2006 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro! Premium Package! Heated Seats! Xenons! 18s! on 2040-cars

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Audi introduces frugal, 43-mpg Q7 Ultra in Europe

As Audi's largest model, you wouldn't expect the Q7 (standard 2017 model pictured above) to get very good fuel economy. But the new flagship crossover is a lot lighter than its predecessor. And now the German automaker is rolling out an even more efficient version. In Europe, at any rate. Bearing the designation that distinguishes the most fuel-efficient models that Audi offers, the new Audi Q7 Ultra 3.0 TDI Quattro packs a more frugal version of the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel. In Ultra spec, it produces 218 horsepower instead of 272, and 369 pound-feet of torque instead of 443. In exchange, it returns better fuel economy – now quoted at the equivalent of 42.8 miles per gallon (compared to 41.3 for the more potent version). That's not half bad for a crossover this large, even if it is on the European efficiency test, which returns higher numbers than what we're used to in the US. Of course, burning less fuel comes at a bit of a performance penalty: instead of 6.3 seconds, it now takes 7.1 seconds to reach 62 miles per hour from a standstill. Top speed is quoted at just over 134 miles per hour, down from 145. Of course, the E-Tron hybrid will be the most efficient model in the Q7 range, returning the equivalent of over 117 miles per gallon while reaching 62 in six seconds flat. That is, when it starts reaching dealers next spring. The kicker here is that while the hybrid is likely to emerge as the most expensive model in the range, the Ultra is the least. Its base price in Germany comes in at 58,000 euros, compared to 61,890 for the more potent TDI. Combine that with the fuel savings, and the Q7 Ultra is looking like the frugal choice indeed. New Audi Q7 as a highly efficient diesel - The Audi Q7 ultra 3.0 TDI quattro now available for order - Combined fuel consumption is 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km - Base price is 58,000 euros in Germany An exceptionally efficient diesel version of the new Audi Q7 is launching on the market, which customers can now order: the Audi Q7 ultra 3.0 TDI quattro*. This engine not only reduces fuel consumption to 5.5 liters diesel per 100 km (42.8 US mpg); it also reduces the entry-level price for the Q7 model series to 58,000 euros. Audi will be delivering cars to dealers in Europe starting in September. The efficiency is ground-breaking: The combined fuel consumption of the 3.0 TDI with 160 kW (218 hp) is just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (42.8 US mpg).

Audi CVT suit settlement given green light, 64,000 cars covered

Audi drivers, listen up. If you bought or leased a 2002-06 model-year A4 or A6 with a factory-installed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that failed, you may be entitled to reimbursement under a recently settled class-action lawsuit with corporate parent Volkswagen.
According to Automotive News, the settlement covers about 64,000 vehicles and alleges that "manufacturing and design problems caused the transmissions to fail and left owners stuck with repair costs." While the suit also argues Audi was aware of these issues (going so far as to hide that knowledge from consumers), the settlement stops short of acknowledging any wrongdoing by the German automaker.
Audi drivers are eligible for a cash reimbursement if their CVT repairs occurred within 10 years or 100,000 miles of the date they bought or leased the vehicle before June 19, 2013. To be eligible for compensation, drivers must submit a claim form (found here) with supporting documents by November 18.

Audi tops BMW and Mercedes in luxury sales

April was a good month for Audi, as the four-ring automaker beat out both Mercedes-Benz and BMW in sales. Bloomberg reports that it was America's appetite for CUVs like the Q5 and ancient Q7 that helped Audi move nearly 153,000 units around the globe. It's not all good news, though. Audi's worldwide sales only jumped by 2.5 percent, compared to BMW and Mercedes, whose sales increased 5.6 and 11 percent, respectively. On top of that, BMW is still the best-selling brand (of the three, anyway) so far in 2015, outselling Audi by roughly 9,000 units and Mercedes by about 23,000 vehicles. Considering the faster growth of its rivals, it's unclear if Audi will be able to hang onto the monthly sales crown beyond April, or if BMW will continue its reign as the world's biggest luxury automaker.