Revealed a week ago at the Geneva Motor Show, the new generation of the Audi A3 has already got a tuning program from the guys at ABT, even though the standard car is not for sale yet. ABT Sportsline has developed a new body kit for the A3, along with several power upgrades that make the car more appealing.
The 2013 Audi A3 fitted with the 170 hp engine will be dialed to 200 hp (147 kW) while the 2.0-liter TFSI will be tuned in order to output 250 hp (184 kW), which is 50 hp more than its standard power output. The aftermarket specialists are also offering a set of new springs for the new A3, but they are also working on a coilover suspension for the hatchback.
Since it has more power under its hood, it’s no wonder that ABT upgraded the brakes as well, and it now has 345mm discs. The new aerodynamic package comes with new side skirts, front grille, along with new front and rear spoilers. Also new is the exhaust system, while clients can opt either for 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.
No word at the moment about the price tag of this new tuning program developed by ABT Sportsline for the recently introduced Audi A3.
Source: ABT Sportsline via ZerCustoms
Post tags: Tags: abt, abt-sportsline, Audi, audi-a3, Tuning
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Aside from brining the hot TT RS Plus at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ingolstadt-based automaker Audi has introduced the new generation of the A3 hatchback, brining to the event in Switzerland the three-door version of the model.
This is the third generation of the A3 and brings a significant weight reduction, high-class premium interior, along with a very efficient lineup of gasoline and diesel engines. This is the first vehicle based on the VW Group’s new modular MQB platform that is going to be used for a lot of cars, from the small A1 to the A5 Sportback.
The lightest version of the new Audi A3 is the one that has a 1.4 TFSI engine, weighing only 1,175 kg which is 80 kg less than the equivalent model. Most of the car’s body is manufactured from high-strength steels while for the rest of the bodywork the German engineers have used aluminum for parts of the bumpers and the hood.
As far as the suspension is concerned, it comes with a MacPherson strut front configuration and a multi-link rear system. Those who want to buy the new A3 will be able to opt for an optional sport chassis that brings the car closed to the ground by 15mm, while with the optional S Line package it is lowered a further 10mm. The Drive Select package brings adaptive damping, while as standard it comes with 16-inch alloy wheels (up to 18-inch rims available).
The new generation of the Audi A3 measures 4237mm long, 1421mm high and 1777mm wide, making it 1mm shorter and 12mm wider than the outgoing model, while the height has remained the same. Even though the length is virtually the same, the engineers from Audi have managed to increase the wheelbase by 23mm for a grand total of 2601mm.
Upon launch, the new Audi A3 is going to be available with two gasoline engines and one diesel. The cheapest model will be powered by the aforementioned 1.4-liter TFSI that generates 120 hp and a peak torque of 148 lb.-ft, allowing the hatchback to complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 9.3 seconds, en route to a maximum speed of 126 mph. With this engine, the car manages to return 54.3 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.
The other gasoline engine is a bigger 1.8-liter TFSI with 178 hp and a maximum torque of 184 lb.-ft, enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph. In the combined cycle, the car will return 50.4 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of 130 g/km.
The only diesel engine which will be available upon launch is a 2.0-liter TDI that pumps out 141 hp and 236 lb.-ft, allowing the Audi A3 to hit 62 mph from start in 8.6 seconds, before hitting a maximum speed of 134 mph. With this more frugal engine, the Audi A3 returns 68.9 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of only 106 g/km.
Later on this year, the German carmaker will offer the new A3 with a bigger 1.6-liter TDI engine which will be able to return an impressive 74.3 mpg and will have CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km. In addition, another engine that the A3 will get this year is a small 1.2-liter TFSI gasoline which will be replacing the 1.6-liter TFSI.
As far as the S3 is concerned, this will be powered by a bigger 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine which will be capable of producing 260 hp and will come with the company’s Quattro AWD system. In the future, we will probably see a hybrid version of the A3, along with natural gas and e-gas versions.
The 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines will be getting as standard the 6-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.8 TFSI will be linked to a dual-clutch, 7-speed S tronic transmission. The 1.8 TFSI version will be getting the aforementioned Quattro all-wheel drive system in the last part of 2012.
Those of you who live in the United Kingdom will be able to get the car starting with September. The entry-level Audi A3 is going to cost approximately 19,000 pounds.
Source: Audi via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi-a3, geneva-motor-show, motor shows
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Audi TT RS Plus launched at Geneva Motor Show
The most powerful version of Audi TT has made its debut this month at the Geneva Motor Show. Set to rival the new generation of the Porsche Boxster and the upcoming second-generation of the Cayman, the Audi TT RS Plus is motivated by a tuned version of the company’s 5-cylinder, 2.5-liter direct injection gasoline engine, the same one found in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback.
This engine has been installed transversely over the car’s front wheels and stays in a bespoke carbon fiber-trimmed engine bay, generating 20 hp and 11 lb.-ft of torque more than the standard output of the power unit. This means that it is able to generate 355 hp and a maximum torque of 343 lb.-ft, which is 44 hp and 78 lb.-ft more than what the 6-cylinder 3.4-liter horizontally-mounted, naturally aspirated engine in the new Boxster S can offer.
Even though we are dealing with a more powerful car than before, the German automaker Audi has said that the TT RS Plus is capable of returning 33.2 mpg UK in the coupe variant and 32.8 mpg UK in the roadster flavor. The car also comes with a revised front MacPherson strut suspension as well as an updated multi-link rear chassis. It rides on black & red 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in 255/35 rubbers.
The production of the Audi TT RS Plus is scheduled to begin next month. Both versions of the car are going to be made at the company’s plant in Gyor, Hungary where they make the other TT versions and the A3 cabriolet.
In Germany, the car has a starting price of 60,650 Euros for the coupe variant while the roadster is more expensive, with a base price of 63,500 Euros. Those who want to get the TT RS Plus with the optional dual-clutch, 7-speed S-tronic gearbox will have to pay an extra 2,150 Euros.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi tt rs, audi tt rs plus, audi-tt, geneva-motor-show, motor shows
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2012 Audi RS5 priced from 58,725 pounds
Audi’s UK division has announced yesterday that starting with this week they will begin taking orders for the 2012 RS5, with prices starting from 58,725 pounds OTR. As most of you remember, the car was revealed last September during the Frankfurt Motor Show and comes with a hand-built V8 4.2-liter engine that pumps out 444 hp (450 PS / 331 kW) and 317 lb.-ft (430 Nm) of torque.
This power unit is linked to a 7-speed S-tronic gearbox that sends the power through the quattro AWD permanent system, enabling the RS5 to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). For those with deeper pockets, Audi can eliminate this top speed restriction, allowing the car to hit 174 mph (208 km/h).
As far as the design is concerned, the 2012 Audi RS5 comes with sharper and more pronounced hood contours, an updated single frame grille design, new look for the front and rear bumpers, LED wraparound daytime running lights and LED rear lights, along with 19-inch alloys that have a 10-spoke design.
Inside the car we find a three-spoke, flat-bottomed RS steering wheel, along with detail improvements to the Multi Media Interface (MMI), air conditioning, electric window switchgear, instrument stalks and gear lever. As standard, the car is offered with cruise control, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and DVD-based satellite navigation.
For an additional 2,250 pounds, clients can get the new RS5 with Dynamic Ride Control that comes with exhaust, dynamic steering, as well as rotor-design, titanium-look 20-inch alloys. For more money you can get the car with a sport differential.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence this April.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi rs5, uk, united-kingdom
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Audi’s UK division has announced this week that the A1 quattro will be available for order officially next month while deliveries are expected to start in the second part of the year. We said “officially” because it seems that already most of 19 cars which will be available in United Kingdom (out of a total of 333 units) have already been preordered so if you want one you’d better hurry because Audi is selling them like cupcakes.
The Audi A1 quattro can be purchased only in a Glacier White metallic finish and it comes with rally-inspired styling, a glossy black roof, dual exhaust, massive wing, black accents and 18-inch turbine-design alloys.
Under its tiny hood is an impressive 2.0-liter TFSI engine that manages to produce no less than 252 hp (256 PS / 188 kW) and a maximum torque of 258 lb.-ft (350 Nm). This engine is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox that is able to send all those ponies to the car’s quattro AWD system. This special edition of the A1 is able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in only 5.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h).
Inside the cabin of the Audi A1 quattro there are sport seats wrapped around in leather, stainless steel pedals and a gloss black trim. It also comes with an aluminum gear knob, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a new look for the instrument cluster. Other goodies include a Bose audio system, MMI navigation plus and LED ambient lightning.
The price for the Audi A1 quattro in United Kingdom starts from 41,020 pounds which is a lot of money for such a tiny car, even though it’s very powerful.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi a1, audi a1 quattro
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Audi decided to publish the first official photos of the upcoming RS4 Avant ahead of the car’s public debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show. Under the hood of the car is going to be a hand-build V8 4.2-liter engine that produces 444 hp (450 PS / 331 kW) and a peak torque of 317 lb.-ft (430 Nm).
Thanks to this powerful engine, the Audi RS4 Avant needs only 4.7 seconds to do the 0-62 mph sprint, on its way to an electronically limited maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Clients will be able to order the car without that speed limiter which will allow the car to hit a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h). Even though we’re dealing with such a fast car, the RS4 Avant manages to return 21.38 mpg (11 liters / 100 km).
The aforementioned V8 engine is linked to Audi’s 7-speed S tronic gearbox and the quattro drive system that sends the power to all four wheels with a 40:60 front rear bias. The power between the front and rear axles of the RS4 Avant can be redistributed via the crown-gear center differential system, allowing up to 70% of the total power to be sent to the front wheels or up to 85% to the wheels in the back.
Design-wise, the new Audi RS4 Avant features a generous hexagonal single frame front grille that adopts a stylish aluminum look. The car features xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRL). The front of the car looks very aggressive thanks to those big air inlets sitting below the headlights, while the front splitter tells us that we’re dealing with a fast car. At the back we notice LED taillights as well as the company’s traditional dual oval exhausts.
Inside the cabin of the Audi RS4 Avant we find a flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel wrapped around in leather, a bunch of aluminum-looking accents and sport seats, while bucket seats are an optional feature.
The car is scheduled to go on sale this fall at a base price of 76,600 Euros.
Source: Audi via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi rs4, audi rs4 avant
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After several months of rumors about the Audi TT RS Plus, the Ingolstadt-based automaker has finally revealed the hottest version of the TT which will make its debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show, before going on sale in April.
It is available in both Coupe and Roadster versions and it is distinguished from the regular TT RS by the single-frame radiator grille in polished anthracite and also by the TT-RS Plus badge. In addition, the grille surrounding trim frame features a matt aluminum finish while carbon fiber-reinforced polymer was used for the side mirrors.
At the back of the Audi TT RS Plus you’ll notice the oval dual exhaust pipe tips while another novelty would have to be the valve controlled exhaust which regulates the engine sound volume. Speaking of the engine, we should mention that in this Plus version it gets carbon fiber trim covers. Other than that, inside the cabin the gear lever is trimmed with an aluminum-look ring and also adopts a TT RS Plus badge. It rides on 19-inch TT-RS wheels which now feature a black paint with a contrasting red accent on the rim flanges which we frankly don’t like.
The highlight of this Plus version would have to be the additional 20 hp (15 kW) of power and 11 lb.-ft (15 Nm) of torque, for an impressive grand total of 360 hp (265 kW) and a peak torque of 343 lb.-ft (465 Nm). Mated to an S tronic transmission, the Audi TT RS Plus is able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds, while with the manual gearbox it needs 4.3 seconds to perform the sprint. These figures are available for the Coupe, while the Roadster does the spring in 4.2 seconds with the S tronic or 4.4 seconds with the manual. Both models are able to hit an electronically limited top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h).
The Coupe version is able to return 27.7 mpg (8.5 liters / 100 km), while the Roadster can do 27.4 mpg (8.6 liters / 100 km).
In Germany, the starting price for the Audi TT RS Plus Coupe fitted with the manual gearbox is 60,650 Euros, while the same version with the 7-speed S tronic costs 62,800 Euros. As for the Roadster mode, this has a base price of 63,500 Euros with the manual or 65,650 Euros with the S tronic transmission.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi tt rs, audi tt rs plus, audi-tt
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The next generation of the Audi R8 won’t be out until 2014 but it seems that details about the car are already emerging. Autocar believes that the new model is codenamed AU724 and it’s being developed alongside with the replacement for the Lamborghini Gallardo. Both cars will probably feature an advanced carbon fiber and aluminum monocoque that has a curb weight of 437 lbs (198 kg).
The 2014 Audi R8 will be 132 lbs (60 kg) less heavy than the current model and it will weigh somewhere around 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg). It will feature just about the same engine options but these will suffer some modifications which will make them more efficient and powerful. Rumors say that the 4.2-liter V8 will be capable of generating about 450 hp (456 PS / 336 kW) while the more powerful 5.2-liter V10 will churn 550 hp (558 PS / 410 kW). Also in the works is a GT version of the R8 that will develop 580 hp (588 PS / 432 kW) but this won’t come out until 2016.
The Ingolstadt-based automaker will probably bring to this year’s edition of the Moscow Motor Show the facelift for the R8. The event is scheduled in August.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi-r8, rumors
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The spy photographers from Auto Express have managed to take a few photos with the upcoming new generation of the Audi A3. They took pictures with the three-door version of the car, one of the four body styles that the A3 will get. We can easily observe that the car will adopt a more progressive waistline and sharper lines.
The headlight design of the new model will be more dynamic, similar to the style implemented on the brand new Q3 baby SUV. This theme is continued at the back of the car where the design of the taillight steps up towards the waistline and wraps around the A3’s side. As for the front bumper, this one too looks to be more aggressive, but this might be available only with the S line package.
The new generation of the Audi A3 is based on the MQB platform developed by the Volkswagen Group, the one which we’ve talked about yesterday, a platform that we will see in the upcoming Golf 7. The new A3 is going to be lighter than the outgoing model and it also promises to be safer.
As far as the engines are concerned, the new A3 will be offered with a bunch of power units ranging from the 4-cylinder 1.2-liter unit to the powerful 2.0-liter gasoline engine that pumps out 211 hp. Aside from these, there will also be a couple of 1.6- and 2.0-liter diesels. Auto Express believes that the car will also be sold in a more frugal TDIe hybrid variant.
The new Audi A3 is scheduled to make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show which will be organized next month. The price of the new version is estimated to be a little bit higher in comparison to the outgoing model.
Source: Auto Express
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi-a3, Spy Shots
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Audi R8 GT Spyder priced from $210,000
Earlier this week Audi has announced that the gorgeous 2012 R8 GT Spyder will be priced from $210,000 plus $1,200 for the destination charge. The car will hit the dealerships starting with this month and only 50 units will be available for the U.S. market, one of which will be auctioned on the 25th of February at the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance Gala.
The car features a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a rear diffuser and an aggressive body kit with a front splitter. The R8 GT Spyder is also equipped with CFRP body panels, a sport-tuned suspension, a magnesium engine frame and high-performance brakes.
It is powered by a V10 5.2-liter engine that generates 552 hp (560 PS / 412 kW) and a maximum torque of 398 lb.-ft (540 Nm). This version of the R8 is 187 lbs (85 kg) less heavy than the R8 V10 Spyder and it is able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h).
Source: Audi USA via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi r8 gt, audi r8 gt spyder, audi-r8
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The Ingolstadt-based automaker Audi has introduced a new bi-turbo diesel engine which will be available for the A6, A6 Allroad and the A7 Sportback. This 3.0-liter engine generates 309 hp (313 PS / 230 kW) and has a peak torque of 479 lb.-ft (650 Nm).
The power unit is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox and a quattro AWD system that allows the A6 to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 5.1 seconds. The Allroad version of the A6 can do the sprint in 5.3 seconds, just like the A7 Sportback. All three models can reach a maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Even though we are dealing with a powerful engine, it comes with the start/stop system and an “ innovative thermal management system” that allows the engine to return 36.7 mpg (44.1 mpg UK or 6.4 liters / 100 km) while CO2 emissions stand at 169 g/km.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi bi-turbo engine, audi v6 engine, bi-turbo engine
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Audi A4 tuned by ABT
The tuners from ABT Sportline have introduced a new upgrade program for the facelifted Audi A4. Customers will be able to buy a new front spoiler, a revised rear bumper insert and updated side skirts. Also new are the front fender vents, 19- or 20-inch alloys, a sports exhaust system and a trunk-mounted spoiler.
The car comes with the same 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TFSI engine but it has been revised in order to output 271 hp (275 PS / 202 kW), instead of the 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) that the standard engine is capable of. ABT Sportline can also tune the 3.0-liter TDI engine which produces 278 hp (282 PS / 207 kW) and 413 lb.-ft (560 Nm) of torque, which is 36 hp and 44 lb.-ft more than the standard engine.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: abt, abt sportline, Audi, audi-a4, Tuning
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Audi RS3 by Sportec
The Audi RS3 is now available with a power kit courtesy of the Swiss tuners from Sportec. The car has the same 5-cylinder 2.5-liter engine but it has received several updates that raise the output to 408 hp and a peak torque of 550 Nm. This means that the car is 68 hp and 100 Nm more powerful in comparison to the regular RS3.
Aside from the power boost, the Audi RS3 by Sportec comes with an adjustable coilover suspension and also a stainless steel sports exhaust system. The Swiss tuner installed 20-inch alloy wheels and a high performance Movit brake system to provide the necessary stopping power.
Source: Sportec via ZerCustoms
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi rs3, sportec, Tuning
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Audi Q3 Vail
The Ingolstadt-based automaker Audi has brought to this year’s edition of the NAIAS a winter-themed version of the Q3. The company said that the Q3 Vail is a “potential variation on the SUV concept” and has been developed for those customers who like snowboarding and skiing.
Audi Q3 Vail
This concept got its name from the famous winter sports event that is organized in the U.S. Under its hood there’s a 5-cylinder 2.5-liter TFSI power unit that pumps out 314 hp (231 kW) and a peak torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm). This engine is linked to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox which enables the concept to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 5.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 162 mph (262 km/h).
Audi Q3 Vail
Some of the car’s special features include the bespoke Energy Red paint that has golden pearlescent particles, while some of the car’s parts are finished in a matt grey quartz-based paint. Other parts of the Q3 Vail wear a high gloss black finish or are manufactured from aluminum. The car comes with wider fenders, a bespoke front grille, along with aluminum rails that have built-in LED lights.
Audi Q3 Vail
The Audi Q3 Vail is riding on 8.5 J x 20 alloys that are wrapped around in 255/45 off-road tires. Both front and rear tracks of the concept are 1.57 inches (40 mm) wider in comparison to the ones of the standard model, while the ride height has been increased by 1.18 inches (30 mm). Other modifications include a specially designed exhaust system that has tailpipes which are integrated in the rear diffuser.
Audi Q3 Vail
Inside the cabin Audi installed Alcantara and leather upholstery, a bunch of aluminum trim parts and red velvet accents. The car’s MMI system is capable of displaying an animation that represents the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the SUV. Also on board is a charging station which has been integrated into the sidewall of the boot, while a Thermos bottle is placed between the Q3’s front seats.
Audi Q3 Vail
The car also has specially designed flashlights that feature infrared heating and can be used for warming the driver’s hands as well as his ski boots. Other than that, it comes with a boot mat that has heated seat cushions.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi q3, audi q3 vail, Concepts, naias
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2013 Audi A6 Allroad
The Ingolstadt-based automaker Audi has released earlier this week the first details and photos about the upcoming third generation of the A6 Allroad. The new model is going to have a raised ride height of 2.36 inches (6 cm), a single-frame grille with vertical slats, contrasting black body trim, dual exhaust, along with front + rear stainless steel underbody skid plates.
The car will be longer by a few millimeters in comparison to the A6 Avant and it will feature flared fenders, side skirts with aluminum inserts and double bar mounted roof rails. Optional features include LED headlights and taillights, along with a full paint finish which can be combined with an aluminum exterior package.
Inside the cabin of the 2013 Audi A6 Allroad you’ll find a Santos Brown finish with black carpeting and instrument panel. Clients who want to spend more will be able to get the car with aluminum inlays, while the same metal is used for the door sill trims. The cargo compartment will feature the company’s load-securing rail system that has a double loading floor and tensioning straps.
The new generation of the model will be powered by more fuel-efficient V6 engine which should diminish the fuel consumption by up to 20% in comparison to the outgoing generation. The 3.0-liter TFSI engine develops 306 hp (310 PS / 228 kW) and has a peak torque of 325 lb.-ft (440 Nm). With this engine, the car do the 0-62 mph sprint in 5.9 seconds, en route to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). In this configuration, the A6 Allroad returns 26.43 mpg (8.9 liters / 100 km) and has CO2 emissions standing at 159 g/km.
Another available engine is the 3.0-liter TDI that pumps out 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) and 332 lb.-ft (450 Nm) of torque. In this version, the car has a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) and returns 38.56 mpg (6.1 liters / 100 km). There’s also a more powerful variant of this engine with 242 hp (245 PS / 180 kW) and 428 lb.-ft (580 Nm) of torque.
Last but not least, the new 2013 Audi A6 Allroad can be equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0 TDI engine that generates 309 hp (313 PS / 230 kW) and 480 lb.-ft (650 Nm) of torque. With this engine, the 0-62 mph sprint can be done in only 5.6 seconds.
As you would expect, the car will come as standard with the company’s Quattro permanent 4WD system with torque vectoring. That twin-turbo engine we’ve mentioned will be available with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox, while the rest of the power units are mated to an S-tronic, dual-clutch, 7-speed transmission.
The car will hit the dealerships in Germany this March. The 3.0-liter TDI model that produces 201 hp will have a base price of 54,600 Euro.
Source: Audi
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi a6, audi a6 allroad
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