Audi A4

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

audi a4 review

Audi A4 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Audi A4 ranks 7 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 18 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A4, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned just last year, the Audi A4 is a viable alternative to the BMW 3-Series. Buyers looking for a sporty entry-level luxury sedan should test drive an all-wheel-drive A4 before making their decision.

The Audi A4, redesigned from the wheels up for 2009, enters the 2010 model year with no significant changes. It remains a fun car to drive, with sharp handling and a firm stance courtesy of its Quattro all-wheel-drive system (optional, but Audi says more than 80 percent of buyers opt for it). Audi's adjustable suspension, which allows the driver to electronically change the car's tuning for aggressive cornering or quiet commuting, is particularly well-reviewed. The combination, Consumer Guide says, means the A4 "adeptly balances around-town maneuverability with sporty road manners."

Shoppers should note that the A4 is the largest sedan in the midsize class - which means it's an opportunity for some buyers of more expensive luxury sedans (like the Lexus GS) to downsize and save some money. However, the A4's price can climb north of $40K with all of the options -- and you'll want most of them.

Audi is known for some of the best interiors in the automotive businesses, and the A4 offers an excellent example of why.

Other Cars to Consider

Those looking for an athletic sport sedan would do well to compare the A4 to the BMW 3-Series, which some say out-hustles and out-handles Audi's car. Those for whom All-Wheel-Drive is essential might want to consider an AWD Infiniti G37, which offers an exceptional balance of luxury and performance. The Acura TL, in SH-AWD trim, is another excellent AWD option.

Audi A4: The Details

The 2010 A4 comes as a sedan, an Avant wagon, or the more off-road-oriented Allroad wagon, in 2.0 or 3.2 trim. We review the wagons separately. Buyers should note that the A4 Cabriolet convertible has been dropped from the lineup, with a sportier 2010 A5 Cabriolet taking its place.

gumpert apollo

gumpert apollo

gumpert apollo

gumpert apollo

gumpert apollo

gumpert apollo

gumpert apollo

We remember a time when people bought sports cars solely for their performance qualities, not for the luxury, attention, or status they brought. German boutique carmaker Gumpert, however, takes us back to those days with its 2008 Apollo Sport, a car with a single-minded purpose: to go very, very fast.

Scoring zero to little on the name-brand value scale (and with a name like Gumpert, it’s bound to stay that way), the Gumpert Apollo Sport offers pure speed in return. The Apollo Sport is the successor to the Gumpert Apollo, which debuted two years ago in much the same form, albeit without the Sport’s racing-style rear wing that appears to have been sourced from Boeing. Certainly exotic in proportions, but starkly unemotional in the details, the Apollo Sport looks less like the stuff of the Greek gods than something a teenager would have doodled during sixth-period civics class.

That having been said, few teenagers are capable of developing their dream cars into actual, drivable automobiles, let alone supercars with mind-blowing performance. Powered by a mid-mounted 800-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 that started life in the Audi parts bin before Gumpert added twin turbochargers, among numerous other mods, the 2650-pound Apollo Sport is said to hit 62 mph in a Murciélago-humbling three seconds flat. Gumpert claims that aerodynamic enhancements have raised the Apollo Sport’s top speed to 223 mph.

The Apollo Sport also boasts a more comfortable interior, finished in Alcantara and offering air conditioning, navigation, and a CD player. But make no mistake, this is a sports-car environ of the purest variety, making 599GTBs, SLRs, and 911 Turbos feel like Maybachs by comparison.

Like the Apollo, the Apollo Sport is built on a tubular-steel space frame wrapped around a carbon-fiber monocoque, thus yielding safety and weight savings in equal measure. However, don’t expect NHTSA to be running any Apollo Sports into walls on our shores to find out, since the Apollo Sport won’t be offered in the U.S., no matter how many gazillionaires here could afford its near-$400,000 price.

Porsche rules out a smaller SUV

The Porsche Cayenne will be the smallest SUV built by the manufacturer, as it fears a smaller SUV would pinch sales from the Cayenne’s sales.

Company insiders have said that they believe that there is strong evidence of the Audi Q5 taking sales from the Audi Q7, and are not willing to follow a similar route. The Cayenne accounts for up to 50% of the firm’s profits, and the new model is due to go on sale on the 29th May. The range will feature a diesel and, for the first time, a hybrid with a V6 petrol engine.

The two petrol models, the S and the Turbo, both use a 4.8 litre V8, with 395bhp and 493bhp. Porsche claims 27.6mpg for the Turbo.

Prices for the new car start at £41,404 for the entry-level model. The diesel costs £44,178, while the S costs from £53,693. The new S Hybrid is the second most expensive Cayenne, at £57,610, while the flagship Turbo reflects on an £81,589 price-tag.

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2011 Mercedes R-Class finally goes on sale (EU)

Mercedes has begun selling its revise R-Class crossover in Europe, with the first U.S deliveries schedule to begin in July. The new model goes into regular production this week in Alabama.

Revealed earlier this year at the 2010 New York motorshow, the updated R-Class gets a reworked fascia that heavily borrows from the company's recent sedans. For the U.S market, the 2011 model will offer a choice of two previous engine choices: a 268bhp 3.5 litre V6 and a 210bhp 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel engine.

In Europe, Mercedes will promote the R350 CDI 4Matic, powered by a more powerful version of the 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel, producing 262bhp and a muscular 620Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes less than 7.6 seconds, and tops out at 146mph.

The seating arrangements in the R-Class consist of; 2+2+0, 2+3+0, 2+2+2 & 2+3+2. In SWB form, the R-Class crossover has a cargo capacity of 1,950 litres, while the LWB can hold upto 2,385 litres of luggage. All R-Class models get the 7G-Tronic 7 speed automatic transmission.

Surprisingly, upto 50% of all R-Classes goto China, making it the largest market for the crossover.

Volkswagen considering Passat CC wagon

Volkswagen's range expansion could include an estate version of its Passat CC, according to sources in Germany.

Since the next-generation Passat will not be sold in the U.S and its replacement, the New Midsize Sedan, will not offer a station wagon variant - a CC wagon would fill a useful niche in a region where it’s selling well.

VW's board is expected to vote in September on whether to build the car or not.

2011 BMW M3 Frozen Grey Coupe sold out in 12 minutes

BMW has announced that the limited edition M3 Frozen Gray Coupe was sold out in 12 minutes.

The FGC (Frozen Gray Coupe) was built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the M3. It features exclusive Frozen Gray matte paint, Competition Package (19” alloy wheels and lowered ride height), Electronic Damping Control, and an M Double Clutch Transmission, Fox Red/Black Novillo leather interior, "carbon leather" trim, heated front seats, premium sound system, satellite navigation, Comfort Access, and a one-day enrolment at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Priced at $77,600 – $19,200 more than a regular M3 coupe, the FGC is powered by a 4.0 litre V8 with 414bhp (420PS) with 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

According to Larry Koch, M Brand Manager for BMW North America, "I'm personally thrilled to see that our customers are as excited about it as we are. We filled the thirty reservation slots within twelve minutes and took the names of at least fifty alternates in the first hour. The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe will be one of the most unique BMW vehicles ever imported to the U.S."

Features on the FGC are as follow:

BMW Individual Frozen Gray metallic paint, BMW Individual bi-colour (black with red) Novillo leather interior, M DCT transmission, competition package (Electronic Damping Control, 19” light-alloy wheels, lowered suspension, sport mapping for EDC and DSC), premium package (electric folding mirrors, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/compass, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Novillo leather, Carbon Leather trim), Technology Package (M Drive system, comfort access system, satellite navigation system w/voice command system, Real Time Traffic Information system), heated front seats, rear parking sensors, premium sound system, satellite radio with 1 year subscription and iPod and USB adaptor.

Honda CR-Z pricing announced

Honda has announced prices and specification information for the 2011 CR-Z sport coupe.

The CR-Z goes on sale 24th August and the hybrid coupe will be priced from $19,200 (excluding destination and handling charge of $750). The entry-level model is equipped with an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system, automatic climate control, electric front windows, remote central locking w/keyless entry, steering-wheel paddle shifters (CVT only) and cruise control.

The range-topping EX comes in at an extra $1,560, and adds a 360 watt premium sound system (with 7 speakers and a subwoofer), Bluetooth connectivity, and leather steering wheel. At $22,560, the CR-Z EX with Navigation features all the aforementioned equipment as well as a satellite navigation system with voice recognition. Amazingly, UK cars come with bi-xenon headlamps w/ LED day-time running lights, panoramic glass sunroof and electric folding door mirrors, which all seem to be absent from U.S bound cars.

Under the bonnet, all CR-Z's feature a 1.5 litre petrol engine with 122bhp (124PS) and 174Nm (128 lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed manual transmission or an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which costs an extra $650.

Honda estimates the CR-Z manual will achieve an EPA rating of 31mpg city/37mpg hwy/34mpg combined, while the CR-Z CVT will likely return 35mpg city/39mpg hwy/37mpg combined.

Lamborghini Gallardo milestone reached

Lamborghini has announced that the 10,000th Gallardo has rolled off the assembly line in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

The car, in Midas yellow LP 560-4, will be delivered to its Chinese owner.

Initially launched in 2003, the Gallardo rapidly became one of the most popular supercars in the world. Over the years, Lamborghini expanded the model range by introducing variants like the LP 560-4 Spyder, the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, and the LP 570-4 Superleggera.

According to Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, "The Lamborghini brand is extreme, uncompromising and Italian, and the Lamborghini Gallardo has played an exemplary role in defining and delivering our brand reputation into our worldwide markets. Today Lamborghini is represented in 45 countries by over 120 dealers, with the strength and presence of the Gallardo product playing a significant role in the growth and recognition of our brand."

2011 Hyundai Genesis facelift spied

Hyundai is wasting no time revising the Genesis mid-sized executive sedan. Spied testing in Death Valley, CA and somewhere in South Korea, the 2011 Genesis will take on some minor changes . The Genesis has only been on sale for 2 years – it was launched as a 2009MY in mid 2008.

Numerous alterations will be apparent like reshaped front bumper with new lower air intakes, LED day-time running lights, front/side/rear skirts, rear chrome trim, and revised rear bumper incorporating faux Lexus LS like dual exhausts.

Internally, very little change is visible, with the exception of a BMW-like iDrive system. This is likely to operate a new 8 speed automatic transmission, recently announced by Hyundai. Under the hood, the 290bhp 3.8 litre V6 Lambda and 385bhp 4.6 litre V8 Tau engines will be improved for better fuel economy and power. For 2011, an all-new 5.0 litre V8 will debut, which is expected to generate 429bhp. The new V8 will also be used in the larger Equus sedan. It is probable that Hyundai will also use their new GDI (gasoline direct-injection) engines.

The facelifted Genesis will go on sale in Australia mid-2011.
 

 

2011 Chevrolet Volt requires premium fuel

General Motors have said that the 1.4 litre petrol engine in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will require premium fuel.

The Volt hybrid uses an 111kW electric motor as its primary driving force. When the lithium-ion battery pack is used up after 40 miles (65km), the 80bhp petrol engine comes to life to recharge the motor and battery pack, extending the vehicle's range to 300 (547km) miles plus. Combined engine and electric power comes to 150bhp and 370Nm (273lb-ft) of torque.

Chevy’s 2011 Online Order/Reference Guide for dealers, an entry under the reference code LUU states: "Engine, Range Extender, 1.4L Internal Combustion Engine (estimated: 80bhp [60 kW]), requires premium fuel."

A GM spokesman Adam Denison confirmed: "The Volt's unique architecture causes the onboard engine to act more like a generator. As such, premium fuel is required to maximise fuel efficiency. The use of premium fuel in the Volt increases fuel efficiency by 5 percent or greater over the use of regular fuel. Simply put, premium fuel optimizes this engine's characteristics. Basically, with reduced fuel consumption a key objective, premium fuel is the right solution for the Volt."

Although fuel economy is yet to be announced, GM stresses that the Volt can return 230mpg combined on the U.S cycle. That translates to around 1l/100km.

The 2011 Volt receives an 8 year, 100,000 (160,000km) mile battery warranty. Prices start at $41,000, $33,500 after the $7,500 tax credit. If you fancy leasing, put down a $2,500 security deposit and you can lease the all-new Volt for $350/mth for 36 months. The first 4,400 owners will get a 120v charging cord and a 240v charging station with home installation. A 5 year OnStar 'Directions and Connections' service (which includes Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation), 8 airbags (x2 front, side, curtain and knee), ESP w/ traction control will come as standard. On the warranty front, a 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 5 year/100,000 mile road assistance, courtesy transportation and petrol engine warranty, 6 year/100,000 mile corrosion protection coverage, and an 8 year/100,000 mile battery warranty will be available.

Currently available for pre-order at select dealerships (in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and Washington D.C), the first Volts will be delivered late this year. Those who are curious about the Volt can ring 1-888-VOLT-4-YOU (1-888-865-8496) to get any questions answered. Impatient customers can order their new Volt 

Kia Magentis replacement still nameless; new engine confirmed (EU)

Kia’s marketing department has yet to decide on what to call the Magentis replacement, due to debut at the Paris motor show in October.

The nameplate ‘Optima’, which is the U.S name, won’t be used in Europe, so an all-new name is likely. Company insiders were originally debating between ‘K5’, as it’s known in South Korea and ‘Optima’.

Name decision aside, well-placed Kia sources have revealed that a downsized 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine will be one of the engine choices, producing 150bhp.

The newcomer is longer, wider and lower and sits on a longer wheelbase than the Magentis. This has drastically increased both cabin and luggage space. Kia admits that the Magentis will never likely to be a major seller in Europe, but believes the mid-sized saloon segment is one in which it must compete in, as a volume manufacturer. However, the real demand for the car will come from the U.S and South Korea, where its enhanced styling and dynamics should hold appeal for buyers.

The same well-placed source also revealed that an estate version of the car will be built. When asked about this body style, chief designer Peter Schreyer said, “I would love to do station wagon and coupé versions of the car. The station wagon would only really work for Europe but the coupé would work in the U.S.”

When the car arrives in the UK mid-2011, it will arrive with a range of petrol and diesel engines and transmissions. Luxury amenities like heated steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, keyless entry and ventilated front & rear seats will unlikely be available in the UK, however, do expect a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats with leather interior, 18" alloy wheels, auto-dimming rear-view mirror to be standard on certain grades. Prices will increase to around £20,000 from the current £18,995.