Audi News

[bs986@freenet.carleton.ca (Thomas A Robbs)]

Automotive News  October 14, 1996
Digest
Audi Nears TT, TTS Decision
Ingolstadt, Germany - Audi AG will decide early next year whether to
export its TT and TTS coupe and convertible to the United States, said
sales and marketing chief Graham Morris.  The aluminum bodied twins will
go on sale in 1998.  The specialty cars were big hits as prototypes at
last falls Frankfurt and Tokyo auto shows.  "We are changing the design as
little as possible, although we have at least one surprise," said Audi
development chief Franz-Josef Paefgen.

Automotive News  October 21, 1996
Audi adds new models to top, bottom of line
Kathy Jackson - staff reporter
Audi has added two new models to its 1997 U.S. lineup.  The new comers are
at the bottom and the top of the lineup.  The new four-cylinder A4 1.8T is
a more economical version of the popular six-cylinder A4 that was
introduced last year, and the base price of $23,490 is $4,440 less than
the six-cylinder model.
At the high-end, U.S. buyers will get their first exposure to the A8, the
all-aluminum luxury sedan that will be offered in front-wheel-drive
($57,400) and Quattro ($64,900) versions.  The company has decontented the
base Cabrio convertible.  The price is $35,100, down $2,175 from the 1995
base model.  All prices in this article include a $500 destination charge.
 Here are highlights of Audis 1997 products:
A4 1.8T: The entry-level sedan is equipped with the companys new 1.8
liter, 150 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  Other standard
equipment includes anti-lock brakes, one touch power windows, an
anti-theft system, stereo cassette and central locking.  Optional
equipment includes the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, five-speed
automatic transmission and glass sunroof.  The 1.8T goes on sale in November.
A4 2.8: The 2.8 liter A4 will continue to be powered by the 172-hp,
six-cylinder engine.  New features include revised central and remote
locking systems.  Options include a trip computer and the Quattro system.
Cabriolet: The new base model has a manual top and cloth upholstery. 
Leather upholstery and power top are optional; they were standard on the
1995 convertible.
A8: The fwd A8 has a 3.7 liter, 32-valve 230-hp V-8, and the Quattro has a
4.2 liter, 32-valve 300-hp V-8.  Both are powered by a five-speed
automatic transmission.  The A8 has six airbags - two front and four side
- including the intelligent airbag system that can distinguish if the
passenger seat is occupied.  Also standard are 14-way power seats, trip
computer; auto check system and remote locking.  Options include cold- and
warm-weather packages with a solar sunroof in the warm-weather package. 
Also available are radio controls on the steering wheel and hands-free
telephone with voice activation.  The A8 goes on sale late this month.
A6 sedan and wagon: Changes include a revised central and remote locking
system.  The steel sunroof has been deleted as standard equipment.  An
optional Quattro value package includes 16-inch wheels and glass sunroof.

Tom


--
Thomas A. Robbs   bs986@freenet.carleton.ca
1988 90Q          Milwaukee, WI - USA