2001 Audi Tt Roadster Quattro on 2040-cars

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Audi Airomorph is a sleek shape-shifting senior thesis

Eric Kim just graduated from the from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, at the end of the spring 2014 semester, and for his senior thesis project he came up with this futuristic Audi endurance racer called the Airomorph. He even got some input Audi designer Kris Vancoppenolle.
The Airomorph imagines a future Audi racer for Le Mans that features adjusting fabric panels to fine-tune the car's aerodynamics as it laps the course - a technology inspired by catamaran racing. "I started from scratch and had the freedom to deliver and execute a white space design for the future," said Kim to Autoblog via email. It's also somewhat similar to the idea behind BMW Gina concept, although Kim says that wasn't an inspiration for his design. The body here is made from a single piece of a silver, expansion-resistant material stretched over a frame underneath. The fabric anchors at the wheels, front and rear section with movable cables, and hydraulic actuators pull the wires to shift the aero as needed.
The actual shape echoes Audi endurance racers from the past and present. In profile, you can easily see the current R18 with its arcing cockpit and fin down the rear. Of course, that's interpreted through a little bit of Blade Runner with the covered wheels sticking out from the body. The front shows the rectangular shapes from the earlier R15. There doesn't appear to be any way to actually see out of the vehicle, though.

Average new-vehicle transaction price hits a whopping new peak in December

Elevated prices for products and higher borrowing rates led to record high transaction prices for new vehicles in December, with the average cost in the U.S. rising to a record $49,507, according to data from Kelley Blue Book released today. The report notes that ATPs — average transaction prices — have climbed above suggested retail prices — MSRPs — for more than a year. Sales volumes were up in December on a year-over-year basis by more than 5%, a situation Kelley attributed to improved supply. Overall sales for 2022, however, were off 8% year over year. “The transaction data from December clearly indicates overall prices showed no signs of coming down as we headed into year-end,” said Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. “Luxury prices fell slightly in December, but non-luxury transaction prices were up. Truck sales were particularly strong last month, and with many trucks selling for more than $60,000, a new record was all but inevitable.” Industry analysts claim the most obvious headwinds in the new car market are generated by higher interest rates, forced by the Federal Reserve's rate hikes intended to tame inflation, and by generally limited inventory. A recent report from J.D. Power showed that the average monthly payment for a new vehicle loan in December was $718, up $47 from a year ago. But 16% of consumers in December took out loans with monthly payments of over $1,000. Consumers think vehicles, and electric vehicles especially, are way too expensive. Fortunately, manufacturersÂ’ incentives, all but extinct in the past two years, are returning, especially in the electric-vehicle and luxury market, the Kelley data suggest. Plus, "With the new tax credits on the way, electric vehicle ATPs will drop lower for qualifying vehicles,” Rydzewski said. Non-luxury brands, such as Honda and Kia, showed particularly strong performance in December, with the average price paid at $45,578 — a record high and an increase of $994 month over month. Meanwhile, the average luxury buyer paid $66,660 for a new vehicle last month. Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover showed the most price strength in the luxury market, transacting between 2.6% to 6.5% over sticker price. But luxury brands Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln, and Volvo showed the least price strength with some discounting in effect, selling 1% or more below MSRP in December, according to the survey.

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.