JDTiger asked:


I have a 2003 Audi A4 with 75K miles on it. The dealer is pushing to have the timing belt replaced, but it isn’t recommended in the user manual until 105K miles. I have seen a lot of problems with premature breakage on the late 90s models. Has this problem been fixed or is it still an issue? I am driving from OK to Alaska in January and really don’t want to have it break driving through Canada….
Thanks!

Leon

Thomas Pretty asked:


The cars in the Audi range today can trace a heritage back more than a century to the Horch Motorcar Company, named after the founder August Horch. However a mere eight years after the first Horch car was rolled out the founder was bought out of his own company. After a court case determining whether the founder could retain his family name for a new company, Horch was denied. It was at this point that Audi was born; horch meaning listen in German and Audi meaning listen in Latin.

The early stages of the Audi development saw a range of cars that excelled in the motor sport arena. Predominantly the cars relied upon six and four cylinder engines licensed from Peugeot. At the beginning of the Nazi period Audi formed a company made up from the original Horch manufacturer, DKW and Wanderer, naming it Auto Union. It was at this point that the four rings emblem that we see on the Audi range today was born. During the war the company was instrumental in the war effort manufacturing armoured cars and light transportation vehicles.

After the war Auto Union was broken up due to factories and headquarters lying in different parts of the now divided country. DKW became the most powerful of the four during the next decade until Volkswagen was able to buy out all four brands of the union. At this point an executive decision was made to forget the two stroke engines that were characteristic of the DKW range in preference for more comfortable and efficient four stroke engines. Part of this move meant forgetting the DKW brand in favour of Audi.

In the modern era Audi finally became the brand it is today, separating itself from the various mergers throughout its history. At this time (1970) the company was introduced to American shores with a range made up of small and saloon cars. The most important of this new generation was the Audi 50, a car that is seen as seminal by many due to its obvious likeness of the later Golf and Polo models produced by Volkswagen.

Audi are probably most famous however for producing a car that revolutionised drive systems and the world of rally racing. It was in 1980 that the Quattro was introduced to the range, a coupe that utilised a turbocharged engine and a unique four wheel drive system. This car was unbelievably successful in rally racing at a time when most competitors had discounted the benefits of a complicated all wheel drive system. The doubters were soon silenced however as the Quattro went on to dominate the rally world until the rest of the pack caught up with the technological developments.

Despite this the Audi range has consistently been labelled with a ‘grandfather image’. That was until the late nineties when a range of sporty models were developed. These cars captured a growing market for performance cars that could be used on a daily basis. The pursuit of performance however has not ceased since this time, the latest car to be developed by the company was the R8, an all out sports car of undeniable beauty and ability. This latest inception has been developed to compete with Aston martin, Porsche and other European manufacturers but at a price of almost sixty thousand pounds it is anything but affordable.

Audi today have advanced from humble beginnings to be one of the predominant car manufacturers in Europe. Predictions for this year estimate that more than one million cars will be sold showing that the company is going from strength to strength. Long considered to be the little brother of the German car manufacturing industry; this four ringed company has finally come into its own.

Beth

Thomas Pretty asked:


Audi are a German car manufacturer steeped in tradition and heritage, the company motto of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ or ‘advantage through technology’ is plain to see on the forecourts of Audi dealerships. Technological developments are at the heart of the Audi ethos with many modern techniques first being pioneered by this forward thinking German company’s motor sport division.

One car you will not find in dealerships is the Audi Quattro, this legendary car owes its fame to a string of brilliant rally championship performances and many commentators consider it a seminal car in terms of handling and drive system.

The Quattro took advantage of new regulations in rally racing that allowed all-wheel drive cars in an era when doubters were criticising Audi for producing a car with such a system. Critics however were quickly silenced as the Audi Quattro one its first race and dominated the sport for two years. Audi dealerships suddenly found themselves inundated with orders for a car that was expected to be a flop.

The Quattro system has been modernised and is now used in a variety of cars in the Audi range. Audi have carved themselves a niche in the market when it comes to producing all wheel drive cars, despite efforts of other manufacturers to produce these types of model it is only companies such as Subaru who have managed to match anything on the forecourts of Audi dealerships.

Audi have pursued a course of rust and corrosion prevention for a number of years and with a great deal of success. Vehicles are one hundred percent galvanised as part of this and their lead has been followed by other manufacturers. Zinc coating has been so successful in the prevention of rust and corrosion that even Audi have been surprised by their car’s durability; so much so that their ten year anti corrosion guarantee has been extended to twelve years. As part of this Audi have produced an all-aluminium car in the form of the A8; this ’space-frame’ technology is ultimately revolutionary and the cars on the forecourts of dealerships are at the forefront of this revolution.

Technological development is even part of the engine design process with Audi acting as the avant guarde of the efficiency drive. The new FSI engines use fuel stratification injection technology to increase efficiency and mileage. Most of the petrol models currently available on the forecourts of dealerships now utilise this technology, with rising costs of fuel, this technology is becoming evermore popular with owners. The aluminium frame of the A8 also adds to this increased mileage by making the car incredibly light and hence, more fuel efficient.

Much of this technology comes as an offshoot to the successful motor sport division of the company. Although Audi do not possess a Formula 1 team, in other disciplines Audi have achieved success. In touring cars and Championship Racing the Quattro system has been beneficial and returned considerable race and championship wins.

The Sports Car Racing Competition has also seen a number Audis during its history; again, success has been forthcoming with three wins on the trot in the Le Mans 24 hours between 2000 and 2002. The current contender is the R10 which since 2005 has added to the trophy cabinet. Recently voted the most successful motor sport company since the turn of the century, dealerships will gladly highlight the exemplary racing pedigree of their cars.

Audi really do incorporate the education and technologies they develop in motor sport into their road cars. A relatively new phenomenon in terms of success, the company has done well to constantly build upon this success and make themselves a dominant force in the world of motor sport. As long as the technology developed in the racing division filters down to their road cars, dealerships will be busy with hoards of people wanting luxury cars that can match the levels of comfort with outstanding performance.

Beatrice

Thomas Pretty asked:


A car that should be in Audi dealerships near you is the astonishing Audi TT. Audi are not exactly renowned for their sports car prowess but the S models have become an increasingly large constituent on the forecourts of Audi dealerships. Utilising the technological developments made in the supremely designed S models the TT pools knowledge from the company’s road car company as well as its motor sport wing.

Audi have worked hard at putting sumptuously designed cars on the forecourts of their dealerships. The Audi TT can be seen as a complete style classic and a watershed in modern car design. Its revolutionary styling can be viewed as a predecessor to the absolutely stunning R8. The same curves and organic feel are retained while the R8 benefits from a far edgier, more aggressive stance than the softer nature of the TT.

The TT is present in Audi dealerships is practically a race car for the road. With a high torque engine that utilises high revs to lay down startling amounts of power; 0-60 mph comes in a rapid five seconds and with a large top speed the Audi TT certainly lives up to its sports car label. Four wheel drive means this power is always there and put down on the road efficiently.

The Audi Quattro system has long been the envy of other manufacturers. The Quattro car revolutionised rally racing and strung together a record series of results as rivals were left in its wake. While you can no longer find a Quattro in most Audi dealerships the TT gives drivers an experience that resembles the original Quattro in terms of performance and handling. The TT may even surpass this eighties motoring legend.

Technologically the car is an absolute dream. The petrol engine achieves outstanding performance whilst remaining efficient; vital in today’s environmentally conscious society. The power to weight ratio helps with this as the light materials used in the construction of the Audi TT aid the efficiency of its engine. Direct injection also adds to fuel efficiency, knowledge that has been crucial in Audi’s success in endurance racing events.

Naturally any car that can drive at the speed of the TT will have to have suitable safety systems, in this case Audi have surpassed themselves with attention to detail that is second to none. A high tech seat belt system ensures the safety of passengers. Not only are the crash precautions extensive but brakes are supremely designed ensuring awesome stopping power and a stable retarding platform.

The cockpit is designed purely with the driver in mind; all aspects are focussed towards the driving experience. The dashboard panels are angled to lead the view of the driver to the road while the steering wheel makes for an amazingly comfortable driving position.

The interior however is comfortable for the passenger also, with leather interior and the option of bucket seats available at most dealerships. While rear passengers will not be too comfortable there is space behind the front seats and boot to stow away luggage and even a couple of golf bags.

The TT is one of the nicest looking cars ever to be sold at Audi dealerships. Its styling is once again revolutionary and is sure to turn heads in the street. The price tag matches the design ethic where expense has not been a great concern, but for those who can afford it, it will be a pleasure to drive for years to come.

Tracy

Me R asked:


I’m not sure if this commercial is new or old but I just recently started seeing it on TV. I believe it shows a bunch of clips of old Audi commercials mixed together and it’s put to some music clip that’s hard rock-ish. The advertisement is for an Audi 4 Quattro or something like that. I can’t find the commercial anywhere and I’m trying to figure out what the sound clip is from. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Dora

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



Audi continues to live up to its famous tagline “Vorsprung durch Technik,” which means “Advancement through Technology.” Audi is in fact, one of the very few car companies that utilizes aluminum space frame technology and offers vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVT’s). Audi is also known to produce luxury vehicles at low prices but with the same quality as its top competitors. The vehicles that Audi produces are made with premium quality Audi parts to ensure optimum performance. Among these quality Audi parts are the Audi ignition coil and the Audi fuel pressure regulator.

The Audi ignition coil is an induction coil in the ignition system of a vehicle. Its role is to multiply battery voltage into ignition voltage. It takes about 12 to 16 volts stored in the battery and transforms it into 12,000-, 20,000-, or even 40,000-plus or whatever voltage is necessary to spark the spark plugs. Each Audi ignition coil has a switching device located in the coil primary circuit that goes along with the rotation of the crankshaft. The Audi ignition coil is a power transistor located in the ignition control module (ICM) or in the power train control module (PCM).

An ignition failure might produce symptoms of temperature or humidity-related starting or stalling trouble, cranking, a no-spark condition, or a severe engine backfire. An ignition failure is commonly caused by worn spark plugs and open-circuit spark plugs that force the Audi ignition coils to operate at the maximum rate to produce maximum output. When the ICM overheats and eventually fails or when the Audi ignition coil is burned, cracked, severely discolored, or corroded from acids or other chemical, replacement is immediately needed.

But before a car can actually be started with the help of the ignition coil, it must have fuel delivered to its engine first. The fuel system is tasked to do just that. The Audi fuel system is the digestive system of a vehicle. It consists of different parts like the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injector, and the fuel pressure regulator. Together, these parts perform a special function of delivering power to the engine. The last process of the fuel system involves the Audi fuel pressure regulator., which controls the pressure of the fuel in the line. The Audi fuel pressure regulator is fitted as a loose component in the fuel system and keeps the fuel pressure to the injectors at a predetermined value depending on the quality and temperature of the fuel. It contains a vacuum line linking it to the intake manifold to measure manifold vacuum. As engine RPM rises, manifold vacuum lowers causing the fuel pressure to increase. The failure of the Audi pressure regulator can cause the whole fuel system to malfunction. It therefore needs to be checked regularly along with the fuel system’s other parts.

Patricia

Darrell F asked:


Whether you are seeking to purchase an Audi for yourself or are merely seeking to lease one for a while, the competition for this in-demand vehicle assures you great savings on your final automotive deal. There are many styles of Audi to choose from. Whether looking for a sporty convertible or a five-door family transport vehicle, Audi provides a wide range of choices for the discerning driver.

The usual Audi car leasing contract is twenty-four months, although a few of the deluxe models have thirty-six month minimums. With the price ranges starting at under £200 per month to lease a new Audi, there are good economic reasons to contract hire your new car rather than purchase it outright.

With the usual Audi contract hire, the cost of maintenance and repair can be included in the overall package price. When obtained for your business, the leased Audi can have a good portion of its contract cost offset as a business expense on your taxes. A V.A.T. registered business can recoup up to 50% of the V.A.T. fee written off this way. At the end of the contract period you have the option of obtaining a new vehicle or setting up a purchase agreement and make the Audi you are familiar with totally your own.

There are a few differences between the Audi car leasing and the contract hire. While the primary interest in leasing is to be able to trade the car back for a new one at the end of the contract period, the hire purchase is designed with taking ownership of the vehicle in the end. While the lease contract can be for two or three years, the hire contract usually ranges between one and five years. With a hire contract, the vehicle is listed as an asset on your taxes but can be written off for 25% or £3000, which is the maximum annual allowance.

There are several insurance options you can choose between when you lease or hire your new Audi. There are low priced “unemployment insurance’ that covers the cost of maintaining your financial obligation in the even you are put off work through no fault or desire of your own. There are accident and sickness policies that cover your financial burden for the vehicle lease in the event of injury or illness that prevents you from working. The super kit will contain both these types of insurance coverage.

With these options available, your business can more easily afford to increase your public image with the use of such success-oriented vehicles at your command with Audi leasing. Whether leased, contract hired or contracted to become a permanent asset for your business, your Audi contract hire deal will increase your customer’s image of your business as a successful enterprise.

Lewis

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



In the vast world of automotive engineering, few manufacturers actually perceive the importance of integrating only the best parts and accessories for their vehicles. As a matter of fact, some commercial automobiles in the market today have integrated features that do not really enhance the overall vehicle performance. However, there are leading car makers that produce car parts for the exact purpose of optimum functionality.

Take Audi for example. This German corporation personifies prowess in automotive engineering. Currently, Audi’s sales are growing strongly in Europe. In 2004, Audi marked its 11th straight increase in sales, selling 779,441 vehicles worldwide. Garnering countless awards and recognition, Audi cars are highly praised for the key components nestled within their automotive system. Two examples of Audi components working with clockwork precision are the Audi ball joints and Audi Antenna.

The Audi ball joint consists of a hardened-steel, bearing stud and socket enclosed in a steel housing. The bearing stud is conical and threaded and is slotted into a tapered hole in the steering knuckle. A protective boot keeps dirt from entering the joint assembly. Basically, the Audi ball joint serves as the pivot point between the tires and suspension. It is a given fact that a lightweight Audi suspension greatly contributes to the car’s handling and braking. It provides good active safety and comfortable driving that virtually isolates the cabin from road noise, bumps, and vibrations. A key suspension system part is the Audi ball. There is also a device that proves to be a favorite among consumers. For top-notch sound systems, the Audi antenna is considered a must. Audi provides power antennas that are fully automatic, direct replacement, and chrome telescope.

The combination of innovative engineering and classic detailing proved to be the catalyst that made Audi the leader that it is. As for what the future might bring, it is safe to say that with the Audi ball joint and the Audi antenna, every lineup of Audi vehicles will surely be a major success.

Cecil

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



Audi represents prominence, and it is only fitting that the Audi A8 embodies Audi’s commitment to excellence. Powered with the potent and efficient FSI and TDI engines, the A8—perhaps the ’sportiest’ of all luxury sedans—cuts its place among the best. Thanks to an all-time, all-wheel drive in the form of quattro®, an aluminum bodyshell and technical innovations such as the Multi Media Interface (MMI), and other high-performing Audi A8 parts, the Audi luxury sedan has set a milestone in automotive history. A8 caters to the desires of both the driver and passenger with equal perceptiveness. Behind the wheel, effortless power is attained due to compact, light-yet-strong engines anchored by the ever-reliable impeccable control of the legendary quattro® all-wheel drive technology. Dragged by a 6.0 liter, 450-horsepower 12-cylinder engine, the A8 is undeniably powerful. Powered by lean engine muscle, the lightweight magnesium and aluminum makeup of most Audi A8 parts reduce weight and increase efficiency.

Even Audi A8 parts found inside the cabin demonstrate luxury at its finest, down to the last minute detail. Adjustable suspension modes deliver superior ride quality and the immediate response that a luxury sedan demands. Responsive without sacrificing ease. Inside, the presence of premium comfort seats with high-grade Valcona leather and 16-way adjustability ensures a comfort level that rivals even the soothing confines of home. Another unique Audi A8 part that puts the vehicle a cut above the rest is the integrated MMI. MMI offers a complete revolution in interior dynamics, giving the driver a simple, direct method of control. More than that, Audi’s MMI is a highly intuitive and user-friendly system that allows easy control of a range of features including ride dynamics, entertainment system, environment, and the Audi Navigation System.

Other Audi A8 parts that contribute to the car’s total luxury and sporty feel are, namely: the Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound System; rain sensors; an Audi Advanced Parking System, which features a highly-efficient reverse camera; standard air bags and head restraints. A special feature of A8 is the Audi Space Frame, which exceeds all current industry standards in improving both ride and handling—a distinct example of Audi’s innovative safety technology. Truly, the Audi A8 is a ride to die for.

Ryan

Anthony Fontanelle asked:



Audi, one of the most sought-after teams at the American Le Mans Series, is in the middle of a scorching competition. The ALMS heavyweight is consistently showing the power and performance it is capable of releasing.

The German Audi has been bombarded with several strategies to make it submit to teams from lower weight class. A season after it crossed the finish line first at all 10 ALMS events, Audi - which competes out of the 2,040-pound, 700 horsepower Le Mans P1 prototype division – has not won a race since March 31. Porsche-backed Penske Racing, an LMP2 competitor that comes in 300 pounds lighter and produces 550-hp, enters this weekend’s Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on an eight-race winning streak, USA Today reported.

“Even before the season, we knew it was going to be hard to beat an LMP2 at some tracks,” said Wolfgang Ullrich, the head of Audi Motorsport. “Weight is a big issue. At some tracks it’s just not possible to be as competitive the way the rulebook is written.”

To note, ALMS added three temporary street courses – St. Petersburg, Fla.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Detroit. The mentioned courses made it difficult for drivers to do braking and quick acceleration.

What is more, Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the international governing body ALMS patterns its rules after, slashed the size of the LMP1 fuel cell by 2.4 gallons, forcing the German team to take one more pit stop than LMP2 cars at many tracks.

“I think they made all these changes to the LMP1 car, maybe it’s time they do something with the LMP2,” said Dindo Capello, an Audi driver. “Increase their weight configuration. They have an advantage at the ALMS tracks with the exception of Sebring, MoSport, Road America and Atlanta. At the rest, we are in a bad situation.”

Audi again dominated June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most popular endurance race around the globe. Frank Biela, Marco Werner and Emanuele Pirro led the team to its fourth consecutive victory on the 8.45-mile French circuit and second consecutive win with company’s revolutionary diesel-powered R10 that complemented Audi rotors and brake disc.

But the two-car team has not been nearly as prolific stateside, even on permanent road courses where the Audi is supposed epitomize dominance. The reasons behind Audi’s predicament have included improved strategy by Penske (Miller Motorsports Park, May 19), quicker pit stops by Penske (Road America, Aug. 11) and a broken gearbox with three minutes left in the event (Mosport, Aug. 26). As much as the rule changes have injured Audi, Penske returned after its first full season in ALMS with revamped cars.

Team owner Roger Penske said the current Porsche RS Spyder is about “10 percent better” than last season’s rendition. Ryan Briscoe, Penske driver, has this to say: “Porsche has done a great job at developing these cars. We came back with a car that’s a lot quicker with more downforce, which make cornering speeds a lot faster. The cars have also been extremely reliable, even though we were a bit shaky at Sebring.”

“They just gave them the biggest advantage I have ever seen,” Penske noted. “The rules are the rules.… They made a set of rules at the beginning of the season, so I think they should live with those rules. I know about all the ramifications at the top, but I can tell you it’s a wide-open rivalry when it comes to racing.”

“Ideally, we’d like to have every championship race go down to the wire,” ALMS President and CEO Scott Atherton noted. “Petit Le Mans has turned into something special.”

Michelle