2012 Audi A5 review

          Audi Corp. is refreshing the A5 model series. The A5 models are now more distinctive than ever. The rear lights and the headlights have been redesigned and are optionally available in xenon plus technology with homogenous LED daytime running lights. New colors and materials accentuate the interior.

       Transmissions will continue to include continuously variable and six-speeds manual options for front-wheel drive models and the choice of a manual or seven-speeds S tronic dual clutch transmission for all-wheel drive quattro models. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 4.9 seconds while combined cycle fuel consumption will be as low as 8.1 litres/100km.

             The A5 series set new standards for sportiness and efficiency. All engines feature forced induction and direct injection for tremendous pulling power. Even the entry level engine produces 320 Nms (236.02 lb-fts) of torque. The new 1.8 TFSI features a number of groundbreaking innovations. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 11 percent on average. The start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard with all engines.

Specification

           * Type of engine: 1.8/2.0/3.0 TFSI

           * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 125/155/200 kW

           * Fuel Economy: 21/29 mpg

           * Price (est): $44,000

Audi TT review

        The interior of the TT features a sporty design, dynamic elegance and generous amounts of space. The standard sport seats are mounted low and offer a high level of lateral support. The steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. The five round air vents and the arched cowl over the round-dial instruments exude the spirit characteristic of the TT. The ergonomics are logical and the fit and finish is uncompromisingly precise - just like always with Audi.

        Compared to other luxury sports cars, the 2010 Audi TT is no back-road burner. It is, however, an enticing choice. In addition to its unique, attention-grabbing exterior design, the 2010 Audi TT features a lavish interior cabin and standard all-wheel drive system. It may not hold its own in street races, but the 2010 Audi TT's balanced handling dynamics make it comfortable to drive on a daily basis.

        The Audi TT engine lineup includes two other four-cylinder engines besides the new 2.0 TFSI. The 1.8 TFSI, available with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, delivers 118 kW (160 hp) and 250 Nm of torque (184.39 lb-ft), the latter between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. It launches the Coupe from a standing start to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). It consumes just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 US mpg) on average, which corresponds to only 149 grams of CO2/km (239.79 g/mile). 

Specifications

          * Horsepower: 211 hp @ 4300 rpm

          * Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 gal.

          * Price (est): €30,200

Audi RS5 coupe review

        The Audi RS 5 Coupe uses a high-revving, normally aspirated V8 displacing 4,163 cc. This engine is closely related to the V10 that powers the R8 high- performance sports car. The 4.2 FSI delivers 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm, with the peak torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The sonorous V8 catapults the two-door model from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

        To underline this link to Audi's glorious rally-winning past, the RS5 sports squared-off fenders and triangular sill extensions. Specific RS styling elements include a new grille, enlarged air intakes, restyled front and rear bumpers, plenty of aluminum trim, two large oval tailpipes, a front splitter, a rear diffuser, and a wing that extends at 75 mph and retracts at 50 mph.

 

        The instruments feature black dials and white markings with special scaling. The driver information system with color display includes a lap timer and an oil temperature gauge. The interior is a study in black: the inlays are carbon and the fascia framing the instrument cluster in the instrument panel sports a piano finish.

Specifications

            * Type of engine: High-revving, normally aspirated V8

            * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm

            * Acceleration (0-100 km/h): in 4.6 seconds

Audi A6 review

           The new Audi A6, setting the standard in innovation Audi has redesigned its flagship executive class model. The new A6 is set to make its market debut in early 2011. With its light body, sporty chassis and a wide array of new assistance and multimedia systems, the full-sized sedan is packed with innovative solutions in every area of technology. The range of available engines and drivetrains is equally extensive.

           Most A6s will be sold as diesels and there are three to choose from a four cylinder 175bhp 2.0 with a manual gearbox, and two 3.0 litres V6 diesels with either 201 or 242bhp. The 2.0 is up to the job, but the V6s are usefully quicker. The petrol option is a 296bhp supercharged V6 that provides barnstorming pace.

          The Cd of the all-new exterior is just 0.26. Compared to the previous A6, the 2012 edition is slightly shorter and lower in overall length and height, an unusual shrinkage in this era of ever-growing models. Width is up 0.7 inches. A three inches stretch in wheelbase is the most significant dimensional alteration, a change made possible by the A6′s reengineered front differential and axle.

Specification

          * Type of engine: Supercharged 3.0-liter V6

          * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 295 hp @ 5,250

          * CO2 emissions: 129g/km

          * Acceleration: 0-62mph in 8.7sec

          * Price (est): £30,145

Audi S5 review

           The base S5 Premium Plus comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, xenon headlamps, foglamps, power heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an electronic parking brake, a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, a panoramic tilt-only sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, power and heated front sport seats, napa leather upholstery, a 50/50-split-folding rear seatback, Bluetooth, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) with dash-mounted controls and a CD audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack. The S5 Cabriolet adds a power-retractable soft top and a wind blocker.

           The S sports suspension supports the Audi S5's performance through its dynamic tuning. The high-performance brakes, recognizable by their black painted brake calipers, ensure reliable deceleration. The ESP stabilization system can be suspended in two steps if the driver wishes to investigate the potential of her Audi S5 on a suitable course. The 18-inch wheels are matched to tires of the size 245/40 R 18.

            260 kW (354 hp) is the output of the 4.2-liter eight-cylinder engine in the Audi S5, with a maximum torque of 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) already available at 3,500 rpm. In no more than 5.1 seconds, the powerful coupe sprints to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), showing exceptional liveliness, spontaneous response, a continuous power curve and an exhilarating sound. The V8 derives its enormous power potential from the innovative FSI direct injection technology.

Audi A8 review

           The 2010 A8 has a distinct performance personality. It’s not the quickest Super Luxury Sedan. Available with just one engine, a 4.2-liter V8, it’s not slow either. But it can’t match the power of some of its more muscular competition. It will, however, outperform them in the corners. Audi’s exceptional Quattro All Wheel Drive system gives it extraordinary grip on a dry road, and an added measure of safety on a wet road. This combines with precise, well-weighted steering to make the big car feel smaller than its more than two ton curb weight.

            Every 2010 Audi A8 is powered by the same 4.2 Liter V8, which puts out 350 horsepowers. The engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually. This combination moves the big car with authority  some publications have measured zero to sixty times of about six seconds but the A8 can’t match the power of competitors with more muscular powerplants. The A8 offers more than enough acceleration for most drivers’ daily needs, but it gives up bragging rights to many of its competitors.

          The 2011 A8 goes on sale this fall at a starting price of about $90,000. The A8 will be available here with just one engine when it launches: the long-lived direct-injection, 4.2-liter DOHC V8. As installed in this third-generation A8, the V8 gains 22 hp and 4 lb-ft of torque over its previous iteration, with output now totaling 372 hp and 328 lb-ft. The horsepower figure is just enough to make it the least powerful in the segment, ceding eight ponies to the Lexus LS460 and 10 to the S550. Audi says the A8 returns 13-percent-better fuel economy than does its predecessor, which translates roughly to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the new car.

Audi R8 review

     

          The 2008 Audi R8 comes as a two-door, midengine, all-wheel-drive coupe. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, a retractable rear spoiler (operates automatically or manually), xenon headlights, LED brake lights and turn signals, leather-and-Alcantara suede power-adjustable sport seats, aluminum trim, automatic climate control and a seven-speaker CD stereo.

           The Audi R8 uses a midmounted 4.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque, thanks in part to direct fuel injection and a high compression ratio. Power gets sent to all four wheels (56 percent to the rears in normal conditions) through one of two transmissions: a traditional six-speed manual or Audi's six-speed R tronic -- essentially a manual transmission with a single computer-controlled clutch that allows shifting via the lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles. R tronic offers a fully automatic mode as well. In testing, we've found that the manual-shift R8 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and passes the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds.