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Avant? Wagon? Touring? Automobile gives their opinion

Andrew — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:57:11 +0000

As we’ve mentioned before, we know wagons are more or less out of style with the proliferation of SUVs into the U.S. market. The last time wagons were in style, I was an infant. However, I do not care! Apparently Automobile Magazine doesn’t care either as they’ve recently compared the three best near-luxury wagons you can buy right now: The A4 Avant, 328i xDrive Touring and CTS Wagon.

The BMW has been king of this segment for a long time and it seems everyone knows it and brings it up constantly. However, in the last few years it would seem everyone is slowly catching them - gaining traction and closing the gap in this $30,000 to $40,000. Audi has been rapidly closing down on the boys from Bavaria with the A4 and A4 Avant. Interestingly, Cadillac, who was a few decades late to this party has recently released the updated CTS and now the CTS Wagon to battle it out with the Germans in a segment they’ve dominated for many, many years. However, Cadillac has finally started to up the ante with the CTS so has it toppled the European dynasties?

Well, let’s look at the cars individually. The A4 Avant comes from a strong family of wagons. Stemming from the success in the U.S. of the B5 Avant up through the last generation B7 Avant. With the new B8 A4 Avant, many feel that the this wagon may be even more attractive than the sedan. For the U.S. market, as Audi reshuffles the model line-up wit the new S4, the Avant is only available with the potent little 2.0L turbocharged engine - but that’s OK with us as it produces a good amount of torque, is fun to drive with quattro, and can carry the family and luggage to boot without the poor fuel economy of a larger, heavier SUV.

The BMW 328i xDrive Touring is the king of the hill in this segment. xDrive being the term for BMW’s all-wheel-drive system and touring being the nomenclature for their wagons. The BMW is in the same boat as Audi for the U.S. market with only releasing one engine for the Touring: the 3.0L naturally aspirated 6-cylinder. The touring, like the 328 sedan, comes with many of the same options but doesn’t seem to carry the same looks of the coupe or sedan as well.

The Cadillac seems to put styling as a first priority and then everything else comes secondary. The CTS Wagon carries the sharp, angular lines of its sedan brethren which definitely isn’t a bad thing. The CTS comes across as the biggest extrovert and it definitely shows. According to Automobile, the Wagon variant actually raises the height of the car by a full two inches and only a few extra pounds. However, with the CTS being such a new player in the wagon game, does it have what it takes to hold off the Germans?

Which car has the capacity, driving enjoyment and styling to carry the title for best wagon? Find out after this jump!

(Source: Automobile Magazine via BMW Blog)

2010 Pricing announced for A4, A5, and Q5

Andrew — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:15:53 +0000

Earlier this year, we posted a listing of changes Audi is making to its 2010 line-up. Now there is good news for those holding out for some of Audi’s 2010 models to pick up their cars, pricing has been announced for the 2010 A4, A5 and Q5. This is especially significant for the A4 and A5 line-ups as, for 2010, Audi has completely dropped the 265HP 3.2L V6 from its cars. This was mostly due to sales of the popular 2.0T 5 cylinder far outweighing the heavier V6 in both the A4 and A5.

Hit the jump for full pricing of the 2010 A4, A5, and Q5 plus some of the changes to each model.

However, this is good news, as the potent 2.0T engine has made the A5 models more affordable and closer to the starting price of the A4 sedan with a price decrease of over $4,000. The pricing breakdown for the A4 and A5 models are starting as follows:

Premium A4/A5: $32,350/$36,000

Premium Plus A4/A5: $35,850/$39,500

Prestige: A4/A5: $41,050/$44,300

(pricing shown for models with quattro and manual transmission)

As you may realize, the pricing structure and lack of a V6 A4 model is now leaving significant room for the S4 to come in as a higher displacement V6 above the Prestige model A4 and room for the S5 to come in priced a few thousand above a fully loaded A5 2.0T with the Prestige package. Thus, the pricing structure of Audi’s A/S cars more closely mirrors the pricing structure of Audi’s competition. These changes in pricing also come with some small package changes with the 6-speed manual transmission being available for the A5 2.0T, the A4 gets new optional wheels with the S-line package and LEDs and the Bang and Oulfsen systems comes with the Premium Plus package.

In terms of the Q5, the pricing comes out as:

Premium: $37,350
Premium Plus: $41,400
Prestige: $48,850

(Priced with quattro and tiptronic transmission)

The Q5 changes for 2010 with revised 20 inch rims for the S-line package, Bang and Oulfsen’s system is now available on the Premium Plus package and 2 new inlays and the Dark Beige exterior has been dropped from the paint scheme. These changes will help to support the already strong growth in sales for the Q5 as Audi continues its path of growing sales and continued taking of the market share of the luxury car market in the U.S.

Check out Audi’s full press release below for full information on Audi’s pricing press release for the A4, A5, and Q5.

PRESS RELEASE

Audi releases 2010 MY prices for A4, A5, Q5

Early release of prices required as vehicles arrive to meet strong demand
Audi A5 coupe adds efficient and powerful 2.0 TFSI powertrain with both manual and Tiptronic transmissions together with standard quattro AWD drivetrain
Audi Q5 adds interior luxury appointments and simplifies tire pressure monitoring system
Comprehensive A4, A5, and Q5 model year changes enhance product offerings

HERNDON, Va., Jul 17, 2009 - Audi today released pricing for the 2010 model-year Audi A4 sedan, Audi A5 coupe and Audi Q5 crossover vehicle, which are headed to authorized Audi dealerships to meet strong consumer demand.

Audi moved sales of the 2010 models ahead a few weeks following a successful sell-down of the previous model-year inventory. Sales of the 2009 Audi A5, for example, finished June 168% ahead of the sales pace set a year earlier. Demand for the all-new Audi Q5 has been exceptionally strong since its February introduction to consumers with sales hitting 5,701 so far this year.

Each of these models in the heart of the Audi lineup receives upgrades for the 2010 model year. A4 and A5 now feature LED tail lights in Premium Plus and Prestige lines, A5 gets the same fuel efficient 2.0 TFSI direct-injection engine offered in the A4, and Q5 Prestige offers an optional Luxury Package.

“Despite the economic headwinds that have affected all premium automotive brands this year, we see no signs of interest lagging in these three models,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “That’s good news heading into the 2010 model year for our market share in the U.S., which has been hitting record levels. That’s good news for our dealers, who are enjoying the enthusiasm the Audi brand is generating. We need to release these new models early because of our proactive management of unsold inventories and because Audi continues to bring new models to the freshest lineup in the luxury sector. Both trends will continue in the months ahead.”

Audi expects to release 2010 pricing and model year changes for the remainder of its lineup within the next few weeks.

A4 sedan model year 2010 Pricing and Model Changes
(excluding $825 Destination Charge)

A4 2.0T FWD Sedan (Multitronic) Premium $31,450
A4 2.0T FWD Sedan (Multitronic) Premium Plus $35,000

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Manual) Premium $32,350
A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Manual) Premium Plus $35,850
A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Manual) Prestige $41,050

A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Tiptronic) Premium $33,550
A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Tiptronic) Premium Plus $37,050
A4 2.0T quattro Sedan (Tiptronic) Prestige $42,250

Navigation models now equipped with 3rd Generation MMI with SIRIUS traffic
LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models
S4 launches with 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 with 333 hp / 325 lb-ft – August 09 launch
S4 launches a new 7-speed S tronic (dual-clutch) automatic transmission (manual also available)
Bluetooth and Homelink now packaged together as option on Premium model
Premium Plus no longer includes autodimming mirrors/compass and memory function
Premium Plus now includes Concert 1CD radio instead of Symphony 6CD radio
Bang & Olufsen premium audio system now available as option on Premium Plus
Prestige now includes Navigation (3G MMI) and Voice Control
S line wheel changes to 7 double spoke (formerly 5 tri-spoke). 5 tri-spoke now on S4 only

A5 coupe model year 2010 Pricing and Model Changes
(excluding $825 Destination Charge)

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

2.0 TFSI engine introduced with quattro AWD in manual and Tiptronic transmissions
3.2 manual transmission discontinued
A5 coupe moves to Premium-Premium Plus-Prestige line structure
2.0T Premium now offers a lower A5 price point in the market, with a base MY2010 A5 2.0T manual model priced $4,700 lower than the previous MY2009 A5 3.2 manual
Navigation models now get 3rd Generation MMI with SIRIUS traffic
LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models
New wheel design for A5 2.0T Premium
New optional wheel available for S5: 5 tri-spoke design

Q5 3.2 FSI model year 2010 Pricing and Model Changes
(excluding $825 Destination Charge)

Q5 quattro (Tiptronic) Premium $37,350
Q5 quattro (Tiptronic) Premium Plus $41,400
Q5 quattro (Tiptronic) Prestige $48,850

New Fine Grain Ash, Natural Brown decorative inlays (exposed grain, matte finish)
New 20 inch five-segment spoke S line wheel (replaces five-double spoke wheel)
Audi side assist now standard on Prestige model
New Luxury Package for Prestige model -includes leather door armrests and instrument panel top, and ventilated front seats in Milano leather
Bang & Olufsen Sound System now available as a stand alone option on Premium Plus model
Dakar Beige removed from exterior color program (still available via Audi exclusive)
Chrome trim outline on four-spoke multifunction steering wheel (standard)
Indirect tire pressure monitoring system (uses ABS wheel speed sensors instead of wheel-mounted units to detect air loss.

Biturbo, biogas A4 sets record-breaking speed

Andrew — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:41:31 +0000

When you think of cars that set record-breaking speeds, you probably would not expect to see a premium market, 4-door sedan. However, it’s been done as a modified Audi B7 sedan has hit the speed record for biogas-fueled cars.

The car, modified and then subsequently driven by Jürgen Hohenester, was recorded at a speed of 364 kph or 225 mph while jetting around the Papenburg circuit in Germany. The HS 650, as the modified A4 has been designated by Hoenester, is powered by a modified version of the 2.7L twin-turbo V6 that powered the B5 S4. The engine has been bored out to a round 3.0 liters and consequently equipped to run biogas fuel that can run on 120 to 140 octane fuel allowing a maximum output of 800HP.

While maximum output is at 800HP, the engine was scaled back to about 700HP to ensure reliability and structural integrity of the engine and vehicle. The horsepower figures of this car may sound epic considering the grade of fuel number of cylinders but what’s more surprising is the car that the this modified A4 managed to beat in its class, the Bugatti Veyron.

After posting the record for fastest biogas fueled car, the team that developed the car is looking to win the Tuner Grand Prix at the Hockenheim Ring. We’re hoping they can pull off the overall victory - which would prove a win for both Audi as well as alternative fuel sources.

(Source: German Car Zone)

A4 3.2 - we hardly knew thee, Autoblog says goodbye

Andrew — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:37:44 +0000

As we’ve recently reported, Audi has decided to discontinue the 3.2L FSi V6 with its 265HP in North America. This comes as quite a surprise to some as a V6 model has been integral to the A4 line-up since the inception of the A4 in the U.S. market back in 1996.

The B8 V6 model was one of the best of ‘em to be had too. With features like a back-up camera, Audi’s patented Driver Select and an longer chassis, the 3.2L the A4 V6 had a lot to offer in terms of performance and luxury. However, as Audi begins a serious reshuffle of the line-up in North America. This powerful, luxurious was designed to be the flagship of the A4 range while the world waited for the now imminent debut of the S4 and the upcoming release of the range-topping RS4. However, the 3.2L stands against stiff competition in terms of performance with Lexus and BMW both providing 300HP engines and many reviews claiming that the 2.0T A4 is a better bang for the buck. Sales figures reported the same and as a result, with a heavy heart, the U.S. now says goodbye to the 3.2L V6, a car in this market for only a short time.

With this send off, Autoblog has provided a farewell review of the 3.2 as it goes the way of the do-do. And what a review it is, as Autoblog labeled the 3.2 a car that was too good for its own in terms of best all-round package of power, luxury and technology not found in comparable models. Hit this link to see what Autoblog says on behalf of the 3.2 on its swan song.

(Source: Autoblog)