Report: Audi to buy Ducati for 860 million euros

Following speculation of a deal earlier this year, a report from Bloomberg today confirms that Audi is indeed set to buy Italian motorcycle-maker, Ducati for about 860 million Euros ($1.1 billion). The Ducati deal would allow Audi to become even more competitive with rival BMW, who long cornered the market of building both luxury automobiles and motorcycles. The purchase would also bring in significant revenue to the Volkswagen Group, as today's report notes that Ducati boasts more revenue than that of Lamborghini and Bugatti combined.

The report notes that the deal is set to face VW supervisory board approval tomorrow.

So, we imagine there are few bike enthusiasts out there. Will Audi's purchase of the brand now make you more likely to ride/buy a Ducati?

Full report can be found at Bloomberg

Reuters also has a similar report

Source: Bloomberg

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Audi at the 2012 New York Auto Show

Last week, we made our annual pilgrimage to the Big Apple to take in the sights of one our favorite auto shows of the year. Though lacking any new reveals, Audi filled their booth with many of the latest models set to reach U.S. showrooms this year. While there was certainly plenty to see, we do wish Audi of America would have displayed the new S6 and S7 instead of only showcasing their older, "A" badged siblings. Despite the missing "S" cars, highlights of Audi's booth included the R8 GT Spyder, TT RS, RS5, S8 and A4 allroad quattro. Photo gallery after the jump.














Check out Matt's full gallery of the 2012 New York Auto Show on Flickr

Photos: Matt Richards

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One-two victory for Audi at 2012 12 Hours of Sebring

Crossing the finish line in first and second place, Audi Sport dominated Saturday's race at the 2012 12 Hours of Sebring. The overall victory went to the #2 Audi R18 TDI piloted by Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish; followed by the second place #3 R18 TDI of Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Loïc Duval. Saturday's win also marks Audi's 10th overall 12 Hours of Sebring victory. Full report after the jump.

Ingolstadt/Sebring, March 17, 2012 – On the R18 TDI’s farewell performance Audi managed a brilliant start into the new FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). With victory by Dindo Capello/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish the brand celebrated its tenth overall success in total at the famous Sebring 12 Hours in the U.S. state of Florida. New signing Loïc Duval completed Audi’s one-two victory together with his team-mates Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas.

Suspense through to the end: In a race that was interrupted by a total of eleven caution periods, Capello/Kristensen/McNish in the Audi R18 TDI designated as car number "2” had to work hard for their victory. Their rivals from their own team in car number "3” consistently remained within a striking distance with gaps of a few seconds in the first ten of the race’s 12 hours. The safety car repeatedly reduced the gaps of the trio at the front but Bernhard/Dumas/Duval lost four laps shortly before the end of the race due to body contact with a competitor.

At the same time, Audi Sport Team Joest kept its opponents at bay with perfect tactics. The squad set alternating pit stop intervals for its two best Audi R18 TDI cars which consistently kept their quickest rivals from HPD-Honda one lap behind the two diesel-powered sports cars. The race was dominated by heavy traffic and a large number of accidents in the field of 63 entrants but thanks to the precision-work of the drivers the victorious R18 TDI managed to cover the whole distance without any body damage.

Yet not only the tenth Audi victory at the 60th anniversary run of the Sebring 12 Hours is a milestone in the history books. Tom Kristensen as the record holder celebrated as much as his sixth personal success at the classic race in Florida, Dindo Capello his fifth and Allan McNish his fourth. Three years before, the trio had clinched Audi’s last victory to date.

The third Audi initially had perfect chances of finishing in a top position as well. André Lotterer, who had clinched the first pole position in qualifying for the new FIA World Endurance Championship for Audi, together with his team-mates Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler was the fiercest rival of the subsequent winners. Shortly before the race’s midpoint, car number "1” lost 17 laps though. A defective electrical shifting unit on the transmission forced the team to make an unscheduled repair in the tent. In the end, the three Le Mans winners from last year finished in 16th place overall and fifth in the LMP1 category of the WEC classification.

While the Audi R18 TDI in the presence of Jean Todt, the President of the FIA, delivered its successful farewell performance at Sebring, media and guests of Audi of America had the chance to get a glimpse of the future. On the fringes of the event Audi presented to them the new R18 e-tron quattro which like the new R18 ultra will be fielded as of the second WEC round on May 5 at Spa (Belgium). A week before, the new Audi A5 DTM will also be making its eagerly awaited debut at the Hockenheimring.

Quotes after the race:

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "Obviously, it’s nice that after the tenth pole position for Audi at Sebring we managed to achieve the tenth victory as well. For us, it was a great start into the season and into the new FIA World Endurance Championship. We had three cars here that were running at absolutely equal speed. They allowed us to score this one-two victory. Unfortunately, there was a small problem with the third car which prevented us from having all three cars in front in the end. Still, everyone in the squad can be proud of this result.”

Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): "That was a pretty strenuous race. And our rivals were really close on our heels. They were a tiny bit slower than we but in the caution period they wouldn’t ease up on us. They only started having problems in the end. Those were eleven hours of hard work for us. Well done to Dindo (Capello), Tom (Kristensen) and Allan (McNish). It was a superb drive. Fortunately, we made believers out of all those who thought we’d forgotten how to drive cars. Congratulations, too, to the drivers of the other two cars. They were all at the same level. It’s a shame that car number "1” had the shifting problem. One repair stop at the tent and your race is over. The other car was a bit unfortunate in the caution periods in which we also had to act strategically. On the other hand, it had benefited from the yellow flags in the beginning. In the end, after slight body contact, they finished as the runners-up. And I’m proud of our mechanics too, who practiced a lot during the winter. A nice WEC opening victory! That motivates the whole squad.”

Dindo Capello (Audi R18 TDI #2): "Allan (McNish), Tom (Kristensen) and I have been waiting for this victory for three years. It was the right time to be back on the top of the podium. It’s a sweet success, also because we drove the Audi R18 TDI for the first time here at Sebring. Bringing the car home without any scratches in a field of 63 vehicles is no easy feat. We learned a lot last year. Today we showed that we can get through traffic without body contact in a closed car as well.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 TDI #2): "Audi Sport Team Joest did a fantastic job. Our R18 TDI had a good set-up. Allan (McNish) and Dindo (Capello) did a perfect job of driving. We had a tremendous battle with our team-mates. But the HPD-Hondas and the Rebellion-Toyota cars chased us for a long time as well. We were always able to work out a small advantage but that could also have easily gone wrong with the many caution periods. The car was running well but traffic was a real challenge and the temperatures around noon, when I was sitting in the cockpit for a long time, were pretty high. It was tough clinching victory here. Everyone in the team and at home at Audi can be proud of this. It’s great that we won the anniversary race and the WEC opener here. But we’re already looking forward to the next race when we’ll have something in our hands that production development will benefit from yet again as well: a hybrid vehicle.”

Allan McNish (Audi R18 TDI #2): "I’m very proud of the team. We worked very hard for this victory. Together with the engineers and the mechanics Tom (Kristensen), Dindo (Capello) and I invested a lot of time in working out the optimal race setup. That paid off because I think we had the best race car today. It was consistently fast and made it possible for us to be in contention from the beginning to the end. The new world championship couldn’t have started better for us than with a victory.”

Timo Bernhard (Audi R18 TDI #3): "It was a great race and we finished as the runners-up after being in contention for victory for a long time. Unfortunately, there was a collision with a slower car on the straight toward the end of the race. That’s why we had stop for a short repair in the pits. Afterwards, I drove to the car to a second-place finish. These are valuable championship points. The one-two victory is fantastic for Audi – well done to the team.”

Romain Dumas (Audi R18 TDI #3): "That was a nice race with good battles. We gave our best and were in contention for victory for a long time. Unfortunately, there was an incident of slight body contact toward the end. But ultimately we scored a nice second place.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 TDI #3): "Sebring yet again showed that it’s a difficult race. As late as on the final laps we encountered a small problem but achieved the aim nonetheless: Audi won and also took second place. Finishing on the podium right on my first run for Audi was a nice experience for me – a good race!”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 TDI #1): "We took off from pole, had a good start and were among the front runners in terms of speed. The car was running really well and I was very pleased. About halfway through the race we had a shifting problem which cost us a few laps. At least we scored a few points in the end. Obviously, we’re a bit disappointed because we could have achieved a better result. But we were among the front runners today and that’s why I’m looking ahead with a positive mindset.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 TDI #1): "Congratulations to Audi, to Tom (Kristensen), Dindo (Capello) and Allan (McNish). They did a perfect job. It’s nice that Audi won again at Sebring. I’m a little disappointed with the result of our car. We had a technical problem and afterwards the race was unfortunately over for us. We’ve got to settle with the fastest time in qualifying and the fastest race lap. These things can happen in motorsport. But the potential was there. Next time we want to at the front of the field again.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 TDI #1): "For Audi, it’s been a great day with a one-two victory. A nice team success! We would have liked to make our contribution to it. Our lap times were good but we had a difficult day. We were on the same lap as the leading car for a long time and took no risks. Unfortunately, a problem with the shifting unit came up about halfway through the race. That cost us a lot of time. Afterwards, the race was only about finishing without any mistakes.”

Race results:

1 Capello/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R18 TDI) 325 laps
2 Bernhard/Dumas/Duval (Audi R18 TDI) - 4 laps
3 Potolicchio/Dalziel/Sarrazin (HPD-Honda) - 6 laps
4 Tucker/Bouchut/Barbosa (HPD-Honda) - 6 laps
5 Nicolet/Lahaye/Pla (Morgan-Judd) - 7 laps
6 Collard/Boullion/Jousse (Pescarolo-Judd) - 7 laps
7 Perez Companc/Kaffer/Ayari (Oreca) - 8 laps
8 Dyson/Smith/Kane (Lola-Mazda) - 8 laps
9 Zugel/Gonzalez/Julian (Zytek) - 9 laps
10 Leventis/Watts/Kane (HPD-Honda) - 9 laps

Source: Audi Motorsport

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2013 Audi A3 3-door officially revealed

As promised, Audi has officially revealed the 3-door variant of the all-new A3 today in Geneva. While not much of surprise visually—thanks to a photo leak earlier last month—the 2013 Audi A3 features much more than just revised styling. From the choice of three highly efficient engines, to new ultra lightweight construction and top-of-the-line infotainments systems, the third generation A3 shows a clear evolution for one of Audi's most popular models lines. Full report and photo gallery after the jump.

Under the hood, the new A3 will launch initially with the choice of three engines; a 1.4 TFSI (122 hp), 1.8 TFSI (180 hp) and 2.0 TDI (150 hp). From there, an "exceptionally efficient" 1.6 TDI will be available later in 2012 with reported fuel economy of 61.90 US mpg. Overall, Audi notes that "compared to the previous model, fuel economy of the new A3 was improved by about 12 percent on average – with some engines the savings are even greater."

Outside, styling coincides perfectly with many cues—notably at the front—seen on the new A4, A5 and A6; offering a clear departure from previous generations. The A3 3-door's overall length was kept identical to the previous model at 4.24 meter (13.91 feet) long, while the wheelbase grew to 2.60 meters (8.53 feet); offering more room inside the cabin. Audi notes that their "ultra lightweight construction principle has produced a new A3 1.4 TFSI that weighs just 1,175 kg (2,590.43 lb) – making it significantly lighter than cars of the competition. The front fender and engine hood are made of aluminum; the car body also integrates a high share of ultra high-strength and hot-formed steels."

Inside, the third generation Audi A3 offers a completely redesigned interior. The most obvious revision is seen on the A3's dash, "with the horizontal lines of an instrument panel that appears to float" in conjuction with a simple setup of four round air vents and control panel of the standard air conditioning system. And thanks to a new electro-mechanical parking brake, there's plenty of room for the A3's revised optional MMI system controls; that in its full version features the upper side of its rotary pushbutton as a touchpad.

The new Audi A3 will go on sale in Germany this spring, with a base price of the A3 3-door (with the entry-level engine which will follow around the end of the year) of 21,600 euros. There are plenty of more new features to be covered, so be sure to check out the official press release and "at a glance" sections following the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery:













At a Glance:

Design and body:
- Sporty-progressive styling with coupe-like lines and long wheelbase,length 4.24 meters (13.91 feet)
- Intelligent mixed multi-material construction utilizing steel and aluminum
- Weight reduced by 80 kg (176.37 lb), curb weight of Audi A3 1.4 TFSI is just 1,175 kg (2,590.43 lb)
- Optional LED headlights and LED taillights

Interior:
- Spacious interior, cargo capacity is 365 liters (12.89 cubic feet)
- Elegant design and exemplary ergonomics, standard and optional graphics in the FIS display and decorative inlays with various materials

Drivetrain:
- At launch, one TDI and two TFSI engines with 90 kW (122 hp) to 132 kW (180 hp), all engines have state-of-the-art efficiency technologies
- Power transmission by manual gearbox or S tronic, front-wheel drive at launch, quattro permanent all-wheel drive later for more powerful engines
- 1.6 TDI only consumes 3.8 l/100 km (61.90 US mpg), equivalent to 99 g CO2/km (159.33 g/mile)
- Versions with alternative drive systems such as hybrid, natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development

Chassis:
- Alloy wheels, up to 18 inches in size
- ESC stabilization control with electronic limited slip differential is standard
- Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system and adaptive shock absorbers are optional

Features:
- Extensive standard features as well as comfortable and sporty extras
- Advanced MMI system with MMI touch, ultra-slim, electrically retractable on-board monitor
- Optional highly advanced driver assistance systems, including Audi adaptive cruise control, further developed park assist and Audi pre sense basic
- Wide range of infotainment components, sound system from Bang & Olufsen, Bluetooth online car phone with services from Audi connect

Press Release:

The new Audi A3 – Innovation with style

In 1996, Audi launched the premium compact segment with the A3 – now the third generation of the successful model is ready at the starting line. The new A3, which will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, is a high-tech car full of innovations in all areas. Versions with hybrid and alternative drive systems such as natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development. A version with an exceptionally efficient 1.6 TDI engine will launch on the market in 2012; it consumes just 3.8 liters of diesel/100 km (61.90 US mpg), which is equivalent to 99 g/CO2 (159.33 g/mile).

Audi ultra lightweight technology has helped to trim weight in the body of the appealing three-door car – compared to the previous model, the new A3 is now 80 kg (176.37 lb) lighter. The chassis is tuned for a sporty and agile driving style. The engines are powerful yet highly efficient, the interior offers an ambience of dynamic style. In driver assistance systems and infotainment, the new A3 offers a portfolio of technologies that redefines standards in the segment.

The car’s styling visualizes the sporty character of the new A3; it gives the 4.24 meter (13.91 feet) long three-door model a powerful stance on the road. Sharp edges provide the outlines for dynamically curved sheet-metal surfaces. The overall vehicle length was kept identical to the previous model, while the wheelbase grew to 2.60 meters (8.53 feet), and the angle of the C-pillars was made low like that on a coupe. The single-frame radiator grille that is typical of Audi dominates the look of the front end. As an option, Audi can supply headlights in xenon plus technology together with LED daytime running lights; in this case, the taillights are also equipped with LEDs. Later on, full LED headlights will extend the range of features – and will be a first in the compact car segment.

Audi’s consistent application of its ultra lightweight construction principle has produced a new A3 1.4 TFSI that weighs just 1,175 kg (2,590.43 lb) – making it significantly lighter than cars of the competition. The front fender and engine hood are made of aluminum; the car body also integrates a high share of ultra high-strength and hot-formed steels.

The completely redesigned interior of the Audi A3 appeals with the horizontal lines of an instrument panel that appears to float, trendsetting quality of materials and workmanship as well as clear ergonomics. The four round air vents, elegant control panel of the standard air conditioning system and the instrument cluster are all highlights here.

The color display of the driver information system (standard on the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines) presents graphics in highly detailed 3D images.

The electrically retractable MMI monitor – with a seven-inch diagonal in the top version – is only eleven millimeters thick (0.43 inches). The new electromechanical parking brake creates space on the console over the center tunnel for the terminal of the optional MMI operating system. In its full version – MMI navigation plus with MMI touch – the upper side of its rotary pushbutton is designed as a touchpad – another ergonomic innovation. The driver can input letters and numbers by finger motion as in the Audi full-size class.

Audi is offering the Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines as selections on the new A3; they let the customer choose the specific vehicle character they are looking for. Designers have developed attractive colors and materials for each of the versions. Customers can choose from among many sporty and convenient options that extend up to adaptive lighting, magnetic ride suspension and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Another technical area in which the new Audi A3 is extending its leadership role is in its new high-performance driver assistance systems. They range from radar-assisted adaptive cruise control to Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, traffic sign detection, park assist and the Audi pre sense basic safety system. None of our competitors offers a similar portfolio of such systems.

In the infotainment area too, the innovative modular architecture hosts a whole array of components. It includes the sound system from Bang & Olufsen and MMI navigation plus. They are ideally complemented by the Bluetooth online car phone with WLAN hotspot. It gives passengers access to the Internet while traveling; for the driver, there are customized online services that make up the Audi connect package. The new Audi A3 will launch with three four-cylinder engines, all of which are essentially new developments. The two TFSI engines and the TDI work with 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 liters of displacement. Their power levels are 90 kW (122 hp), 132 kW (180 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp). Compared to the previous model, fuel economy of the new A3 was improved by about 12 percent on average – with some engines the savings are even greater.

The 1.8 TFSI operates together with a standard seven-speed S tronic; the 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. In each case, engine power is always transferred to the front wheels; quattro permanent all-wheel drive – and other engines, including a 1.4 TFSI engine with innovative cylinder on demand technology from Audi – will follow over the course of the next few months.

The chassis of the new A3 combines sporty driving fun with good comfort and impressive stability. The wheel suspensions form the foundation here, and the finely tuned power steering system has a highly efficient electromechanical drive. The ESC stabilization control integrates the electronic limited slip differential – which makes handling even more fluid and safe at performance limits when driving through curves.

The optional Audi drive select system (standard on the Ambition line) lets the driver vary the operating modes of key components – such as steering, the accelerator pedal and transmission characteristics (with S tronic) – for a customizable driving experience. It also incorporates the optional adaptive shock absorbers; they utilize magnetic ride technology from Audi. Wheels range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.

The new Audi A3 will go on sale in the spring, and first deliveries to customers will be this summer. The base price of the A3 with the entry-level engine, which will follow around the end of the year, will be 21,600 euros in Germany.

The equipment, data, and prices specified refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

Source: Audi AG

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