Price Attack Pt.VIII: 2008 Audi A5 starts at $39,900, S5 to start at $50,500

Audi has gone double-attack with the announcement of the official U.S. pricing of the A5 and the S5. The base A5, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, will start at a mere $39,900. The more powerful S5 will start at $50,500. Both models get asymmetric quattro all-wheel drive as standard. Adding a six-speed tiptronic transmission will add another $1300.

Many options and packages are available. The Convenience Package adds bi-xenon headlights, heated front seats, HomeLink®, driver seat and mirror memory, heated/auto-dimming/power folding exterior mirrors, and auto-dimming interior mirror with compass. It adds $1850. The S-Line Package (pictured above) fools people into thinking your A5 is an S5. That package adds a hefty $2900. A Technology Package, retailed at $1700, adds a rear-view camera, adaptive headlights, and Advanced Key.

The manual-transmission S5 models will go on sale in North America first, beginning in November. All A5 models and the tiptronic S5 will arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2008. Continue reading to view the official press release.

[Source: Audi]

PRESS RELEASE: AUDI ANNOUNCES U.S. PRICING FOR 2008 A5 AND S5 MODELS

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Audi of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 A5 and S5 coupes. A5 models with a six-speed manual transmission will start at $39,900 and S5 models with a six-speed manual start at $50,500. Both the A5 and S5 have asymmetric quattro® all-wheel drive standard. Destination charges are $775 for both models, and are not included in the base price. Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmissions are available for both models and are a $1,300 option.

Manual transmission S5 models will arrive at dealers in November 2007. All A5 models and Tiptronic S5 cars will be available in spring of 2008.

The 2008 A5 is powered by 3.2 FSI V6 engine with the new Audi Valvelift System, and produces 265 hp at 6500 rpm and 243 ft.-lbs. of torque between 3250-5000 rpm. The S5 has a 4.2 FSI V8 engine making 354 hp at 6800 rpm and 325 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm. Both engines give the new coupe breath-taking acceleration. The A5 takes just 5.8 seconds from 0-60 mph, while the S5 is an even faster 4.9 seconds.

All coupe models will come with numerous luxury features as standard such as leather covered power front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, in-dash six-CD changer and Sirius® satellite radio, electromechanical parking brake, driver info display, rain and light sensor for automatic lights and wipers, and a leather-covered, multi-function tilt and telescoping three spoke steering wheel. A5 models come with 18-inch alloy wheels while S5 models have 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.

The A5 has a comprehensive list of options that enhance the model in styling, comfort, and sportiness. A $1,850 Convenience package includes bi-xenon headlamps, heated front seats, HomeLink®, driver seat and mirror memory, heated, auto-dimming, and power folding exterior mirrors, and auto-dimming interior mirror with compass. For drivers who value performance, there is the $2,900 S line Sport package consisting of more aggressive front and rear bumpers with headlight washers, sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, sport seats, brushed aluminum interior trim, black headliner, and S line interior and exterior badging.

Options that are available on both the A5 and S5 include Audi Navigation system ($2,390), 505-watt Bang & Olufsen® audio system ($850), and Audi side assist ($500). Both models also have an available $1,700 Technology package that includes Audi rear parking system with rear-view camera, adaptive headlights, and Advanced key.

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Frankfurt: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate

Alongside the C-Class Estate, Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling the C63 AMG Estate. Essentially the high-performance variant of its conventional sibling, the C63 AMG Estate packs the same engine as its four-door counterpart. The naturally aspirated 6.3L V8 produces a whopping 457 horsepower, which propels the wagon from 0 to 60mph in 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The C63 AMG Estate is mated to a 7G-TRONIC transmission with shift paddles and three driving modes: C, S, and M.

The C63 AMG Estate rides on 18 inch five-spoke lightweight alloys, and an optional 19 inch multi-spoke alloy is available. The AMG distinguishes itself from the C-Class Estate with the usual AMG styling, hood, grille, flared front gills, the AMG rear apron with its black diffuser insert and the AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of chromed twin tailpipes. The interior accommodates AMG touches also, including AMG sport-seats and a leather-wrapped three-spoke AMG steering wheel. The C63 AMG Estate is also equipped with the "innovative" EASY-PACK tailgate. The initial launch date is set for the early part of 2008, with a set price of 69,853 Euros including the 19% VAT. Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]



PRESS RELEASE: The New Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate: Unique high-performance estate

Affalterbach - Following in the Saloon’s footsteps, the C 63 AMG Estate is now also due to be launched. Under the bonnet with its distinctive power domes, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers effortless acceleration. The high-revving naturally aspirated engine sets the benchmark in this segment with its maximum output of 336 kW/457 hp at 6800 rpm and maximum torque of 600 Nm at 5000 rpm. The unique high-performance estate accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds; top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Equipped with AMG steering wheel gearshift paddles and the three driving modes “C”, “S” and “M”, the seven-speed automatic transmission delivers a decidedly sporty or comfort-focused ride depending on the driver’s tastes. The automatic throttle-blipping function when downshifting is another innovation. In conjunction with the all-new front axle, the AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the new 3-stage ESP®, the AMG sports suspension provides maximum driving pleasure and superb driving dynamics. The AMG high-performance braking system with large internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all round provides optimum stopping power even during particularly dynamic driving. The standard specification includes 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with 235/ 40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) wide-base tyres. 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres are available as an option.

Design and appointments: more distinctive than ever

The design and appointments on the new C 63 AMG Estate are comfortably on a par with the sophisticated technology. The top-of-the-line AMG eight-cylinder model has been differentiated more clearly than ever from the series-production C-Class: typical hallmarks of the brand come in the shape of AMG bodystyling, the bonnet with power domes, the distinctive AMG radiator grille, the flared front wings, the AMG rear apron with its black diffusor insert and the AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of chromed twin tailpipes. The interior feel is dominated by the distinctive AMG sports seats with integral head restraints, the three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel with its flat underside and small 365-millimetre rim, and the tube-style AMG instrument cluster with its AMG-specific main menu. As an alternative to the standard-fit aluminium trim elements, AMG carbon trim can also be ordered as an option for the C 63 AMG Estate.

Largest load compartment in its class with up to 1500 litres

The load capacity of the C 63 AMG Estate ranges from 485 to 1500 litres (VDA measuring method) depending on the position of the 1/3:2/3-split rear seat backrests which can be folded forwards. No other car in the premium estate segment of this vehicle class can match this capacity. Standard equipment includes bag hooks and four anchoring lugs to secure the load, side stowage compartments with covers, a collapsible shopping crate as well as a combined luggage cover and retaining net. The new EASY-PACK tailgate opens and closes at the push of a button. The market launch of the C 63 AMG Estate is scheduled for the start of 2008; sales price incl. 19% VAT is EUR 69,853.

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Frankfurt: Volkswagen Up! Concept

Volkswagen has unveiled the first iteration of their upcoming rear-engined city car. The Up! Concept brings flexibility, practicality, and the economy of a city car, with style. The Up! seats four people and its dimensions are pretty roomy for a car this size: 3.45 meters in length and 1.63 meters in width. The engine sits at the rear and does so for the first time since the original Beetle was released over 50 years ago.

Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen, calls the Up! a "real Volkswagen". Maybe that's why the Phaeton didn't do so well. The Up! is one variant of a new range of small rear-engined vehicles in the line-up.

Reports are saying that the Up! will be sold for 8000 Euros when it goes on sale in Western Europe. In the remote parts of the world, the Up! will cost only 5000 to 7000 Euros. However, in that sense, goodies like power steering and A/C would be omitted. Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.

[Source: Volkswagen]



PRESS RELEASE:

There are cars that endure for all times. They are icons of their type, masterpieces of craftsmanship and technology; they put ideas into motion, make progress tangible and sometimes quite simply make everyday life better, more practical and enjoyable. Many of these cars carry the VW logo. “Bug, Beetle, New Beetle”, “T1, Bulli, Samba bus, California”, “Golf, GTI”. Now Volkswagen is presenting – as a world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt – a concept car that once again has the right stuff needed to move more than just one generation. It is a small, pure and high-spirited Volkswagen that pays tribute to its environment. The overall concept is marked by an innovative, clear, intuitive functionality. The name of the concept car: up! – a positive name that is a synonym for departure, activity, dynamics and the future. “For Volkswagen”, says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member with Responsibility for Technical

Development, “the response of IAA visitors will be a decisive test to determine whether the concept has the same kind of potential
possessed by the Beetle at one time or by the Golf today.”

Concept

The up! is a city specialist, a car for four persons and all languages, for the job, the university, the drive to the beach and the excursion outside the city gates. A small car that shows a lot of size, because it offers more space than any other car of similar length (3.45 meters) and width (1.63 meters). Its engine – conceivable here are all facets of technology that can be sensibly applied – will run in the rear. And that changes everything: Space, mood and design.Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen group, sums it up like this: “The up! is not a car whose form will become obsolete within a very brief period of time. It shines in its cleverness and yet is made with loving care. And so the up! is a clear and strong statement for future Volkswagen design.” Furthermore, the team of designers and engineers has envisioned the up! concept car as the first member of an entire model line; other facets are entirely conceivable.

Ralf-Gerhard Willner, Director of Concept Development, has final responsibility for the technical layout of the up! He and Walter de Silva had already achieved a new balance in the mutual interaction between form and function at Volkswagen before the start of the project. “Absolute harmony of the basic technological concept and the emotional aspects of the design”, note Willner and de Silva in unison, “can only be achieved in a hard clash of ideas between engineers and designers. That is the only way to produce icons.” That is precisely why the up! is not your run-of-the-mill, small, tightly packed car, but instead is a clever, innovative whole. Its form is pure. It just had to look like this, no other look would do. There is nothing superf luous, and its functionality – and so also its design – speak for themselves. Simultaneously – and this is typical of Volkswagen – uncompromisingly attention was given to refining every line and every surface until we had created a friendly and masterful car.

Exterior design

The fact that the engine of the up! runs in the rear has a decisive inf luence on its exterior design. That is because the up! has no classic radiator grille. It forges links to the Beetle. This fact alone gives it a great deal of independence. Dominant design characteristics are the headlamps that take an inward and diagonal line, between them the horizontally arranged air vents, the VW logo (as one of the few details kept in chrome), the tailgate that extends far forward and the smooth bumper with a circumferential black stripe as a detail of the “happy face” that is typical of Volkswagen.

In many areas, technology and design have melded into a vehicle architecture that is not only appealing, but is also very utilitarian. The rear end of the up! is a good example of this. The tailgate was produced using a transparent material. Under this gate developers also integrated the high layout of the taillights.

Another feature that is technically and visually new is the location of the VW logo in the tailgate; it is also located behind glass and
illuminates when the light is on. The rear bumper was designed to match the “happy face” in front.

The powerful appearance of the up!, despite all of its compactness, is emphasized by a very wide track width (1.42 meters) relative to vehicle width. The wheels are flush with the sporty outboard wheel arches and side skirts. The radial design of the wheels and surfaces extending right up to the edge of the rim make the 18-inch wheels appear significantly larger than they actually are.

The wheels that are arranged far outboard in the bumper areas reduce body overhangs to a minimum. All of these features are part of an unmistakable side profile with a very long roof arch as well as clear and large surfaces. Giving shape to its style here are the large doors and the lateral window surfaces, which incline sharply upward at the height of the rear wheel arch and thereby
help to form the very independent C-pillar design.

Interior design

Mounting the engine in the rear opened up entirely new interior concepts. Relative to its exterior size, the space offering is exceptionally forward-thinking. The same is true of its variability: Except for the driver’s seat, all other seats can be folded and removed. Since they are designed as light shells, they can be quickly stowed in one of the cargo areas – besides the front trunk there is also one in the rear – to free up space. Afterwards, the entire passenger compartment length can be utilized as a storage area for especially bulky objects.

To achieve the high level of seating comfort that is usual at Volkswagen, besides their ergonomic design, in the case of the up! this level of comfort is also attained by a simple yet very effective trick: Similar to a self-inf lating air mattress, air can be sucked out of the seat surfaces via a valve. This means that the seats can be adjusted 1:1 to the body anatomies of the occupants who have just taken a seat.

Intuitive controls

On its up! concept car, Volkswagen is presenting some completely new solutions when it comes to operator controls. Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen Brand, comments on this: “Another reason the up! is so fascinating is because everything, every detail, was thought out anew. In the interior we have a touchscreen with new proximity sensor technology for controlling the navigation, radio, trip computer and climate control systems. It is operated absolutely intuitively. As a result, the most complicated functions can be controlled like child’s play.”

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Frankfurt: 2008 Audi RS6 Avant

As Frankfurt is bound to start any minute now, we bring you the belated information on Audi's most significant unveiling at the show, the RS6 Avant. The A4 can be argued to take that position any day, but did we mention that it has 580 horsepower? The RS6 Avant is powered by a V10 engine with FSI direct injection and twin-turbochargers. The RS6 can propel itself to 62mph in 4.6 seconds. In other words, the RS6 can "smoke" the Magnum at a drag strip. The RS6 is mated to a six-speed tiptronic transmission.

The RS6 Avant rides on standard 19-inch alloys, or optional 20s that come standard with ceramic brakes. The RS6 Avant comes standard with Dynamic Ride Control, which adds more precision when bending tight corners and turns. On the exterior side, the RS6 comes standard with Audi's trademark LED headlamps that are starting to accumulate throughout the whole Audi line-up. Some of the RS6 Avant's available colors have distinctive names like Sepang Blue, Monza Silver and Monterrey Green, which all refer to legendary racetracks from around the world.

The RS6 Avant, the weekday family hauler and weekend race car, will launch across Europe in April of 2008. Until then, flying to the beautiful city of Frankfurt for the Frankfurt Auto Show might be the best way of seeing it in reality. Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.

[Source: Audi]



PRESS RELEASE:

Outstanding top performance and maximum dynamism combined with excellent suitability for everyday use are the impressive features of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA 2007 in Frankfurt. A newly developed V10 engine with FSI direct injection and twin turbochargers, permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control DRC set the standard for high-performance vehicles in the luxury class. 426 kW (580 bhp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm add up to an unforgettable performance experience. At the same time, the new Audi RS 6 Avant offers a high standard of travel comfort – on long journeys, too.

The Audi RS models from quattro GmbH are the ultimate in sportiness, complemented by powerful and elegant design, exclusive equipment and perfect quality. It has also meanwhile become a good tradition that their sports performance is combined with the high utility value of an Avant: the very first Audi RS2, which appeared in 1993, was only built as an Avant model. Although the unique Audi RS driving sensation can now be experienced in saloon, Avant and Cabriolet models – as is the case with the current RS 4 – customers especially appreciate the combination of dynamism and versatility that an Avant offers.

The new Audi RS 6 will therefore only be available as an Avant to start with, with the unrivalled combination of 580 bhp and a maximum 1,660 litres of luggage space. The Audi RS 6 Avant will be launched in April 2008.

The new leader in the performance category

The Audi RS 6 redefines the term “high performance” in the business class. With its 426 kW (580 bhp), it is the most powerful model in the current Audi range and – with the exception of pure racing cars like the Le Mans-winning Audi R10 TDI – the most potent Audi of all time. But not only that: it is also clearly superior to all competitors in the top performance category.

The ten-cylinder V-configuration engine in the RS 6 is based on the V10 powerplants of the Audi S6 and Audi S8, but has been redeveloped in practically every respect to attain the significantly higher level of performance. The twin turbochargers ensure an impressively constant stream of power over the entire engine speed range: the mighty peak torque of 650 Nm is available across the entire range from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm; maximum output is available between 6,250 and 6,700 rpm.

The road performance of a super sports car

This powerplant enables the Audi RS 6 Avant to achieve the road performance of a high-performance sports car. It requires just 4.6 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h, and reaches the 200 km/h mark in a mere 14.9 seconds. Only when the needle touches 250 km/h is the propulsive power electronically governed. The power-to-weight ratio, too, matches that of a first-rate sports car: after all, with a vehicle weight of 2,025 kilograms – including the dynamic and sure-footed quattro four-wheel drive – every horsepower of the RS 6 Avant has to propel just 3.5 kilograms

The ten-cylinder concept provides the ideal basis for a high-performance unit of this calibre. The V10 is unusually compact with an overall length of 670 millimetres and is very light with a total weight of 278 kilograms. TFSI technology from Audi, the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, ensures efficient power output, based on extensive experience in the field of motor sport: the R8 racing car, a pioneer of TFSI technology, captured a series of victories for the brand with the four rings at Le Mans.

Racing technology for high efficiency

FSI direct injection delivers precisely metered amounts of fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 120 bar. This permits a compression ratio of 10.5:1, which is very high for a turbo engine. Remarkably efficient combustion is the result. The engine is thus content with a standard consumption of 13.9 litres – a very good figure in view of the potential offered.

A further feature adopted from racing technology is the dry-sump lubrication system used on the V10. By virtue of the elaborate design of the oil pump module and oil tank, reliable lubrication of all engine components and both turbochargers is guaranteed, even with constant lateral acceleration of 1.2 g.

Thanks to FSI technology and the optimised design of the turbocharger and air ducts, the ten-cylinder unit is extremely responsive and converts minimum movements of the throttle into dynamic acceleration. Yet the twin turbo is by no means a rough-and-ready sports engine: it runs smoothly and with refinement, as is typical of a ten-cylinder unit. When accelerating, of course, its dual-branch exhaust system with two oval tailpipes produces that sonorous sporty, throaty sound – an essential feature of a high-performance automobile. Those who wish to enhance this daily delight for the ears even further may opt for the alternative sports exhaust system.

Tiptronic with exceptionally short shift times

The six-speed tiptronic is the perfect complement to the self-confident, powerful character of the RS 6. Its hydraulics and control system have been optimised to achieve exceptionally short shift times; the ratios have been adapted accordingly. It goes without saying that the new RS 6 transmits its tremendous power to the road via quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The latest generation not only provides substantially more driving safety and stability than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, it also underscores the distinctly dynamic character of the RS 6.

In its basic setting, the centre differential distributes 40 percent of the power to the front and 60 percent to the rear wheels – this slightly rear-biased setup produces particularly dynamic handling characteristics.

Suspension for performance and comfort

The suspension of the Audi RS 6 has been consistently designed for maximum dynamic performance along with good travelling comfort – on long journeys, too. Shock absorber and spring settings as well as the entire elastokinematics of the four-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension have been adapted to the new level of performance. The characteristics of the servotronic speed-dependent power assistance have also been retuned. The steering is consequently very sensitive and delivers optimum feedback from the road.

All in all, in terms of driving feel the RS 6 combines the precision and cornering ability of a sports car with the relaxed straight-line stability of a comfortable cruiser. The standard Dynamic Ride Control DRC, familiar from the current RS 4 and consistently enhanced, plays a major role here. This system reduces pitching and rolling movements about the longitudinal and transverse axis of the vehicle in a particularly ingenious way – entirely without the aid of electronics and solely according to the laws of fluid dynamics.

An individual driving feel

With Dynamic Ride Control the shock absorbers are connected diagonally with each other via two oil lines and two control valves. Body movement – e.g. rolling when cornering at high speed on an uneven road surface – produces flows of oil, which generate additional damping force. As a result, the RS 6 boasts even more directional control through bends and reacts with substantially more precision to the steering inputs of the driver.

Dynamic Ride Control on the new RS 6 can be supplemented if desired with optional three-stage damping. This allows the driver to select the handling characteristics according to his/her personal preferences or chosen route. In the comfort setting, the sports suspension plus provides remarkable ride comfort, in the dynamic program it adjusts superbly to an enthusiastic driving style and in the sport mode it delivers maximum driving precision.

The sporty setting of the electronic stabilisation program ESP is an ideal match here: the point of intervention is very late, permitting a high degree of driving enjoyment whilst fully maintaining driving safety. Alternatively, the ESP may be completely deactivated.

Ceramic brakes for the exceptional athlete

An athlete of such exceptional calibre as the Audi RS 6 naturally requires an outstanding brake system. The standard 19-inch steel discs have been designed for maximum load. They consist of an aluminium brake-disc chamber and a cast friction ring, both connected with each other in a floating arrangement via metal pins. This design increases thermal stability and reduces weight.

Optionally, in conjunction with 20-inch wheels, a ceramic brake system is available: it boasts discs with an impressive diameter of 420 millimetres at the front and 356 millimetres at the rear, which endure the most extreme thermal loads with ease and have a very long operating life. Equally impressive are the tyre sizes: the standard 19-inch wheels with the new 10-spoke design are shod with size 255/40 R 19 tyres; the optional 20-inch wheels are fitted with 275/35 R 20 tyres.

Self-assured appearance with functional features

Its independent design lends the Audi RS 6 a striking and self-assured look – without any hint of aggression. In fact, the clear front-end design with the remodelled bumper and accentuated apertures evidently follows function: the high-performance powerplant requires a considerable amount of air to breathe as well as for cooling. The fact that it belongs to the RS family is emphasised by the matt aluminium-look single-frame grille featuring a highly polished black guard in a diamond design.

The headlights on the Audi RS 6 are miniature works of art in high-tech terms: to create space in the front apron for additional air flow, the halogen fog lights have been integrated alongside the bi-xenon headlights, optionally with adaptive light, the cornering light function.

The LED daytime running lights strip adds a distinctive touch: ten LEDs at the lower edge of each headlight unit lend the Audi RS 6 a striking appearance, by day or night. A flat cover at the top of the headlights sharpens the “look” of the business/sports car. The taillights, too, largely employ LED technology.

Striking design derived from the “Ur-quattro”

The rear of the Audi RS 6 is characterised by the oval exhaust tailpipes and the diffuser-look apron. A roof spoiler completes the aerodynamic fine-tuning of this high-performance vehicle. The side outline is distinguished by wide, flared wheel arches. Like the engine compartment lid, the front wings are made of aluminium in order to reduce weight. They accommodate the mighty wheels of the new Audi RS 6, yet are also reminiscent of a milestone in automotive history: the flat tops of the wheel arches with their clear edges were counted among the design elements of the Audi quattro – the pioneer of permanent four-wheel drive from the year 1980. A metallic/pearl effect paint finish is standard; new colours Sepang Blue, Monza Silver and Monterrey Green are exclusively reserved for the RS 6.

Elegant and exclusive interior

The interior of the new RS 6 offers an impressive synthesis of sporty elegance and exclusiveness. The extremely high standard of craftsmanship typical for Audi is complemented by an equally sporty and elegant combination of top-class materials. Carbon fibre, aluminium, leather and Alcantara create an ambience that is unique even in the world of high-performance cars.

The main control element is and remains the steering wheel: on the RS 6 the customer can choose between the multifunction sports steering wheel with a 3 spoke design and the particularly distinctive flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel, likewise with multifunction controls and shift paddles for the transmission. The cockpit in the typical RS design additionally features a boost pressure gauge. Displays for boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer can be called up via the driver information system.

The inlays are made of carbon fibre and edged in aluminium, the cockpit trim gleams with its piano black finish. Additional highlights in the interior are provided by the aluminium-coloured keys of the MMI terminal on the centre console, the milled-finish door handles and the aluminium-look sports pedals. The highly contoured sports seats are covered in a combination of leather and Alcantara with an embossed RS 6 emblem or optionally wrapped completely in Silk Nappa or Valcona leather.

Extensive equipment, individual options

This high-performance vehicle naturally deserves an appropriate level of standard equipment. In addition to design and technical elements specific to the RS 6, this includes the audio system with powerful Bose Surround Sound, heated seats at the front and rear, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Audi parking system plus. Together with the wide range of high-tech options for the Audi A6 series, every RS 6 can be perfectly matched to the driver’s individual wishes. The Audi RS 6 is consequently a sporty business car with great versatility, making it suitable for a variety of leisure activities, too.

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Dealers fall short of Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with exceeding demands

Who would have thought Mitsubishi would face stock shortages five years ago? Dealers are short in stock of Mitsubishi's new Lancer, specifically the range-topping GTS trim. Mitsubishi speculated the mid-range trim, ES, would be the majority of the compact car's sales. The Lancer is off to a fantastic start, but at a level where it's a bit too much?

The GTS trim accounted for 60% of the Lancer's sales in North America. Demand was so high that about 1700 orders of the GTS model were canned. The Lancer's first half sales are up 68% from the first seven months of last year, at a staggering 20,816. With the Outlander and the Lancer sharing the taste of success, Mitsubishi is definitely the one to watch in the coming years.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Price Attack Pt.VII: 2008 Smart ForTwo starts at $11,590

Smart USA has announced the official pricing and the trim designations for its first offering in the country. Having met enormous success in Canada when it entered market in 2006, Smart has opened its doors to the American folks. Smart launched an online reservation program for the ForTwo, with 12,000 orders being placed. The ForTwo will start at $11,590.

Available in three trim levels, all models come standard with a 3-cylinder 1.0L engine that produces 71 horsepower. The Canadian models receive the 0.6L diesel with 40 horsepower. The base model, starting at $11,590, comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission. You'll have to step up to the Passion Coupe model, starting at $13,590, for an AM/FM radio with CD. The Passion also comes standard with a panorama roof, air conditioning, 3-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with paddle shifts, power windows and alloy wheels. The Passion Cabrio starts at $16,590, gaining the status of the least expensive convertible in America. The Cabrio comes standard with an automatic soft-top roof and a premium sound system.

The Passion trims can be opted with a Comfort Package that starts at $850. Heated leather seats, electric power steering, rain/light sensors and auto-off headlamps all come standard. The 2008 Smart ForTwo will go on sale in January 2008. It will be available in all 164 locations of the Penske Automotive Group, the dealer franchise responsible for selling the Smarts. Continue reading to view an official press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

smart USA Announces Pricing of smart fortwo Models

Innovative and Unique Vehicle to Go on Sale January 2008

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI, (Sept. 5, 2007) – smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., (NYSE: PAG), today announced the pricing of the all-new smart fortwo models that will be sold in the United States beginning in the first quarter of 2008.

The smart fortwo will be available in three trim levels. The entry-level pure coupe will start at $11,590*, manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), with standard convenience features such as a 5-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual driving modes with the push of a button, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. The well-equipped passion coupe, starting at $13,590* MSRP, includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gear shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all standard. Those seeking top-down excitement can choose the passion cabrio, starting at $16,590* MSRP, featuring a fully automatic soft top that can be easily adjusted with a push of a button, and in addition to the standard equipment of the passion coupe, a premium sound system with an in-dash mp3 compatible 6-CD changer. The value-priced cabriolet model is believed to debut as the lowest priced convertible offered in the United States. All models are equipped with a 1-liter, 3-cylinder, 71-horsepower engine.

“The smart fortwo offers a fantastic combination of fun to drive aspects, innovation, functionality – and all for a great value,” said Dave Schembri, president of smart USA. “In addition, all smart fortwo models will come standard with four air bags and many other safety features found in many luxury vehicles.”

An optional “comfort package” for the passion coupe and passion cabrio, at $850* MSRP, includes leather heated seats, electric power steering, rain/light sensors, and auto-off headlamps with exit delay.

Information about many other vehicle accessories and option pricing can be found on the smart USA website – http://www.smartusa.com/.

ABOUT smart and smart USA

The smart fortwo is manufactured by the Mercedes Car Group. This technologically advanced vehicle has been designed to achieve 40-plus mpg under normal driving conditions. The vehicle is 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide and comes equipped with many standard functional and safety features such as electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes and four air bags. The smart dealer network will be announced in the fall 2007. smart is currently sold in 36 countries, and over 800,000 smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.

smart USA Distributor LLC, headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is the exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo in the United States and Puerto Rico and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

ABOUT PENSKE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., operates 311 retail automotive franchises, representing 41 different brands, and 27 collision repair centers. Penske Automotive Group, which sells new and previously owned vehicles, finance and insurance products and replacement parts, and offers maintenance and repair services on all brands it represents, has 164 franchises in 19 states and Puerto Rico and 147 franchises located outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom. Penske Automotive Group is a member of the Fortune 500 and Russell 1000 and has approximately 16,000 employees.

Statements in this press release may involve forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially because of risks and uncertainties, including production delays, delays in developing a dealership network and external factors such as interest rate fluctuations, changes in consumer spending and other factors over which management has no control. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with additional information about Penske Automotive Group’s business, markets, conditions and other uncertainties that could affect Penske Automotive Group’s future performance, which are contained in Penske Automotive Group’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and which are incorporated into this press release by reference. This press release speaks only as of its date, and Penske Automotive Group disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

* Expected prices exclude tax, license, registration, destination charge and options.

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Enter The Rumor Mill: Chevrolet Blue Devil Corvette to be named "ZR1"

If the sources of Motor Trend are correct, the anticipated high-performance variant of the already-powerful Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be called the "ZR1". Codenamed the "Blue Devil", the ZR1 will vow at next year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The "ZR1" marque was first implemented in a 370 horsepower variant of the 1971 Corvette. It was later revived in 1990.

The ZR1 will pack a supercharged 6.2L small block V8 that is currently used in the Z06. However, sources say the ZR1 might go up as high as 700 horsepower. It will definitely be higher than 505 horsepower, the current level of the Z06. The ZR1 is expected to arrive in showrooms late next year as a 2009 model, and will carry a higher price tag than its Z06 brother.

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