audi

Audi has released photos and some spec info on its new A4, which will officially debut at the 2008 Frankfurt auto show in September.

Most notable to tech enthusiasts may be the optional xenon headlights that include 14 LED lights. These are "daytime driving lights," aka LED bling, for your car. Audi refers to them as "wings." I think they look more like eyelashes. You can see what they look liked turned on below.

As for the goodies for the driver who's into automation, the new A4 will include lane departure warning, blind spot detection … Read more

Not to be outdone by its Teutonic rival, Audi has followed BMW's lead in announcing that its cars are now fully compatible with the Apple iPhone. Those lucky souls who own both an Audi and an iPhone will now be able to connect the two for Bluetooth hands-free calling, while those even luckier souls with an A5, A6, A8 or Q7 can use Audi's optional AMI music interface to play music via the phone's iPod function.

If you own neither an Audi nor an iPhone, you can still take some solace in the free Audi-inspired ringtones that … Read more

While doing some research for our review of the 2008 Audi TT on Audi's Web site, we came across a selection of free downloads for your cell phone, including wallpaper and some very dynamic ringtones. If you're looking to pimp your cell phone and you dig Audis, then you're really in luck. If you just want to add some flair to your cell phone, well, the ringtones are pretty good. You can download ringtones named Energy Sweep, Melt Groove, or Moving Fast. They're all fast electronica clips that would make for pretty unique cell phone ringtones. … Read more

We know Audi has the fastest diesel engine in the world, but does it also have the cleanest one?

Many car companies have been touting diesel engine technology as the short-term solution to fuel prices and environmental concerns. Others are making hybrids or concentrating on improving the efficiency of gas engines.

Audi may have something that will blow them all away.

The company plans to incorporate the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) technology that was used in its Le Mans-winning R10 TDI sports car into its existing line of consumer cars. That's not surprising.

Here's the kicker.

The company … Read more

Is diesel the answer to more stringent emission standards?

Apparently it is, at least from the perspective of automakers.

Ford India announced Wednesday that it is launching a diesel version of the Ford Fiesta, the latest in a string of similar announcements in the industry.

"(This car) will dramatically change customers' perceptions about the traditional diesel vehicle. The car is designed to deliver responsive acceleration, outstanding fuel economy, and reduced emissions consistent with future norms," Scott McCormack, vice president of Ford India, said in a statement.

While environmentalists, consumers and politicians continued to discuss ethanol, hydrogen and electricity, … Read more

Audi has once again proven that diesel can win, when it comes to speed and endurance.

For the second time, the German automaker took first place at 24 Hours at Le Mans, the legendary French endurance race, with its diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI.

TDI, which, according to Audi, stands for "direct injection turbocharged diesel engine," is technology that the company introduced in 1989 and has continuously been developing. Audi claims that its TDI cars offer better fuel economy, power and performance, as well as reduced emissions.

Some speculated that Audi's win last year with the Audi R10 … Read more

Following our round up of state-of-the-art car safety features, we're continuing our Car Tech safety kick with a roundup of the 18 vehicles that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has chosen as its top safety picks.

The shortlist is pretty evenly split between American, European, and Asian manufacturers, with two entries each from Ford, Acura, Subaru, and Audi. Take a look at the gallery here.

Last week, the editors of CNET Car Tech attended a mini car show where we not only got to look at the cars, we got to drive them. Beyond a sedate on-road loop, we also took some of the cars over serious off-road terrain and raced others around the track at Laguna Seca. On the first day of the Western Automotive Journalists Media Days, we drove a Subaru Forester and a Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI along a light off-road course, then a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon over a very technical course.

Kevin Massy reports on the second day's racing at Laguna Seca in this blog, … Read more

It's difficult to describe the smell of boiling brake fluid and barbecued brake discs. Or the sound of a BMW M6 being flogged to within an inch of its life, squealing for mercy as it hangs on to traction by the skin of its Z-rated rubber. We just got back from a day of track testing at California's Laguna Seca raceway, courtesy of the Western Automotive Journalist association, and can report it was by far the most enjoyable day's work we've done for a long time.

Among the cars up for grabs were many of the … Read more