New info about the launch of the Audi Q3

Audi fans have been eagerly awaiting the official launch of the Q3 crossover from Audi and details are being revealed as the unveiling nears. The Audi Q3 is designed to meet head on the BLK or GLC from Mercedes-Benz and the X1 from BMW.

Spy images are very scarce on the internet but the Q3 is expected to have the design lines of the Cross Coupe concept that was exhibited during the Shanghai auto show back in 2007. Earlier spy photos of the Q3 protoype hint of a prominent grille, distinct headlamps, and sloped roofline. The smalles SUV will be deriving its DNA from the platform of the VW Tiguan with a suspension system tuned to make the riding experience sportier.

The Audi Q3 will have three engine options. Consumers can opt for the 2.0L TFSI that gives out 168 hp or 208 hp. Another option will be the 2.0L TDI that produces 168 hp. These powerplants will be mated to the usual Audi transmisision choices. Carbon dioxide emissions may hit 158 grams per kilometer through 184 g/km.

The Audi Q3 might be unveiled during the upcoming motor show in Frankfurt with first deliveries in Germany on September or October. The Audi Q3 will be marketed side by side Audi’s bigger SUVs the Q5 and the Q7. Production will likely take place at the Seat plant in Spain.

Audi unveils upgraded S5 Lineup

While the Audi A5 continues to get a revamped look every now and then, the German automaker recently revealed the upgraded versions of the S5 lineup, which is the bolder and sportier version of its 2012 A5 lineup. The S5 lineup is available in 3 types—sportback, cabriolet, and coupe. Perhaps the most significant upgrade the S5 lineup got is its new 3.0-liter V-6 supercharged engine, the same one that’s attached to the S5s Convertible and the Sportback. The S5 used to carry a 4.2-liter V8 engine that has 354 ponies and 324.5 lb-ft of torque.

The new S5 engine, which is a 3.0 TSI, is packed with 333 ponies and the same torque value. This new engine pushes the revamped S5 Coupe to an impressive 62mph in just 4.9 seconds, which is significantly 0.2 seconds faster compared to the old V-8 engine model. With the new S5 engine in place, the car has a top speed of 155mph or 250 km/h.

The amazing part is that the new V-6 engine model not only improves the car’s performance in terms of speed but also lowers the fuel consumption by up to 20 percent per 100 kilometers.

We’ve spent enough time under the hood, now let’s talk about other upgrades on the S5 model. The old model has a 4-wheel drive system. The new model now has the so-called “crown-gear center differential.” There’s also a new electromechanical power steering mechanism involved in the new model plus some distinct changes in the body details, front lights, pain finishes and trim.

Carbon Fiber B Pillars by oCarbon for my Audi A4

My friends over at oCarbon have done it again – my B Pillars are now wrapped in the same 5HS carbon fiber that my interior & front filler plate are done in, and they came out awesome. I’m really stoked with how these came out – while I didn’t think it’d be a very noticeable part at first, it turns out the very opposite is true – I see these every time I open the door, which means I’m greeted with carbon fiber awesomeness before I even get inside. The funny part is I just had a guy at a gas station ask me where I got these done as he liked it so much! Of all the mods done to my car, these stuck out at him the most!

I took this picture to show how nicely it ties together with the interior trim:

Another really cool part about these is that they’re relatively subtle from far away. From a distance, they look pretty similar to the OEM gloss black finish – they blend right in for a very clean look. It’s only when you’re up close do you really see how slick these are, which is what I love about them.

Thanks again to oCarbon for the great work – I love that they let me choose the fabric & weave pattern of choice. Right now, I’m the only Audi running 5HS fabric (each strand of fabric goes over 5 other strands, then under one, versus the 1×1 or 2×2 twill pattern that is more common). They have also done some really cool projects in colored kevlar/carbon fiber (silver, blue, yellow, etc) as well as unique parts and styles, and they really tailor each piece to look exactly how you want, which is awesome.

How to Dry Your Car through the Sheeting Method

As I continue on my recent kick for learning & appreciating car detailing, I’ve found a new method for drying my car that not only takes a lot less time, but is much friendlier on the paint and minimizes the amount of drying you need to do with an actual towel. It’s called “the sheeting method” and basically you dry your car using water, which sounds very counter-intuitive, but it works!

The process is pretty very simple – it does require that you have a good coat of wax or polish down on your car, so that the water beads off. I had my car professionally waxed & polished then sealed with paint protection called Opti-Coat, which has kept my paint looking great so far, even with monsoon season here in Arizona.

Once you’ve got a good coat of polish down, you can let the polish & the water do all of the work.

Take the nozzle off of your hose so that its just free flowing water, and then you essentially flood the car with water, one panel at a time. Start with your roof then work slowly over the entire car to flood each panel and watch the water beads disappear, leaving a nice, spot-free finish. When you’re finished, use your micro fiber towel of choice (like this one) to dry off any remaining water, and voila! You now have a spot free car with minimal towel drying needed.

A huge bonus for this is that since you let the water do the work, you miminize the use of your towel and also minimize the chance you’ll scratch or mar your paint, keeping your car’s paint beautiful for years to come.

Check out this video to show how it works – it’s really quite simple, and as you can see, really quite effective, too.

Audi releases sketches of urban concept car

German car manufacturer, Audi, has released the official sketches of their brand new electric concept car that will make its debut appearance at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The new electric concept car is called the Urban Concept, which is a two-seater unit intended for city driving. Inside Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, they’re calling this car the “future mobility project.”

The new Urban Concept car is being geared towards a new range of models that are intended for city driving. This new range will go into head-to-head competition with the BMW’s i models and Mercedes-Benz’s Smart models. According to official word from Germany, the Urban Concept Car is really not intended for production.

In the center of the new range models is the Audi A2. Insider reports suggest that the redesigned A2 will be released with a plug-in electric drivelines as well as a range-extender features.

Insiders suggest that the Urban Concept car took inspiration from other German cars like the famed three-seater Messerschmitt Kabinenroller, which is commonly known as the Bubble Car.

Other German models like the Isetta 250 and Goggomobil T250 are also seen influential in the Urban Concept car by Audi that combines traditional design details from old favorites. There’s the angular headlights, loud shoulder, aeronautical-based designed cues, and big single-frame grille look. You won’t find doors in the Urban Concept, rather there’s the roof section features a canopy where entry is made through a narrow cabin.

According to the Audi press release, the Urban Concept car is a plug-in electric car that is powered by two electric motors.

Audi A4 Brake Light Replacement

The brake lights on my B7 (2005.5-2008) Audi A4 went out several weeks ago – I delayed and delayed replacing them, figuring it was a difficult process. I’m happy to say it is simple as pie, takes only about 5 minutes, and all you need is a flat head screwdriver! This is a super easy replacement that nearly anyone can handle

• Skill level: Beginner
• Tools needed: flat headed screw driver (a smaller one)
• Also applies to: 2005.5-2008 B7 Audi S4, 2005.5-2008 B7 Audi RS4
• Time needed: 5 minutes
• Parts needed: two 7506 bulbs. I used these Sylvania Silverstar bulbs which are 20% brighter, but any 21 watt 7506 ST bulbs will work.

Audi R8 GT Photoshoot in Daytona Grey

My good friends at Audi North Scottsdale recently got in a very rare car – the all new Audi R8 GT, one of just 90 Audi R8 GTs that Audi will import into the US.

What makes this R8 GT even more rare is the color – it was special ordered in Daytona Grey, an Audi Exclusive color.

In my opinion, this could be the most perfect color combination for this car. The Daytona Grey compliments the matte carbon fiber so nicely, resulting in a subtle yet beautiful marriage of several shades of grey.

This car is currently for sale, so if you’re interested give Brian McCauley at Audi North Scottsdale an email at bmccauley@penskeautomotive.com or call him at 480.538.4036 if you’re interested.