audi

Audi to reveal electric microcar at Frankfurt

After not-so-secretly releasing a prototype of its electric microcar into the urban wilds for testing, Audi let loose sketches of its Audi Urban Concept. The camouflaged vehicle was caught on video in Berlin, and drawings and descriptions confirm that the Audi Urban Car concept is an electric two-seater meant for dense urban environments.

The prototype seems to be Audi's more aggressive and daring answer to BMW's electric city car, the i3. With its open wheel design, narrow body, open nose cone, and retractable roof, it kind of looks like a 1960s Formula 1 car if you squint really … Read more

CNET Car Tech: 2011 Audi A4 2.0T

Audi's A4 has grown up to be a substantial competitor to the immovable 3 Series. The company is also in a head-to-head race with BMW to offer the most innovative in-dash navigation, interface, and media options. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive in the 2011 A4 2.0T to check the tech.

You can also read the full CNET Review of the 2011 Audi A4 here.

Car Tech Live 224: Pandora increases auto offerings (podcast)

Pandora is leaving no car behind, but will the expansion of Spotify derail the momentum? Audi brings its RS line back to the U.S., in small form, while BMW expands use of carbon fiber. And we take a ride in an espresso cup.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 224 SHOW NOTES

• First Android Car Radio USB Connection on Way

• Spotify launch in US

• Pandora increases its auto offerings

• BMW opens online art-car gallery

• Mercedes-Benz restructuring Smart

Audi A4: A concert hall on wheels

With so many cheap MP3 players around today, people have gotten used to poor-quality sound, so a ride in the 2011 Audi A4 will be an ear-opening experience. The optional Bang & Olufsen audio system, at $850, is worth every penny, as it delivers a sublime musical experience. You may think you've heard the music of Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, or The Black Eyed Peas, but play their tracks in the A4 and it will open up a whole new world.

We found other great attributes of the Audi A4, such as the navigation system with its textured, 3D … Read more

Car Tech Live 223: Checking out the 2011 Audi A4 (podcast)

Why is the Leaf outselling the Volt? Those pesky flying cars just won't go away. Infiniti and Scion think small is the next big thing. And we take you for a drive in the no longer small 2011 Audi A4.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 223 SHOW NOTES

• We love the 2011 Audi A4 2.0T

• New Contour+ HD camera is a CNET Editors' Choice

• 5 carpool apps that make getting around easier

• CNET picks 10 modern classic cars you should snap up today

• Prius Sport package has us puzzled… Read more

Audi RS returns in a blaze of small

Audi classifies its cars with stringent model designations, A standing for your everyday driver, S for a sportier line with enhanced performance equipment, and RS covers anything with no-holds-barred power. The RS stands equivalent to BMW's M or Mercedes-Benz's AMG.

But we haven't had an RS car in the U.S. since 2008. The wait is over for fans of European high-performance with the introduction of the 2012 Audi TT RS this summer. Unlike a 580 horsepower, twin turbo V-10 monster such as the RS6, the TT RS comes out with a more modest turbocharged 2.5-liter … Read more

10 car stars of movies and television

As common objects in everyday life, cars frequently appear in movies and television. But sometimes they show up with more impact, such as when a camera angle just happens to pick up the badge in the foreground, a character makes a comment about the car that has little to do with the story, or a whole fleet of the same type of car drives into view onscreen.

Automakers embrace movie and television tie-ins as a means of raising awareness for their brands and specific models. And with some movies, the product placement is baked in, such as the recent series of live-action "Transformers" movies with the Bumblebee Camaro. Similarly, the "Fast and The Furious" franchise is all about cars, so it is no surprise to see a Dodge Charger featured prominently. … Read more

CNET Road Trip Europe: Planes, trains, and automobiles

When I was in my twenties, the idea of a summer in Europe meant a big backpack, a Eurail Pass, a small budget, and a lot of freedom.

I'm not in my twenties anymore, but I've just flown across the pond to begin Road Trip 2011, my sixth annual tour of a specific area of the global map in search of stories, photos, and videos about some of the best geek-oriented destinations I can find.

And this summer, after previous journeys around five regions of the United States, my travels have taken me to Europe. But despite countless … Read more

Audi tunes A1 model for 503 horsepower

For the annual Wörtherseetour in Europe, a gathering of VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda fans, Audi built a special version of its new A1 model. Audi replaced the standard turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with a turbocharged 2.5-liter five cylinder, the engine used in the TT RS. But taking it a step further, Audi engineers tuned up that powerplant, taking it from 315 to 503 horsepower. The result? 3.7 seconds to 62 mph.

This special A1, dubbed the A1 clubsport quattro, is a one-off, a performance concept showing what Audi can do with even its most unassuming … Read more

Fiat wins, but BMW sweeps engine awards

At the 2011 International Engine awards, Fiat's little 875cc TwinAir engine won three categories and took home the overall 2011 International Engine of the Year award. BMW took four categories with four different engines, while Audi, Ferrari, and Volkswagen each made good showings.

Fiat's engine ekes 85 horsepower from two cylinders using a turbocharger, and only produces 95 grams per kilometer of CO2. Fiat uses the engine in its 500 model, but U.S. versions of that car are likely to get the 1.4-liter Multiair engine.

Here are the various categories, with their respective winners:

2011 International … Read more