The North American International Auto Show is arguably one of the most important shows of the year for Audi. This year was no exception and was highlighted by the announcement from Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG that the Audi Q3 will be arriving in North America within two years. In addition to the Q3, Audi announced the long awaited return of the allroad after a 7-year hiatus from North America.
The 2013 lineup helps to solidify Audi’s foundation for success in North America. A face-lifted A4, S4, A5, S5 is also joined by the all-new range topping RS 5. Audi also announced the arrival of the 3.0TFSI in the A8.
Audi has reaffirmed their commitment to bring more diesel options to North America with the Q5, A6 and A8 all scheduled to receive the latest clean diesel technology. This is good news for Audi fans that have been delaying their purchases and hoping to be able to snag one of Ingolstadt’s clean diesel machines.
The addition of Audi Connect to the A4/A5 line also helps to strengthen the Audi foundation even further by making sure that Audi remains a technological leader in it’s segment. Powered by Google Maps, the newest version will even feature 3D street view to help easily find your destination. To make this all possible is a 3G connection provided by T-Mobile also powering an integrated Wi-Fi access point, which allows up to 8 devices to connect. We expect Audi Connect to continue to grow with the addition of app support in the future including integration of Facebook and other applications, which was featured at CES.
To help launch the Q3 in North America Audi took an existing Q3 and transformed it into the Vail concept. Audi has created a stunning vehicle that goes back to the roots of quattro, a powerful all-wheel-driven concept capable of tackling any snow-covered road. Audi has fitted woven leather sport seats, aluminum faced gauges, and red trim. The Vail exterior features flared fenders, stainless steel cladded exterior and undercarriage and heated fold out cushions for sitting down to change into you boots. Additionally, the car featured an induction powered heated thermos, induction charged flashlights that incorporate an infrared heating element for your hands and boots, aluminum roof rack with carbon fibre skis, off-road tuned traction control through an advanced version of quattro.
With the announcement of the introduction of the Q3 into North America it shows that Audi is serious about continuing to build it’s brand here. Most of the Worlds markets have been enjoying this small crossover since it’s launch in June 2011. We are excited to see another vehicle added to the ever-growing Audi USA lineup. The Audi Q3 will be the halo vehicle to attract younger buyers to the Audi brand. It’s short wheelbase, quattro system and powerful 2.5-Liter TFSI engine will provide the power, handling and excitement for any weekend adventures or your daily commute to work. Expect the Q3 to closely resemble its European counterpart with a few modifications for North American when it arrives in late 2013 as a 2014 model.
After 7 years the allroad returns to the US replacing the current A4 Avant. The allroad will be 0.6 inches wider and 2.3 inches taller with 1.5 inches greater ground clearance over the standard A4 Avant. Although, due to the size increase of the current generation A4 the allroad is longer than the previous C5 A6 based model. The allroad sports an increase in ride height, contrasting lower bodywork, stainless steel underbody plating, flared fenders and roof rails.
To help combat adverse conditions Audi has also tweaked the Electronic Stability Control with an Off Road mode. This reprograms the ESP system, the traction control and anti-lock braking system to adapt to off-road terrain, such as snow, sand, gravel or mud. The allroad is fitted with the familiar 2.0 TFSI engine and 8-speed automatic transmission combination. Gone are the air suspension and the 6-speed options, which attracted many previous allroad buyers. These two things may be a deal breaker for current allroad owners. However, not including the air suspension in the A4 allroad from the start helps reduce overall complexity and future costs moreover helps maintain a positive price point. I believe the exterior styling of the car alone will attract many new buyers, as it looks incredible in person with the added bonus of it’s off-road capabilities make the new allroad an incredible package.
The RS 5 finally makes it North American debut in Detroit with its 450 horsepower high-revving V8. The RS 5 is the Audi that we’ve been waiting for to arrive in North America. It’s the ultimate GT car with its big V8, 7-speed S tronic transmission, launch control, massive ceramic brakes, gaping front air inlets, polished 20″ wheels, and an exhaust note that will wake the dead. The RS 5 is also the first car in the Audi lineup to feature the new crown center differential. The new differential allows for up to 70 percent of torque to flow to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the rear. At the same time reducing the weight of the quattro system. We certainly can’t wait to get behind the wheel.
