How Audi Took Over Hollywood

Downey and His Audi

Robert Downey Jr. and wife Susan at the Iron Man 3 premiere in front of an Audi 2014 R8 Spyder, featured in the film. Audi had more than 40 chauffeur driven cars on hand at the premiere, which took place at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood.

Tony Stark

Downey as Tony Stark with the R8. Audi provided cars and technical assistance to the filmmakers.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar-viewing party, which Audi co-sponsors.

Colin Egglesfield

Colin Egglesfield exits an A8. Audi has waged a full-frontal attack on the hearts, minds and wallets of Hollywood since 2006, displacing BMW and Mercedes-Benz as the Hollywood car du jour.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens and her S5 convertible. “The entertainment community influences audiences around the world,” says Audi of America president Scott Keogh via e-mail. "They cite movies, TV shows and events that we have been involved with. It puts Audi in the conversation.”

A4: Sedan Du Jour

Audi’s volume leader and gateway to the brand. The A4 sits firmly in the entry- level luxury space and has supplanted the BMW 3 Series as the car of choice for young Hollywood.

A5: Coupe De Grace

With a recent refresh, the A5 is a sleek coupe with a seriously sexy interior that presents a sporty alternative to the Mercedes CLS.

Q5: Cute Ute

Audi’s flagship SUV packs a serious wallop with its three engine choices — a turbocharged four-cylinder, a hybrid and a powerful V6 — in a svelte package.

Shemar Moore and Jeff Castelaz

“When Iron Man came out and I saw the R8, I lost my mind. I said if and when CBS gives me a raise, I’m going to get one,” said the Criminal Minds actor. Elektra Records president Jeff Castelaz, who drives an S5: “Audi has done an incredible job building rocket-fast cars that don’t look ostentatious or lame.