Audi
Audi A1, Audi A7, Audi A8, Audi R8 Spyder
Audi A1
Meet Audi’s premium supermini that’s aiming to take the fight to the MINI Cooper. The A1 will be the firm’s smallest-ever car when it hits the road next year. There are no official images of the production model just yet, but if the A1 Sportback concept is anything to go by, the new baby is sure to be a stunner. Its clean lines and neat detailing give it a dynamic and aggressive look.
Featuring a 150bhp turbo and supercharged 1.4-litre TSI motor, mated to a twin-clutch S tronic box, the A1 will be no slouch. There will be an optional hybrid, too. Prices are expected to start at around £15,000. The hybrid will be slightly more, but its running costs will be much lower. The car will arrive towards the end of 2010, with an optional £500 package to cover three years’ servicing.
Audi A7
Rival to the Porsche Panamera and BMW 5-Series GT, this Audi is aiming to become the leader in the luxury hatchback class. Based on the new MLP (Modular Long Platform), the A7 will use air-suspension to ensure as smooth a ride as possible. The three petrol engines range from a 2.8-litre unit to a flagship 4.0, while diesels will include a base 2.7-litre V6 and a 3.0 TDI. All can be mated to a six-ratio manual or seven-speed twin-clutch box.
Audi A8
Described as a “technology flagship”, the A8 debuts an eight-speed auto box and camera-based accident-prevention system. Under the bonnet, the 4.2-litre diesel, which produces a huge 800Nm of torque, is also surprisingly efficient, with emissions of only 199g/km. A 4.2-litre petrol V8 is available, too. On sale in April, the newcomer’s prices are still to be confirmed, but expect to pay around £55,000.
Audi R8 Spyder
With its 518bhp 5.2-litre V10, the R8 Spyder is the hottest convertible Audi has ever produced. Apart from the addition of a fabric folding roof, the main visual differences between this model and the coupé are the twin vented flying buttresses, the lack of side blades and a brushed aluminium screen surround. The R8 Spyder will hit the road in the spring, with a price tag of around £120,000.