According to Audi, the next generation Q7 is supposed to be more fuel efficient than the current model, but until that generation makes its grand appearance, Audi has decided to offer a new engine for the current SUV. The first details for this new engine state that it will deliver a fuel economy of 39.2 mpg, up from the 25mpg of the current top-of-the-line engine.
The new 3.0 TDI quattro TDi engine delivers a total of 204 HP between 3,200 to 4,400rpm and 331 lb-ft of torque delivered between 1,250 to 2,750rpm. When equipped with this engine, the Q7 will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 9.1 seconds and will be able to hit a top speed of 127 mph. The new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI engine can be combined with the Standard, SE, S line, and new S line Plus specification levels.
The new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI models will be distinguished by 21-inch 5 segment-spoke alloy wheels, standard metallic paint, tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards, and running boards. The interior will get a more supple Verano leather upholstery, while the S-Line Plus package will include hard disk-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation with online services giving access to Google Earth navigation mapping and a Wi-Fi hotspot for in-car internet access, an Audi Music Interface iPod connection linked to an upgraded speaker system, and the Audi Parking System Advanced with reversing camera.
On the British market, the new Q7 3.0 TDI is priced from £39,995 (about $62,300 at the current exchange rates).
Mercedes-Benz has announced that they will be debuting their updated model for their flagship SLK convertible at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but with an unprecedented twist by the German luxury brand: it’s a diesel.
That’s right, for the first time, the SLK will feature a turbocharged-four diesel engine. The 2012 SLK 250 CDI comes full of new features and a few drips of technology including their 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission, magic sky roof, and the airscarf.
More than just a few upgrades, the new super-sleep SLK offers an elongated ride lending to more cabin and trunk space, an improved steering control and braking system to handle the diesel oomph, and three other petrol engines if you so choose.
At $60,065, it’s one of the more expensive roadsters in its market, but promises to be fun, and of course, luxurious.
Hit the jump to read on about the 2012 SLK 250 CDI.
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Usually unflappable German engineering has taken a hit today. BMW has announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation that centers on 120,000 2002-2008 7-Series models, ranging from the 730d to the 760li. This investigation began after a 2006 7-Series experienced an incident in which, after being placed in park, did not fully engage the park gear and proceeded to roll a short distance. This gearbox is designed to automatically shift into park, for example, when the vehicle is turned off.
If this pending investigation makes you nervous, keep in mind that the NHTSA has said that a) "thus far, no cause has been identified for any of the rollaway incidents" and b) it is not a full scale recall, just a preliminary investigation.
You may ask us, would we still buy one? Well, we have nothing but praise for the 7 series. We find it to be truly staggering, leaving us to shake our head in disbelief that a car the size of the state of Kansas can be made this fun to drive. This potential gearbox glitch does not affect our view of the Roundel and we continue to look reverently upon each model. This full size luxury sedan did not disappoint us and it won’t let you down either.
Audi finally came to their senses back in September 2010 when they decided that it was time for the TT-RS to make its way back to the States, but their most recent announcement may leave some with less than what they bargained for. Along with the TT-RS’ first appearance on American soil at the Chicago Auto Show, came Audi’s announcement that we will only be getting a limited run of 1,000 units of the vehicle. Audi is obviously playing the supply and demand game since 11,500 fans expressed their enthusiasm over the TT-RS in only one month. No official details were given on the car, but Audi did confirm that it would be $10,000 more expensive than the current TTS, priced at $51,000. Sales for the Audi TT-RS will begin at the end of Summer 2011.
The Audi TT-RS will be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that will deliver an extra 20 HP compared to the European model. With a total of 360 HP, the engine will only be offered with a conventional six-speed manual transmission and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. We expect to see a greater top speed compared to the European model.
UPDATE 07/08/2011: Audi has announced prices for the 2012 TT-RS, a model that signifies the return of the RS nameplate to the U.S. The Audi TT RS will be priced at $56,850 (excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges). By comparison, the Audi TT-S version is priced from $50K.
UPDATE 07/27/2011: The first Audi TT-RS sold on the US market has been delivered to Forth Worth Audi dealer in Texas. The first client is veteran race car driver Don Istook. He is one of the more than 11,500 fans to sign the Audi TT RS Facebook petition drive, which helped convince Audi to introduce the 360-hp coupe in the U.S. "Having raced at almost every major track in the U.S. and Canada, I’ve pushed the limits in many cars in my 34 years as a race car driver,” Istook said. “I like my street car to give me some of that thrill. With my new Audi TT RS, I not only get that thrill, but I also get that ’race car’ sound."
More details on the Audi TT-RS American model after the jump.
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What happens when you take a sports sedan and add sprinkles of practicality? You get the 2011 BMW 535i GT. This car lets you carve the corners and allows you to transport the kids in comfort..sounds like a winner in our book.
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