Tom Kristensen's Thoughts on Sebring and Insights on the 2010 Audi R15

The American Le Mans Series has started and Team Audi will be making an appearance at the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 12 and 13 which takes place in Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France.

Unfortunately, Tom Kristensen and the team were only spectators at Sebring this year.  In a weekly column he's been writing, Tom says:

"...of course it’s a strange feeling to be at the race only as a spectator this year. With five overall wins under my belt, I’m the most successful driver of this American classic. The track isn’t the most modern one in the world but it’s always been a lot of fun for me and my colleagues to drive at Sebring because the atmosphere there is simply great and the circuit is a challenge. I’m hoping to have the chance to race there again in 2011.


It’s a shame that Audi won’t be able to compete at Sebring this year. Audi Sport was originally planning to contest the race with an interim car. But, unfortunately, not all our rivals agreed to that..."

Tom said about the R15:

"My first impression of the R15 plus is really good: the car simply looks cool and a lot more aggressive than last year’s R15. The split nose is pretty distinctive. Allan, Dindo and I’ve been going back and forth for the past couple of days about what the front reminds us of most: two ivory tusks or the legendary Batmobile. But if it turns out to be the Batmobile, we’re not quite sure yet who of the three of us would be Batman, Robin or the Joker.."

In this year's model the entire shape of the body has been revised.  Before the race at Le Mans in June, Audi Sport Team Joest will complete an extensive testing program on various European race tracks and test races at the 8 Hours of Le Castellet (France) on April 11 and at the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on May 9.

Unfortunately, however, we just got word from OneEightTurbo.com that the R15 crashed during a test-run at Sebring.   Mike Rockenfeller came out ok.

Watch the Audi R15 TDI movie from Audi TV below...

2010 Audi A4 2.0 Avant Wagon Review

Quiet, elegant, yet understated. These are my top three words to describe the 2010 Audi A4 Avant. The A4 Avant brings space, sophistication, and style to those who don’t care to show off.

In a country where “bigger is better”, Audi goes against the grain with a car that, in my opinion, can rival the SUV’s and minivans that are predominant in America’s suburbia. If you’re like me and a minivan just doesn’t quite fit your persona, then the A4 Avant wagon may be for you.

The Interior

If comfort and convenience in a car is your main concern, the A4 Avant does not disappoint in this area - especially if you get it with the premium plus package. The luxurious interior of the Avant we test drove featured ergonomically leather seating, automatic three-zone climate control, multi-function controls built into the steering wheel, power driver and passenger seat adjustment, front and rear power windows, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, and electronic cruise control. And that’s just the beginning! Virtually everything is powered by the touch of a button - even the car starts with just a push of the key. A warning to moms with kids: Don’t let them sit up front with you because they'll be tempted to push all those buttons!









And speaking of kids…for safety and security, the Avant has Lower Anchors and Tethers For Children (LATCH), auto door locking, and Sideguard curtain airbags. One safety feature that I especially like is the driver and passenger safety belt chimes that go off until you put your seat belt on.

As if there weren’t enough buttons on the console to play with, plop down $2,500 for a navigation package with camera if you’re a traveler. It’s definitely worth it. The rearview camera with rear park sensors beep at you when anything comes close.





As a music buff, my favorite part of the interior which comes standard in every Audi is the Audi concert AM/FM radio with in-dash CD player, Sirius satellite radio, two SD card slots, and an auxiliary audio output.





For those who are fortunate to live in warm weather climate, a wide, panorama sunroof is your best friend.





This is the type of car for a family with small kids. Leg room for adults in the front is great, but it was just ok in the back. People who are taller than 6 feet may have an uncomfortable long-distance ride. The trunk is big enough to carry around a few pieces of luggage, backpacks, plus the occasional soccer ball or two.





The Drive

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the way the A4 Avant drives. Pot holes and bumps in the road? I didn’t feel them. I sometimes forgot that I was driving a wagon the way this car handles the road. At 80 mph, it felt like I was driving only 45 mph.

Exterior Appearance

The exterior of any car is what grabs our attention first, and the A4 Avant did turn some heads as we drove through the streets of San Diego. You can see hundreds of A4’s, A6’s, and the occasional Q7 or A8 in San Diego, but an A4 Avant is a rare treat. The optional 18-inch sport package adds even more style to an already sleek-looking vehicle.




Price

The base model of the A4 2.0 TFSI Avant is $35,350, but the one featured here with the quartz gray metallic paint, premium plus package, navigation package, sport package, and destination charge will cost $44,100.  The fuel cost is pretty decent with 21 city mpg and 27 highway mpg.

Eye Candy: Audi A4 Avant

It's very rare to see an Audi A4 Avant in San Diego, so as we drove around in this beauty this past week, we got many double-takes - and even a drive-by photo from someone who probably loves the car!

Stay tuned for a full review!  Subscribe to this blog if you haven't done so already...

February 2010 Sales Figures: Audi Continues Growth

Globally, Audi continues to experience growth which comes as no surprise. The company reports worldwide sales of around 75,900 automobiles in February which is a 19.9 percent increase compared to February 2009.

In the United States, Audi sales in February rose by 33.6 while in Western Europe, Audi remains the most successful premium brand based on the first two months of the year.   Even in China the sales total for that market was 85.9 percent up on the 2009 figure.

See the chart below for sales figures in other countries and regions around the world...

Source:  Audi press release

Audi R8 Spec Ad: "Change Has Come"

Fellow Audi enthusiast, Jurgen Alan, created this spec ad for the Audi R8.  I thought it was pretty awesome. I especially love the tagline, "Change Has Come".

Watch the video below or click here to watch it on YouTube.