Car Buzz names Audi RS6 "most powerful production station wagon" in least boring family car series!

The decision to include the RS6 Avant but not the BMW M5 Touring in this series was not an easy one. Neither company saw fit to bring the wagon versions of their super sedans to the US, and the most recent RS6 didn't make it over to the US in any form.But there was one simple fact which was just too good to ignore, the C6-generation Audi RS6 Avant holds the title of the most powerful production station wagon of all time. With that, the RS6 Avant earned a spot in this series.

The RS6 first appeared in 2002, and it remains one of the all-time great sleepers. This is because, from the outside, there was little to distinguish it from the regular A6 which it was based on. Someone who knows what to look for can spot one easily, but to the uninitiated, an RS6 doesn't appear to be anything special. It was a direct decedent of Audi's first RS car, the RS2 Avant of the mid Nineties, a 311-horsepower wagon built as a group effort by Audi and Porsche.The first RS6 was a simple enough concept, Audi bolted a pair of turbochargers to the 4.2-liter V8 which was already offered in naturally-aspirated form in the A6.

This does, perhaps, oversimplify the engineering a bit, but the original RS6 still wasn't quite as radical a departure from the rest of Audi's lineup as the second RS6 would be.This turbocharged and intercooled version of the engine produced 450 horsepower (fully 101 more than the contemporary competing Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG), as well as 428lb-ft of torque. A wide power band came from the combined use of variable valve timing and turbocharging, and peak torque was available all the way from 1,950 to 5,600 RPM. This meant that, despite the car's considerable weight, it could sprint to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The only transmission which Audi could find in the VW parts bin which could handle the power from this new engine was the one out of the W12 A8, hence the lack of a manual option.

The original C5 RS6 was produced only from 2002 to 2004, and when it came time to make an RS version for the C6 generation, Audi set their sights even higher. Here they again decided to bolt a pair of turbochargers to an existing engine, but this time they used a version of the V10 engine originally developed for the Lamborghini Gallardo. Just take a minute to let that idea sink in, a station wagon with a twin-turbo Lamborghini engine under the hood.

This new 571-horsepower power plant made the RS6 the king of the super wagons, although by this point the competing wagons were closing in on Audi's power figures. Not only that, but the RS6 now also has to compete with the Cadillac CTS-V and the Jaguar XFR, both of which also come in wagon form.

The C6 RS6 has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, but Audi's engineers are said to have gotten it up over 200mph on the test track. Some have criticized the C6, saying that Audi put too much emphasis on comfort, and as such strayed away from the more stripped-down and performance-oriented spirit of the RS cars.

These critics may have something of a point, but still, twin-turbo Lamborghini engine, that can help you get past a lot. Suspension for the RS6 is stiffened up more than the regular A6, and massive brakes are fitted as well.These top out on the C6, where there is an option for 16.5-inch carbon composite rotors squeezed by eight-piston calipers. Brakes of this size are capable of bringing the RS6 to a stop fast enough to cause pain to the vehicles occupants. There is once again only an option for an automatic transmission, and the price increased dramatically over the C5. Weight is up too, coming in at about 4,500lbs in Avant form.

Just the same, it is an amazing machine, and a person would really have to work hard in order not to see past the downsides. This second RS6 also had a short lifespan, although this was again by design, lasting only from 2008 to 2010. A 2014 model is currently in the works, based on the new A6.We may not get this one in the US either, and it's pretty much guaranteed that we won't get the Avant version, but there is now another option which looks realistic.The new A7 is based heavily on the A6, being essentially identical mechanically and differing only in the body shape.

Audi is there developing an RS7 alongside the new RS6, and it's likely we'll get the RS7 no matter what happens with the RS6. True, the A7 is more of a hatchback than a wagon, but it's still some exciting news.

Courtesy of: Car Buzz

Audi Tutorial - Repairing a tire

Take a look at our step by step guide to repairing your Audi tire using the compressor and sealant kit. See how to use the tire repair kit, what precautions should be taken and when the repair kit should be used.

Porsche Is King Of The Hill In J.D. Power APEAL Survey: Buyer's Remorse? Not Here

It’s tempting to look at the top ranks of the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 APEAL Study and conclude, “You get what you pay for,” because luxury brands have a lock on the top spots by brand – led by Porsche, which was No. 1 for the eighth year in a row.

The other Top 5 finishers in the survey results which were released today were Jaguar, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Rounding out the Top 10 are Land Rover, Lexus, Cadillac, Infiniti and Acura.

That’s not to say people who buy mass-market brands don’t love their cars, too. On a model-by-model level (see below), regular-guy brands like Chevrolet, Dodge and Kia are among the winners for different product segments.

But on average, Porsche owners find their newly purchased Porsches more appealing than anybody else. If you said that was stating the obvious, you’d be right. It’s useful to think of the APEAL study as measuring buyer’s remorse, or lack thereof.

APEAL stands for Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout. The researchers at J.D. Power sometimes call it the “things gone right” survey, as opposed to the better known J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, which measures “things gone wrong.”

That is, the APEAL survey gives people who bought a car within the last 90 days a chance to say what they like about their new car. IQS is APEAL’s evil twin. The IQS survey asks specific, detailed questions about things that don’t work properly or that in the owner’s opinion are designed poorly.

Respondents for both surveys are drawn from the same pool of people. In fact, the same individuals fill out both surveys – for this year’s APEAL and IQS surveys, it was people who registered a new car or truck from November 2011 to February 2012.

The twin surveys produce some schizophrenic results. That is, some brands score well on APEAL but poorly on IQS, and vice versa. Some do great on both. Some do poorly on both. Bear in mind that the same people fill out both surveys.

Land Rover, for instance, is in the Top 10 in APEAL, but the Bottom 10 in IQS. It appears that Land Rovers have an above-average number of bugs in them, but owners like them anyway. Conversely, Honda is near the top in IQS, but below-average in APEAL. That suggests Hondas are reliable but not especially exciting.

Porsche is one of those brands that throw off the grading curve for everyone else. It does great on both surveys. On the other hand, the Smart brand is at or near the bottom for both surveys.

 

Revealed! Refreshed Audi R8 Photo Shared on Twitter

We’ve known an updated Audi R8 was coming and we now have our first official photo of the Teutonic supercar. Audi has just released on Twitter its first image of what we believe is the 2013 Audi R8.

 

From the front-view photo Audi tweeted, the new R8 looks to be getting a minor nip/tuck up front. The 2013 R8 gets reworked headlights, new LED daytime running lights, and a revised grille. The result isn’t a huge departure from the current R8, but may be enough to keep the R8 looking fresh for the years to come. Though we can’t see what changes Audi’s made to the rear of the R8, we can see that its distinctive side blades remains.

Though Audi has yet to release mechanical specs for the new R8, rumor has it that the six-speed single-clutch gearbox will be replaced with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. No word yet on powertrains, but a minor horsepower bump to the 4.2-liter V-8 and 5.2-liter V-10 wouldn’t surprise us. . It may also be just a matter of time before Audi’s new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 makes its way under the hood of the Audi R8, which currently uses a 4.2-liter V-8 in the “entry-level” models that gets 13/21 mpg city/highway with the six-speed auto-clutch transmission and 11/20 mpg with the six-speed manual. That’s not much different from the EPA-rated mileage of the V-10 models, at 12-13/19 mpg.

Technology at Audi City

See what's inside the new concept space, Audi City. State-of-the art technology allows you to become part of the virtual experience.

Checkered Flag Jaguar Porsche Audi Variable Service Discount

Report: Jaguar to offer 4-cylinder, V6s starting this fall

It’s been a long time since Jaguar has offered a 4-banger and the brand hasn’t had a V6 since the X-Type stopped selling in the United States 4 years ago. But now, as many automakers move away from V8 engines to V6 units, Jaguar must change its ways. Starting as early as this fall, Jaguar will offer a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder in two of its three cars.

“We have only V-8s in a market that has moved to six-cylinder,” said Andy Goss, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America. ”With the V-8, we are fishing in a small pond.”

Jaguar will offer a 2.0 liter 240-hp turbo 4-cylinder (found in the Range Rover Evoque) in the XF sedan. A supercharged 3.0 liter V6 making 340-hp and 380-hp will be offered in the XF and the XJ.

Both engines will be offered with an 8-speed automatic, dropping the 6-speed. Fuel-economy ratings on the new setup will be released in August.

Technologies - The making of the Audi A6 TV advert

Watch our video to experience the quick reactions of the new Audi A6 bi-turbo.

Porsche Panamera Rentals Coming To Hertz

Fast cars and Hertz are no strangers. From special-edition Mustangs and Corvettes to a range of more typical sports cars, the rental car giant has long offered things that go fast for daily rates. Now you can add Porsche to the list.

The company's Prestige Collection already offers cars from Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Volvo, Infiniti, and Lincoln. Today, the Porsche Panamera joins the list as the first Porsche to be made available through a major rental car company in the U.S. Exactly which model of Panamera will be offered isn't stated, but the list price mentioned in the release makes us think it's going to be the V-6.

"We're confident the Porsche Panamera will provide a unique driving experience for customers who are passionate about high-end performance vehicles," said Hertz chairman and CEO Mark P. Frissora. Though no other models have been confirmed yet, the announcement does mention "Porsche sports cars," in the plural, hinting that others, like the Cayman, Boxster, or 911, may eventually join the Panamera.

As part of the rental deal, Hertz will become an official sponsor of the 2012 Porsche IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge and the 2012 JDX Racing Team, which runs a Porsche GTC car in American Le Mans Series racing.

For those looking to get behind the wheel of the rental Panamera, it'll run you $250 per weekend day--or more, depending on market and demand--and it will only be available in select areas of California, Florida, and Nevada, starting later this month.

2012 Audi A8 Hybrid

When it comes to the hybrid market, we assume – as most of you probably do as well – that the United States is at the top of the list to get whatever hybrid models an automaker builds. That vision is apparently altering for the Germans, though, as Audi is not bringing this A8 Hybrid to the States, instead favoring Western Europe and particularly Asia.

The start of deliveries in Europe already commenced in May, and Asian deliveries will start by 2013 as Audi mulls bringing the long-wheelbase version there, as well as a right-hand-drive model. The choice to not invite North American consumers to the party might not be a forever sort of thing, but at least for the next few years, the plan appears to be set in stone.

To be honest, Audi's full parallel hybrid strategy, along with that of parent Volkswagen Group's larger cars and SUVs in general, isn't terribly amazing – there's no thinking going on outside of the box here. Across the entire VW corporate family, the better choice for these bigger cruisers is always the range of outstanding diesels that generally weigh less and can cost less than their hybrid brethren. Nonetheless, Audi's high-tech image demands that the brand show it can play in every alternative propulsion sector. With China being Audi's best market by far, this A8 Hybrid has that nation writ all over its business plan.

What is, however, a nice upgrade to Audi's hybrid efficiency message is that the engine in this gas-electric A8 is the widely praised 208-horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder, not just a modified V6 or V8 that would lower development costs but hike the price beyond credibility. This four-cylinder choice helps contain both the weight and the price of the project. In Germany, the A8 Hybrid sells for €70,700 after all initial taxes. A more generously equipped long-wheelbase A8 Hybrid sells for upwards of €85,400 – around $105,000 U.S. Given general pricing trends on both sides of the ocean and keeping in mind the higher equipment levels that Americans prefer (and generally get for cheap), the short-wheelbase model would translate to around $70,000 U.S.

f that sounds oddly inexpensive, that's because the hybrid's price point in Germany is intended to sit right around that of a front-wheel-drive 201-hp A8 3.0 TDI V6, a markedly less powerful, less luxurious A8 than what is sold in North America. Coincidentally, though, the A8 Hybrid and A8 V6 TDI weigh the same at 4,125 pounds. Of course, here in the States, our base specification is nearly $80k for a 4.2-liter V8 Quattro model – at least until the promised 3.0-liter TFSI V6 arrives.

While the A8 Hybrid cannot beat the base diesel's fuel efficiency, it does average slightly lower CO2 emissions – an important distinction in Europe for taxation purposes. Acceleration to 62 mph for both cars is between 7.7 and 7.9 seconds. Where the A8 Hybrid significantly falls behind, though, is cargo room. The high placement of the 84-pound lithium-ion battery pack cuts significantly into trunk space. From the usual EPA-rated 13.2 cubic feet of space, chop things down to roughly 10.0 cubes using the EPA scale. This sort of lowbrow mounting strategy for the battery pack leaves us perplexed: Is the plan to have four adults aboard a large luxury four-door but leave them without enough luggage space? It's too compromising.The way the A8 Hybrid drives is understandably very numb and tranquil when done correctly and most efficiently. Push the car hard over dynamic stretches of road and you are quickly out of the car's element. This is not aided much by the front-wheel-drive platform and extremely frugal and detached-feeling electronic steering. To be fair, though, this clearly isn't a model intended for more passionate driving forays – just point it down the road and quietly go forth in the lap of luxury with little or no exterior air noise due to the 0.26 coefficient of drag.

Moments when the 2.0-liter four-cylinder switches off or on happen seamlessly, and the eight-speed Tiptronic with its integrated 52-hp electric motor is likewise creamy smooth, constantly seeking to slip into eighth gear for maximum fuel savings. Going strictly by the European cycle of efficiency ratings, the A8 Hybrid could claim 37.3-mpg average city/highway per U.S. gallon. Going by the same fudged scale, I realized an indicated 33.0-mpg average.Helping the standard air suspension is a set of 255/45 19-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, which, while good pieces, are probably not the most efficient rubber for what is otherwise a predominantly green-focused luxury car. On the other hand, the aerodynamic Turbine wheelset specific to the A8 Hybrid is good looking while aiding to lower wind resistance.

Between the 208-hp 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder and 52-hp electric motor, the cumulative result when they are both hammering together in boost mode under high throttle is 241 hp. The torque figure in this full-bore scenario is 354 pound-feet, much of that available from a standstill thanks to the push of the electric motor. All ancillaries that are normally run via mechanical belt drive from the 2.0-liter engine are now run electrically via various sensors that tell when things need to be actuated or not. These actuators via the high-voltage lithium-ion battery can also keep the climate control on while the engine is off in start-stop mode at traffic lights.Electric-only propulsion can happen up to 37 mph under the right (and frankly almost nonexistent) conditions, though this can only be sustained for about two miles before the conventional engine ignites. In the meantime, the two power units can do their boost thing together at up to 100 mph, at which point the electric motor cuts out of the equation. Top speed is 146 mph, legal only in Germany.

Untitled

Jaguar can afford to be as Fearless as they want with the F-TYPE. Explore the performance and agility of our powerful new sports car here, alongside Ian Callum, Jaguar's Design Director. To be kept up to date with all the latest information about the F-TYPE sign up here: http://f-type.com/

Jaguar lets its F-Type roar

The run-up to an honest introduction to the Jaguar F-Type continues with this: footage of the 380-horsepower, supercharged convertible on the automaker's test track. Martin Brundle hosts the 'spot' and gets a ride-along with Mike Cross, chief engineer for Jaguar, but naturally, we don't get any more hard information than we already have on the car.

What we do get, though, is sound. No matter how the F-Type looks – and it looks good on the run here, even in camo – with that exhaust it won't be creeping up on anyone. Those of you attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this is your appetizer to the F-Type's run up the hill. Have a listen to the video below.