All-Wheel Driven Podcast

Audi is entering one of the busiest stretches of 2026, both on the road and at the racetrack. On this episode of *All Wheel Driven*, Joe Kucinski breaks down the latest developments from Audi, including the team’s first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, the upcoming RS Q5, recognition for the new A6 and Q9 in the 2027 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards, and what’s ahead for Audi as its first Formula 1 season enters its final stretch.First, we head to Madrid for Audi’s debut at the new Madring circuit. Nico Hülkenberg brought the Audi Revolut F1 Team home in 10th place to score another championship point, while Gabriel Bortoleto finished 13th. We’ll look at what Audi learned from its first race at the new circuit, the importance of qualifying at a track where overtaking can be difficult, and how the team can use the remaining races of 2026 to build toward the future.Then we turn our attention to the Q5 lineup, where Audi Sport appears to be preparing something special. The first-ever RS Q5 has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring in both SUV and Sportback form. Reports suggest the RS Q5 could share an electrified powertrain with the new RS 5, potentially combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and producing more than 600 horsepower. While those figures remain unconfirmed, the RS Q5 could become an important addition to Audi Sport’s performance SUV lineup.We’ll also look at two very different Audi models making their way through the 2027 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The all-new A6 remains in contention in the Car of the Year category, while the new Q9 is competing for Utility Vehicle of the Year. We’ll discuss what the ninth-generation A6 brings to the table and how Audi’s first full-size SUV fits into the lineup above the Q7.Finally, we look ahead at the remainder of Audi’s first Formula 1 season. From Baku and the return to Sepang to Singapore, Austin, Mexico, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, there are plenty of opportunities for Audi to gather valuable data and experience. With the final races of the season approaching, what can the team learn in 2026 that will directly influence the development of the R26 and the future of Audi F1?From the racetrack to the showroom, Audi is building out an increasingly diverse lineup while simultaneously laying the foundation for its future in Formula 1. We’ll bring all of these stories together and look at where Audi is headed over the next year.==========================00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:50 All-Wheel Driven: A Podcast by Audi Club North America01:08 Getting Into Audi F1 Updates07:59 What's to Come in 2026 for Audi F109:32 Word From Our Sponsor10:00 Audi RS Q515:18 The Audi A6 & Audi Q9 Are In The Running for Awards21:56 Audi is Listening to Their Fans22:58 Outro==========================All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America. Subscribe and connect with @audiclubna for exclusive Audi content.==========================Not yet a member of Audi Club North America? Join the world's largest community of Audi owners and enthusiasts and unlock benefits including:Discounts on Audi parts, accessories, and new or leased vehiclesAward-winning quarterly magazine (quattro)Exclusive driving events, clinics, and track experiencesA network of 32 chapters across North AmericaAnd much more!Learn more and join today: https://audiclubna.org

This episode of All Wheel Driven explores Audi Club North America’s Finland Driving Experience, set in the Arctic landscape of Lapland. Framed as a major step in the Club’s evolution toward global programming, the episode blends firsthand participant insights with a broader look at how international driving tours—building on past European experiences—are expanding member engagement beyond local chapters. The discussion highlights why Finland was selected as a destination, emphasizing its extreme winter conditions, frozen lakes, and controlled environments that allow drivers to fully explore the capabilities of Audi’s legendary quattro system in a way that traditional road or track settings cannot replicate.The conversation then brings listeners into the experience itself, detailing the structure of the program, professional instruction, and the use of high-performance models such as the Audi S5 Avant, Audi RS e-tron GT, and Audi RS 3 on ice. Through personal stories, guests reflect on the learning curve of ice driving, key “aha” moments, and the camaraderie built throughout the trip, while also highlighting the broader travel experience—from lodging to cultural immersion. The episode closes by connecting the program to future growth, including coverage in *quattro Magazine* and plans to expand participation, reinforcing how experiences like this strengthen the Audi enthusiast community and offer members a unique blend of performance driving, adventure, and global connection.==========================EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro00:18 Breakdown of Today's Episode01:10 Introducing Our guests: Chris01:39 Introducing Our Guests: Ros and Steve02:31 How Have the Audi Driving Experiences Evolved Over the Years?08:07 Did the Experience Get Ros & Steve Hooked?10:08 Why Finland?12:03 Was This Ros's First Audi Driving Experience?13:54 How Well Did Track Driving Experience Translate to the Ice?14:51 What Were Some of the Coolest Cars They Drove?15:49 What Was The Car's Snow Setup?16:22 A Few More Details About the Experience17:20 Chris Thinks Our Guests are Being Too Humble21:00 How is the Course Setup?25:40 The Audi Driving Experience Group Dynamic26:36 Do People Keep Track of Times at the Driving Experience?29:23 What is Lodging at the Audi Experience Like?31:31 How Does it Compare to Other Audi Events?33:35 How Is the Audi Driving Experience Getting Even Better?39:00 Can an Average Driver Go to the Audi Experience and Have a Good Time?41:55 What if I'm Still on the Fence About Registering?44:40 Final Thoughts

In this episode of the All-Wheel Driven Podcast, Audi Club North America takes a deep dive into the all-new Audi Q3—Audi’s redesigned compact luxury SUV. Special host Zach Miller kicks things off with an overview of what listeners can expect before the discussion shifts to the Q3’s updated design language and how it fits within Audi’s evolving lineup. We share detailed driving impressions, explores the refreshed interior and technology suite, and debates whether the latest driver-assistance features are genuinely transformative or simply incremental upgrades. We also put the new Dynamic mode and chassis tuning under the microscope, discuss where the Q3 still falls short, and reveal what it’s like when you push the compact SUV to its limits. Stick around for final thoughts on whether the latest Q3 lives up to the expectations of Audi enthusiasts.==========================CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction00:18 Zach Gives The Overview of the Episode00:59 Going Over the 2027 Audi Q3 Design Details04:52 Driving Impressions of the 2027 Audi Q308:10 How Does the New Audi Q3 Interior Stack Up?11:06 The Driving Tech: A Game-Changer or Just Nice?13:55 Dynamic Mode & Handling Improvements17:34 Where Did the 2027 Audi Q3 Fall Short?29:01 What is it Like to Drive the 2027 Audi Q3 Hard?31:55 Final Thoughts on the All-New Audi Q3==========================All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America. Subscribe and connect with @audiclubna for exclusive Audi content.==========================Not yet a member of Audi Club North America? Join the world's largest community of Audi owners and enthusiasts and unlock benefits including:Discounts on Audi parts, accessories, and new or leased vehiclesAward-winning quarterly magazine (quattro)Exclusive driving events, clinics, and track experiencesA network of 32 chapters across North AmericaAnd much more!Learn more and join today: https://audiclubna.org

In this episode of All Wheel Driven, Audi Club North America explores a pivotal moment for the four rings, connecting motorsport ambition with product evolution. Audi’s Formula 1 development testing in Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit is framed not as a headline-grabbing spectacle, but as a critical validation phase focused on data, reliability, and long-term infrastructure. The conversation then shifts to the unveiling of the 2026 RS 5, examining how Audi Sport may be redefining its performance formula through potential hybridization while preserving the daily usability that has long defined the RS badge. Together, these developments highlight a brand carefully balancing heritage performance with an electrified future.The episode also unpacks the next-generation A6, positioned as a cornerstone of Audi’s premium sedan strategy with updated platform architecture, evolving design language, and advanced software integration aimed squarely at competitors like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Finally, a drive of the Lamborghini Temerario sparks speculation about a next-generation R8, given the historic technical ties between Audi and Lamborghini. From F1 serving as a long-term halo to the RS 5 shaping Audi Sport’s transition and the A6 anchoring the brand’s executive identity, the episode paints a picture of Audi aligning performance, technology, and brand direction into a cohesive vision for the years ahead.==========================EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction 01:02 Audi Formula 1 End Of February Updates07:18 The New B10 Generation Audi RS5: We Can't Wait!19:54 The New Audi A6 Is Quiet, Powerful, and AWESOME27:41 Why Hasn't Audi Replaced Their Halo Car: the R8?36:03 Outro & Farewell==========================All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America. Subscribe and connect with @audiclubna for exclusive Audi content.==========================Not yet a member of Audi Club North America? Join the world's largest community of Audi owners and enthusiasts and unlock benefits including:Discounts on Audi parts, accessories, and new or leased vehiclesAward-winning quarterly magazine (quattro)Exclusive driving events, clinics, and track experiencesA network of 32 chapters across North AmericaAnd much more!Learn more and join today: https://audiclubna.org

Audi is entering a pivotal moment in its history. In the Season 2 premiere of All Wheel Driven, Audi Club North America breaks down three major stories shaping the future of the four rings.We take a closer look at Audi’s road to Formula 1, including expectations ahead of its debut, key development milestones, and what success realistically looks like in the early years of the program. The conversation then turns to the upcoming Audi Q9, exploring what a new flagship SUV could mean for Audi’s lineup and why the U.S. market plays such a critical role in its success. Finally, we examine Audi’s evolving approach to electrification in the U.S., from current EV offerings to the growing importance of hybrid solutions as the brand balances performance, luxury, and sustainability.Whether you’re a longtime Audi enthusiast or keeping an eye on what’s next, this episode offers a clear look at where Audi is headed—and what to watch over the next 12–24 months.==========================EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 The Audi Club Podcast00:21 Introduction To Today02:15 Audi Joining F1: Will We Be Competitive?13:13 The New Audi Q9: Our Predictions17:14 The Glorious 5-Cylinder Would Be AWESOME!21:37 Audi Car Electrification30:46 Maybe Now Is the Time To Buy Your Favorite Combustion Vehicle33:32 Outro==========================All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America. Subscribe and connect with @audiclubna for exclusive Audi content.==========================Not yet a member of Audi Club North America? Join the world's largest community of Audi owners and enthusiasts and unlock benefits including:Discounts on Audi parts, accessories, and new or leased vehiclesAward-winning quarterly magazine (quattro)Exclusive driving events, clinics, and track experiencesA network of 32 chapters across North AmericaAnd much more!Learn more and join today: https://audiclubna.org

In this episode of All-Wheel Driven, host Joe Kucinski sits down with Rich Ortiz, General Manager at Audi West Chester, to unpack the latest shifts in Audi’s momentum. As enthusiasts still reminisce about the glory days of TDI performance, the brand’s EV future is accelerating — led by the Q6 e-tron, which has just overtaken the Q5 in U.S. sales.Together, Joe and Rich discuss what this milestone means for Audi buyers heading into the end of 2025, why this quarter might be the best time yet to shop for an Audi, and how Audi enthusiasts could influence the availability of heritage Audi Tradition parts for classic models in North America.Whether you’re an Audi enthusiast, an EV early adopter, or just curious where the four rings are headed next, this episode delivers insight, perspective, and a pulse check on Audi’s evolving lineup.To share your interest in Audi Tradition Parts and learn more about our survey, click the link below: https://audiclubna.org/your-input-could-help-bring-audi-tradition-parts-to-north-america/==========================EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction00:39 Our Guest: Richard Ortiz of Audi West Chester01:22 Is NOW the Time for TDI Diesels To Be Re-Introduced Into America?04:14 Interest is Shifting Towards Electric?06:56 Does Anyone Ask About the Concept C?10:27 What Are People's Thoughts on the Audi Q6 E-Tron?19:18 Are Most People Buying or Leasing Their Audis?20:17 Is the End of the Year A Good Time To Buy Audis?22:43 The 6% Discount for Audi Club Members!24:31 If You're Looking to Buy an Audi, THIS is the Time26:37 EV Inventory is Low Currently, What About Everything Else?29:40 How Do Allocations Work With Higher-End Audi Cars? (Does Audi Do Allocations?)33:33 What is the Audi Pre-Owned Car Inventory Like?40:35 How Many Used Audi TDI Diesels Do The Dealers Have?44:30 How Does Audi Feel About Their Older ('90s and 2000s) Models?49:40 Our Audi Club Survey and Final Parting Thoughts54:00 Outro==========================All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America. Subscribe and connect with @audiclubna for exclusive Audi content.==========================Not yet a member of Audi Club North America? Join the world's largest community of Audi owners and enthusiasts and unlock benefits including:- Discounts on Audi parts, accessories, and new or leased vehicles- Award-winning quarterly magazine (quattro)- Exclusive driving events, clinics, and track experiences- A network of 32 chapters across North AmericaAnd much more!Learn more and join today: https://audiclubna.org

Steve Johnson, the analyst behind Audi Club’s Auction Watch blog and quattro Magazine’s quarterly Auction Recap, returns to All-Wheel Driven to break down the biggest collector Audi trends from Q4 2025.In this episode, Steve joins host Joe Kucinski to explore what’s hot—and what’s not—across the enthusiast auction landscape. From RS 6 GTs topping $230K to R8 GTs stalling below reserve, we look at how the market is shifting, which models are becoming “blue chip” collectibles, and why Audi’s upcoming F1 debut is already influencing buyer behavior.🎧 In this episode:• RS 6 Avant Performance GT sales: instant classics or market peak?• B8 RS 5 depreciation may have bottomed out—smart buy or still risky?• Price swings between three RS 4 Avant builds—what drove the difference?• The R8 GT Spyder that didn’t sell—has the V10 market plateaued?• A 261-mph Bonneville S4 fails to attract serious bids—why?• Audi’s F1 marketing momentum—does it translate into collector demand?• Motorsport-liveried cars vs. true performance upgrades—what’s adding value?Whether you're bidding, browsing, or just watching the Audi market evolve, this episode offers key takeaways for enthusiasts, collectors, and curious newcomers alike.All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America.===========================================ABOUT AUDI CLUB NORTH AMERICA:🚘 Not a member yet? Join the world’s largest Audi enthusiast community and get:• Exclusive event invites and auction insights• Discounts on parts, service, accessories & new Audis• A premium quarterly print magazine• Access to 32 regional chapters• And more!👉 Join now: https://audiclubna.org===========================================ABOUT THIS EPISODE:Q4 saw strong auction momentum: more no-reserve listings, higher conversion rates, and notable shifts in values—especially for long-roof icons like the RS 2 Avant, multiple RS 4 Avants, and the ultra-limited RS 6 Avant GT. But the market also saw corrections: Ur quattro values dipped slightly, S7s continue to slide, and even a legendary R8 failed to meet reserve. What’s going on?Steve Johnson breaks it all down and shares what these trends could mean heading into 2026.===========================================ABOUT STEVE JOHNSON:Steve is a longtime Audi enthusiast and collector who writes the weekly Auction Watch blog and the quarterly Auction Recap for quattro Magazine. His work combines data-driven analysis with enthusiast insight, making him a go-to source for tracking Audi values and trends.📝 Read his latest: https://audiclubna.org/blog

From humble beginnings in a Bay Area garage to becoming a global leader in Audi performance, Javad Shadzi’s journey with 034Motorsport is a story of passion, perseverance, and innovation. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, 034Motorsport continues to push the boundaries of performance while honoring Audi’s heritage through its groundbreaking 034Tradition initiative—reviving heritage parts for the next generation of enthusiasts.In this episode of Audi Club North America's All-Wheel Driven podcast, host Joe Kucinski sits down with Javad Shadzi, Founder & CEO of 034Motorsport, to reflect on two decades of performance innovation, the origins of 034, and what’s next for the brand. From the early spark that inspired 034’s creation to landmark builds, community-driven product development, and the future of electrified performance, Javad shares the inside story of how 034 became synonymous with Audi tuning and heritage preservation.We also dive into 034’s bold new projects, including their Audi 90 build, and explore how the Audi aftermarket community continues to shape the brand’s direction. With a unique blend of passion over profit, heritage over hype, and performance at the core, Javad and 034Motorsport remain true to their mission of fueling Audi enthusiasm worldwide.🎧 Join us for a conversation that celebrates 20 years of 034Motorsport, the launch of 034Tradition, and the vision for the future of Audi performance.===================================ABOUT AUDI CLUB AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVEN:All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL—the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America.Subscribe to All-Wheel Driven and connect with @audiclubna for exclusive Audi stories, heritage deep dives, and conversations with the people shaping the future of the four rings.Not yet an Audi Club member? Join the largest community of Audi owners and enthusiasts in the world, and unlock a wealth of benefits, including:• Discounts on parts, service, and accessories (including from 034Motorsport)• Award-winning quarterly magazine (the only remaining Audi-focused magazine)• Exclusive events and driving clinics• A passionate network of Audi enthusiasts across 32 chapters• And much more!👉 Learn more and join the Club today: https://audiclubna.org

In this episode of All-Wheel Driven, Audi Club North America takes you behind the scenes of the 103rd running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo. This year, Audi’s legacy was on full display with nine Audis climbing the mountain—alongside a moment four decades in the making. We had the distinct honor of sitting down with motorsport legend Michèle Mouton, 40 years after her historic 1985 victory that made her the first and only woman to be crowned “King of the Mountain.” Our conversation comes just after her induction into the 2025 Pikes Peak Hall of Fame, where she reflects on that groundbreaking achievement and her lasting impact on the sport. Join us for an exclusive look at Michèle’s monumental career, her perspective on racing and breaking the glass ceiling, and what this milestone return to Pikes Peak means to her today.===================================EPISODE CREDITS: • Recorded on location at the 2025 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo.• Special thanks to Michèle Mouton and her family, Audi Tradition, Lisa Haight, and the PPIHC communications team for making this conversation possible.• Hosted by Chris May, Executive Director of Audi Club North America.• Interview conducted by Chris May and Aaron Plante, journalist and contributor for Audi Club’s quattro Magazine.• On-site interview filmed by Alex Oliver, automotive photographer and contributor for quattro Magazine.===================================ABOUT AUDI CLUB AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVEN: All-Wheel Driven is presented by XPEL—the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America.Subscribe to All-Wheel Driven and connect with @audiclubna for regular exclusive Audi content.Not yet an Audi Club member? Join the largest community of Audi owners and enthusiasts in the world, and unlock a wealth of benefits, including:• Discounts on parts, accessories, and new or leased Audis• Award-winning quarterly magazine (the only remaining Audi-focused magazine)• Exclusive events and driving clinics• A passionate network of Audi owners and enthusiasts across 32 chaptersLearn more and join the Club today.