Audi, Hyundai Promise Increased Fuel Economy

As automakers look to meet the 2015 deadline for the increased CAFE standards, two non-American companies have outlined how they intend to achieve those goals and compete in the U.S. market.

Audi will look to take a familiar route, pinning much of their fortunes on the development of lithium-ion batteries and eventually an electric car with zero tailpipe emissions. The company already sells plenty of diesel cars in Europe and plans to introduce more diesels to the U.S. However, it sees the bulk of its research and development being geared toward the plug-in. It hopes to be selling an all-electric car within ten years.

Meanwhile, Hyundai has not committed to building an electric vehicle. Instead, the Korean automaker wants to up its fleet average with small improvements. It thinks it can raise its car average from 32.4 to 37.5 mpg and its truck average from 25.5 to 31 mpg. Some of the changes include increasing the use of lightweight materials, aerodynamic improvements, low-rolling resistance tires, direct-injection engines, and electric power steering systems.

We’ve already seen Chevy add some of these changes and eek out a few more mpg from its economy car, the Cobalt. Maybe this will become a trend.

Hyundai Aiming to Lose Weight, Increase Efficiency by 2015 (Autoblog)
Audi to Offer Electric Cars in 5-10 Years (Reuters)

Audi R8, Q7 Tougher Than Iron Man

It’s almost summer, and you know what that means: It’s time for at least one superhero movie. This year things kick off with “Iron Man,” starring Robert Downey Jr. as the iron-clad crusader. Audi spent some dough to get two of its vehicles prominent placement during the movie, including in its finale.

As the YouTube videos below show, the FX guys for “Iron Man” weren’t a match for German engineering. We have a few thoughts, though, on the reality versus the hype below. And, of course, on the cool videos.

2009 Audi A3 Gets a Nose Job

When a new or revised model gets announced, we usually list bullet points on what it competes with, what it looks like, what’s under the hood, etc. Those bullet points kind of shout to the reader “Hey, look at me, I’ve been updated or introduced!” The 2009 Audi A3, however, gets some … new headlights and taillights. 

We’re intentionally downplaying the model-year changes in part because Audi themselves only released one photo for the U.S., which doesn’t show the rear of the car at all. That is, in fact, a portion that they say they’ve changed. Nor do we get a look at the “fine-tuned” interior which actually remains the same, except for new coloring and “decorative inlays.”

Engine choices also remain the same with the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder or 250-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder with Quattro all-wheel drive. Quattro will be an option on the 2.0 models. There is a new dual-clutch transmission teamed to the larger engine. A new option is Audi’s magnetic ride system, which allows drivers to change the suspension for sport or comfort. This would also raise the price of what many consider an already pricey little luxury vehicle; it starts just under $26,000. But hey, you get LED headlamps now.

Prices for 2009 haven’t been announced, but it will go on sale this fall. We don’t expect a big price bump. Check out photos of how the 2009 compares to the 2008 below. 

More Audi Q5 Photos

We’ve brought you the first photos of the 2009 Audi Q5 this weekend and some video earlier today. Now, Audi has launched a special microsite for the upcoming crossover, complete with a large photogallery of photos. We’ve brought you those photos in a gallery of our own below or you can check out Audi’s site here. There are still no images of the Q5’s cargo area, which we find odd.

Video: 2009 Audi Q5 in Motion

The upcoming compact SUV from Audi gets some drive time in the video above. Not only does the dark blue Q5 look good, it looks ready for production too. We’re not so sure many U.S. buyers will take the Q5 offroad as it’s shown in the video, but it’s always good to know that it can. We’re just ogling those LED headlights.

Related
2009 Audi Q5 Revealed

2009 Audi Q5 Revealed

• Competes with: Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Infiniti EX35
• Looks like: Audi slapped its design on an X3
• Drivetrain: 265 hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2009

It’s not a shock to see Audi jump into the suddenly crowded compact luxury SUV market. The Q5 will hit the U.S. early next year and the company claims it will be priced around the competition listed above. The specs show that the Q5 will almost be identical in length to the EX35 – but it’ll be taller – and about the same overall height of a BMW X3, but longer. To us, that means it will actually have a useful cargo area unlike the Infiniti. In the looks department, the Q5 is far from cutting edge, although the LED taillights are quite something.

There won’t be any trim levels at launch, just one engine, one drivetrain, one transmission, no choices. Still, Audi’s 3.2-liter six cylinder is a terrific powerplant if you only get one choice, and most buyers in this segment are looking for all-wheel drive.

The Q5 adds an aluminum hood and tailgate to lower weight which helps with performance, but which also will make it easier to open and close them. Audi’s multimedia interface (MMI) is standard and there are a ton of high-tech options, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated and cooled cupholders, power tailgate and a navigation system with real time traffic.

Check out more photos below and let us know if you think the Q5 measures up to the competition.

Friday Fleet Notes: 3.28.08

This week our staff takes a look at the Audi R8, Scion xB, Pontiac G8 and Hyundai Veracruz. Check out what our reviewers and editors had to say, then get the full picture with our expert reviews.

2008 Audi R8

• This is the best cure for a bad day since ice cream. You’d have to be pretty far gone (or hate cars) to drive this and not feel better when you were done. The only complaint I had was that the clutch travel was quite long and my foot slipped around on the pedal face a couple of times. My shoes did have some snow on them, but it was a bit disconcerting. The brakes were the best I’ve driven: Right there, easy to modulate and confidence-inspiring. Overall, the R8 makes you smile. Just the right amount of engine noise comes into the cabin, the steering weight is just right (heavy, but not obtrusively so) and it looks really good. - William Jackson, Buying Guides editor, Weekend Athlete

Season Recap: Car We Want in Our Driveway

Now that we’ve tackled the best economy cars, hybrids, SUVs and concept cars, it’s time to decide which car we want in our own driveways. This post is kind of like asking us what we’d do if we won the lottery, but considering we’re a fickle bunch when it comes to cars, there’s a bit more to consider than pure fantasy.

Kelsey Mays: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
Energy independence notwithstanding, I’d gladly shell out $4 a gallon for a CTS-V. The regular CTS is one of Lutz & Co.’s finest achievements yet, and the thought of 550 hp underfoot is stupefying enough to make me crave one. Reality bites, but this Caddy bites back: It still has a full backseat, commute-friendly amenities and a trunk that can fit a weekend’s baggage. Naturally, if I had one, most of my weekends would be spent at the track.

2009 Audi A4, A4 Avant Get New Engines

It seems kind of silly to report that these all-new Audi models are getting new engines. New models should get new engines, after all, but that isn’t always the case in the automotive world. With its new A4, though, Audi is making it all-new in terms of exterior styling, interior and, now we learn, the base power plant.

Replacing the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is a staff favorite at Cars.com is a new, more powerful turbo four. Horsepower bumps up 11 hp to 211, and torque gets a healthy addition of 51 pounds-feet to 258.

The turbo will be the only power plant available for the A4 Avant, while the sedan offers an optional 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6. Both come with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The new A4 and A4 Avant go on sale this fall. 

Related
More 2009 Audi A4 Avant Photos
Up Close: 2009 Audi A4
More Audi A4 News

Audi's Bang & Olufsen Sound Now Available in Q7

For the sound junkies around Cars.com’s office, it doesn’t get much better than the auditory experience created by Bang & Olufsen’s 14-speaker, 1,000-watt sound system in Audi’s A8 and S8. You may ask yourself: $6,300? For a stereo? Who? Why?

Trust us. Now, Audi is offering the system in its Q7 SUV as well. Audi says Q7s equipped with the stereo are arriving at dealerships right now. Not all Q7 trims get the stereo; it will be available in the Q7 3.6 Premium and 4.2 Premium models for an extra $6,300.

The A8 and S8 sedans were the original carriers of the sound system, where it pumped out 1,000 watts. A 505-watt version was later included in the A5 and S5, and a 465-watt version can be had in the R8 supercar. The Q7 will use the full-powered 1,000-watt stereo, which is tailored specifically for the Q7’s interior volume, shapes and materials.

Among the system’s trick features are the front tweeters that pop up out of the dashboard. The first sound heard inside the car when they deploy isn’t from the speakers themselves, but usually an “oooooh” or “ahhhhhh” from passengers.

Related

Audi's Bang & Olufsen Sound System Reviewed (KickingTires)

Video: 2008 Audi R8

Last week, Joe Wiesenfelder posted his full review of Audi’s first supercar. Now we have the R8 in all its full-motion glory in this here video. Seeing the shots of the car on ice might be hard to comprehend, but it’ll be worth the time it takes to watch.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Audi R8

Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took delivery of an Audi R8 test vehicle in the middle of one of Chicago’s worst winters, and found the German supercar to be a blast to drive no matter the road conditions. (Serious snow tires didn’t hurt, though.) Don’t cry for Joe — the weather did break for a few days of spirited driving. In addition to Joe’s full review, check out our thoughts on driving the R8 on a track a few months back, and our impressions of the Bang & Olufsen sound system we tested in the Audi S8, which is similar to the R8’s optional system Joe was pining for.

2008 Audi R8 Expert Review

Audi Unveils New Diesel Sports Car

Audi already had a fairly good claim to innovative diesel engine technology. After all, this is the company that invented the turbo-charged, direct-injection diesel engine, and the one that debuted a 12-cylinder diesel R8 Supercar concept at the Detroit auto show.

Now, Audi’s bringing diesel to a production-series sports car with the TT 2.0 TDI in both coupe and roadster versions, making it the first automaker in this field. The 2.0-liter engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission can achieve zero to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. The engine generates 170 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque.

Not to say that any of those numbers are pedestrian, but the real eyebrow-raiser is this: Audi says the coupe gets 44 mpg and the roadster 42 mpg.

Of course, the TT 2.0 TDI is meant for diesel-hungry Europe, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Audi might bring it stateside if diesels begin to crack the U.S. market. Audi already has plans to bring its diesel SUV, the 2009 Q7, to the U.S. this year.

Audi Puts a Diesel in the TT; First Diesel-Equipped Series-Production Sports Cars (Green Car Congress)
Audi Discovers Diesel’s Sporty Side in the TT 2.0 TDI (Autopia)

More 2009 Audi A4 Avant Photos

What can we say — we really liked the new 2009 Audi A4 Avant when we first saw it yesterday. Today, we’ve found a crop of new photos from Audi that show off the all-important profile of this wagon, along with different exterior and interior colors. We’ve added them to the same gallery as yesterday’s post, so all the photos are in one place. Check out all 24 of them below.

Note: Not all the trim levels shown will come to the U.S.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Audi A4 Avant

• Competes with: BMW 3 Series, Saab 9-3 SportCombi
• Looks like: Audi has upped the ante in the entry-luxury wagon field
• Drivetrain: New turbocharged four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

It’s a good day to be a station wagon fan. Audi has just taken the wraps off its new 2009 A4 Avant. This wagon is based on the redesigned A4, and both will go on sale this fall in the U.S. We’re really impressed with the design, as it’s a much more noticeable departure from the previous wagon than the new sedan is from the old version.

The rear slopes severely, which gives the car a throwback look to older generations of German wagons. We’ve seen a lot of sharp, angled designs from all the German automakers as of late, so it’s nice to see some curves again.

Inside, the Avant will have a layout nearly identical to the 2009 sedan, which we’ve covered quite a bit. Most noticeably, the Avant adds Audi’s multimedia interface system and a new dashboard layout.

Under the hood, however, will be just one engine: a new turbocharged four-cylinder that Audi is keeping to itself until the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks. The sedan will get that engine as its base, along with a 265-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder. The Avant will come standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for more on that new engine and pricing, but for now check out more images below and let us know if you like the look. 

Up Close: 2009 Audi TTS

While other journalists ogled over Audi's 500-hp R8 TDI concept, I stole some time snooping around the two-door TTS. The cabin has the same rear-to-the-ground feeling of the regular TT, though the two-tone leather in the show car livens things up a bit. It's even wrapped around the inboard side of the footwells. Nice. Like with other S cars, the exterior changes — among them new wheels and custom brake calipers — make for a subtly menacing look. It works until you get to the silver side mirrors, which seem like an unnecessary embellishment. Maybe it was the lighting.

Up Close: 2009 Audi A4

We first saw Audi's next-generation A4 at last summer's Frankfurt auto show (read the original post here) but it wasn't until Detroit that Audi brought out a U.S.-spec model. At first glance, it seems to be one solid little car — the sport seats in the S-line version on the auto show floor were supportive but not stiff, and there's a bit more room in back than I remember in the previous A4. Credit some of that to the ceiling, which has slight indentations above passengers' heads before it meets the rear window.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Audi TTS

• Competes with: Porsche Cayman S, BMW M, Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG
• Looks like: The new Audi TT coupe and convertible, but a little meaner — if that’s possible
• Drivetrain: 272-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: November 2008

The Audi TT was redesigned for 2007, getting an impressive 250-hp six-cylinder version that’s available as both a coupe and a convertible. That kind of pedestrian power is slightly overshadowed, however, by the TTS, which will sport a pumped-up version of the base TT’s 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. The resulting 272 hp — which is a preliminary number — and 258 pounds-feet of torque should be quite nice.

The TTS also gets new 18-inch wheels and new headlights with LED daytime running lights. Interior materials include Alcantara and leather in four color combinations.

What we’re not sure about is whether there’s really a huge demand for such a vehicle. Considering the fact that the top-of-the-line TT coupe comes in at $41,500 — and other S variants in Audi’s lineup command a $10,000 premium over their regular counterparts — the TTS may have a pretty hefty price tag; we’re not sure we’d part with $50,000-plus for one. A Porsche Cayman S starts at $59,100 and a BMW M coupe is $50,100. Will the TTS find a place between the two? Check out more photos below and let us know what you think about the pumped-up TT.

Video: 2008 Audi S5

As the Audi S5 hits the market, with eager car enthusiasts awaiting with high expectations, Cars.com’s Mike Hanley gives readers a chance to see the S5 up close. Just like in his full review, he gives a comprehensive video tour of the S5’s best features, and under the hood for a look at the coupe's V-8.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Audi S5

Looking to fill a gap in its lineup, Audi debuts a new high-performance coupe, the S5. With sleek styling, a lush cabin and a high performance V-8, the two-door luxury vehicle has a lot going for it — not that Audi can afford to slack when competing against a popular entry from BMW. Reviewer Mike Hanley crawled behind the wheel of the S5 to find out how this coupe will fare against the toughest of competition.

2008 Audi S5 Expert Review (Cars.com)

2007 L.A. Auto Show Ultimate Concept Winner: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

When Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder sifted through the new concept cars at the L.A. auto show, there wasn’t a lot to rate. Out of the four we tackled, only one won unanimous praise from all three. That may make this sound like it’s not a very prized award, but the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept — come on Audi, shorter names, please — was a stunner.

2007 L.A. Auto Show Winners and Losers: Concepts

There weren’t a lot of new concept cars at this year’s L.A. auto show, but Cars.com’s David Thomas, Joe Wiesenfelder and Mike Hanley take some time to dissect the four that were rolled out on the L.A. floor. The show ends Sunday, so hurry down to check these cars out, along with the many more new production cars.

Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

DT: Winner
I personally wouldn’t want a convertible riding at SUV height, but maybe Audi's on to something here. Research shows that female drivers like the height of SUVs; maybe this is the convertible for them. Whatever the demographic, the Audi was a stunner in person, especially the golden color scheme and great overall proportions.

JW: Winner
I’ve been a fan of the deep grilles Audi has begun to use, but even I think this one is over the top. I’m not wild about the slablike rear end, either. But it’s becoming hard to stand out in this market, and Audi has done it with this high-riding, large-wheeled convertible. Also, to Dave’s point, the height should be a benefit in collisions, in which topless cars are usually at a significant disadvantage.

MH: Winner
Even though Audi says this concept is supposed to hint at an upcoming small crossover SUV, when you take it for what it is — a convertible — the Cross Cabriolet Quattro is a compact droptop in the vein of VW's now-discontinued Cabrio, though obviously more upscale. With assertive looks and that pumpkin paintjob, it gets the nod.

Audi Concept Foretells New Q5 SUV

Automakers like to use concepts as a test bed for future styling designs, and Audi has done just that with the new Cross Cabriolet Quattro. Even though it's a convertible, the car has a number of styling elements that should show up in Audi's new small crossover SUV, the Q5.

According to Stefan Sielaff, head of Audi design, styling elements on the Cabriolet that are likely to appear in the Q5 are the headlights and the updated version of Audi's single-frame grille, as well as the creased sheet metal styling on the front fenders.

Though the cabin's all-white design is unlikely to see production, the general shape of the dashboard and center console will most likely get traditional Audi controls, like the Multi Media Interface system.

Related
More on the 2007 LA Auto Show
More Audi News

2007 L.A. Auto Show: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

• Looks like: A miniature VW Eos
• Defining characteristics: Audi’s bold grille and a new small size
• Ridiculous features: There’s nothing too ridiculous here
• Chance of being mass-produced: Chances are high that Audi will expand with more small cars

Audi took the L.A. setting seriously to introduce its small convertible concept. After introducing the Metrojet concept last month, this convertible looks to be bigger, but perhaps the two will usher in a new line of small cars to combat BMW’s 1 Series. The concept is a soft-top convertible, practically a rarity in these days of retractable hardtops.

The roadster features a 240-hp, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine. Who knows, though — with low-emission diesel engines just starting to enter the U.S. market, this might be an available power plant if the Cross Cabriolet makes it into production.

One other surprise is that it’s not really that small. At 181.8 inches, it’s considerably longer than a Mini Cooper convertible, and even a few inches beyond the VW Eos. The style might be the deciding factor for buyers, though. Check out the photos below to see if they change your mind.

Related
More from the 2007 LA Auto Show
More Audi News

2008 Audi S5: Through Ian's Lens

Like its big, bulky cousin, the Audi Q7, the S5 is first recognizable by its beast-like headlights and grille. The four rings of the Audi badge shine through the small chrome crossbars, and a tiny S5 badge sits snugly in the lower left corner, making people “in the know” aware that you’re driving a high-performance machine. The design team at Audi loves to play off the dichotomy of the curves in the logo and the vertical and horizontal straights of the grille and bumper. Small LED strips accent the main headlight housing like eyelashes and stay engaged as bright daytime runners. The rest of the car is designed with subtle lines that are smooth but fairly anonymous. I think the design mash-up of both European and Japanese exteriors is what I like most about the S5. It could fly by you on the road, and if you weren’t paying attention, you wouldn’t know what kind of car had just burned you.

2007 Tokyo Motor Show: Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept

• Looks like: If Audi crossbred with a Mini Cooper
• Defining characteristics: Big bold grille, itsy bitsy body
• Ridiculous features: Pillarless windows, personal cell phone
• Chance of being mass-produced: This could very well be the rumored Audi A1 that the company hopes can compete with the Mini Cooper.   

Sometime last night, the Tokyo Motor Show kicked off and we’re waking up to some crazy concepts. We’re blow away at how much Audi’s Mini fighter exudes so much, well, Mini-ness despite all the Audi design language going on. If you think the looks are a bit outrageous, Audi has really gone over the top with the drivetrain of this concept car.

A 150 hp, turbo four-cylinder drives the front wheels — which on its own would be a feasible, everyday powerplant — while an electric motor drives the rear wheels during acceleration. That’s right, this is a hybrid, and a hybrid creating an all-wheel drive effect. Wild. 

The electric motor can also power the car alone at low speeds, with a range of 62 miles. All told, Audi says such a system would not only hit 62 mph in 7.8 seconds it would also get around 48 mpg. Ready to sign up for one yet? We have to digest the images a bit, but we expect Audi is quite serious about this car. Check out all the images below and let us know what you think.

Suburban Dad: 2007 Audi Q7

Did you ever have a neighbor you waved and smiled at for years, thinking, “What a great guy,” till one day you spent a long time talking to him and realized, “Wow, he’s really annoying.”

So it was for me with the Q7. I first drove it back in May, and came away impressed with the ride quality and seating, among other things. It wasn’t until I got my wife and kids into it that it showed its true colors.

Audi Bringing Diesel Q7, New A4 to U.S.

Audi announced today it will indeed bring its new clean-diesel power plants to the U.S. in 2008. This is one of those rare times when U.S. consumers will not only get a shot at diesel engines, but they’ll get them at roughly the same time as European buyers. The first vehicle slated for the 3.0-liter V-6 TDI ultra-low emission system will be the Q7 SUV, which will arrive sometime in 2008. The redesigned A4 will have the same power plant when it arrives in the U.S. at an unspecified date, most likely late in 2008. We’re also hoping the next A4 Avant gets the TDI treatment.

The diesel engine puts out 240 hp and 406 pounds-feet of torque. That torque figure is the important one; a Mustang GT, for example, has 320 pounds-feet of torque. Like recent entries from Mercedes, the Audi TDI will pass the toughest emission requirements in the world, meaning California’s.

Related
2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: 2009 Audi A4 (KickingTires)
Audi Diesels: No V-12, but V-6 Could Show Up Elsewhere (KickingTires)

Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Audi A3

The Audi A3 has been mostly hit or miss since it debuted a few years ago. It was the first German luxury car in a while that was smaller than the entry-level sedans from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. It was attractive and seemed to offer some utility for its size, but was also kind of pricey, costing almost as much as an A4. So the natural question is, “Who buys this?” The answer is a 5-footer from Pittsburgh who is enamored with the A3’s seating position for her petite frame. Her full report, after a year of ownership, is below. We will point out, however, that the model she purchased does start at $33,980. You can leave your own Consumer Review here.

Audi Announces A5, S5 Prices, Availability

Audi’s all-new A5 and S5 coupes have a price, but they won’t arrive at U.S. dealerships anytime soon. Manual S5s will show up in November, but Audi fans hoping for any other model under the Christmas tree will be a bit bummed out. All A5 models and S5s with the Tiptronic automatic transmission won’t be available until the spring of 2008. That makes their pricing announcement a bitter pill to swallow.

The A5 will start at $39,900 and the S5 will start at $50,900, both with manual transmissions. Destination is another $750, and automatics will cost an additional $1,300. In comparison, the BMW 335i coupe starts at $40,800, but we’ve heard from some buyers that those 335is are hard to find anywhere near that price — or at all. Perhaps Audi is wise to get people in the mode of ordering a new A5 or S5 now.

Related
2007 Geneva Motor Show: Audi S5 Photo Gallery (KickingTires)
2007 Geneva Motor Show: Audi A5 Photo Gallery (KickingTires)

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: 2009 Audi A4

• Competes with: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Infiniti G35
• Looks like: A slightly squarer version of the last A4
• Drivetrain: 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 with six-speed manual or automatic; 160-hp, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with six-speed manual or CVT; front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

The new Audi A4 may not look much different from the one you see parked outside Crate & Barrel, but it has gone through a significant redesign. Most noticeable are the slight exterior design tweaks, especially the squared-off headlights. They may look more boring than the old ones, but they house a cool LED and conventional headlamp combo.

The structure of the body has been radically changed, though, so the new A4 is both lighter and more rigid to make it safer than before. Usually when a car company beefs up safety, performance-draining weight is also beefed up. Interior room has been increased, so passengers will have more space to take in the redesigned instrument panel and dashboard.

Friday Fleet Notes: 8.17.07

A few of us got in the last of our summer vacation this week, so the notes aren't as extensive as usual. Luckily, we got quite a few impressions on one, joyous driving in another and some awkward moments in a new convertible.

Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4WD

The Outlander turned out to be an awfully fun SUV to drive, but if Mitsubishi wants to move a ton of them, it’s going to have to improve the look and feel of the interior. For as strong as the engine was (and as good as the gas mileage was, for this class), the cheap plastic feel of the dash and doors was off-putting. There's a cubbyhole on the top of the dash, which is a great place to stash stuff, but the plastic top was curling down a bit at the corners, cheapening the feel of the car.

Driving Audi's R8

There’s probably no greater thrill for an automotive journalist than getting to take one of the hottest new sports cars out on a track. I’m not even going to pretend here — there just isn’t. Sure, writing useful reviews, recall alerts and car-buying news is a greater service to our readers, but when it comes to perks about this job, taking the Audi R8 around a track has got to be tops.

That’s how I spent my Tuesday.

Keeping Up Gas Mileage - at 120 mph

Fuel efficiency is serious business, even for a 650-hp racecar. That's what Brad Kettler, technical director at Audi Sport North America, said as Audi made final preparations for two R10 prototypes to race at the American Le Mans Series' Generac 500 last Saturday at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The cars finished second and third behind a Porsche entry fielded by racing magnate Roger Penske.

Kettler insists gas mileage is key. When the R10 pulls in for fuel, he says there's around half a gallon left in the tank. The R10’s turbo-diesel V-12 has an inherent advantage here, as diesel fuel — in this case a special blend from Shell — is 30 percent more efficient than regular gasoline, by some estimates. That doesn’t mean the R10 sips gas: Kettler estimated each racecar would burn around 105 gallons of fuel by the end of the day. Both cars finished 96 laps of the 4.048-mile track in four hours, so that works out to around 3.7 miles per gallon — not the sort of thing you'd want on the street, but evidently good enough for the track.

Road-Tripping in the Audi S8

The Audi S8 sports sedan is one of a few cars we’ve had at the Cars.com offices recently that comes close to or exceeds the $100,000 mark. The S8 starts at $90,000, while our option-laden tester easily exceeded $100,000. We drove the S8 to the Road America racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wis., for the American Le Mans Series race, where an Audi team just happened to take the checkered flag in their class. Three of us Cars.com staffers — reviewer Kelsey Mays, multimedia producer Eric Rossi and myself — took the 350-mile round trip up to Elkhart Lake. We spent around six hours driving total, which turned out to be an easy feat in the massive S8.

Audi Diesels: No V-12, but V-6 Could Show Up Elsewhere

Diesel fans, time to start saving up. Audi could unleash its latest diesel V-6 on future versions of the A4 and A6 sedans, among others. Asked Saturday at a racing event in Elkhart Lake, Wis., about the production likelihood of a V-12 TDI, spokesman Chris Bokich instead pointed toward Audi’s smaller TDI V-6, which held “possibilities” for usage in the A4, A5 and A6. We would have liked to have seen the V-12 — it made a Herculean 738 pounds-feet of torque in a Q7 concept last winter — but the V-6 will have to do.

The engine makes its official U.S. debut in the 2008 Q7 TDI. It cranks out an unexceptional 233 hp and, more importantly, 369 pounds-feet of torque, the long overlooked performance statistic. That’s a healthy figure for a 5,300-pound SUV. How it will transform a 3,500-pound sedan like the A4 is anyone’s guess. Compare for yourself: The A4’s turbo four-cylinder makes 207 pounds-feet of torque; the optional V-6 makes 243.

The official word from Audi is mum. Spokesman Andrew Lipman says Audi will test the market for a diesel in the Q7 and “make a determination about putting it in other models.” But considering diesel engines’ pulling power and efficiency – mileage can be 30 percent better than regular gas, and thanks to modern exhaust treatment, sooty particulates are a thing of the past — we like the chances.

Audi's Bang & Olufsen Sound System Reviewed

About a year ago, I was intrigued by images of Audi’s upcoming Bang & Olufsen premium sound system for the A8 sedan. It looked terrific, but no car stereo system I’d ever tested had lived up to a $6,300 price tag. Then last week I got to test one out for myself in a black S8. Not only was it worth every cent, it was pure aural heaven.

The one thing you can’t escape about the system, before you even hear it, is that it looks cool. How does a sound system impress with looks? The speaker covers are all real metal, and two directional tweeters literally rise out of the top of the dash when you turn the key. Talk about trick.

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Audi A8

Audi says the new 2008 Audi A8 features “major enhancements.” We won’t know for sure if that’s true until we drive it, but the most intriguing thing about the A8 is the fact that the company says it has enhanced the steering to offer more driver feedback, making the A8 a bit sportier. The suspension and sound-deadening also see gains.

We’d take those upgrades, but there will also be a new engine — a direct-injection six-cylinder that’s expected to return decent mileage with a 0-62 mph time under 8 seconds. We wonder if this new engine choice — presumably it’ll make for a lower entry price, currently at $68,900 — will help sales in the U.S. Most buyers of large premium sedans prefer V-8 power to fuel efficiency, even in these gas-conscious times. If they do buy it, will that take sales away from the A6?

The A8 will still be available with its current base V-8 engine, and high-performance W12 S8 models will also return in 2008.

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Audi A4 and A6

Audi has three significant new models coming out for 2008: the A5/S5 Coupe, the TT and the R8 sports car. Those three will certainly overshadow the rest of the 2008 lineup, which gets just minor tweaks. The two biggest changes in the current lineup impact the bread-and-butter A4 and A6 sedans and Avant wagons.

Both models will add the optional S-Line trim as standard equipment. These body modifications add beefier front and rear bumpers, more-menacing grilles, integrated rear spoilers and 18-inch wheels on the A6. For 2007, the S-Line option packages were quite expensive — $3,400 on the A4 — but also included features like a sunroof. Still, we see the changes as pretty significant ones that will provide a nice bonus to A4 buyers, since the line will get a redesign for 2009. There is still no word on a redesign of the A6 line.

The A6 also adds standard headlight washers, Sirius Satellite Radio and seat-back storage for 2008. A 2007 Audi A6 with S-Line trim is shown above. 

The 2008 A4 and A6 will go on sale in August. Prices have not been announced. The 2007 Audi A4 and A6 currently have financing offers available for shoppers not interested in the 2008 changes.

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Audi Prices RS 4 Cabriolet: Time to eBay That Action Figure Collection

The news that Audi was bringing its ultimate midsize convertible to the U.S. was enough to bring a smile to our faces. Of course, we get to drive cars without paying for them as we “test” them for Cars.com. Those who live in the real world will have to find $81,900 between the sofa cushions, in the change jar or from the winnings of their fantasy sports league to secure one when the car goes on sale this fall.

Destination is another $775, and there are no available options. The RS 4 comes with standard equipment like a navigation system, Bluetooth, a Bose sound system, heated front and rear seats, a rear parking system, an iPod interface and brushed aluminum or carbon fiber inlays.

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Photo Gallery: 2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet
2008 Audi RS 4 Dropping Top in U.S.

2008 Audi RS 4 Dropping Top in U.S.

There’s good news and bad news for Audi fans this morning: The good news is a 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet will be sold in the U.S. The bad news is only 300 will be available. The 420-hp convertible will most likely feature the same breakneck acceleration as the sedan we recently tested and that's never a bad thing.

Speaking of the RS 4 sedan, for 2008, the four-­door gets two new option packages, and standard Bluetooth and standard Sirius Satellite Radio will also be added.

Pricing for both models will be announced closer to their on-sale date this fall, but the 2007 sedan starts at $66,000. We’d expect the price difference for the convertible to follow the lines of the less-powerful S4 Cabriolet, which is $8,000 more than its sedan counterpart.