Audi E-Tron Concept Promises 3319lb/ft of Green Excitement

Even the most exotic sports cars available today cannot match the potential acceleration of a high output electrically powered sports car. This is mostly due to full torque available at 0 RPMs. To really drive this point home, Audi has developed the E-Tron, which could easily become the next generation of high end sports cars.

Powering the E-Tron is a quintuplet of electric motors, which is no surprise coming from Audi, all drawing energy from a massive 53kWh battery stack. The result is an all wheel drive sports coupe that can deliver 3,319 lb/ft of torque nearly instantly. Impressive.

The sprint from 0 to 60 should be right at the 4.7 second mark, while the leap from 35-75 takes just a fraction over 4 seconds. Both of these figures are compliments of the unimaginably high torque output. The total range is being estimated at 154 miles per charge.

Even though Audi has yet to confirm, or more likely deny production for the E-Tron, they have said they are planning on doing much more development in the electric vehicle realm.

Audi Tests Lightweight Aluminum-Construction c Prototype

Audi has created a prototype Audi A5 which differs from all production versions in the fact that its basic structure is made from aluminium rather than steel.

Aluminium construction is a relatively common practice for Audi. The last two A8s have used it, so does the A8, and so did the now discontinued A2 hatchback, while the current TT Coupé and Roadster use a hybrid steel/aluminium platform.

The point about aluminium is that, though more expensive and difficult to work with than steel, it is significantly lighter. There is almost nothing about a car that doesn't improve when you lighten it, and the prototype A5 provides a good example. Fitted with a 208bhp two-litre turbo petrol engine, it weighs 1310kg, or 90kg less than its steel-based production equivalent, and its power-to-weight ratio is not far short of that of the 261bhp 3.2-litre V6.

Audi does not have definite performance figures, but the prototype is likely to be very nearly as quick as the V6. The reduced weight also means it should handle better, and be way ahead in terms of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Unfortunately there are no immediate plans to put it into production. Audi describes the car as "a test-bed exercise to show what's possible", but has not entirely ruled out the possibility that something like it might appear in showrooms at some point.

2009 Audi A5 Aluminum Coupe Prototype

New 2011 Audi A8 spied

The upcoming Audi A8 (2011 model year) was recently spied on in full camouflage. With a date set later this year to reveal the new Audi A8, it is expected to be 10cm longer than the current model. The new A8 will use more weight-saving materials and incorporate more fuel efficient engines.

The new Audi A8 will rival against the Lexus LS, BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class. The range of engines will include a 3.0-liter and 4.2-liter V8.

All-Electric Audi e-tron Hits PlayStation Home

Some say that PlayStation Home (still in Beta) is a great idea that's been starved of content. Some say that it's merely Second Life without the sex. Audi e-tron apparently thinks that its the place to catch the youth.

Audi's online marketing man, Kai Mensing, points out that, "Most young people gain their first driving experience from video games.

"With the Audi (PlayStation Home) Space, we can bring this target group into contact with our brand in a highly emotion-packed and interactive environment, and demonstrate our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ with the virtual Audi e-tron race."

Yup, PlayStation Home (at least in the US) is getting an Audi space where it's all-electric e-tron will be shown off.

Audi sports a new lineup

There is plenty of news coming out of the Frankfurt Auto Show this week from Audi. There's the introduction of quite a few new models, including the "we wish it were coming to America" Audi A5 Sportback, which is a swell-looking four-door coupe version of the A5; the stupendous, "we wish we'd gone to law school like our mother told us to" Audi R8 5.2 V10 Spyder, which is the sleek non-sideblade convertible version of the R8 coupe; and Audi’s latest concept, the Audi e-tron, an oddly spelled electric concept car that looks like something Courrèges would have designed if he worked in the auto and not the fashion industry. It’s a good time to be in the four-circle business. Sales are on the up and some swell new product is in the pipeline.

The e-tron is powered by four electric motors -- one at each wheel -- and produces 313 horsepower and, wait for it, 3,319 pound-feet of torque, giving it a zero-to-60 time of less than 4.8 seconds. Audi says the top speed is limited to 125 mph to prevent a drain on the lithium-ion batteries, but from looks alone, it seems like the e-tron could break the speed of light. Audi also says the car's range is limited to 154 miles, which isn’t enough to get you to Ursa Minor.

The news for Audi out of Germany is good, but stateside, it gets even better. In Audi’s latest U.S. sales report for August, the company said sales rose 26% to achieve its second-best August sales ever and its best month overall since June 2008. This August, Audi sold 8,057 cars and SUVs, up from 6,406 a year earlier. The company also said that it set a sales record for the Audi Q5 crossover and that demand edged up on the Audi Q7 TDI diesel model. With Audi’s premium prices, that it makes us think, what recession?

So why the sales jump? Like they say in showbiz, it all comes down to product. Premium luxury crossovers are fine, but we think the heart and soul of the Audi brand is in the performance vehicles like the 2010 S4, 2010 S5 Cabriolet and the new 2010 R8 V10.

We recently had a chance to spend some time behind the wheel of each car and can unequivocally say they are, hands down, the best iterations of the S models to come from Ingolstadt in years.

Why? Audi has embraced newer technology, like supercharged, direct-injection engines for the both the S4 and S5 Cabriolet, to replace the larger, less fuel-efficient and more polluting V-8s from the last models. It also takes a more balanced approach to the design and packaging of its cars, building on its somewhat understated Euro Luxury angle of the last few years. Also, the two models present an interesting cross shop with both Mercedes-Benz and BMW smaller luxury models.

Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer for Audi of America, remarked on how the automotive marketplace had changed: out with over-the-top and in-your-face and in with a more understated and progressive edge. Audi, he explained, was a more fashion-forward brand with a progressive action to stand on. We tend to agree.

While marketing terms and slogans are fine and may move the needle in the market, spend any amount of time behind the wheel of a new 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI with its over-the-top mid-engine mounted V10 and you can see why the brand is on an upward swing. The R8 in its V8 form was a perfectly serviceable daily driving super-car, but with the extra two cylinders and 105 more horsepower, the R8 comes alive. We had a chance to drive both the automatic and the R tronic models on the track and the road, and comparing it with the V8 is like comparing a sledgehammer to a handbag.

Audi e-tron: An Electric Supercar Concept

The New Audi e-tron

Audi is into electric cars after all.

The German automaker has been one of Europe’s most strident champions of diesel technology and has repeatedly voiced its doubts on battery electric power and hydrogen fuel cell technology. But at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday, Audi unveiled the e-tron, an electric-car concept.

The e-tron, which looks to be a cross between a TT and an R8, carries four electric motors, one at each wheel (which makes it four-wheel drive, of course) and a horsepower equivalent rating of 313.

The e-tron uses lithium-ion batteries developed with Sanyo, and Audi says the car will be able to travel nearly 150 miles on a charge, even with the air-conditioning — actually, a heat pump — running. Accelerating from zero to 60 miles an hour will take 4.8 seconds.

Audi says the car is very much a concept, although some prototypes are expected to be on the road next year and there will be “a small build” of series production models in 2012.

The benefits of making cars lose weight

With the ever-increasing levels of luxury and safety being built into the modern car, not to mention the fact that each new model tends to be larger than the one it replaced, controlling mass is becoming a bigger challenge. The problem with increased mass is that it not only hurts fuel economy, it also tends to make the car feel ponderous. Neither is good for those in search of a fuel-efficient ride that’s fun to drive.

Audi has been sweating the grams for years. The first car to undergo a serious diet was the full-sized A8 launched in 1994. It introduced the world to the Audi Space Frame (ASF). The benefit of using aluminum is simple - the current A8’s body-in-white tips the scales at just 218 kilograms. To put that into perspective, a steel body would weigh roughly two-and-a-half times that of the ASF.

The use of aluminum is reaching other areas of the car as well. For example, replacing the traditional steel front subframe, both lower control arms, front hubs and bumper bars with aluminum components drops the mass by 12.7 kg. An overlooked advantage is that an aluminum-intensive car is easier to recycle than its steel counterpart, which reduces its environmental baggage.

Another key diet area is the brake system. If the A8 W12 used cast-iron rotors, they would weigh 19.1 kg apiece. Using a cast-iron rotor with an aluminum hub drops that to 13.4 kg. The ultimate solution, at least from a weight perspective, is to use ceramic brakes — they weigh just 8.6 kg each, which represents an enormous reduction in mass. Then there’s the simple stuff. For example, replacing the usual wooden spare tire cover with one that uses a polyurethane honeycomb shaves another 2.5 kg, and so it goes.

There are other less obvious benefits to mass reduction. First, a smaller engine can be used without sacrificing the power-to-weight ratio and, therefore, performance. This not only cuts fuel consumption, it allows a smaller tank (which is lighter) to be installed without hurting the driving range. Dynamically, the dividends are just as big. Lopping 200 kg off the average car not only shortens its stopping distances, it cuts the distance needed to accelerate to 100 kilometres an hour by around 12 metres.

To drive the light-makes-might point home, there were a number of different exercises at Audi’s deep-dive Tech Day. The first involved pedaling a pair of bikes around a short circuit. One of the bikes was normal; the other had 7.5 kg added to each of its four wheels. The normal bike was a cinch to pedal. The heavy bike was a heart attack waiting to happen — it sure left me puffing.

Sporty A5 a neat trick

Sporty A5 a neat trick

IT looked as though Audi had - rather uncharacteristically - missed a trick. Long-running rival Mercedes had discovered a niche for a new model which is a bit like finding a seam of gold in a rock that's been scaled hundreds of times.

Then along came Audi's blood brother, VW, and jumped on the bandwagon too.

The two models I'm referring to are the four-door coupe-shaped Merc CLS and the copycat Passat CC with its rakish lines and sloping tail. Both saloon, with the looks of something more sporty but possessing the usability of a typical four-door saloon, have been runaway successes in an albeit fairly small sector.

But for the last three years Audi has been working on its own variant and the twist is that the new A5 Sportback has the added bonus of extra practicality thanks to a hatchback tail. Both the CLS and CC are traditional booted saloons with separate luggage compartments.

By effectively melding the A5 coupe with both the A4 saloon and the Avant, Audi has ended up with a five-door coupe that can hold nearly as much as the Avant when the rear seats are folded - 980litres.

There will be a choice of six engines and prices start at £23,710 when the range goes on sale next month.

To start with, there will be two petrol versions - a 2.0TFSI, 209bhp and potent 3.2litre V6 FSI delivering 263bhp. The diesel line-up will comprise 2.0litre TDI and three litre V6 TDI. Soon afterwards a less powerful 178bhp 2.0litre TFSI and a 188bhp V6 2.7litre TDI will be introduced. The usual quattro four wheel drive option is offered on some of the versions. Most expensive model at launch will be the 3.0 TDI Quattro at £34,020.

The first thing you notice about the Sportback is its wide, low stance. It looks very much the sports car and as a consequence getting in requires a bit of suppleness as you duck your head below the sloping roofline. Once seated, there's bags of space both in the front and the back and thanks to a relatively low seating position head room is more than adequate. Even in the back my hair was a couple of inches from the roof lining.

The facia and cabin are straight from an A5 which is no bad thing, although I sense Audi's lead in dashboard design and interior styling is being gradually chipped away at. It no longer feels as 'special' as used to be the case.

I first drove the 209bhp 2.0 litre TFSI which has one of my most favourite engines. Its eagerness to rev and the constant torque make everyday driving more pleasant than it deserves to be.

The figures stack up well, too. A 6.6sec spring to 62mph and a top speed of 150mph is enough for most drivers, especially when the emissions are a reasonable 172g/km which translates as 38.2mpg combined. In Quattro form the Sportback stays glued to the tarmac. On normal roads, even at higher than average speed it was not possible to detect any loss of adhesion.

Next was the 3.0TDI Quattro with its thumping 238bhp six cylinder which has enough torque to pull a train. Quiet and refined, it is limited at 155mph and trims a couple of fractions off the TFSI's acceleration to 62mph, managing it in 6.3secs. Combined fuel consumption is 42.2mpg.

Both cars are quite stiffly sprung, although the suspension settings can be adjusted to taste via the central computer system. If there's a criticism of the A5 Sportback it is that it feels rather soulless and lacking in personality - perhaps just too efficient.

Audi, who have already sold out of the first batch of A5s, reckon that 75 per cent of orders will be for diesel versions and that a similar proportin will be business sales.

Smooth-looking, and as practical as it gets for a low-riding coupe, the A5 Sportback is undoubtedly another chapter in Audi's success story.

Audi A8 - speed represents sedan

Audi A8 - speed represents sedan, the flagship Audi model range. It was first shown in February 1994. Audi A8 is the first in the world and logically Class car "luxury", produced a great series. Audi A8 with front or full drive (Quattro), carrying the body of aluminum alloy, manufactured on the "space frame" is a rich and equipment based electronics and modern technology.


Audi A8

The new range of engines in 1997 is the first V-shaped 6-cylinder diesel and turbocharged direct injection. Its working volume of 2.5 litres, and capacity to 150 litres. Equilibrium, power output characteristics, as well as economic indicators are 2.5 TDI engine is one of the best engines in its class. In addition, the Audi A8 is available with the 2.8-litre engine 6-cylinder, and the V-form "Eight workers of 3.7 and 4.2 litre capacity of 230 and 300 litres. The vehicle owner may as mechanical boxes, and 5-speed "automatic" company ZF.


Audi A8

S8 model is a particularly fast version and the Audi A8 equipped with a V-shaped "Eight high to 340 litres.


Audi A8

In November 1998 in Germany, presented a new modification of Audi A8, in June 1999 became the model with increased capacity, in February 2000, with the new 2.5 V6 Tdi engine (180 hp).


Audi A8

The body of Audi A8 pastors entirely made of a light alloy technology Space Frame ("space frame"). In the frame of welded aluminum profiles, mounted panels of aluminum wings, roof, sidewall. All parts are made of a special aluminum alloy, which is not susceptible to corrosion, can be easily processed and better absorb the energy of impact. The front and rear independent suspension, gathered.


Audi A8

The upgraded version apparently different from previous new radiator grilles, modified bumpers and door handles, as well as head lamps light with a smooth glass. In general, differences are not clearly visible. Several changed the body design.

Audi A8 Interior


Audi A8

Electronic stabilization movement now is serial equipment. Shavuot design salon is equipped with airbags to head for seated front and rear. 8-cylinder engines equipped with the new heads of five valves per cylinder and variable-length intake tract.

Audi A8 Engine


Audi A8

As a result, the engine power of 3.7 litres rose to 191 kW, torque to 350 Nm, and power of the engine of 4.2 litres to 228 kW, torques 410 Nm. To reduce unsprung weight and improve handling characteristics of the drive wheels also made from aluminum alloy.

Audi A8

The highest performance is Audi A8 with turbodiesel: 150 litres capacity. Higher torque 310 Nm, and it remains the highest record in a wide range of speed (from 1500 to 3200), fuel is at a speed of 90 to 120 km / h in the urban cycle, 4.4; 5.7; 8.5 litres per 100 kilometers.

Audi A8

German Chancellor Schroeder Henry prefer customized for him Audi A8 entertainment and car Mercedes, who have traditionally German Chancellors.

Audi A8

In 2000 the family Audi A8 compounded by two new diesel power units of 180 and 225 litres. Audi A8 program now includes five 180-310 litre engine capacity. Three of which can be installed on mobile, and chassis components. Particularly noteworthy first in Europe 3.3-litre V8 diesel type 225 litres capacity, which makes Audi A8 3.3TDI a kind of "diesel" express, ideally suited for economical driving on motorways. This power plant is equipped only with five-step "machine" and only on the chassis Quattro. Its maximum speed is 242 km / h, with acceleration of up to 100 km / h in 8.2, and fuel consumption in a suburban European driving cycle just 7.3 l/100 km to 8.9 l/100 km for 260-strong petrol counterpart.

Audi A8

The most prestigious is extended to 130 mm Audi A8 Quattro equipped with a 4.2 litre engine 310. The machine can have exclusive interior and to be performed as "office on wheels".

Audi A8

Interestingly, even in this class of Audi is a special "sports" version of S8. Initially, it only mechanical 6-level boxes, but later came naturally and 5-way "automatic" Tiptronic equipped with a DSP system, enabling "manual" shift. Chassis S8 is 18-inch wheels and a more rigid suspension reduced to 20 mm clearance. The machine is designed for wealthy people who prefer to personally manage Audi A8 pastors. The level of safety and comfort S8 is very high.

Audi A8

Technical top model Audi has been increasing steadily. Now fans limousines with aluminum body proposed modification is the most powerful Audi A8 W12-equipped with a 6.0-litre 12-cylinder engine capacity of 420 litres.

Audi A8

New Audi A8 model, first introduced at the Paris motor show in 2002 represents a new external design, which nevertheless their proportions and schedule recalled his predecessor. Using advanced technology, the German company Audi steadily gained market their fellow German rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The most expensive and luxurious car and Pick-model series Audi A8 2002 was the best embodiment of this approach. Prospective owners are invited to leave Audi A8 logically with a fresh look at a classic luxury sedan class "and the company's emphasis Audi sports.

Audi A8

At Audi A8 smuggle uses the same platform as the Volkswagen Phaeton and Bentley. This Audi A8 weighs 1,780 kg, while the Phaeton weighs 2291 kg. Audi A8 weighs less by the fact that some parts are made of aluminum. Advanced Chassis new Audi A8 is a more rigorous and reliable than ever. Reduced weight means lower fuel consumption and improved performance.

Audi A8

In terms of second-generation Audi A8 equipped with not losing a new BMW 7-series, which came a little earlier. Among other systems, radar is adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a given distance from the front running machine control system for tire pressure, multifunction steering wheel with the keys management 5-step "automatic" drive electromechanical parking brake. There is a brand thing, the so-called adaptive head light: in a corner lamp shine not only forward, but looking in the direction of space.

Audi A8

At Audi A8 jet is a pneumatic suspension, similar to that established for the Audi Allroad. Hardness changes in the suspension of three modes: sport, normal and comfortable. Wheels Audi A8 are 18.3 inches in diameter. External design Audi A8 made in a relatively conservative style, with closer to the body of the mirrors.

Audi A8

V8 Engine new Audi A8 3.7 builds capacity of 280 litres, and its torque is 360 Nm at 3600 revolutions. Another powerful V8 4.2. Impressive 335 million, and disperse from their seats to 100 km / h in 6.1 seconds. But exceptional performance does not compromise comfort. New six-stage tiptronic gearbox delivers easy travel, the highest comfort, as well as monitors trace of the body, regardless of longitudinal or transverse dynamic loads. And thanks to the continued full Quattro drive and adaptive air suspension new Audi A8, you can be sure that the engine power is used optimally. The choice is always yours, whether it is sports or run out of the light. Since Audi A8 all possible.

Audi A8

All these improvements are worthy of filling the classical German sedan class, their art out as a combination of the most advanced technology in luxury handmade leather and wood trim in sound to the last detail interior.

An official teaser, released as part of the automaker’s centenary celebrations earlier this year, revealed a few more design details for the A8, including the now-signature Audi LED daytime running lights and what seems like a much shorter stance.

These latest spy shots show the car’s overall proportion out on the road, as well as a few finer details such as the shape of its new grille and LED tail-lamps.

In a previous interview, Audi's chief designer Stefan Sielaff explains: "The first generation [of the A8] was very dogmatic and product-design-like. With the second generation, the theme was 'elegance'—softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise." Sielaff also revealed that the new A8 will be “the first of a new styling language at Audi”.

Recent reports have speculated that Audi may introduce a new four-cylinder version overseas. While this model will almost certainly miss out on a U.S. launch, a smaller V-6 option may be heading Stateside for the first time and this could see the starting price of the range actually fall from current levels.

The aluminum spaceframe of the current model will carry over, saving engineers more than 330 pounds compared with a conventional steel body. The car’s final curb weight is expected to range from between 3,630 pounds and 4,180 pounds depending on the model specification.

Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model (in Europe) will remain front-wheel drive but all-wheel drive variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems.

The aforementioned four-cylinder engine will output around 230 horsepower. Filling out the rest of the engine range will be a 250 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 TDI, a 290 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 FSI, a 340 horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 TDI, a 372 horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 FSI and finally a 620 horsepower 5.0-liter V-10 FSI reserved for the S8. A 12-cyclinder engine is also expected to be offered but it could be phased out due to low demand and the all-important emissions regulations.

New Audi R8 Spyder Car

The new Audi R8 Spyder is here and is quite capable of silencing the critics. As per the new spy pictures, the car looks stunning in its brave chocolate brown hue and uber-cool looks. Recent pictures show the car with its top down. More pictures with its top up will be revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week.

Official details of the car will be revealed at the Show but it is expected that it will have flagship 518bhp 5.2-litre V10 engined form, with four-wheel drive and the option of a six-speed manual or semi-automatic R-tronic gearbox. Without its distinctive blades, the R8 looks almost like a smaller, smoother Lamborghini product, with a subtle curve to the lines that makes it perhaps sexier than anything the Italian company has put out recently.

Its exterior design and style is not much different from its hard top model. Along with the removal of the roof, the sideblades have been dispatched in favor of a large set of scoops ahead of the rear wheels, while the windshield gets framed in brushed aluminum and a set of vented bulges trail backward from the two seats. The "V10" badge is clearly visible on the front fender. Other trim details are carried over from the V10 coupe as well, such as the twin oval tail pipes, chrome-trimmed front grille and shiny black trim.

Audi S5 Sportback at Frankfurt Motor Show

• Competes with: BMW 5 GT, Acura ZDX
• Looks like: Audi has the best-looking sport hatchback on the market
• Drivetrain: 333-hp, supercharged V-6, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2010…in Europe

For some reason, automakers have fallen in love with a new bodystyle, the sport hatchback. Just having a hatchback version of a sedan isn’t enough for automakers, and obviously, there’s no one who wants a station wagon these days.

Companies are instead altering the design of their midsize cars to make them look sportier while adding the utility of a hatchback. BMW did it with the 5 Series Gran Turismo, Acura did it with the ZDX and Audi came out with the A5 Sportback. Audi is adding a high-powered version, the S5 Sportback, which boosts power to 333 horsepower and gets to 62 mph in an impressive 5.4 seconds. Audi says preliminary testing shows the combined mileage to be 24.5 mpg, as well. That’s better than a V-6-equipped Toyota Camry. The supercharged engine is also found in the new S4, S5 cabriolet and the A6 sedan.

It’s not a leap to say the A5 Sportback is the best looking of this new crop. If you disagree, there’s a comment form below. Overall, the S5’s added body cladding, 18-inch wheels and spiffy brake calipers make it more aggressive in terms of styling without crossing into the awkward looks of the BMW and Acura.

While both BMW and Acura are planning to sell their ungainly hatches in the U.S., Audi is keeping its babies in Europe for now. Check out more images below.

2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport

Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale. While the Q7 TDI is one of the most fuel efficient seven-passenger SUVs available anywhere, it’s only the beginning for Audi. Assuming that Americans start taking a shine to hot oil, Audi is likely to introduce a whole series of Rudi D’s disciples here. So far, however, only one has been announced in addition to the Q7, the compact A3 hatchback.

Priced: 2010 Audi A3 TDI

The 2010 Audi A3 TDI, a new clean-diesel offering from the German marque, will be priced from $30,775 when it goes on sale in the U.S. in late November. The price includes an $825 shipping charge.

The front-wheel-drive A3 2.0 TDI with S tronic automatic is rated by the EPA at 30 mpg in city driving and 42 mpg on the highway. It is the second clean diesel to be introduced in the U.S. this year by Audi, following the earlier launch of the Q7 TDI.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection turbodiesel engine in the A3 TDI makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Top speed is 130 mph.

The A3 TDI comes with a standard S line exterior, as well as such amenities as leather seats and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

2010 Audi S4 Trackside

I was recently handed the keys to a fully loaded, brand-new Audi S4 sedan. So, I did what any motorhead would do in this situation and proceeded to put the sporty A4 variant through its paces on the open road, on an autocross cone course, and even on the track at Infineon Raceway at Sears Point.

Our adventure starts with a trip from an uncharacteristically sunny San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sonoma. While in the stop-and-go bustle of the city, the S-Tronic DSG double-clutch automated manual was so docile and the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine so even tempered, that I almost forgot that the S4 was the performance variant of the A4 sedan line. This is mostly due to Audi's Drive Select system, which gave me limited control over the suspension tuning, power delivery, and steering ratios, effectively making the S4 two cars in one: a comfortable boulevard cruiser and a rip-snorting canyon carver.

Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro Supercar

Audi's halo car finally reaches supercar status with an exotic V-10 engine.

Taking a walk around the R8, I took note of the supercar's low-slung good looks and sporty proportions. Externally, the R8 V-10 can be visibly discerned from the V-8 model in a few ways. The R8's trademark sideblades receive flared intakes to help the larger engine to breathe. The front and rear bumper vents have been enlarged and finished in a glossy piano black. The HID Xenon headlamps have been replaced with the world's first production full-LED arrays. Most obviously, chrome "V10" badges on the front fenders let everyone know how many cylinders you're working with.

The R8 V10 retains its trademark Y-spoke wheels and sideblades.

(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)

Under the rear glass, on display for all to see, is the 5.2-liter direct injected ten-cylinder gasoline engine. Not only does this powerplant have two more cylinders and a full extra liter over the V-8, it also gains a whopping 105 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. The result is a complete transformation of the nature of the vehicle, whether cruising a back road or barreling, flat-out down the back straight of your favorite racetrack.

Starting with a casual blast through the back roads of Sonoma County, I was impressed with the R8's manners when its drivetrain and suspension were left in their respective comfort modes. Now, the V-8 model is by no means miserly in the torque department, but this new model feels noticeable more beefy.

Even the six-speed R-Tronic sequential automated manual transmission felt less clunky than I remembered it--possibly due to revised programming to match the larger powerplant. However, Audi wasn't able to completely tune the clunk out of the transmission, and giving the Audi less than 9/10th in sport mode will result in lurching, jerky shifts.

Our tracktime with the Audi was supervised by trained racing instructors, do not try this at home.