Audi will be partnering with T-Mobile for its new in-car wireless system, Connect, a feature that will be debuting with the A7 sedan in April.

Connect allows drivers to access a broad range of web-based services via a wireless network, which is where T-Mobile comes in. Much like a smartphone, drivers will be able to select a monthly data plan upon purchase of the car, although the luxury automaker will also offer a free six-month trial.

"The launch of Audi Connect is part of a foundational strategy to help Audi lead with first-to-market, cutting-edge connected services," said Johan de Nysschen, President of Audi of America. "We're looking forward to a productive relationship with T-Mobile USA as we give motorists and passengers the ability to access the most current information and enhance their enjoyment of their Audi vehicle."

AT&T's recent acquisition of T-Mobile for approximately $39 billion is not expected to affect the agreement between the two companies.

The new system will surely send drivers flocking to the new A7 sedan, but buyers should keep in mind that the older versions of the model are excellent cars as well. Those looking to score a deal on a used Audi may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of new and used cars for sale at low prices.
 

German luxury automaker Audi has announced a partnership with carbon-fiber producer Voith, following in the footsteps of its rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

In recent months, BMW and Mercedes have both announced new manufacturing deals with SGL and Toray, respectively. SGL, Toray and Voith all make carbon fiber, an extremely lightweight yet sturdy material that many believe will be the future of automobile construction.

Many drivers want the best of both worlds – increased performance and fuel economy – but bigger engines mean less miles per gallon. One way to address both is to make vehicles lighter, and that's where carbon fiber comes in. The main drawback is that the material is much more expensive than typical sheet metal at this time, which is why it's usually only seen on high-end supercars.

However, the three German automakers jumping onboard with the material manufacturers seems to indicate that they see a future in mass producing carbon fiber. Audi already uses some carbon fiber parts in the R8, and BMW is building its strategy around the material with the new Megacity electric vehicle.

Extensive use of carbon fiber will likely cause a vehicle's price to go up. Those interested in a luxury car that won't break the bank may want to seek out a used auto at New Jersey State Auto Auction. 

Those who have seen the latest Audis, like the A8, may have noticed the eye-like LED headlights or sleek grille. The German automaker has brought this design to nearly all of its new releases, but one model was curiously missing – the A6.

That's about to change, as Audi has pulled the lid off of the new A6, which several sources say looks like a smaller version of the redesigned A8. Drivers who really take the time to explore the new A6, however, will find a whole new model with plenty to love.

Audi claims that the new A6 is nearly 150 pounds lighter, thanks to a substantial amount aluminum used in the bodywork. The car will still offer the supercharged V6 from the previous iteration, which gets 300 horsepower. However, the automaker estimates that they have increased fuel economy by more than 5 mpgs on both city and highway, which would put it at a 26 combined mpg rating – if the EPA agrees. It is unknown if the inline-4 or non-supercharged V6 options available in Europe will also make their way stateside.

When the new Audi hits dealerships in 2011, it's likely that many of the older A6 models will find their way to the used car market. Those considering a luxury vehicle purchase may want to wait until that time comes and take advantage of the likely deals on used Audi A6's.
 

Volkswagen isn't performing up to past standards, but the company's Audi luxury brand is keeping profits high for the German automaker.

Despite being significantly smaller than the main Volkswagen brand, Audi accounted for nearly half of the company's total profits in the first nine months of 2010, with $3.1 billion of a total $6.6 billion. That's a significant turnaround from just $1.6 billion in 2009. The luxury automaker is currently on track for its best year ever in the U.S., on pace to break the 100,000 sales mark for the first time.

"All indications continue to point toward 2010 winding up as the best year Audi has ever enjoyed in the U.S. market," said Audi U.S. President Johan de Nysschen.

Unfortunately, the automaker got disappointing news this week when a Consumer Reports survey listed many cars in the fleet as having "below average" reliability. Audi had previously been enjoying a big year for awards, with the Audi S4 winning Esquire's Car of the Year award.

The next launch for the company is the A8, a redesign of the company's flagship sedan that's due in November.

Drivers may want to wait until they can buy a used Audi, as they'll be significantly more affordable a few years from now.