1999 Audi A6 Quattro Base Sedan 4-door 2.8l on 2040-cars

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2014 Audi S1 Quattro leaks ahead of reveal

Rumors have been swirling that Audi will unveil the next-generation TT at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, but now it seems as if European hot hatch fans will be getting a car of their own from the German automaker. Images of the S1 Sportback Quattro have leaked out today, giving us our first taste of the real thing after seeing the camouflaged version a few months ago.
Audi may be planning to release official details about the S1 and refreshed A1 tomorrow and debut them publicly in Geneva. The S1 is expected to use the Volkswagen 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with about 230hp, all-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission. It is basically supposed to be Golf GTI in a tiny package with all-wheel drive.
While it is highly unlikely we are getting any version of the A1 on these shores, it's always fun to see the cars lucky European enthusiasts enjoy.

Production 4.0: Audi plans for the smart factory

Automotive production is becoming more integrated and at the same time has to be more intelligent and more efficient. Flexible production of customized vehicles is one of the big challenges for the future, especially for a premium carmaker like Audi. How will the "Vorsprung durch Technik" brand meet its aim of offering premium quality with added custom flexibility? The company sees the "smart factory" as the key. Whether it's body-color moldings or light-alloy wheels in a special size, almost every car is ordered with some kind of customization, and the demands are increasing. This requires of course already a lot of flexibility. While the variety of models and quality demands are increasing, automotive manufacturers such as Audi are eager to make production sustainable. In an Audi interview, innovation management members Alois Brandt and Henning Loser talk about "production 4.0" and the upcoming "smart factory." How will Audi manage the production site with its very high standards of quality, efficiency, and environmental acceptability? Will the so-called "smart factory," which should be the intelligent factory of the future, only employ robots? Alois Brandt: "With a deep look into the production, I am convinced that our employees and not machines are the relevant working forces behind the Audi brand. Machines can be bought anywhere." Increasing digitalization is paving the way for the smart factory – the intelligent, digitally connected production facility. New high-tech solutions in manufacturing should further increase the high level of quality, while at the same time the assembly work should be easier and result in better ergonomics. Can you give us a clearer imagination of the "smart factory"? Alois Brandt: "There are a lot of ideas. But the big question at the moment is: Which one is really needed and leads into the right direction?" Can you tell us a little bit more about "production 4.0"? Alois Brandt: "The assembly line as we know it in the present will no longer play the same role. If it makes sense, it will be terminated and replaced by – let's call it – a virtual assembly line. The production will be more modular than before and the car will be directed to a production point – a so-called 'island of competence' – where it is needed." Henning Loser: "If the vehicle is to be assembled to the customer's wishes, it is obvious that efficient programming of robots and coordinating with the human workers is needed.

Buy an Audi, get some free shoes

Audi is preparing to launch its annual Summer of Audi sales event, and while it might be a good time to get your hands on one of the brand's luxury vehicles, it's also a good chance to get your feet in a pair of exclusive Toms shoes. The shoemaker, which is famous for donating a pair of shoes to a person in need as part of its One For One program, plans to donate some 55,000 shoes as part of the Audi program. Here's how it works: anyone that leases or purchases an Audi – new or certified pre-owned – between June 3 and Aug. 4 gets a pair of the limited-edition shoes. Toms then turns around and donates shoes for children in need. "Through Toms One for One giving program Audi will help change the lives of thousands of children in the United States and empower new customers to be a part of this movement," Audi of America marketing director Loren Angelo said. "With Toms, we found a natural partnership. Audi aligns with likeminded companies that challenge the conventions of design and share a passion for progressive ideas." Expect to hear more about this program in the coming days as part of a television campaign featuring both the shoes and the RS7. Until then, check out the limited-edition kicks up top. Audi and TOMS® collaborate for limited-edition shoe designed exclusively for Audi buyers June 03, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia TOMS One for One® giving program will provide 55,000 shoes to children in need this summer Customers who purchase or lease a vehicle during the Summer of Audi Sales Event will receive a pair of exclusively-designed TOMS iconic Alpargata shoes New Summer of Audi television commercial set to debut nationally Through an exclusive collaboration, Audi and TOMS have designed a limited-edition Alpargata shoe that will be available to Audi buyers during the Summer of Audi Sales Event (http://www.audiusa.com/myaudi/toms-partnership). From June 3 through August 4, customers* who purchase or lease a new or Certified pre-owned Audi vehicle will receive an offer for a pair of exclusively-designed TOMS featuring the four rings. In turn, through TOMS innovative giving program, 55,000 shoes will be donated to children in need. "Through TOMS One for One giving program Audi will help change the lives of thousands of children in the United States and empower new customers to be a part of this movement," said Loren Angelo, Director of Marketing, Audi of America. "With TOMS, we found a natural partnership.