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2017 Audi A4 Allroad ups the Avant

Can't decide between a wagon and a crossover? Audi offers both, of course, but it will also split the difference with the new A4 Allroad Quattro. It's based on the latest A4, but offers the extra cargo space, rugged look, and increased ride height of a crossover, without the added bulk that usually goes with it. Unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show, the new A4 Allroad starts life as an A4 Avant wagon, but features a number of upgrades that ought to appeal to the elegantly outdoorsy among us. All-wheel drive comes standard, of course, and ride height is increased by a little less than an inch. Combined with the larger wheels, that nets 1.3 inches more ground clearance for getting through snow banks and whatnot. The suspension uses a five-link setup at both ends. The rugged look is further accentuated by the flared fenders, new rear bumper, underbody guard plates, and roof rails. Otherwise it's essentially the same as the new A4 we've already seen. Motivation is provided by a range of TFSI and TDI engines ranging from 150 horsepower to 272, mated to either a six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch, or eight-speed automatic transmission. That, of course, is on a global scale, with details on US pricing and availability to follow. In the meantime, you can scope out the live images from the floor of the Cobo Center in the gallery above, and the full details in the press release below. Perfect companion in any situation: the new Audi A4 allroad quattro - 34 millimeters (1.3 in) more ground clearance and "offroad" mode - Extroverted, individual design and extensive equipment - Powerful TFSI and TDI engines, quattro drive standard The new Audi A4 allroad quattro* embodies a unique concept: It combines high driving comfort with off-road qualities, thus enjoying a unique position in its segment. Thanks to the standard quattro drive and increase ground clearance, it also keeps on driving where the paved road ends. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is defined by its individual look. The powerfully flared wheel arches and the rear bumper attract attention. They are finished in matt structure gray or painted in the body color. The robust underbody guard and the rear diffuser are finished in selenite silver. The sporty, distinctive front end with jagged headlights, unique bumper and model-specific air intakes underscores its extroverted character. Vertical chrome slats adorn the sculpted Singleframe grille.

The Audi RS3 LMS looks hot and ready

Audi had several reveals this week at the Paris Motor Show, but nothing was more batty than the new RS3 LMS race car. Audi's latest hot homologation car starts with the all-new RS3 sedan, removes all of the unnecessary bits and adds all the racing-spec equipment you could want. The result is a full-prepped, relatively affordable factory race car. That relatively affordable part is very important. Audi Sport, the division behind the R8 LMS as well as the R and RS road cars, designed the RS3 LMS for the still-new TCR FIA-spec racing series. The cars will cost about $112,000 USD for the club sport version and $145,000 with the six-speed sequential transmission. Not bad for a fully FIA-friendly factory machine. The new TCR series races follow other FIA series like Formula 1 and WEC. <p>Your browser does not support iframes.</p> All that cash get's nets you a pretty badass looking car, especially in Audi's black and red paint scheme. As you can see in the photos, the RS3 LMS is far wider than the standard sedan, which is fairly compact by modern standards. The requisite giant rear wing is present, as is the big front splitter. The RS3 LMS ditches the new road car's dual exhaust for a cool looking single, center-exit pipe. Inside, it's all bare metal and plastic, ditching any semblance of road-going civility. Under the hood, the RS3 LMS loses the new 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five and replaces it with Volkswagen's 2.0-liter turbocharged four. In this application, the engine pumps out a healthy 330 horsepower. Audi claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Audi says customer deliveries will start in December, so look for the new car on track starting in 2017. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Audi RS3 LMS: Paris 2016 View 10 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Audi RS 3 LMS View 11 Photos Image Credit: Drew Phillips Motorsports Paris Motor Show Audi Racing Vehicles 2016 paris motor show

Refreshed 2015 Audi A8 starts at $77,400*

Audi definitely made the US wait for the refreshed 2015 A8 and S8. The updated models were first unveiled last summer, but it has taken until June for the revised flagship sedan to reach dealers here.
The refreshed A8 line doesn't come cheap, though. Prices are up $2,000 or more over the 2014 model year. The basic 3.0T model goes for $77,400 or $81,400 for the long wheelbase version. The long wheelbase TDI is $85,100. The standard 4.0T model asks $86,400 or $90,400 for the longer one. An S8 sets back buyers $114,900, and the full bore A8L W12 is $137,900. All of these prices exclude destination (which was $895 last year and now stands at $925, according to Audi representative Mark Dahncke).
To make the wait worth it, Audi is packing the sedan with new technology and given it the slightest restyle. All models of the luxurious vehicle now come standard with full LED headlights. The 2015 model also benefits from electromechanical steering, available variable ratio steering and active lane assist. The night vision system is also updated to detect animals and alert the driver. Mechanically, there are some tiny tweaks as well. The 4.0T V8 is boosted to 435 horsepower, compared to 420 hp previously, and the 6.3-liter W12 now has cylinder deactivation.