Video: DRIVE's Chris Harris compares B5, B7 and B8 Audi RS4

If you're as much a fan of YouTube's DRIVE channel as we are, you know that each Wednesday brings a new video from across the pond via "Chris Harris on Cars." We've had the tendency to focus on Harris' reviews not only because of his top-notch work, but also the amount of great Audi content being produced (re: Sport quattro/Ford RS200 comparo and A1 quattro ice driving videos). This week's video however, was especially tailored for us quattroholics. Grab some refreshments, sit back and watch as Harris compares three generations of one of our favorite Audis, the RS4 (and a comparison with the Mercedes C63 thrown in for good measure). Video after the jump.



Source: DRIVE

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Audi RS4 Avant (B8) - New videos and photo gallery

Despite being a car that we'll almost definitely never see this side of the Atlantic, we still can't get enough of the new Audi RS4 Avant (B8).  And now—in addition to initial press materials posted earlier this year—we have some fresh new shots (in three different colors) and video footage of Audi's latest überwagon just for your viewing pleasure.  Videos and photo gallery after the jump.















Source: Audi AG
Video via our YouTube channel

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Audi R18 e-tron quattro live photos and video from Munich presentation

In addition to the official details and press photos, we've now compiled a gallery of "live" photos and video from yesterday's presentation of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro in Munich. We think you will all agree, Audi's new quattro hybrid Le Mans contender looks even better "in the flesh." Photo gallery and videos after the jump.

Video report by UnitedPicturesTV from presentation (German language):



Short promo video from Audi showing both driving scenes and presentation footage:



Update: Audi Sport has just posted a video to Facebook highlighting the event in English.

Photo Gallery:










Photos: Audi Motorsport and United Pictures
Videos: Audi and UnitedPicturesTV (both via YouTube)

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Video: Chris Harris drifts the Audi A1 quattro on ice

It's no secret that we're big fans of British auto journalist, Chris Harris. As such, we can't wait for each Wednesday afternoon's new episode of "Chris Harris On Cars" on YouTube's DRIVE channel. Following his ode to Group B and the Sport quattro posted earlier this month, this week's episode again carries a four-ringed theme as 'Monkey' Harris gets behind the wheel of the new Audi A1 quattro on a frozen lake in Sweden. As you can imagine, plenty of hoontastic drifting ensues (along with a very cool guest appearance). Video after the jump.



Source: DRIVE (YouTube)
Photo: Audi UK

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After disappointing auto show visit, Audi USA ships RS5, S6, S7 and S8 to customer's doorstep

At Audi, employees live by a German phrase known as "Kundenbegeisterung." Loosely translated as "customer enthusiasm," what you're about to read is an unbelievable example of this corporate mantra. Long-time Audi owner, Joshua Smith (known as "audi_s5" on the A5OC.com forums) recently visited the Chicago Auto Show for an up-close look at the new RS5 before placing an order. Much to Joshua's dismay however—after traveling 3 hours from Wisconsin—Audi's show staff "refused" to open the car or allow him to get a closer look. In an effort to explain his experience and possible decision not to buy the car, Joshua decided to write a letter to Audi of America President, Johan de Nysschen; whose response was nothing short of extraordinary.

Rather than paraphrase the correspondence, we've attached Joshua's original letter and Mr. de Nysschen's reply below.

"Mr. Johan de Nysschen,

I am the proud owner of an Audi S5, A6, and A3 and recently drove to the Chicago Auto Show to see the unveiling of the Audi RS5 to North America.

I am writing this short email to make you aware of my experience at the auto show. I asked an Audi representative if he could open up the RS5 as I was interested in ordering a 2013 model this summer. He refused to open the car or even allow me to get a closer look at the features of the car. I expect this does not meet your expectations.

In the BMW booth at the show I spent over 30 minutes with a BMW representative who showed me the M3 and the all new M5, which was also closed to the majority of the public.

The main reason for my drive to Chicago from Neenah WI (3 hour drive) was to see and discuss the possibility of ordering the RS5. I am an active member and participant of the Chicago Audi Club in Illinois and Badger Audi Club in Wisconsin.

I am not sure based on my experience if I am going to place an order. How can I expect to spend 90k without the ability to sit in the seat, or open the hood? (The car in the show featured carbon ceramic brakes. If this is an available option in the US, thank you!) A sincere thanks for all you do from a true Audi enthusiast.

Sincerely,

Joshua Smith"

And Mr. de Nysschen's response:

"Dear Mr Smith,

I regret to learn of your unfavorable experience at the Audi Stand during the Chicago Auto Show.

I can understand your disappointment. Not to offer excuses but to shed some light on the matter, I would like to offer some additional background explanation.

The RS 5 on our exhibit is a pre-production car. The number of RS 5 units currently available worldwide is very limited and thus for the US we only have one car available for the entire Auto Show season. The same car is therefore displayed at about 10 Auto Shows across the US. Since it is a pre-production prototype it is difficult to obtain replacement parts in the event that something is damaged. You will be astonished at what people do to cars at these shows.

From experience we know that when left open a car is not presentable anymore after 2-3 Auto shows. Therefore our Auto show staff are instructed to exercise great caution with these specific cars.

Nevertheless, the cars are to be experienced and thus our staff are also instructed to offer interested attendees to return to the stand at a less crowded time to receive a full walk-around of the car. ( You can imagine that once a highlight car is opened on a crowded floor, it becomes impossible to control access thereafter).

I apologize that this clearly was not offered to you when you were at the stand.

One of my team members will contact you shortly to arrange a private viewing of the RS5 for you. We will be pleased to truck the car to your home so that you can take a close look at this stunning driving machine. The car will be in Chicago until March 9th when it will be moved to the next Auto Show.

I hope this will meet with your acceptance.

Best Regards


Johan de Nysschen
President
Audi of America, Inc"

Now here's the kicker. Not only did Audi of America send Joshua the only RS5 show car in North America, they decided to pack an S6, S7, S8 and Euro-spec A8 3.0T along for the ride. All delivered via tractor trailer, direct to his doorstep.

As for Joshua's decision of buying the RS5? Here's what his forum post had to say.

"Wow!! By far the best example of customer service and experience. This is the reason why I currently own three Audi's (actually have owned six audi's [sic] in the past 7 years) and will be placing my order. Words can't begin to describe it!"

What's more, this is not the first time the Audi of America boss went out of his way to make a customer happy. Long time readers of this blog may remember a story titled Audi goes above and beyond to help long-waiting S4 buyer, in which Mr. de Nysschen personally arranged for a dissatisfied S4 buyer to receive a complimentary S4 loaner for six months, whilst waiting for his car to be built.



Needless to say, Mr. de Nysschen's devotion to Audi customer satisfaction is beyond exemplary. In an age of endless voice mail loops and canned email responses, stories like this are a pleasant reminder that the brand we all care so deeply for, cares just as deeply for us.


Souce: A5OC.com via QuattroWorld
.

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Video: Audi A1 quattro and RS5 snow/ice driving footage

As part of the A1 quattro's official press launch, Audi invited European journalists to a frozen lake in Jarpen, Sweden to have a go in the most potent version of the brand's smallest car. With 256 horsepower on tap to all four wheels, the result is a mini drift monster that looks like tons of fun on the snow and ice. We realize that we just posted a similar video of an R8 V10 on a different frozen Swedish lake earlier, but we doubt many of you will mind a little more winter hooning to cap off your day. Videos after the jump.



And as bonus, Audi also provided us with some great footage of the RS5 from the same event (seen below).



Source: Audi AG via our YouTube channel

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Video: Audi R8 V10 drifts magnificently across a frozen lake in Sweden

With little more than a set of 'standard' snow tires, the Audi R8 proves itself as a true, all-weather supercar. However, strap on a set of rally-specific snow wheels and studded tires and you have a winter drift machine like no other. Last week, the folks from ACE Competition gave a proper demonstration of this with their Audi R8 V10 on a frozen lake in Boras, Sweden. Video after the jump.



Thanks to Jennifer for the tip!

Source: ACEcompetition (YouTube)

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Video: 2013 Audi RS5 desert driving footage

With U.S. sales slated to begin this summer, we're getting very excited for the arrival of the new Audi RS5. And to whet our appetites even further, Audi has just released this new driving footage of the RS5 being put through its paces on a lonely road in, what looks like, Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park. You'll want to turn up your speakers a bit for this. Video after the jump.


Source: Audi AG via our YouTube channel

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Video: Audi Exclusive RS5 takes a page from Aston Martin color palette

Those of you with your finger harder pressed to the four-ringed pulse than others know by now that thanks to the Audi Exclusive program, one can paint their Audi just about any color their heart desires (for a price of course). While most colors are pulled from the past and present VAG/Porsche palette, some customers have been known to intermingle marques. Case in point is this stunning Audi RS5 from the Netherlands; the only of its kind, painted the famous Aston Martin shade of "Almond Green." Video after the jump.



Check out the full photo gallery and story (Dutch language) at Autogespot

Source: Autogespot (YouTube)

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Video: Drive's Chris Harris compares Audi Sport quattro and Ford RS200 in "Group B Worship"

In his latest episode of Chris Harris on Cars on YouTube's Drive channel, Chris Harris explores, hands on, two street cars born from the Group B golden era of rally racing: the Ford RS200 and the legendary Audi Sport quattro. With a production run of roughly 200 units and an original price tag of 200K+ German Marks, the opportunity to drive an original Sport quattro doesn't come around very often—even if your Chris Harris. As Harris notes in the video's description, "...the chance to drive an RS200 and a Sport Quattro nearly sent me to the nut-house. Fire up the Quattro!" Video after the jump.



FYI: For those of you not interested in the RS200, the Sport quattro bit starts at the 8:00 minute mark.

Source: Drive (YouTube)

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Video: Audi reveals "Vampire Party" 2012 Super Bowl commercial

Taking a jab at the likes of Twilight and True Blood, Audi of America has officially revealed their 2012 Super Bowl commercial. Bearing the tagline "Daylight, now in a headlight," the one-minute ad-spot humorously shows the power of Audi's patented LED headlight technology when the new S7 pulls up to a midnight "Vampire Party." All perfectly matched to a soundtrack of Echo & The Bunnymen's "Killing Moon." Video after the jump.



Although we like the ad, the recent "Ahab" commercial would have been our pick for Super Bowl airtime. What are your thoughts?

Source: Audi of America (YouTube)

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Video: Supercharged, 600+ HP Audi RS4 by MRC Tuning

Our friends from MRC Tuning are at it again. Adding to their portfolio of projects (and brilliant videos) including a 204 mph B5 S4 and 820 hp RS6, the British tuning firm has revealed this supercharged B7 Audi RS4. Affectionately called "The Road Warrior," this latest film by NisusHD features everything we love about MRC's featurettes; stunning camera work, exhaust flames and a great soundtrack. Video and more details on the car after the jump.



MRC Tuned Audi RS4 (B7)

Horsepower: 612 (620PS)
Torque: 465 lb/ft (630 NM)
TTS Supercharger
MRC Cold air feed (deflapped intake, ported, decoked)
Milltek Exhaust
Brembo 380mm Brake Upgrade

Film by NisusHD
Source: MRC Tuning via Vimeo

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