2012 Audi A6 Avant TDI Diesel - First Drive Review

Redesigned for 2012, Audi’s A6 lineup is halfway back to full strength with the introduction of the Avant station wagon. The high-powered S6 and RS 6 versions still are waiting in the wings—as is a hybrid model designed mostly with our market in mind, even if U.S. availability is as-yet unconfirmed—but already this is an impressive family of vehicles. In Europe, though, where a diesel-powered station wagon is the stereotypical executive car, the Avant is the most critical of all A6s.

Audi just made the executive-wagon segment a lot more interesting, with a twin-turbocharged variation of its 3.0-liter TDI turning out 313 hp and an even more impressive 479 lb-ft of torque. Not only is it a powerful mill, but this diesel also has attitude. Many oil burners are impressive in their power delivery and massive torque but lack soul. The 3.0-liter TDI, on the other hand, fires up with an impressive growl, and the sound gets better as you push it through the gears. Its voice is reminiscent of an old-fashioned V-8’s, a sound that is clearly audible inside and out. Think we’re crazy? Wait until you hear how Audi did it: The company stuffed an extremely durable speaker into the exhaust system that allows it to alter the engine note. It can even be adjusted on the move.

Going Right to Ludicrous Speed

Driving the A6 Avant is even better than listening to it. The all-wheel-drive chassis copes well with the TDI’s grunt. The rear differential distributes power for maximum agility, and it takes a heavy misstep to throw the Avant off course. The car should need just 5.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Top speed is a governed 155 mph, a speed the Avant reaches with ease. On unlimited stretches of autobahn, the twin-turbo TDI’s sheer grunt at velocities of 130 mph and above is remarkable.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q3/2012_audi_a6_avant_tdi_diesel-first_drive_review

New Audi A1 Street View Advertisement

The campaign was created to further the 'Big idea condensed' campaign that ran last year for the Audi A1 in print and posters. But to take it into Cinema. After making the longest ad in it's history Audi have now made their shortest. Five condensed 10 second commercials. Created by BBH.

Car and Driver: 2012 Audi A5 / S5 - Car News

The Audi A5 coupe and cabriolet, as well as their powerful S5 derivatives, are among the most beautiful cars on the road today, and they still look fresh more than four years after their debut. Yet it’s time for a mid-cycle face lift that freshens not only the cars’ styling, but also their technology.

Unfortunately, in this renewal, the S5 coupe gets a new engine. The previous 354-hp, naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 goes away, making room for the 333-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 already found in the S5 cabrio. Torque stands pat at 325 lb-ft. This swap comes as no surprise, and will improve fuel economy significantly. While the supercharged six is a great engine, we will miss the marvelous sound of the V-8.

A splendid 211-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder remains the base engine in the A5, which is fine with us. For those who lament the passing of the V-8–powered S5, Audi offers special consolation with the upcoming RS5. This model—on sale in Europe already—is powered by a thoroughly reworked version of the 4.2-liter V-8 producing an awesome 450 hp. We hear that the RS5 will arrive in the U.S. in early 2012. Meanwhile, the S5 receives an upgraded Quattro all-wheel-drive system with a crown-gear center differential that allows for variable torque splits.

You Probably Didn’t Want These Anyway

Other markets, of course, get a wider range of choices. Gas options for overseas A5s include a detuned version of the supercharged V-6 rated at 272 hp and an entry-level 1.8-liter turbo four with 170 horses. There are no less than four turbo-diesels: a 177-hp, 2.0-liter four and three 3.0-liter V-6s. One six makes 204 hp, another 245, and the third is said to be a “clean diesel” version—and here we thought these were all clean diesels—although its power output remains undisclosed. We also miss out on the A5 and S5 Sportbacks, the beautiful hatchback derivatives, although their big brother, the A7, is sold here.

Look, and Then Only Touch Lightly

Which brings us to styling: The most obvious changes include a reshaped grille and new headlights with updated internals. Also new: the fog lights, the lower air intakes, and the taillights. The infotainment system is upgraded and now features fewer keys but more functions, and the steering wheel, column stalks, wood or aluminum trim, and obligatory chrome décor are all new to the A5/S5 line.

Is it enough to being the pair into the present? Stylistically, we’re not sure the competition from BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz had caught up to begin with. We’d call that a nice head start to a pretty successful update.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q2/2012_audi_a5_s5-car_news

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