Audi E-tron Concept Car = My Dream Car!

The *sicknastydumbstupid* e-tron is Audi’s answer to the burgeoning performance electric market and is destined to see its way into production under an R4 badge. Four electric motors positioned strategically at each wheel combine to provide 313 horses and a torquetastic 3,319 lb-ft. Acceleration for the e-Tron is given at 4.8 seconds for 0 to 62 mph and the lithium-ion battery pack is said to deliver a 154-mile range. No exact production dates have yet been made, but we hope to see this one join the freeway ranks asap.

[via LeftLaneNews]

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Sven's ETA: Feb 25, 2010

Feb 25, 2010, that’s when Sven the Volvo XC60 is supposed to arrive.  Arrive in Boise, at Lyle Pearson Volvo.

But that’s just an approximate date, as once it leaves the container ship, it’s in the trucking company’s hands and apparently, anything can happen then.  Its somehow no longer trackable? Kind of unclear…

Sven is on a long trip.  He left the Port of Gothenburg on Jan 21, and is on his 3-week salt-bath voyage across the Atlantic, down through the Panama Canal and back up the Pacific to Port Hueneme, CA where he’ll drive onto the sweet, solid ground of good ol’ California on Feb 15.  The container ship company will call [someone] to tell them that the car has been released to the trucking company. Then they’ll brush their hands off and walk away, laughing.  Sven will then get on that untrackable truck and disappear for 10 days or so before suddenly reappearing in Boise, ID on Feb 25.  Or somewhere thereabouts.

I can’t wait!  My Audi keeps reminding me, (literally, a little message comes up when you start it up) that a major maintenance milestone is coming up – one that’s about $1000, just like everything else.  Man, I can’t wait for that 5 years of maintenance included – as part of the Safe and Sound program…

Thanks again for reading, stay tuned for a few more updates.

[Via http://flyingtodrive.wordpress.com]

From Concept to Reality: First Generation Audi TT

Welcome to a new series which will be following your favorite cars that made it from concept to reality. Strap in, it’s about to get fun-u-cational. As always, any recommendations, suggestions, thoughts and ideas are much welcome. Audi’s TT: The little squashed Beetle that could (and did). This is the car that brought Audi some serious attention in the mid- to late-90’s while also influencing design for the brand that always wanted to play in the BMW/Benz league. Mission accomplished. (carscoop.blogspot.com)

[Via http://opelnews.wordpress.com]

2010 Audi Q7 Thousands Online at Low Fleet Prices. Call Today 1-888-861-8080

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2010 Audi Q7 Review
Although media focus has shifted to its smaller Q5 crossover, Audi hasn’t forgotten about the larger Q7. The 2010 model, debuting at this week’s 2009 Shanghai motor show, sports a few small repairs, helping it fit in with Audi’s heavily-revised portfolio.
Walkaround
If you’re a fan of the Q7’s physical form, you’ll be elated to know the crossover’s shape doesn’t change for 2010. Exterior changes are limited, with the largest revision being revised front and rear bumper skins. Others, notably the new grille insert and LED daytime running lamps, help bring the Q7 in line with the company’s current design ethic. Perhaps the most important feature inside is Audi’s new third-generation Multimedia Interface, or MMI. The infotainment system uses Audi’s latest form of 3D navigation, and a new joystick control for navigating through menus, maps, and the like. Users can also control the MMI through a revised vocal command system, which responds to personal statements like “I’m hungry” or “I need gas” by searching for restaurants or gas stations nearby. It can also be paired to a 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, similar to those offered in other Audis.
Summary
Unchanged, however, are the Q7’s powertrains. A direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6, rated at 280 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, is still the base offering, while the 350-hp direct-injection 4.2-liter V-8 is the grand-daddy of the lineup. Slotting between those two is the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 introduced in 2009. Rated at 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, it’s marginally slower than a Q7 with the 3.6, but its 17/25 mpg city/highway rating is impressive, as is its 600 mile range.

Acura | Audi | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ford | GMC | Honda  | Hummer  | Hyundai 
Infiniti  | Jaguar  | Jeep | Kia Land Rover |  Lexus | Lincoln | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | Mini 
Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Saab | Saturn | Scion  | Smart  | Subaru  Suzuki | Toyota | Volvo 
Volkswagen  | Aston Martin | Bentley | Rolls Royce | Lamborghini | Maybach

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Improve Your Gas Mileage

Here’s How:

1. Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use.
2. Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving.
3. Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
4. Anticipate driving situations. If you anticipate traffic conditions and do not tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by five to 10 percent.
5. Avoid unnecessary idling. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. No matter how efficient your car is, unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air.
6. Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
7. Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by one to two percent.
8. Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending on a car’s condition.
9. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Underinflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by six percent.
10. Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine.
11. Check and replace air filters regularly. Your car’s air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.
12. Buy only the octane level gas you need. Remember, the higher the octane, the higher the price. Check your owner’s manual to determine the right octane level for your car.
13. Own a fuel efficient vehicle. The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $1,500 over five years.

Tips:

1. If you’re dissatisfied with a gas-saving product, contact the manufacturer for a refund. Most companies offer money-back guarantees. Contact the company, even if the guarantee period has expired.
2. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage.
3. Don’t be lured by testimonials by satisfied customers using gas-saving products. Few consumers have the ability or the equipment to test for precise changes in gas mileage.
4. No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars.
5. If the seller claims that its product has been evaluated by the EPA, ask for a copy of the EPA report, or check EPA.gov for information.

http://couponing.about.com/cs/auto/ht/htsaveongas.htm

Quality Mitsubishi

Toll Free (888) 501-4860

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Upcoming Luxury

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

I have been waiting for this car ever since the original four door saloon car was announced two years back. The specs on the sedan are staggering, and have been rated higher than its german counterparts.The  Cadillac CTS-V Coupe produces over 556 horsepower, from a 6.2L V8 engine- while putting the power through a six speed manual or automatic gearbox with paddle shift control.

Standard equipment includes Brembo brakes, and magnetic ride control suspension. The greatest part of this car, is that the word “concept” was never mentioned, and you could expect to see it hit showrooms this Summer.

Audi A8L 4.2

The 2011 Audi A8 is a technological masterpiece. It is the first car with Google Maps, Handwriting  recognition, and all LED headlamps and taillights. There are a bunch of new engine options, from a full fledged V8, all the way down the a Hybrid and TDI clean diesel option- though it has not officially been announced as to what engine options the United States will receive once the A8 goes on sale this Summer. I will post video demonstrations of the technology once they become available.

If you have any questions about what any of these features do, or have a purchase interest, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment! Select Luxury is here for YOU! Please let us know how we can better serve you, or if you have any suggestions for future posts.

[Via http://selectluxury.wordpress.com]

Audi Unveils E-Tron 2.0

Ah, the Audi. Much like my love for Aston Martin, it knows no bounds.

Except for one.

I’ve heard painfully little about Aston Martin in their quest to have eco-friendly models shown and put into production lines.

So for now, the Audi takes center stage.

The Audi 2.0 E-tron (which previously made rounds at LA Auto Show and Frankfurt Auto Show as 1.0) is a simpler and less powerful, but streamlined for production, model than was conceived initially. It seeks to unseat the popular Tesla Roadster and Fisker Karma as the most exciting EV on the road in 2012.

Styling influences for the Audi E-tron comes from its siblings, the TT and S5. It’s proportions make it a very lean car, smaller than the first e-tron. The 2.0 model can go from 0 – 100 km/hr in 5.9 seconds, which is one second slower than the 1.0 model and two seconds slower than the Roadster. The space frame is made of aluminum and carbon fiber, and the majority of the body panels are fiber-reinforced.

The E-tron has claims of 155, with an eleven hour charge time at 220 volts. Charge it at 440 volts, and the time is cut to two hours.

Audi developers market this vehicle as production intent with a floor introduction by 2012.

GET ACQUAINTED:

HERE

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Driving More Efficiently

Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 5-33% Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.13-$0.88/gallon

Observe the Speed Limit

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.

You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.

Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 7-23% Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.19-$0.61/gallon

Remove Excess Weight

Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle’s weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2%/100 lbs Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.03-$0.05/gallon

Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use Overdrive Gears

When you use overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $2.67/gallon.

Data Sources

Estimates for fuel savings from sensible driving are based on Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc., Owner Related Fuel Economy Improvements, Arlington, Virginia, 2001.

Estimates for the effect of speed on MPG are based on a study by West, B.H., R.N. McGill, J.W. Hodgson, S.S. Sluder, and D.E. Smith, Development and Verification of Light-Duty Modal Emissions and Fuel Consumption Values for Traffic Models, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, March 1999.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml

Peak Kia of Littleton
Toll Free (888) 606-5252

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Audi Type C Roadster Pedal Car

If I was, or had a kid….

Finally an Audi for all the kiddos out there.  This $13,000 toy is an awesome replica of a 1936 race car.  The roadster contains over 900 pieces with an aluminum body all put together by the Audi toolmaking division.  Why do I have a feeling that no kid will ever “drive” one of these.  Instead it will be some sort of decoration for someone with way too much money.

via Car Design Fetish » Blog Archive » Audi Type C Roadster Pedal Car.

[Via http://dorodesign.wordpress.com]

Audio suicide commercial

Exactly four years after the controversial but very viral VW suicide bomber, Audi walks the same tricky road. A funny but disturbing commercial shows a man trying to kill himself in an Audi A5 TDi. Audi will probably deny being responsible, but that will make the video go even more viral.It seems like adland is responsible, since they claim copyrights and urged YouTube to remove all copies. Here’s adland’s version.

[Via http://bartvandekooij.com]

Pet Safety Traveling Tips

Look for services that cater to pet owners.
Pet-friendly hotels make it easier than ever to bring pets with you on the road. Many offer amenities such as pet sitting, dog walking and even pet-pampering spa treatments. Do research ahead of time to find the perfect hotel that fits your needs. Be sure to ask about their policies — for instance, many hotels require your pet to be on a leash at all times and never be left unattended in the room.

Also, check with your car insurance company to see if your pets are covered. With Progressive’s Pet Injury coverage, your dog and cats are covered — at no extra charge — if they’re hurt in a car accident and your Progressive policy has Collision coverage.

Get your pets used to the car and make them feel comfortable.
Often, the only time pets ride in the car is when they’re visiting the vet or groomer — so they may not always associate a car ride with positive feelings and may even be afraid to ride in the car. Teach them instead that car rides can be fun by taking them for short road trips to a dog park, a friend’s house for a play date, or just to a new place to take a long walk.

If your pet’s anxiety persists, consider over-the-counter products that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

If you plan to keep your pet in a travel crate while riding in the car, it’s important that you familiarize your pet with its crate by having it rest inside the crate around the house — the more familiar pets are with their surroundings, the more comfortable and secure they’ll be once inside the car.

Some pets tend to get car sick. Try not to feed them for a few of hours before the trip.

Make sure your pet has proper identification.
Just in case he or she gets lost while traveling, you want to be sure your pet is wearing up-to-date ID tags. The most important thing that needs to be listed on the tag is an emergency contact phone number, but it’s also a good idea to mention if you’ll offer a reward if someone returns your pet to you or if your pet needs any medication.

Prepare a doggie bag.
A pet travel pack is a great way to make sure you’re prepared for anything — and is something that can remain stocked, so it’s ready to go with you at a moment’s notice. Make sure it contains cleanup supplies, a towel or bed to serve as a comfortable resting place, portable feeding/watering bowls, food and water, a pet first aid kit, and lots and lots of toys to keep pets busy and well behaved!
To Keep Tails Wagging in the Passenger Seat

Restrain your pets for safe car travel.
Free to paw their way around the car, unrestrained pets can be a distraction to drivers and can get injured if the car makes a sudden stop or is involved in an accident, even if it’s just a fender bender. Secure your pet in a crate or with a harness to keep it safe.

Don’t let your pets ride with their heads out of the window.
While most dogs love to hang their heads out of the car window and feel the wind in their fur, it’s best not to indulge them. They can easily be injured by debris flying into their eyes.

Never leave your pets unsupervised in the car.
Just like people, dogs and cats are susceptible to heat stroke — even if it isn’t that hot outside or the car windows are left open — and can even be stolen. Make sure you know where your pet is at all times.

http://www.progressive.com/vehicle-resources/pet-safety.aspx

Quality Mitsubishi

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Redefining Confidence

These days, it can be tough to find a quality supplier of auto parts for European and Asian cars. Even when you do find a company, it’s rare that they offer a solid history within the industry as well as great parts delivered to your garage immediately. Sometimes, though, there are exceptions to the rule, and Hirsch Industries is one of them.

An Extensive History

Companies with long histories within a given industry are far more likely to give you the results you desire, and with nearly two decades of working with some of the biggest brand names in the European and Asian car industry, Hirsch defines that sentiment for thousands of happy customers every year.

Initially formed in 1991 by company president All, the goal from the outset was to offer recycling facilities to Volvo owners, and Allen Hirsch certainly had the background to do just that. With a degree from a highly rated technical school, , Allen Hirsch started his career by working on Volvos, Audis, Mercedes Benzes, and Volkswagens, and within a few short years, he was a shop foreman and service manager for several reputable brands. By the time the eighties rolled around, he’d opened his own garage just outside of Philadelphia specializing in many of the brands he’d spent his entire career working with. Certified as a state inspection provider and emissions control expert, within two years, they were racking up the awards. The garage was named Best of Philadelphia in Foreign Car Repair by Philadelphia Magazine, and they even had the opportunity to work with a Delaware engineering firm as accident investigators. Ready for a change of pace, Allen Hirsch turned his attention to Phoenix and Volvo recycling. Forming Hirsch Industries, he slowly added repair and installation services as clients demanded more thanks to highly rated business practices. By 1996, Hirsch was selling new parts too and became one of the first auto-based ecommerce companies online. Today, Hirsch has all but phased out the Volvo recycling side of their business. Their continual commitment to quality European and Asian auto parts has led to a booming business online, and with warehouses throughout the United States, fast delivery is just part of their promise to customers.

The Hirsch Difference

One of the biggest European and Asian parts dealers online, Hirsch offers a number of advantages for buyers. Not only do they have some of the best prices, they also have a huge in-stock selection of parts. While lots of companies just have a few thousand items in a single warehouse, Hirsch has far more in stock, and with several warehouses throughout the US, you get fast shipping for a number of different makes and models. Moreover, with excellent customer service and an easy-to-use interface, you know you’ll get exactly what you need on your schedule.

Hirsch offers you the ability to shop with confidence at every turn, and if you’ve been searching for a reliable dealer, take a moment to look at the difference a company with a reputation like this one can make in your business.

[Via http://hirschindustries.wordpress.com]

Audi Originality

Seth Stevenson, along with Slate readers, has compiled a list of the most hated ads of 2009, along with commentary on each. Seth on the above ad:

There’s an Audi ad in which a bunch of kids are coming out of school and looking for their parents to pick them up. The problem is, all the cars lining up for them look exactly alike—beige, SUV-ish, boring. Then the black Audi drives up and the associated kid runs straight to it. I think what the commercial is supposed to be saying is that you should stand out from the crowd by driving this different car. The problem is that to me, the Audi looks exactly like the other cars. Except black. Am I missing something?—Rachel K.

No, Rachel, you’re not missing a thing. The ad’s tag line refers to the “unmistakable” Audi Q5. But having watched the ad several times, I think I can say with confidence: The Audi that’s shown is a monocoque crossover vehicle, and as such is quite easily mistaken for a BMW X5, Acura RDX, Lexus RX, or any of the other many monocoque crossover vehicles lined up in front of that school. (If they’re so different, why do they all have 10-point Scrabble letters in their names?) In fact, the spot almost seems like a sly fable—mocking the meaningless consumption-pattern nuances we humans carve out to preserve our illusions of free will. Which is a strange way to sell a compact SUV.

Ads We Hate [Slate]

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