A new 3.0-liter TDI is also available for the 2011 model year, delivering 240 hp and a more-than-adequate 406 lb-ft of twist from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Not only does the new diesel deliver respectable performance times (0-60 in 7.9 seconds) and above average fuel economy, but the weight of the oilburner has been reduced by 44 pounds. There’s no word on whether this transmission is bound for the U.S. market in the near future, but we’d suspect Stateside Q7s will benefit from the new ‘box by the end of the year.

The gasoline V6 TFSI will also be available here in both 272 and 333 hp flavors beginning in November 2010.

The Audi Q7:

The Q7 is the large Audi for the sporty individualist – the high-performance SUV for sport, leisure, family and business. Now Audi has made it even more powerful and efficient, with a choice of three new V6 engines and an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. The two gasoline engines, both V6 units but with different power outputs, are new, and so is the second-generation V6 TDI. A mighty V8 diesel completes the range. All the engines for the Q7 combine two technologies: forced induction and direct fuel injection.

Two versions of the supercharged V6 are available. The basic version develops 200 kW (272 hp) and has a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) over a broad engine-speed range from 2,250 to 4,750 rpm. It accelerates the Q7 in 7.9 seconds from a standing start to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and gives it a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph), or 225 km/h (139.81 mph) with adaptive air suspension. Both versions of the 3.0 TFSI are impressively efficient: in the EU fuel consumption test cycle they are content with 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers (21.98 US mpg). Compared with the previous engines, the 3.6 FSI and the 4.2 FSI, fuel consumption has been reduced by 1.4 and 2.0 l/100 km – 12 and 16 percent respectively.

The second-generation 3.0 TDI, a new development, has effectively nothing in common with its predecessor – apart from plenty of power! It has a rated output of 176 kW (240 hp) and a constant 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque all the way from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. This V6 diesel accelerates the Q7 from a standstill to a typical main-road speed of 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.9 seconds and reaches its top speed at 215 km/h (133.59 mph) or, with adaptive air suspension, 218 km/h (135.46 mph). Its fuel consumption is impressively low, averaging 7.4 liters per 100 km (31.79 US mpg), which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 195 grams per kilometer (313.82 g/mile). This is an improvement of 1.7 l/100 km or 19 percent. The 3.0 TDI clean diesel also develops 176 kW (240 hp) and has an impressive 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm. It takes the Q7 from a standstill up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.1 seconds and gives it a top speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph), or 218 km/h (135.46 mph) with adaptive air suspension. Its average fuel consumption is 8.4 liters per 100 km (28.00 US mpg).

The chassis:

The Q7 is one of those personalities who are at home wherever they may be. On the road it excels with its precise, sporty handling, and where the hardtop surface ends it demonstrates impressive offroad characteristics. The wheel bearings have been optimized to reduce friction. The servotronic steering varies the degree of power assistance according to the vehicle’s speed.

The optional adaptive air suspension (standard on the Q7 4.2 TDI and Q7 V12 TDI) with electronic shock absorber control varies the ride height to suit the actual situation. On a high-speed road it lowers the body for enhanced stability and lower fuel consumption. Across rough terrain it raises the body if a button is pressed. At the standard MMI terminal the driver can choose between five operating modes: comfort, automatic, dynamic, offroad and lift. The adaptive air suspension is also available as a dynamic S line version. The ESP stabilization program includes an off-road mode as standard that gives priority to traction on a loose surface. And when the driver encounters a steep downhill slope off-road, the hill descent assist is a useful aid.

Design and body:

The design of the Q7 stands for power and presence; it is the visual expression of this large SUV’s character. The outlines are sporty, strong and elegant. The Audi Q7 is 5.09 meters (16.70 ft) long, 1.98 meters (6.50 ft) wide and 1.74 meters (5.71 ft) high. Its wheelbase of 3 meters (9.84 ft) creates a luxurious amount of space inside. The front-end styling is dominated by the large singleframe grille with chromed surround, and the headlamps. As an optional extra Audi can supply a xenon plus version with LED daytime driving lights and LED flashers, and also an adaptive light version with integrated turning and cornering lights as well as the low, full and highway beams.

The Audi Q7 always leaves the assembly line with a high-gloss package. Optional extras are the black styling package or the aluminum-look exterior package, which consists of an all-round chrome trim strip on the bumpers, door capping strips and door handles, and gives the Q7 even greater sophistication.

The interior:

The Q7 sets standards for flexibility: no fewer than 27 seat configurations are possible. Depending on the wishes of the customer, Audi can supply its large SUV as a five-, six- or seven-seat version. This last version has comfortable single rear seats and a third row of seats at the back for occupants up to 1.60 meters (5.25 ft ) tall. For the driver and front passenger there is a choice of three seat versions: standard seats, electrically adjustable sport seats and climatized luxury seats that can be both heated and ventilated. The elegant lines of the interior, with many restrained details, communicate the typical feeling of wellbeing that the Audi driver or passenger enjoys. The S line sports package uses cool black throughout the interior, with subtle accents in the trim and upholstery. Among the items it includes are sports suspension and 20-inch wheels.

Equipment and trim:

The Audi Q7 comes with an opulent array of standard equipment features, including two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, high-beam assistant, an MMI radio operating system complete with audio system and eight speakers, a double load floor in the cargo area with storage compartment and a dirt tray. Roof rails are also fitted. In the infotainment area Audi also offers a complete modular system. The top-of-the-line version has an integral hard disk drive for navigation, music, and telephone data, a color monitor with 3D graphics, a DVD player, and voice control. It can be expanded into a luxury media center with features such as a Bluetooth telephone, TV tuner, digital radio tuner, plus rear seat entertainment. A special highlight is the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen with its 14 channels, 1,000 watts of power and 14 speakers. In the cockpit area two acoustic lenses reproduce the treble frequencies; when the system is started, they extend out of the dash panel.

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: the most powerful diesel SUV in the world

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is the most powerful diesel SUV in the world. Its 6-liter twelve-cylinder TDI engine develops 368 kW (500 hp) and delivers 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm to the six-speed tiptronic transmission. With a time of just 5.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph), the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro matches the performance of a powerful sports car, but is content with a fuel consumption of only 11.3 liters per 100 kilometers (20.82 US mpg). The luxurious standard equipment specification of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro includes 20-inch wheels, Audi ceramic brakes, xenon plus headlights, adaptive air suspension, a Bose sound system, sport seats and many other features. The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany.

The Audi A3 holds an outstanding position in the premium compact class. The new Audi S3 boasting 265 bhp and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. With its sparkling performance it pursues the ideal of pure driving pleasure coupled simultaneously with excellent everyday practicality – like all Audi S models.

Specifications:

The S3 redefines the standards of its class – at the level of a sports car. The sprint to 60 mph is accomplished in 5.5 seconds, and acceleration is only halted on reaching 155 mph. Aggressively hard-hitting, free-revving and with a sonorous acoustic profile, the powerful two-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder unit with FSI petrol direct injection proves to be a smooth, high-performance engine.

Interior:

The interior conveys an atmosphere of sportiness, with materials of the highest quality and painstaking craftsmanship. The elements that dominate the styling are the sports seats with prominent side sections, the black headlining, also available in silver, and the instrument cluster with its special dials and needles.

The pedals, gear knob and air vents are in aluminum look, the inlays are in Piano finish black, or alternatively aluminum or fine grain birch wood grey. The red and silver S3 emblem is to be found on the leather sports steering wheel, in the instrument cluster, on the gear knob and on the door sill trims. The seats are upholstered in a combination of cloth and leather or, as an option, in alcantara/leather or completely in leather. The two-tone leather seats are decorated with stitching in the same color as their centre section.

Engine

The power plant of the S3 delivers all that is expected of a powerful sports engine, and does it supremely well. The 2.0 TFSI, which combines direct injection and turbocharger technology, delivers 265 bhp at 6,000 rpm. And at just 2,500 rpm it already musters up an impressive 258 lb-ft of torque – this pulling power remains constant up to 5,000 rpm.

Compared with the A3, this engine is an advanced version which has undergone fundamental changes. The new turbocharger with its enlarged turbine and compressor rotor generates 1.2 bar of boost pressure – an unusually high figure. A modified intercooler significantly lowers the temperature of the compressed air, thus increasing the air mass necessary for combustion.

Handling:

In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car; it responds immediately to steering movements and achieves high cornering speeds. Springs and shock absorbers are stiffer, and the body sits 1 inch lower than an A3 with standard suspension.

Aluminum pivot bearings and wishbones reduce the weight of the front suspension. Stiffer suspension mounts and a sportier characteristic for the electro-mechanical steering convey even greater dynamism and precision. 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/40 tires ensure firm adhesion to the road surface. A 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads ensure maximum deceleration; the black painted calipers bear S3 emblems.

Audi has created the Sportback Concept as almost a collage of Audi design cues with touches from the A1 Concept, providing the single frame front grille, to the A5 Coupe which shares a similar tail section.

But the design is also coupe-influenced, which Audi readily admits. The coupe theme is evident in the four seat arrangement (two rear seats instead of three) of the Sportback Concept. That sort of coupe styling on a car that isn’t really a coupe has become somewhat of a fashion lately. Models such as the VW CC, based on the Passat, and the BMW X6 being the most obvious examples.

The Sportback Concept is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 225 hp and 550 Nm of torque (307 lb-ft) coupled to Audi’s 7-speed S tronic transmission and will be the cleanest diesel yet from Audi. This 3.0 liter oil-burner will be compliant with California’s stringent emissions standards (as well as EU6 compliant) making the engine a viable option for Audi models sold in the US.

The concept also comes with a new five-link front suspension set-up, CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers with magnetic fluid control, electronic steering (which also provides a parking assistant), carbon- ceramic brakes discs and 6-piston brake callipers. New Audi styling features previewed by the concept include the reduction of the number of lines, especially around the roof and shoulders, a markedly horizontal shoulder, broad and flat LED tail-lights, and a new interpretation of the single-frame grille.

Audi, BMW, and Cadillac were all presented with “Design Excellence Awards” at the North American International Auto Show. Audi managed to take two of the four prizes in the fourth annual EyesOn Design Awards, awarded to best designed production and concept vehicles.

The Audi R8 V10 and 2010 BMW Z4 were awarded honors in the production category. The R8 V10 includes exterior design touches, like LED headlights, a new rear diffuser, and dual oval exhaust pipes. Inside, it has a functional, but complex, instrument cluster easily within the driver’s reach. A sleek and aerodynamic shape adornes the new Z4, which makes it look nice from any angle, and comes with an incredibly neat three-stage removable hard-top. Audi’s A7 Sportback Concept has long, flowing lines, and a calming white leather and wood interior. It won the award for concept car design, along with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The plug-in hybrid Converj is very futuristic on the outside, with a techno-phobic’s nightmare for an interior. The fast-charging car has four individual seats, but a design that will be nearly impossible to bring to production.

Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers 2009 World Congress and Dassault Systems, the awards are presented to the two best production car designs and concept cars.

The jury, led by former Chrysler VP Tom Gale, includes BMW design director Chris Bangle, Senior VP and Chief Styling Officer for Harley-Davidson Willie G. Davison, and Larry Erickson, a Transportation Design professor at the College for Creative Studies. Only vehicles debuting at the Detroit Auto Show qualify for the award.

Source: NAIAS

The new R8 race version supercar features lots of performance upgrades over current R8 models, and has been designed to conform to GT3 racing regulations. The 2010 R8 GT3 features several changes from the production car, what we know about the performance upgrades on GT3 are, a 6 speed sequential manual transmission, and a gasoline motor promising more than 500 horsepower.

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries for a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

Below is the first info direct from Audi AG…

Audi develops race version of the R8

Official Audi AG Press Release

• * Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar,
• * First races planned for 2009 season
• * Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16″ within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

Reportedly based on the A6, the A7 is expected to be ready for the 2010 model year, making its debut in June 2009, most likely at either the Geneva or Frankfurt auto shows. All of the improvements put into the latest Audi models — new steering rack, multilink suspension, and a reconfigured quattro all-wheel-drive designed to send more power to the rear wheels — should find their way into the A7. The range-topper RS 7 model is expected to be a twin-turbo V10 engine producing 600-hp.

Well, Audi A7 Cabriolet will make its official debut in 2011…

UNVEILED – Its Audi of America, A6 2009 – unveiled with its clean lines and oversized grille, the current Audi A6 is one of the most distinctive midsize luxury cars on the market. It’s available as both a sedan and a wagon. The A6 wagon — called the Avant – with a 34-cubic-foot cargo bay behind its rear seat, it makes a practical yet elegant choice for families. In true Audi fashion, the midsize A6 gives you a lot for a very competitive price.

Those who purchase the A6 sedan may choose between two trims: base 3.2 and top-of-the-line 4.2. Wagons are available only in the 3.2 trim. Standard equipment is generous, and as we’ve come to expect from Audi, the A6′s interior is - quite attractive - quality standard. The options lineup includes a high-end audio system, voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Most are accessed via Audi’s easy-to-use Multi Media Interface (MMI) vehicle management system. It sounds complicated, but with its logical menus and ergonomically designed, all-in-one control knob, MMI is relatively easy to learn.

Talking about performance now, the Audi A6 is available with either a 255-horsepower V6 or a 350-hp V8 engine. Acceleration is certainly passable, but most other V6-equipped luxury cars are quicker. The A6 rides comfortably on the highway, and while it’s not the most athletic car in its class, our editors like its predictable, nimble feel through the corners. As far as transmissions go, both a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a six-speed automatic are offered. The A6 may be equipped with either front-wheel drive or Audi’s Quattro system.

Representative of the Third Generation Model:

Its truely a representative, which dates to 2005. Overall, the third-generation car represents by far the best package of attention-getting style, entertaining driving dynamics and opulent furnishings. Those considering used third-gen models should keep in mind that the car’s V8 engine (offered on the 4.2 trim) got an upgrade a couple of years into the cycle.

The car is available with four – or six-cylinder engine. The more powerful V6 serves up 250 hp at 6300 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque in the 2500 to 3000 rpm range. The engine enables the TT to hit 62 mph in 5.7 seconds by its Quattro all-wheel-drive. The car has a spoiler that deploys at 75 mph.

2008 Audi A3 recieves “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Higway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Audi believes that safety and performance are not mutually exclusive. The 2008 A3 includes a variety of safety features, including:

Top Safety Pick
2008 Audi A3 receives TOP SAFETY PICK AWARD from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS).

Impact protection
Reinforced high strength steel and aluminum crossmembers protect against impact. Side intrusion beams in side doors ensure equal distribution of forces in case of side impact.

Brakes
Four wheel ABS with Electronic brake pressure distribution for rear brakes (EBD) along with brake assist for improved emergency braking provide the power to stop the Audi A3.