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Audi today posted record profits as result of high sales of its top-end models. Before tax Audi posted profit of 2.91 billion euros an increase of 49.8 percent. After tax profit rose 1.69 billion. Worldwide sales were up 5.7 percent to 964,151.
According to Axel Stortbek, Audi’s board of member for finance and organization, the company’s record financials were a result of higher sales of models with high profit margins such as the Q7 SUV, TT and the new Audi A5.
Last year, TT sales more than doubled to 51,771 while the Q7 sales increased 81,775. Stortbek said that sales improved in markets such as central and eastern Europe and Asia also boosted profits.
Audi’s largest market is still Germany despite a 1.5 percent drop last year to 254,014.
Of course, USA figures are a different set of numbers, when isolated. Still... amazing.
TM
Here's part two...
Top Gear New Bmw M3 Vs C63 Amg and Audi Rs4 Part 2
This video for all of you... just in time to address the M3 and its performance... which BTW, looks pretty darned impressive here... IMO.
In addition check out the RS4 and the C63!!
TM
I think the consensus of that video is that although the M3 is still the benchmark of the segment but it's no longer the clear winner. Both the C63 and RS4 are worthy competitors and have advantages over the M3 in some particular areas.
With the A4 growing up in size I wonder how much of a M3-fighter would the next RS4 be...
Gee, in that case... sorry for the post. :surprise:
For those that haven't seen it... NOT sorry for the post...
TM
2008 BMW M3 sedan - Specs
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED: $64,450 (base price: $55,875)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 244 cu in, 3999cc
Power (SAE net): 414 bhp @ 8300 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in Length: 180.4 in Width: 71.5 in Height: 57.0 in
Curb weight: 3680 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.8 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 24.9 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.6 sec @ 113 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 161 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 328-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 14/20 mpg
2007 BMW 335i Coupe Automatic - Specifications
2007 BMW 335i Coupe Automatic
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED: $49,675 (base price: $42,850)
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 182 cu in, 2979cc
Power (SAE net): 300 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in Length: 180.6 in Width: 70.2 in Height: 54.1 in
Curb weight: 3584 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.1 sec
Zero to 140 mph: 26.7 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 5.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.4 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 145 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 156 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 20/29 mpg
C/D observed: 18 mpg
I know the 335 has automatic in this comparo but I see your point. Here is the 135i specs:
2008 BMW 135i - Specs
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED: $42,895 (base price: $35,675)
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 182 cu in, 2979cc
Power (SAE net): 300 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.7 in Length: 171.7 in Width: 68.8 in Height: 55.4 in
Curb weight: 3420 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.5 sec
Zero to 140 mph: 25.6 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 143 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Roadholding, 328-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 17/25 mpg
Hopefully, you were able to copy/paste. Anyway, nice job. It makes it much easier to compare those cars. Thank you.
TM
I think the bang/buck thing bodes real well for the 135i. The M3 is reportedly going to carry an initial markup which makes the choice quite easy for mere mortal BMW buyers.
You want more room = 335i You want more Zing = 135i.
Regards,
OW
Thanks for posting!
And FYI (for everyone here), even though Audi's sales in Germany went down a bit, their market share went up to nearly 10%, because the market is getting smaller.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabrilet
Don't doubt Audi's strategy--although the A4 has grown six inches, it's over one hundred pounds lighter than the old model.
Expect ~450hp for the new RS4. I hope it also comes with DSG.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Not sure if anyone else answered your question.
No, it is not. The E36 M3 was also available as a four-door:
I'm really loving the new M3 sedan's look (as well as this E36 here!), and it's still most certainly on my list to test drive in a few months.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
I know the 1er in that test had a manual, and the 3 had an automatic, but that wouldn't equate to a 3.5MPG difference, especially when the 1 Series should be more efficient in the first place :surprise:
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
A RS4 is out of my league. I like the new A4 styling and if Audi offers it with a 315hp+ gas V6 or TDI with DSG then I am sold!
Wow, I can't believe I am saying that about an Audi...
I know the 1er in that test had a manual, and the 3 had an automatic, but that wouldn't equate to a 3.5MPG difference, especially when the 1 Series should be more efficient in the first place
That is not the case.
I am guessing you are referring to the '07 numbers for the 335i. The 135i is rated under the newer '08 rating system, which appears to be worse. Using the '08 rating for both cars, they share a similar '08 EPA estimate, although for some unknown reason there is a 1 mpg difference in the hwy rating.
With the manual tranny, for '08, they are both 17 city... the 135i is 25 hwy and the 335i is 26 hwy... which is a bit odd, unless the tranny's gear ratios are slightly different.
TM
Audi should be releasing a DSG (7-Speed) as an option on the new A4 by the end of the year rumor has it. The DSG for Audi's longitudinal engines is finally being developed and completed and we should start seeing it in 2009.
The M3 is faster than a 335i by almost 1 second and the roadholding specs are phenomonal for the M3.
The M3 is my kind of domesticated beast (back seats for the kids).
Yes... the 135i is clearly the bargain amongst the three... although I am not sure if a 135i lease would be as obviously attractive as a purchase.
TM
link title
TM
A 135i at this early stage is most likely to have lousy lease deals. Also you are like to get a better deal relative to MSRP when purchasing a 335i than the 135i.
I cannot access that link. :surprise:
TM
I checked it again, and it works fine. If you can't link it, you can always try typing in this address. (save yourself some time and copy/paste this address in your browser.)
http://www.bimmerfile.com/2008/02/17/bimmerfile-review-bmw-135i/
TM
BUT based on what I heard about the phenemonal BMW328i lease deals out there it makes me wonder how much better a 128i lease can be?
Thanks! Certainly a positive review.
Posted: 10 Mar 2008 02:31 PM CDT
We all know that when a new BMW model is launched, some dealers like to mark up the price, above the MSRP. But, I have never thought that a dealer will actually go as high as $30,000 markup. The Century West BMW in North Hollywood decided to price the new BMW M3 at the "amazing" price of $100,000. The sticker clearly shows the "Dealer Market Adjustment" of $30,000 on top of several options packages, so there is definitely no confusion or misunderstanding there.
Even though the new 2008 BMW M3 has over 400 ponies from an all-new 4.0L V8, I find the markup to be absolutely ridiculous and I doubt anyone would go for it. From my experience, they will still sell it over MSRP, but only at $5-7k over.
Good grief! :P
I can post some comments on that experience later on if anyone is interested.
TM
I'm glad it worked. What I found interesting was that it wasn't just another run-of-the-mill complimentary review. This guy really went into specific detail and gave a genuine impression of the experience, even so much as to contrast it to the M3 in a positive light... suggesting that the 135i is more fun to drive, and why.
That's why I feel that the 135i is likely the bang/buck champ of the three. Of course, until I drive them all myself, I've got to rely on the many reviewers out there that are so incredibly smitten with the 1er.
TM
I dont know why bmw keeps says x5 0 to 60 in 6.4sec and the truth is its 7 sec to 60.
link title
esf isn't going to like this video. Better not tell him.
Thanks again.
TagMan
So how was it?
My next car may not even have an exhaust system if this BMW becomes a reality and is not priced stratospherically high.
BMW's U.S. success means that come 2012, it will be considered a large vehicle manufacturer here in the States. In preparation for that, BMW will decide this year on whether to make "an ecologically-compatible car for the U.S. market," most likely to help the automaker meet more stringent CAFE standards that are forthcoming. Incredibly, for a company known for its engines, this newest car venture would probably run on batteries according to CEO Norbert Reithofer. We mentioned that BMW is considering the return of the Isetta brand as its green leader, but small gas and diesel engines were proposed for that car, and it's already been signed off on. Which means that if BMW were to come out with a U.S.-only all-electric vehicle, it could be something all new. Of
link title
Guess Who Hopes to Help Power New Hybrid Cars?
Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's largest gasoline refiner, wants a piece of the hybrid-car market.
After filling automobile gas tanks for decades, the company has started looking under the hood. It's betting that further development of a component it created for cellphone batteries can help improve a new type of battery that may eventually power most hybrid cars. If it's right, Exxon could play a part in ushering in a new generation of hybrid and electric cars, lessening the world's reliance on gasoline.
Electrovaya's electric car will use Exxon's separator film in its lithium-ion battery.
Exxon won't make the actual batteries, but its scientists have developed a plastic "separator" film that is already a critical part of lithium-ion batteries. As these batteries become more powerful -- and if Exxon can keep them from exploding -- they are expected to make the jump into hybrid cars.
At first blush, Exxon's embrace of "green" hybrid technology may seem surprising -- especially for a company whose executives scoffed for years at the idea that fossil fuels were causing global warming.
But even as it hunts the earth for new supplies of oil and natural gas, Exxon has worked on developing alternative energy technology. The company, which has big plastic and chemical operations, isn't keen on the long-term prospects for biofuels, but it is bullish on the hybrid market. It believes that these gasoline sippers will grab a larger share of new-vehicle sales than the federal government forecasts. "We are interested in good business opportunities, and that is what this is," says Jim Harris, senior vice president of Exxon's chemical company.
WSJ.coml
I am always interested in your driving experiences, and would like to read more....Tony
...and speaking of that stupid Hollywood BMW dealership that marked the M3 up to $100,000, man every potential BMW buyer and current owners ought to boycott that place. Hit 'em where it hurts, as obviously the $$$ is what they are all about.
Who is more stupid? The dealer or the buyer? The buyer ofcourse. Fortunately today in my neighborhood there are house buyers who pay 20 percent above asking price. Thank God for such fools.
Surprisingly the Prius is a pretty impressive car. I am waiting for the next generation, and just might get one for my "run-around".
Exactly my thoughts! Even if it drives like a small ice cream truck I will still buy it if the fuel mileage in the next generation Prius is significantly better than the current model.
I like a very select number of BMW cars, but I tend to prefer Audi over BMW for their better interiors, styling, and electronics.
I watched it when that episode aired at the end of last year. The wait for the next season of TG is always excruciating, but Fifth Gear being on right now does ease the pain a bit. I certainly didn't mind watching it again. Top Gear comparison tests are always excellent.
By the way, the conclusion at the end not in the Youtube clips was that the M3 is "the original" and the others are "copies", which means the M3 is the best. Then Jeremy whined a bit more about how big and loud the Merc's engine is.
Some people will pay stupid amounts of money when a new product is released, no matter how foolish. I wonder how those people who paid WAY over sticker to get their hands on the Pontiac Solstice feel now, when there's a 172 day supply piling up on dealer lots and they are giving them away.
OK, guys, here's the honest scoop...
It was quite interesting. I saw one years ago at the car show, and that was the last time I paid it any serious attention, because of a few negatives, which I will get to shortly. Yesterday, I was immediately surprised at the comfort. I had forgotten about it's large interior space... surprising... no, shocking... for such a small car.
Of course, it looks goofy, and there's just no way around that. But in an acceptable kind of way.
Starting it up is the strangest way I've ever started up a car. I inserted the "key" which is also the rectangular remote into a slot to the right of the steering wheel on the dash. Then I maintained pressure on the main brake pedal and then I pushed the start button. Suddenly things came to life, but I heard absolutely nothing, and only witnessed lights on the display illuminate brightly. After a little while I heard the engine fire itself up, but it was all very quiet... spooky quiet.
The car had many conveniences, such as climate control, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, as well as steering wheel convenience buttons. I would have liked a sunroof, but I don't think it is even available in the Prius at any price... probably due to a silly claim that it would add weight or change the aerodynamics. Still, I REALLY wanted a sunroof, and I think someone should at least be able to opt for one. Do you hear me, Toyota?
The amount of storage in the car was abundant, and it made me wonder why other cars aren't as efficient with storage. The rear seat legroom was way beyond any car in its class. No other small car comes even close, but the rear headroom would be a bit limited for tall adults, due to the fast sloping roofline. The rear storage that is available in the Prius is based on its hatch design, but it was apparent that the rear storage floor is raised, and I'm guessing that is where the batteries are stored. But even so, there was still plenty of room for cargo.
Shifting the car into gear was by moving a joystick, located on the dash to the right of the key fob, to the position marked R or D... however the joystick was spring loaded and it jumped back to its center position. The only way to know I had achieved a gear selection was to see the display in front of me... way out there in front of me under the base of the windshield... and it seemed a mile away. Looking in the typical dash position for vehicle information provided me with NOTHING... that's because nothing is there!
This is a problem, no doubt about it. The typical information in the Prius is located at the base of the windshield off-center towards the right, and additional information and controls are on a screen at the top center stack,such as that of a navigation screen. There was just way too much looking to the right instead of straight ahead. Ergonomics in the Prius have gone out the door entirely. And add to that, the display offers an interesting hybrid feedback screen that also provides a major distraction for the eyes to want to look to the right. Trust me, this is a significant distraction, and the information is in the wrong place... period. I would hope that Toyota re-thinks this in the next generation. I am shocked that Consumer Reports hasn't bashed the Prius for this, as it is a major safety compromise as well as an ergonomic nightmare. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see this.
As I drove the car, it was so smooth and quiet and easy to drive. The acceleration was reasonable and adequate, although clearly weak, but not what I would call deficient. Once under way, the power was much better and I could see that my gas mileage was exceptional. I averaged in the upper 30's overall, but I was in serious Southern California traffic at the end of the day. I would have easily gotten closer to 45+ mpg had the traffic remained like it was in the earlier afternoon.
The steering was smooth and easy. I would have liked for the steering wheel to offer the telescopic adjustment, as it only tilted. It would have helped. Today, many, if not most, cars offer both. The Prius handled bumps in the road nicely, but felt a little light and flimsy at times... however, most of the time it was very satisfactory. The Prius is not an enthusiast's car in any way, shape, or form. It is an efficient way to move people and cargo smoothly and economically, and in an environmentally-friendly way. Enthusiasts, however, will be horribly frustrated.
Was it interesting? Yes. Comfortable and easy to drive? Absolutely. Fun to drive? No way! But I do understand its appeal now. And I must say that it definately needs a design update, but in fairness, it is at the very end of its model cycle.
Again, the Prius impressed me as a comfortable, supremely economical, space-efficient, environmentally-friendly small car that has no serious competition for what it does. It is, in some ways a truly amazing vehicle. If fuel economy is your highest single priority, the Prius reigns as champion. That said, anyone willing to burn a little more fuel, however, should forget about the Prius and get a car that would be a LOT more fun to drive.
TM
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
That describes me though I do have difficulty with the idea of having a Prius as my one and only car. A BMW/Audu Turbodiesel with a Toyota hybrid is my idea of fuel efficiency.
Although I may reconsider buying a turbodiesel based on the news of my next post. :sick:
Since Feb. 1, U.S. diesel prices have jumped 16%, compared with 8% for gasoline prices.
Gasoline rose to an average of $3.225 for a regular gallon as of Monday, a record price, according to the Department of Energy. Diesel has followed the petroleum surge, ending yesterday at $3.82 a gallon, based on government data. Much as gasoline has pressured consumers, diesel is pressuring businesses that depend on the fuel.
In the short-term, U.S. refineries that are set up mainly to produce gasoline have little flexibility to churn out more supplies of diesel. To increase capacity, refineries would have to invest heavily in new equipment. The U.S. will also have a hard time attracting barrels of diesel from abroad because of strong demand elsewhere, meaning the diesel market in the U.S. will continue to be tight.
For U.S. consumers, higher diesel prices mean higher costs for goods as retailers pass on some of the increase in transportation costs.
Wall Street Journal
link title
It's hard to praise Prius driveability and it is hard to criticise the somewhat roomy Prius for being the most fuel efficient car in North America. At least you dont have to drive a a puny Yaris or SMartCar in order to achieve frugality.
Nice write-up!
However, I kind of disagree with you a little bit here. Since adding the sunroof would change the aero and ultimately reduce FE so wouldn't that against the whole purpose of the Prius? Also, I wouldn't be surprised that some Toyota haters would use that as an excuse of "hey look at the Prius, its FE sucks for a hybrids"...
1. Diesel as a fuel is @30% more energy rich than gas, so if diesel is >30% more expensive than gas (say $4.50 when gas is $3), diesel is no longer more economical. Anything less than that makes diesel better on your wallet from a refuel angle.
2. Diesel engine longevity adds value if you drive >20,000 miles. If you drive less the payback is too slow to mitigate the initial higher cost.
These are just guidelines. But give you somewhere to start with all fuel costs going up.
Thank you.
Since adding the sunroof would change the aero and ultimately reduce FE so wouldn't that against the whole purpose of the Prius? Also, I wouldn't be surprised that some Toyota haters would use that as an excuse of "hey look at the Prius, its FE sucks for a hybrids"...
Not if it's optional, as I suggested. That gives the buyer the choice of trading away 1-3 mpg's for the pleasure of a sunroof... a choice that I'd personally make in a nanosecond... and I'd bet the farm that many buyers would indeed choose to have one if given the choice.
TM
There is really no reason to get too complicated with all of this... Because at the end of the day, the modern diesels will provide a major increase in fuel efficiency compared to their gas counterparts. This increase in efficiency will be way beyond the price increase for the diesel fuel itself... which will make the diesel alternative very attractive and very cost-effective.
BTW, if diesel fuel were 30% more than gas at $3/gallon, it would cost $4/gallon, not the $4.50 you posted, which would represent a 50% increase, and I'm not so sure we would see that much of a difference anyway.
TM
I would guess the purpose of that is to reduce vortices around the edge so the overall drag could be reduced. Honestly I don't know how much fuel would it save but I'll bet it wouldn't be more than 3 mpg. However, if sunroof is an option then I guess the roof will have to be redesigned thus the creation of more sheet metals. Since the non-sunroof Prius could no longer share the roof with the sunroof-equipped model, the overall production would probably gone up as well.
Overall, that's not a good idea for Toyota's purpose of creating an affordable hybrid for the mess.
Goodness, that original roof was designed without a sunroof in mind, that's why it's optimal shape. I have no doubt that a roof that could have allowed for a sunroof option could have been designed, as there are sunroofs that open to the outside, inside, with different deflectors, and in various configurations. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to put a sunroof in a car, and I know I'd prefer one as an option, and I believe that many others would as well.
The Honda Civic Hybrid uses the same body as the regular Civic (which has a sunroof), and the Civic Hybrid doesn't have a sunroof option either. In this case, it has nothing to do with the shape of the roof, but more about the weight and drag. With a sunroof installed, the EPA ratings could even be different, and Toyota and Honda wouldn't want that, when the goal is to establish the highest rating possible... obviously at the expense of a desireable option.
It's just a highly competitive numbers game, Lou.
Sorry, but give me the freakin' sunroof! :shades:
TM
My 83 MB300D longetivity is outliving its green politcal correctness. I read somewhere( cant recall where?) that the new cleaner diese fuelsl are bad for my 300D since their engines work best with high sulphur.
I am actually considering selling my MB300D (I never thought I would say this since I thought this car would remain in our family for many more generations).