Audi is a well-known German luxury vehicle manufacturer that also distributes and markets its cars worldwide. This Bavaria based brand has 9 production facilities around the globe and sells to more than a million customers in all corners of the world. Audi has been implementing LED technology for more than 15 years now in their DRL. It was first used in Audi A8 W12 in 2005 and their unique shape is instantly recognizable for all Audi fans. For the past 10 years, they have included the LED also in both the low beam and high beam headlights
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Audi’s smallest U.S. offering doesn’t fall short on style with a strong familial design in a compact package that’s both sporty and practical. For 2012, the A3 remains entirely unchanged from the previous year, from its standard 17-in. alloy wheels and leather interior to its selection of two wonderful turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4s–one a torquey, ureafree diesel (TDI), the other a peppy direct-injected gasoline (TFSI). The latter comes equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission or is available with Audi’s 6-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox, which can also be paired with Quattro all-wheel drive. The TDI, which starts a hair above $30K and comes exclusively with S tronic and no Quattro, will travel up to 42 miles (EPA highway) on a single gallon of diesel fuel.
Audi’s solid sport compact sedan/wagon remains fundamentally unchanged for 2012. Small model tweaks include an upgraded S line exterior package, now standard on A4 Premium Plus and Prestige trims, that comes with 18-in. 10-spoke wheels, while a new optional Style Package helps to spruce up the base Premium model. The latest turbo 2.0-liter (not shared with the A3) is incredibly torquey (258 lb.-ft.) thanks to Audi’s variable valve timing and lift, and remains the sole engine for the A4, while the versatile supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 powers the amazingly spry S4. Between the two, four different transmissions can be had; a CVT (base A4), 6-speed manual (A4, S4), 8-speed automatic (A4) and 7-speed dual-clutch (S4). Quattro comes standard on everything but the CVT.
Aside from some nominal changes in trim, the popular A5 and S5 coupes/cabriolets continue into 2012 with the same hardware that’s proven to be a success since their introduction. The fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder that propels the A4 range graces the engine bays of all A5s, while the potent S5 coupe and cabriolet take two different approaches to yield impressive performance; a brutish 354-bhp 4.2-liter V-8 (coupe) and an equally potent 333-bhp supercharged V-6 (convertible). Quattro all-wheel-drive’s sporty 40:60 front-to-rear torque split enhances traction and stability on all models (except the A5 cabriolet) while a truly physics-defying drive experience can be appreciated on S5 models equipped with the torque biasing Sports rear differential.
Audi has revamped its full-size A6 for 2012, which could mean bad news for their competitors. The exterior styling has evolved to join the rest of Audi’s familial R8-inspired DNA with the new hybrid aluminum/steel body construction reducing overall weight by 78 lb. versus the previous car. The base A6 now gets the fuel-sipping turbo 4-cylinder mated to a CVT, while the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 sees a bump of 10 bhp and 15 lb.-ft. of torque. Soon to follow the A6 arrival is the S6, this time powered by a 420-bhp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and dual-clutch 7-speed S tronic gearbox, supplanting the previous 435-bhp V-10. Although peak power dips slightly for this über sedan, expect torque and fuel economy to improve, which customers will appreciate.
What used to be a narrow niche of vehicle is growing into a class of its own as more manufacturers look to provide variety for a wide range of customers. Here in the 4-door coupe category, Audi presents the A7, which stylishly blends together room for four adults and hatchback cargo capacity with a sporty silhouette. Where others have failed to produce something cohesive and proportional, Audi succeeds and adds to that a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 (310 bhp), 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. For those wanting even sportier performance, the S7 isn’t far off, injecting 420 twin-turbo V-8 horses into this Sportback with commensurate chassis and exterior upgrades to go along. How far the interior goes is up to you.
The A8 has been an exceptional vehicle for the class these last years running, and things are looking to get even better. For starters, all A8s will now come with Audi connect with Google earth and Wi-Fi hotspot capability standard. Next up on the list is the reintroduction of an A8 L-exclusive W-12 engine, displacing 6.3 liters and producing 500 bhp with 463 lb.-ft. of torque. This mates up to the same terrific 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive as the 4.2-liter V-8, though 20-in. wheels are standard and all four passengers are treated to ventilated massaging seats wrapped in Valcona leather, plus a slew of other amenities. Most significant is the upcoming S8, which will produce a range-topping 520 bhp through its twin-turbo V-8.
Audi’s compact Q5 combines the advantages of ground clearance and higher sight lines with the inherent utility of a 5-door hatchback. This is the perfect city-dweller crossover for the customer who still wants to get outside, but enjoys the creature comforts of sound luxury. While both cars benefit from Quattro all-wheel drive, an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic exploits the turbo 4-cylinder’s fuel economy and generous 258 lb.-ft. of torque while the peakier V-6 (270 bhp) sticks with an older 6-speed automatic. As sure-footed as it is when conditions are bad, the Q5 hasn’t forgotten its sporting roots, as you’ll be able to relish the competence of its chassis when there isn’t a raindrop in sight. We’re just hoping we’ll see a diesel someday.
The 7-passenger Q7 sticks to its V-6 guns with mild changes to the base model’s supercharged 3.0-liter that sees an 8-bhp bump to an even 280 bhp. The other engines-the higher 333-bhp output supercharged 3.0-liter of the S line and the 225-bhp torquey TDI turbodiesel (at 406 lb.-ft.)-along with the 8-speed automatic all mate up to remain unchanged, because the formula seems to be working pretty well, what with a 6600-lb. tow capacity. The only other changes involve trim that gives the TDI new 19-in. 5-arm-structure wheels while the S line Prestige plus package provides 21-in. wheels in a titanium finish replete with matte-black roof rails and window surrounds. In an age that makes it hard for SUVs to survive, Audi has done a pretty good job to adjust without too much compromise.
Nothing much else can be said about Audi’s exotic R8, except that you’re lucky if you’ve had the chance to drive one and luckier if you own one. Not many cars are this civil to drive while looking this rare in nature, but the R8 pulls it off effortlessly. And you can pretty much have it any way you like, mixing and matching the Coupe and Spyder bodies with a V-8 or V-10 and a 6-speed manual or 6-speed paddle-shift R tronic gearbox. New for this year is the even rarer R8 GT that takes the R8 up an exotic notch or two boosting output of the V-10 to 560 bhp (from 525 bhp), increasing downforce with a fixed rear wing and new front clip, and shedding some mass through extensive use of carbon fiber. All this help the GT achieve a new top speed of 199 mph–but no manual? What the heck?!
Audi’s solid sport compact sedan/wagon remains fundamentally unchanged for 2012. Small model tweaks include an upgraded S line exterior package, now standard on A4 Premium Plus and Prestige trims, that comes with 18-in. 10-spoke wheels, while a new optional Style Package helps to spruce up the base Premium model. The latest turbo 2.0-liter (not shared with the A3) is incredibly torquey (258 lb.-ft.) thanks to Audi’s variable valve timing and lift, and remains the sole engine for the A4, while the versatile supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 powers the amazingly spry S4. Between the two, four different transmissions can be had; a CVT (base A4), 6-speed manual (A4, S4), 8-speed automatic (A4) and 7-speed dual-clutch (S4). Quattro comes standard on everything but the CVT.
What is there not to like about a 420-bhp 4-door rocketship that lets you take your friends along for the ride? Nothing. And now, the RS 4 lineup has been further improved with the pricey new $81,900 2008 RS 4 Cabriolet. One of the most exciting cars on the market, the RS 4 matches impressive power with confidence-inspiring rear-biased Quattro all-wheel drive. Introduced just last year, the RS 4 receives only minor upgrades for 2008, such as new trim packages offering—among other modifications—a black grille and exhaust tips, titanium-colored 19-in. alloy wheels, red leather seat centers and matching seat piping. And with all the power and handling prowess of the sedan stuffed into the 2-door Cabriolet body, the newest RS 4 variant might be the sun-seeker’s ultimate ride.
Aside from some nominal changes in trim, the popular A5 and S5 coupes/cabriolets continue into 2012 with the same hardware that’s proven to be a success since their introduction. The fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder that propels the A4 range graces the engine bays of all A5s, while the potent S5 coupe and cabriolet take two different approaches to yield impressive performance; a brutish 354-bhp 4.2-liter V-8 (coupe) and an equally potent 333-bhp supercharged V-6 (convertible). Quattro all-wheel-drive’s sporty 40:60 front-to-rear torque split enhances traction and stability on all models (except the A5 cabriolet) while a truly physics-defying drive experience can be appreciated on S5 models equipped with the torque-biasing Sports rear differential.
Audi has revamped its full-size A6 for 2012, which could mean bad news for their competitors. The exterior styling has evolved to join the rest of Audi’s familial R8-inspired DNA with the new hybrid aluminum/steel body construction reducing overall weight by 78 lb. versus the previous car. The base A6 now gets the fuel-sipping turbo 4-cylinder mated to a CVT, while the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 sees a bump of 10 bhp and 15 lb.-ft. of torque. Soon to follow the A6 arrival is the S6, this time powered by a 420-bhp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and dual-clutch 7-speed S tronic gearbox, supplanting the previous 435-bhp V-10. Although peak power dips slightly for this über sedan, expect torque and fuel economy to improve, which customers will appreciate.
What used to be a narrow niche of vehicle is growing into a class of its own as more manufacturers look to provide variety for a wide range of customers. Here in the 4-door coupe category, Audi presents the A7, which stylishly blends together room for four adults and hatchback cargo capacity with a sporty silhouette. Where others have failed to produce something cohesive and proportional, Audi succeeds and adds to that a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 (310 bhp), 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. For those wanting even sportier performÂance, the S7 isn’t far off, injecting 420 twin-turbo V-8 horses into this Sportback with commensurate chassis and exterior upgrades to go along. How far the interior goes is up to you.
The A8 has been an exceptional vehicle for the class these last years running, and things are looking to get even better. For starters, all A8s will now come with Audi connect with Google earth and Wi-Fi hotspot capability standard. Next up on the list is the reintroduction of an A8 L-exclusive W-12 engine, displacing 6.3 liters and producing 500 bhp with 463 lb.-ft. of torque. This mates up to the same terrific 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive as the 4.2-liter V-8, though 20-in. wheels are standard and all four passengers are treated to ventilated massaging seats wrapped in Valcona leather, plus a slew of other amenities. Most significant is the upcoming S8, which will produce a range-topping 520 bhp through its twin-turbo V-8.
While Audi’s streamlined second-generation TT has certainly gained much popularity among female buyers, the performance potential of these dual clutched, aluminum-bodied, Quattro equipped 2+2s prove that there’s more to them than pretty fascias. Most significant for 2012 is the long-awaited arrival of limited-run RS models (available in Coupe form only) that steps everything up in the chassis and exterior styling departments and trades the already excellent turbo 2.0-liter inline-4 for a more potent turbo 2.5-liter inline-5, good for 360 bhp and 343 lb.-ft. of torque. Add to this an excellent 6-speed manual gearbox (that’s the only choice in the RS) and you’ve now got something for those who like to shift themselves and those who don’t.
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