SEAT begins production on the Audi Q3 |  |
- SEAT begins production on the Audi Q3
- Volkswagen Beetle pricing to start at $18,995
- WTCC: Tarquini third in Budapest
- UPDATED: 2011 Le Mans Spotter Guide along with iPad/iPhone versions
- DTM: Audi quotes after qualifying at the Red Bull Ring
- DTM: Audi’s Martin Tomczyk score first pole at the Red Bull Ring
| SEAT begins production on the Audi Q3 Posted: 08 Jun 2011 06:09 AM PDT SEAT has just begun production on the Audi Q3. The first unit of Audi’s new compact SUV has been manufactured today in Martorell and signals the end of a process that began in 2009 when the German brand handed over the project to SEAT. Furthermore, the Q3 is the first Premium vehicle in history manufactured at a Spanish production site. By 2012, after the first full year of production, Audi plans to have delivered around 100,000 units of the new car. The Q3 will be manufactured in three shifts, and will be decisive to SEAT claiming its objective of reaching the full capacity potential of its Martorell factory installations.
SEAT Vice-president for Production, Wolfram Thomas, acknowledged “the collaboration of everyone who participated in the Q3 project over the last two years”. Thomas underlined that the new model “is another example of the trust that the Volkswagen Group, and especially Audi, have placed in SEAT, and at the same time, of the high level of training and capacity held by all SEAT professionals to manufacture a premium vehicle such as the Q3”. Furthermore, Audi AG Vice-president for Production, Frank Dreves, pointed out that “manufacturing the Q3 is an example of how we take advantage of synergies within the Group to sharpen our competitive edge. The Martorell factory is an extremely competent facility with a highly qualified workforce, working together to meet the standards of excellence demanded by our brand. The Q3 most certainly carries the Audi seal of quality”. Manufacturing the new Q3 creates 1,500 jobs at SEAT, 700 of which have been newly created. New staff recruitment began a few weeks ago and will end in September this year. In total, around 1,200 people have participated in a special qualified training program lasting 176 hours specifically designed for the Q3. Moreover, the manufacturing concession of the Q3 at SEAT enables to create and consolidate more than 4.000 jobs of the automobile supplier industry in Spain. SEAT and Audi have invested close to 330 million euros on the facilities and infrastructure necessary to manufacture the Q3, which are among the most modern in the world. More specifically, a new 30,000 square meters assembly facility has been built and equipped with 450 ultra-modern robots to manufacture the Q3. Some of the technical breakthroughs include the use of a “roof dome” for the first time, an invention featured in the die-stamping section of Audi’s factory in Ingolstadt, Germany. This “dome” and several robot arms are used to fit the roof onto the chassis of the car. Thanks to systematic lightweight design, the basic version of the Q3 weighs less than 1,500 kg. The engine hood and wraparound tailgate, which houses the taillights, are made of aluminum; the safe and solid passenger compartment features a great many ultra-high-strength steels. Audi is venturing into a new market segment with the Q3, a compact SUV striving to make a dash to the top slot of the premium car makers. The basic price of the Q3 is 29,900 euros, with sales in Europe scheduled for June. Its launch is expected for the last quarter of this year. The Audi Q3 is a compact sporty SUV that joins the Audi Q family siblings Audi Q5 (manufactured in Ingolstadt) and the Audi Q7 (made in Bratislava). With its five-door, compact, dynamic coupé styling, the design of the Q3 offers typical SUV characteristics such as driving position, wheel size and generous ground clearance, symbolizing its sporty identity. It combines the design and dynamic performance of a compact with the roominess and versatility of a SUV and features an array of assistance systems that put it in a premium compact SUV class of its own. The Audi Q3 is available with three different four-cylinder engines – one TDI and two TFSI units. With power outputs ranging from 140 hp (103 kW) to 211 hp (155 kW), these engines are as efficient as they are powerful. - SEAT Related posts:
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| Volkswagen Beetle pricing to start at $18,995 Posted: 07 Jun 2011 12:28 PM PDT Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21st Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic people’s car. The new Beetle will start at just $18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that respects the Beetle’s past yet looks to the future. The 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of Volkswagen and our remarkable history, said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies.
The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces. The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will have a starting MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen’s critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city. The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen’s DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals. In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen’s highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg. The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model. The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience. The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.                            - VWoA Related posts:
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| WTCC: Tarquini third in Budapest Posted: 07 Jun 2011 11:41 AM PDT At the second run of the WTCC race weekend in Budapest ,SEAT driver Gabriele Tarquini reached the podium. The italian made the best out of the starting rain chaos during the second race. After a clever move, he placed his SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI in front of the field. But he wasn’t able to defend the lead. In the end he became third. Tarquini finished the first race in front of his Teammate Tiago Monteiro on place six. During the second race, Monteiro also benefitted from the rain and reached the fifth place. In the overall standings Tarquini putted himself on fourth position (75 points) and overtook Monteiro (74). - Volkswagen Motorsport Related posts:
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| UPDATED: 2011 Le Mans Spotter Guide along with iPad/iPhone versions Posted: 07 Jun 2011 10:59 AM PDT Andy Blackmore has updated the 24 Hours of Le Mans Spotters Guide. After scrutineering, some teams add/subtract sponsors, may have driver changes etc. These detailed changes reflected in the latest update. iPad/iPhone versions are also out now. Prospeed Porsche has a wicked new livery featuring iBird and gives the Flying Lizard Troy Lee design a run for its money. JMV Dunlop Ferrari has an updated look. BMW have changed their car ID coloration around for this event. JMB are now running Dunlops. Click here to head over and download the GuideFollow Andy on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks goes out to Nissan, Radio Le Mans, DailySportscar.com, Flying Lizard Motorsport and Lola-Group who went the extra mile to help this year. Thanks also go to our other partners this year, Ten-Tenths.com, SPEED.com, Fourtitude, Speedhunters, l’endurance and oneighturbo.com Related posts:
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| DTM: Audi quotes after qualifying at the Red Bull Ring Posted: 04 Jun 2011 10:45 AM PDT Two Audi drivers are starting from the front row at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg (Austria). In wet conditions Martin Tomczyk captured the pole position in front of his brand colleague Oliver Jarvis. Quotes after qualifying from the Audi camp. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport) “That was a really difficult qualifying session. That in the end we had three cars in the top four was a bit of a compensation for the poor beginning of qualifying. Our three guys who made it into Q4 in difficult conditions impressively showed that they are in perfect control of the cars. Edo (Mortara) was a bit unfortunate that the rain started again when he went out. Otherwise he might have even made it onto the front row. I’m happy for Martin (Tomczyk), Edo (Mortara) and Oliver (Jarvis), who showed that some people may have wrongly written him off.” Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM), grid position 1 “Having clinched the pole position in such difficult conditions even makes me a little happier than it normally would. It really wasn’t easy being in the right place at the right time – especially on the right tires and with the right tire pressures. That takes a bit of experience on the part of the team. Plus the driver has to be able to correctly judge this. It’s been a great day today. And I’m really happy to be on pole.” Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM), grid position 2 “I’m happy. We had the test day and made a big step forward. The team, the engineer and I are now working together even better. We were competitive on a dry track too. The result is great. The first two races were character building ones. I asked myself a lot of questions. Some people had doubts about me. It feels good to prove to some of the skeptics here that they were wrong. But we’ve still got many races to go; we need to continue to improve. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to show that we deserve a new car and are in contention for a podium place or victory.” Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM), grid position 4 “I’ve got mixed feelings. After Q3 we were running in first place and had a very good car. Today the pole position would have been possible. But the rain started again when I was out on the track. That was a bit unfortunate. But we’re pleased because this is my best position in qualifying, a nice surprise in Austria. I like driving in rain and am optimistic for the race. DTM races are difficult, but we’ve got a good car for dry conditions as well as for a wet race.” Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM), grid position 5 “Fifth place in these weather conditions wasn’t so bad. A bit more would have been possible but I didn’t get it together completely. But the conditions apply to everyone. Being eliminated in the end with seven thousandths is relatively much compared with Hockenheim where I was only lacking two thousandths… I’m happy and think that we’ve made the right decisions. In the end you also need a tiny bit of luck. Now we’ll wait and see what the weather will do on Sunday. Up to now it’s been really mixed on all days.” Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM), grid position 7 “The car was pretty good in Q3. We were doing well on the first set of rain tires. We decided to get a new set of tires because the track was drying off more and more. But that set unfortunately didn’t start to work. So that was the wrong decision as we know now. But as the saying goes: hindsight is better than foresight. We immediately knew that the year-old Audi cars would be strong here. To be honest, there were some of us drivers who even before the weekend were saying that if the guys do a halfway decent job they’ll be in front of us. In any event, I’m happy to finally be able to drive a race on ‘semi-home ground,’ in Austria. The turnout of spectators will really be great. I’m excited about Sunday.” Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM), grid position 11 “On the very final lap I made a braking mistake in turn one and wasn’t able to improve. It was very tight. It was again about just tenths of a second. In such conditions anything can happen in the race. A place among the top ten would be nice. But obviously points would be better.” Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM), grid position 16 “I’m not completely happy. We were really fast this morning in the rain but on a dry track I was also able to make a step forward and managed to catch up with the field. In qualifying though our gamble didn’t work out completely. I tried to drive another lap on slicks but the track was already too wet. I switched to rain tires but wasn’t able to adjust to them so quickly.” Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), grid position 17 “We risked too much. When the rain was setting in we tried to do some more laps on slicks. At the entrance to the pit lane I slid straight into the wall. Then we tried running on rain tires. But the car was damaged. I also didn’t find my rhythm. It’s a shame because this morning our performance was really good.” Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), grid position 18 “It was dry and we went out on slicks. In the beginning it was just drizzling. And from the cockpit it’s difficult to judge the rain. On the way to the pits I was really slow but on the new tarmac of the pit lane entrance I had aquaplaning nevertheless and slid into the guard rail. I actually enjoy driving in difficult conditions because you can gain quite a bit in them. But on the way to the pits you gain nothing; that was a bitter pill.” Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) “There were ups and downs for us. Unfortunately, we lost both our Red Bull cars at the Red Bull Ring right in the beginning. That makes me all the more delighted about Oliver Jarvis’ performance. He’s back and has made a superb showing. It was all very crazy and very close at the end – despite the heavy rain. For Audi we can be very pleased with grid positions one and two. I’m hoping that we’ll be seeing a thrilling race on Sunday with as many uncertainties as in qualifying. Then the many spectators we’re expecting will really get their money’s worth.” Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix) “If you have the pole position you’ve really got to be pleased. We prepared everything so that Martin (Tomczyk) had the chance to convert it into a good result on the track and he did that perfectly. Rahel (Frey) unfortunately was out on slicks when the rain set in. She may have had to come in one lap earlier. In that case Q2 or Q3 might have been possible. Afterward the rain was too heavy and she was no longer able to improve. But we’re getting really close with her. Most of the time, she outperformed Susie (Stoddart). Now they’re closely behind each other. Maybe we’ll be able to turn that around in the race. Overall, it’s very nice to be back at the Red Bull Ring after so many years. You can also tell this by the turnout, the fans are flocking to the track in large numbers. That really makes it great fun for all of us.” Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg) “I’m very happy. Just barely missing the pole position at the third race was really a class act by Edo (Mortara). ‘Well done’ to him and to the squad. They were among the front runners throughout the weekend. Since he set his fastest lap in Q3 he was the last driver to be sent into Q4. Unfortunately, at that time the rain had gotten heavier again. You can’t blame anyone for that. Congratulations to the whole team. In Filipe’s (Albuquerque) case more would have been possible. But in the rain the times were very close together. Even in dry conditions on Friday it was just two tenths for the top 13 cars. Filipe was now just lacking one and a half tenths to clinch one of the front positions.” - Audi Motorsport Related posts:
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| DTM: Audi’s Martin Tomczyk score first pole at the Red Bull Ring Posted: 04 Jun 2011 09:01 AM PDT Audi is regarded as Austria’s most successful premium brand – and on the DTM’s return to the newly opened Red Bull Ring at Spielberg the front row is firmly in Audi’s hands. No less than four Audi A4 DTM cars are starting into the race from the top five grid positions on Sunday (live broadcast starting at 1:45 p.m. – local time – on “das Erste”).
The man of the day at Spielberg was Martin Tomczyk from Audi Sport Team Phoenix, who to the delight of his personal partner Red Bull clinched his first pole position since August 2009. This is only the second time in the history of the “new” DTM that the driver of a year-old car will start from the top position of the grid. Oliver Jarvis was the only driver to have managed this feat before – and at the Red Bull Ring he took position two for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. With DTM newcomer Edoardo Mortara from Audi Sport Team Rosberg clinching fourth place, vehicles from all three Audi factory teams made it into the crucial fourth qualifying segment (Q4) for the first time. Zandvoort winner Mike Rockenfeller on position five and Timo Scheider on seven completed the strong overall team performance of the brand with the four rings. The free practice in the morning had already suggested that the Audi A4 DTM feels very comfortable at the Red Bull Ring: As many as eight Audi drivers were at the front of the field. Martin Tomczyk at 1m 25.660s posted the so far fastest lap on the re-opened race track in the province of Styria. In the afternoon the driver from Rosenheim, Bavaria, who lives in Switzerland, confirmed his strong form in completely different conditions. Right at the beginning of the qualifying session it started to rain. The rain at times was so heavy that race control felt it was necessary to stop Q2 prematurely. The track did not dry off in Q3 and Q4 either and in the end Martin Tomczyk secured the pole position with a lead of 0.352 seconds in front of Oliver Jarvis, Ralf Schumacher and Edoardo Mortara. The latter had already left a strong impression throughout the weekend and shone with a best time in Q3. However, in the end the rain that was becoming heavier again prevented a sensational pole being clinched by the current champion of the Formula 3 Euro Series. “The conditions were really extremely difficult,” said Martin Tomczyk after clinching his eighth pole position in the DTM. “It wasn’t easy to make the right decisions. But together we achieved a good result. My thanks go to the team that did a sensational job.” “Four Audi cars on the top five grid positions are an outstanding result,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Martin (Tomczyk) again proved his potential. Oliver (Jarvis) is strong again after a difficult phase and Edo (Mortara) is an impressive newcomer. The great result that we achieved in the end is a certain compensation for the disappointment in the first few minutes when we lost both Red Bull cars, particularly since this happened on the occasion of the opening of the Red Bull Ring.” Like some of the other drivers, Miguel Molina and Mattias Ekström had tried to run a timed lap on slicks at the beginning of qualifying despite the fact that rain was setting in. Both became victims of aquaplaning at the flooded entrance to the pit lane and will start from the last row on Sunday. Filipe Albuquerque and Rahel Frey will go into the race from positions eleven and 16. - Audi Motorsport Related posts:
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