For the launch of five 2013 Audi vehicles in Colorado this past June, journalists received iPads before the event. This wasn’t a gift for the sake of turning our heads. The iPads were loaded with the visual presentation and the press kits for the Audi A4, S4, A5, S5 and allroad.
Considering that these days communication is all about technology, this was in par with Audi’s progressive initiative. As one of the team members explained to me, information for future launches could be sent to our iPads instead of loading us down with huge press kits or miniature thumb drives.
These days, it’s almost a blemish on an auto company if they don’t incorporate iPad or iPhone technology into their cars. For example, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers a backseat iPad dock that rotates 90 degrees and tilts for optimal screen viewing. The 2013 Cadillac XTS is giving away an iPad with each purchase that explains the technology of their CUE interactive system. Most new cars can have seamless iPhone interaction.
We were interested to know about Audi’s “Story of Progress†(the name of the event), so we asked Loren Angelo, General Manager of Marketing Strategies to elaborate.
What’s Audi’s connection with the iPad?
“Advanced technology has always been at the heart of the Audi DNA. As a tech-forward brand, we’re constantly in pursuit of new, more efficient solutions both on and off the road. We know that potential buyers own smartphones, and as such, we’re taking advantage of the opportunity to reach those potential customers where they are by making mobile a priority, ensuring that Web sites are compatible with mobile, designing apps and incorporating ads within existing platforms. We have integrated iPads into our showrooms and industry events and have several interactive iPad applications – available for download in the iTunes App Store – designed to help customers easily find rich content in a convenient and entertaining way. For us, the iPad is the most relevant and fresh way to deliver information currently.â€
Any new marketing initiatives for 2012/2013?
(Audi has offered up some remarkable advertising initiatives in the last couple of years. For the 2011 Super Bowl, Audi featured the A8 sedan in the spot, ‘Release the Hounds,’ which followed two inmates as they attempted to break out of a luxury prison with background music by sax man Kenny G.)
“We just launched a new ad campaign, A4 ‘Chirp.’ With the momentum of the Audi brand and the selection by A4 owners as top in initial quality, it’s a testament to the success of the brand and a reference to the all new lineup of B-segment vehicles coming to the market. With the introduction of the new RS 5 and S6, S7 and S8 coming in these next few weeks, Audi will be establishing a strong marketing campaign to announce the progressive performance solutions that are engineered for the driver. The new S Models will be a brand priority for the remainder of 2012 and 2013. Be sure to be on the lookout for new marketing initiatives.â€
Any interesting partnerships?
Angelo noted that Audi recently announced their purchase of Ducati.
Ducati brings some charisma and pizzazz to the company. North America is Ducati’s largest market. At the beginning of July 2012, Ducati set a new record for North American sales, with 10,094 units sold over the past 12 months and reported a 26-percent Q2 gain over the same period in 2011.
Any styling changes that you think will appeal to a younger audience?
“For 2013, Audi has refreshed its B Segment models, including the A4/S4, A5/S5 and allroad. Several changes to the exteriors and interiors give the vehicles a more sporty, aggressive and youthful look (for a younger and more affluent buyer). These changes include: sharper lines along the sides and down the hoods, wider front air intakes and shoulder lines, more prominent grilles and wheels and reshaped LED headlights that glow with more shine and intensity.â€
The 2013 Audi has updated interior appointments using stainless steel mesh inlays with Piano Black finishes, new touches of chrome, and revised seat and steering wheel shapes. And a trend that’s way overdue: Audi cabins are merging color concepts. For example, Audi is pairing a beige seat with a brown dash and employing more luxurious appointments like layered oak finishes. Audi Connect, the third infotainment update, has direct access to a Google map database and viewing abilities that make it possible to navigate around the vehicle and down side streets.
The company is planning strategies for growth by keeping a high loyalty and premium image with consistent marketing, expanding its portfolio, stabalizing incentives and focusing on customer experience.
Audi’s strategy is working. In a recent J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, the 2012 Audi A8 received the award for the Most Appealing Larger Premium Car and the overall best performing model. The 2012 Audi A6 received the Most Appealing Midsize Premium Car.
With the allroad returning for the first time since 2005, Audi is going to be gaining some new footage in the crossover market. I won’t say to stay tuned. Audi knows how to keep its audience involved. However, I will say this: watch where Audi goes next.
-Article by Holly Reich
The all-electric Kia EV3 won Green Car of the Year, while the Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year by Green Car Journal.
Kia has collected two major environmental honors from Green Car Journal.
The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year, while the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid received the Green Minivan of the Year award.
EV3 Wins Green Car of the Year
The Kia EV3 is the brand’s most attainable fully electric vehicle and is designed to make EV ownership more accessible.
The compact SUV combines styling inspired by the EV9 with a focus on technology, practicality, and range.
The 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
The EV3 uses Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform and can deliver up to 321 miles of range on select versions.
It can also charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger, with NACS compatibility available without an adapter.
Kia says the EV3 will arrive at U.S. dealerships nationwide in late 2026.
Carnival Hybrid Wins Green Minivan Award
The 2026 Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year, giving Kia recognition in both electric and hybrid segments.
The turbocharged hybrid system produces 242 horsepower and delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid combines 242 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
The Carnival Hybrid can accommodate up to eight passengers and offers up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.
That makes it a practical option for families looking to improve efficiency without giving up interior space.
Kia Highlights Its Electrified Lineup
Kia says the two awards demonstrate the breadth of its electrified vehicle strategy.
The EV3 targets customers looking for an affordable all-electric SUV, while the Carnival Hybrid provides another path to improved efficiency for larger families.
Kia says the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid demonstrate the breadth of its electrified lineup.
The Green Car Awards are presented annually by Green Car Journal, which has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and the environment since 1992.
For Kia EV3, winning the overall Green Car of the Year award adds another major recognition ahead of its U.S. launch.
Toyota has donated the final fifth-generation GR Supra to Reach Out WorldWide, with the one-off sports car set to support disaster relief efforts.
Toyota is giving the GR Supra MkV a meaningful final chapter.
The automaker has donated the very last fifth-generation GR Supra produced to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), with the one-of-one sports car intended to help support the organization’s disaster relief mission.
The Last MkV Supra
The donated Supra is a highly collectible Final Edition featuring a six-speed manual transmission and 382 horsepower.
It also includes commemorative details and factory-exclusive specifications that distinguish it from other fifth-generation Supras.
Toyota donated the final GR Supra MkV ever produced to Reach Out WorldWide.
The vehicle represents the end of the MkV Supra’s production story and gives collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause.
Turning a Collector Car Into Relief
ROWW will use the historic vehicle to support its disaster relief efforts.
Toyota and the organization described the donation as a full-circle moment that connects the Supra’s legacy with efforts to help communities affected by disasters.
The one-of-one GR Supra MkV Final Edition combines Toyota’s sports-car heritage with a charitable mission.
The car’s rarity and special specifications are expected to make it particularly attractive to collectors, potentially helping generate significant support for ROWW.
A Special Ending for the Supra
The fifth-generation GR Supra became one of Toyota’s most recognizable performance models, and its final example now has a purpose beyond simply ending production.
The final fifth-generation Supra features a six-speed manual transmission and commemorative Final Edition details.
For the Toyota GR Supra MkV, the donation provides a fitting conclusion to the generation’s production run while giving enthusiasts an opportunity to turn an important piece of Toyota history into meaningful support for disaster relief.
The Heart of Racing Team delivered Aston Martin’s first 2026 WEC victory with the Vantage GT3, while the Valkyrie finished fourth in the Hypercar class.
Aston Martin enjoyed a huge weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, with the Vantage GT3 claiming its first FIA World Endurance Championship victory of 2026 and the Valkyrie scoring its best Hypercar result of the season.
The Heart of Racing Team took the LMGT3 victory with Ian James, Mattia Drudi, and Zach Robichon, while its sister Vantage finished third.
Vantage Finally Takes Its First WEC Win
The #27 Vantage GT3 started second and remained near the front through the opening stages.
Robichon moved into the class lead during the second hour before handing the car to Drudi.
The sister #23 Vantage GT3, driven by Gray Newell, Dudu Barrichello, and Jonny Adam, completed the podium.
The car remained inside the top six for much of the race before Barrichello fought for third place after the final Safety Car period.
The #23 Heart of Racing Vantage GT3 finished third for Aston Martin’s first WEC double podium.
The result gives Heart of Racing its first WEC double podium.
It also moves both crews closer to the LMGT3 championship leaders with three rounds still remaining.
Valkyrie Comes Within Three Seconds of a Podium
Aston Martin’s Hypercar program also delivered a strong result.
The #007 Valkyrie, driven by Tom Gamble and Harry Tincknell, finished fourth at COTA, less than three seconds behind the final podium position.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie finished fourth at COTA, its best WEC result of the 2026 season.
The result extended Valkyrie’s points-scoring streak to eight consecutive WEC races.
The car has now scored points in every WEC round of 2026, showing significant progress only 18 months into the program.
Aston Martin remains in a close battle with Alpine for fifth in the Hypercar manufacturers’ championship, with Fuji, Barcelona, and Monza still to come.
More Success for Vantage in British GT4
The Vantage also secured another championship elsewhere.
Grange Racing by FSR’s Daniel Lavery and Darren Turner clinched the British GT4 Pro-Am title with one race remaining after taking their fifth consecutive class victory.
Turner collected his third GT4 Pro-Am championship, while Lavery completed an impressive debut season.
For Aston Martin Vantage WEC, the COTA weekend represented a major breakthrough: the Vantage finally delivered its first 2026 WEC victory, the sister car joined it on the podium, and the Valkyrie came within seconds of another top-three finish.
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