Logo

The new Audi Q7 represents a new superlative in the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicles) segment. It produces the performance of a sports car on the road, while redefining the boundaries of a vehicle in this category off-road. The sporty characteristics of the Audi Q7 are further enhanced by the equipment package “S line sports package plus”: sports suspension, sports seats and cast aluminium wheels up to 21 inches in size turn the performance SUV into an athlete. The
“S line exterior package” is the new sporty custom-made outfit for the Audi Q7 that adds attractive visual touches on the outside. The two equipment packages from quattro GmbH can be ordered separately or together from the middle of 2006. The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro and the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro will be launched in Germany at the start of March 2006.

S line sports package plus
The new “S line sports package plus” for the Audi Q7 from quattro GmbH gives the performance SUV an even more emotional and sporty character. With its dynamic spring/shock absorber settings, the S line sports suspension conveys pure driving pleasure. The vehicle is lowered by 10 millimetres compared with models fitted with the standard suspension. 9Jx20 cast aluminium wheels of 5-spoke design with size 275/45 R 20 tyres give the vehicle its athletic appearance. S line logos on the front left and right wings and on the door sill trims are further distinguishing features of the Audi Q7 S line.

Prices
The “S line sports package plus” costs €5,290 for the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro and €2,980 for the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro. The “S line exterior package” costs €1,900 for both models. A price discount of €200 is offered if the
“S line exterior package” is ordered in conjunction with the "S line sports package plus".

Audi’s A6 3.0-litre TDI has won ‘Best Luxury Car over $57,000’ at the annual Australia’s Best Cars awards.
This is the third consecutive year that Audi has won ‘Best Luxury Car’, with the Audi A8 taking top honours in 2003 and 2004.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the award is particularly significant as it is the first time that a diesel passenger car has won an Australia’s Best Cars award.

“The country’s top luxury vehicle has an Audi TDI engine. This is very significant for our company as we will continue to introduce new diesel models into Australia in 2006. By the end of next year we will have at least one TDI engine in every major Audi model line from A3 to A8,” Mr Hofmann said.

“Gone are the days when a customer should be concerned about driving a diesel passenger car. With more than 15 years of experience with TDI technology, Audi is leading the way with luxury passenger cars in Australia.

“This award is a clear indication of how the experts view Audi’s A6 with its advanced 3.0-litre TDI engine,” Mr Hofmann said.

According to the Australia’s Best Cars judging panel, the Audi A6 TDI leaves a lasting impression on performance with terrific thrust from low revs and an automatic that masters the diesel's characteristics cleanly and capably.

The other advantage is fuel economy where this Audi has an official combined figure of 8.5litres/ 100km and the company’s effort in A6 design and functionality is laudable. The A6 demands recognition for its safety, security, comfort, ergonomics and build quality. Its space and practicality also are of a high standard, according to the Australia’s Best Car judges.

The Audi A4 stands out for its driving pleasure and superior technology, exciting styling and a level of luxury that even satisfies the demands made in the top car class. The 220 bhp (162 kW) 2.0 TFSI engine already used successfully in the special Audi A4 DTM Edition model is now also being offered for the production version of the Audi A4.

Developed by quattro GmbH, this petrol direct injection engine with turbocharger delivers 20 bhp more than the 2.0 TFSI unit already available, and its torque has increased from 280 to 300 Nm. This power unit sees quattro GmbH continuing the tradition of power-enhanced 4-cylinder turbo engines. This increase in horsepower has been achieved by selective modifications such as new pistons, a modified turbocharger and a suitably adapted engine management system.

The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI with 220 bhp engine is distinguished visually from other A4 models by perforated brake discs at the front wheels and black anodised exhaust tailpipes. It can be ordered from early February 2006. The saloon is available starting at €32,000, the Avant at €33,600.

Audi is the first manufacturer in the world to combine petrol direct injection with turbocharging in the spheres of both motor racing and volume production. The 2.0 TFSI’s exceptionally broad torque plateau permits a fuel-efficient driving style on the one hand, and also means that a light press of the accelerator pedal is all that is needed to produce considerable thrust and a spontaneous unleashing of power.

Audi enhanced the specifications for its S-line editions.
The New Year will see S line sports versions of the Audi A3, A4 and A6 making an even bolder statement of Vorsprung durch Technik through styling upgrades for the A3 and A6, specification improvements for the A4 and the introduction of new S line Special Edition models. All the newcomers in the now even more desirable Audi S line range are available to order now for delivery in early 2006.

- S line versions of A3 and A6 upgraded to include additional exterior sports styling features
- Enhanced specification for S line versions of A4 Saloon and Avant
- New A3 and A4 S line Special Edition models also now available
- S line model prices range from £19,730 OTR to £47,170 OTR

Although Fourtitude is a daily read for us and all other Audi lovers out there, George Achorn is even better in his "Fourword", a column dedicated to his personal thoughts on the Audi brand and models.
In his current "Fourword" he is writing about the idea of bringing an Audi A3 Hybrid.
There’s no denying that the Toyota Prius has garnered its fair share of attention. Toyota sells all they can build, while the car’s owners group has become a rather enthusiastic following despite the Prius’ relatively frugal equipment and uninspiring teardrop shaped packaging. Such success begs the question- could technology-driven Audi do a small hybrid just as well, if not better, and in a more stylish package?

The Q7 Hybrid is an interesting prospect, but I think I have an idea for a more frugal offering. It would be one that showcases Audi’s own core competencies and could theoretically be built at a reasonable cost, given it would use an existing platform… that of the A3 5-door.

Should Audi build something like an A3 Hybrid, I for one would be there in line to put down my deposit. Ingolstadt has become quite proficient at being strong in performance like their rivals from Munich, but Audi’s brand identity is synonymous with technology and their well-known motto ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ makes the brand more credible in its presentation of a TDI Hybrid laden with technology like all-wheel drive and DSG or even more gluttonous options like Navigation plus or alcantara suede seats. Near as I can tell, such an offering would be right in line with the unique and out-of-the-box thinking target customer Audi has in mind with the A3. It would be a halo car with a conscience.

That's an interesting suggestion! I am sure it will be read in Ingolstadt.