Some updates on the Audi A4 destined for the US market: with availability in October the Ingolstadt vehicle will have a new 2.0 TFSI engine, increased to 211hp, 11 more than currently in use on many VAG models, with 350 Nm of torque.
The two-litre car will be equipped with the modern Audi Valvelift system controlling distribution and allowing the sedan a 0-60 miles (0-96 km/hr) in just 6.5 seconds. Combined with the engine - presented on the Avant at the American debut - it will be possible to choose as optional extras the double clutch, S tronic shift.
Management is also considering the introduction of a 3.0-litre V6 TDI for the American market. After Mercedes, that with its BlueTEC presented itself in great pomp to American customers, another German manufacturer is betting on diesel to reinforce its presence in the US.
Update: corrected eroneous reference to Steptronic shift
Continue reading: New York 2008: Audi implements new 2.0 TFSI on the A4
Finally, the official announcement of the Audi RS6 Avant has come. The new “monster” from Ingolstadt is really a super-car in all but appeareance: the engine is a 5.2-liter V10 twin-turbo with 580 bhp and a torque of 650 Nm (100 hp more than a Porsche Turbo!). The acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes only 4.6 seconds.
The new Audi RS6 is the most powerful road-going Audi ever, but the exterior is, as ever, quite understated. The fenders have a bit more bulge, the twin oval exhaust tubes are quite imposing, there is a discreet rear diffuser, but everything is discreet, no extraneous air intakes, no aerodinamic appendages added almost as an afterthought. Even the led daylights are less flashy than those of the Audi S6.
All in all, the new Audi RS6 Avant appears to be the ultimate family sports car, with 1,660 liters of space in the cockpit, tons of power, the Quattro 4WD system to handle it and a price (in Germany) of 101,000 € which seems pretty reasonable, given the substance of this car. The full text of the Audi press release, with all details follows below the fold.