No longer just about style, the new 265-horsepower Audi TTS gives the TT model line some street cred.

It's the first TT to wear Audi's "S" badge.

Do you like it?

Read the Audi TTS First Drive on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

 

Audi chose the 2008 Beijing Auto Show to debut their new Q5 crossover, further signifying how important the Chinese market is becoming. The Q5, which will be pitted against the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, and Lexus RX350, will come with Audi's 3.2L V6, a 6-speed automatic, and AWD when it comes Stateside in 2009.

Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Beijing Auto Show: 2009 Audi Q5

One of the most anticipated introductions at the show was the 2009 Audi Q5 SUV. Instead of a full-blown press conference, however, Audi just put a couple of Q5s out on the show floor and let the vehicles speak for themselves. After taking a closer look, they should’ve made a bigger effort.

Maybe it was the colors or the chrome wheels of the main display model, but the Q5 looks too anonymous in person, especially for a company that’s trying to re-create itself as the anti-establishment luxury brand. There’s not a memorable line on it from the front, and the only notable styling feature in back are the big LED taillights.

There’s nothing wrong with the interior, as it’s basically borrowed straight from the new A4 sedan and wagon. Passenger room is about average and the cargo area is a useful size. With Audi’s 3.2-liter V6 under the hood, the Q5 should have reasonable performance, too. In other words, nothing unexpected here, and nothing very exciting either. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line



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Two powerful coupes go head to head.

Inside Line tested the new BMW M3 alongside the 2008 Audi S5. See how they matched up.

Which one would you buy?

Read the M3 vs. S5 Comparison Test on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

 

As sexy and exciting as we all find the Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans, it isn't Audi's big story at this Geneva auto show. That honor goes to the 2009 Audi A4 Avant, the wagon version of the all-new A4 sedan.

Now larger than before, the Avant's wheelbase has been stretched by 6 inches and the overall length is up to 185 inches, about 5 inches longer than the previous model. Audi says the extra size opens up a little over an inch of extra knee room in back, while also increasing head-, shoulder and legroom. There's also more cargo volume and a standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.

In the United States, the A4 Avant will come with a four-cylinder engine only. Audi hasn't confirmed the specifications of the new engine, but it's said to have significantly more torque than the current 2.0T, which is rated at 200 hp. It will be hooked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission and send power to all four wheels. Audi's dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission will not be offered.

Sales of the 2009 Audi A4 Avant in the U.S. start this fall. Prices are expected to remain roughly the same as the current model, so figure around $30K to start. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief

Last night Audi took the wraps off the newly red and newly named Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans. And we were there. We just failed to get a picture of the diesel-powered supercar. Well here it is in all its crimson glory, sorry for the delay.

Mechanically the car's story is unchanged from its showing at the Detroit auto show three months ago. It's still powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 diesel generating 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. And the engine is still mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and Audi's now ubiquitous all-wheel-drive system.

The diesel-powered supercar complies with Euro 6 emissions standards that take effect in 2014 thanks to the use of a 2,000-bar common-rail fuel system, piezo injectors, particulate filters in the exhaust and a urea injection system. Audi even parked a cutaway of the high-tech mill next to the newly red sports car for all the world to see its workings.

So far Audi says the R8 V12 TDI Le Mans is still just a concept, but the good money is on a production version in showrooms by the end of the decade.--Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief

Audi will debut a new A4 Avant at the Geneva Auto Show. The mechanicals and vehicle content are pretty much as per the sedan. At launch, Audi will offer two gasoline engines and three diesel engines. These engines offer superior performance by more than 14 percent as compared to previous versions.

Here’s Inside Line’s take: 2008 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Audi A4 Avant

More images after the jump.

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Well, you knew someone would do it sooner or later, imitating NASCAR's best by doing donuts in a $118,000 Audi R8—on a public street, no less. Well maybe we can forgive this guy just a little, as he's Russian, and may not be familiar with NASCAR-isms (or highway safety).

Full story here.

Here we have another entry-level convertible from a luxury manufacturer. This time, Audi enters the market with the 2008 A3 Cabriolet.

Its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 is capable of 200 horsepower. It has a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a sleek folding fabric top.

Do you think it will make it to the U.S.?

Which do you like better, the A3 or the BMW 1 Series convertible?

Read the A3 Cabriolet First Drive on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

The best part about the Big Game when your team is not involved (um, go Eagles?) are the commercials.

Those 30-second spots that are usually your chance to run to the bathroom or throw some nachos into the microwave, morph into multi-million dollar mini movies. And the car companies compete every year in hopes that theirs will be the one that everyone is talking about the next day.

This year expect masterpieces from Audi, Cadillac, Ford, GMC, Hyundai and Toyota.

Super Bowl XLII will be broadcast live on the Fox network on February 3 at 6:18 p.m. Eastern Time.

So, enjoy the Big Game but check back on Inside Line to watch your favorite ads again and again on our Super Bowl car commercial page.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor