[Bartek Sikorski]

NEW YORK, NY – Audi of America Inc. today announced it will unveil a custom-painted A5 created by New York City-based artist Hunt Slonem, at the company’s kick off event for the 2008 New York International Auto Show at the Audi Forum New York City. The A5 is Audi’s all new sports coupe. In addition to the special A5 unveiling, Audi will showcase the highly anticipated R8 TDI Le Mans concept.

As part of Audi’s ongoing relationship with Denise Rich’s G&P Foundation for Cancer Research, the Slonem-designed A5 will be auctioned off later this year to benefit the organization. The G&P Foundation was created to encourage the development of more effective therapies for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and related cancers. Prior to auction, the A5 will tour the country, including a stop at the American Film Institute at the Arclight in Los Angeles. Additionally, the car will be displayed at events created by another non-profit organization Audi supports, Best Buddies International. Best Buddies is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships



“Audi is committed to providing support to well deserving organizations making a difference in people’s lives everyday,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. “We are honored to work with Denise Rich and the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research, and know that our support will help with their mission to develop new therapies for treating cancer. We thank Hunt Slonem for contributing his artistic talents to create a distinctive version of the A5 that will be sold for a very worthwhile cause.”

The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans concept made its first and only U.S. appearance at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in January 2008. The R8 TDI Le Mans features a variation on the Le Mans-winning Audi R10 diesel engine. The concept model’s twelve-cylinder clean diesel engine produces 500 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, while achieving a fuel-efficient 23 mpg.

The event will also feature catering by famed chef and restaurateur David Bouley, and a performance by the Loston Harris Trio.

About Audi of America
Audi of America, Inc. offers a line of luxury vehicles that include the Audi A3 sport compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models, the high-revving RS 4 sport sedan and Cabriolet; the all new S5 Coupe with 354 hp; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the V-10 powered high performance S6 sedan; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the new all-aluminum Audi A8 and A8L; the new S8 with V10 power; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models; and the all-new, all-aluminum R8, one of the most exclusive mid-engine sports cars in the world.
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[dr Dunkel]

Ah... Art Cars! This one was really nice.