Audi Q7
Q7 is a full size luxury crossover Sports utility Vehicle manufactured by Audi. This sedan was launched in 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. Audi Q7 is based on Volkswagen group PL71 platform. Audi Q7 was exclusively designed for off road conditions. In 2009 face lift version of Audi Q7 was launched which included some major alterations like new rear and front lights incorporated with LED lighting and optional LED turn indicators. Main highlight of 2011 model are LED head lights with 8 speed star stops and a wraparound tailgate. This model is 110 pounds heavier than its predecessor and available with 21 inch alloy wheel with titanium effect and metallic shades. Audi Q7 may face some tough competition from BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. National base price of 2011 Audi Q7 is around $ 45, 700 which excludes destination charges.
Styles and Trim Level:
2011 Audi Q7 is a full size crossover Sports Utility vehicle which is capable of accommodating seven individuals. This sedan is available with three trim levels which include Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
2011 Audi Q7 Premium trim is offered with 18 inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rear parking sensors, dual zone automatic climate control, power lift gates which include programmable opening angle, automatic wipers, heated eight way power front seats with lumbar adjustment and leather upholstery. Some of the additional features offered with this sedan are split second row seats, tilt and telescopic steering column, auto dimming rear view mirrors, Audi’s Multi media Interface, Bluetooth connectivity and audio system with 11 speakers, console mounted sic CD chargers, satellite radio, single CD player, I-Pod interface and satellite radio. TDI premium model is offered with additional chrome trim and 19 inch wheels.
Audi Q7 Premium Plus trim is offered with xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof, LED running lights, power folding mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirrors, driver seat with memory function, driver seat with memory function, Bose Premium audio system with DVD capability and HD radio and navigation system. This model can also be armored with Warm Weather Package which includes four zone automatic climate control, deep tint panoramic sunroof and manual sunshade for tail gate and rear doors.
2011 Audi Q7 TDI Prestige trim is added with 20 inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, blind spot warning system, adaptive headlights, power tilt and telescopic steering column, warm weather package and ventilated front seats. Audi Q7 3.0T S line Prestige trim is added with some extra features which include 20 inch wheels, super charged V6 engine, head light washers and S line exterior trim and styles. S line accessories are also available with TDI Prestige trim as an optional feature. Some of the optional features available with Prestige trim include adaptive air suspension, adaptive cruise control, 21 inch wheels, Bang and Olufsen Sound system with 14 speakers and S Line package with special interior trim.
Some of the optional features on Audi Q7 are cold weather package, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and Towing Package.
Engine and Performance:
2011 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium and Premium Plus trim is armored with 3.0 L capacity Supercharged V6 engine and Audi Q7 3.0T S line trim is armored with more powerful engine which is capable of generating 333 HP of power and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrain is mated with all wheel drive channel and eight speed automatic gear transmission.
Styles and Trim Level:
2011 Audi Q7 is a full size crossover Sports Utility vehicle which is capable of accommodating seven individuals. This sedan is available with three trim levels which include Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
2011 Audi Q7 Premium trim is offered with 18 inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rear parking sensors, dual zone automatic climate control, power lift gates which include programmable opening angle, automatic wipers, heated eight way power front seats with lumbar adjustment and leather upholstery. Some of the additional features offered with this sedan are split second row seats, tilt and telescopic steering column, auto dimming rear view mirrors, Audi’s Multi media Interface, Bluetooth connectivity and audio system with 11 speakers, console mounted sic CD chargers, satellite radio, single CD player, I-Pod interface and satellite radio. TDI premium model is offered with additional chrome trim and 19 inch wheels.
Audi Q7 Premium Plus trim is offered with xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof, LED running lights, power folding mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirrors, driver seat with memory function, driver seat with memory function, Bose Premium audio system with DVD capability and HD radio and navigation system. This model can also be armored with Warm Weather Package which includes four zone automatic climate control, deep tint panoramic sunroof and manual sunshade for tail gate and rear doors.
2011 Audi Q7 TDI Prestige trim is added with 20 inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, blind spot warning system, adaptive headlights, power tilt and telescopic steering column, warm weather package and ventilated front seats. Audi Q7 3.0T S line Prestige trim is added with some extra features which include 20 inch wheels, super charged V6 engine, head light washers and S line exterior trim and styles. S line accessories are also available with TDI Prestige trim as an optional feature. Some of the optional features available with Prestige trim include adaptive air suspension, adaptive cruise control, 21 inch wheels, Bang and Olufsen Sound system with 14 speakers and S Line package with special interior trim.
Some of the optional features on Audi Q7 are cold weather package, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and Towing Package.
Engine and Performance:
2011 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium and Premium Plus trim is armored with 3.0 L capacity Supercharged V6 engine and Audi Q7 3.0T S line trim is armored with more powerful engine which is capable of generating 333 HP of power and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrain is mated with all wheel drive channel and eight speed automatic gear transmission.
AUDI A1
The braking system with its large-diameter discs (measuring 312 mm across at the front wheels) is more than a match for the drive power. Bred on the racetrack, the system promises outstanding, fade-free stopping power.
The electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive power assistance is also a boon for agile handling. The system boasts optimum steering feel combined with low sensitivity to road surface irregularities and a considerable reduction in energy consumption.
Audi magnetic ride
The shock absorbers cushioning the A1 Sport back concept deploy a highly innovative technology in the form of Audi magnetic ride, which has already made its mark in the Audi R8 high-performance sports car and in the TT. The conventional shock absorbers fluid have been replaced by a magneto-rheological fluid; in which the ride qualities can be controlled by means of an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically by applying a voltage to the electromagnets, ensuring that the appropriate damping forces are available in any driving situation. A computer linked up to a system of sensors interprets the current driving situation with split-second speed, and offers selectable handling or comfort-biassed settings.
Audi drive select with efficiency mode
Dynamic ability and efficiency in the A1 Sportback concept are also enhanced by Audi drive select, which is currently available as an option in the A4, A5 and Q5 ranges. This enables the driver to pre-select one of two specially adapted configurations for the drivetrain, shift characteristics and magnetic ride shock absorbers.
The default setting is the "efficiency" mode. In this mode, the engine and transmission respond gently to use of the accelerator and shift paddles. This setting is ideal for a relaxed driving style, as well as offering tremendous potential for effectively lowering fuel consumption, and therefore emissions.In the "efficiency" mode the Audi A1 Sportback concept can be used for distances of up to 62.14 miles in purely electric mode, and at speeds considerably in excess of 62.14mph thanks to the powerful battery. The combustion engine only cuts in again once battery capacity has dropped to below 20 percent of maximum.
In this mode, the electric motor is not deployed as a source of additional torque; instead it is run selectively as the sole power source to bring about a tangible reduction in consumption. For this purpose, the system makes use of a host of parameters which can be fed to it via the navigation system. In the "efficiency" mode, for example, with a fully charged battery and a distance of less than 31 miles the vehicle is operated in principle on purely electrical power.
The sport mode is designed to produce dynamic yet comfortable driving characteristics. In this mode, the vehicle's electronics also harness the torque available from the electric motor to achieve optimum acceleration along with excellent lateral dynamics.
The electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive power assistance is also a boon for agile handling. The system boasts optimum steering feel combined with low sensitivity to road surface irregularities and a considerable reduction in energy consumption.
Audi magnetic ride
The shock absorbers cushioning the A1 Sport back concept deploy a highly innovative technology in the form of Audi magnetic ride, which has already made its mark in the Audi R8 high-performance sports car and in the TT. The conventional shock absorbers fluid have been replaced by a magneto-rheological fluid; in which the ride qualities can be controlled by means of an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically by applying a voltage to the electromagnets, ensuring that the appropriate damping forces are available in any driving situation. A computer linked up to a system of sensors interprets the current driving situation with split-second speed, and offers selectable handling or comfort-biassed settings.
Audi drive select with efficiency mode
Dynamic ability and efficiency in the A1 Sportback concept are also enhanced by Audi drive select, which is currently available as an option in the A4, A5 and Q5 ranges. This enables the driver to pre-select one of two specially adapted configurations for the drivetrain, shift characteristics and magnetic ride shock absorbers.
The default setting is the "efficiency" mode. In this mode, the engine and transmission respond gently to use of the accelerator and shift paddles. This setting is ideal for a relaxed driving style, as well as offering tremendous potential for effectively lowering fuel consumption, and therefore emissions.In the "efficiency" mode the Audi A1 Sportback concept can be used for distances of up to 62.14 miles in purely electric mode, and at speeds considerably in excess of 62.14mph thanks to the powerful battery. The combustion engine only cuts in again once battery capacity has dropped to below 20 percent of maximum.
In this mode, the electric motor is not deployed as a source of additional torque; instead it is run selectively as the sole power source to bring about a tangible reduction in consumption. For this purpose, the system makes use of a host of parameters which can be fed to it via the navigation system. In the "efficiency" mode, for example, with a fully charged battery and a distance of less than 31 miles the vehicle is operated in principle on purely electrical power.
The sport mode is designed to produce dynamic yet comfortable driving characteristics. In this mode, the vehicle's electronics also harness the torque available from the electric motor to achieve optimum acceleration along with excellent lateral dynamics.
AUDI A3
The Ingolstadt carmaker has also released today the first images and details of the new 2011 Audi A3 Sportback, and of the top of the range 2011 Audi S3 Sportback. The 2011 Audi A3 Sportback will be made available with a total of nine power units five of them gasoline and four diesel. The top of the range 2011 Audi S3 Sportback comes with a 2.0 TFSI engine developing 195 kW (265 hp).
The gasoline versions of the 2011 Audi A3 Sportback are powered by engines ranging from the 1.2 TFSI with 105 hp to the 2.0 TFSI with 200 hp. The diesel TDI range of 2011 Audi A3 Sportback models includes a 1.6 TDI with 90 hp and a 2.0 TDI with 170 hp.
The 2011 Audi A3 Sportback and S3 Sportback price and availability will be announced at a later date. Audi Press Release:
Refined style, agile driving fun and elaborate technology – the Audi A3, the A3 Sportback, the A3 Cabriolet and the S3 are the sporty models in the compact segment. Audi now displays its premium character even more explicitly through new attentive details on both the exterior and the interior.
The sporty elegance of the A3 models is already perfectly expressed in their design; their harmonious styling now acquires a host of new, exclusive touches. The single-frame grille element and the trims on the B-posts are painted in high-gloss black, the lower air inlets have chrome struts, the exterior mirrors are aerodynamically optimized and there are chrome strips in the door handles (except on the S3). At the rear, all A3 versions have a new diffuser insert with eye-catching separating edge, and the rear lights are tinted on the three-door version.
The paint finishes Volcano Red, Dakota Gray, Amethyst Gray and Scuba Blue are also new. There is a new wheel design for the sporty Ambition Send through Y!M E-mail this
2011 Audi A3 S3 Sportback Photos equipment line. The wheels available as options also extend the range. There is now a high-gloss 17-inch wheel in ten-spoke design, and two other new wheels are also available from quattro GmbH: a 17-inch aluminum wheel in a five twin-spoke design and an 18-inch wheel in five-arm rotor design.
Refined style: the interior
The interior of the A3 models is likewise even more exclusive. The key features are dials with a gray background, a flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel complete with trim ring, a new selector lever for the S tronic, black rings on the air vents and a high-gloss trim for the optional navigation system plus. There are gleaming aluminum-look trim inserts on the center console, mirror adjuster switch and window lifter buttons.
Powerful and efficient: the drive train
The engine range for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback is very extensive – it comprises nine power units, five of them gasoline and four diesel. All are cutting-edge turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection units badged as TFSI and TDI. They encapsulate all the strengths of Audi engine technology – performance, refinement, high torque and efficiency. Five of the nine engines also feature in the new A3 Cabriolet, with the most powerful version reserved for the dynamic S3 and S3 Sportback – the 2.0 TFSI developing 195 kW (265 hp).
The entry-level gasoline version is the 1.2 TFSI; it is a prime example of the merits of Audi’s downsizing strategy – prioritizing supercharging ahead of displacement. This four-cylinder power unit develops an ample 77 kW (105 hp) from a swept volume of 1,197 cm3 and generates a hefty 175 Nm of torque (129.07 lb-ft), yet averages just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (42.77 US mpg). The most powerful spark ignition engine for the A3 and A3 Sportback is the 2.0 TFSI with an output of 147 kW (200 hp). It is trumped only by the 2.0 TFSI on 195 kW (265 hp), which is reserved exclusively for the S3 versions.
The TDI range extends from the 1.6 TDI developing 66 kW (90 hp) to the 2.0 TDI, with an output of 125 kW (170 hp). The most efficient engine version in the car line – and one of the most efficient compact models on the market – is the A3 1.6 TDI developing 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. It is available in three different versions, the most economical of which is an A3 three-door version averaging 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (61.90 US mpg). In-detail modifications to the body and running gear contribute towards this excellent figure, which equates to CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per km (159.33 g/mile).
Audi fits a start-stop system including energy recovery on five engines in the three-door A3 and the Sportback – the 1.2 TFSI, the 1.4 TFSI, the 1.6 TDI developing 77 kW (105 hp), and the two 2.0 TDI versions with outputs of 103 kW and 125 kW (140 hp and 170 hp). In a new departure for compact cars, it is irrelevant whether a manual transmission or the S tronic dual-clutch transmission is fitted. It proves a big advantage in city traffic – it deactivates the engine while stationary and restarts it when the clutch is pressed or, on S tronic versions, the brake pedal released.
An energy recovery system that captures the energy released during braking is a standard feature of the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) engine and the 1.8 TFSI.
The range of transmission technologies is equally very diverse. Most engines in the A3 car line come with six-speed manual transmission as standard; Audi can also supply the lightning-fast, extremely convenient S tronic in conjunction with many of its engines. It is fitted as standard with steering wheel shift paddles on the Ambition equipment line and S3. Depending on engine version, the dual-clutch transmission has six or seven speeds. The seven-speed version operates with dry clutches; the absence of an oil supply improves the transmission’s efficiency yet further.
The option of power transmission to all four wheels likewise underscores the exceptional position that the Audi A3 enjoys in the premium compact class. Audi supplies quattro permanent all-wheel drive for four engine versions. The Cabriolet is the exception; on the other hand, quattro drive is standard on the S3 and S3 Sportback. Its electronic-control multi-plate clutch, mounted on the rear axle for a balanced weight distribution, apportions most of the engine’s power to the front wheels in normal driving conditions. If need be, it diverts drive torque swiftly and adaptably to the rear wheels.
Smartly sporty: the running gear
The running gear of the A3 car line combines a sporty character with superb safety and high comfort. Its precision and poise stem from technically elaborate solutions such as four-link rear suspension, which handles longitudinal and transverse forces independently, and the electromechanical power steering, which is as responsive as it is efficient.
On all versions with front-wheel drive, the ESP electronic stabilization program incorporates an electronic differential lock. When close to the limits of handling on bends, this intelligent software solution manages how the drive torque is distributed among the wheels by small, barely detectable brake applications. These suppress any understeering, improve traction and further enhance driving safety.
For the engines developing 103 kW (140 hp) and upwards, except on the Cabriolet, Audi supplies the adaptive damper control system Audi magnetic ride, which exploits the properties of an electromagnetic fluid. The dampers can be set for a comfortable or sporty characteristic. Within the parameters, the system adjusts the damping forces in milliseconds depending on the road conditions and the driver's style. The body sits 15 millimeters (0.59 in) lower with this system. There are also the options of conventional sports suspension and the supple S line sports suspension from quattro GmbH. The S3 comes complete with specially tuned 25 mm (0.98 in) lower S sports suspension.
Extensive: the equipment
The improved models in the A3 family will be arriving at dealers in the early summer. Their extensive range of high-end options demonstrates their high technological caliber. These include the dynamic cornering light system adaptive light for the xenon plus headlamps, the high-beam assistant and the navigation system plus with MMI operating logic. It calculates routes particularly fast, has a higher resolution and features three-dimensional map graphics.
The parking assistant is another very attractive feature. When driving at slow speeds (up to 30 km/h, 18.64 miles) its ultrasound sensors scan the parking spaces parallel with the road; when it detects one that is large enough to reverse into, it then indicates this in the instrument cluster. All the driver need do is engage reverse and operate the accelerator, clutch and brakes – the car maneuvers independently and precisely into the space.
The gasoline versions of the 2011 Audi A3 Sportback are powered by engines ranging from the 1.2 TFSI with 105 hp to the 2.0 TFSI with 200 hp. The diesel TDI range of 2011 Audi A3 Sportback models includes a 1.6 TDI with 90 hp and a 2.0 TDI with 170 hp.
The 2011 Audi A3 Sportback and S3 Sportback price and availability will be announced at a later date. Audi Press Release:
Refined style, agile driving fun and elaborate technology – the Audi A3, the A3 Sportback, the A3 Cabriolet and the S3 are the sporty models in the compact segment. Audi now displays its premium character even more explicitly through new attentive details on both the exterior and the interior.
The sporty elegance of the A3 models is already perfectly expressed in their design; their harmonious styling now acquires a host of new, exclusive touches. The single-frame grille element and the trims on the B-posts are painted in high-gloss black, the lower air inlets have chrome struts, the exterior mirrors are aerodynamically optimized and there are chrome strips in the door handles (except on the S3). At the rear, all A3 versions have a new diffuser insert with eye-catching separating edge, and the rear lights are tinted on the three-door version.
The paint finishes Volcano Red, Dakota Gray, Amethyst Gray and Scuba Blue are also new. There is a new wheel design for the sporty Ambition Send through Y!M E-mail this
2011 Audi A3 S3 Sportback Photos equipment line. The wheels available as options also extend the range. There is now a high-gloss 17-inch wheel in ten-spoke design, and two other new wheels are also available from quattro GmbH: a 17-inch aluminum wheel in a five twin-spoke design and an 18-inch wheel in five-arm rotor design.
Refined style: the interior
The interior of the A3 models is likewise even more exclusive. The key features are dials with a gray background, a flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel complete with trim ring, a new selector lever for the S tronic, black rings on the air vents and a high-gloss trim for the optional navigation system plus. There are gleaming aluminum-look trim inserts on the center console, mirror adjuster switch and window lifter buttons.
Powerful and efficient: the drive train
The engine range for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback is very extensive – it comprises nine power units, five of them gasoline and four diesel. All are cutting-edge turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection units badged as TFSI and TDI. They encapsulate all the strengths of Audi engine technology – performance, refinement, high torque and efficiency. Five of the nine engines also feature in the new A3 Cabriolet, with the most powerful version reserved for the dynamic S3 and S3 Sportback – the 2.0 TFSI developing 195 kW (265 hp).
The entry-level gasoline version is the 1.2 TFSI; it is a prime example of the merits of Audi’s downsizing strategy – prioritizing supercharging ahead of displacement. This four-cylinder power unit develops an ample 77 kW (105 hp) from a swept volume of 1,197 cm3 and generates a hefty 175 Nm of torque (129.07 lb-ft), yet averages just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (42.77 US mpg). The most powerful spark ignition engine for the A3 and A3 Sportback is the 2.0 TFSI with an output of 147 kW (200 hp). It is trumped only by the 2.0 TFSI on 195 kW (265 hp), which is reserved exclusively for the S3 versions.
The TDI range extends from the 1.6 TDI developing 66 kW (90 hp) to the 2.0 TDI, with an output of 125 kW (170 hp). The most efficient engine version in the car line – and one of the most efficient compact models on the market – is the A3 1.6 TDI developing 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. It is available in three different versions, the most economical of which is an A3 three-door version averaging 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (61.90 US mpg). In-detail modifications to the body and running gear contribute towards this excellent figure, which equates to CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per km (159.33 g/mile).
Audi fits a start-stop system including energy recovery on five engines in the three-door A3 and the Sportback – the 1.2 TFSI, the 1.4 TFSI, the 1.6 TDI developing 77 kW (105 hp), and the two 2.0 TDI versions with outputs of 103 kW and 125 kW (140 hp and 170 hp). In a new departure for compact cars, it is irrelevant whether a manual transmission or the S tronic dual-clutch transmission is fitted. It proves a big advantage in city traffic – it deactivates the engine while stationary and restarts it when the clutch is pressed or, on S tronic versions, the brake pedal released.
An energy recovery system that captures the energy released during braking is a standard feature of the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) engine and the 1.8 TFSI.
The range of transmission technologies is equally very diverse. Most engines in the A3 car line come with six-speed manual transmission as standard; Audi can also supply the lightning-fast, extremely convenient S tronic in conjunction with many of its engines. It is fitted as standard with steering wheel shift paddles on the Ambition equipment line and S3. Depending on engine version, the dual-clutch transmission has six or seven speeds. The seven-speed version operates with dry clutches; the absence of an oil supply improves the transmission’s efficiency yet further.
The option of power transmission to all four wheels likewise underscores the exceptional position that the Audi A3 enjoys in the premium compact class. Audi supplies quattro permanent all-wheel drive for four engine versions. The Cabriolet is the exception; on the other hand, quattro drive is standard on the S3 and S3 Sportback. Its electronic-control multi-plate clutch, mounted on the rear axle for a balanced weight distribution, apportions most of the engine’s power to the front wheels in normal driving conditions. If need be, it diverts drive torque swiftly and adaptably to the rear wheels.
Smartly sporty: the running gear
The running gear of the A3 car line combines a sporty character with superb safety and high comfort. Its precision and poise stem from technically elaborate solutions such as four-link rear suspension, which handles longitudinal and transverse forces independently, and the electromechanical power steering, which is as responsive as it is efficient.
On all versions with front-wheel drive, the ESP electronic stabilization program incorporates an electronic differential lock. When close to the limits of handling on bends, this intelligent software solution manages how the drive torque is distributed among the wheels by small, barely detectable brake applications. These suppress any understeering, improve traction and further enhance driving safety.
For the engines developing 103 kW (140 hp) and upwards, except on the Cabriolet, Audi supplies the adaptive damper control system Audi magnetic ride, which exploits the properties of an electromagnetic fluid. The dampers can be set for a comfortable or sporty characteristic. Within the parameters, the system adjusts the damping forces in milliseconds depending on the road conditions and the driver's style. The body sits 15 millimeters (0.59 in) lower with this system. There are also the options of conventional sports suspension and the supple S line sports suspension from quattro GmbH. The S3 comes complete with specially tuned 25 mm (0.98 in) lower S sports suspension.
Extensive: the equipment
The improved models in the A3 family will be arriving at dealers in the early summer. Their extensive range of high-end options demonstrates their high technological caliber. These include the dynamic cornering light system adaptive light for the xenon plus headlamps, the high-beam assistant and the navigation system plus with MMI operating logic. It calculates routes particularly fast, has a higher resolution and features three-dimensional map graphics.
The parking assistant is another very attractive feature. When driving at slow speeds (up to 30 km/h, 18.64 miles) its ultrasound sensors scan the parking spaces parallel with the road; when it detects one that is large enough to reverse into, it then indicates this in the instrument cluster. All the driver need do is engage reverse and operate the accelerator, clutch and brakes – the car maneuvers independently and precisely into the space.
AUDI A4
The 2011 Audi A4 ranks 9 out of 21 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 23 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A4, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2011 Audi A4 is a viable alternative to the more-expensive BMW 3-series. It has an upscale, simple interior that ranks at the top of the class, and provides a fun ride that spices up daily commutes.
Audi refreshed the A4 in 2009. Two model years later, the 2011 Audi A4 has experienced few changes. For 2011, Audi gives the A4 an eight-speed triptonic automatic transmission with manual shift control and shifts amenities on the Prestige trim. Combined with its Quattro all-wheel drive system -- which Audi says more than 80 percent of buyers choose -- the 2011 Audi A4 corners aggressively and but can also be a quiet commuter.
While reviewers love this car’s appearance inside and out, Audi’s engine selection puzzles them: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The Audi A4 isn’t underpowered by any means, but in a segment where the competition has six cylinders, the Audi A4 will never be a top-notch driver. “The Audi A4 has never really been known for its performance,” Edmunds says. “Instead it has been (and continues to be) a car defined by a high-quality interior, one that’s typically the benchmark in its class.”
Even if the engine isn’t what it could be, the 2011 Audi A4 has a lot going for it. Fuel economy is great, and although its fuel ratings dropped a bit from last year, the A4 is still one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in the class. Audi says drivers should average 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. And since the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2010 Audi A4 a “2010 Top Safety Pick,” drivers should feel just as safe driving the 2011 model because there are few significant changes.
The 2011 Audi A4 is the largest sedan -- and one of the most affordable -- among Upscale Midsize Cars. Buyers who want an upscale car, but are afraid of $33,000-plus price tags can settle for the pocket-book-friendly, but snazzy A4. However, the Audi A4's price can climb north of $40K with all of the options -- so don’t get carried away when choosing them.
Other Cars to Consider There are a number of alternatives to the 2011 Audi A4 that are solid drivers and offer both all-wheel drive and luxury. The BMW 3-Series is a class favorite, but it is also more expensive. Starting around $33,000, the BMW 3-Series has earned a reputation as the best sport sedan for its balanced handling, powerful engines, and a classy interior that’s fitted with advanced electronics. Like the 2011 A4, the BMW 3-Series has optional all-wheel drive starting at $35,150. Also consider the Infiniti G37. This option, however, makes the G37 pricier. It starts at about $36,000.
Audi A4: The Details The 2011 A4 comes as a sedan and an Avant wagon. Both models have the same trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Avant offers more cargo space. This wagon is reviewed separately, and costs about $4,000 more than the sedan. The A4 Cabriolet convertible has been dropped from the lineup and replaced with the sportier A5 Cabriolet.
The 2011 Audi A4 is a viable alternative to the more-expensive BMW 3-series. It has an upscale, simple interior that ranks at the top of the class, and provides a fun ride that spices up daily commutes.
Audi refreshed the A4 in 2009. Two model years later, the 2011 Audi A4 has experienced few changes. For 2011, Audi gives the A4 an eight-speed triptonic automatic transmission with manual shift control and shifts amenities on the Prestige trim. Combined with its Quattro all-wheel drive system -- which Audi says more than 80 percent of buyers choose -- the 2011 Audi A4 corners aggressively and but can also be a quiet commuter.
While reviewers love this car’s appearance inside and out, Audi’s engine selection puzzles them: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The Audi A4 isn’t underpowered by any means, but in a segment where the competition has six cylinders, the Audi A4 will never be a top-notch driver. “The Audi A4 has never really been known for its performance,” Edmunds says. “Instead it has been (and continues to be) a car defined by a high-quality interior, one that’s typically the benchmark in its class.”
Even if the engine isn’t what it could be, the 2011 Audi A4 has a lot going for it. Fuel economy is great, and although its fuel ratings dropped a bit from last year, the A4 is still one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in the class. Audi says drivers should average 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. And since the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2010 Audi A4 a “2010 Top Safety Pick,” drivers should feel just as safe driving the 2011 model because there are few significant changes.
The 2011 Audi A4 is the largest sedan -- and one of the most affordable -- among Upscale Midsize Cars. Buyers who want an upscale car, but are afraid of $33,000-plus price tags can settle for the pocket-book-friendly, but snazzy A4. However, the Audi A4's price can climb north of $40K with all of the options -- so don’t get carried away when choosing them.
Other Cars to Consider There are a number of alternatives to the 2011 Audi A4 that are solid drivers and offer both all-wheel drive and luxury. The BMW 3-Series is a class favorite, but it is also more expensive. Starting around $33,000, the BMW 3-Series has earned a reputation as the best sport sedan for its balanced handling, powerful engines, and a classy interior that’s fitted with advanced electronics. Like the 2011 A4, the BMW 3-Series has optional all-wheel drive starting at $35,150. Also consider the Infiniti G37. This option, however, makes the G37 pricier. It starts at about $36,000.
Audi A4: The Details The 2011 A4 comes as a sedan and an Avant wagon. Both models have the same trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Avant offers more cargo space. This wagon is reviewed separately, and costs about $4,000 more than the sedan. The A4 Cabriolet convertible has been dropped from the lineup and replaced with the sportier A5 Cabriolet.
- "It delivers on all of the promises an entry-level luxury car should. It's opulent inside. It's quick and comes with scads of new technology."-- Detroit News
- "The A4 feels like an A8 luxury cruiser that has fallen into a shrinking ray. It's not like the franchise was in danger, but the A4 saves it anyway." -- Los Angeles Times
- "It can't match the raw speed of most of its rivals, but it has a classy interior, excellent handling, and plenty of pep for most owners. It also has better fuel economy (the base model gets 30 miles to the gallon on the highway and 23 mpg in the city) because it's one of the few compact luxury cars offered with a four-cylinder engine. And you can always pay more and get the A4 with all-wheel drive and a powerful six-cylinder engine." -- BusinessWeek
- "At its core, the A4 is still the sport sedan that many enthusiasts love, and the new larger, more mature sedan is now even better prepared to take on its Mercedes-Benz and BMW rivals." -- Motor Trend
- "It's a passionately pragmatic and stylish choice for those clients who find the [BMW] 3-series too cramped and boisterous and the [Mercedes] C-class too conservative in appearance and ability." -- Automobile Magazine
- "I used to drive an A4 from the late '90s, and loved it. But this fourth-generation car is like the college rule-breaker that you run into a few years later: he's climbing the ladder at his law firm, wearing suspenders and drinking single-malt Scotch. If you hang with him now, you'd better reach for your wallet. For the A4, a car that was distinctive and special in the low $30,000 range becomes a trickier proposition as the price soars past $40,000. Buyers had better believe Audi's pitch about the A4 being in Mercedes's league, because the prices certainly are." -- New York Times
AUDI A5
Audi is the first car company in the U.S. to sell 100 percent of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology beginning with model year 2010. In 2000, Audi began racing with FSI direct injection technology in the R8 FSI prototype race car at Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series. Since this technology became available for U.S. consumers in late 2004 with the introduction of the 2005 A6 3.2 FSI, the list of Audi vehicles with FSI direct injection technology has continued to grow.
After gaining immediate traction for its beautiful design, the Audi A5 went on to establish itself as a leader in the luxury performance coupe segment. With bold and easily identifiable design language, the A5 conveys a sense of power and finesse that has become synonymous with the Audi brand.
With an overall length of 182.1 inches, the 2010 A5 affords both driver and passengers unmatched interior space, even in the back seats. Extensive use of high-quality materials and a bevy of high-tech driving aids and convenience options continue to make the A5 a benchmark of the class.
Countless hours of research and development as well as a firm commitment to innovative technologies enable the A5 to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. A refined suspension built on a lifetime of racing experience delivers a ride that manages to be both comfortable and capable, offering up the world class handling and razor-sharp response buyers have come to demand from their Audi cars.
The Design: Emotion in Metal
Arguably the definitive Audi design of recent years, the A5 presents a low and muscular physique, with an extended roofline and sharply carved contours guiding the eye along its sleek shape. Capitalizing on the styling elements that define a sports coupe, the A5 exudes performance and elegance with a tall shoulder line and steeply raked windshield. The instantly identifiable Audi single-frame grille dominates the front of the car, while purposeful LED taillights illuminate the rear.
The Interior: Specifically Tailored
The 2010 A5 boasts an ergonomic interior designed around driver and passenger comfort. Audi has taken an even greater focus on attractive shapes and precision workmanship to create a space as gorgeous as it is functional. With high-quality leather and rich materials assembled together to the strictest tolerance, it is immediately obvious that there has been no cost spared in interior luxury.
Comfortable sports seats provide ample support, and a driver-oriented center console serves host to an exquisitely designed interface, as well as Audi’s industry benchmark third-generation Multimedia Interface (MMI®). The MMI screen is located high on the dashboard to facilitate reading and minimize the amount of time spent looking away from the road. The driver also is treated to a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and brilliant, easy to read gauges.
The Engines: Powerful and Efficient
Engine options for the 2010 Audi A5 begin with a 2.0 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder offering. With a sturdy cast-iron block and efficient aluminum cylinder head, the 2.0 TFSI delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi uses direct-injection technology and Audi Valvelift System to increase the efficiency of the 2.0 TFSI, and, as a result, the engine manages up to 30 mpg highway in an A5 equipped with a manual transmission. Perhaps more importantly, the addition of the 2.0 TFSI to the A5 line in 2010 makes the brilliant coupe even more affordable than before, lowering the price point by a full $4,700.
Unlike traditional fuel systems, FSI direct injection works by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber, instead of the engine intake runners. The advanced process ensures a more complete burn, diminishing waste and increasing power. FSI-equipped engines also are able to take advantage of a significantly higher compression ratio and cylinder pressure, thus fully atomizing fuel and optimizing turbocharger and supercharger boost response as well as efficiency.
All A5 coupe models come equipped with the unmatched surefootedness of quattro all-wheel drive and a number of gearbox solutions, depending on engine choice. Buyers opting for the efficient 2.0 TFSI engine may choose among a six-speed manual transmission an Audi Tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox. The Tiptronic transmission provides drivers with the ease of an automatic but with the added option of manual gear choice if the need or desire arises. Both options afford buyers the choice of capable, smooth and sporty gearboxes fitting with Audi’s dedication to performance.
.
More from Audi: Options
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Premium $36,000
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Premium Plus $39,500
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Prestige $44,300
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Premium $37,200
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Premium Plus $40,700
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Prestige $45,500
The A5 2.0T Premium includes Electronic Stability Protection®, four-wheel Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution and Brake Assist (an emergency braking system that can dramatically increase brake force). Servotronic® power steering also automatically varies the level of steering assist based on vehicle speed.
Outside, the A5 2.0T Premium has heated exterior mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, a tilting panoramic sunroof and halogen headlights. The interior of the coupe is fitted with a three spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with a manual tilt/telescoping steering column. Leather seating surfaces offer uninhibited luxury, and an automatic climate control system keeps the cabin comfortable. A central locking system, power windows with one-touch up/down and cruise control all offer added convenience.
Both the A5 2.0T Premium Plus add Audi xenon-plus headlights with LED daytime running lights to the impressive list of features on the A5 2.0T Premium. LED taillights also are standard. Three-zone automatic climate control replaces the single-zone unit found on Premium cars, and six-step heated front seats make the interior comfortable. Audi music interface with iPod® integration becomes standard, as does Bluetooth® hands free and HomeLink® garage door opener. The A5 2.0T Premium Plus also benefit from rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlights.
The 2010 A5 2.0T Prestige on the equipment found in the Premium Plus package. An advanced memory function custom tailors the mirrors, seat and steering wheel position for the driver, and a new advanced key system allows the driver to lock, unlock and start the vehicle without ever removing the key from his or her pocket. Audi navigation with third-generation MMI® also is standard equipment on Prestige models and includes hard drive navigation, two SD® cards for external media and SIRIUS® satellite radio. A Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker, 505 watt sound system replaces the 10-speaker unit found on Premium Plus models, and voice-control for phone and navigation become standard as well.
A number of additional packages are available to help buyers create the perfect A5. Those include a Navigation plus package, available on Premium Plus models, which includes third generation MMI® with voice control, rearview camera and back up sensors. A 19-inch sport package, available on the A5 2.0T Premium Plus and A5 2.0T Prestige provides unique wheels with summer tires, a sport suspension and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Audi drive select is also available on Prestige models and allows the driver to select from several performance and handling profiles at the push of a button. Adjusting damping and engine and transmission parameters occurs in milliseconds, Audi drive select has a profound effect on the driving characteristics of the coupe, and MMI® equipped vehicles now incorporate drive select individual, a custom a driving profile.
Warranty
The Audi A5 is backed by a new vehicle limited warranty that includes:
· Four-year/50,000 mile limited new vehicle warranty
· 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation
· 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line-up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. Visit www.audiusa.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
“quattro” and “Tiptronic” are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
After gaining immediate traction for its beautiful design, the Audi A5 went on to establish itself as a leader in the luxury performance coupe segment. With bold and easily identifiable design language, the A5 conveys a sense of power and finesse that has become synonymous with the Audi brand.
With an overall length of 182.1 inches, the 2010 A5 affords both driver and passengers unmatched interior space, even in the back seats. Extensive use of high-quality materials and a bevy of high-tech driving aids and convenience options continue to make the A5 a benchmark of the class.
Countless hours of research and development as well as a firm commitment to innovative technologies enable the A5 to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. A refined suspension built on a lifetime of racing experience delivers a ride that manages to be both comfortable and capable, offering up the world class handling and razor-sharp response buyers have come to demand from their Audi cars.
The Design: Emotion in Metal
Arguably the definitive Audi design of recent years, the A5 presents a low and muscular physique, with an extended roofline and sharply carved contours guiding the eye along its sleek shape. Capitalizing on the styling elements that define a sports coupe, the A5 exudes performance and elegance with a tall shoulder line and steeply raked windshield. The instantly identifiable Audi single-frame grille dominates the front of the car, while purposeful LED taillights illuminate the rear.
The Interior: Specifically Tailored
The 2010 A5 boasts an ergonomic interior designed around driver and passenger comfort. Audi has taken an even greater focus on attractive shapes and precision workmanship to create a space as gorgeous as it is functional. With high-quality leather and rich materials assembled together to the strictest tolerance, it is immediately obvious that there has been no cost spared in interior luxury.
Comfortable sports seats provide ample support, and a driver-oriented center console serves host to an exquisitely designed interface, as well as Audi’s industry benchmark third-generation Multimedia Interface (MMI®). The MMI screen is located high on the dashboard to facilitate reading and minimize the amount of time spent looking away from the road. The driver also is treated to a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and brilliant, easy to read gauges.
The Engines: Powerful and Efficient
Engine options for the 2010 Audi A5 begin with a 2.0 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder offering. With a sturdy cast-iron block and efficient aluminum cylinder head, the 2.0 TFSI delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi uses direct-injection technology and Audi Valvelift System to increase the efficiency of the 2.0 TFSI, and, as a result, the engine manages up to 30 mpg highway in an A5 equipped with a manual transmission. Perhaps more importantly, the addition of the 2.0 TFSI to the A5 line in 2010 makes the brilliant coupe even more affordable than before, lowering the price point by a full $4,700.
Unlike traditional fuel systems, FSI direct injection works by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber, instead of the engine intake runners. The advanced process ensures a more complete burn, diminishing waste and increasing power. FSI-equipped engines also are able to take advantage of a significantly higher compression ratio and cylinder pressure, thus fully atomizing fuel and optimizing turbocharger and supercharger boost response as well as efficiency.
All A5 coupe models come equipped with the unmatched surefootedness of quattro all-wheel drive and a number of gearbox solutions, depending on engine choice. Buyers opting for the efficient 2.0 TFSI engine may choose among a six-speed manual transmission an Audi Tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox. The Tiptronic transmission provides drivers with the ease of an automatic but with the added option of manual gear choice if the need or desire arises. Both options afford buyers the choice of capable, smooth and sporty gearboxes fitting with Audi’s dedication to performance.
.
More from Audi: Options
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Premium $36,000
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Premium Plus $39,500
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Manual) Prestige $44,300
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Premium $37,200
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Premium Plus $40,700
A5 2.0T quattro Coupe (Tiptronic) Prestige $45,500
The A5 2.0T Premium includes Electronic Stability Protection®, four-wheel Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution and Brake Assist (an emergency braking system that can dramatically increase brake force). Servotronic® power steering also automatically varies the level of steering assist based on vehicle speed.
Outside, the A5 2.0T Premium has heated exterior mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, a tilting panoramic sunroof and halogen headlights. The interior of the coupe is fitted with a three spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with a manual tilt/telescoping steering column. Leather seating surfaces offer uninhibited luxury, and an automatic climate control system keeps the cabin comfortable. A central locking system, power windows with one-touch up/down and cruise control all offer added convenience.
Both the A5 2.0T Premium Plus add Audi xenon-plus headlights with LED daytime running lights to the impressive list of features on the A5 2.0T Premium. LED taillights also are standard. Three-zone automatic climate control replaces the single-zone unit found on Premium cars, and six-step heated front seats make the interior comfortable. Audi music interface with iPod® integration becomes standard, as does Bluetooth® hands free and HomeLink® garage door opener. The A5 2.0T Premium Plus also benefit from rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlights.
The 2010 A5 2.0T Prestige on the equipment found in the Premium Plus package. An advanced memory function custom tailors the mirrors, seat and steering wheel position for the driver, and a new advanced key system allows the driver to lock, unlock and start the vehicle without ever removing the key from his or her pocket. Audi navigation with third-generation MMI® also is standard equipment on Prestige models and includes hard drive navigation, two SD® cards for external media and SIRIUS® satellite radio. A Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker, 505 watt sound system replaces the 10-speaker unit found on Premium Plus models, and voice-control for phone and navigation become standard as well.
A number of additional packages are available to help buyers create the perfect A5. Those include a Navigation plus package, available on Premium Plus models, which includes third generation MMI® with voice control, rearview camera and back up sensors. A 19-inch sport package, available on the A5 2.0T Premium Plus and A5 2.0T Prestige provides unique wheels with summer tires, a sport suspension and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Audi drive select is also available on Prestige models and allows the driver to select from several performance and handling profiles at the push of a button. Adjusting damping and engine and transmission parameters occurs in milliseconds, Audi drive select has a profound effect on the driving characteristics of the coupe, and MMI® equipped vehicles now incorporate drive select individual, a custom a driving profile.
Warranty
The Audi A5 is backed by a new vehicle limited warranty that includes:
· Four-year/50,000 mile limited new vehicle warranty
· 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation
· 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line-up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. Visit www.audiusa.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
“quattro” and “Tiptronic” are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
