Tag: Sportback

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Audi

2012 Audi A3 revealed in sketch form

Audi A3 sketch

Five sketches have emerged detailing the look of the new Audi A3 hatch and sedan. Next year the third generation A3 hatch will be released; it will be the first model built on the platform which will underpin the Golf VII and many other Volkswagen Group products. In 2013 the A3 sedan will follow, which we know will be launched in the US and Germany. We can only assume the sedan model will reach other markets, but this is yet to be confirmed.

We don’t really see anything in these sketches that we shouldn’t expect. The lines have been sharpened up a bit, but really, we’re seeing an evolution of the current 8P shape here, rather than revolution. Of course, we were given a big preview of what to expect with the A3 concept “notchback” at Geneva last month.

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Audi

2011 Audi RS3 Sportback – official info & pics

2011 Audi RS3

It’s official, at last! Audi has just released confirmed specs on the RS3 Sportback quattro. It is powered by the same 250kW 2.5 litre inline five cylinder found in the TT RS. Even the peak torque figure of 450Nm is the same. At this stage, though, it looks like the RS3 will only be fitted with a 7-speed S tronic; there is no mention of a manual box in the initial press release.

An aggressive front spoiler sets the tone for what is quite a hot looking hot hatch. Large 19″ alloys set off the car very well, too. They feature a slightly staggered formation, with 235/35 tyres up front and 225/35 at the rear (that’s not a typo). She’s a bit of a porker, though, at 1575kg it’s just as well Audi used carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the flared front guards, as the weight of the RS3 is nearing obesity for what is still a mid-size hatch.

Being an RS model this hyper-hatch features a “S” button which, among other things, opens an exhaust flap to release more of that awesome five-pot growl. It also enables the driver to completely disengage the ESP system.

Performance is up there, as you’d expect, and Audi claim a rapid 0-100km/h time of just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Given the RS3’s numbers—performance and weight—its overall fuel consumption figure of 9.1l/100km is quite respectable.

Five exterior colors are available, but in the material released to date Audi are being shy with the details. We can probably make a well-educated guess, though. Red will feature, obviously, along with our guesses of white, silver, black and Audi’s signature RS metallic blue.

Inside is mostly what you’d expect from the familiar 8P A3 donor range. There is the new addition of “Aluminium Race” inlays, but the RS sport bucket seats in the press pics are an option. So, too, is the red contrast stitching. Silver contrast stitching will be standard fare.

There’s no mention of the car having a limited production run of 2700 vehicles as has been speculated. But it has been confirmed the RS3 will be released early next year with a European base price of €49,900. We expect Australian buyers will be doing well if they can drive away for less than $100K when the car finds its way down under.

All in all the RS3 Sportback looks the goods. Many, including us here at AUSmotive, will lament the lack of Coupé and manual transmission options. It’s unlikely that information is being held back, either.

Audi’s initial press information is available after the break, along with all 40 images released to date (click on the pics to launch 2000px super sizing).

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Audi

Audi A7 Sportback photo gallery

Audi A7 Sportback

Early this morning Australian time Audi pulled the wraps off the A7 Sportback in Munich. There were no surprises and the coupé styling cuts a sharp and stylish look. The A7 Sportback follows the path laid by the A5 Sportback and the Sportback Concept.

The rear tail light graphics are quite attractive. Also of note along the rear is a hidden spoiler that automatically raises at speeds over 130km/h, retracting once speed falls below 80km/h. As is the stylez Audi have fashioned distinctive LED daytime running lights for the A7. And if you really want to stand out from the crowd you can option full LED headlights, as well.

Inside the latest Audi MMI system features Google connectivity. The design of the interior, as you now expect from Audi, is first class.

Under the skin there will be four engines on offer. All V6 configurations with TDI and petrol options. There will be an entry level model with front-wheel drive and a conventional “multitronic” auto. While quattro equipped variants will nick the tricky diffs seen in the RS5. They’ll also come standard with a 7-speed S tronic transmission.

In pictures, at least, the A7 looks a more complete styling exercise than the A5. There’s over 45 images after the break for you to see and judge for yourself. Also available for download is Audi’s full 27 page press release.

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Audi

Audi S5 Sportback – Australian pricing & specs

Audi S5 Sportback

Audi’s very svelte and very attractive S5 Sportback went on sale last week. Audi has set the list pricing for this car at $129,300.

For your money you get the same excellent 3.0 litre supercharged V6 engine from the S4 saloon. With that comes the same power specs, too; 245kW and 440Nm of torque.

It’s a ripping engine that offers plenty of poke through the entire rev range. In the S4, at least, it’s also well matched the the 7-speed S tronic transmission. Which is a good thing, because there is no conventional manual box on offer for S5 Sportback in the Australian market.

Mr Uwe Hagen, Managing Director of Audi Australia, said “the S5 Sportback is a great addition to our unique A5 Sportback range. It is not only practical enough for daily use, it is also sporty and fun to drive.”

Audi has modest sales expectations for the S5 Sportback, hoping to to sell around 10 per month. Full details and a nice gallery of local images have been kindly offered by Audi Australia and you can see them all after the break.

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Audi

Audi A5 Sportback – Australian specifications

2010 Audi A5 Sportback

True to their word Audi have delivered the A5 Sportback into local showrooms with a two-pronged offensive. Kicking off the A5 Sportback range down under is a 2.0 TFSI equipped model with a manufacturer’s list price of $78,400. This will be partnered with a 3.0 V6 TDI priced from $89,100.

If that seems a little high to you, maybe standard fitment of a quattro all-wheel drive system and a 7-speed S tronic transmission will ease the pain. Other goodies thrown in include full leather seats with electric adjustment, MMI navigation and xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights.

The other standard feature, which mustn’t be forgotten, is a great looking car, with a handy rear hatch and comfortable seating for four.

Tipping the scales at 1500kg the A5 Sportback isn’t a lightweight by any means, but its performance is quite brisk really. The 2.0 TFSI offers 155kW with a helpful 350Nm of torque and can get to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds. To give that figure some sort of context, that is quicker than a Golf GTI, which shares a similar turbocharged four cyclinder engine. However, in a sign of the times, it is the diesel that sets the performance benchmark in the Sportback range. The 0-100 dash is over in 6.1 seconds, thanks to the TDI’s 500Nm maximium torque and 176kW peak power.

Impressively, both engines are on the start of their flat torque curves from a low 1500rpm, with the TDI staying on its plateau until 3000rpm, while the TFSI keeps puffing strong until 4200rpm. So tractability and low down urge should be a strong point in both offerings.

Those wanting that little bit more performance, and with around $50K more to spend over the V6 TDI, will have to wait for the S5 Sportback, which is due in Australia by mid-year. With the excellent 245kW 3.0-litre supercharged engine from the S4 this car is sure to keep both fashionistas and revheads equally satisfied.

A full list of specifications is outlined below in Audi’s presser, along with tech specs in PDF format available for download. Heaps of pics, too, of course.

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Audi

Audi Sportback Concept wows Motown crowds

Audi Sportback Concept
Audi Sportback Concept

Audi has revealed yet another Sportback model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. But, unlike the A1 and A3 Sportback (seen here in S3 guise), this new concept is a large saloon, almost 5 metres in length. Think in between A6 and A8 sizing if it were to slot into Audi’s current model lineup. A7 perhaps?

So why call this a Sportback? Audi’s press guff says, “The Audi Sportback concept show car is now rolling up to the starting line with a dual mission: As suggested by the name, it symbolizes the Sportback principle in its purest form in the combination of elegance, sportiness and variability.”

Well, however they sell it, this new metal looks pretty damn good. Rolling on 21 inch alloys the side profile is stunning and has an aggressive fastback-like feel. There’s a bit of Jaguar there, and even a hint of Mustang if you try hard enough. From the front, though, the car’s lineage becomes clear, with Audi’s increasingly familiar all-LED headlights, flared guards and strong A5-inspired shoulder line.

The speedboat-like timber interior is all show car and may not be to everyone’s taste. Although, it works well in a show environment.

The Sportback Concept is powered by a 165kW/550Nm 3-litre V6 TDI, fitted with 7 speed S tronic transmission, is said to consume less than 6l/100km. In an Australian context that would see the car benefit from Luxury Car Tax exemptions. Emissions, too, are quite good, adhering to EU6 guidelines, which aren’t scheduled for introduction until 2014.

Of course, there’s plenty of electronic trickery wrapped inside the gorgeous shell, so make sure you check out the press release below while admiring the images on offer.

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Audi

Audi A1 Sportback image gallery

Audi A1 Sportback Concept

The Audi A1 Sportback Concept was first revealed at the Paris Motor Show last October. Here, in all its teutonic glory is an image gallery of the car featuring 23 images, all of which can be viewed as 2000px super images by clicking on a picture to load the larger version. The styling and execution of the A1 Sportback pure Audi and the result is simply stunning.

Ths show car features a hybrid drive 1.4 TFSI which uses a separate electric engine to supplement power to the tune of an extra 20kW and, more impressively, 150Nm of torque during acceleration. Or the electric power can be used to drive the car on its own for a limited range of around 100km. The use of the supplementary electric engine, in copnjunction with energy regenration technology, brings total fuel consumption down to 3.9 litres per 100km and emissions are a very low 92g/km.

The infotainment and mulitmedia capabilities of the car can be viewed through the dash display and are accessible via the steering wheel controls. The press blurb says it best really, “As well as the virtual, large circular dial of the analog speedometer, which is always visible on the right-hand side of the instrument cluster, numerous other displays can be called up on request, and can be selected via control buttons on the steering wheel. These include infotainment, classic navigation by pictogram or map, a rev counter, information on how to drive as efficiently as possible and a current status report on the hybrid drive.”

More information and images after the jump.

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2009 Audi S3 image gallery

2009 Audi S3 coupe

Hope you enjoy this selection of images of the 2009 Audi S3 range, including images of the familiar 3-door Coupé and the newly introduced 5-door Sportback. Also included at the end of the gallery is Audi’s press release from the Paris Motor Show and technical drawing of both models.

Click on an image to load a 2000x1320px super image.

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Audi S3 Sportback docks down under

Audi S3 Sportback

Back in April AUSmotive brought you pictures of the S3 Sportback, now, you can go to your local Audi dealer and see one for yourself. The five-door über hatch is 72mm longer than the three-door and Audi expects the Sportback to account for over two-thirds of Australian S3 sales. Local deliveries start in November, although I’ve heard of at least one customer receiving his S3 Sportback already.

The addition of the Sportback model ties in with a mid-cycle refresh for the 8P A3 range. Apart from the cosmetic tweaks, mostly to do with the light clusters, customers can now option some pretty trick gear on the S3 that has been previously unavailable. Technology such as Audi magnetic ride (as seen on the R8 and TT) and Audi Park Assist can now be added for $2,400 and $950 respectively.

The S3 is a lovely piece of kit, 188kW in a small car generally helps. Starting at $68,310 plus on roads, the introduction of a five-door model to the range will no doubt broaden the car’s appeal.

You know the drill, more pics and words below.

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI Ambition

Audi A3 Sportback

After recently driving the Audi’s close relation, the Golf GT TDI with DSG, I was keen to see how the A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI Ambition compared. The two cars share the same basic underpinnings, the same engine, producing the same power (125kW) and the same torque (a gob smacking 350Nm). Both cars tested also shared the 6-speed double clutch transmission, or S tronic in Audi speak.

Let’s start with the subjective first, the car’s looks. To me, the Sportback body shape has a basic and rudimentary silhouette which can look awkward when viewed from the rear quarter. However, far from allowing this to be a negative, Audi’s designers have performed their usual task of delivering the market a well executed design solution and the A3’s slightly lower and raked roofline gives the car a sleeker, more dynamic look when compared to the Mk5 Golf. The A3 also has more of an exclusive feel about its looks. This feeling of exclusivity is reinforced in pure sales terms — in 2007, Audi sold 1,594 A3s, whereas Volkswagen sold 10,982 Golfs. Figures to the end of April this year follow a similar trend — 654 as against 4,503 — so you can be assured that an A3 will always be more exclusive than its Volkswagen cousin.

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