The most eagerly awaited model brought by Audi to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is definitely the all-new A3, the new hatch that will have to lead the charge for the four rings house army in one of the most competitive segment of the market. The design language adopted by the new A3 is in line with what we have seen for the latest models of the German carmaker, but the real improvement is in the new, minimalistic interior, which focuses on the usability of its hi-tech equipment. The car will make its debut on the market with four powertrain options: a 122 hp 1.4-litre TFSI, a 1.8 TFSI S-Tronic Quattro producing 180 hp and a 160 hp 2.0-litre TDi, while a 1.6 Tdi will join the fold shortly afterwards. Having lost about 80 kg over the previous range, the new A3 is likely to become one of the most successful cars of the next few years.
The Audi A6 Allroad is also arrived to its third generation and, in the words of its maker, it is 20% more efficient than the outgoing line-up. Thanks to the large use of aluminum parts, the new A6 Allroad is also considerably lighter than its predecessor, by 70 kg. Its engine range is completely made of tubocharged 3.0-litre V6 units, with a 310 hp twin turbo diesel delivering 313 hp and 650 Nm sitting at the top of it.
The sexy A1 Quattro will be produced in 333 units only, all of which powered by an athletic 2.0-litre 4-cylinder unit that allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds, with 245 km/h (152 mph) of top speed. The new RS4 Avant might not look as manacing as the A1 Quattro, but that’s just the appearance: under its bonnet in fact pulses a 4.2-litre FSI V8 credited with an output of 450 hp at 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm of peak torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. This unit can push the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, reaching a 250 km/h (155 mph) of top speed. Also in Geneva is the recent Audi TT RS Plus, which will soon enter the market in both coupe and convertible configurations powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder TFSI unit capable of pushing this car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (4.2 for the cabrio) with top speed at 280 km/h (174 mph). Check the whole lot out in our exclusive live photo gallery.
View the full Audi live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery
Continue reading: 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Audi A3 and the others
Audi releases a new official video starring the A1 Quattro, a sporty limited edition of the popular hatchback that will be produced in just 333 units. The model is powered by the same 256 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI engine equipping the Audi S3 and will hit the showrooms in the second half of the year.
The 4-cylinder direct-injection unit pulsing under the A1 Quattro’s bonnet is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox that allows the car to reach a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph) with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.7 seconds. as the name suggest, the model uses Audi’s trademark “Quattro” all-wheel drive system, which relies for the most part on the front axle transferring the power at the back just in case of low grip through a limited slip differential.
The Audi A1 Quattro rolls on 18″ alloys fitted with 225/35 tyres. In comparison to the standard model, this variant uses an upgraded braking system and a more sporty suspension set up, which allows drivers to better exploit the power of the car. Audi claims an average fuel consumption for the model of about 8,5 l/100 km.
Audi just announced a limited high-performance edition of the A1: the Audi A1 Quattro. Only 333 units of this new variation of the German hatchback will be produced, with the whole lot scheduled to hit market in the second half of 2012. The car will be powered by the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged unit with direct injection equipping Audi S3, with all of its 256 hp delivered to the four wheels through Audi signature Quattro system. This TFSI engine, combined with a super-precise 6-speed transmission, will allow the A1 Quattro to reach a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph), with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.7 seconds.
The Quattro system works mainly on the front axle and would transfer the torque to the rear in case of low grip or spinning, while the Haldex system is in charge of keeping the fuel consumption low, with Audi claiming an average value of 8.5 l/100km. The model comes with 18″ cast alloy wheels fitted with 225/35 tyres, while upgraded brakes and lower ride height will allow drivers to fully exploit the power of the car with the due confidence.
The ESP has been re-calibrated in order to suit the high performance of the A1 Quattro and make it more fun to drive at the same time, while a new electronically controlled differential lock will avoid unwanted wheelspin. Aesthetically, the car uses a very aggressive look that is quite reminiscent of a few concept cars we have recently seen as well as the various S and RS models put out by the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer. The massive hatch-spoiler is not there just to make the car look evil, it actually serves the purpose to press it down at high speeds, while the new diffuser with integrated chromed mufflers also improves the grip of the car. If you want to delve into Audi A1 Quattro’s specs, you can check the official press release right after the jump.
View the full Audi A1 Quattro photo gallery