3.9s to 100km/h,1680L luggage space - Audi RS6 Avant

Fast big Audi estate has returned in the form of the all-new Audi RS6 Avant. Thanks to its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI, kicking out a phenomenal  560PS of power between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm engine. The results? Well, a 3.9s century sprint and 305km/h of top speed.  The latest super Avant will firmly cement its RS credentials by outrunning its mighty V10-powered predecessor with a smaller displacement and greater fuel efficiency, thanks to numerous engine technology as well as some 100kg weight reduction.

Aesthetically, numerous RS-specific design details underscore the distinctive appearance of the high-performance Avant. Most noticeable are the matte aluminium applications on the body, the matte black honeycomb radiator grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the wings, the sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes make a bold statement.

Two optional exterior design packages – Matte Aluminium or Carbon – are also available to further customise the look. With the Carbon appearance package, the front splitter and the diffuser are even more boldly styled. The new Audi RS 6 Avant is available in eight exterior colours, including the exclusive shade Daytona Grey matte. Additional options from the Audi exclusive range offer numerous opportunities for customisation.

The standard rim is the high-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke designwhile three 21-inch cast wheels with either high-gloss silver, polished black or polished titanium-look finish will be available at extra cost.

 The elegantly trimmed but highly focused cockpit of the new Audi RS 6 Avant is singularly tailored to the driver. The dial instruments feature black faces, white dials and red needles. The key, the flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the illuminated entry sills, the rev counter and the displays for the MMI and the Driver’s Information System (DIS) incorporate RS logos.

The masterpiece is the engine. The two large twin-scroll turbochargers enable the RS 6 Avant to gather momentum with remarkable intensity. They are mounted together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. The exhaust side of the cylinder heads is also on the inside, while the intake side is on the outside. This concept allows for a compact design and short gas paths with minimal flow losses.

The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the eight-cylinder engine’s dramatic response, which is delivered to the tune of a classic V8 soundtrack. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system will make the sound even fuller at the touch of a button, and a sports exhaust system will be available as an option to provide even greater amplification if required.

The 4.0-litre TFSI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission featuring shortened shift times and offering ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’ modes in addition to the standard ‘Drive’ setting. To shift for themselves drivers can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which is of a unique RS design. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for optimum performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.

At the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is a self-locking centre differential with an elevated locking value. A sport differential is also active on the rear axle to distribute power steplessly between the rear wheels for even greater agility and stability.

Audi RS6 Avant will enter European market early next week. Some more photos of the fast estate can be found after the jump.

Audi first performance diesel introduced - SQ5, 313PS & 650Nm

Some years back, the Germans were fighting to fool themselves by calling the four door coupe, but it did indeed set the trend that descend right to these days when we have been served by Mercedes CLS, Audi A7 and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. This year, BMW kicks up a new trend in unleashing the sport diesel through its M Performance branch. We've seen the tri-turbo application in the likes of M550d, as well as in the X5 and X6 crossovers. Audi is set to follow the trend. Enter the SQ5 TDI.

Audi "S" badge is usually reserved for the high-performance version of the range, namely S3, S4, S5 and so forth, and they slot just under the "RS" creatures like the RS4. So the first high performance version of the Q5 SUV is this, powered by twin-turbocharged 3.0L kicking out 313PS and even mightier 650Nm of torque between a lowly 1,450rpm to 2,800rpm. Channelling the drive to all four wheels via 8 speed automatic gearbox, SQ5 can sprint to the milestone 100 km/h in 5.1s and can reach 250 km/h top speed.

To justify its positioning as the "S" model, Audi has upgraded the Q5 chassis hardware including the sports suspension that lowered the ride-height by some 30mm. The electromechanical power steering has been retuned too in order to inject that last bite of added responsiveness. Audi dynamic steering system is also available, as optional.

Exterior outlook has been spiced up with new bumper design, platinum-gray front grille surround, aluminium plated finish for the air intake bars, window surround and side mirrors. The stance has been been made beefier by the fitment of 20" alloy wrapped in 255/45 tyres. As if the tyre and rim combo is not big enough, the 21" rim is available as an accessories.

The interior has been adorned with sport seat upholstered with Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantra, brushed aluminium trim for the dashboard, door trim and console, re-styled meter binnacle and S-spec steering wheel and gearknob. All of these are an additional to what already is an exquisite Audi interior finishing.

Despite the storming performance of the twin-turbocharged diesel engine, Audi SQ5 TDI returned 7.2 L/100km in European test cycle. One more things, to eliminate the agricultural sound the diesel, Audi has added a sound actuator to pump the exhaust noise into the cabin using a special sound system. Audi SQ5 TDI is set to enter the European fray in the first quarter of 2013 with a price tag of around 58,500 Euros.

More juicy photos of Audi SQ5 TDI can be found after the jump. Take a close look, especially the interior, MMN reckoned this is how the interior should be designed. Regardless of how cheap the car is, please draw some inspiration from these. Enjoy after the jump.

Nip and tuck for Audi Q5 for 2012

Audi Q5 is one of the more sought after used-import in Malaysia market. Price are still on the high side for the BMW X3-sized SUV, hovering around RM300,000 for the 2009 unregistered sample. Some four years after the worldwide launch, Audi has updated the Q5 range with some minor nip and tuck for 2012. The changes at the front are mostly the revised inner headlight graphic design, slimmer chromed surround for the radiator grille, which in turn has been made more angular with pronounced hexagonal outline.

The front bumper has been re-profiled with slightly more angular looking, with crisper horizontal line above the the fog lamp housing/lower intake area. It is a very subtle changes, but effective in reducing the bulbous look of the current Q5 front fascia design. The fog lamp is now chromed surround too.

At the back, the inner graphic of the tail light has been revised too. Gone is white strip that run along the upper edge of the light, and replaced with more elegant continuous strip of lighting that mirrors the rear light silhouette. The lower section of the bumper has been sharpened too, and the exhaust are now flat-bottomed. More after the jump. 

Euromobil launched Audi A4 facelift - from RM235,000

Euromobil has launched the updated range of Audi A4 to Malaysian market. For now, the car is available in two versions, 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI. The car is priced at RM235,000 and RM309,800 respectively. The S Line package is available for both model at 'mere' RM25,000. The facelift job consists of new front headlight that follow the same trend as the new A6 and facelifted A5, a restyled hood, new six-point edge radiator grille, redesigned rear bumper and finally a  revised rear combi graphic.

Inside the car, the revised A4 gets a new steering wheel and new color option. Additional chrome accents and updated infotainment are among the newly added item. Other than that, the interior is finished up to the typical Audi exquisite detailing that can't possibly come from any other makers.

If you think the new A4 look huge compared to its direct rival of BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, this is because it is indeed big. The facelifted A4 measures 4,700mm long , almost 100mm longer than the aforementioned rivals. 2,810mm wheelbase is also longer, but the new BMW F30 has grown to similar magnitude too. Width is 1,830mm and height is 1,410mm. 

The 1.8L TFSI with 170bhp and 320Nm of power and torque respectively. The fuel consumption is quoted as 16.3 km/L. Then 2.0L TFSI meanwhile is more powerful at 211bhp and 350Nm.  The lower displacement model is paired with CVT gearbox while the 2.0L version is hooked to 7 speed S-Tronic  gearbox.

One more photos after the jump.

Volkwagen MQB platform - from Polo to Passat in one sweep

Volkswagen has released the detail of its new permutation of MQB vehicle platfrom, which is said to offer extreme flexibility in stretching the underpinning from the Polo supermini to the Passat mid-range saloon. MQB or Modularer Querbaukasten to name it in full, is sets to underpin a host of new model for the next generation of Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen itself.

As depicted above, MQB platform will be able to accomodate various range of wheelbase, as well as the easier part such as the extension of rear floor and front beam. The only fixed constraint is the distance between the front axle centre line and the firewall, which is for MQB, is further 40mm further than the current distance for Golf platform.

MQB platform has been design-protect for various engine installation. Common mounting points has been established for a series of petrol and diesel engine which should simplify the production process and hence saves some assembly cost. While the firewall location is fixed, the structure that connect upwards to the A-pillar and support the Instrument Panel can be interchanged to accommodate various model height. The illustration below showcased various installation of dash panel for a variety of model covering Tiguan, Passat, Octavia, Polo, Fabia and all the Golf's siblings.

The MQB platform also will utilize state-of-the-art weight reduction technology, such as the use of ultra high strength steel, more aluminium content as well as a patented technology to weld the two afore-mentioned material together. Volkswagen said the 2013 Mk7 Golf will weighs the same as the Mk4 from the 90's. More after the jump.

Audi Q3 coming to Malaysia - in Q2 2012

Audi smallest soft-roader, the Q3 is coming to Malaysia in quarter 2 of 2012 in the forms of 2.0 TFSI format. However, it will pay a visit to Klang Valley for a short while before touring off to Indonesia. The Q3 will be showcased from 26/12 - 1/1/2012 at Audi Kuala Lumpur, before moving off to Audi Glenmarie  from 2/1 until 8/1.

Audi Q3 is the smallest in Audi SUV range, being 4,385mm long, 1,831mm wide and 1,608mm tall. It rides on 2,603mm wheelbase. For comparison, its bigger brother Q5 is 4,629 x 1,898 x 1,653 mm in its length, width and height respectively. Audi Q3 is based on the PQ35 platform which underpins the likes of Mk5 VW Golf and Seat Tribu. It has transverse drivetrain layout and a simpler Haldex front-biased all wheel drive instead of longitudinal drivetrain and advanced quattro mechanism. Read more after the jump.

Most powerful Audi A1 revealed - Quattro with 256bhp

Audi has released the information of the hottest variant of its supermini A1, dubbed simply Audi A1 Quattro. The car is powered by 2.0 TFSI engine, basically a turbocharged 2.0l with direct injection systems producing 256hp@6000rpm and 350Nm@2500-4500rpm. Channeled its drive via 6 speed manual transmission to all its four tyres, the A1 Quattro can sprint to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds on its way to 245 km/h top speed. The hot hatch return a respectable 8.5 l/100km of average fuel consumption. The A1 Quattro will be produced from second half of 2012, but only limited to 333 units of production.

The car is dressed up in typical hot Audi S model, with prominent bumper scoop, very pronounced sills and skirting. Larger 18" wheel wrapped in 225/35 tyres, rear diffuser and high gloss black lower tailgate completes the exterior makeover which otherwise is typical subtle Audi design execution.

The headlight is highly stylistic with inner "blade" with prominent red insert. This gives the A1 an aggressive snout which shout sheer power with extra large air intake. The exterior is the launch car is finished in Glacier White metallic. 

Audi engineers has modified the chassis to cope with the massive increased in power. The front suspension is an uprated McPherson strut while the rear is four-link type. To enhance the steering response and handling sharpness, the electrohydraulic power steering comes with direct 14.8:1 ratio and the ESP systems can be fully turned off for total fun, while the "mainstream" drive can opted for Sport Mode instead.

As for the exterior, the interior of the hot Audi A1 is trimmed in well-restraint aggressiveness. Nappa black leather with contrasting red stitching upholstered the body hugging sports seat. Steering wheel has flat bottom for racier feel and the aluminium is sprinkled to the gear knob and pedals.  

Enjoy the detail photos of the hot Audi A1 Quattro after the jump.

Audi A4 range gets a facelift

Audi has update its A4 range for model year 2013. The revised A4 gets a new front headlight that follow the same trend as the new A6 and facelifted A5. The restyled hood was accompanied by the new radiator grille that features six-point edge. The redesigned rear bumper and revised rear combi graphic complete the exterior makeover. The Avant, Allroad and S4 model are part of the complete range makeover.

Inside the car, the revised A4 gets a new steering wheel and new color option. Additional chrome accents and updated infotainment are among the newly added item. Other than that, the interior is finished up to the typical Audi exquisite detailing that can't possibly come from any other makers.

If you think the new A4 look huge compared to its direct rival of BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, this is because it is indeed big. The sedan measures 4,700mm long (the Allroad and S4 is slightly longer at 4,720mm), a healthy 100mm longer than the aforementioned rivals. 2,810mm wheelbase is also longer, but the new BMW F30 has grown to similar magnitude too. Width is 1,830mm and height is 1,410mm. The Allroad is slightly taller at 1,500mm.

Engine choice for the facelifted A4 is the new 1.8l TFSI with 170bhp and 320Nm of power and torque respectively. Another gasoline engine is the 3.0l TFSI in two state of tune, 272bhp in the A4 and 333bhp in the S4.

Fans of diesel will be served with 2.0l TDI in 136bhp, 163bhp and 177bhp. No guess which one is more economical though. The lowest powered version is good for 4.2l/100km of fuel consumption.

The engines are paired with standard 6 speed manual for A4 Sedan and Avant with front wheel drive, and CVT is available too. The quattro version however gets the option of 7 speed S-Tronic double clutch transmission. 

More photos after the jump.

Audi A7 Sportback launched in Malaysia

Euromobil launched the latest of Audi line in Malaysia yesterday, the A7 Sportback. The stylish Mercedes-Benz CLS challenger made it to the Malaysian shore in single version, i.e 3.0 TFSI version in Standard and S-Line guises. The standard model costs RM599,000 OTR without insurance, while opting for S-Line will cost you merely RM30,000 more. That sum of money will buy you a sport suspension and different design of alloy wheel, among other cosmetic enhancement.

Audi A7 Sportback launch - Pic from Motortrader

Audi A7 is based on the A6 platform which means that it utilize the MLB platform which spans the component sharing from even the A4 model. But it has its own bespoke body and interior where the body style of the sedan has been dropped in the favour of pseudo-coupe roofline, with the practicality of hatchback opening. Driving and seating position is lowered for more coupe-like feeling. The interior is a work of art, with the level of modern craftmanship that only be from the Audi.

Audi A7 sloping rear roof line- Pic from Motortrader

In this guise, the car is powered by 3.0l V6 with direct-injection and turbocharging, producing 300bhp of power from 5250-6500 rpm and 440Nm of torque from 2900-4500 rpm. Drive is channeled to all wheels via 7-speed S-tronic transmission. Century sprint can be completed in mere 5.6 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Despite its sheer pace, the car still return 8.2l/100km of fuel consumption under combine cycle test. The tyre and wheel combo are 255/40 R19.

Audi Urban Concept revealed in Frankfurt

In the media presentation at Frankfurt motorshow, Audi revealed not one, but two if its Urban concept car. The Urban Sportback is a fixed roof version, albeit the canopy roof can be slide rearwards to access the futuristic cabin. The Urban Spider on the other hand has a upwards swing door, enclose by low height fixed glass.

Both cars are 3219mm long, 1678mm wide and 1189mm tall for Sportback, the roadster could be a little lower due to lack of roof. Both are powered by electric drivetrain, truth to the concept car of 2011! The car above is the Sportback, while the bottom one is the Urban Spider. More photos and details after the jump.

New Audi A6 now in Malaysia

Euromobile has launched the latest generation of Audi mid-sized sallon, the A6 to Malaysia market. Sole model offered to Malaysia market is the 3.0l TFSI V6 with Quattro drivetrain. There is a talk that the smaller-engined in the form of 2.0l hitting the market in due course.

The 3.0l comes with a price tag of RM 515,000 excluding insurance. More details after the jump.

Kia Sportage, Range Rover and Audi A1 - week 25 debutant

Week 25 is a busy week for Malaysia car distributor. No less than 3 new or facelift models were introduced.

New Kia Sportage, facelift Range Rover and new Audi A1 made their debut on our shore.

Read more after the jump.