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

In the sport sedan category, the BMW M3 and the M5 sedan has been the perennial targets for every premium carmaker. Combining high-performance with luxury comfort, the German sports sedans sold by BMW has provoked some worthy adversaries from Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and Audi. In the case of Audi, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show gives a first public view for new S model vehicles expected to take the fight to BMW M line and the Mercedes AMG brand. A fourth generation Audi S6 one of the revised premium performance products at the German show intent to win over favour of speed-seeking luxury.

The Audi S6 sport sedan’s positioning in the performance luxury category is always a little confusing. Based on the Audi A6, the S6 performance and price focuses on the performance oriented versions of smaller sedans from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This is considered as a strength for the Audi S6 supplying itself as a relatively good value in previous model years. The new S6 sedan enters the limelight as vehicle engineered as a perfect balance between performance, premium accompaniment and practically.

Making use of the fresh, new look of the Audi A6, the basis of the S6 starts with lightweight exterior construction consisting of around 20 percent aluminum. For the Audi S6 sedan, the vehicle becomes 0.63 inches longer than the A6 with standard 19-inch cast aluminum wheels presenting a sportier look. The sensation of aluminum on the wheels is an auto racing-inspired touch the Audi S6 assemblies along other exterior surfaces including along the front bumper, the side mirrors and the edge of the rear bumper diffuser. The addition of a rear diffuser accompanies a rear deck spoiler on the Audi S6 sedan. Employing two unique colour tones over the A6, the Audi S6 can be ordered with Estoril Blue and Prism Silver each embodying a crystal effect. Over top of the chosen paint colour, S6 and V8T badges adorn the Audi S6’s exterior. Besides the standard set of 19-inch wheels, different wheel styles and sizes up to 20 inches can tailor decorate an Audi S6 to performance tastes.

As with all Audi vehicles in the S brand, the S6 moves through the capable quattro all-wheel drive system. Featuring adaptive air suspension sport, the Audi S6 ride can be driver adjusted between a 10-millimeter range. Together, the all-wheel drive and sport-tuned air suspension is set to deliver remarkable handling credentials for the new generation Audi S6. Braking for the 4,178-pound German sedan is executed with four-wheel disc brakes sporting matte black painted calipers. For braking performance under hard-driving conditions, the Audi S6 can be equipped with an optional set of carbon fiber ceramic brakes.

Inside the Audi S6’s renewed cabin, the sports sedan is a marriage of luxury refinement and performance car aggression certain to entice many drivers. Individuals behind the wheel will quickly enamour themselves to the Audi S6 sedan’s interior touches such as the red engine ignition button, aluminum-like foot pedals and technological driving aids including adaptive cruise control as well as heads-up display. Audi’s 360 degree parking camera is equipped on the S6 sedan associated with the MMI navigation plus system. Consisting of an 8-inch center touch display, the Audi S6 sedan’s MMI navigation plus provides Bluetooth connectivity and even wireless Internet into the car. Adjustable front sport seats with power lumber will improve the driver’s connection with their Zen feeling inside of the new Audi S6.

Audi’s entry-level S model using the new 4.0 TFSI engine, this brand new powerplant incorporates eight cylinders fed by a twin turbocharged forced air induction set-up. Not as powerful as the new Audi S8, the Audi S6’s variation of the 4.0 TFSI powerplant produces a more modest 420 horsepower. Compared to the previous generation Audi S6’s 5.2 liter V-10 engine, there is 15 fewer horsepower propelling the quattro all-wheel drive system for the new S6. With emphasis placed on improving fuel economy, the sacrifice of horsepower brings a surprisingly high increase in traveling mileage. Capable of travelling an average 24 miles per gallon of gasoline, the new Audi S6’s TFSI engine employs a cylinder on demand system and start/stop technology to maximize gasoline use.

Despite being a running on a smaller powerplant, new twin-turbocharged Audi S6 is actually faster than its predecessor. Accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an estimated 4.8 seconds, the new S6 sedan is 0.4 seconds quicker than the 2010 Audi S6.

At least in Europe, a wagon version of the Audi S6 (called the S6 Avant) will be sold. The Audi S6 Avant will feature all the performance enhancements embedded into the sedan counterpart but will present 59.33 cubic feet of cargo room. With popularity of sport wagons making the Audi S6 Avant a viable choice in the European market, American Audi buyers are unlikely to see the cargo-friendly version. Traditionally, the wagon variants of vehicles (especially sports wagons) are denied entrance into the North American model line-up.

Pricing and additional details for the Audi S6 will be announced shortly for the European and North American market.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

The kick-off to the world indoor auto show season, 2011 is the lucky biennial year where automotive enthusiasts get to relish in the spectacle of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Guaranteed already to be a showcase of new ideas in the ever-evolving auto industry, production and concept vehicles are presented in abundance for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show even as more than two weeks separate the exhibit’s grand opening. A motor show of world intrigue, Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been wetting the appetites of potential show goers through previews of their Frankfurt Motor Show presentations. An exhibition based in their home country, Volkswagen’s luxury car brand Audi will also be making a strong showing on September 15th.

In preparation for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show, Audi has a history of bringing profound guidance for where they want to take their brand’s image. In the last Frankfurt show in 2009, Audi presented their e-tron concept for the very first time to the public. Since the showing almost two years ago, Audi’s continuing development of e-tron is likely to directly lead to a production-based vehicle. Audi also publicly premiered the R8 Spyder at the 2009 show generating some more tradition open-motoring performance buzz. As their world sales increased by 15 percent in 2010 (just one year following the Audi’s last Frankfurt display), the German auto company’s success will garner more focus on their upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show plans. Supplying samples for performance and low-impact driving, Audi seems ready to entertain the German city’s crowd.

Presented in early to mid August, Audi’s prospect for exploiting a full city car design led to the urban concept brainchild. The urban concept car was unveiled ahead of the Frankfurt show in illustrated form ahead of the lightweight 1+1 passenger vehicle’s presentation in real life. Since the debut of the Audi urban concept sketches on August 10th, Audi immediately followed-up the early images with an open top version of the unique smaller car. The Spyder version of the urban concept shares the impressive sport style in a small, electric vehicle package.

Aside from the debut of a radical new way of motoring, Audi will use Frankfurt as the official public introduction of three new models of their S performance line. Added to the 2012 Audi portfolio, the S6 (including the S6 Avant) and the large S8 sedan will debut as new generation vehicles. For the first time since its introduction last year, the Audi A7 Sportback receives its initial taste of S line enthusiasm. Receiving its first eight-cylinder powerplant, the S7 Sportback, along with the S6 and S8, will receive a new generation engine engineered to provide top performance along with improved fuel economy.

Taking a similar approach as with Mercedes-Benz and BMW by consolidating engines used in their performance line-ups, a new 4.0 liter V-8 engine will beat under the hood of all three S models. Smaller than the S line’s previous benchmark, the more compact Audi engine is just as exciting as the next generation models. Providing up to 520 horsepower of sheer driving excitement, the S6, S7 Sportback and the S8 will be guided by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

As a third separate feature ready to attract spectators at the Audi pavilion, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will debut a concept version of the A2. The Audi A2 concept displays a compact car form optimizing cargo space thanks to an electric powertrain. Just recently announced, the Audi A2 concept has become the latest edition to a flashy auto show presentation.

Starting September 15th, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to more than 850,000 spectators and over 13,000 members of the esteemed media. With only two weeks remaining until Audi’s near and distant future vision of premium motoring is unveiled to the public, Audisite.com will provide fans of the German luxury brand with in-depth information on the vehicles being profiled.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

A larger, modernized look for the 2012 model year, the Audi A6 sedan returns to the United States marketplace between 78 and 165 pounds lighter in curb weight than its predecessor. A merger of steel and aluminum construction, Audi is continuing adaptation of lighter weight aluminum has allowed key areas of the A6 to promote better handling as well as ride.

Coming back for 2012 in front-wheel and quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi A6 trim ranges from Premium and Premium Plus trim levels. Three-zone climate control, eight-way power front seats, automatic headlamps and sunroof is found as convenience items on the Premium trim. The 2012 Audi A6 quattro model also includes a high-luxury Prestige model. For 2012, the Audi A6 Prestige package furnishes ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control and Audi’s S-Line exterior appearance pieces for a more exclusive touch. All 2012 A6 sedans have the Audi MMI system fitted with Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrades of the Audi MMI system are numerous with 14-speaker Bose audio equipment, six-disc CD charger and HD radio available. Other noteworthy options on the 2012 Audi A6 includes full LED headlighting, 20-inch alloy sport wheels as well as Audi side assist and pre sense rear. With available Wi-Fi connectivity, Audi Connect is powered by Google Earth and Google Local Search.

Dependant on the choice of front-wheel or quattro all-wheel drive, 2012 Audi A6 bound for the United States bound will be powered by one of two gasoline engines using TFSI (the turbocharged version of Audi’s FSI direct injection). Added to the A6 product line-up for 2012, the 2-liter inline-4 engine powers the front-wheel drive (FWD) models through a Fronttrak Continuously Variable Transmission. Generating 211 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque, the engine is less powerful than the previous base A6 power plant but promises much better fuel economy on the United States roads. In average fuel economy on city and highway driving, the 2012 Audi A6 FWD will deliver 28 miles per gallon (a 4 mile per gallon improvement on the 2011 3.2 liter A6 model).

When the announcement of the European Audi A6 was published, the mid-sized sedan was said to offer three diesel powerplant choices. Regrettably for American diesel enthusiasts, there will be no TDI engine option included on the 2012 Audi A6. Currently, the only Audi car to offer a TDI in North America is the A3 hatchback. Some American buyers will also be eager to see the full S-Line model of the new Audi A6. If rumours relating to the mechanically similar Audi A7 Sportback’s S-Line model is a reliable indication, there is a possibly for a turbocharged V-8 in a future S6 sedan.

Pricing for the new Audi A6 will start slightly higher than the 2011 model year car. The front-wheel drive 2012 Audi A6 in Premium trim is base priced at $41,700 with an $875 extra for a destination charge. The 2012 A6 quattro will retail for $49,900 in Premium level but can top-out at $56,700 for the Prestige model. Potential buyers will have a short wait for the 2012 Audi A6 as sales start into the summer.

Information source: Audi USA

The new A3 is said to “epitomise Audi’s latest brand language”, with its lightweight design and fuel efficiency, coupled with a remarkably fast, turbocharging engine. Over the years, Audi’s brand language has shifted somewhat but the German manufacturer has rarely failed to impress.

Here are five of our favourites:

1980 Audi Quattro

Like the brand new A3, the original Audi Quattro was given its unveiling at the International Geneva Motorshow. Also, like the A3, the Quattro was seen as an innovative, ground-breaking car. Few could have imagined the legacy the Quattro would leave, becoming the first all-wheel-drive car to truly gain mainstream popularity thanks to its space-saving, small, light gearbox.

The Quattro excelled on the high street and also in the world of rallying, winning titles in the American TransAm and the IMSA Series. Even to this day, though the design has started to show its age, the Quattro can command high sums from Audi lovers worldwide.

Audi TT DSG

For years, the beautiful Audi TT was let down by its somewhat sluggish, four-cylinder 1.8T engine. Finally, in 2003, Audi placed a 3.2 litre V6 engine in the TT and fans of the coupe were at last given the car of their dreams.

The performance of the TT DSG finally matched up to its prize-winning looks, with a narrow-angle V6 engine roaring away and the revolutionary Direct Shift Gearbox providing the most sophisticated transmission seen in any car at that time.

With a price tag of around £30,000 as well as some heftily-priced car insurance UK drivers could have been deterred from the TT DSG, had it not been such a blindingly good package. Fortunately for Audi, it sold in droves and remains a classic to this day.

Audi R8

In 2006, Audi brought the legacy of the Quattro and the classy style of the TT together in a razor sharp new supercar – the R8. Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo’s platform and inspired by the Audi Le Mans Quattro racing car, the R8 was heralded by six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as “the best handling road car today.”

The R8 was so proud of its 4.2 litre V8 engine, it was displayed beneath a glass engine cover. The performance of said engine blew many Audi fanatics away, reaching 8,250 rpm and combining with a six-speed manual gearbox that delighted purists.

The body control, steering and ride quality of the R8 took Audi to new heights and the model remains perhaps the most attention-grabbing cars ever built, forcing the creators of car insurance bands to reconsider their boundaries!

Audi RS2

When Audi set about creating an estate car in 1994, they enlisted the help of Porsche – a company not exactly renowned for their expertise in designing large, cumbersome vehicles. The result: the Audi RS2 – the fastest estate car in the world.

Porsche added a KKK turbocharger to Audi’s 2.2-litre, 20-valve, 5-cylinder engine and the boost pressure was raised from 1.1 to 1.4 bar. To cope with the mighty 315 horsepower and 180mph speeds of the RS2, Porsche fitted the brakes used on their 911 – something drivers of the RS2 were thankful for as they sped from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.

Audi RS6

Lovers of the original Audi Quattro spent a long time waiting for the German manufacturer to produce a car that could match the sheer driveability of the 1980 classic. That wait finally ended in 2002 with the release of the RS6.

The RS6 was Audi’s most powerful production car ever at 444bhp, with a top speed of 189mph. Its engine was more powerful than the Jaguar S-type and the BMW M5, while hi-tech features such as Tiptronic steering controls ensured the RS6 wowed gadget fans.

Buyers, blessed with the new millennium luxury of being able to order the car and their car insurance online, snapped up the RS6 like hot cakes.

The mid-level luxury car market has turned into a battle royal with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti M and the Jaguar XF existing as some of many prestigious packages reloading for a premium sedan fight. An ultra-competitive luxury car market, the position of standing still is essentially going backwards. While a redesign of the Audi A6 occurred just two years prior, a sense of urgency set in within the Ingolstadt, Germany headquarters to freshen their important mid-sized four-door.

Shaped over 20 percent aluminum coupled with high-tech steel construction, the new Audi A6 is reshaped using the persona of the newly-released Audi A7 Sportback (a unconventional wagon which shares the mid-sized sedan’s platform). New A6 sedan’s wheelbase length has grown by almost 3 inches to 113.6 inches for an improved road-holding stance. Roughly 0.7 inches wider than its 2010 counterpart, the new Audi A6 dimensions of 193.68 inches in length and 57.48 inches in height is largely consistent with the predecessor’s design. Focus on top-notch strength and low weight also included Audi engineers considering the best aerodynamic flow of the 2011 Audi A6 sedan which now runs at a drag coefficient as low as 0.26 in testing.

Adhering to current European styling, the design of the new Audi A6 sedan is crafted to be athletic without involving unnecessary curves and accents. At first look, the most eye-catching detail of the new A6 sedan is the more aggressive Audi A7-farmed headlamps style. Given a near menacing stare at the road, an option all LED forward lighting further enhances a look of a high-tech sports sedan. Dedicated to allowing drivers to have the best view of the road in all driving conditions, new Audi A6 sedans also have an available adaptive light function automatically adjusts illumination based on the surrounding traffic. An available S line package for the outer part of the new Audi A6 lends to more racier design details including sharper front bumper and a rear diffuser insert.

A skillfully conceived exterior, interior details of the new Audi A6 were also granted the expertise of Audi personnel. Said to be a trip into “an ambiance of airiness and roominess” according to Audi, the new A6 controls are thoughtfully laid out around the dash panel and center console for the motorist. Audi’s newest edition MMI radio and CD player is standard operated through a 6.5 inch monitor. To offer a full scale of multimedia options, DVD charger, a 1,300-watt Bang & Olufsen supplied 15-speaker sound system and wireless LAN are all features found on the new Audi A6.

For the absolute luxury feel, optional comfort seating for the driver and passenger provides up to 18-way adjustment. Beyond power seating adjustment controls, comfort seats also incorporate a massager offering five different levels of stimulation. Trim pieces come in a Micrometallic platinum, aluminum or in a variety of real wood such as ash, walnut and soon an oak accent. 18.72 cubic feet of luggage space inside the new A6 will allow owners to take more items on a weekend trip or away from a shopping spree.

Propelling the new Audi A6 on the world stage is two gasoline and three diesel engines. In German specifications, a 2.8 liter FSI V-6 204 horsepower and a 300 horsepower 3-liter turbocharged FSI engine make up the contingent of gasoline powerplants. A trio of TDI powerplants, the new Audi A6 engines can be opted in a 2 liter inline-4 , or one of two turbocharged diesel engines in a 3-liter capacity. Unclear for what engines will be presented on the North American version of A6 sedan, assume the larger turbocharged 3-liter gasoline engine with a outside chance of seeing one of the turbodiesel powerplants available. Transmission choices span from a 6-speed manual, a continuously variable multitronic transmission and a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox. An engine for a likely Audi S6 trim is also yet to be confirmed. What can be confirmed is the new A6 will be offered in either a front-wheel drive or the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system.

Joining suit with competitors from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the Audi A6 will soon add an all-new hybrid version. Combining the 2-liter TSFI 211 horsepower engine with an electric motor worth 45 horsepower, the Audi A6 Hybrid said to allow six-cylinder performance while providing the economy of a four-cylinder. When released, fuel efficiency for the Audi A6 Hybrid is expected to range just under 38 miles per gallon through average city and highway driving conditions. The Hybrid powerplant will also be able to run up to 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) on pure electricity at a speed of above 37 miles per hour.

Planned for release in Europe for early 2011, the new Audi A6 sedan should arrive in North America shortly.

Check out the full photo gallery of the 2011 Audi A6

Audi just announced that they will be offering two new limited edition packages for the RS 6 sedan. Called the “RS 6 Plus Sport” or “RS 6 Plus Audi Exclusive”, only 500 packages will be produced.

Both will feature a Carbon design package for the engine compartment, a sports suspension, 5-spoke 20-inch wheels, and a numbered badge in the interior so you can brag to your passengers about your sweet ride.

The RS6 Plus Sport package adds a leather-covered instrument panel hood and center console, along with floor mats wearing the RS6 logo. Opting for the Audi Exclusive package bags you a custom paint job and leather-covered seat upholstery, controls, door trim inserts, front center armrest, and armrests.

Otherwise, it’s a fairly typical RS6, with carbon fiber, aluminum, leather, and Alcantara lining the interior, and a 580 hp V10 engine that propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in only 4.5 seconds.

Both packages are only available in Europe. The RS 6 Sport will run 3,250 euros (about $4,400 USD) and the Audi Exclusive will cost 8,310 euros ($11,300.) Believe it or not, that’s about 50% less expensive than buying the options separately.

Audi RS6 wrapped around a tree

Have you ever wondered if Audis are safe vehicles? Wonder no more – here is the proof you need. This driver, who’s nickname should now be “Lucky,” apparently lost control of his Audi RS6 and slid sideways into a tree at high speed. Very high speed I would imagine, since the tree literally sliced the car in half. The driver, despite the completely totaled condition of the car, walked away unharmed.

At first glance, you’d think those were two different cars, but rest assured it’s not. Take a look at more pictures below to see more of the wreckage, and the driver (fully intact.)