A unique Audi A1 painted by Britain’s number one contemporary artist Damien Hirst fetched around £350,000 at auction last month.
The car which was the centre piece at Sir Elton John’s White Tie & Tiara Ball was sold to raise money for John’s AIDS Foundation and close to 700 VIP guests were there when the car was out to auction.
The A1 which Hirst painted in a spin technique will not actually be available to UK customers until November 2010 and is being billed by the German firm as a premium compact hatchback. Hirst was specifically commissioned by the car company to paint this one-off model.
Sir Elton John commented on the vehicle saying:
“That’s the most exciting object we’ve ever had on auction at the White Tie.”
Audi have built up the latest addition to their fleet in a big way, many early reviewers have already described the car as being competition to the Fiat 500 and Mini and will enter the market at around £15,000.
The ‘Bio-Bug’ is a custom adapted Volkswagen Beetle that runs on biogas created from human waste.
The concept isn’t brand new but this will be the first of its kind in the UK to run fully on the electric alternative.
Experts believe that the power produced by biogas is enough to outdo electric second to none, and users of the Beetle have the choice between bio material and standard petrol or once one runs out the driver can convert to the other.
The vehicle itself is a standard 2.0 litre Beetle and experts are reckoning that one sewage plant could run a fleet of the vehicles over 95,000,000 miles a year and that consumer’s will not even notice the difference between a regular Beetle and the modified edition.
Developed by GENeco, a UK based sustainable energy and a subsidy of Wessex Water for its company car fleet it plans on trailing the vehicles for a set period of time before converting all of its cars if successful.
Mohammed Saddiq of the sustainable energy firm said:
“Previously the gas hasn’t been clean enough to fuel motor vehicles without it affecting performance,”
Adding:
“Using the latest technology our Bio-Bug drives like any conventional car and what’s more it uses sustainable fuel.”
The fuel conversion rates for the vehicle are impressive averaging 5.3 miles per cubic metre of biogas and around 18 million cubic metres of the materials needed are refined at Wessex Water’s treatment plant in Bristol.
Lord Rupert Redesdale, Chairman of the Biogas Association said:
“This is a very exciting and forward-thinking project demonstrating the myriad benefits of anaerobic digestion.”
Volkswagen today confirmed that they would be taking over the leasing contract for dishwasher suppliers Winterhalter.
The German company announced they would be supplying 47 vehicles to the company including Caddy Maxi, Transporter and Crafter vans.
Winterhalter designs and manufactures commercial dishwashing systems for catering and hospitality businesses, it will use the vans as part of its national service operation network.
Jason Mackay, Operations Director for Winterhalter said:
We operate a 96% first time fix service for our customers so vehicle reliability was very important in out purchasing decision.”
Adding:
“As a UK based German manufacturer we were pleased to find a German van brand that could meet our standards.”
Interested in leasing cars or vans for your business? Take a look at Leasebam who will search all local dealers to find the best prices for you. Saving time and money.
Volkswagen has added a further three award to its BlueMotion range at the What? Car Green Awards this week.
The Golf BlueMotion was named best Green Small Family Car and also beat eight other winners to win the night’s biggest prize of Green Car of the Year.
Steve Fowler, Editor of What? Car said:
“The Golf is a well deserved award winner: carbon dioxide emissions are a paltry 99 g/km making it exempt from road tax and its average fuel economy is 74.3 mpg. So, as well as being impressively green, the Golf is classy, well made, practical, safe, brilliant to drive and an affordable long-term investment. There surely aren’t many other virtues you need?”
Head of Chassis development Dr Stefan Gies collected the award for Volkswagen and said:
“Ever since the first BlueMotion model was launched in 2007 our strategy for this environmental sub-brand has been to produce class-leading vehicles which are efficient, sustainable, practical, comfortable and competitively priced. This is what our customers want and all these values are encapsulated in the Golf.”
The Golf BlueMotion runs a 1.6 TDI common rail engine and gives its environmental and economic savings through new innovations such as Start/Stop and a configuration that accounts for battery regeneration.
The awards come on the back of the car winning Green Car of the Year award at the 2010 World Car of the Year awards.
The vehicle is a fantastic option for business owners or people wanting to lease a car for business purposes as its low running costs and trademark Volkswagen reliability mean less money spent on your side.
Interested in the Volkswagen BlueMotion range, take a look at Leasebam who will search local dealers for you to find the best price possible all without you leaving your computer screen.
Audi have revealed the latest addition to their range and they hope it will be able to take sales from Mercedes new CLS.
The Audi A7 Sportback has been designed to fill the gap between the A6 and A8 offering big car interior with a luxury saloon look in what the German manufacturers have called “a four door coupe shape.”
The A7 was previewed as a concept model at the Detroit motorshow last year and the production model has stuck very closely to the prototype, as the video above shows.
Stefan Sielaff, Audi Chief of Design said:
“We wanted to generate a high-end, premium feeling in the A7 that relates very strongly to the A8 in the design,” said Sielaff, “but we also wanted to make it a gran turismo. They are very different types of cars.”
The latest addition to the Audi range does away with the A8’s aluminium space frame but it is made up heavily of metal but still retains a weight of 1695kg, well over 100kg less than its Mercedes rival.
The A7 will be available with a choice of four engines, all V6 with the latest development by Audi in thermal management, ‘Direct Injection’.
Audi are also for the first time offering a head-up display, which projects the cars stats on the windscreen like a fighter jet. The system is already prominent in the latest BMM X5 models and Audi are anticipating a 10-15% take up rate for the extra.
This model will be available in the UK from 16th August 2010 and price is expected to a bit more than £40,000.
This car is Audis 4×4 which has been long awaited. The Q5 comes with a range of 6 engines and is generously equipped, which is what you expect for the price.
The interior is huge and very practical. There’s a mountain of room for four adults and still over 540 ltrs of luggage space. In addition the rear seats fold down in order to give you even more storage space, in fact it almost trebles. If for some reason you need even more space, there is the option of a fold front passenger seat too.
Q5: Lease from around £300pm
The basic trim comes with leather seats, 18” alloy wheels, single zone climate control, four powered windows, parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. These are all standard options. If you want a little more, you could go for the S line version. This includes more sporty styling touches to the exterior and interior and you get the special xenon headlights.
There are six engine option available with the Q5. The diesel options are a 3.0-litre V6 and two 2.0-litre versions. The two later engine options are the most sensible in regards to economy as they are still strong performance wise and offer significant saving in terms of running costs. For those of you who are fans of petrol, you can chose from a 3.2-litre that generates 237bhp or a pair of 2.0-litre turbo charged units. All are capable performers.
The Q5 has very firm suspension, which means that it handling is very similar that that of a hatchback, especially considering its size. The steering is correctly weighted, loads of grip and solid body control. You will have fun driving it from day to day however, the firm suspension does mean you make a compromise on the ride. The ride is understandably firm and you feel every jolt and bump.
On the safety front the Q5 offers a hill-descent control to help you whilst off-roading down slopes. It also offers off-road programmes that will detect the weight and distribution of the cars load and prevent the car from toppling over. The Q5 also includes remote central locking as standard.
The car does come with a load of features and sporty looks. Prices start from around £26,000 new and lease for around £300 a month
Audi have kept to their motto by being the first manufacturer to launch its customer magazine as an iPad application.
The firm hopes the release of the app will allow them to take the award winning magazine title to a whole new level.
The app is specifically designed to expand on the content already available in the printed edition, allowing users to see floating text over high definition images, animated boxes, picture galleries, videos and a full screen rotating view.
The app also allows users to check out the latest models for leasing or buying.
Peter Duffy, Head of Marketing for Audi UK said:
"Audi has always been an early adopter, whether it be of mechanical or digital technology, the Audi Magazine app is the latest example of our commitment to Vorsprung durch technik. This product will genuinely enhance Audi Magazine’s already rich content, bringing the excitement of Audi further to life."
Since its release into the Apple Store two weeks ago the app, which is free has received 15,000 downloads and found a place in the Top 50 chart.
Audi Magazine has a circulation of more than 350,000 per issue, but even none Audi owners could be tempted by the app as the technology used by the German manufacturers to animate the magazine is unique and the features revolutionary.
It has been announced by a leading car leasing site that the Audi TT is the number one leased car of the moment.
It is a unique achievement in many way for Audi as it also spells the first a time a coupe has been top of the most leased list, which could also indicate a change in clientele of leasing as the top spot is usually reserved for the bigger vehicles such as Range Rover Sports, Mercedes C Classes and Audi’s own A4.
What is the cause of the TT’s rise to the top? well it can’t even be described as lust for the new model as the TT has been around in one conception or the other since 1999. One reason could be the range of varieties in the Audi range, which has made it a firm favourite within the leasing market.
A leading expert in the leasing industry said:
“The Audi TT Coupe has mass appeal; iconic design, excellent build quality and sporty performance combined with strong residuals to make this a very desirable car.”
Leasebam can search dealers for you to find the best deal on an Audi TT, for more information on the TT range take a look at our reviews on other Audi models:
Audi A4 Review – Refined and Desirable.
Audi A3 Review – 74mpg.
Audi A6 Review – Firm favourite with executives and business owners.
Interested in taking an Audi TT on a lease deal? Take a look over at Leasbam who will help find you the best price without you having to leave you computer screen.
The 2011 Audi A8 will be the first car in the world to offer a wireless network to owners, giving users an internet connection whilst they travel.
The system which comes as an optional extra has not been given a price by Audi as of yet but if rivals Citroen’s wifi offering is anything to go buy it should be around £500.
Passengers in both the front and rear of the car can access the service which works in two ways. The first has the driver insert a data capable sim card into the Bluetooth online car phone to activate the network or a connection can be created via Bluetooth with a mobile which also contains a valid data sim.
Audi have said the users can expect speeds of around 7.2Mbit/s and that it is highly capable to use for checking emails, browsing the internet and downloading the latest applications.
Critics have said that the system is just redistributing a 3g signal wirelessly so if all the passengers have 3G phones or connections then the wireless would not be ant improvement, if anything it would make it worse.
But the connection is not just limited to passengers, the A8 uses the connection to get real time traffic updates and implements them into its satellite navigation system. Audi are also looking at trying to integrate Google Maps into the system allowing for detailed street views of locations and destinations.
Another feature, which is already preset is an information point integration. For example if you drive past a landmark that could be of some interest the system will alert you and pull up information about the location from info services such as Wikipedia, the information can also be broadcast on the entertainment screens in the rear of the vehicle for passengers to see.
Interested in Leasing an Audi A8? Take a look at Leasebam who will try find you the model you want and at the best price.
Last when I was driving my 1996 LT 35 petrol, with full speed. I could enjoy it the most and that was the thing that made me think about this vehicle again and again. Soon the rear back light of my car was not in working condition and I had to think about places that could help me get with the parts of the Volkswagen LD 35 rear back lights. As I wanted the parts to be reinstalled in same way so that no one could recognize that we had to change any part. I have had heard about the carsparefinder and soon when I got in to this situation, I just thought of contacting them personally. The carsparefinder people really helped me with everything that they could. They organized the real rear back lights for me and this was helpful for me.
They are there with largest range of car lights and even with the styles of rear lights. They offer you great savings even when you order the most new ones. Whether you want ABS style Lexus style rear lights or any other, you will be having good help from these. The carsparefinder supply you with rear lights and car indicators and also growing range of angel eyes headlights for all of the cars. Whether you want to change the spare parts of any of your car in UK, you can get to them and they provide you with bets products and services. I needed one for my Volkswagen and if you need for Audi, you will surely get rear back light of any of this. These rear light also acts as a great safety functioning valve for you and this is the reason that you should get it repaired as soon as you get it damaged. When I used to see many people driving away without any rear lights in their car then I used to feel that I should ask them to get it from good spare parts company. And the best place to get it done correctly is carsparefinder. This has got some of the top model rear lights with such a great view that you would love its spare parts. Many people neglect these facts as these bulbs are neglected by them most of the time.
Carsparefinder will help you to replace and find one of the good rear light that will help you replace your damaged car light within few seconds. I have found greatest help with the real light parts in carsparefinder and there are good styles of rear light available to you in market and you can get all models of UK cars in this carsparefinder. So get accustomed to it and treat your car as the new model that you bought just from the showroom.
Audi S8 is a very stylish car handsome as well as stylish. When I purchased my car initially, but I just ran out of warranty period on a road trip and this way, I just missed to get some of its parts repaired. The interior of the car and the features of it are just ultimate but I needed to repair the old worn out Audi car seat. As the body of this Audi S8 series has great aluminium metallic structure, hence I need a great seat for the car too. I needed a seat, which is comfortable while communicating with the feel of the road. The seats of Audi S8 are made from leather and that too it gives a sporty look.
A good and stylish seat for Audi S8 is very important. Do how can you replace the seat of your AudiS8 and have one that meets your car’s style and elegance. So, we will have a quick look at the type of seats. If you also want to have your seats changed to make your child safe. You can have them installed according to your own child’s height and weight. There is an anti submarine seat, which prevents any kind of forward movement of occupant in case of collision.
There are websites that offer you much other kind of car seats for your Audi S8, you can choose amongst them as to which one to fit in your vehicle. What is a bucket seat? This is a seat that is contoured to carry one person seat. If you want to have bench seats then these seats are there to make multiple people sit on it. If your Audi S8 is fast then you should be having a bucket seat as it keeps you safe. Now, I wanted a power seat for my Audi S8, because I wanted all the things to be automatic in my car. I wanted these well-equipped power seats so that even seats and mirrors could be adjusted using electric controls. Some times, there are drivers who save adjustments in their memory seat for later call by simply pushing a button.
There are other systems that allow you to have more than one kind of adjustments. This will help multiple drivers to store their comfort seating. When you are replacing your seat with power seats, you need to carry out all the steps very carefully. You should handle the wirings and everything with utmost care. Whether you want your front car to be replaced or rear seats just know the place you should look upon. All the new car models also have folded seat option so you can also look if that can fit in your car. While fitting your power seat, see that its height, level, depth and everything should be taken care of. You must check it by sitting so that you feel comfortable.
Volkswagen has turbo Diesel engines and you need to maintain however stronger it may be. You need not to skip its maintenance part. It is for this we are here and we will know about changing the Diesel engine oil in Volkswagen Jetta. The first thing is that you need to place the blocks behind rear wheels. With the help of floor jack you will have to raise the vehicle with two sets of jack under the frame and you need to put the jack in such a position that it makes the vehicle stand upright. Get inside the front end of the car and locate the plug in the oil pan. You will find the oil pan to be the large, smooth rectangular bucket that would be attached to the bottom of your car. Towards the bottom of one side, there would be bolts fastened in it.
Now, with the help of adjustable wrench, loosen the plug. In the mean time, you must continuously apply constant pressure to it with the help of your other hand. This will overcome any kind of leaking of oil from other side. It is the plug that is fastened to the bottom of one side. Now, you have to slide the drain pan under the plug and remove the plug from oil pan. You must make sure that the oil drain completely out of the oil pan. Further to move ahead, just remove plug in bottom of oil filter and allow the filter to drain in to oil pan. This could be easily done with adjustable wrench. Over the drain plugs, you need to place a new washer and torque that back in to 88.5 inch pounds of place.
By removing the bottom of filter casing and you need to remove the O-ring and old filter. Now, slightly dip your finger in to the new oil. Then rub it around the replacement O-ring now, you need to place them in filter casing and this time it is the new one. When you have removed the older one and put new oil start attaching everything back. Filter casing is attached back and it is then torque back with 22-foot pounds. Around the new washer, you have to rub the oil and drain plug for the oil pan. Drain plug can be twisted in to the oil pan and again that is to be with torque 22 pounds. Now, get back to your Volkswagen Jetta, pop the hood of it and twist the oil cap on the top of Diesel engine place. You can pour the oil in engine with the help of funnel and the rating should be CG 4 or CH 4, as this is standard for safety in Volkswagen vehicle. The VW Jetta holds 4.8 quarts of oil. Finally, you need to put the cap in to the hole in engine. Now, lower down the vehicle as you have replaced your Diesel engine oil with new one.
Audi offer a quality car in the A3. It’s made to high standard, performs and handles well. Ideal for leasing as it keeps its resale value. However, it’s a little on the expensive side compared to it competitors.
Prices start at £16,0000 and at the top of the range you can pay as much as £30,000. The entry range models do have a lack of kit compared to competitors. There is also the huge price difference. The Golf is nearly £1000 lower than the A3 and its basic models offer a little more kit.
Engines choices start at a 1.6 petrol engine that generates 101hp. For the deranged there’s an 261hp 2.0 ltr at the other end of the spectrum. In the diesel category we have 3 choices: A 1.6 and two 2.0ltr. all three come with start stop function.
MPG-o-MATIC: Some diesel engine options offer good fuel performance.
In handling and ride terms the A3 performs well. It offers a firm ride right from the entry level option. I holds its speed well through corners although the steering is a little light. It all lends towards an entertaining drive.
The car comes with all round airbags; twin front driver and passenger, curtain and side airbags. The A3 comes with Deadlocks, an alarm and central locking to improve security.
The standard model comes with a cd player, air conditioning, electric windows and alloy wheels. There is a sports option which adds a different suspension pack, sports style seats, climate control, mp3 input socket and a multifunction steering wheel. This line also features some other cosmetics tweaks too, including Larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a muscular body kit. Four wheel drive and xenon headlights are also available on some models.
If your tall you won’t want to be in the back on any long journeys. In the front some taller people will find their leg catches on the centre console. However, the front seats are spacious and in addition, the front seats are adjustable and offer an opportunity get comfortable. The boot is shaped well and offers plenty of room for the size of the car. The 5 door model offers further boot space and a little more room in the rear.
Audi will be introducing a revolutionary safety system in 2011 in a bid to try and curb rising misfuelling incidents.
Over 150,00 people in the UK accidently fuel their car with petrol instead of diesel every year, but Audi hope to stop this with their new preventative system built into the fuel filler neck of cars. The neck, which has been redesigned to incorporate contact points that only open the fuel tank when the larger diesel nozzle is pressed against them is expected to be introduced in the 2011 ranges of the A4, A5 and Q5 TDI models.
This is sure to be a relief to drivers prone to a lack of concentration when stood at the pump as misfuelling is a costly error. Estimates for repair can vary from £300 to a massive £8000 depending on the vehicle and if it has been driven or not since the refuelling also companies such as the AA and RAC will not cover you for misfuelling.
Audi believe one of the reasons behind misfuelling, which averages one every three and a half minutes is the advances in diesel technology saying:
“Thanks to high pressure common rail injection technology, Diesel powered vehicles operate very nearly as smoothly and quietly as their petrol counterparts.”
The company also suggest that the new system will be of huge benefit to fleet owners and people who are just making the switch from a petrol fuelled car. They also predict that this will not be a one-off addition to productions adding:
“The newly equipped models in the A4, A5 and Q5 family will be joined by further Audi models in the near future as the system is gradually rolled out.”
Audi customers can look forward to lower insurance premiums and running costs according to new research.
New data from the Association of British insurers shows that Audis 50 group ratings are lower than those of their major German competitors.
The database which is used to calculate insurance premiums is managed by the Motor Insurance Repair and research centre which updates the list on a monthly basis. Based in Thatcham it completes its work on behalf of ABUI and Lloyds syndicates.
The rating system uses a points system which awards penalty points to each car depending upon a number of factors. This includes purchase price and the cost of key parts. The cars are tested by putting them through an independent crash test and then repairing them. The higher cost of repair and purchase cost, the higher the score. Therefore a higher insurance group rating.
On security Audi have scored well by using features throughout its range such as its Thatcham category 1 Alarm and immobiliser and Thatcham category 4 locking wheel nuts. They also use extensive covet and overt marked parts. This enabled to reach a maximum 5 star award for theft security from the British Insurance vehicle Security Awards. In addition the company has three What car security related awards.