We’re sure everyone heard of Chechnya. Not much to say about the region, except for the never ending war with Russia. You’d say that there’s nothing interesting about cars going on over there but, oh boy, you sure are wrong. Because if you imagine all you can see there is some third world scenery, you’re making a big mistake. While common in Monte Carlo or Beverly Hills, you wouldn’t expect chechnyans to drive a Lamborghini Reventon, a Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe, a McLaren SLR or an Audi R8. Not to mention those Porsche Cayennes and Mercedes Benz ML AMGs fleets. Of course, we wouldn’t want to know what these guys do for a living, but we’re sure they don’t write for an unleashed car blog or grow corn.
Audi to advertise again in the Super Bowl, this time with Jason Statham
It seems that Audi was pleased with last year’s Super Bowl ad, because this year they’ve decided to go with another ad during one of every year’s most anticipated sports events. This time, they’ve decided to go with an ad featuring Jason Statham (one of the coolest actors around, with movies like Crank, Snatch, Death Race), the actor who became famous after doing all sorts of stunts in a BMW 7 Series, an Audi A8 W12 and an Audi S8, in the Transporter movies (the first one was really good, but still, all three movies were fun to watch). In this year’s ad Audi continues to send warnings to “old luxury”, the spot featuring a high-speed journey through luxury automobiles in American history, sending the message that some things are best left in the past. The ad was created by Audi’s advertising agency, San Francisco based Venables Bell & Partners and it was shot on-location in Los Angeles. 
"After an exceptional last two years, the Audi brand has experienced unprecedented growth, not just in sales, but in awareness and excitement," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "Every new model we introduce is making more and more consumers stand up and take notice of the single best line-up in the market. Last year's spot sent the message that Audi was truly redefining luxury. This year's spot will ensure that everyone realizes that Audi is the best choice, period."
"In addition to having had the opportunity to drive Audi models in several of my films, I drive one in my personal life, as well. I have always loved the mix of style and performance they offer," said Statham. "I am thrilled to be affiliated with a company I so believe in on the biggest stage in American television."
Source: Audi
Slow sales cause massive stocks of unsold cars 
The current crisis the whole world is facing is not news anymore and we all know it’s bad. However, nothing depicts something more than a picture. Or 13 pictures. UK newspaper Guardian published a set of photos with huge lots of unsold car from around the world. And probably the most disturbing photo is the one with Nissan’s factory test track in Sunderland, UK, flooded with thousands of unsold cars. Another photo that breaks our hearts was taken at the Sheerness open storage area, where huge lots of cars are waiting for dealers to come and pick them up. Make sure you check out the complete gallery, to get an idea of how bad sales are going.
Source: Guardian.co.uk
Saturday
A few cars you can see in Chechnya
Audi also reducing work hours for 25,000 workers in Germany
Two days ago we wrote about BMW and Volkswagen planning on reducing work hours for a total of 86,000 workers, Germany. And now, even though last year was one of the best years in Audi’s history, the German giant announced that they also plan on reducing work hours at their Ingolstadt and Neckarslum plants, between February 20 and 27. The decision, which affects around 25,000 employees from the divisions directly associated with the production of automobiles. However, Audi reassured its employees that they workplaces are secure, at least until 2011.
"The overall demand in some major markets has dropped so drastically, especially in the last few weeks, that we've been forced to act," said Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG. "This is our way of reacting to the downward trend in demand on worldwide car markets."
"In the agreement on reduced hours compensation allowance, we agreed with the Board of Management on a gross increase in the reduced hours compensation. Through this, remuneration should for the most part be equalized," said Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG.
Source: Audi
Friday
The new Audi A5/S5
The new Audi A5/S5 unveiled, I’m sure you all know that the Audi A5/S5 is one of our favorite cars out there and we’re more than thrilled any time something new shows up about the beautiful German coupe. And this time the news are really exciting, because Audi has unveiled the highly anticipated convertible version of the A5 which is extremely beautiful. Like we’re used to, Audi has fitted the new A5/S5 Cabriolet with a classic fabric top which opens in 15 seconds and closes in 17 seconds, with fully automatic open/close drive coming as standard, plus an acoustic top available as an option, which reduces wind noise. Beside the obvious weight advantage, the soft top also allows increased trunk space, the A5/S5 having 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) of unused storage volume.
Under the hood, the Audi A5 Cabriolet will be available with a range of five engines, two turbodiesels (190 and 240 hp) and a three gasoline engines (180, 211 and 265 hp).
The top of the range engine, the 265 hp 3.2 liter TFSI V6 delivers 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque and, goes from 0 to 100 mph (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds, up to a top speed of 246 km/h (153m mph) and averages 8.6 liters/100 km (27 US mpg). Of course, there will also be an S5 Cabriolet, powered by a supercharged 3.0 liter TFSI V6 which delivers 245 kW (333 hp), 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm, does 0 to 62 (100 km/h) in 5.6 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), averaging 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg). For more details about the car, check out the official press release.
The first units are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2009, with pricing starting in Germany at 37,300 Euros for the 160 hp 1.8 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission. Check out more cool photos after the jump.
Thursday
Audi signs partnership with Prada
It looks like Prada, the Italian fashion giant, is really fond of the automotive market, because after last year we announced a partnership with Hyundai for a special edition of the Genesis Sedan, a couple of days ago Prada announced another deal with a very important car maker, Audi. So far there’s no word about possible special editions of Audi models, instead, the two companies will work together this year for some high-profile events, the first one being the yacht “Luna Rossa” during the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.
“Audi and Prada are strong brands,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board of management member for marketing and sales. “We aim to pool these strengths and build up a long-term partnership.”
Source: Inside Line
Friday
BS3 based on the Audi S3
O.CT Boehler Concept BS3 based on the Audi S3
German tuning company O.CT Tuning released the first details and photos of another package for the Audi S3. Called Boehler concept BS3, the car is based on the quattro version of the S3, powered by an upgraded engine that delivers 328 hp (241 kW) and a maximum torque of 425 Nm. The power upgrade was made by fitting a a specially developed Engine control unit, deep thorated Sportexhaust with integrated Controlfolds and improved Air Intake System. According to O.CT, the BS3 has a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph) and it goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) “almost a full second quicker than the Stock S3″ (which does the sprint in 5.5 seconds).
Other upgrades include a fully adjustable O.CT Coilover Suspension, 8-piston braking system with 372 mm discs/rotors and O.CT Carbon Fiber Add-ons for the engine, battery and air intake. Last, but not least, the body kit looks very good, with widened fenders and redesigned rear bumper, finished in white and black paint, plus a set of 20 inch MÖZ alloy wheels.
The only downside of this package is its pricing, around 67,000 Euros, but the fact that the car will only be built in a limited run of 100 units, O.CT hopes to find customers for it.
Check out more photos after the jump.
Photo Audi S3 tuning by O.CT
Thursday
Car Audi R8 V10
It looks like the Volkswagen Group really wants to take all the high performance coupe market, because yesterday the Audi R8 V10 was officially revealed. Powered by the 5.2 liter V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which delivers 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, the R8 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 316 km/h (196 mph). Audi claims that, equipped with the R tronic sequential gearbox, the car achieves an average fuel consumption of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg), which is not bad at all, considering its performance figures. However, as standard, the car comes equipped with a six speed manual transmission and, of course, quattro all-wheel drive system.
As you’d expect, the R8 V10 will come with a set of extra features comparing to the ‘regular’ R8: 19 inch exclusive 10-spoke Y design alloy wheels, all-LED headlights as standard, plus a few styling elements (more accentuated sideblades, wider side sills and matt aluminium look for the exhaust grilles). Also, the standard equipment list is very impressive: Fine Nappa leather heatable seat covers, a driver information system, navigation system and Bang & Olufsen sound system, deluxe automatic air conditioning, alarm system, instruments and gearshift knob decorated with red rings, while the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish. To see all the R8 V10’s features, check out the official press release.
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is scheduled to go on sale in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a starting price of 142,400 Euros.
Beautifull Race Car
How speed you can drive in this car race....
Try it !
Audi R8 vs Porsche 997 GT3 by Turbo.fr
Sunday
Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe
Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe spied in Spain, A couple of days ago we showed you a few leaked photos of the new E Class Coupe, Mercedes’ replacement for the current CLK and now we’ve got the first photos showing the car on the street. The vehicle was photographed in Mallorca, Spain during an internal event for employees, by the guys from Motorpasion and it has minimal camouflage; except for the headlights and tail lights, which are covered, the car is completely undisguised. So, what do you think, will Mercedes be able to compete with the other German luxury coupes, like the 3 Series Coupe or the Audi A5/S5? I think they can, because, like any other Mercedes model, they’ve decided to go for more stylish and less aggressive, which I think will appeal to a lot of customers.
For more photos of the car, check out the complete photo gallery on Motorpasion.
Source: Motorpasion
