Last month, an article was posted on Audisite.com noting that German luxury car Audi would entering into 2012 without a wagon or Avant version of their vehicle for the United States. Considering the fact that Audi was a long-time hold-out in the crossover vehicle arena, it was becoming far more likely that the auto company was giving up on presenting car-based wagons stateside. Just as a minor crisis was developing for the lovers of the Avant products, Audi made a New Year’s resolution at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to bring a brand new wagon to the United States. More than just a basic Avant wagon, the Audi reintroduced the more aggressive Allroad vehicle as a 2013 model year product.

At the beginning of the sport utility vehicle surge in the United States auto market in 1999, Audi addressed the craze in a rather European manner. Instead of developing a truck-like vehicle, the Audi company created specialized version of the A6 Avant called the Allroad. Making more aggressive use of the quattro all-wheel drivetrain, the Audi Allroad defined itself as a rougher terrain luxury vehicle with matte black body panels and a raised ride height accomplished through an air suspension system. Though the Allroad would continue to be sold in Europe, the disappointing sales of the innovative wagon caused Audi to pull the vehicle from North America. Audi would concede to the conventional wisdom in the North American marketplace by adding their full-sized Q7 crossover vehicle in 2005. As Audi added the Q5 as well as the Q3 in the future product portfolio for the United States, the ever-changing complexion of the crossover vehicle market has grown to appreciate characteristics that made station wagons popular from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Changing automotive consumer tastes and a luxury car marketplace seeing companies, as such Audi, carrying a record-high product line-up has given the German brand encouragement that the Allroad could make meaningful inroads into the current United States auto environment.

While many crossover vehicles claim to have a car-like ride and handling, the Audi Allroad position as a car instantly enters it in a situation of advantage. Built on the updated Audi A4 platform, the new Allroad is a bigger, wider vehicle than the A4 Avant predecessor. This third generation Allroad is the first version to utilize the Audi A4 after previously versions of the model wee offered as relatives to the A6. Smart and sophisticated, the 2013 Audi Allroad stands 1.5 inches taller in ground clearance rated at around 5.7 inches. Like the last time the North American market saw the Audi Allroad, the new all-terrain wagon receives the distinguishing matte black finish along with bumper covers and flared wheel arches. Audi owners not in favour of the noticeable bodywork touches can opt to coordinate the Allroad matte black surfaces to match the other bodywork at an additional price. Stainless steel skid plates, aluminum-optic roof rails and 18 or 19-inch wheels complete the 2013 Audi Allroad utilitarian look. For a little vanity and natural light inside of the Allroad’s cockpit, Audi will include a standard panoramic sunroof on every version of the unique wagon.

Powered by a 2-liter TFSI inline-4 engine, the 2013 Audi Allroad provides usable performance without jeopardizing fuel economy. The Allroad’s standard quattro all-wheel drive churns with 211 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque from the turbocharged, direct-injected powerplant. An eight-speed tiptronic transmission insures the power is well managed from the Audi TFSI engine. Fuel economy for United States bound 2013 Audi Allroad has yet to be assessed by the EPA, but expect it to come within the average range of 25 miles per gallon.

As can be expected from the interior of a wagon, the Audi Allroad is spacious even with 5-passenger seating. With a full capacity of occupants, 27 cubic feet worth of cargo can be secured inside of the 2013 Audi Allroad. Only 2.1 cubic feet less than the Q5 crossover featuring a similar full passenger layout, the Allroad’s initial interior cargo space is roomier than the Acura TSX Sport Wagon and Mercedes-Benz R-Class. When the rear seats are folded down, the Audi Allroad will offer 50 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

With quattro all-wheel drive optimized with increased ride height and ample cargo capacity, Audi engineering has found plenty of room to infuse luxury into the Allroad wagon’s interior. The 2013 Audi Allroad features Aluminum Trigon inlays along with 8-way power seats as standard. Choices of wood trim, heated seats and front seats power adjustable for up to 12 ways can be optioned on the Allroad for extra interior enjoyment.

Beyond the simpler luxury comfort items, the Audi Allroad’s high-tech array of available features is extensive. Bang & Olufsen supplies the Audi Allroad an optional 505-watt sound system. Providing factory-installed wireless internet access, Audi connect relays important driving information relating to weather, traffic and even gas prices in the driver’s area. Audi connect is also designed to handle up to eight mobile wireless devices at the same time inside the Allroad. Powered through Google, map information can be downloaded directly to the Audi MMI Navigation System.

Pricing for the 2013 model year Audi Allroad is expected ahead of its United States introduction later in 2012.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Wearing Audi’s brand new exterior appearance philosophy, the A6 and now the smaller A4 enters the 2012 European market under the optimism they are providing vehicles the customers want. While the four-door sedans are the hot commodity of almost any automotive marketplace, the European marketplace for Audi for the A4 and A6 includes the Avant wagon model. Picked as one of the favourite cars from 2011 by Motors.co.uk, the Audi A6 Avant was appreciated by the reputable British on-line marketplace site for its superior build, performance choice and larger size. Some would definitely think that the A6 Avant could be a hot seller in the United States premium car community. Unfortunately, the entire Avant line is on a hiatus from the United States market through the 2012 model year.

A prized automotive marketplace that had completely divested from wagons during the late 1990s, North American appetites first turned to minivans evolving into the sport utility craze. Thanks to the car-based crossover vehicle, the wagon has made a recovery of sorts undercover of all-wheel drive propulsion and taller rooflines. Returning in a similar manner as the five-door hatchback to United States, the wagon configuration is seen in a less conventional form.

In the mainstream auto marketplace, vehicles like the Nissan Juke, Kia Soul and Toyota Versa has been romancing the typical wagon family crowds. Luxury motorists also demand a car with extended cargo capacities mobilizing cars like the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the Lexus CT200h as elegant yet creative approaches to premium utility. As buyers seek the unique interpretations of crossover utility motoring, the traditional wagon configuration of the Audi Avant models places the vehicles in a sub-category less likely to be success. Even though quattro all-wheel drive would play a part through the acceptance of both the A4 and A6 Avant, these wagon’s face a tough American automotive audience.

Traditional wagon vehicles based on the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and the Acura TSX have fought with mixed success for automobile market share against the premium crossover utility products. Existing as the Honda Accord Tourer in Europe, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon was introduced to the North American product line-up for 2011 has sold 2,915 examples (accounting for less than 10 percent total TSX model produced in 2011). Acura had initially released the TSX Sport Wagon with the anticipation of selling 4,000 a year in North America. Along with sales difficulties for new releases, add to equation reduced competition in the segment with the fact Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have either decreased or completely eliminated their conventional looking wagons from the United States car line-up.

Another obstacle to the prompt appearance of the Avant versions of the Audi A4 and Audi A6 in North America comes directly from their own four-ring badged vehicles. Audi’s own crossover vehicles (the Q5 and Q7) are already entrenched in the North American sale plans. Audi is still mulling over whether the compact crossover Q3 will arrive stateside. For American premium car buyers desiring more usable cargo room, Audi believes that their newly released A7 Sportback captures the intentions of utility without the stigma of a wagon.

The Avant’s return to the United States marketplace will be guided by customer demand. Based on the arrival of the Audi TT RS and the upcoming US arrival of the RS5 in 2012, the Germany luxury badge has developed a good track record for recognizing the allure North American consumers have for their European vehicles. Perhaps with enough coaxing, the Audi A6 Avant could be a matter of a few requests away.

Information source: Audi AG, American Honda Motors
Photo source: Audi AG

MTM Supercharged Audi S4

German tuners MTM have given the Audi S4 and S5 Cabrio enough power to compete with their up-trimmed siblings. Through the use of their M-Cantronic ECU system, MTM has given the two cars – both powered by the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine – 430 horsepower, which is only 10 hp less than the stock Audi RS4′s V8 engine.

Along with the M-Cantronic system, MTM uses new exhaust components to help with power delivery. The MTM S4 is also equipped with bigger brakes and 8-piston calipers, a lowered suspension, and 19-inch Bimoto wheels.

430 horsepower get the MTM S4 from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission, and can reach a top speed of 177 mph with the optional V-Cantronic system which removes the top speed limiter from the stock ECU.

The kit is not cheap, either. For both the M-Cantronic and V-Cantronic system producing 430 hp, the system costs $4,600 USD, another $6,183 for the exhaust system, and $6,046 for the wheels. The suspension tuning is $1,048, and the big brakes are $6,654, coming to a total of $24,531 for the MTM S4, plus the price of the car, if you don’t add any other options.

2011 Audi A4 TDI

Right before the Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi is announcing two new A4 models, each using a different fuel.

The most exciting of the two is the A4 3.0 TDI quattro. I’m not sure if we’ll be getting this is the States (cross your fingers,) but it uses the same 3.0-liter diesel engine found in the Q7 TDI. Achieving about 35 mpg, the A4 TDI boasts 240 horsepower and even more impressive, 369 lb/ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed tiptronic transmission which can get the A4 from 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds.

The second A4 announced runs on biofuel, aka E85. This fuel is a mixture of 85% ethanol to 15% gasoline, which provides more power, but a significant reduction in fuel economy. Great for corn farmers, not so great for consumers. Audi’s E85 engine for the A4 will be a 2.0-liter TFSI producing 180 hp and 236 lb/ft of torque. Fuel economy is terrible, as expected, at about 26 mpg. Put regular premium gasoline in the same engine and you’ll get 36 mpg – 10 mpg more. I still don’t understand why manufacturers are making these flex-fuel cars, I think they’re terrible.

To get this straight then, we have two new engines – one TDI and one E85. The TDI gets 240 hp and 369 torque and achieves 35 mpg, while the 180/236 E85 gets 26 mpg.

Right.

Yes, E85 fuel is a bit cheaper since the government wants you to use it, but not that much cheaper. I’ll stick with the TDI, thanks.

2010 Audi S4

Audi just sent out an email to newsletter subscribers to check out the new 2010 S4, which is now featured on their customer-facing AudiUSA.com website.

The A4 is a fantastic vehicle, and serves as a high quality, luxurious and sporty version of a mid-range sedan. The S4, which for 2009 was not updated with the new A4 design, is now part of the new generation, and it looks great.

The 2010 Audi S4 features a 333 horsepower, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine capable of propelling the car from 0 to 60 in only 4.9 seconds, and still gets 28 mpg on the highway. We drove a 2009 Audi A4 with the 265 hp 3.2-liter V6 a few months ago and it’s only rated at 26 mpg on the highway. This new S4 powerplant is impressive. Of course you’ll never be driving slow enough to manage 28 mpg, but it’s good knowing you could. The power will be transferred through a 7-speed S-tronic or 6-speed manual transmission down to the AWD quattro system.

On the outside, exclusive front and rear sport bumpers, unique aluminum optic finish on the mirrors and rear diffuser, and chrome quad tailpipes set the car apart from the A4. Inside, you’re treated to standard alcantara and leather trim, or you can opt for full, dual-color silk nappa leather sport seats.

We’ve been waiting for the 2010 S4, and it’s finally here. 333 hp and 28 mpg? Can’t beat that. Check out the photo gallery below:

2009 Audi A4 3.2

Yet more praise for the excellent redesigned 2009 A4. Autoblog.com just reviewed the 3.2 quattro version, which looks like it may have been the exact same 2009 Audi A4 Automoblog.net reviewed in March, much to the same praise.

Just as everyone else in the automotive world right now, Autoblog was amazed at how good the A4 was, saying it’s “too good for its own good.” They also said that the 3.2-liter V6 in the A4 was good, but would take the “2.0-liter turbo nine-times-out-of-ten.” A good engine, but I like the smoothness and power of the 3.2. Unlike Autoblog, I’m not happy about Audi nixing the V6 next year.

They also stated:

The A4 is “easily in range of the segment stalwart, BMW 335i. We’d be lying if we said the A4 was just as entertaining as the Bimmer, but the security of all-wheel drive, the top-notch interior and the choice of a four-cylinder could easily put the Audi at the top of the list. And given the choice between the two we’d almost be compelled to pick the A4… almost.”

Seeing as how every semi-successful business person working in a downtown skyscraper trying to impress the neighbors has a 3-series, I’d chose the A4 every time.

Audi A4 2.0 TDI e

Audi will be launching the 2.0 TDI e in June in dealerships across Europe. The 2.0 TDI e is the most fuel efficient mid-size sedan on the market. Burning diesel fuel, it manages to get 51.13 mpg out of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and burn only 191.51 grams of CO2 per mile, which isn’t a figure we’re very familiar with here in the States.

The efficient “e” model produces 136hp, which while isn’t a great number, isn’t exactly focused on performance. It can run from 0 to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 133mph. We Americans will just have to wait longer until diesel catches on over here, but I know many people who would be excited to get 51mpg out of a mid-size non-hybrid sedan, especially an Audi. The sedan is priced at 30,800 euros (currently a little over $42,200 USD,) and you can also get the “e” as an Avant. While it’s not exactly cheap, neither are comparable hybrids.

The A4 2.0 TDI e efficiency system works much like a hybrid, in that it turns off the engine when you’re stopped, which is especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Further effort has been taken to increase efficiency, such as low-resistance tires, a 6-speed manual transmission with a 5% higher final gear ratio, and a revised ECU. The system also uses a regenerative braking system (much like a hybrid,) which stores excess kinetic energy from braking in the battery, discharging it when you resume acceleration to reduce fuel use. Clever indeed.

The A4 2.0 TDI e also tries to save fuel by helping change fuel-guzzling driving habits. It has a shift indicator which is tuned to tell you the most fuel efficient times to shift, and displays all fuel efficiency information on the driver information display, making you see how much fuel you’re using and hopefully persuading you to drive more conservatively. Changing your driving habits alone have ben shown to increase efficiency by around 30% – a big savings at the pump. Audi has also improved the A4 aerodynamics in the “e” model to reduce drag,

Overseas, this is actually the fourth efficiency-focused “e” model Audi has released. Apparently the accountants over at Audi don’t think us Yankees are ready to get 44mpg out of an A6 luxury sedan, or the same 44 mpg out of the TT sports car. Don’t worry though…when gas prices go back up to $4/gallon or higher, we’ll start seeing these over here.

3.2-liter V6 FSI Engine

Due to high demand in the US for smaller and more fuel efficient engines, Audi says they will be dropping the 3.2-liter V6 from the A3, A4, and TT for the 2010 model year in the States. I happen to like this smooth engine quite a bit, but the numbers show that it might not be worth it. The 2.0T engine offered in the A4 makes only 54 horsepower less power, and gets 4mpg better fuel economy than the V6. The four-cylinder also happens to get 15 lb-ft of torque more than the six.

Audi also states that there could be a possible overlap with this engine and the upcoming supercharged V6 in the S4 model. I wouldn’t see that creating any problems, but who am I to say? They hope their plans which include the A3 TDI, TT RS, and S4 will fill the gap left by the absence of the 3.2 V6.

Ever wanted to see an Audi A4 being made? Check out this video, which shows the car moving along the assembly line and being made from start to finish: