Audi A7 Sportback first drive

Motorists purchasing an Audi A7 Sportback from car dealerships over the coming weeks have been advised to invest in adaptive air suspension technology.

Audi's new model has also been praised for its "instant responses", although the test driver proved that the car is also "very quiet and fuel efficient".

A sales target of 3,250 units is scheduled for UK customers in 2011.

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Audi’s model expansion programme continues onwards and it’s not loosing pace despite the economic climate. Fleet customers will take 55 per cent of sales, diesel powered models 90 per cent and conquest customers will be around 45 per cent of A7 owners. The A7 has a lightweight aluminium and steel composite bodyshell to help reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emission in conjunction with the latest fuel efficient engines and ‘smart’ low friction transmissions. The naturally aspirated 204PS 2.8-litre FSI and supercharged 300PS 3.0-litre TFSI petrol units are complemented by two versions of the acclaimed 3.0-litre TDI in 204PS and 245PS forms. Three of the four engines are combined with quattro all wheel drive and only the 3.0-litre TDI 204PS unit has front wheel drive.

For the first time in Audi models at this level, these will be combined with the rapid-shifting seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission wherever quattro four-wheel-drive is installed. The Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system is fitted as standard to all models, enabling the driver to fine tune steering weighting, throttle response and transmission shift points at the touch of a button. Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro SE S tronic. Price: £47,200 (£63,325 as tested). Performance: 155mph (electronically limited), 0-62mph 6.3 seconds, 47.1mpg (38.2mpg on test), CO2 158g/km, VED road tax £155, BIK company car tax 23%.

Audi gets quite precious about other car makers using the word premium, believing that too many imposters are claiming their latest models fall into that category.

Of the quartet only the front wheel drive, lower power diesel doesn’t feature Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, instead using the company’s multitronic automatic transmission as opposed to the quattro’s seven-speed twin clutch S tronic box .

Speccing the car up is very tempting, and doesn’t come cheap. For instance the 3.0 TDI quattro SE model I drove was fitted with 20 individual options, adding an extra £25,765 to the tab.

Audi R18 Le Mans

Right on schedule, Audi has pulled the sheets off its next-generation Le Mans prototype. The company hasn't worked with a clamshell since 1999, and we're guessing is has more than a little to do with Peugeot's 2009 Le Mans win. Audi used a single-piece construction carbon fiber monocoque to keep weight down and increase stiffness, and those epic all-LED headlights are the first make their way to Le Mans.

While Audi is planning to campaign a total of three R18 racers at the 2011 Le Mans race this summer, the vehicle's first appearance will be at the six hours of Spa on April 24.

Previous Audi prototype racers, from the R8 to the most recent R15 TDI, have been open-cockpit affairs. But Audi is aiming for its tenth 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with a new direction, due in part to a significant reduction in engine displacement mandated for the race in 2011. A single-piece carbon fiber monocoque saves weight and improves stiffness, while new all-LED headlights are a first for an Audi race car. In daylight running mode, the headlights project a "1" to intimidate competitors and signify Audi's past victories.

Audi's new Le Mans LMP1 racecar will be a closed-cockpit model, like rival Peugeot's. The company's R18 debuted earlier today in Ingolstadt and is the key to Audi's bid for a 10th Le Mans 24 win.

Less powerful engines, according to new Le Mans rules, means the new car will rely more on aerodynamic efficiency, thus the importance of a roof. According to the press release, the LEDs of the daytime running lights form the shape of a "1," recalling Audi's historic brand logo

The New Audi A6 for 2011

The all new Audi A6 opens for orders in the UK in January 2011

The Audi A6 2.0 TDI (177PS) manual is the most efficient derivative achieving 0-62mph in 8.7 second and capable of a top speed of142mph. The Audi A6 2.0 TDI emits just 129g/km CO2 emissions. More familiar options such as the Audi side assist blind spot warning system and the Audi lane assist lane departure detection system will also be available

The oil-burning range consists of the entry-level 2.0-litre 174bhp diesel and a pair of 3.0 TDIs available with a choice of either 201bhp or 241bhp. The two petrols engines are a 201bhp 2.8 and the familiar supercharged 3.0-litre, which delivers 296bhp.

You mentioned that there’s a new Audi A6 hybrid on the way?

When it does get here it will link Audi's 2.0 TFSI petrol engine to an electric motor for a total system output of 241bhp. Audi claim it will hit 62mph in 7.3 seconds and have an average fuel consumption of 45.6mpg.

There is a huge array of technology on offer including a head-up display and the MMI touch operating system that connects to Google earth and integrates with the navigation route.

Other engines available from launch are a three-litre turbo diesel in 201bhp and 242bhp forms and a 296bhp three-litre TFSI turbo petrol. The 2.0 TDI and 201bhp 3.0 TDI are both front-wheel drive, and have a six-speed manual gearbox and Multitronic CVT automatic respectively.

All of them will be fitted as standard with leather upholstery, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, split folding rear seats and automatic headlights and wipers. S lines also get larger 18" alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED daytime lights, sports suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and various interior and exterior styling goodies.

Prices range from £30,145 for the 2.0 TDI SE to £40,550 for the 3.0 TFSI quattro S line.