2007 Audi S6 Sedan - Technology Package - Adaptive Cruise - Carbon Fiber Upgrade on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Subaru WRX STI vs. Audi S3 in compact AWD dustup

It's not every day that a Subaru and an Audi can be reasonably compared head-to-head; the two brands tend not to compete directly in their respective segments. However, the latest WRX STI and the S3 Sedan offer the perfect chance to find out if the working-class Scooby can beat its upper-crust competitor.
The UK's Auto Express gets behind the wheel of these two all-wheel drive performance sedans, or saloons as the Brits call them. Across the pond, both of them are rated at an identical 296 horsepower, but the Subaru edges out the Four Rings on torque. Like in the US, British buyers have to pay a little more to get the Audi, but it comes with a nicer interior and more brand cachet, if that means anything to you.
The video starts out with a fairly standard road test comparing the two of them back-to-back - all fairly subjective. But then Auto Express takes the trip to the drag strip, and the results there are much more conclusive. There's a definite winner when they cross the line, but you have to scroll down to see which of these turbocharged models with rallying heritage wins out.

Audi stealthily tests RS4 Avant

With S3s, R8s and RS7s aplenty, Audi offers no shortage of performance models in North America. But one of our favorites is always kept just out of arm's reach. That of course is the RS4 Avant, and here we see Audi Quattro GmbH testing the latest version. Though it may look like a plain old S4 – and even wear S4 badges – the wider fenders and bigger wheels suggest that this is in fact a prototype for the upcoming RS4 Avant. For those unfamiliar, that nameplate connotes the best of all worlds within the A4 range: maximum power, maximum traction, and maximum luggage space. All the ingredients, in short, to make us wonder why anyone would rather drive a crossover. After the first-gen RS4 employed a twin-turbo V6, the subsequent two generations went with a 4.2-liter V8. This model, however, could adopt an electric turbocharger setup to give it all the power it needs (and then some) with a new form of hybrid setup that will soon be spreading across the industry. The bigger question on our mind, of course, is whether the new performance wagon will make the transatlantic voyage to North American showrooms. We're holding out hope that Ingolstadt may make a real run down American roads at the likes of the Mercedes-AMG C63 and BMW M3. Whether it brings the wagon body-style along with it is another matter entirely, but we can always dream. Related Video:

A8 Audi Exclusive Concept shows off brand's interior chops

It's an envious position to be in, not wanting a normal Audi A8 but not wanting to make the statement that comes with a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce. What's an oligarch to do? Well, if you have the funds, consider the A8 Audi Exclusive Concept (yes, that's the actual name), a modified A8L W12 that's limited to just 50 units and features a significantly upgraded interior. Think of it as a followup to the A8 Exclusive Concept, shown at Frankfurt in 2011.
Aniline leather from Italian furniture manufacturer Poltrona Frau is fitted over the seats, while diamond stiching accentuates the Agatha Cognac color. Granite Gray piping and stitching on the seats provides some contrast - not just with the leather but the natural, olive ash inlays on the dash. Granite Gray Nappa leather lines the instrument panel and steering wheel while a white Alcantara headliner sets off the whole package. Not that it's a shock, but this looks like a really nice place to spend some time.
It's unclear how much the exclusive concept treatment adds on to the already lofty $135,900 starting price of a US-spec A8L W12, or if the special interior treatment will even be available in the North America. Production is set to kick off next March. Scroll down for the full statement from Audi.