New Audi S3 packs 296-hp punch

Audi has turned up the heat on the S3 as it prepares to take the fight to the likes of the recently introduced BMW M135i and upcoming Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG in what is set to become an intriguing battle for premium-brand hot-hatchback supremacy.
Audi does not sell the current S3 in the U.S. market.
The third-generation model of Audi's all-wheel-drive S3 is pictured here officially for the first time ahead of its public debut next week at the Paris motor show. It is the first in a series of new performance cars from the Volkswagen Group to benefit from an advanced turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine developed from scratch as part of Audi's EA888 engine family.
With 296 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm, the new four-cylinder engine provides the S3 with unprecedented levels of performance. There is an additional 35 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque compared with the EA113 engine used by the second-generation S3 on sale since 2006.
The power is channeled through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed double clutch S-tronic gearbox. The latter offers steering wheel-mounted shift paddles and an automatic mode for hands-free shifting. Drive is apportioned to all four wheels via a Haldex-style multi-plate clutch.
Audi quotes a 0-to-62-mph time of 5.1 seconds for the new S3 running the S-tronic gearbox, while the manual posts a time of 5.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph. Combined city/highway fuel consumption on the European test cycle is put at 34.1 mpg for the manual and 33.6 mpg for the dual-clutch car.

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The 2013 Audi Q5 Review

Audi clearly believes it is onto a good thing with the Q5, having resisted the urge to make any significant visual changes to the facelifted model that goes on sale in the United States in September.
Most of its efforts are directed beneath the midsize SUV's familiar steel-and-aluminum body. There are some subtle exterior styling changes that help set the 2013-model-year Q5 apart, including a six-corner, single-frame grille with a redesigned plastic insert, edgier bumpers, altered light graphics and a revised range of wheel designs.
The changes made to the interior are even less noticeable. It has a classy new steering wheel, altered trim applications, an updated MMI (multimedia interface) system and a load of new Internet-based services, but nothing that alters its intrinsic character in any great way.
The most significant changes are under the hood, including a new supercharged 3.0-liter, 272-hp, 295-lb-ft V6, replacing the naturally aspirated 3.2-liter, 270-hp, 243-lb-ft V6. Also new is the Q5 hybrid, which combines the carryover turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
The hybrid also is capable of operating in electric mode for distances of up to two miles, with energy supplied by a 1.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
Also planned, but not likely to reach the U.S. market until summer 2013, is the Q5 3.0 TDI with a turbocharged 3.0-liter, 245-hp, 427-lb-ft V6 common-rail diesel engine capable of shoving the Q5 to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds.
Audi will introduce a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 222 hp in Europe, but in the United States, the Q5 base model continues with the same turbo 2.0-liter, 211-hp, 258-lb-ft four-cylinder. All Q5 models run a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, as opposed to the older six-speed unit of the model before the facelift. There's also an electromechanical steering system in place of the older hydraulic setup.
On first acquaintance, the Q5 3.0 TFSI running the new 3.0-liter V6 appears to be the pick of the lineup. While official pricing details are yet to be revealed, it likely will sell for close to the $43,000 of its predecessor.
The new V6 powerplant, already seen in the A4, does a commendable job of hauling the base Q5's considerable 4,079-pound curb weight. Off-the-line acceleration and in-gear performance are encouragingly strong—it's no rocket ship, but neither does it feel wanting in any way.
Dynamically, the Q5 feels more accommodating than ever. It has added directness to the steering, a more settled ride and, thanks to standard four-wheel drive, tenacious grip and impressive levels of traction whatever the weather conditions.
The facelifted Q5 is far from being transformed, but it brings a number of timely improvements over its three-year-old predecessor that help to make it a more inviting everyday proposition. Another clear positive is build quality, which continues to outshine the SUV competition on a number of fronts.

2013 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI

ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $37,500 (est)
DRIVETRAIN: 2.0-liter, 211-hp, 258-lb-ft turbocharged I4; AWD, eight-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4,079 lb (est)
0-60 MPH: 7.0 sec (est)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 23 mpg (est)

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2013 Audi allroad Review

By Judy Colman
The hills around Denver, Colorado were alive with music, but not with the voices of the von Trapp family. This music emanates from the humming engines of Audi’s eighth version of their ‘B’ Segment lineup – the Audi A4, S4, A5, S5 and, again, the Audi allroad.
For 2013, Audi reintroduces the allroad, last available in the US in 2005. This new version replaces the A4 Avant in Audi’s model line. Now based on the A4 platform rather than the A6, the new allroad is faster and more energy efficient than its predecessor. A 211 horsepower, 2.0-liter, direct-injection I4, turbocharged engine provides plenty of oomph to tackle the Rockies while still delivering 23 (combined) mpg. 258 lb.-ft. of torque are generated at 1500 rpm. Audi links the 2.0T motor with an eight –speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. A manual transmission is not currently available. We tested quattro, Audi’s permanent all-wheel drive system, when afternoon thunderstorms all but obliterated the roadway. Grip on the slick, mountain curves never wavered on the standard 18-inch wheels shod with 245/45 all season tires.
The 2013 allroad receives the distinctive Audi “Singleframe” grille with vertical chrome struts and angled upper corners. That feature appears also on all ‘B’ Segment cars for a homogeneous look. Newly designed headlamps, fog lamps, side mirrors, taillights, and exhaust add to the fresh appearance. The new allroad’s longer wheelbase adds ride comfort and an additional 1.5 inches of ground clearance. That and a widened track makes off road trekking a little easier. Body cladding, traditionally a matte finished gray/black is also available in full paint finish.

Technology abounds in the 2013 allroad. If you are travelling at less than 19 mph, the Audi Adaptive Cruise Control system can fully stop the car if it senses a collision. An electromechanical power steering system, Audi Dynamic Steering, replaces a traditional hydraulic system. It requires no additional energy from the engine, if it is travelling in a straight line, and thereby reduces emissions. Factory installed wireless internet, called Audi Connect, a 3G online connection, is now available on the allroad as well as all ‘B’ Segment models. Paired with Audi’s MMI Navigation, Google Earth maps will be joined in 2013 with Google’s street view technology. While you’re busy looking at the mountain scenery, your tech-obsessed passengers can take full advantage of their electronic toys. Your allroad is now a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to 8 devices. Who said the hills aren’t alive with music, and games, and movies, and texting?
Despite the fact that the 2013 allroad is now based on the smaller A4 platform, overall height increases by 2.3 inches offering more front passenger headroom than in previous models. Driver seat memory, heated front seats, a panorama sunroof, and an available sports interior package welcome passengers. The revised instrument cluster looks modern and crisp. Fold down the 40/60 split rear seat and load the 50.5 cu. ft. of cargo space with everything you need for your mountain adventure. Interior design is sophisticated and refined. Standard leather seating alone puts allroad ahead of its rivals, notably the BMX 328i xDrive and the larger Volvo XC70.

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