The 2013 Audi S3 is a super star in Germany, but it still hasn’t made its way to the United States. It could be because the looks don’t give a full representation of the driving experience that awaits the adventuresome Audi driver that decides to try his or her hand at the wheel and Audi isn’t confident that Americans would embrace this model the way they have in Germany.
At first glance, what you see is a rather conservative looking car, that’s “nice” for daily commuting, but nice isn’t always what drivers want. However, when you apply the acceleration, you forget all about how “nice” you look and begin to realize that it’s just a façade because this Audi gets too much power to just be “nice”.
Speaking of power the 2013 Audi S3 hosts a 2.0 liter TFSI inline four cylinder engine, the same that is being tested for the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI. True, the sport exhaust makes it sound like a much bigger engine, but it really doesn’t have to be bigger to get this hatchback moving. It has a decidedly pleasant assertiveness to it that will leave any commuter feeling as if they can get where they are going in a hurry. By hurry, we are talking about just 5 seconds to go from 0 to 60, and if that isn’t enough, you can opt for the S-tronic acceleration and get there in just 4.6 seconds.
The 2013 Audi S3 interior is a surprise too. While most hatchbacks come across as a bit on the utilitarian side, this one aims for comfort. It has Nappa Leather, Alcantara covered multi adjustable, high sided sports seats that have diamond quilted stitching. They feel supportive for even the long hauling road trips. There is also a full line up of high tech features and a rich sounding 14 speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The 2013 Audi RS5 was built for sporty luxury and with this particular sedan, Audi got it right. Not to say the other A5 versions are totally unfortunate, but it just seems as if the German automakers put just a little bit more love into this model over the others. All these siblings in this Audi lineup share the same chassis and quite a few of the interior features, but this one has been mechanically engineered to offer the highest level of dynamic driving.
There are several options of the 2013 Audi RS5 to choose from beginning with the entry level version. This one will take about $38,745 plus an $895 destination fee to drive home and offers a 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine. This engine will give you 211 horsepower which isn’t totally sporty, but does have a nice amount of pep for daily commuting. For those looking for more, they can opt up to the performance oriented S5. This one has a supercharged 3.0 six cylinder engine that increases the horses up to 333. That one will cost you about $51,795 along with the additional destination charge.
Finally, there is the top level 2013 Audi RS5 that has a 4.2 liter eight cylinder engine. This engine will give you 450 horsepower and this is where the true sportiness can be experienced. This one will set you back $69,795 and $895 for destination fees. It has a manual or automatic option depending on how you like to drive. Both of these are mated to a seven speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and power is sent o all four wheel through the Quattro all wheel drive system. This system has a torque split so 60% of the power is sent to the rear wheels.
Of course, any 2013 Audi RS5 you choose will give you the top of the line luxury and high tech features. You can view the video for more:
The 2013 Audi RS6 Avant might not look like the perfect pick for those who want performance and power to go along with their overall driving experience. It looks more along the lines to be perfect for someone who isn’t quite ready for a minivan, but wants additional space for hauling kids, pets, groceries or golf clubs. Believe it or not though, this Audi is considered to have some of the best performance out of the entire Audi Lineup.
The engine in the 2013 Audi RS6 Avant is a 4.0 liter bi-turbo V8 and while it loses 20 horsepower over the last version, it gains 37 pound feet of torque so that you really don’t notice the difference in the fewer horses. The 17.4 psi of boost pressure from the turbocharger goes a long way in helping that out as well along with the eight speed ZF automatic gearbox the engine is mated to. What will creates, is the ability to fly from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. That makes this wagon looking sedan stay right up there in regard to speed as many of the sports cars coming out and even tops a few at that.
Of course when you climb inside the 2013 Audi RS6 Avant, you are fully reminded that you are driving an Audi and that includes high quality materials and luxurious comfort. The standard equipment includes, a custom driver-information system, parking system plus, cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and a ten speaker Audi sound system.
Additional options for the 2013 Audi RS6 Avant include LED headlights with a distinctive design, ceramic brakes front and rear, sport differential on the rear axle and a sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) package.
Audi isn’t calling the 2013 Audi S8 a Luxury sedan. They are calling it a “performance machine” due to how it hosts the most powerful engine in the Audi lineup and how it was built for serious driving along with the top of the line comfort. Of course you might not realize it at first look, but this sedan should probably actually go into the supersportscar category.
The 2013 Audi S8, whatever category you want to put it in, hosts a twin turbocharged, direct injected V8 that is reported to be getting the highest specific output in its class. It serves up 520 horsepower and will get you from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. It features the Audi Quattro all wheel drive system and rear sports differential to further enhance traction through any types of road surfaces and terrain. All of this comes in an ASF space frame that allowed the sedan/supersportscar to drop some 300 pounds that not only helps with speed, but with fuel economy as well.
While sports car fans will be chomping at the bit for a piece of the 2013 Audi S8 action, luxury liner lovers will also start drooling because this car wasn’t just built for high performance, it was built for plush comfort from the dual pane glass that lines the side windows to block out noise to the Valcona leather heated, ventilated seats that also have massage functions.
The techies will also love this new 2013 Audi S8. It has keyless everything, power closing doors and the full gamut of high tech features that help you feel like you are driving a luxury star craft. The 14 speaker BOSE surround sound system and four zone climate control is further icing on the cake. Overall, this new Audi addition should be one of the rare cases of being able to please all the people all the time.
The New York Auto Show will be going strong for those of you who can make it out to the show. The press days are all wrapped up though and the best of the best have gone through the pomp and circumstance of their great reveals. Some vehicles are jaw dropping spectacular, and some failed to capture the heart of even the most open minded critic, but with so many models on display, that is only to be expected. Here are the top cars that made it out to the annual event. (In no particular order)
2014 Cadillac CTS
Hands down, the Cadillac CTS was the most exciting debut to hit the stage. This luxury liner puts the “Caddy” back into Cadillac and reminds the world just how iconic this favorite luxury mobile has been for generations now. This model is longer, lower, leaner and meaner than any other midsize luxury sedan. It hosts the first ever eight speed automatic transmission that offers superb performance in a lighter weight vehicle filled to the brim with high tech and comfort features.
Bob Ferguson, vice president, Global Cadillac said, “The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan delivers crafted design, thrilling performance and sophisticated technology. The car that has always been Cadillac’s centerpiece stretches figuratively and literally to challenge the world’s best. With Cadillac growing globally, driven by rising product credibility, the new CTS elevates the brand to a new level.”
Not only did the Volkswagen Golf 7 make an appearance at the New York Auto Show, but it has been named the 2013 World Car of the Year, which definitely makes this outstanding electric compact worthy of being in the Best of the New York Auto Show. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, shared, “We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named ‘World Car of the Year’. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car.”
It’s been ten years since the Cherokee has done much of anything and the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee has had high expectations put on it. It has an unusual styling and downsized engine, but is still rough and touch and built to handle about any type of driving condition possible, which is what it’s designed for. While the sturdiness is there, it has also gotten a dash of luxury added in with better quality materials and high tech gadgetry. This new Jeep should quickly become a favorite. The base model hosts a 2.4 liter “Tigershark” good for 184 horsepower and 171 pound feet of torque that will get about 31 highway miles per gallon. Or, you can opt for a faster 3.2 liter Pentastar V6 which will give you 271 horsepower.
This great car is finally getting some looks to match! While this vehicle is only a concept version, our guess is the production version will come out looking pretty similar to what we can see and if it does, it just might become a top seller in its segment. It is designed for performance and has an all wheel drive grip and more athletic form to keep up on the roadways. There are no details in regard to what type of engine it will have, but it is expected to be something that will offer enough horses to keep up with the sporty look. The new paint color is called “WR Blue Pearl III”. Along with fluorescent yellow accents, it sets the style off to perfection.
General Motors has been hard at work on their Camaro lineup and all we can say is – it shows. The Camaro SS and Camaro Z/28 are clearly meant to rule the highways and byways in the sportscar segment and no bolt has been left unturned in the design and engineering of either of these cars.
Mark Reuss, president, GM North America, comments about the Z/28, “As the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the best-selling brand of performance cars. The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight, high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the Z/28.”
While the Audi A3 comes in at the entry level for small sports sedans, the luxury has nothing to do with “entry level” and Audi makes it very clear to point that out. The standard models come fully loaded with what hardcore Audi fans expect in their vehicle, even if it is a big shorter and sportier. The A3 is set to arrive at the dealerships sometime next summer, ahead of schedule. If you are considering one, expect to pay about $39,000 for the standard model. You can also expect heads to turn wherever you drive, and a driving experience worth writing home about with feature such as a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, full leather, Sirius satellite radio, the three-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles for the also-standard six-speed S-tronic, and fully automated adjustable sport seats.
The long awaited new Buick Regal was happy to take the stage at the New York Auto Show. This sportier version looks as if it is going to be a hit no matter which way you look at it with advanced performance, comfort and safety features. The new radar and camera features were introduced for this model and include Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking. Natural speech recognition has also been added to cut down on driver distraction.
As far as style Ven Lai, Buick creative designer for color and trim comments, “The advanced technologies in the 2014 Regal complement its flowing passenger environment, with integrated elegance. The cabin’s rich, tailored elements are executed in warm tones and soft-touch materials that enhance the premium ambience in a thoroughly contemporary manner.”
The luxury compact segment is hot and no one knows that more than Audi. They build the new 2014 Audi A3 to make sure it can go up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Acura ILX, Buick Verano and Lexus CT200h. From first glance it looks like it should be a top runner. It distinctively stands apart from the Audi A4, on purpose. You can choose full LED headlamps if you like and wheels that range from 16 to 18 inches depending on the look you are going for.
Of course for a luxury compact to truly be “hot”, it has to have some power and performance to go along with the luxury and the 2014 Audi A3 will give you three choices starting of four cylinders starting with e 2.0 liter TDI. This one only offers 150 horsepower, but to power a smaller car it’s not too shabby, especially with the 236 pound feet of torque that comes along with it. Next up is a 1.4 liter, which actually goes lower with the horses to 140, with 184 pound feet of torque. Finally, there is the 1.8 liter which will give you 180 horsepower for a more assertive drive. That comes with 184 pound feet of torque.
Of course, luxury involves what you are sitting in and the 2014 Audi A3 sedan has cleanly designed lines which are easy on the eye and comfortable to sit back and enjoy the road trips in. There is a full range of choices for the colors and materials including real leather or faux leather and cloth detailing, and of course your price will be adjusted according to those choices. Along with the variety of colors and materials to choose from, you can expect a full range of high tech features including a full range of safety and infotainment technology.
