Luke Scott asked:


Audi traces its origins back to 1899 and August Horch.  When Horch was forced out of the company he had founded, he started a new company in 1909 called Audi which was a Latin translation of Horch (in German: ‘Listen’).  From the start, the company’s policy was to build cars mainly for the luxury category.
Since 1932 the Audi emblem has been the ‘four rings’, which represent its amalgamation with DKW, Horch and Wanderer to form Auto Union AG in Chemnitz, Germany. Audi supplied a wide range of passenger vehicles during the 1930s - from motorcycles to luxury saloon cars.  Volkswagen bought the company in 1964. In the 1980s, Audi dominated world rally with the Audi Quattro, and has had huge success in the Le Mans 24 Hour with its R10 prototype racer.
Audi’s progressive designs and groundbreaking technology combine to make cars which are innovative yet stylish.  The current crop of production vehicles from the Audi A3 to the Audi R8 supercar has propelled Audi to record sales during the 21st century.
Audi have produced every kind of car imaginable:  from executive cars such as the Audi A4 and Audi A6 to sports cars such as the Audi TT - from the Audi Q7 full size SUV to the Audi A2 super-mini and they show no signs of slowing down.
DID YOU KNOW?

In March 1980, the introduction of the Audi Quattro four-wheel drive sports coupe caused a sensation on the Audi stand at the Geneva Motor Show. The Quattro was the first high-performance vehicle with four-wheel drive, and is regarded as the first successful application of four-wheel drive on a road car.

In the late 1980s, a report by the U.S. TV show, "60 Minutes" rigged an Audi to perform in an uncontrolled manner. The report impacted Audi sales badly causing the company to rename the 5000 model the 100/200 in 1989

In 1994, the launch of the first Audi A8 with an all-aluminium body was a world first for a passenger car.

Audi’s legendary slogan, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ means Advancement through Technology

AUDI FACTS

Type: Public (Xetra: NSU)

Founded: 1910, Zwickau, Germany

Headquarters: Ingolstadt, Germany

Key People: Rupert Stadler, Chairman

Industry: Automotive

Products: Automobiles, Engines

Subsidiaries: Quattro GmbH, Lamborghini S.p.A., SEAT, S.A., Cosworth Technology

Jane

Gannon M asked:


Hey guys, I have a 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro and it’s been shaking at idle. I replaced the front left motor mount because it looked like it was the one that was vibrating, but after I finished the engine was still shaking. (The engine itself is actually shaking very slightly under the hood) What do you guys think it could be?
If it is a mount how do you find which one?

Vernon

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



It was a new record. About 250,920 spectators attended the 75th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and watched the Audi R10 TDI win back to back victories. For Audi, it was the seventh win in nine starts at the French long-distance classic. Indeed, when it comes to racing, Audi models have had a quite successful history. In the United States, the 2003 SSCA Speed World GT Challenge saw an Audi RS6 compete with Corvettes, Vipers and BMWs. All of them proved inferior to the RS6, as the Audi.

Taking engineering to the next level, Audi produces the same high octane design in every automobile it releases out in the consumer market. These cars are equipped with highly efficient parts and accessories that supplement the overall performance of Audi.

On the subject of acceleration, the Audi Belts provide the essential capability to control the timing of the engine’s valves. A timing pulley transmits force to the belt via evenly spaced grooves, which meet with the teeth in the belt. These same grooves and teeth prevent belt slippage. Synchronous belt drives are highly efficient and contribute to power transmission. The Audi belt basically connects the crankshaft to the camshaft which, in turn, controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. Of course, efficient timing belts results clockwork precision in engine operation. On the other hand, another Audi part offers superior stopping power. The Audi brake booster, typically mounted on the firewall, amplifies the available foot pressure applied to the brakes. Its power is derived from the vacuum coming from the engine. Audi specifically developed the boosters to effectively support the braking technology in every Audi vehicle.

Audi sets new goals for the incoming years. The European car maker is working on pursuing leading-edge technology and innovative, unconventional design. With parts like the Audi belt and Audi brake booster, Audi’s current success proves to be just the tip of a gigantic iceberg.

Ruben

Darrell F asked:


The A8 is one of Audi’s full size luxury vehicles; this highly successful model first hit the showrooms 14 years ago, back in 1994. Since then it has proved to be one of the German manufacturers most popular, high end models.

It was originally created with the intention of replacing the V8. One of the cars most outstanding features is its all wheel drive system. Audi have continued to systematically improve the A8, including a major re-vamp with the 2004 ‘Second Generation’ A8 model. It is currently available as either a four-door saloon or the ultra-classy Coupe model.

The Audi S8 bares more than a passing resemblance to another German manufactured luxury vehicle, the Mercedes Benz top of the range AMG model.

The S8 was launched just over six years ago, like its sister A8, it also benefitted from a major re-vamp with its Second Generation version unveiled in 2006. The S8s Second Generation now features a VW D3 platform, a highly effective 4-wheel drive setup and a very efficient six-speed gearbox. The S8 has proved it’s self to be very popular with the jaded motoring critics, but also with the ‘real’ drivers who actually pay for their cars, through Audi car leasing.

Audi has always had a strong racing tradition, with its numerous classic rally wins. There current sports models are the R8, R10 and of course the Sport Quattro. The R10 is Audi’s sleekest race car model. It made its much anticipated debut near the end of 2005 and went on to win a multitude of races including the Sebring 12 Hour race and the ultimate racing prize, the Le Mans 24 Hour, the extreme test of car and driver endurance.

The vehicle is a certified flying machine, which incorporates the TDI turbo diesel engine. The R10 has a whole host of specially developed technology to make the vehicle sure, that it can out-perform anything on the track, or the road.

The most viable way for most drivers to get behind the wheel of one of Audi’s luxurious vehicles is with Audi contract hire. All of Audi’s highly desirable vehicles can be within your reach if you take advantage of the special rates that are offered to potential Audi owners with Audi car leasing options.

Franklin

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



Audi has proven to be one of the top European carmakers producing luxury vehicles. More than the distinction, though, Audi makes sure that every facet of its automotive systems is well-designed and manufactured according to global standards for performance, comfort, and safety. Demonstrating Audi’s commitment down to the smallest detail is the slew of dependable components.

Take the Audi park lights for instance. They are mainly used to make a car visible when an Audi is parked. Front end park lights are located near or beside the headlights, although some are already mounted on the bumpers or fenders of a vehicle. Rear end park lamps are usually plain marker lights used to make the vehicle more visible at the back or at the side, especially during nighttime or during low visibility conditions. Most parking lights have amber bulbs, while some have red ones. Audi park light problems occur due to several reasons. One could be a bad filament or burned out bulb and the other can be a problem in the headlight switch, which controls the park lights.

Another noteworthy Audi auto component is the Audi motor mount. Normally, an Audi motor is twisted by the heavy forces of the turning of the crankshaft every time it delivers power to the rear wheels. It is the role of the Audi motor mount to prevent this excessive twisting from occurring. But by performing this task, it also means that the vibration due to the bolting of the motor direct to the chassis is transmitted throughout the car. A solution for this is the use of rubber in mounting the engine to the chassis to serve as a damper so as to allow the engine a certain amount of play and to keep the car from rattling or vibrating while on the road. However, due to excessive vibration and factors like road debris and oil, the rubber will eventually wear out, rip, and fail. This will then cause the motor to twist excessively. To address this problem, the mounts are replaced.

Different types of material are used to make Audi motor mounts today. Polyurethane seems to be the most popular one because it is typically soft-running. This material absorbs vibrations for street use, yet rugged enough for racing use. Aside from that, Audi motor mounts made of polyurethane are also resistant to vehicle fluids such as oils, coolants, and other road contaminants. Nowadays, more and more motor mounts are specially designed to endure heavy duty applications. A failing Audi motor mount usually causes a weird vibration when one shifts or accelerates. Also evident are a knocking noise and an uncontrollable shifter movement.

Janice

mayhugh s asked:


I have an audi a4 2003 and it does not seem to shift when i use the tiptronic portion of the gear selector.

Melinda

Thomas Pretty asked:


The Audi A6 is the mid-sized executive offering from Audi set to compete with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E Class. In 2005 the A5 was named the World Car of the Year that did much to increase its reputation in this saturated market sector.

Executive saloons are currently some of the most popular cars to be bought annually; this is mainly due to the fact that executives are the some of the few with enough financial stability to buy new prestige cars. So how does the A6 compare to the other cars in its range? Will it be able to match them in terms of performance, comfort and style?

As with much of the Audi range the styling is dominated by the characteristic single panel grill that give Audi cars their distinctive look. Although conservatively styled. It looks good enough to be considered aesthetically pleasing. Other cars in the range can be considered slightly bolder however; the BMW 5 Series is styled in a contemporary way although some commentators are still not convinced by its dynamic curves. For classic beauty, the Mercedes E Class offers timeless elegance that only comes with the Mercedes badge.

Inside the Audi A6 is comfortable and generally a nice place to be, materials feel expensive, and so they should as this is a prestige executive car. The controls are laid out in a logical manner making the A6 an ideal car for long journeys. If you are a techno-junkie however the BMW 5 Series should be the car for you, with a complex ‘iDrive’ system that puts complete control of the driving settings into the hands of the driver.

For British buyers the Audi A6 may no be their first choice, the Jaguar S Type brings retro-styling and the distinctive big cat badge. The Jag also brings the driver a sense of ‘Britishness’ that nationalistic drivers may want to experience. The British manufacturer is somewhat flagging in comparison to its German rivals in terms of quality and reliability though. While the A6 has a feel of quality throughout, the cheap feeling materials used in the S Type’s construction somewhat limit its potential as an executive vehicle.

The Audi A6 also comes in an estate version that larger families may want to consider. This however puts the A6 in direct competition with the Swedish manufacturer Volvo, who have years of experience in the estate car market. The Volvo S80 is a sublime estate that benefits from many years of heritage; its safety features are probably the best in the class, the crash protection system is widely believed to be the most advanced to be ever produced in a road car. This may be the perfect solution for families with safety concerns.

For those who want a bit more sport from their Audi A6 then it may well be worth buying an S6, this does however put the Audi in direct comparison with the king of the sports saloons, the BMW M5. The sportier brother of the A6, the Audi S6 benefits from the ‘Quattro’ system that has made Audi famous for years.

The M5 however is the superior model in this class, with around sixty break horse power less than the BMW, what the Audi lacks in power it makes up with torque, that is; its ability to put its power down on the ground. In terms of performance both the BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG outstrip the Audi, this however can be balanced in wet weather thank to the exquisite all wheel drive system.

In terms of price the Audi A6 is a startling alternative to the BMW and Mercedes with competitive pricing for entry level models. If price is a real issue however there are cheaper cars on the market that may suffer with quality but make up for it in terms of cost; one such model is the Honda Legend.

Although the Honda is a good car it has somewhat struggled in this competitive market sector where the badge makes all the difference. While the driving position in the Honda is excellent, the rather drab and uninspiring brown interior fails to deliver all that an executive car should.

Overall the A6 is a brilliant car in a sector of the market full of brilliant cars. The fact it was voted the best car in the world a number of years ago is a creditable accolade. There is one problem that the car will have to face in order to compete effectively, that is the badge snobbery that fills the marketplace. Most executives would far prefer to have a BMW or Mercedes to pull up into their parking spot, if Audi can convince the executives to try something different the car will be a complete success.

Lloyd

Heather S asked:


I have found out that the washers on my Audi TT for the headlights work but not for the windshield. Is there a certain sequence I have to perform in order to switch between the two washers or am I just lacking washer fluid?

Amanda

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



Every Audi car is expected to conquer the roads and highways in style and performance. Troubleshooting seldom happens because Audi puts premium on components that secure the engine’s performance, as well as the exhaust system. There are a lot of ways to secure the performance of the engine, and one of them comes in the form of the valve cover gasket. The Audi Valve Cover Gasket basically prevents oil leakage. It is located between the top of the cylinder head and the bottom of the valve cover. Valve cover gaskets are responsible for sealing oil inside the valve cover to avoid leaks while the engine is running. Sometimes, the valve cover tends to sporadically rattle especially when the engine gains more power. Possible leaks may seep out of the valve cover. When this happens, the engine begins to increasingly wane in performance. The Audi Valve Cover Gasket takes care of this problem.

On the other hand, when it comes to the exhaust system, the tail pipe is the end point of an automotive operation. An Audi Tail Pipe is located at the rear end of the exhaust, where it vents to open air. The tail pipe is generally the only visible part of an exhaust system, often ending with just a straight or angled cut, but may include a fancy tip. The tip is usually chromed, and is often of larger pipe than the rest of the exhaust system. This produces a final reduction in pressure, prevents rusting of the tips, and can be used to enhance the appearance of the car. The Audi Tail Pipe also happens to be the least expensive part of the system which fuses both style and functionality.

The Audi Valve Cover Gasket and the Audi Tail Pipe are just some the basic, but equally important parts of an Audi’s high performance system, but they also sum up to what amount of care and maintenance one should employ on his vehicle. These parts must not be taken for granted since they play stressful tasks critical to a car’s totality.

David

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



Audi AG is revving up its image as the new luxury auto brand through a high-budgeted Super Bowl commercial.

The first Big Game ad of the Volkswagen-owned automaker in two decades will be featuring the new R8. The said ad utilizes a send-up iconic scene from The Godfather to poke fun, without naming names, at luxury auto rivals, reported USA Today.

“We don’t look at this as a car ad as much as we look at it as a statement,” said Scott Keogh, Audi’s vice president of marketing. “The message we want to send is between Old World and New World and say that Audi is the New World. The spot sets up old luxury as excessive extravagance. Audi is not about excess, it’s about substance.”

The German automaker will be competing with several rivals in the auto industry for attention in the game. General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motors are in the game. Additionally, Nissan Motor Corp. and other automakers are acquiring ‘spot’ ads in individual markets.

Venables Bell & Partners in San Francisco, the advertising company behind Audi’s ad, took that into account. “The fact that people don’t pay attention to auto ads unless they are in the market for a car is exactly the ammunition we used to do something different and provocative,” said Paul Venables, the agency founder and co-creative director. “We have this slow, methodical open; it’s eerie and not a gag a minute. The light bulb is going to go off that it’s The Godfather. All those things contribute to a pause that’s going to deliver an entertaining story and brand message.”

The maker of the reliable Audi radiators paid Paramount Pictures a licensing fee that it would describe only as ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million.

Who will get to see Audi’s ad first? According to reports, the lucky ones are the registered users of the automaker’s official Web site. The ad will be e-mailed to approximately 35,000 registered users of audi.com on Super Bowl morning.

Audi, to note, is already etching a positive standing in the industry. In 2007, global sales of the automakers surged 6.5 percent from the previous year to 964,000. Additionally, the limited production of the R8 for this year is already sold out. Moreover, the automaker hopes its Super Bowl ad will make its image shine even brighter at the same time drive more gains to its coffers.

Louise