top-of-the-line safety equipment is a given for Audi cars. On the front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a new and especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximum precision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safety as well as rigidity and vibration patterns.

The Audi Q5 employs design elements typical of the brand in the interior, but adds its own unique variations - the driver-oriented cockpit is set higher, for example, in keeping with the upright seating position. The exemplary ergonomics are classic Audi though, as is the liberal usage of fine materials such as aluminium, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara, as well as a large selection of optional design packages.

The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation. A large, central monitor is part of the standard equipment as well. When an onboard navigation system is added, many of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on the centre console. This is the next generation of the best operating system on the market - with even more intuitive graphics and control via the large rotary pushbutton.

Strong and efficient - the engines

The Audi Q5 launches with three engine variants - one petrol engine and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger - characterized by outstanding performance, strong propulsive power and polished refinement while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engine unites three high-tech features - turbocharging, petrol direct-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable control of valve lift.

The high torque of 350 Nm is available at 1,500 rpm and remains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 211PS. The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds, can reach a top speed of 138mph and averages 33.2mpg.

Drawing on four cylinders and two litres of displacement as well, the 2.0 TDI is superbly refined thanks to a new common-rail fuel injection system; like the petrol engine, it has two balancing shafts. With 350 Nm (between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm), this diesel engine delivers its typically strong response from an impressive 170PS. Combined fuel consumption of 42.1mpg is proof of Audi's successful efficiency strategy. The two-litre TDI catapults the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph).

The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers 240PS and 500 Nm of torque, which is available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. With outstanding response and refinement, it takes the Audi Q5 from 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, accelerates to a top speed of 139mph and covers 36.6mpg on the combined cycle.

Seven speeds - the new S tronic

The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI - the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.

As in the new Audi A4, the position of the component units in the drivetrain has been altered in the Audi Q5 - the differential is located in front of the clutch, directly behind the engine. This solution, which made it possible to move the front axle much further forward, creates a long wheelbase and optimum distribution of axle load. It is precisely these features from which the Audi Q5 derives its unique strengths - good directional stability, high comfort and impressive dynamics.

The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi equips the Audi Q5 as standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.

The latest generation running gear in the Audi Q5 also contributes to its outstanding composure. The five-link front axle and trapezoidal-link rear axle are made primarily from aluminium, the steering box below directs the steering impulse directly to the wheels. Large brakes ensure high retardation. The Audi Q5 will ride on lightweight lightweight alloy wheels ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.

The new performance SUV from Audi offers precision, reassurance and comfort at the same time. Its electronic stabilization program (ESP) has been re-designed and enhanced with innovative functions such as a sensor that "tells" the ESP if a roof rack has been mounted, causing the Audi Q5's centre of gravity to be shifted higher in keeping with the roof load of up to 100 kilograms. If a roof rack is present, the ESP engages earlier in the handling limit. Without a roof load, the driver is free to tap into the full dynamic potential of the Audi Q5.

The Audi Q5 is suitable for all purposes and driving surfaces. Capable of towing up to 2.0 tons, this powerful vehicle delivers excellent performance in rough terrain as well. The standard hill descent control system makes it safe to navigate down steep inclines by regulating the preselected speed when driving at under 19mph. The ESP and its sub-function, the ABS, have special ranges for off-road driving. The ESP focuses on achieving maximum traction in off-road driving; the ABS automatically recognizes the consistency of the driving surface and selects the ideal strategy for sand, gravel or loose rocks.

The numbers speak for themselves: The Audi Q5's climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is exceptional. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 20 centimetres, with a fording depth of up to 50 centimetres when driving through water.

Audi drive select - for more driving pleasure

An extensive package of high-end technologies makes the Audi Q5 even more driver focused. The optional control system Audi drive select guides the operation of various technology components and is available in several upgrade variants. At the touch of a button, the driver determines how much emphasis should be placed on comfort or agility. The MMI operating system offers a fourth mode, which can be individually programmed.

Audi drive select is available with two innovative components. One is an electronic controller for the shock absorbers, the other is Audi dynamic steering. Fitted with a superposition gear, it continuously varies the steering ratio and the power steering assistance depending on the speed driven - which means less steering effort is required when parking, and firm steering with low sensitivity at higher speeds. At the handling limits, the dynamic steering stabilizes the Audi Q5 in conjunction with the ESP by means of instantaneous steering interventions.

The new performance SUV from Audi leaves the production line with a generous range of standard equipment including an audio system with eight speakers. A highly contemporary modular system of components is available for multimedia options - the highest upgrade level features a Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen. The excellent navigation system boasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representation of maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save music files in MP3 format.

The assistance systems: Straight from the luxury class

On request, the Audi Q5 can also be equipped with an array of high-tech, onboard systems taken directly from the premium class to make driving an even more relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.

Additional high-tech extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tyre pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swivelling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated - Audi offers the extras from the luxury class in its new performance SUV here as well.

Audi Q5 2009

2009-04-16T01:12:00.000-07:00

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

For months now we've seen spy photos and heard speculation about Audi's new Q5 CUV. Now, we finally have the official news on the latest entry from Ingolstadt. Unlike its big brother the Q7, the Q5 doesn't share an architecture with a VW model. The Q5 utilizes the same underpinnings as the A5 coupe and A4 sedan/wagon. That means the Q5 has a longitudinally mounted engine rather than the transverse powerplant found in the smaller VW Tiguan.

While we were in Germany to drive the new A4, Audi invited us into their design center in Ingolstadt to check out their new virtual reality design system and have a look at the Q5 in the metal, prior to its official coming out party in Beijing. Compared to the Q7, the Q5 looks substantially more compact than its hefty sibling and is much tidier design overall, keeping with Audi's current pretensions of being a premium sporting brand. In fact the Q5 falls right in the heart of the premium mid-size CUV segment. Learn more about the Q5 design after the jump

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

[Source: Audi]

The Q5 bears a strong family resemblance to the A4 Avant, while at same time being distinct. When Audi designers were discussing the rationale behind the styling, they began with the beltline that's found on all the newest four-ringed offerings. In Audi's design language, that beltline crease is referred to as the "Tornado Line". While it is a common element to recent Audi designs, it is slightly different on each. On the A5 coupe, the line sticks out slightly from the body and has a more pronounced curvature over the wheels. On the A4 there is a slight overhang with the upper body work being further out than the metal below it and more of straight shot from front to back. The Q5 has more of the curvature of the A5, but the tornado line fades out as it crosses the door panels and then resumes ahead of the rear wheel.

The Q5 diverges again from its siblings by having a second, more subtle, accent line that starts at the cut-line of the hood and stretches along the sides just below the side glass, eventually wrapping upward around the rear quarter window in a manner similar to the Saab 9-4x, but in a less pronounced way. Compared to the A4 Avant, the shape of the side glass is similar, but the with slightly different proportions. On the crossover, the greenhouse is taller, but foreshortened. This is most noticeable in the rear quarter window which has a similar shape to the A4, but with a forward sloping trailing edge that isn't as long. Further down the lower edge is a darker colored rocker panel to help reduce the visual impression of height. At the rear, there's a subtle diffuser-like panel under the bumper which appears to me merely cosmetic. The taillights taper toward the center of the tailgate like the A4, and the lower edge follows the cut-line of the rear bumper cover and goes into the upper edge of the license plate cavity.

Overall, the Q5 is comparable in size to an Infiniti EX, BMW X3 or Acura RDX, with the proportions and interior volume more similar to the Acura than the other two. The Acura has a six-inch shorter wheelbase, but that mostly seems to be manifested in a longer front overhang rather than interior volume. The Infiniti EX35, on the other hand, is within a half-inch of the Q5's wheelbase, but has virtually no rear leg room. The Audi appears to have substantially more for occupants in both rows (with the exception of the the center rear passenger). The rear seats also have an angle adjustment for the seat backs.

The roof-line has a subtle downward slope toward the rear, aiding the impression of sportiness. Fortunately, the slope is small enough that it doesn't really impact rear head room. Even with the available panoramic sunroof, there should be ample room in back for people on the tall side. Speaking of that sunroof, the glass stretches back over both rows of seats, with the front half popping up and sliding back over the rear much like the unit in the Q7. Cargo space behind the rear seat is also plentiful, with lots of space for four and their weekend luggage.
One element of the Q5 that the Audi designers emphasized was the grille. Going forward, Audi's allroad and Q models will have the the vertical bars on the grille that are more emphasized. The normal car models, like the A, S and RS, will emphasize the horizontal bars. On the Q5, at least the license plate bar has also moved downward within the grille area.

As usual, US buyers will get a much more limited palette of drivetrains to select from. In fact, there will be no selections. The US gets a 3.2L FSI gasoline V6 with a fast-shifting ZF six-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. Like the A4/A5, the quattro has a nominal 40/60 front rear split. In the Q5, the normally aspirated V-6 will generate 265hp and 243lb-ft of torque. European buyers will have a plethora of choices including diesels. The prototype we saw in Ingolstadt had the 2.0L TDI four -cylinder. According to the Audi engineers we talked to, Audi's new hybrid system is likely to appear first on the Q5 in the US market, but that probably won't happen before 2010. Gas-fueled V6 Q5s should start to turn up at US Audi dealers in the first quarter of 2009 with prices that Audi says will be in line with competitors. The base will likely start somewhere in the upper $30k range and may well hit $50k with all the goodies installed.

Audi Q5

2009-03-23T21:58:00.001-07:00

Audi Q5

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Audi Q5 Audi Q5 - New 2009 2010 Audi Q5 Prices, Photos, Specs

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