Congratulations to Richard Rolfe and the team at Audi Centre Canberra for winning their fourth consecutive trophy at the Audi Mark of Excellence Awards for 2010.
The Canberra dealership claimed the Metropolitan Dealer of the Year award for the second time in a row, following wins in the Provincial category in 2007 and 2008.
Full details from Audi after the break.
Word filtering through to AUSmotive says the 136kW Audi A1 1.4 TFSI will be priced around the $45,000 mark. A local launch is not too far away, either. After our Drive Thru in the 90kW A1 we discovered it is a ripping little car, albeit, a little hamstrung by its expensive price. The hottest A1 to date looks like continuing the trend.
So, mid 40s for an A1; compared to a MINI Cooper S, maybe it makes some sense. Maybe? Compared to a Golf GTI and its slightly larger hot hatch ilk, well, that begins to paint a much tougher picture for the A1. It’s also a lot more costly than its keenly priced Volkswagen Polo GTI cousin. But then, we can’t see wait lists of over 12 months afflicting the A1.
At the end of last year we said Audi had no plans for a B8-based RS4. Well, thankfully, this pic, showing what appears to be an RS4 testing at the Nürburgring, indicates that info was incorrect.
If those wheels look familiar that’s because you’ve seen them on the RS5 coupé. Essentially, the test mule you see here will be the estate version of the RS5. It’s expected the same 4.2 litre V8 will be used, and of course, you can expect the same quattro running gear. There are reports around hinting at a blown 3.0 litre V6, adapted from the current S4, or even a new twin-turbo V8. However, we reckon the 331kW 4.2 is your best bet.
It will be interesting to see if the RS4 is offered with a traditional manual transmission, or if Audi will limit it to a 7-speed S tronic.
Dates are unclear for the possible launch of a new RS4, but we could see the car as soon as mid next year. All we know is, since there hasn’t been an RS4 built since 2008, the wait has been far too long.
[Source: Autoblog | Pic: CarPix]
Good news for fans of Audi’s RS models with word coming through the next-gen RS6 will be here sooner, rather than later.
With BMW’s next M5 due for a debut showing next month, it’s understood Audi is itching to get the RS6 into showrooms late next year.
The previous RS6 may not have been the sharpest tool in the handling shed, but it made its point on power with the subtlety of a well handled sledgehammer. All thanks to a boosted 5.2 litre V10 good for a stonking 426kW.
We don’t expect Audi will go to the well twice with the V10 and, like BMW, it looks like the RS6 will force feed a smaller capacity V8 to provide the thrills. Amazingly, the 426kW figure from the old model is in real danger with reports of 447kW (600hp) floating about.
[Source: De Telegraaf via World Car Fans]
Audi Australia has just launched the A7 Sportback down under. There’s two models on offer, both using V6 engines. The 180kW 3.0 TDI quattro is priced from $142,750, while the 220kW 3.0 TFSI quattro starts at $147,800.
Despite the size of the A7 Sportback—4969mm long and 1911mm wide—it’s strictly a four-seater. Although, looking at the rear bench seat, you could easily squeeze in another seat belt to accommodate five people. But that’s generally not the way these luxo four-door “coupés” work.
As far as that coupé styling goes, the A7 Sportback is one of the better executions out there. Its proportions are pleasing to the eye and there’s well executed details inside and out. We’re very much looking forward to driving an A7 to see if the tangible experience matches the visual.
The A7 Sportback is fitted standard with Audi’s familiar 7-speed S tronic transmission and the quattro all-wheel drive system uses the same crown-gear centre diff from the RS5.
It’s got promising pace too. Reaching 100km/h takes 6.5 seconds in the turbo diesel, while the supercharged petrol sipper takes just 5.6 seconds.
After the break you’ll have access to a few more pics as well as a full suite of press material from Audi Australia.
UPDATE: Over 40 new pics have now been added below.
Is this love that I’m feeling
Is this the love that I’ve been searching for…
No, it’s not that sort of soft metal. However, a number of Audi workers do find themselves feeling the love for soft metal in this latest ad for the company’s new A6. It’s all done to promote the car’s “Aluminium hybrid body”.
At the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month Audi revealed its design direction for the third generation A3. The A3 concept is quite a smart looking design, and the first time we’ve seen an official sedan version of the A3.
However, it’s the hatchback market on which the A3 has cut its teeth, so we thank self-described “automotive manipulator” Theophilus Chin for creating these renderings of what the next five-door Sportback might look like. He’s also had a crack at a production version of the new A3 sedan.
On first impressions, Theo’s A3 Sportback looks first class. If Audi nails their design as well as this they’ll continue to lead the charge in the premium compact segment.
[Source: Theophilus Chin]
Word via WorldCarFans suggests Audi has a more powerful TT RS in the works, called the TT RS Plus. Currently the 2.5 litre inline five turbo in the regular TT RS produces 250kW (340PS). According to a screen grab from an Audi parts catalogue (see below) the TT RS Plus, still with a 2.5 litre five cylinder engine, will produce 265kW (360PS). Further information reveals the TT RS Plus will start production in May this year.
It’s possible that Audi may also shed some weight from the TT RS Plus, as it did with the R8 GT. We can only hope that speculation proves correct.
Nothing official from Audi just yet, but when we know more we’ll let you know.
[Source: WorldCarFans | Screen grab: qarsi.de]
Autocar has just filed its first drive report on the 250kW five-pot Audi RS3. It’s the TT RS for the family buyer, with four doors and reasonable boot space. However, it’s heavier than the TT RS and expected to be less lively.
Here’s a sample of what Autocar reviewer Mike Duff had to say:
“Dynamically the net result is a car that always delivers empirically, but only sometimes emotionally. Let’s start by saying that—out of the box—the RS3 is going to be one of the quickest cars you’ll fire at any chosen backroad.
“But yes, there’s a but—the steering still lacks much in the way of ultimate communication, faithfully conveying inputs, but under hard loadings offering a strangely synthesized feedback in return. On the plus side, it feels both lighter on its feet and more agile than its TT-RS cousin—and it’s also seven grand cheaper.”
More agile than the TT RS? Well, that is a good sign, even if Duff reckons the RS3 lacks emotional appeal. Audi UK has already sold its allocation of 500 cars, as well. Which, sadly, is 500 more cars than we’ll be seeing in Australia.
We enjoyed our test of the TT RS very much, so lament the fact we won’t get the opportunity to drive the RS3 on local soil.
Make sure you follow the link below and read the full review.
[Source: Autocar]
In addition to the still images of its new Audi A3 concept, the Inglostadt company has released this video footage as well. Make sure you check out the funky lighting systems. That aftermarket pod-style air intake is also interesting to see in a show car like this.
After today’s earlier leak Audi has released official details of its A3 concept. The new sedan is a progression of the chassis and engine technology found in the RS3 Sportback. It features a 300kW/500Nm 2.5 litre five cylinder engine, mated to a 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system.
The A3 “nothcback” measures 4.44m long (260mm shorter than a current A4), 1.84m wide and a sleek 1.39m high. It sits on a 2.63m wheelbase, which Audi say is class leading (assuming bigger is better). The front suspension utilises a MacPherson configuration, while employing an independent four-link set up at the rear.
Aerodynamic features include a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic front spoiler, including a splitter to aid downforce. Other notable aspects include the distinctive LED lighting and the trick door handles, which pop out when touched.
This new concept previews the new design language for the third generation A3, which will, for the first time, be sold in a sedan configuration, from 2013. The usual hatch and cabrio versions will be released in 2012.
More pics and detail from Audi after the break.
Last week Audi teased us with sketches of an A3 notchback concept and announced it would be unveiled at Geneva. Today, ahead of its official debut, four pictures have been leaked.
Using a TT RS-inspired drivetrain, including a tweaked 300kW five cylinder engine, the concept has the go to match its good looks. Expect the claimed figures to read 4.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash, despite a somewhat lardy 1540kg kerb weight.
We’ll have the official word from Audi once they hit upload.
[Source: World Car Fans]