2009 Audi S5

Discount Audi Prices

Low S5 Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi S5 Review
Audi has been serious for decades, busily bringing us such engineering breakthroughs as the five-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, the aluminum chassis, direct fuel injection and competition-prepared diesels. It's been like science class. At least the lab projects have been impressing the neighbors and even winning races at Le Mans. But with the 2008 Audi S5, the technoid visionaries of Ingolstadt have finally lightened up. After all, we're Americans. We're just a simple people. Speed and style are what sell. Nuvolari Returns From the Past Audi has figured out that a coupe should be beautiful, not merely exclusive. Even as the typical German sedan has become a beast with swollen fenders and a massive grille, designed to bludgeon the meek out of the fast lane on the autobahn, the 2008 Audi S5 has a different look. Its curving contours are leaner, more expressive and more energetic. The face of the new Audi coupe comes from the midengine Audi R8 sports car, and the rest has been inspired by the 2003 Nuvolari showcar. The S5 version of the coupe is set apart visually from the conventional A5 by a radiator grille painted in platinum gray and inlaid with chrome trim, more aggressive bumpers, outside mirrors painted silver and four oval tailpipes. Overall, this is a car that makes its luxury statement with color and chrome, a look that sets it apart from its German counterparts, the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. A New Way of Going Down the Road The A5 begins with the structure of the A4 sedan, and it's broadly similar in size, though predictably lower and wider. At the same time, the wheelbase has been stretched 4.1 inches, which comes from relocating the differential for the front wheels ahead of the clutch. Now the front wheels are carried by a lightweight, aluminum suspension with five links on each side, which is rigidly attached to the body by a separate subframe. Meanwhile the rack-and-pinion steering assembly also has found a new home close to the centerline of the wheels. When you pencil it out, these changes have a huge impact. There are 5.3 fewer inches of front overhang, so there's less mass leading the front tires down the road, and that means the car is more responsive to steering inputs. The coupe also distributes its 3,807 pounds more evenly, 58 percent front/42 percent rear. And finally the steering is crisper, more direct. It's in Your Hands There's a new, down-the-road sense in this car that you can feel as soon as you take the steering wheel. The S5 feels alert, completely different from an A4 sedan or even an RS4. It's a difference you can measure on the test track. On the skid pad, the S5 balances easily on its 255/35ZR18 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires. It hangs on until you reach 0.91g, which is a fraction more than the Audi RS4 sedan achieves. More important, the S5 maintains its poise even at the limit, and a quick dab at the throttle is enough to change its cornering arc. The S5 balances nicely through the slalom as well, recording a speed of 68.6 mph, which compares to the RS4 sedan's 70.6 mph. The steering effort of the Audi coupe's speed-sensitive system is a little light, and it's overmatched by the quick turn-in from the chassis and tires, yet the car's overall responsiveness inspires complete confidence. Gone is the vague, on-center steering action that has characterized other Audi models. This coupe fits the way real Americans drive. It's meant to travel enormous distances at high speed, undeterred by the character of the road or the nature of the weather. As the sporting version of the Audi coupe, the S5 has had its suspension snubbed down to a fairly tight calibration, a measure to keep the inevitable torque reaction of all-wheel drive from disturbing your sense of command and control through the steering wheel. As you'd expect, these standard 19-inch, 35-series tires are pretty aggressive, though, and they'll patter across the ridges between the concrete slabs on the freeway or across broken pavement. A V8 That's Perfect for America Yet it's the engine that dominates the S5, just as it should in a sporting coupe. Audi's 4.2-liter V8 appears once again here, calibrated this time to deliver 354 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This long-stroke V8 doesn't have a very sexy reputation, yet it's brilliant in both character and per

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi S8

Discount Audi Prices

Low S8 Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi S8 Review
Get a bunch of car enthusiasts to talk about German performance sedans and they'll typically start spewing four-letter...well, just four letters: AMG and M. The former refers to Mercedes-Benz's in-house tuning division and the latter to BMW's. Yet there's one more letter that is often overlooked: S. Audi's high-performance "S" line has been around for more than a few years, and the S8 -- the souped-up version of the standard-wheelbase A8 -- is particularly alluring, owing to its Lamborghini-derived V10 engine and roomy, handsome cabin.

Features and Options
The 2009 Audi S8 is a high-performance version of Audi's A8 luxury sedan. The S8 comes in a single well-equipped trim level. Standard features include unique front and rear fascias, 20-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, bi-xenon adaptive HID headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats with memory settings, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a parking assist system with a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, a power trunk opener, rear-compartment sunshades, Audi's Multi Media Interface, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio, six-CD changer and iPod connectivity.The Audi S8's 5.2-liter V10 makes 450 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that allows manual gearchanges via paddles behind the steering wheel. We've clocked the 0-60-mph sprint in 5.6 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. As with all Audis, the interior of the 2009 S8 is beautifully designed and furnished. Alcantara covers the ceiling and the rear package shelf, and along with leather, aluminum and wood accents lends a sumptuous feel to the cabin. Double-paned side windows contribute to the hushed ride while devouring interstates, and the 16-way-adjustable sport seats provide long-trip comfort and twisty road support in equal measure. Audi's MMI control for the climate and audio systems is fairly intuitive as modern interface systems go.

Summary
Crack the whip and the V10 engine pulls hard from idle to redline without letting up. The power delivery is so linear that the performance is deceiving. The automatic provides smooth and quick changes, although it can hesitate a bit when prodded for a downshift. Take matters into your own hands via the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and the transmission responds quickly to your commands.The 2009 Audi S8 rides slightly lower on a sportier variation of the A8's adaptive air suspension. It still offers four suspension profiles to choose from -- Automatic, Comfort, Dynamic and Lift -- but each level rides a bit firmer compared to the standard A8 setup. In any mode, the handling is confident with minimal body roll, and the ride quality is impressive, especially for a car wearing 20-inch alloy wheels.

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi TT Convertible

Discount Audi Prices

Low TT Convertible Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi TT Review
Coming off of a full redesign last year, the latest-generation Audi TT is now sleeker and more aggressive-looking, and in some ways defies classification. The TT has the low-slung look and feel of a sports car, but its dynamic personality is closer to that of a luxury sport coupe. And although the coupe has a pair of seats in the back, they're only suitable for kids, packages or perhaps anorexic D-listers. Still, the 2009 Audi TT has a distinctive blend of good looks, able performance and impeccable build quality. Besides styling, last year's redesign ushered in a more sophisticated chassis as well as a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This year, the Audi TT is mostly unchanged. Notably, all 2.0 T models with the S Tronic automatic transmission are now available with Quattro all-wheel drive. However, later in the year, Audi will introduce the TTS coupe and roadster, which will use a souped-up version of the inline-4 turbo that will supposedly be good for an impressive 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Features and Options
The 2009 Audi TT is available as a 2+2 coupe-styled hatchback or as a two-seater convertible. Trim levels are related to engine size; the 2.0 T is available in three levels and the 3.2 Quattro is available in two. The base Premium TT 2.0 T comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an automatic retractable spoiler, heated side mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping multifunction steering wheel, leather seats, full power accessories and a nine-speaker audio system that includes a single-disc CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium Plus trim adds automatic xenon headlights, daytime running lamps, power front seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with a compass, rain-sensing wipers and a trunk pass-through slot with a ski bag. The Prestige trim includes everything on the other trims, plus a navigation system, rear park assist and a Bose premium sound system with a six-CD changer. Models equipped with the 3.2-liter engine come in the Premium Plus or Prestige trims only. On roadster models, the base 2.0 T trim comes standard with a manually operated soft top; a power top comes standard on all other trim levels. Packages include an S line sport package that bumps the wheel size to 19 inches and adds special front and rear bumpers, headlight washers, napa leather sport seats and a sport steering wheel. Stand-alone options, depending on the trim level, include 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires, xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable suspension dampers, satellite radio and upgraded leather upholstery.

Summary
Ride quality in the 2009 Audi TT is much improved over the last generation. Steering is precise, although some drivers might find the rack devoid of feel. For most drivers, the 3.2 Quattro is a better choice, since it's faster and its standard AWD can effectively handle wet weather. But the 2.0 T is still surprisingly enjoyable, especially since it's now available with Quattro. The 2.0's torquey engine puts less weight over the front wheels and allows the car to steer nimbly around corners. Every Audi TT comes with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front chest-and-head-protecting side airbags and front knee airbags. For 2009, all Audi TTs come equipped with a hill-hold feature, which prevents the car from rolling back when stopped on a hill.

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi TT

Discount Audi Prices

Low TT Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi TT Review
Coming off of a full redesign last year, the latest-generation Audi TT is now sleeker and more aggressive-looking, and in some ways defies classification. The TT has the low-slung look and feel of a sports car, but its dynamic personality is closer to that of a luxury sport coupe. And although the coupe has a pair of seats in the back, they're only suitable for kids, packages or perhaps anorexic D-listers. Still, the 2009 Audi TT has a distinctive blend of good looks, able performance and impeccable build quality. Besides styling, last year's redesign ushered in a more sophisticated chassis as well as a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This year, the Audi TT is mostly unchanged. Notably, all 2.0 T models with the S Tronic automatic transmission are now available with Quattro all-wheel drive. However, later in the year, Audi will introduce the TTS coupe and roadster, which will use a souped-up version of the inline-4 turbo that will supposedly be good for an impressive 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Features and Options
The 2009 Audi TT is available as a 2+2 coupe-styled hatchback or as a two-seater convertible. Trim levels are related to engine size; the 2.0 T is available in three levels and the 3.2 Quattro is available in two. The base Premium TT 2.0 T comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an automatic retractable spoiler, heated side mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping multifunction steering wheel, leather seats, full power accessories and a nine-speaker audio system that includes a single-disc CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium Plus trim adds automatic xenon headlights, daytime running lamps, power front seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with a compass, rain-sensing wipers and a trunk pass-through slot with a ski bag. The Prestige trim includes everything on the other trims, plus a navigation system, rear park assist and a Bose premium sound system with a six-CD changer. Models equipped with the 3.2-liter engine come in the Premium Plus or Prestige trims only. On roadster models, the base 2.0 T trim comes standard with a manually operated soft top; a power top comes standard on all other trim levels. Packages include an S line sport package that bumps the wheel size to 19 inches and adds special front and rear bumpers, headlight washers, napa leather sport seats and a sport steering wheel. Stand-alone options, depending on the trim level, include 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires, xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable suspension dampers, satellite radio and upgraded leather upholstery.

Summary
Ride quality in the 2009 Audi TT is much improved over the last generation. Steering is precise, although some drivers might find the rack devoid of feel. For most drivers, the 3.2 Quattro is a better choice, since it's faster and its standard AWD can effectively handle wet weather. But the 2.0 T is still surprisingly enjoyable, especially since it's now available with Quattro. The 2.0's torquey engine puts less weight over the front wheels and allows the car to steer nimbly around corners. Every Audi TT comes with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front chest-and-head-protecting side airbags and front knee airbags. For 2009, all Audi TTs come equipped with a hill-hold feature, which prevents the car from rolling back when stopped on a hill.

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi A8

Discount Audi Prices

Low A8 Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi A8 Review
This full-size luxury sedan features an impeccably finished cabin, refined acceleration and polished road manners. Audi's adaptive air suspension handles both freeway cruises and twisty back roads with aplomb, and unlike its main competitors, the A8 features standard all-wheel drive. The Audi's restrained exterior styling is another strong point, we think, striking a sweet balance between muscularity and elegance. Yet the A8 still lags in sales behind its competitors, the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and that isn't because it's more expensive. In fact, the 2009 Audi A8 is a couple grand shy of its BMW equivalent and nearly $9,000 less than the Benz

Features And Options
The 2009 Audi A8 comes in three trims: base, L and L W12. (The "L" stands for long wheelbase, which provides increased rear legroom.) The base and L models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, a navigation system, cruise control, leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a parking system with a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry, a power trunk opener, power door closers, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with satellite radio, iPod connectivity and a CD changer. The L W12 comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels and adds four-zone climate control, ventilated/massaging front seats, four-way lumbar adjustment for all passengers, an Alcantara headliner and a wood steering wheel. Most of the L W12's standard features are available on lesser A8s. Both the base and L models come with a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The L W12 model boasts a 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine that makes 450 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. Known as the W12, this engine can be thought of as two narrow-angle V6 engines joined at the crankshaft, making it more compact than a conventional V12. Both engines are matched to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that drives all four wheels through Audi's Quattro AWD system. Options include 20-inch wheels, a solar-powered venting sunroof, upgraded leather interior trim, a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system and a Technology Package that adds adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and a blind-spot warning system. The L W12 can also be outfitted with a personal refrigerator.

Summary
Whether taking off from a stoplight or jetting up to cruising speed on the freeway, any version of the 2009 Audi A8 always puts a solid rush of power on tap. Moreover, the powerful and easily modulated brakes have no problem reining in this luxury liner. While the air suspension works just fine in automatic mode, the "Dynamic" setting tightens up body control considerably, making the A8 feel more like a sport sedan than a large flagship luxury car.

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi Q5 Premium Plus

Discount Audi Prices

Low Q5 Premium Plus Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi Q5 Review
The Audi Q5 is a multi-talent for sport, leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the rear bench seat plus, which slides 100 millimeters (3.94 inches) lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passengers seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied ex works. On request, Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.

Features and Options
The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation. A large, central monitor is part of the standard equipment as well. When an onboard navigation system is added, many of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on the center console. This is the next generation of the best operating system on the market with even more intuitive graphics and control via the large rotary pushbutton. Additional high-tech extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swiveling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated Audi offers the extras from the luxury class in its new performance SUV here as well.

Walkaround
The Audi Q5 is rolling off the production line in three engine variants one gasoline engine and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger characterized by outstanding performance, hefty propulsive power and cultivated running while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency. At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 540 to 1,560 liters (19.07 to 55.09 cubic feet) in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.

Summary
The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. Highlights such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the Audi drive select control system are proof of Audis Vorsprung durch Technik. The sportiest SUV in its class is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable.

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi S5

Discount Audi Prices

Low S5 Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi S5 Review
Audi has been serious for decades, busily bringing us such engineering breakthroughs as the five-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, the aluminum chassis, direct fuel injection and competition-prepared diesels. It's been like science class. At least the lab projects have been impressing the neighbors and even winning races at Le Mans. But with the 2008 Audi S5, the technoid visionaries of Ingolstadt have finally lightened up. After all, we're Americans. We're just a simple people. Speed and style are what sell. Nuvolari Returns From the Past Audi has figured out that a coupe should be beautiful, not merely exclusive. Even as the typical German sedan has become a beast with swollen fenders and a massive grille, designed to bludgeon the meek out of the fast lane on the autobahn, the 2008 Audi S5 has a different look. Its curving contours are leaner, more expressive and more energetic. The face of the new Audi coupe comes from the midengine Audi R8 sports car, and the rest has been inspired by the 2003 Nuvolari showcar. The S5 version of the coupe is set apart visually from the conventional A5 by a radiator grille painted in platinum gray and inlaid with chrome trim, more aggressive bumpers, outside mirrors painted silver and four oval tailpipes. Overall, this is a car that makes its luxury statement with color and chrome, a look that sets it apart from its German counterparts, the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. A New Way of Going Down the Road The A5 begins with the structure of the A4 sedan, and it's broadly similar in size, though predictably lower and wider. At the same time, the wheelbase has been stretched 4.1 inches, which comes from relocating the differential for the front wheels ahead of the clutch. Now the front wheels are carried by a lightweight, aluminum suspension with five links on each side, which is rigidly attached to the body by a separate subframe. Meanwhile the rack-and-pinion steering assembly also has found a new home close to the centerline of the wheels. When you pencil it out, these changes have a huge impact. There are 5.3 fewer inches of front overhang, so there's less mass leading the front tires down the road, and that means the car is more responsive to steering inputs. The coupe also distributes its 3,807 pounds more evenly, 58 percent front/42 percent rear. And finally the steering is crisper, more direct. It's in Your Hands There's a new, down-the-road sense in this car that you can feel as soon as you take the steering wheel. The S5 feels alert, completely different from an A4 sedan or even an RS4. It's a difference you can measure on the test track. On the skid pad, the S5 balances easily on its 255/35ZR18 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires. It hangs on until you reach 0.91g, which is a fraction more than the Audi RS4 sedan achieves. More important, the S5 maintains its poise even at the limit, and a quick dab at the throttle is enough to change its cornering arc. The S5 balances nicely through the slalom as well, recording a speed of 68.6 mph, which compares to the RS4 sedan's 70.6 mph. The steering effort of the Audi coupe's speed-sensitive system is a little light, and it's overmatched by the quick turn-in from the chassis and tires, yet the car's overall responsiveness inspires complete confidence. Gone is the vague, on-center steering action that has characterized other Audi models. This coupe fits the way real Americans drive. It's meant to travel enormous distances at high speed, undeterred by the character of the road or the nature of the weather. As the sporting version of the Audi coupe, the S5 has had its suspension snubbed down to a fairly tight calibration, a measure to keep the inevitable torque reaction of all-wheel drive from disturbing your sense of command and control through the steering wheel. As you'd expect, these standard 19-inch, 35-series tires are pretty aggressive, though, and they'll patter across the ridges between the concrete slabs on the freeway or across broken pavement. A V8 That's Perfect for America Yet it's the engine that dominates the S5, just as it should in a sporting coupe. Audi's 4.2-liter V8 appears once again here, calibrated this time to deliver 354 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This long-stroke V8 doesn't have a very sexy reputation, yet it's brilliant in both character and per

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi R8

Discount Audi Prices

Low R8 Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2008 Audi R8 Review
The 2008 Audi R8 debuts as the brand's first midengine exotic sports car. Highlights include aggressive styling, an aluminum body structure, a 420-horsepower V8 and all-wheel drive. High horsepower and low quarter-mile times are great and all, but in an era when speed comes cheaper than ever, any manufacturer that expects to launch a successful six-figure sports car out of the blue had better bring something unique to the table. The midengine 2008 Audi R8 could be just the thing.Certain design aspects of the R8 might bring to mind a Porsche, a Corvette or the late Acura NSX, but because the R8 carries a 4.2-liter V8 in its midsection, sends 420 hp to all four wheels, offers two transmissions and wraps it all in an aluminum space frame, this Audi clearly has its own attitude. The only car coming close to that description wears the name Lamborghini Gallardo -- no surprise, as that midengine exotic provided the basic blueprints for this one. Audi's $70-grand-lower price tag ensures the competition will be minimal, as does the R8's two fewer cylinders and 100 fewer horsepower.Yet the R8 is undoubtedly fast. Sixty miles per hour comes up in 4.4 seconds, a quoted top speed of 187 mph arrives not much later, and tire grip approaches a full g -- all par for this potent class. Among the bigger differences: the R8 lets its driver exploit that speed through a six-speed manual or 'R tronic' transmission (Audi's newest take on the clutchless manual) Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive allows hard driving with an extra degree of confidence and perhaps above all, the R8 incorporates Audi's usual concessions to comfort rather than raw performance. Consider its advanced, ride-friendly electromagnetic shock absorbers, for instance.When one looks at what Audi has done with its R8 and the focus on performance and everyday comfort, it's pretty obvious that the intended target is Porsche's 911. Impressively, the 2008 Audi R8 stands tall in just about every possible measure, and it's more controllable at the limit than the rear-engined Porsche. However, pricing is such that the R8 competes against some true exotics, such as the 911 Turbo, the Aston Martin V8 and the new Maserati GranTurismo. Among this group, the R8's drawbacks include less steering feel and a lack of possible customization through the factory. Still, to those who prefer the 'middle ground' of driving sports cars, appreciate all-wheel drive and have an eye for Audi's innovative interiors, the R8 stands as the obvious choice. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2008 Audi R8 comes as a two-door, midengine, all-wheel-drive coupe. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, a retractable rear spoiler (operates automatically or manually), xenon headlights, LED brake lights and turn signals, leather-and-Alcantara suede power-adjustable sport seats, aluminum trim, automatic climate control and a seven-speaker CD stereo.Major extra options are limited to carbon-fiber 'sideblade' exterior styling panels, a Bang Olufsen premium stereo, a navigation system and upgraded napa leather upholstery. There's also the Convenience Package, which contains parking sensors, a six-disc CD changer, hill holder assist, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a HomeLink transceiver and auto-dimming rearview mirrors. Powertrains and Performance The Audi R8 uses a midmounted 4.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque, thanks in part to direct fuel injection and a high compression ratio. Power gets sent to all four wheels (56 percent to the rears in normal conditions) through one of two transmissions: a traditional six-speed manual or Audi's six-speed R tronic -- essentially a manual transmission with a single computer-controlled clutch that allows shifting via the lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles. R tronic offers a fully automatic mode as well. In testing, we've found that the manual-shift R8 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and passes the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds. Safety The 2008 Audi R8 protects both occupants with seat-mounted side airbags and knee-protecting airbags. Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard. Interior Design and Special Features The R8 continues Audi's tradition of originality in interior design, employing a cockpit-style theme that the company calls monoposto, an arc of

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map

2009 Audi Q7 Premium

Discount Audi Prices

Low Q7 Premium Lease Payments

All Color Options Available Worldwide Delivery

2009 Audi Q7 Review
For the lazy automotive writer, it would be tempting to label the 2009 Audi Q7 as another "me, too!" luxury SUV, plug in a clichd "Q Ship" headline and retire to the local bar for 5 o'clock happy-hour wings. After all, Audi is pretty much the last luxury automaker to offer an SUV (Jaguar is now the lone holdout), and the Q7 is built at the same facility that produces the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. But Audi officials are quick to point out that the Q7 shares only a small percentage of its parts with its relatives.Audi's engineers and designers also strived to make the Q7 distinct and provide it with some truly innovative features. In regards to nomenclature, "Q" has been designated for all future Audi SUV-related products and "7" refers to the SUV's approximate positioning between the A6 and A8 sedans.

Features
Most of the typical luxury and safety features expected on this class of vehicle are either standard or optional. The Q7 also boasts three special options not found on the typical SUV: an extended sunroof, an advanced adaptive cruise control system and Side Assist.The three-section panorama sunroof extends nearly the entire length of the roof. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses radar to monitor and maintain the Q7's position in traffic and, in certain situations, can even bring the Q7 to a complete stop without any input from the driver. Also associated with ACC is a two-stage warning system that alerts the driver when a vehicle ahead has braked suddenly. Side Assist is another driver aid. It also utilizes radar but in this case notifies the Q7's driver when other motorists have entered the vehicle's blind spots by lighting up yellow LEDs in the exterior mirror housings.Sort of like sending payments through online banking, both ACC and Side Assist require a bit of faith that they are working properly. Caught in heavy highway traffic, we turned on the ACC system. Though we will certainly assess it more thoroughly in a full road test, our initial observations confirmed that it does indeed work as advertised. Side Assist will probably be more useful for Q7 owners on a daily basis. It minimizes the need to turn one's head for lane checks and should help drivers who don't position the Q7's mirrors properly.

Summary
Overall, we're impressed with the Q7. Certainly, there are many choices available for luxury SUVs these days. For buyers interested in the crossover type, the 2009 Audi Q7 should be one to check out. Its interior is top-notch, its feature content is attractive and its handling is vastly better than traditional seven-passenger SUVs.Pricing for the V8 is set to start at $49,900, which pits the Q7 directly against the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the next generation of BMW's X5. Only a comparison test will give us a winner out of that trio but for now the Audi Q7 has proved that it's more than just a "me, too!" SUV.

Home New Vehicles PreOwned Research New Models
Specials Faq Finance About Us   Membership Dealers  News  Sell My Car  Testimonials   Introduction
Car Builder  Site Map