Category: Audi

Audi’s latest and rather impressive looking RS6 Avant has been given an early preview thanks to Russian website autowp. A series of eight photos have been revealed showing the latest in RS styling.

No technical details have been revealed, but it appears as though the RS6 starts with the same 4.0 litre V8 used in the current S6 range. In the comparatively lowly S6 the twin-turbo V8 produces only 309kW. We say only because the old RS6 and its 5.0 litre V10 gave us 426 of the most wonderful kilowatts we’ve ever experienced.

Predictions for the new RS6 are around the same mark, with 420kW being the number offered up. That’s a healthy 563hp in the old money. Enough to let it reach 100km/h in around 3.9 seconds.

Back to the styling, then, and the image above shows the classic flared guards we love to see on Audi’s RS models. The front-end treatment is more aggressive than we’ve seen on the RS4 or RS5. It looks pretty good, too. Although, the quattro lettering in the lower part of the main grille is a bit twee, don’t you think.

Overall, though, the new RS6 looks hot. It’s expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. Let’s see if the emergence of these images forces Audi’s habnd into releasing official details earlier than planned.

[Source: autowp.ru]

UPDATE: Well that didn’t take long! Official stats for the RS6 have now been published by Audi. It gets 412kW/700Nm from its 4.0 TFSI engine. Full details coming soon.

Audi A3 Sportback due in Australia by April 2013

Last week Audi officially launched its new A3 Sportback to the European market. Audi Australia has since confirmed the new A3 will be on sale locally slightly ahead of first expectations. Of course, the five-door Sportback will be the only option for Australian buyers. For now, the three-door models are off Audi Australia’s radar.

After the break there’s a heap of new pics, with many cutaway graphics like you see above. There’s also a link to download the full press release, all 42 pages of it, which will tell you everything you need to know, and more, about the new A3.

Before you sink your teeth into the full detail here’s a few points in summary:

• Weight reduced by as much as 90kg compared with the previous model.
• With the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a kerb weight of 1,205kg.
• Dimensions: 4,310mm (length), 1,780mm (width) and 1,425mm (height).
• Wheelbase: 2,636mm (+58mm compared with previous model).
• Rear cargo space: 380 litres (1,220 litres with rear seats folded down).
• Audi connect offers internet services through an extension of the MMI navigation plus system and is planned for an Australian debut.
• Up to eight mobile devices can access Audi connect via the integrated WLAN hotspot.
• Optional Audi drive select system lets the driver vary the operating of engine management, the power steering system and S tronic in different modes.
• New driver assistance technology offered in A3 for first time includes: adaptive cruise control, pre sense front (auto braking), active lane assist and side assist (blind spot warning).
• Engine range includes: 1.4 TFSI (103kW/250Nm), 1.8 TFSI (132kW/250Nm) and 2.0 TDI (110kw/320Nm).

Unlike its little A4 sibling, the Audi A6 allroad quattro has landed on Australian shores twice before, in 2001 and 2007. The updated 2012 model has just arrived; it’s limited to 150 examples and carries a $117,900 price tag (manufacturer’s list price). Might be a bit tougher to move the A6 allroad compared to the $48K cheaper A4 version.

Offered with a 180kW/580Nm 3.0 litre V6 TDI and 7-speed S tronic transmission, the A6 allroad can reach 100km/h in only 6.6 seconds. Not bad for a 1930kg family planner. Similarly, Audi claims the A6 ‘Outback’ can sip diesel at the rate of 6.3l/100km. Although, we reckon it won’t take much to make a mess of those claims, especially if city driving is your usual domain.

Of course, the A6 allroad quattro has a complete list of tricks and acronyms, but it’s biggest party trick is its adaptive air suspension. At the touch of a button you can adjust the ride height by up to 50mm.

Other standard equipment highlights include 20″ alloys, four-zone climate control, MMI hard drive navigation plus, Bluetooth music streaming, Audi parking system plus front and rear, xenon headlights, metallic paint and the must-have auto tailgate.

That leaves only a handful of optional equipment (prices shown include LCT):

• Panoramic sunroof ($2980)
• Bose surround sound, with 14 speakers ($1950)
• LED headlights with high beam assist ($3350)
• Audi parking system with 360° cameras ($1380)
• Audi active lane and side assist with park assist and adaptive cruise control with pre sense plus ($6140)

Further details are available below, including the full complement of press and specification material provided by Audi Australia.

Audi Australia has finally launched the A4 allroad quattro to the local market. It’s a model that was first launched overseas three years ago and we can’t quite work out why it has taken so long to be offered here.

Even now Audi is playing it safe by limiting the A4 allroad quattro to just 150 units for sale down under. With some decent kit and a manufacturer’s list price of $69,900 we predict Audi will have no trouble at all finding buyers for this model.

Only one engine and transmission will be offered, but in selecting a 130kW/380Nm 2.0 TDI coupled to a 7-speed S tronic transmission, Audi presents the market with a versatile and entirely appropriate package. The triple figure sprint is knocked off in a touch over eight seconds, while sensible driving can return consumption figures of 6.0l/100km.

Included in the standard specification is 17″ alloys, xenon headlights, MMI navigation plus, Audi parking system plus with rear view camera and tyre pressure monitoring system.

If you’d like to tick a few options you can select from items such as (prices shown include LCT):

• 18″ alloy wheels with 245/45 R18 tyres ($1500)
• 19″ Audi exclusive alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 tyres ($2760)
• Metallic paint ($1650)
• Panoramic sunroof ($2850)
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System ($1400)
• Auto tailgate ($1050)
• Heated seats ($700)
• and more

They’ll sell well these cars and we expect this won’t be the last time we see a new Australian model launch for the A4 allroad quattro.

Further details are available below, including the full complement of press and specification material provided by Audi Australia.