2009 Audi Q7 TDI Premium quattro Tiptronic

Full-sized SUV with a green footprint

By Nina Russin

2009 Audi Q7 TDI

Which technology is greener: gasoline-electric hybrids or clean diesel? Engineers on both sides of the fence can make good arguments in their favor. Hybrids yield exceptional fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic, whereas the fuel economy gains for diesel cars are smaller, but more consistent across-the-board.

Over the long term, owners of hybrids must address the issue of battery life and disposal: a problem that doesn’t exist for diesel. On the other hand, gasoline is still more readily available than diesel in the US, and in many cases, costs less.

Traditionally, American drivers have shunned diesel technology, primarily because of bad experiences with vehicles built several decades back. I can’t emphasize enough how different the current generation of diesel cars are from their predecessors. A relatively recent technology known as common-rail diesel uses on-board computer controls and very high fuel-line pressures to give the new cars power and performance comparable to gasoline cars.

The new clean diesel cars have excellent throttle response, and vastly reduced diesel tick. Audi has reduced particulates out the exhaust by 98 percent, compared to cars built in the late 1980s. Torque is up 70 percent. In short, the cars are environmentally friendly, fun to drive, and remarkably fuel-efficient. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Audi S5 Quattro

Stylish sport coupe for driving enthusiasts

By Nina Russin

Audi S5

The S is the performance grade of the Audi A5 coupe. Last year, the A5 edged out the Lexus IS F to win our Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year award in the luxury category. Athletes loved the A5’s styling and exceptional handling.

The S5 replaces the V6 engine on the Audi A5 with a 4.2-liter V8, giving it stronger acceleration. Zero-to-sixty times are 4.9 seconds for models with the six-speed manual gearbox, and 5.1 seconds with the Tiptronic.  Given that the less powerful A5 is a wonderful car, the S5 becomes ‘wonderful squared.’

Styling is classic Audi: a long bullet-shaped hood and snub rear end, with the automaker’s signature trapezoidal grille. Strings of LEDs below the xenon headlamps function as daytime running lamps, and punctuate the front end. A strong beltline gives the profile extra muscle. Large wheel arches frame 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires. Read the rest of this entry »

New Audi Start-Stop Feature Boosts Gas Mileage

Automaker plans to reduce fuel consumption across model line-up 20 percent by 2012

Audi Start-Stop Display

Audi, a company known for race-inspired ride and handling, is making its passenger cars more fuel-thrifty. The automaker plans to decrease fuel consumption 20 percent across the model line-up by 2012, as compared to the 2007 level.

A new start-stop system shuts off the engine at idle to save gas and reduce CO2 emissions. The system works on manual transmission cars only: its turns off the ignition once the car has come to a stop, the gear lever is in neutral and the driver releases the clutch pedal. Depressing the clutch restarts the engine.

The system rolls out the second quarter of 2009 in the Audi A3 TFSI with manual transmission, and in the Audi A4 and A5 with two-liter engines and manual transmissions.

Audi’s energy consumption system uses deceleration to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. When the car accelerates, the battery sends the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle to relieve the alternator and save gas. The system is currently standard equipment in the A3 1.4 TFSI with manual transmission, the A4, A5 coupe and A5 cabriolet with two liter engine and manual transmission, the A6, Q5 and Q7.

A new driver information system continuously analyzes energy consumption and gives the driver tips on saving fuel. A new gearshift indicator tells the driver when to shift for optimal fuel economy. A display identifies systems such as the air conditioner and seat heaters that require extra gas, and indicates their share in fuel consumption. Drivers who follow the guidelines can improve their car’s fuel efficiency up to 30 percent, according to the manufacturer.

Audi A4 2.0 TDI e Launches in June

Hi-tech diesel sedan leads sedan segment in efficiency.

Audi A4 2.0 TDI e

Audi is on a diesel rampage. After whooshing to victory at Le Mans three years running, the Audi R10 TDI has made a mockery of the notion of slow, noisy diesels. Now, with the European launch of the A4 2.0 TDI e, the German carmaker has raised the bar for sedan efficiency as well. The A4 sedan and it’s sport-wagon sibling, the Avant, are the fourth model to get the TDI treatment in the Audi range. Audi is calling this vehicle the most efficient in the standard-size segment, and with a fuel milage rating of over 50mpg it’s hard to argue with them.

Although the emphasis is on the turbocharged diesel engine and its direct injection system, this new Audi really achieves its goals through a symphony of advanced technical systems. The most obvious of these systems is a “start-stop” facility that shuts off the engine when it senses the car is at rest, in neutral with the driver’s foot off the clutch. As soon as the clutch is depressed the motor starts again. The system is said to reduce fuel consumption by about .085 gallons/100 miles. That might not sound like much, but combined with the TDI’s gas-sipping efficiency, a higher final drive ratio and low-resistance tires it all adds up to quite a savings over the life of the car. Another trick system is employed to convert braking energy into electrical power which is stored in the car’s battery. This allows the “smart” alternator to disconnect itself during acceleration putting less load on the motor and improving efficiency overall.

The A4 2.0 TDI e goes on sale in Europe this June with an expected retail around 30,800 Euros ($40,194 USD) but plans to bring it to America have not been announced at the moment, which is a shame. If fuel prices go ballistic again, or maybe if Audi can win the Daytona 500 with a TDI powered stock car there’ll finally be a mass market for it here in the USA.

• The new diesel-powered Audi A4 consumes 4.6 l/100 km (51.13 US mpg)

• Emissions are 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer (191.51 g/mile) 

• Market launch in early June at a price of 30,800 euros 

• A4 Avant also available as an ‘e’ model 

Audi Announces Q7 TDI Pricing

Clean diesel sport-utility vehicle hits dealerships this month

Audi Q7 TDI

The seven-passenger Q7 is the first Audi clean diesel car to travel stateside. Pricing for the 2009 Q7 starts at $50,900 not including a $825 delivery charge. Buyers qualify for a federal tax credit of $1,150.

“The moment has arrived for clean diesel to be seen as an immediate answer to America’s energy challenges,” said Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America president.

Diesel engines average thirty percent better fuel economy than gasoline. The new generation of clean diesel cars run on low sulfur fuel, which has 93 percent less sulfur than traditional diesel. Because of that, manufacturers can equip these vehicles with more sophisticated emissions controls.

Thanks to a government mandate requiring gas stations to sell the low sulfur fuel, clean diesel is available at 42 percent of the nation’s filling stations. The Q7 TDI meets California Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II standards: its produces 25 percent less carbon dioxide than equivalent gas-powered cars.

The other big change in current diesel technology is performance. Drivers old enough to remember the sluggish, smoke-belching diesel cars of the 1980s will be surprised by the throttle response of vehicles such as the Q7 TDI. The 221-horsepower engine in the Q7 accelerates from zero-to-sixty in 8.5 seconds. Read the rest of this entry »

2008 Audi Q7 3.6 Premium

Sport-utility vehicle with sports car performance
By Nina Russin

2008 Audi Q7

I’ve never met an Audi that I didn’t like to drive. The German automaker is known for infusing its luxury cars with formula racing technology. It only makes sense that Audi’s sport-utility vehicle, the Q7, would have the same performance bias as its grand touring cars. 

Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6, or 4.2-liter V8, rated at 280 and 350 horsepower respectively. The Audi Q7 accelerates from zero-to-sixty in 7.1 seconds, when equipped with the V8 engine. The 3.6-liter V6 covers the distance in 8.2 seconds.

Standard quattro all-wheel drive gives the Q7 off-road capability. Normally, quattro maintains a rear bias, to prevent understeer when the driver corners. If one or more wheels begin to slip, quattro automatically transfers up to sixty-five percent of the power up front, or up to eighty-five percent to the rear.

The Q7 can ford water up to twenty-inches deep, and climb grades as steep as thirty-one degrees. I haven’t had the chance to drive the Q7 in these extreme conditions, but I have driven on the dirt road up Mount Palomar, outside San Diego. The car is as stable on loose rock and through deep ruts as it is on paved roads.

Ride and handling of a sport sedan

The test car is the 3.6 premium grade: the premium designation means that the car comes with three rows of seating, versus two on the base model. The S Line sport package upgrades  standard, eighteen-inch wheels to twenty-one inch rims with summer performance tires. Though the large wheels and low-profile tires limit the Q7′s off-road capability, they create a larger more stable footprint for high-speed driving.

The 3.6-liter engine is a bored-out version of the block currently used in the TT and A3. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection. The driver can shift, F1 style, using paddles on the back of the steering wheel, or with the floor-mounted shift lever.

The biggest challenge engineers face in designing sport-utility vehicles is inertia. Because of their weight, it’s difficult to make big trucks accelerate and stop as well as smaller cars. To accomplish this, the engine has a very wide torque band. It reaches peak torque at 2750 rpm: the upper end of highway cruising speeds.

Stopping power comes from four, very large rotors, with six pistons on the front discs and four in back.

An independent suspension with aluminum double wishbones gives the Q7 nimble handling. It can take decreasing radius turns at speed and remain perfectly flat: something that never fails to surprise other drivers in the vicinity.

Rack-and-pinion speed-sensitive steering provides more assist at low speeds, for maneuvering through crowded parking lots, or along twisting dirt roads. At highway speeds there is less assist, giving the car exceptional on-center feel.

Blind spot detection

Visibility is excellent all the way around the car, thanks to Audi’s optional side assist feature. The system uses radar detectors in the rear bumper to monitor vehicles moving into blind spots on either side. When the sensors detect a vehicle, they trigger yellow LED indicators in the side mirror housings.

Since the indicator lights are to the inside of the mirrors, they are only visible to the driver. If the driver signals to change lanes when the lights are on, they become brighter and start to flash.

Better visibility at night

The convenience option package includes bi-xenon front headlamps with adaptive lighting. When the driver corners, the lights use steering wheel input to sense the direction the vehicle is headed. A beam of light to the side of the car lights corners that would normally remain dark.

The adaptive lighting makes it much easier to see pedestrians and cyclists at intersections on poorly lit roads. As a runner and cyclist, I wish all new cars came with this technology.

The price of performance

As with all sport-utility vehicles, the Q7′s tall, two-box design gives it a relatively high coefficient of drag: .37 for the model tested. It’s also heavy: curb weight is 5126 pounds. Average fuel economy is 16 miles-per-gallon.

Because both the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 are high-compression engines, they run best on premium fuel. With premium fuel in the Los Angeles area averaging $4.65 per gallon, a year’s worth of fuel costs $4,359 based on 15,000 miles of driving.

By including these figures, I’m not implying that the Audi Q7 is a bad car, or even a bad choice of car for buyers who need its versatility, and can afford to pay for it. But the price of operation is something all car buyers should consider carefully, no matter how big or small their budgets are.

Seating for seven

Inside, three rows of seating provide space for up to seven passengers. Head and legroom is extremely limited in the third row. There’s enough space for small children, but adults shouldn’t ride in back.

Seating in the first two rows provides plenty of room to stretch out. A convenience package adds two-position memory for the driver’s seat. Seats are easy to adjust, and all seats have adequate lower back support. Front seat heaters are standard.

All four doors have map pockets and bottle holders. There are also two large cupholders in the center console, and a 12-volt power point next to the shift lever.

Reading lamps illuminate the interior for the first two rows of passengers. Second-row passengers get a separate set of air vents and access to two, 12-volt power points, located in back of the center console.

The test car has the upgraded Bose surround sound system. Sirius satellite radio is now standard on all Q7 models. A display screen at the top of the center stack shows audio settings, and displays maps for the optional navigation system.

Audi’s multi media interface uses a mouse to integrate the car’s media controls. The mouse, located in the center console, is easy to use, and eliminates unnecessary clutter on the instrument panel.

Spacious cargo area

The second and third-row seats fold flat to extend the cargo floor. There isn’t much cargo space behind the third-row seats when they’re in place. Standard roof rails allow owners to store extra luggage up top.

Seats are easy to fold flat, using levers to the sides of the seat cushions. The Q7 easily meets our bike-friendly standards. The liftgate wraps around the back of the car. When open, it creates a wide pathway to the cargo area.

There are four tie-down hooks on the cargo floor to help secure large items. A small cubby to the left of the liftgate holds smaller items in place. There is a 12-volt power point on the right side of the cargo area.

Base price on the test car is $48,350, not including a $775 delivery charge. The new Q7 is available for test drives at Audi dealerships nationwide.

Likes: A full-sized sport-utility vehicle with the ride and handling of a sport sedan, and off-road capability. The optional side assist technology is a great safety feature for commuters.

Dislikes: The Q7 runs best on premium fuel, and gets relatively poor gas mileage, making it an expensive car to drive.

Quick facts:

Make: Audi
Model: Q7 3.6 Premium
Year: 2008
Base price: $48,350
As tested: $58,225
Horsepower: 280 Hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 266 lbs.-ft. @ 2750 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 8.2 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 14/20 mpg city/highway

2008 Audi A5 Coupe

Style meets performance in Audi’s newest luxury coupe.
By Nina Russin

2008 Audi A5

Last year Audi rolled out two luxury sports coupes loosely based on the 2003 Nuvolari quattro concept. Both the A5 and S5 ride on the same chassis, but the A5 comes with a 3.2-liter, 265-horsepower V6, versus a 354 horsepower V8 in the S5. A turbo-diesel version of the A5 is available in Europe.

Though the A5′s zero-to-sixty acceleration is a second slower than its sportier sib, six seconds is nothing to sneeze at. The A5 also gets better gas mileage: about 21 miles-per-gallon on average. Since both engines require premium fuel, the difference in fuel economy has a big impact on cost of operation.

A six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection is standard, as is Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, quattro maintains a 40/60 front-to-rear weight balance. On wet or uneven roads, the system automatically transfers engine power to the wheel or wheels with the best traction.

Base price on the test car is $41,200. Options and a $775 delivery charge bring the MSRP up to just over $50,000. Options include nineteen-inch wheels with a sport suspension, sport tires, sport seats, and special badging ($2900), GPS navigation ($2390), bi-xenon headlamps, auto-dimming mirrors, and heated front seats with position memory ($1850), rearview parking camera, adaptive headlamps, and advanced key ($1700).

Head-turning exterior

Though black paint is never my first choice in the middle of a Phoenix summer, I have to admit that the A5 is quite a looker. Proportions borrowed from the Nuvolari concept give the A5 a unique profile that can’t fail to turn heads. A large sweeping arc dominates the side view: the car’s long hood and short rear end allowed engineers to optimize front-to-rear weight balance and handling.

Up front, wide, horizontal headlamps frame a trapezoidal grille, with large air inlets in the bottom corners. Wide taillamps in back give the car a wide, planted stance, like and animal about to pounce.

Driver-focused interior

Audis are very much driver’s cars: the interior integrates elements from the automaker’s race cars into a high-luxury environment. Paddles on the back of the steering wheel allow the driver to shift F1 style. Redundant audio controls on the wheel can vary audio volume or change programming.

The driver can also shift conventionally, using a lever on the floor console. An electronic parking brake control next to the gear shift eliminates a heavier, space consuming mechanical brake.

A memory function that comes with the premium option package allows up to two drivers to store seat and mirror positions. The same option package adds front seat heaters, and automatic dimming and folding side mirrors.

The standard smart key stores information about the car’s electrical system, which technicians can use when the car goes into the dealership for service. An advanced key option on the test car adds keyless access to the car and keyless start.

Audi’s MMI system operates similar to a personal computer: it integrates media and navigation controls into a single mouse. A screen at the top of the center stack displays audio settings, navigation maps, and a wide angle camera view to the rear of the car when the driver shifts into reverse.

Lines superimposed over the camera image show the direction the vehicle will move in, based on wheel position. Using the system, the driver can back into a tight parking spot without having to look back or use the rearview mirrors.

The standard audio system includes an in-dash 6 disc CD changer and Sirius satellite radio. The ten-speaker surround-sound system is comparable in quality to a high-end home system. Other standard comfort features include dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof with sunshade.

There is one twelve volt powerpoint: the cigarette lighter.

Both rows of seats have enough cup and bottle holders: there are two cupholders in the floor console, two next to the middle pillar for rear passengers, and bottle holders in the doors. Reading lamps and climate controls are also designed to accommodate four passengers.

Unfortunately, the back seats are extremely difficult to climb in and out of. Though head and shoulder room are adequate, legroom is scarce. 

Unique driving experience

Engineers made extensive use of lightweight construction materials to keep the A5 nimble: its light weight and high torsional rigidity make for an exhilarating driving experience.

Fuel injectors deliver fuel directly into the engine cylinders rather than outside the valves, for faster throttle response. Variable valve timing allows the engine to shift between two sets of cams: a high profile one for aggressive driving, and a low profile cam to maximize fuel economy while cruising.

Steering feedback from the rack-and-pinion system is exceptional. There is plenty of assist at slower speeds for maneuvering through crowded parking lots. At high speeds, on-center feel is excellent. It’s easy to weave through high-speed traffic, and swerve out of the way of potential accidents.

The sport suspension and larger wheels keep the car extremely flat in the corners. I was able to take a decreasing radius turn on a cloverleaf at over seventy miles-per-hour: the car remained completely stable and in control.

Spacious cargo area

The A5 has a deep, wide trunk. Levers near the trunk opening release the rear seats. They fold completely flat without removing the headrests to extend the cargo floor. I didn’t try putting a bike in the trunk, though it’s probably possible. The high liftover height would make loading a bike inside difficult. A roof rack or rear mounted hitch would be a better option.

Standard safety

Though the A5 has not yet gone through NHTSA’s crash test program, it is well equipped with active and passive safety features, including front, knee, side and side curtain airbags. All models come with electronic stabilization program, antilock brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The technology option package adds adaptive headlights, that automatically light corners of the road according to steering wheel position. I can’t say enough good things about this feature. I find it useful in rural areas where two-lane roads are narrow and poorly lit, and on suburban side streets which can also be dark, making it hard to see pedestrians and cyclists at intersections.

The A5 is produced at Audi’s Ingolstadt, Germany assembly plant

Likes: A perfectly balanced sport coupe with exceptional ride, handling and steering response.

Dislikes: Back seats are hard to get in and out of, and lack legroom.

Quick facts:

Make: Audi
Model: A5 Coupe 3.2 quattro AT6
Year: 2008
Base price: $41,200
As tested: $50,815
Horsepower: 265 Hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 243 lbs.-ft. @ 3250 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 5.9 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: No
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 18/27 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $775 delivery charge.

2008 Audi S5 Coupe

Adrenaline junkie
By Nina Russin

2008 Audi S5

Behind the wheel of the Audi S5, I feel a rumbling in my aorta that can only mean one thing: I’m in big trouble. The tidal wave of adrenaline reaches its apex when I push the start button. Three hundred fifty two horses are smelling the barn: I’m just along for the ride.

The S5 is the Audi A5′s sportier sibling: both all-wheel drive coupes went on sale here last fall. Based on the 2003 Nuvolari quattro concept, the S5′s exterior is defined by a long wheelbase and sharply raked roof. A track of just over 62-inches keeps the coupe stable in the corners. The S5 rides on nineteen-inch wheels with low profile, high-performance tires. Large air scoops up front and dual branched exhaust pipes in back enhance styling, and help the engine breathe.

The eight-cylinder engine in the S5 provides ninety horsepower and a hundred foot-pounds of torque more than the V6 in the A5. The Audi S5 accelerates from zero-to-sixty in 5.1 seconds, and stops just as quickly, thanks to a aggressive disk brake package.

The test car has a six-speed manual gear box: one of two available transmissions. Buyers who prefer an automatic can opt for the six-speed Tiptronic with manual shift option.

Base price for the S5 is $50,500. A gas guzzler tax and delivery charge add $2075.  Options  on the test car include a technology package ($1700) with bi-xenon adaptive headlamps and a rear back-up camera, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system ($850), and a navigation system ($2390).

Arrest me red outside: spontaneous combustion underneath

On the first day of the test drive, I decided to park the S5 in front of our running shop, to see what kind of reaction it would bring. Within minutes, a police car pulled up, and parked about a hundred yards away. Fellow employees and I watched as the policeman waited for over an hour for someone get in the car and drive away. It hadn’t occurred to him that a person working at the store had the keys to the car.

Brilliant red paint has a way of turning heads, especially on a European luxury coupe. In the case of the S5, it’s attention well deserved. The direct injection engine provides performance every bit as thrilling as the car’s design. Fuel injected directly into the engine cylinders produces more immediate throttle response than traditional port fuel systems.

The car has a stiff, racing clutch that takes some getting used to. But the gears have enough range to make the S5 drivable in traffic. The manual gearbox shifts crisply, with no gear lash. The engine reaches peak torque at 3500 rpm, well within range for cruising along the highway.

Overdrive gears produce small fuel economy benefits. But even when driven conservatively, the S5′s beefy 4.2-liter engine is thirsty. Average fuel economy is 16 miles per gallon. The manufacturer recommends premium fuel, making the S5 an expensive car to operate.

A unique, fully independent suspension set-up gives the car exceptional steering response. Most components are aluminum to minimize unsprung weight. A trapezoidal design in the rear resists the tendency for the front of the car to dive during sudden stops. The steering rack is located directly in front of the steering wheel for better response when the car is driven at speed.

The quattro all-wheel drive system maintains a 40/60 front-to-rear balance during normal conditions to give the S5 the ride and handling of a rear-wheel drive car. If the car starts to skid, quattro redirects power to the wheels with the best traction so the driver maintains directional control.

Standard electronic stability program prevents excessive yaw. The driver can disable the system in two stages for more aggressive driving.

Like the clutch, the high performance brakes take some getting used to. It’s easy to over-apply them, and throw oneself into the instrument panel. There’s no question that the car can stop in a hurry if it needs to.

Visibility around the car is better than average, despite a rather wide rear pillar. A rear back-up camera displays a wide-angle image on the navigation screen, including areas that would normally fall below the driver’s sight-line. Lines superimposed over the image help to direct the driver when backing into a parking spot. The rear-view mirrors automatically tilt down when the driver shifts into reverse, providing a better view of curbs or other obstacles near the wheels.

Driver-focused cockpit

As with most coupes, the driver and front passenger will be more comfortable in the S5 than those seated in back. The ten-way power front leather seats have plenty of lower back support; large side bolsters keep the driver and front passenger in position.

A mouse on the center console eliminates extraneous knobs and buttons. It works like a computer control, allowing the driver to program the navigation system, audio, and other comfort and convenience functions. Buttons on the center stack activate the seat heaters, and the dual-zone temperature controls.

The ignition start button and electronic parking brake lever are next to the gear shift lever. Two cupholders in the center console are big enough for cans. The front doors have bottle holders molded into the map pockets.

A covered bin in the center console holds small electronic devices. There is also an overhead bin for sunglasses or a garage door opener.

The driver can set the cruise control or adjust audio volume using dials on either side of the steering wheel. A CD slot in the center stack is easy to reach from either front seating position. Sirius satellite radio is standard.

The premium audio system has as much finesse as the car itself: fourteen speakers and 505 watts produce surround sound with a quality that rivals high-end home systems.

The rear seats don’t have an overabundance of legroom, but it should be adequate for a smaller adult. Passengers in back have separate air vents and temperature controls. A fold-down armrest has a couple of small pop-out cupholders and a shallow bin for holding electronic devices. There are map pockets in the front seatbacks and to the sides of the seats.

The seats fold down to create a pass-through, extending the cargo floor on the already spacious trunk. It’s possible to squeeze a bicycle in with the front wheel removed, although doing so in under a minute to meet our ALV standards is a stretch.

Standard safety

The S5 comes with standard front, side thorax and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, antilock brakes, electronic stability program, and a tire pressure monitoring system. A four-year standard warranty includes four years of roadside assistance and the first scheduled maintenance free of charge. Audi produces the S4 at its Ingolstadt, Germany assembly plant.

Likes: A beautifully designed luxury sport coupe with exceptional ride and handling. The interior is attractive, ergonomic, and has plenty of storage space for small electronic devices. There is enough legroom in back for the average small adult. The spacious trunk has a pass-through that extends the cargo floor.

Dislikes: Fuel economy is poor: about 16 miles per gallon on average. Buyers have to pay a $1300 gas guzzler tax, and be prepared to shell out for premium fuel at the pump.

Quick facts:

Make: Audi
Model: S5 Coupe 4.2 quattro MT6
Year: 2008
Base price: $50,500
As tested: $ 57,515
Horsepower: 354 Hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque: 325 lbs.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 5.1 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Not available
First aid kit: Not available
Bicycle friendly: No
Off-road: No
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 14/21 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include the $1300 gas guzzler tax or $775 delivery fee.

2008 Audi TT Roadster 2.0

T-Tempest in a T-Teapot
By Nina Russin

2008 Audi TT Roadster

Who says four cylinder cars have to be boring? The Audi TT roadster 2.0 is anything but. Its four cylinder direct injection engine produces 200 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque. Turbocharging gives the car additional power without reducing fuel economy. Zero-to-sixty time is just over six seconds.

Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission on the test car can change gears in 0.2 seconds. If the driver chooses, he can shift manually using the shift lever or paddles on the back of the steering wheel.

 The two liter engine is one of two available blocks. A larger V6 rated at 250 horsepower has a 5.3 second zero-to-sixty time, and comes standard with Audi quattro all-wheel drive.

The two-liter grade is front-wheel drive: it doesn’t have quattro’s sticking power on wet roads. But fuel economy is considerably better: 25 miles-per-gallon, as compared to 20 for the V6. Since both engines require premium fuel, the extra five gallons per mile can have a major impact on the driver’s wallet.

Classic design, inside and out

The second-generation TT roadster is longer, wider and taller than the original model, adding some much-needed interior space. The trunk is slightly larger as well, though still not big enough to hold more than a couple of duffle bags. Though its dimensions have changed, the new TT maintains the compact, classic proportions of the original car. Wide shoulders and 17-inch wheels give the roadster a muscular, cat-like posture.

The grille incorporates Audi’s four-ring logo, flanked by a blacked-out grille and optional adaptive bi-xenon headlamps ($800). The headlamps, which light corners in the road as the driver is turning, make a tremendous difference in visibility on poorly lit roads.

The standard cloth top is well insulated and remarkably soundproof. An optional power mechanism lowers the top in twelve seconds and folds it, flush with the body, in back.
The system, which operates at speeds up to twenty-five miles-per-hour, utilizes a single button on the center console. It is basically idiot-proof. A glass rear window that doesn’t yellow over time makes the top age-proof as well. An optional wind deflector moves air around the passengers for a more pleasant open air experience.

The best car seats ever made

The optional Rawlings leather seats are so exceptional, that it begs the question as to why the company continues to make baseball gloves. Unlike most car seats, the Rawling leather seems to get better with age. Water and dirt enhances its patina. The Rawlings trim is the only leather I don’t stain when I’m streaming with sweat after a long run.

All grades come with Audi’s flat-bottomed steering wheel. In addition to making the driver more aware of steering movements, the flat-bottomed wheel can be positioned lower without impinging on legroom. Redundant audio and cruise controls allow the driver to change programming with a minimum of distraction.

Interior storage space is minimal. Those who want more room on the inside should consider the TT coupe. There are a couple of smallish cupholders on the center console, and there’s a small bin for stashing CDs and the like. The doors have map pockets. There is also a lockable storage compartment between the seatbacks. The cigarette lighter doubles as the car’s only 12-volt outlet.

Nimble in the corners

Audis have a unique feel on the road: engineers make extensive use of aluminum throughout the chassis keeping it light and very rigid. Despite the fact that the TT is a relatively light car with a small footprint, it’s exceptionally stable at speed. An independent front and rear suspension gives the car a buttery smooth ride without compromising steering response.

Engineers balanced the front transaxle with a heavier steel structure in back, to maintain a better front-to-rear balance. The car has very little tendency to push, even when driven aggressively.

The seventeen-inch alloy wheels come standard with summer performance tires, which offer the best traction on dry roads in warm weather. Drivers in northern climates should plan to buy snow tires if they drive the TT in the winter.

 A speed-sensitive spoiler automatically deploys at highway speeds to enhance the car’s downforce. Dual exhaust pipes and wide taillamps remind others in the vicinity that the TT is more than a cruiser.

Visibility around the car is moderate with the top in place. As with most roadsters, the rear window is relatively small. The windscreen also restricts visibility to the rear. The side mirrors do a pretty good job of minimizing the blind spots: enough to make the driver comfortable maneuvering through traffic at speed.

Standard safety

All models come standard with front, side and knee airbags. Engineers reinforced the side sills and front pillars of the roadster to make the structure more robust. A high strength steel tube integrated into the windshield and standard roll bars offer additional protection in the event of a rollover. Active safety features include antilock brakes and electronic stability program.

Base price for the two-liter TT is $36,800. A premium package on the test car ($3050) adds a power top, ten-way power heated seats, radio upgrade with CD changer and redundant steering wheel controls. Other options on the test car include the navigation system with iPod interface ($1950), leather trim upgrade ($1250), the Rawlings seats ($1000), Bose premium sound system with Sirius satellite radio ($1000), adaptive headlamps ($800) and Bluetooth phone preparation ($450).

All models come with a four-year warranty with four years of roadside assistance. The TT roadster is currently on display at Audi dealerships nationwide.

Likes: A beautifully designed and engineered two-seat roadster that raises the bar for four-cylinder cars. Rawlings seats on the interior are exceptionally durable, attractive and comfortable. The top is easy to deploy, and doesn’t require the use of a boot.

Dislikes: Because of its limited storage space, the TT roadster isn’t a car for everyone. Those who need a more versatile cargo area should consider the coupe.

Quick facts:

Make: Audi
Model: TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI S tronic
Year: 2008
Base price: $36,800
As tested: $47,075
Horsepower: 200 Hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque: 207 lbs.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 6.1 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Not available
First aid kit: Not available
Bicycle friendly: No
Off-road: No
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 22/29 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $775 delivery charge.

2008 Audi A8L quattro AT6

Luxury sedan with a sports car attitude
By Nina Russin

2008 Audi A8L

I like to think of Audi’s flagship sedan as a very big sports car. It combines the performance and handling driving enthusiasts look for with a spacious cabin that gives second-row passengers as much room to stretch out as those riding in front.

Rear passengers in the upscale Audi enjoy comfort and convenience features normally reserved for the front row: dual-zone climate control, cupholders, storage bins, and power lumbar controls. The optional Bang & Olufsen audio system provides symphony-quality surround sound throughout the cabin.

Uncompromised driving experience

Despite its size, the Audi A8L has the ride and handling characteristics of a sports car. Curb weight is extremely light for a seventeen foot-long sedan: just over 4400 pounds. The 4.2-liter engine is also quite powerful. Direct injection feeds fuel directly into the cylinders for instant throttle response. Zero-to-sixty acceleration is 5.9 seconds.

A standard six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift option closely matches the gears to the driver’s style and road conditions. Average fuel economy is about eighteen miles-per-gallon.

An aluminum frame saves weight and enhances torsional stiffness, to improve steering feedback at speed. Weaving through highway traffic reminds me of a wide receiver: big, light on the feet, and fast as spit. Think Larry Fitzgerald, but with twenty-inch rims and low-profile tires in place of feet.

Not afraid to get dirty

While I wouldn’t recommend taking the A8 on the Rubicon trail, an adaptive suspension system gives the luxury sedan additional ground clearance for driving through snow or on unimproved roads.

Normal ground clearance for the car is just under five inches. The driver can modify the car’s ride height using a mouse on the center console. At speed, the adaptive suspension automatically lowers the car to improve its aerodynamics and handling.

A lift mode raises the car up an inch, giving it enough ground clearance for the average graded dirt road. The only caveat is the car’s length. Its 121-inch wheelbase gives the Audi a lower breakover angle than a short wheelbase car. In other words, it will be more likely to become high centered when trying to crest a steep hill.

A mouse that roars

Years back, BMW’s iDrive system opened the door for car operating systems that look and function like personal computers. The system got a lot of negative feedback: drivers were reluctant to give up traditional knobs and buttons. But now that everything from cell phones to television controls have computer-inspired designs, mouse-based systems in cars have gained greater acceptance.

Audi’s multi-media interface system consists of a mouse in the center console and a pop-up screen above the center stack: the mouse controls a variety of functions: navigation, satellite radio, CD or MP3 audio, Bluetooth telephone, and suspension settings. It’s a very intuitive system to use, and combines a lot of functions in an uncluttered format.

The steering wheel has redundant audio and cruise control settings, to minimize driver distraction. Paddles on the back of the wheel allow the driver to shift F1 style, or he can use the shift lever in the floor console.

Separate controls on the center stack regulate temperature. Both rows of passengers have dual-zone climate controls. Controls for the front seat heater and ventilators are also on the center stack. The seat ventilators with massage are a $1500 option.

Segment-leading active safety

Audi is an industry leader in both active and passive safety. As its flagship, the A8 is a showcase for emerging occupant protection technologies. All models come standard with front, side, side curtain and front knee airbags. Engineers minimized the number of castings and weld spots in the body structure to give the safety cage around the passengers better integrity.

In a side collision, a high-strength aluminum front pillar braces itself against the other vehicle, while an aluminum roof frame, seat cross members , roof posts and floor panels, work together to resist intrusion.

Audi’s permanent four-wheel drive system, called quattro, can send up to a hundred percent of the engine’s power to a single wheel to maintain traction. A radar based adaptive cruise control option on the test car ($2100) allows the driver to maintain a preset distance from the car in front. A blind spot detection system illuminates a signal in the side view mirror to alert the driver about vehicles in surrounding lanes.

Standard electronic stability system integrates antilock braking, traction and yaw control. The driver has the option of disengaging the system to permit wheel spin in certain situations, such as climbing out of a rut or driving the car for sport.

At night, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps illuminate corners of the road by following steering movements. The system enhances pedestrian safety, since the headlamps illuminate the corners of intersections where people may be waiting to cross.

First class cabin

While it isn’t especially suited for active lifestyles, it’s hard to find fault with the A8L’s spacious passenger cabin. Since the transmission tunnel runs through the middle of the car, the second row is better suited for two passengers than three.

Up front, both the driver and passenger have sixteen-way adjustable seats with four-way power lumbar support, separate center armrests with two bins underneath, cupholders, and overhead reading lamps. The black leather trim on the test car is an upgrade from the standard Valcona leather. I’m not sure what the difference is, but the seats are extremely comfortable.

All comfort and convenience controls are easy to reach from both front seating positions. There are two power points in the car: cigarette lighters in the front and rear.

Second-row passengers can fold down a central armrest with integrated storage bins and cupholders. The flip-out cupholders are flimsy looking: I wouldn’t want to try to stash a water bottle in one.

All four doors have map pockets. There are closed storage bins in the rear door for cell phones or small electronic devices, and additional map pockets in the front seatbacks.

Engineers took extreme measures to reduce noise intrusion to the interior. There are sound deadening panels under the floor, between the passenger cabin and engine, and inside the wheel arches. The windshield and side windows have an acoustic polyvinyl material sandwiched in between layers of glass to further reduce noise.

As a result, the audio system doesn’t have to compete with the squealing brakes, blaring horns, and screaming drivers during a typical rush hour. It’s almost enough to make the daily commute civilized.

Super-sized trunk

While it isn’t large enough to hold a bicycle, the A8L’s spacious trunk is large enough to stash big cartons, duffle bags, golf bags or camping equipment. There is enough room in and around the rear seats to stow luggage and larger cartons as well. I was able to pack two large cartons of running shoes into the trunk, two more on the rear seats, and several racks of clothing on top.

Three flagship models available

The A8 and A8L are two of Audi’s four flagship models: the other two are the sporty S8 with a V10 engine, and the A8W12, which has a twelve cylinder engine in place of the 4.2-liter V8 in the A8L.

Base price on the A8L is $74,690, not including a $775 delivery charge. MSRP on the test car is $98,665. The A8L is produced at Audi’s Neckarsulm, Germany assembly plant.

Likes: A quiet, spacious luxury car with world-class performance and classic design. Despite its long wheelbase, the A8 is as light and nimble as a sports car, with exceptional acceleration and braking. The interior is exceptionally comfortable: second-row passengers have as much leg, head and shoulder room as those riding up front, with amenities not normally found in the back seats of a car.

Dislikes: The A8 interior is not particularly well suited to active lifestyles: the cupholders are too small, and there are not enough power points. 

Quick facts:

Make: Audi
Model: A8L quattro AT6
Year: 2008
Base price: $74,690
As tested: $98,665
Horsepower: 350 Hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque: 325 lbs.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 5.9 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Not available
Bicycle friendly: No
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 16/23 mpg city/highway