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Several Audi vehicles have been acknowledged by leading automobile research information site Edmunds as having exceptionally impressive vehicles in 2014 and 2015. This year, the 2014 Top Rated Car Awards were awarded to the 2015 Audi A3, 2014 Audi A6 and 2014 Audi A8. So how does Edmunds select which vehicles should be awarded as Top Rated Cars each year? The Edmunds Testing Team evaluates around 200 new vehicles by subjecting them to a series of tests. Each vehicle is taken out for a standardized road-test loop which tests the car in a controlled set of conditions. This performance is taken into account and is considered along with how the car measures up against other vehicles in the same price level and size class. Those that receive an “A” rating, like the Audi A3, Audi A6 and Audi A8, are then labeled as “Top Rated Cars.” Additional Awards Aside from the coveted “Top Rated Car” award, the 2014 Audi A6 was also named as one of the Most Popular Cars of 2014. That award is calculated by noting which vehicles are most searched for by the 18 million shoppers that visit Edmunds’ website each month. The A6 was one of the top three Midrange Luxury Cars searched for in the 2013 calendar year. Impressive Engineering Looking at these vehicles independently, it’s no surprise why they were awarded such distinguished accolades. The 2015 Audi A3, for example, has supple leather seating surfaces, a twelve-way power driver’s seat equipped with four-way power lumbar adjustment, and dual-zone automatic climate control all specially designed to create the most comfortable ride possible. The panoramic sunroof gives occupants a unique view of their surroundings while the LED daytime running lights and taillights make sure the world is easy to navigate. The 2014 Audi A6 is an equally impressive car. When the 2.0L 4-Cylinder engine roars to life, the ride is not only exhilarating, but luxurious as well. The Audi Drive Select allows drivers to select from several pre-set modes to customize the throttle, transmission and steering for an individualized ride. Heated mirrors are a convenient way to thaw off any winter precipitation happening outside, while the three-zone automatic climate control keeps passengers content on the inside. With features like these, it’s no wonder the Audi A6 is so popular. Under the hood of the 2014 Audi A8 is an 8-speed Shiftable Automatic transmission perfect for navigating busy city streets or winding country roads. Remote keyless power door locks and tire pressure monitoring combine the latest in automotive technology with safety precautions. Speed sensitive volume control automatically adjusts the volume of the music to the car’s surroundings and the Bose® premium brand speakers and stereo system turn this car into a concert hall. Additionally, the Audi A8 is outfitted with Bluetooth® wireless technology for hands-free voice calling. These cars are impressive in their own right, but with the recognition from Edmunds, the world undoubtedly knows that Audi creates impressive, luxurious and desirable vehicles. If you want to experience this kind of quality for yourself, Crown Audi in Clearwater, Florida is proud to serve St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park and all of Pinellas County with the latest Audi cars. Stop by to test drive one today!

Drivers need to be able to see where they are going and what is behind them at all times. It is important to ensure your Pinellas Park area Audi is properly maintained to enable you to have the best visibility possible.   Here are some tips to keep your visibility clear at all times when behind the wheel: Remove Dangling Objects If you have personal items hanging from your rear view mirror or your back window, remove them. Objects can interrupt your vision and you may not be able to see as clearly as you should. Hanging objects may also be against the law and could net you a traffic ticket. Good Wiper Blades During rainy weather, it is important that your windshield wiper blades are in good condition to properly clear away the water. Over time your wiper blades can become damaged and will need to be replaced. Otherwise you may be left with smeared windows that are difficult to see through during your drive. Make sure to have sufficient amounts of windshield washer fluid in the reserve as well to clear away mud. Clean Windows Make sure you regularly clean the inside and outside of your windshield and windows. Remove the smears and handprints that can be especially distracting in the bright sun or during night driving. Use a lint free cloth and a quality cleaner to remove the dirt, dust, and smoke from your glass. Service Defroster If your defroster is not working properly to clear your windows when they fog up, make sure to have it serviced. Fogged up windows can make it impossible to see where you are going or who is coming up behind your vehicle. Enhance Your Technologies There are several technologies now available for your vehicle at our Pinellas Park area Audi service center that can help you drive safer. These technologies including blind spot monitoring, parking assist, and reverse sensors that can alert you to potential dangers.   Our Audi service center in Florida can offer you the installation services for additional features and we can provide the repair services you may need for safer driving and better visibility. Let us know if you are concerned about your visibility in your vehicle and we can make suggestions so you can be safer on the road.

If you are in the market for a large-size luxury sport utility vehicle, you may not want to look any further than the Tampa Bay area Audi Q7 at our dealership. The 2013 Audi Q7 is high-performing, stylish SUV that offers a lot of power and a lot of room. With third row seating, the Q7 is a great choice for your family vehicle.   The Q7 features an all-wheel drive system and offers great handling for all types of road conditions. It also offers a solid, responsive drive for those behind the wheel. The Q7 is available with both gas engines and diesel engines. Standard in the 2013 Q7 includes dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional trims offer features you may want to consider including a navigation system and a premium sound system. For safety, the Q7 has electronic stability control, roll-over mitigation, and a full line of airbags for protection in all three rows of seating.   On the inside of the Audi Q7, there is plenty of leather seating and walnut wood trim. Front seats are power adjustable for the convenience of the driver. There is also sufficient head and leg room in the first and second seating areas. The third row seating is better suited for smaller passengers or cargo. The third row seats do fold flat opening up additional cargo space. On the outside the Q7 looks solid and stylish with an updated body style.   The average starting sticker price for the Audi Q7 sport utility vehicle comes in at $47k with additional features and trim styles adding on to the price. A fully loaded Q7 can reach as high as $80k depending on selected options. Different option packages can be installed by our Audi service center near Tampa Bay to increase your driving safety and convenience.   Start your sport utility buying process at our Audi dealership by schedule an in—person test drive of the Q7 with our expert sales staff today. We will be happy to let you get behind the wheel and see for yourself how the Q7 handles on the roadway and how much technology is already part of the vehicle for your convenience. Our service center team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about the total cost of ownership for the Q7 over its lifetime. They can also schedule your first maintenance appointment to ensure your vehicle is off to the right start.

The Audi TT for 2013 is truly a unique vehicle that offers a solid performance and an undeniably sporty look. It is truly a luxury sports car that was made for the road. It handles well during the drive and offers smooth fear changes with the manual transmission. Choose the Largo area Audi TT for your daily work commute or for a pleasure vehicle on the weekends.   The 2013 Audi TT features the popular quarto all-wheel drive system. There is also a flat-bottomed steering wheel essential in a sports car like this. Additional standards include 10-way powered front seats and a premium audio system with nine speakers. Safety features include six airbags and Audi’s signature backguard seats which have been developed to help lessen the likelihood of whiplash injuries during a collision. Additional equipment and options include sport seats, a Bose audio system, a navigation system, and 19 inch wheels.   The Audi TT for 2013 is available as 4-passenger coupe or as a 2-seat Roadster. Both designs are nicely equipped and feature plenty of cabin luxuries. The coupe can hold 4 passengers but the rear seating is better suited for younger passengers. The Roadster features a soft top which folds flat into the rear.   Our Audi dealership near Largo Florida can put you behind the wheel for a test drive at your convenience. Just give us a call to schedule your appointment and take the TT for a spin on your own. Let us know if you are interested in the sporty convertible Roadster or the Coupe. We can show you the additional options available for your Audi TT sports car.   Our service center is also available to keep up with the right maintenance schedule for your Audi so it remains mechanically sound and fuel efficient for many years to come. We keep Audi standard parts and accessories in stock to give you the peace of mind your maintenance is being done properly. We offer all of the basic maintenance services including tire services, oil changes, filter replacements, and engine tune ups based on how you drive.   If you need financing assistance for your Audi purchases, contact our financial department ahead of time to pre-qualify for a loan. We offer many loan options to suit your financial needs so let us know how we can help you find a loan package right for you. Even if you have had credit issues in the past, our network of lenders may have just the right package for you.

If you are looking for a high quality, pre-owned Clearwater Audi, stop by our dealership and check out the benefits of owning the 2011 Audi A8. This is a full-sized sedan that keeps pace with the competition.   The Audi A8 for 2011 was redesigned that same year with plenty of new features and conveniences added. It offers quick acceleration averaging 0-60 mph in just about 5.7 seconds. Driving is smooth and precise and the A8 features the Quattro all-wheel drive train that helps to retain traction during inclement weather conditions. Standard in the 2011 Audi A8 is the 18-power front seat adjustability, adaptive headlights, and the MMI interface which is Audi’s interface between the vehicle and the driver. Featuring a touch pad screen the system allows you to select directions for your destination or choose your favorite radio stations.   The interior of the 2011 Audi A8 is superior to others in its class. The upholstery is Valonea leather which offers a smooth, luxurious feel. The center controls are driver-friendly. Additional safety options can be selected including lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Audi also offers Night Vision Assistant which helps drivers detect pedestrians more easily. A 19-speaker audio system is also available for music lovers.   If the Audi A8 sedan sounds like the right fit for your driving needs, contact our Clearwater FL Audi dealership today to schedule your test drive. Our sales staff will put you behind the wheel to get the full experience of what this quality vehicle can offer you and your passengers. The A8 makes a great choice for a family vehicle or as a regular commuter car for your daily work schedule.   Check with our service center department about the additional options and accessories available for your choice in Audi. We can install the various parts and accessories you want to make your ride that much more enjoyable. We are also available for all of your Audi service needs including basic maintenance services like tire services, engine tune ups, and brake pad replacements. Let us maintain your Audi up to manufacturer’s standards to ensure a long, healthy life for your vehicle. We keep many parts in stock so you don’t have to wait for services to be done on your vehicle and can get back out on the road safely.

Driving around in your St. Petersburg area Audi is sure to bring about an occasional mess or two. Coffee spills, leaking windows, or other accidents can lead to a very unpleasant smell developing in the cabin of your Audi vehicle. In addition to the bad smells, your carpeting could be at risk for mold and mildew growth which can actually be harmful to your health.   The carpeting in your Audi likely faces a lot of tough situations. Besides accidental spills, it also is subjected to a variety of weather and wear and tear from your shoes entering and exiting your vehicle. It is important to properly maintain the carpeting and upholstery in your new or used St. Petersburg area Audi to keep it in good shape.   Luckily, our service center team has the necessary equipment to restore the carpeting and upholstery in your Audi vehicle if it becomes stained. We have deep cleaning techniques to remove the deep-set stains and bad smells from the fabrics. We will also ensure that your carpeting is thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth underneath the carpeting. Regular carpet cleaning will also help protect your vehicle from future spills.   In the event you do spill a drink it is important to clean it up and dry out your vehicle as best as you can in between cleanings. Otherwise the remaining moisture can result in mold and mildew growth which can aggravate existing allergies in the driver or passengers. If you spill acidic drinks like soda, you need to take quick action. This liquid can be dangerous not only to your carpeting but also to the underside metals of your vehicle. Soda can actually eat though metals over time so clean up spills quickly and schedule a deep cleaning detail appointment as soon as possible.   It is also important to monitor any worn spots in your carpeting. Many times the carpeting beneath the driver’s seat wears faster than other areas of the floor because of frequent use. If the carpeting wears too much and a hole develops, the carpeting can become entangled on the gas and brake pedals, putting you at risk of losing control of your vehicle. Our service center can repair or replace your vehicle’s carpeting for safety and to restore it back to like-new condition.

When you are in the market for a new or used Clearwater Audi, dealership financing is a wise choice when you are considering your option. But if you are asked to cosign on an auto loan for someone besides your spouse, you may want to consider the consequences of what this commitment could have.   Auto loans are a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly even if the loan is for you. Auto loans can have a big impact on your finances and your credit. If someone asks you to cosign a loan because they cannot secure a loan on their own, you should think about what could happen.   If you cosign on an auto loan for a friend or a relative and they do not make their required monthly loan payment, you may be held responsible for making that payment or for the full balance on the loan. By someone else defaulting on their auto loan, you are accepting responsibility for the loan. This means you are obligated to make all future loan payments whether or not you have access to the vehicle being financed.   Making financial commitments with friends and relatives can be a dicey proposition so you should not take it lightly. Mixing money with relationships can create complicated situations. If someone you know approaches you about cosigning an auto loan, even your own child, think about the responsibility that loan obligation may carry with it should they default on the loan. You may consider seeing an attorney for further consultation if you do decide to cosign the loan. This may help protect you in the case of default.   If you assume responsibility for a Clearwater FL auto loan, you will need to make the monthly payments. If you default on your obligation, you are putting your own financial life at risk. Your credit score will suffer for many years to come as a loan default will be a red flag to future lenders. Credit scores are also instrumental in determining your insurance rates for vehicle coverage so it is always in your best interest to ensure your credit is in good standing so you can save money on premiums.   Helping a friend or loved one get the vehicle loan they are looking for may be a noble gesture but it is one that should be thought through carefully before any transaction is completed.

Pinellas Park area Audi reviews the 2012 Q7 SUV to help potential customers narrow their options. The Q7 distinguishes itself with plenty of great features. If you like what you read here, then schedule a test drive so you can get the complete experience. You can schedule a test drive on our website or by calling our office. Features We Love About the 2012 Audi Q7 It has a beautiful interior with an attention to detail Audi obviously built the Q7 to handle Autobahn-level speeds if needed Buyers can choose a diesel engine It can sit seven passengers comfortably Fast Facts About the 2012 Audi Q7 SUV Comes in three trim levels A 3.0-liter V6 engine is standard Standard features include Bluetooth, iPod input, and satellite radio Buyers can get a navigation system and DVD player in any version Has third row seats Standard safety features include traction control, stability control, and side/curtain airbags A Brief Introduction to the 2012 Audi Q7 The Q7 is one of the most luxurious, not to mention largest, SUVs made by Audi. That means it gives you ample interior space, making it great for long drives or picking up neighborhood kids for soccer practice.   It's an imposing vehicle that will make other drivers think twice about trying to nudge their ways in front of you.   Inside, you'll find the work of master craftsmen who spent a lot of time making sure every aspect of the cabin looks and functions perfectly. Whether you end up buying this SUV or not, you have to admit that the interior is nothing less than beautiful. What's Under the Hood? The 2012 Q7 comes standard with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that will give you 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. If you want a little more power, opt for the 3.0T S line. Its engine will give you 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. That can make a big difference when you need the Q7 to haul a heavy load or climb a steep hill.   The supercharged V6s in the 3.0T Premium and Premium Plus will take the SUV from zero to 60 in just under seven seconds. That's not bad for such a big vehicle.   You can also choose a 3.0-liter V6 with turbodiesel technology. It gives you 225 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. The lower power means you it takes a couple seconds longer to reach 60 mph. Then again, it has an EPA rating of 17/25/20 while the regular engine gets 16/22/18.

Largo area Audi has a great SUV for buyers who want lots of luxury without a heavy price tag. The 2012 Audi Q5 has plenty of features that make it one of our favorite SUVs on the lot. Read this review to see if the Q5 interests you. If it does, then you can schedule a test drive through our website, or you can call our office. We're always happy to help! What We Like About the 2012 Q5 SUV It has the sporty feel of a much smaller vehicle The cabin shows Audi's commitment to top craftsmanship Much better fuel-efficiency than you would expect from an SUV A huge backseat makes it comfortable for long trips Safety features that keep passengers safe during crashes Some Fast Facts About the 2012 Q5 Comes in four trim levels The lowest trim level has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine The uppermost level has a 3.2-liter V6 Both  versions come with satellite radio and MP3 player Standard safety features include traction control, stability control, and side/curtain airbags Getting to Know the 2012 Audi Q5 You can never truly know the 2012 Audi Q5 until you've taken her for a test drive. Still, you can get a good impression by reading about her impressive features.   The 2.0T Premium comes with: 18-inch wheels roof rails leather upholstery tri-zone climate control a Multi Media Interface and a 10-speaker stereo system The 2.0T Premium Plus adds a few more features, including: a panoramic sunroof Bluetooth heated front seats xenon lights and power-folding mirrors When you bump up to the 3.2 Premium Plus, you get a V6 engine. You also get: 19-inch wheels keyless entry a nicer interior trim Finally, the 3.2 Prestige tops of the list of 2012 Q5s. In addition to the great features listed above, buyers get: an upgraded sound system a cupholder that will warm or chill your drink the Navigation Plus package, which includes navigation, music storage, a rearview camera, HD radio, and voice controls. Safety Comes First with the 2012 Q5 The Audi Q5 gets excellent safety scores. IIHS gave the Q5 its highest rankings for side-impact, roof strength, and frontal-offset impact tests. If you choose to add the blind-spot warning system and rear side airbags, the SUV gets even safer.

St. Petersburg area Audi has plenty of cars that might meet your budget and needs. We want to introduce you to the 2012 Audi A4 Wagon. It has a ton of great features that make it perfect for families and individuals. If you like the features you read about here, contact our dealership via Web or phone to schedule a test drive. That way, you can buy with confidence. Reason We Think You'll Like the 2012 Audi A4 It's highly fuel-efficient It's sporty handling makes it fun to drive The wagon body style gives you more cargo space The cabin has features that you'd expect to find in more expensive vehicles Quick Facts About the 2012 Audi A4 Wagon It comes in one trim level called the 2.0T Avant Premium quattro It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine It comes standard with an MP3 player and satellite radio Safety features include stability control, traction control, and side/curtain airbags An Introduction to the 2012 Audi A4 Wagon A lot of buyers fall in love with the 2012 A4 Wagon before they even put it in drive. The cabin has such high-class features that you'll double-check the sticker price. Audi has a reputation for using high-quality materials, but this is spectacular at the price.   The designers managed to bring in the best materials and create an aesthetic that's modern without looking "futuristic." It's a classy cabin with a well-positions MMI electronics interface.   There are cars around the similar price that excel in specific areas. If you want an all-around great wagon, though, you'll have a hard time finding something better than the A4 Wagon. What's Up With the A4's Engine? Yes, it seems a little odd that Audi only has one engine available for the A4. Most manufacturers let buyers choose between two or three engines when purchasing luxury sedans.   The simple fact is that Audi has chosen an engine that works well for the vehicle. It could give buyers other options, but none of them would really be much better for the price.   The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gives you 211 horsepower, which is pretty good for a car of its size and weight. It also offers a whopping 258 lb-ft of torque that makes it a killed on takeoff.   When paired with a manual transmission, the four-cylinder engine can take you from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Suddenly, that little engine sounds like a good choice. If you choose the Multitronic CVT, then you lose a little speed on takeoff (zero to 60 in 7.2).   That makes the Audi A4 Wagon a great choice for frugal buyers who want nice cars that can still kick a little butt.

Tampa Bay area Audi urges parents to set driving curfews that will keep their teens safer as they slowly turn into experienced drivers. When you look at the statistics, it's obvious that the most dangerous accidents occur at night. By setting a curfew, parents can protect young drivers from these accident-prone hours. Alcohol-Related Crashes Mostly Occur at Night Make no mistake about it. People drink and drive at all hours. You can't assume that all drivers are sober just because it's 10 in the morning. The statistics, however, show that fatal accidents involving alcohol almost always happen at night.   The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration says that 18 percent of fatal crashes during the day involve alcohol. At night, that percentage shots up to 54 percent.   Having your teens come home before drunk drivers pour out of bars onto the street significantly reduces the chances that he or she will have a deadly accident. Other Dangerous Behaviors Increase at Night Drunk driving isn't the only dangerous behavior that increases at night. Studies show  that people are more likely to drive over the speed limit once the sun sets. They're even more likely to drive without their seatbelts on.   Perhaps people feel that the dark offers some anonymity that lets them get away with bad driving. Those people obviously haven't considered that 1) their license plates are illuminated by lights, and 2) cops have bright lights that make the darkest hour seem like midday. Set a Curfew That Changes With Experience Your 16-year-old will argue that it doesn't matter what time it is. You know better. Even if other drivers behaved perfectly, the darkness makes it harder for inexperienced drivers to see the road, read sigs, and react quickly to dangerous situations.   That's why it makes sense to set a curfew that changes as your teen gains more experience behind the wheel. A 16-year-old might need to come home by 9 o'clock because she has very little experience driving at night. A 17-year-old, however, who has shown maturity behind the wheel might be able to drive at 11 o'clock or even midnight.   A lot of the danger out there comes from other people, but it also has to do with how your teenager responds to dangerous situations. The curfew should vary from driver to driver, but it's still important to set rules that will help your teen adjust to the challenges of driving at night.

Florida Audi wants drivers in the area to know that they might find more joggers using roadsides during the summer months. This can create a slight inconvenience for drivers who are in a hurry to reach their destinations. Try following this advice to keep runners safe and avoid legal battles that could find you at fault. Give Runners Plenty of Room Most runners don't like using the road. They'd prefer a sidewalk, trail, or grassy field. During a long run, though, some people find that they have to move to the road. When they encounter broken glass, ditches, and other obstacles, they just don't have a choice.   Keep this in mind when you see someone jogging on the side of the road. Chances are that they don't want to be there. They're probably moving as quickly as possible to get off the road and return to the sidewalk's safety.   Knowing that can help you appreciate the person's situation. That can lower the frustration and inconvenience that you feel while you wait. Don't Try to Pass Runners on a Curve or hill It's normal for drivers to pass runners whenever they can. As long as you have plenty of room to do so without clipping the jogger or hitting another car, it's probably a good idea to pass.   Keep in mind, however, that it's never a good idea to pass on a curve or a hill. You might feel safe because you drive your neighborhood's streets frequently. That's a false sense of security that could put someone in the hospital, or worse.   You never know what lies on the other side of a curve or hilltop, so exercise your patience and wait for a straightaway where you can pass safely instead of taking a big chance. Don't Try to Intimidate Runners Immature drivers might think it's funny to yell at runners on the side of the road. They might even pretend that they're going to bump the runner.   This is never a good idea.   To put it bluntly, you don't know who that jogger is. She could be a police officer, a lawyer, a judge, or a city council member. Those people have significant sway in the courtroom. If you pull a childish prank, all they have to do is remember your license plate number and file charges against you.   Even if those charges don't stick, they can still make life miserable for a few months. Plus, it costs money to go to court. That jogger might use everything she has to teach immature drivers a lesson.