New Audi RS6 Avant demonstrates massive performance potential
Even though United States customers will not see the upcoming Audi RS6 Avant, the car nonetheless must be considered by Audi faithful worldwide as an indication of the caliber of performance that the German automaker is seeking. Pushing 580 horsepower and 479 foot-pounds of torque to all four wheels via the twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V10 engine and six-speed Tiptronic gearbox, the RS6 reportedly hits 60 miles-per-hour from a stop in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top governed speed of 155 mph.
Available only as an Avant, the RS6 emphasizes the subdued nature of the Audi brand. This is not your average station wagon grocery getter, but the car also does not feel the need to boast its street credentials. Subtle touches include standard 19- and optional 20-inch wheels and tires, a rear diffuser, dual exhaust outlets and widebody fender flares.
Source: Audi media
Two Audi models earn Insurance Institute for Highway Safety?s 2007 ?Top Safety Pick? Award
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named its Top Safety Picks for 2007, and of the thirteen vehicles chosen throughout the industry, two were Audis. In the ?Large Car? segment the Audi A6 was the sole winner, while in the ?Midsize Car? category the Audi A4 was joined by the Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy.
The Top Safety Pick Award requires a vehicle to achieve a ?Good? rating ? the top honor ? in front impact collision safety, side impact safety and whiplash protection due to rear impacts. To be considered, a vehicle must be equipped with electronic stability control, at least optionally, as the IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believe stability control in every vehicle could save 10,000 lives annually in the United States. Last year?s ?Gold? and ?Silver? safety ratings have been replaced by the single and more stringent ?Top? rating.
Source: CNN Money
Image: Audi USA [2007 Audi A4]
2007 Audi A8 sedan earns Edmunds.com ?Editor?s Most Wanted? pick
In its ?Sedan Over $60,000? category, Edmunds.com has awarded the 2007 Audi A8 the distinction of ?Editor?s Most Wanted.? Simplicity appealed to the editors, as flagship luxury sedans are often complex pieces of machinery that are difficult to operate. Noted for its ?solid platform,? ?clean and attractive exterior shape,? ?sumptuous interior? and ?powerful, refined drivetrain,? the Audi A8 was described as a vehicle that ?offers all the technology target buyers need, while avoiding the complex control systems no true driver wants.? Both the 4.2-liter V8 and 6.0-liter V12 models were recognized as superior products.
Since 1999, Edmunds.com has granted Most Wanted status in over 30 different market categories, including a Most Significant Vehicle of the Year award. Most Wanted cars and trucks are those vehicle that editors would park in their own driveways.
Source and image: Edmunds.com
Supercar Audi R8 debuts in Paris
Paris Motor Show attendees were greeted warmly by the production version of Audi?s supercar R8. Journalists and potential buyers praised the similar Le Mans Quattro concept three years ago, so Audi went ahead and built the production model on the Lamborghini Gallardo?s platform.
Power is derived from a mid-mounted 4.2-liter V8 developing a substantial 420 horsepower and 317 foot-pounds of torque. The lofty engine spins to a maximum 8,250 rpm, sending power through a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional sequential automatic gearbox. Of course, the renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system is responsible for putting traction to the pavement.
Even more engaging than the R8?s mechanical components are its looks. Striking elements such as massive side scoops, air vents below both the head- and taillights, LED headlights that function in all formats, LED illumination of the engine bay and four-tip exhaust outlets enclosed by the bumpers distinguish the vehicle as track-ready and technologically supreme. Audi characterizes its design philosophy as embracing ?perfection down to the finest detail.?
Pricing has not been announced but is expected around $100,000. Competitors include the Porsche 911, BMW M6 and Aston Martin Vantage.
Source and images: Audi USA
