Thomas Pretty asked:


In recent years Audi have been competing with the big players of the saloon car industry, principally this has been with the Audi A4 and A8. These two cars can be seen as the bread and butter of the Audi range and should be a major consideration when looking into the purchase of a new saloon car.

It is estimated that the Audi A4 makes up half of all the vehicles made by Audi and is probably the most important car in the Audi range in terms of profitability; subsequently it is key that Audi get the formula right when developing this model. Now in its fourth generation it is a principal component of the Audi range and is packed with technology that seemingly defines the modern saloon car market place.

Technologically speaking the new Audi range is jam packed with boy’s toys and impressive safety features. The latest reincarnation of the A4 has LED daylight running lights as well as a full host of protective airbags. More impressive however is the lane departure and blind spot warning systems, these systems work by detecting your lane during motorway travel and give warnings when you drift across the carriageway. The technology has been in development for a long time but is an essential component that adds a great deal of safety for the driver.

In terms of boys toys the A4 is as impressive as any in the range, with Audi’s ‘Drive Select’ system the driver has ultimate control of the driving experience. With the ability to change the suspension, the shift speed on automatic cars and the steering ratio, the system allows drivers to set the car up to their own personal taste, be that for comfort or hard driving.

The flagship of the Audi range is the A8; the car oozes luxury and prestige and is somewhat larger than the A4 model. It is a widely held belief in the motoring fraternity that the diesel models in the A8 range are some of the best in the world. They generate awesome power whilst also keeping a good fuel economy record. If driven frugally it is believed that A8 can make 590 miles on a single tank, which is impressive and a serious financial incentive in today’s world of ridiculous fuel prices.

This fuel economy was proven on BBC’s Top Gear show when Jeremy Clarkson drove a diesel engine car in the A8 range from London to John’O'Groats on one tank. The impressive feat meant some extremely frugal driving and even some ‘coasting’ down larger hills but stands testament to this cars economical nature.

The reliability of all the cars in the Audi range means that they make brilliant used cars. Although depreciation is not a major concern it is still possible to grab a bargain and drive away with a luxury saloon that will be good for hundreds of thousands of miles.

There is no doubt that the Audi range contains some exquisite motors, the A4 and A8 are in direct competition with Audi’s German rivals. The company’s attempts to break into the German saloon market have led to a raise in reputation worldwide. Due to the hard fought nature of the saloon car market in Germany there is little surprise that the Audi range has become so appealing. Competing with two companies that have dominated the German car market for so long has bred a range of cars that not only excel in performance but also in terms of sumptuous styling.

These two models can be seen as the biggest battlefield for Audi. The company has succeeded in building up a reputation for reliability and luxury. The A4 and A8 are not cheap but are worth every penny; a lot has been said about German efficiency in the past but Audi lives up to the old adage. The new range of cars is wholly underestimated by buyers, some however have realised this understated luxury can make the driver stand out in a market place dominated by Mercedes and BMW.

Holly

Colin A asked:


How do you open the trunk on a 1981 Audi Coupe? Is there a button or latch somewhere? I cant find a lever or a keyhole or anything! Please help.

Duane

Rain Stockton asked:



According to reports German luxury cars are among the vehicles that are most frequently stolen.

Audi vehicles such as the Audi S4 with its top-of-the-line Audi S4 parts was claimed to be likely stolen 123 percent as compared to any other average car, followed by BMW with 117 percent average.

Surprisingly the other German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz has only gotten 19 percent on the average which makes you wonder whether its because of Mercedes really good car security features or car thieves just don’t have lots of orders for this brand.

Last year’s Suncorp statistics did not provide actual numbers, type or age of vehicle but only the proportions stolen.

The other vehicles that have gotten a below average ratings were Volkswagen, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Kia, Peugeot, Daewoo, Nissan, and the least to be stolen was Daihatsu. Basing on the researched most of the frequently stolen cars are the expensive ones.

The prices of the most frequently stolen vehicles range from $60,000 to $100,000 that is despite the claims of its manufacturers that these vehicles are equipped with the best theft protection features available.

Suncorp has also revealed claims information on crash frequency which contradicts the theory that the better the car, the better the driver.

In accidents where drivers were at fault it was found out that 10 percent of those involved in such type owns cars with cost ranging from $60,000 to $100,000. The research also revealed that Alfa drivers were 58 percent more likely to make an at-fault claim as compared to an average driver.

According to Suncorp Motor Insurance General Manager Daniel Fogarty, the results of the research clearly shows that drivers of prestige motor vehicles tend to become overtly confident which caused them to become more reckless in driving.

He also added, “On the other hand, drivers of new prestige vehicles may feel slightly more nervous on the roads than if they were driving a mid-range car, which might potentially cause more accidents, as the financial implications of accidents are higher.”

Meanwhile one of the most usual types of claims that Queensland drivers made was for a single-vehicle accident. On the other hand, Holden Special Vehicles drivers were 50 percent more likely to make a single-car accident claim, followed by Audi with 49 percent and Chrysler with 44 percent.

The least likely to make such a claim were drivers of Daihatsu with 30 percent less than the average. The statistics revealed also that it is not a good idea to lend new vehicles to friends or relatives since there is a 12 percent chance that they will scratch or damage it.

Frequency of thefts

1. Audi 123%

2. BMW 117%

3. Jaguar 100%

4. Alfa Romeo 89%

5. Saab 74%

Frequency of at-fault accidents

1. Alfa Romeo 58%

2. Proton 19%

3. Mazda 13%

Frequency of not at-fault accidents

1. Audi 102%

2. Alfa Romeo 94%

3. Proton 75%

Frequency of single-vehicle accidents

1. HSV 50%

2. Audi 49%

3. Chrysler 44%

Kathryn

Glady Reign asked:



Audi is one of Germany’s oldest automobile manufacturers, starting in 1932. It bears the emblem of the ‘four rings’, representing its union with DKW, Horch, and Wanderer to establish Auto Union AG in Chemnitz. It produced the widest range of passenger vehicles that the German industry could offer in the 1930s, ranging from motorcycles to luxury saloon cars. True to its German tagline, “Vorsprung durch Technik”, which means “Advancement Through Technology,” Audi has truly gained an edge in the automotive market because of the superior technology equipped in its vehicles. “Truth in Engineering”, meanwhile, is its American tagline.

Audi car parts have high standards of reliability and quality, giving Audi cars a constant advantage in the competition. The Audi wheels are just among the many Audi parts that promise first-class performance. By definition, wheels are circular devices rotating on their axis. They enable the movement, transportation or performance in machines. Together with the axle, wheels defeat friction by enabling motion through rolling. They are mostly found in transport applications. Audi wheels, in particular, are originally 13-inch rims used to support the tire and withstand loads from acceleration, braking, and cornering. They are made with either alloy or steel. In 1980, steel was the material of choice for 90 percent of wheel production. But by 2003, aluminum surged to 60 percent of production, leaving steel with less than half of the market it once practically owned. Audi alloy wheels are of aluminum or magnesium metal alloy. Alloy wheels differ from normal steel wheels because of their light weight which improves performance. They also prove to be better heat conductors than steel wheels. Thus the heat dissipation from the brakes is enhanced and the possibility of brake failure in more demanding driving conditions is lessened. They are also deemed more appealing than hubcaps. However, they are more expensive than standard wheels. Although they are more available now, they are still not standard on many vehicles. Alloy wheels are perfect for automobile owners who want lighter, prettier, rarer, and larger wheels for their cars to signify luxury, sportiness or wealth. Today, these wheels have even become a part of pop culture.

There are several ways of constructing Audi wheels. Most alloy wheels are manufactured in one, two or three piece construction types. As the name suggests, the one piece construction type is a wheel made in a mold as a single piece. Two piece wheels are of two separate pieces, which are the center and barrel. They are usually welded or bolted together. Made in three separate pieces, three piece wheels have the center, inside rim half, and outside rim half. They are bolted together by fasteners of top quality.

Audi wheels should be maintained clean all the time. As brakes cause the wheels to heat up, dirt or brake dust may cook into the clear coat. If this happens, the only option left is to have the wheels refinished. Audi wheels do not come cheap so it is best to protect them as much as possible.

Lance