MotorYP

In today’s tough economy, the difference between the luxury car industry and the non-luxury one has grown increasingly noticeable. In the non-luxury world, new car sales have dropped and the cost of cheaper used vehicles has risen along with demand. The average car age has risen to 11 years, according to R.L. Polk & Co., a statistic that only further highlights the average person’s financial aversion towards getting a new car.

Trends have remained much more consistent in the luxury market, where the economic downturn has had a minimal impact on sales. For those who are less constrained by financials and who don’t have to worry as much about insurance quotes and maintenance costs, the luxury market remains as appealing as ever. In fact, most high-end dealerships report that business this winter has risen in the range of 5 to 10 percent over last year. While many wealthier Americans have certainly been hit hard by the recession, analysts speculate that people are highly unwilling to downgrade cars once they have experienced a luxury model. Attractive leasing values for high-end cars – due to, in large part, their strong resale values in a vibrant used car market – has further allowed luxury aficionados to drive the vehicle they want without having to make a long term commitment.

For the most part, strong luxury sales do not trickle down into the general market. This holiday season would appear to be an exception, however. During this time of year, luxury dealers offer clearance sales, attractive financing options, and a deluge of television commercials intended to draw wealthier buyers into the store. The rise in holiday sales in recent years has shown this approach to be an effective one.

This winter, non-luxury models have begun to follow this lead. Several manufacturers, most notably Honda, have aired commercials directly criticizing those who overspend on a luxury car for Christmas. These commercials still help repackage a year-end clearance into a holiday season sale. Dealerships, meanwhile, have begun offering those same financing incentives. With car sales surprisingly strong this winter, and with analysts estimating that luxury car shoppers have been increasingly drawn to cheaper models, even the non-luxury industry has shown strong signs of improvement this winter.

With the holiday market driven largely by the sale of high-end models, they may have their luxury counterparts to thank.

Audi Turnersville, the premier Audi dealer in New Jersey is offering up to $ 3,000 in Owner Loyalty Cash for all current Audi owners. They have available financing through AFS financial services for qualified customers only. This program applies only to specific models and only for specific model years. Audi Owner Loyalty Cash is only available to current owners of 2001 or newer Audi’s. The program ends on January 4, 2012. Check the Audi Turnersville website at http://www.auditurnersville.com/ for the latest inventory and for additional details on these special offers.

For owners of a 2001 or newer Audi:

A3     $     500 Lease     $ 1,000 Retail

A4     $     750 Lease     $ 1,500 Retail

A5     $     750 Lease     $ 1,500 Retail

A6     $ 1,500 Lease     $ 3,000 Retail

A8     $ 1,500 Lease     $ 3,000 Retail

Q5     $     750 Lease     $ 1,500 Retail

Q7     $ 1,000 Lease     $ 2,000 Retail

TT     $ 1,000 Lease     $ 2,000 Retail

Audi Turnersville, located at the Turnersville Auto Mall, is just minutes from the Walt Whitman Bridge in Turnersville, NJ. With a full selection of New Audi and Certified Pre-Owned Audi cars, they are excited to be serving the needs of South Jersey’s Audi customers.

Audi Turnersville is located at: 3400-A1 Route 42, Turnersville, NJ 08012. Call (856) 649-7940.

 
Audi has created the very special, limited-edition R8 GT for the
2012 model year. The R8 GT builds on the award-winning R8 Coupe and Spyder and
represents the pinnacle of performance in the Audi model line. This is the
first limited production sports car produced by Audi, and only 333 units will
be built worldwide with 90 units destined for the U.S. Each R8 GT has its
production number displayed on the gear shift. The R8 GT starting price is $196,800.
The exceptional performance characteristics of the Audi R8 GT
are the result of a combination of advanced, lightweight materials and
increased power. Audi has taken its 5.2 liter V10 and boosted output to 560 hp,
generating 398 lb-ft of torque and propelling the vehicle from 0-60 in an
exhilarating 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 198.84 mph, and red lining at
8700 rpm. The combination of Quattro  permanent all-wheel drive and the performance
tuned suspension ensure that the power of the R8 GT is translated to the road,
while the R tronic  sequential gearbox
with paddle shifters provides responsive gear changes.
R8 GT performance is greatly enhanced through the use of carbon
fiber and aerodynamic improvements. The carbon fiber front bumper features
aerodynamic flics at the front corners, increasing down force on the front
axle, while the stationary carbon fiber rear wing and diffuser increase down
force on the rear axle and shave 11.5 lb off the production version R8 V10.
Carbon fiber elements are used strategically throughout the body to reduce
weight further.
Weight optimization was performed on virtually every component
and body part, including the battery, air intakes and braking system. The rear hatch
has been optimized to save 17.6 lb of vehicle weight. In total, the R8 GT is
approximately 180 lb lighter than the formidable R8 V10.

The matte carbon fiber monoposto cockpit, with perfectly placed
controls, defines the driver-oriented interior. Alcantara  surfaces and appointments are standard on the
seats, steering wheel, hand brake, knee pad and headliner, all adorned with a
choice of three contrasting stitching colors. Creating a seamless look from
outside to inside, exterior color accents have been carried over to the
interior.

ASF frame technology makes use of aluminum throughout the body
and helps maintain the low, overall weight of the R8 GT. ASF also helps
increase vehicle rigidity for improved handling and performance.

While designed for performance, the R8 GT interior also exudes
refinement offering available Audi MMI® Navigation, automatic air conditioning,
and premium sound system.

Of course, extraordinary performance requires a measure of
safety, always a priority with Audi. The R8 GT features Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), energy absorbing reinforcements in the front and rear and a full
complement of air bags. A tire pressure monitoring system helps ensure that
owners are warned if pressure falls below a preset threshold.

Key points

The Audi R8 GT is an exceptionally performing sports car
representing the engineering attention to detail for which Audi is known. It
joins the R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupes and Spyders as the pinnacle of Audi
performance models. Production is limited to 333 worldwide with only 90
vehicles destined for the U.S., making the R8 GT an attractive performance
machine for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Finding a quality used car is not that hard to do. You simply need to learn as much about the car as possible and decide what price you’re willing to pay and where you want to buy it. Two wonderful used cars are a used BMW for sale and a used Audi for sale. Both a used Audi for sale and a used BMW for sale can be excellent vehicles to drive at a great price.

Price Ranges

When you’re first shopping for a used car at a dealer or from a private party, one of the first things you should decide is how much you’re going to pay. Part of this decision depends on how much money you have or how much of a loan you’re willing to get. But since used cars are so much less expensive than brand new cars, you should feel comfortable knowing that you’re not going to be paying a lot of money for the majority of used cars you’re considering buying. It’s wise to set yourself a price ceiling before you go shopping for a new car and make up your mind not to go over it. The best places to find a used car are car dealerships, used car lots and personal classified ads from private parties that you can find both online and in newspaper listings.

Test Drive

Whether you decide to find and buy your used car from a car dealership, a used car lot, or a private party, you need to thoroughly test drive the vehicle. Get behind the wheel and start it up and see how it starts. Then give it a comprehensive test drive on different road surfaces at both low and high speeds in busy city traffic and on the highway. Listen for unusual sounds coming from the engine, transmission and exhaust system or anywhere else on the car. Also, look to see if there are any leaks or strange odour’s coming out from any parts of the car.

You should also ask the dealer if he is giving a warranty on the vehicle and if so for how long a period of time. It could be anywhere from 60 days to three years, although some dealers sell their cars in as is condition, meaning there’s absolutely no warranty on it and they’re not responsible if anything goes wrong after you buy it. You should also check out all the major systems on the car such as the electrical system, cooling system, suspension, transmission, drive train and engine just to be on the safest side possible. Some of the best used cars come from major dealers with large inventories as well.

Green and performance luxury needn’t be mutually exclusive concepts. That’s a core belief at Audi. Today, that philosophy paid off with the all-new A3 TDI earning the prestigious title of 2010 Green Car of the Year®.

The announcement came this morning during the Los Angeles Auto Show as Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com presented the award to Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. The Audi A3 TDI was among five model finalists nominated for the award, which began in 2005. [...]