Q7

The new Audi Q7 represents a new superlative in the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicles) segment. It produces the performance of a sports car on the road, while redefining the boundaries of a vehicle in this category off-road. The sporty characteristics of the Audi Q7 are further enhanced by the equipment package “S line sports package plus”: sports suspension, sports seats and cast aluminium wheels up to 21 inches in size turn the performance SUV into an athlete. The
“S line exterior package” is the new sporty custom-made outfit for the Audi Q7 that adds attractive visual touches on the outside. The two equipment packages from quattro GmbH can be ordered separately or together from the middle of 2006. The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro and the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro will be launched in Germany at the start of March 2006.

S line sports package plus
The new “S line sports package plus” for the Audi Q7 from quattro GmbH gives the performance SUV an even more emotional and sporty character. With its dynamic spring/shock absorber settings, the S line sports suspension conveys pure driving pleasure. The vehicle is lowered by 10 millimetres compared with models fitted with the standard suspension. 9Jx20 cast aluminium wheels of 5-spoke design with size 275/45 R 20 tyres give the vehicle its athletic appearance. S line logos on the front left and right wings and on the door sill trims are further distinguishing features of the Audi Q7 S line.

Prices
The “S line sports package plus” costs €5,290 for the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro and €2,980 for the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro. The “S line exterior package” costs €1,900 for both models. A price discount of €200 is offered if the
“S line exterior package” is ordered in conjunction with the "S line sports package plus".

A6

Audi’s A6 3.0-litre TDI has won ‘Best Luxury Car over $57,000’ at the annual Australia’s Best Cars awards.
This is the third consecutive year that Audi has won ‘Best Luxury Car’, with the Audi A8 taking top honours in 2003 and 2004.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the award is particularly significant as it is the first time that a diesel passenger car has won an Australia’s Best Cars award.

“The country’s top luxury vehicle has an Audi TDI engine. This is very significant for our company as we will continue to introduce new diesel models into Australia in 2006. By the end of next year we will have at least one TDI engine in every major Audi model line from A3 to A8,” Mr Hofmann said.

“Gone are the days when a customer should be concerned about driving a diesel passenger car. With more than 15 years of experience with TDI technology, Audi is leading the way with luxury passenger cars in Australia.

“This award is a clear indication of how the experts view Audi’s A6 with its advanced 3.0-litre TDI engine,” Mr Hofmann said.

According to the Australia’s Best Cars judging panel, the Audi A6 TDI leaves a lasting impression on performance with terrific thrust from low revs and an automatic that masters the diesel's characteristics cleanly and capably.

The other advantage is fuel economy where this Audi has an official combined figure of 8.5litres/ 100km and the company’s effort in A6 design and functionality is laudable. The A6 demands recognition for its safety, security, comfort, ergonomics and build quality. Its space and practicality also are of a high standard, according to the Australia’s Best Car judges.

A4

The Audi A4 stands out for its driving pleasure and superior technology, exciting styling and a level of luxury that even satisfies the demands made in the top car class. The 220 bhp (162 kW) 2.0 TFSI engine already used successfully in the special Audi A4 DTM Edition model is now also being offered for the production version of the Audi A4.

Developed by quattro GmbH, this petrol direct injection engine with turbocharger delivers 20 bhp more than the 2.0 TFSI unit already available, and its torque has increased from 280 to 300 Nm. This power unit sees quattro GmbH continuing the tradition of power-enhanced 4-cylinder turbo engines. This increase in horsepower has been achieved by selective modifications such as new pistons, a modified turbocharger and a suitably adapted engine management system.

The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI with 220 bhp engine is distinguished visually from other A4 models by perforated brake discs at the front wheels and black anodised exhaust tailpipes. It can be ordered from early February 2006. The saloon is available starting at €32,000, the Avant at €33,600.

Audi is the first manufacturer in the world to combine petrol direct injection with turbocharging in the spheres of both motor racing and volume production. The 2.0 TFSI’s exceptionally broad torque plateau permits a fuel-efficient driving style on the one hand, and also means that a light press of the accelerator pedal is all that is needed to produce considerable thrust and a spontaneous unleashing of power.

S line model

Audi enhanced the specifications for its S-line editions.
The New Year will see S line sports versions of the Audi A3, A4 and A6 making an even bolder statement of Vorsprung durch Technik through styling upgrades for the A3 and A6, specification improvements for the A4 and the introduction of new S line Special Edition models. All the newcomers in the now even more desirable Audi S line range are available to order now for delivery in early 2006.

- S line versions of A3 and A6 upgraded to include additional exterior sports styling features
- Enhanced specification for S line versions of A4 Saloon and Avant
- New A3 and A4 S line Special Edition models also now available
- S line model prices range from £19,730 OTR to £47,170 OTR

A3 Hybrid.

Although Fourtitude is a daily read for us and all other Audi lovers out there, George Achorn is even better in his "Fourword", a column dedicated to his personal thoughts on the Audi brand and models.
In his current "Fourword" he is writing about the idea of bringing an Audi A3 Hybrid.
There’s no denying that the Toyota Prius has garnered its fair share of attention. Toyota sells all they can build, while the car’s owners group has become a rather enthusiastic following despite the Prius’ relatively frugal equipment and uninspiring teardrop shaped packaging. Such success begs the question- could technology-driven Audi do a small hybrid just as well, if not better, and in a more stylish package?

The Q7 Hybrid is an interesting prospect, but I think I have an idea for a more frugal offering. It would be one that showcases Audi’s own core competencies and could theoretically be built at a reasonable cost, given it would use an existing platform… that of the A3 5-door.

Should Audi build something like an A3 Hybrid, I for one would be there in line to put down my deposit. Ingolstadt has become quite proficient at being strong in performance like their rivals from Munich, but Audi’s brand identity is synonymous with technology and their well-known motto ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ makes the brand more credible in its presentation of a TDI Hybrid laden with technology like all-wheel drive and DSG or even more gluttonous options like Navigation plus or alcantara suede seats. Near as I can tell, such an offering would be right in line with the unique and out-of-the-box thinking target customer Audi has in mind with the A3. It would be a halo car with a conscience.

That's an interesting suggestion! I am sure it will be read in Ingolstadt.

Car of 2009

The Volkswagen Golf MkVI has been awarded the 2009 World Car of the Year title.

The WCOTY jury consists of 59 eminent motoring writers from 25 countries, including Telegraph Motoring's Mike Rutherford.
They observed that: "The new Golf VI feels more expensive than other family hatches, thanks to its solid build and high quality cabin. Customers get a choice of nothing less than six engines including the punchy and efficient 158hp, 1.4-litre TSI unit that features both a turbo and supercharger.

"The Golf is also available with the firm's new 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine, developing either 108 or 138hp. It goes without saying that choosing between the slick six-speed manual and superb DSG twin-clutch gearbox can be difficult. Sitting on an outstanding chassis, the VW is more refined than its rivals, especially when highway cruising. Wind, road and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the Golf a relaxing long distance companion."

The top three contenders for 2009 World Car of the Year title were the Ford Fiesta, Toyota iQ and the Golf. The other eight contenders in the shortlist were the Audi A4, BMW 7-series, Citroen C5, Fiat 500, Honda Jazz, Jaguar XF, Mazda6 and Nissan GT-R.

Receiving the award at the New York International Show, Stefan Jacoby, president of VW of America, said: "The Golf is an iconic nameplate for Volkswagen and is known throughout the world. The Golf is Volkswagen's best selling nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in more than 120 countries."

Other categories included World Performance Car (won by the Nissan GT-R, Car Design of the Year (Fiat 500) and World Green Car (Honda's FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car).

Finalists for the Performance Car category included the Audi RS6, BMW 135i, Corvette ZR1, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, Mitsubishi Evo X, Porsche 911 Carrera and Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

In the World Car Design of the Year category, the jurors were assisted by four highly respected world design experts. A similar process was applied to select the World Green Car award, a panel of three experts suggesting a shortlist on which the jurors voted.

The inaugural World Car title was awarded in 2005, when the Audi A6 triumphed. A year later, BMW's 3-series took the title, with the Lexus LS460 winning in 20

Pontiac GTO

Factory Hot Rods became real. In October of 1963, the GTO was born. Pontiac offered the GTO option for only $295. They quietly added to the option list of the 1964 Pontiac Tempest/LeMans. The GTO option package included a 325-horsepower 389-cubic-inch V8 with dual exhausts, a Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor, a mild hydraulic camshaft, and the kind of whip lashing neck pain street-grabbing torque that left a smile on your face. Other standard features included a manual three-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter (in those days the Hurst shifter was not only very good but also very cool), a heavy-duty clutch (very much needed), heavy-duty suspension, US Royal red-line tires, a 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, twin hood scoops, and an assortment of GTO emblems. The GTO emblem itself was just as famous as the car itself.

Body Styles were important. Pontiac provided the GTO option on three LeMans bodies, the two-door coupe, hardtop, and convertible. More hardtops were produced and shown to be the most popular than the combined total of the coupes and convertibles. Engines with the single four-barrel carburetor outsold the Tri-Power models by a margin of three to one. I still remember the sound of my three deuces sucking air when the gas pedal was on the floor. Needless to say, you could also see the gas gauge move down toward empty. Fortunately, gas was only $0.20 a gallon. Can you imagine owning one today and driving it like a teenage of the 1960's?

What Made The GTO So Coveted? Some things you never forget such as my 1967 GTO with 3 deuces. It was a good thing it had a windshield because I would have had bugs stuck to my teeth from grinning so much. The thrill of standing still, shifting into first gear, revving up that sweet engine and letting out the clutch and being plastered to the back of the seat was pure adrenaline pumping. That was my first experience of "pulling G's". Last time I felt that type of adrenaline rush was during chopper auto-rotations in Nam. That was 40 years ago and I still love my GTO. Maybe it is the legend. Maybe we have gotten the legend mixed up with reality. All I know is I can't help but smile when I remember my little GTO.

It is hard to explain to my children why it was so special. I owned a 1955 Ford though it was pretty it just didn't have the appeal of the GTO. The royal blue was my favorite. I have a friend whose color was plum. Can you remember vinyl seats? I can! They were cool looking and very hot functionally. I remember leaving my skin on the seat many times getting out that car. Getting in the summer meant either cooking your legs or trying to keep a towel in the car to sit on. Once you started up that 389, you were transported to another world. The purr of that engine, the feel of the Hurst shifter and watching the gas needle drop was worth all the pain of sitting on a hot seat. What hot seat?

How Do You Get A Piece of History Today? There are many GTO's still available that are being offered by GTO lovers who have been taken care of by their lovers. You can find them on the web.

Pontiac also has brought back the name of the GTO. They are still pretty fast. In the long run against the 1964 GTO, they can outrun them for the distance but put the two together on a quarter mile strip and the early muscle car is still king. There is just something about the Goat. Once you drive one, old or new, you just have to own one.
Want more then Classic Cars

Classic Car

One thing is for sure which is that there is no shortage of classic cars for sale. You can find adverts in local newsagents, specialist magazines, the internet and online auction sites. You should be able to find everything you need from these sources from cars and car parts to cheap classic car insurance.

Firstly, you will need to think about what storage facilities you have. An old car is not going to take kindly to being kept outside or even under a covered area. Even worse would be to have it sat on grass or with a plastic sheet on it. As damp rises it has nowhere else to go other than to settle on your corroding underside if you have something covering your car. If you have to keep your car parked outside then also consider where you can park it as your neighbours might not be too happy with extra cars clogging up the street.

The next advisable step is to decide what condition of car you wish to buy. If you're more than capable of welding, then your options are greatly increased as you can do a lot of restoration work yourself. However, if you haven't got a clue what you are doing then it's best to go for a car that needs little or no work unless you know someone who can do it for you.
When buying an old, classic car be aware that body parts can be tricky to find.

One of the most important aspects of buying a classic car is to make sure that you trust the person you are buying from. This is especially important if you are going through a private seller as it is extremely unlikely you will ever see them again if you break down on your way home. The best time to arrange a viewing is during the day so you can see the car properly. It will be easier to spot any scratches and dents in natural light than it would be in a dark garage. If possible take someone with you who knows a lot about classic cars as they will know what to ask and what to look out for from rust to whether you will be able to find cheap classic car insurance for the vehicle.

A few quick and subtle tips you can try are walking around the car to see how it sits, is there any sagging and do the panel gaps line up nicely? Check the body all over for rot, popular places for this are the headlamps and arches. Many people make the mistake of relying on the MOT certificate which is a good indication don't rely on this alone.

Try to see the engine start up from cold - if it is already warm the vendor may be trying to hide cold - starting problems by getting it started before your arrive. When the car is started listen for any knocks when the engine starts up or clouds of smoke from the exhaust. It sounds obvious but don't forget to take the car for a test drive to see how it runs.
However, do take into consideration that the car you are looking at may be over 30 years old so the chances of it still being in its original state are very slim. Service items such as brake shoes, batteries, tyres and clutches are likely to have been replaced over replacement over the years.

Finding cheap classic car insurance can be a bit tricky and will go through the roof for modified cars so try to avoid this. If your car is modified you are likely to have trouble selling it on later anyway.

BMW classic