audi news s3/s4/s6/a6 avant 4x4

[Dave Eaton <dave.eaton@minedu.govt.nz>]

the latest autocar mag has a good dose of audi news and even a test of an
immaculate sport quattro !!

1) new s4.

the 1st real pictures of the new s4 show a car in black with black alloys and
the traditional audisport badging.  powered by a 265 hp twin turbo 2.7l v6. 
not sure about the number of valves or torque figures.  very understated, apart
from the badging, the only give-away is the front air dam which has very large
(deep) horizontal vents, different extended side sills and the wheels.  sets
off the symmetry of the a4 shape nicely though.  release is, as expected, at
the frankfurt show.  uk release early 1998.  expect availability in this part
of the world 1st quarter 1998.  with those power figures, i don't expect we're
looking at an m3-beater, or an rs2-beater; but it will probably be a tuners
delight.  the 2.7l v6 seems to suggest that audi are creating a specific range
of engines for the 's' series.  here's hoping.

2) tt coupe

on target for a late 1998 launch.  no major differences to the concept car.

3) a6 avant off-road vehicle

audi will be releasing an a6-based avant with electrically  selectable low
range, selectable 18cm ground clearance and butch 18" alloys.  this off-road
lifestyle vehicle (pictures included) will be released in 1999.  looks great,
sort of like an rs2.

4) s6 v8

no mention of a turbo v6 for the s6.  it looks like it may be v8 only.  planned
for early 1999.

5) a3/s3 

will be 170hp, and released in late 1998. no mention of the awd concept
planned, whether audi will engineer a tranverse engine 'quattro' of leave the
vw synchro concept in place. a 4 door version of the a3 will also be offered,
along witha 110hp turbo diesel.  production on the a3 has had to be increased
by 25% to 125,000 annually to keep up with demand.

6) sport quattro

and finally, in a nice touch for those with an eye to the audi heritage, there
is a nice test of an immaculate white 7,500 mile 1985 sport quattro.  looks
absolutely pristine.  tester loved the car, despite extreme turbo lag.  loved
the performance, steering and brakes.  called it an 'integrale eater'.

-dave
'95 rs2
'90 ur-q