2007 Audi S8 Review

While it's essentially just a souped-up version of its maker's flagship A8 sedan, the 2007 Audi S8 is still pretty impressive in its own right. After all, it comes standard with a Lamborghini Gallardo 450hp 5.2L V-10 engine, and its six speed automatic transmission is equipped with the "Tiptronic" technology that allows you to manually shift gears, when necessary. Add to that the presence of overdrive and Audi's "Quattro" all-wheel drive system, and what you have is a seriously speedy sedan.

In fact, the S8 is as safe as it is swift, with a total of ten airbags protecting you and your passengers. The array includes the traditional dual-stage type in the front, as well as knee protection in the front, and side protection all the way around the car. In addition, there are anti-lock brakes and a traction control system.

Interior features of the S8 are quite cushy, including adjustable two-tone leather sport seats in front, and a three- spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel. The instrument panel has been specifically designed for this car, as well. As well, the side view mirrors are both heated and power-adjustable, and the sunroof is a standard feature.

As with the S6 and S4, the 2007 Audi S8 comes with a full appointment of entertainment options. A 6-disc CD player is standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity, but while the car is pre-wired for satellite radio, the actual component is an optional upgrade.

The MSRP of the 2007 Audi S8 is $92,000, but for a luxury sedan that can go from zero to 60mph in 4.66 seconds, that really doesn't seem exorbitant at all.

2008 Audi TT Roadster Review

The 2008 Audi TT Roadster is a two-seat sports convertible due at showrooms spring 2008. The new roadster comes with either a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that develops 200 hp, or a 3.2 liter V6 Quattro that pumps out 250 hp. You can outfit either with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed S-tronic with paddle shifters.

The most arresting new design features on the 2008 TT are the slanting headlights coupled with the prominent Audi grille. Comparing the 2.0 to the 3.4, you notice two distinct performance characteristics. In the 2.0, which is lighter, expect more lively response to the steering wheel and a sharper suspension response. The 3.4 is heavier and more powerful, translating into quicker acceleration but more inertia around curves. Zero to 60 for the 3.4 is 5.9 sec, while the 2.0 is not ashamed to report 6.5 seconds.

Standard on the TT are cowhide wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM with CD changer prep, halogen headlights, climate control, security system, and cruise control. The cabin of the TT Roadster is roomy and well-arranged, with thoughtful placement of easy to read instruments and mirrors. You can order the multilayer soft retractable top to be operated manually or automatically.

Options with either the 2.0 or 3.4 include satellite navigation, full cowhide upholstery, and programmed xenon headlamps. To personalize your 2008 Audi TT Roadster, purchase the attractive Audi valve stem caps or license plate frame with TT logo. A more practical accessory for your TT would be the Audi security wheel bolts.

Both models of the TT roadster give you a good feel for the road and reduced body flex due to the thicker aluminum beams and buttressing in the doors. The soft top has three layers that reduce external wind noise. From a safety standpoint, the TTs have big two-stage airbags and special crumple zones to limit the trauma of a rear-end or frontal crash. The 2008 Audi TT Roadster leaves you some cash after a fill up with 21-25 mpg city and 26-32 mpg highway.

2008 Audi RS 4 Review

The 2008 Audi RS4 compact 4-door sedan is a performance dynamo with its all-wheel drive quattro and 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. To prove its point, the RS4 comes with a fun 6-speed manual transmission that allows it to achieve 0-60 mph 4.63 seconds. And, new for 2008, the Audi RS4 is introducing a convertible model to break even more hearts.

Proving that there is more to the RS4 than an over-achieving engine, enjoy programmed two phase front air conditioning with particulate matter ionizer, easy to operate sunroof, designer steering wheel with adjustable height and angle, and a pair of front lit vanity mirrors. The perfect blending of style and practicality, put the floor console with covered box to use while listening to a powerful AM/FM/CD player. Ponder the choice of two new option ensembles that offer the mystique of black trim or red.

Protect the lives and security of your friends and family with the RS4's anti-lock brakes with brake assist, and four-wheel disc brakes. Cushion those precious organs and noggins with driver and passenger front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, and overhead airbags. Audi knows that you can't be a return customer if you are 6-feet under and full of maggots.

Audi RS4 has more than its share of technological features to make the drive home more enjoyable and effortless. Endure the bumps in life's road with Audi's gas rear shocks, while steering effortlessly with speed-sensing rack-pinion steering. The 2008 Audi RS4 brings together top styling with more than adequate performance in a luxurious sports sedan that rivals any of its competition.

2008 Audi TT Coupe Review

Aficionados had hoped the 2008 Audi TT Coupe would emerge as the signature sports car of the Audi stable. That didn't happen. The TT is an impressive and satisfying powerhouse -- the faster it runs, the better it gets. How fast is fast? Try a top speed of 129.87 miles. It will easily out-perform most of the pack, but the TT isn't a once-in-a-lifetime machine. It isn't a legend. But it is a car to write home about.

Depending on the trim level, you'll drop $34,800 for the 2.0T and $41,500 for the 2.3 Quattro. The difference in the two is a 2-liter 16-valve L4 versus a 3.2-liter 24-valve V6 and 200 horsepower as opposed to 250. The 2.0T is FWD, the Quattro AWD, but both have manual transmissions with six speeds. (Automatic mode is standard on the 2.0T and optional on the Quattro.)

With characteristic Audi perfection, the interior offers minimalist styling with impressive luxury. Look for accents finished in aluminum and a wide range of amenities delivering both comfort and technological advances. The back seat is a bit cramped, but with the seats down you do pick up cargo space of 25 cubic feet. (Just enough to let you convince your significant other that this little lovely constitutes a "practical" car purchase.) Look for the 2008 Audi TT Coupe to be an exceptional performer.

2008 Audi A3 Review

With an opening MSRP of around $26,000, the 2008 Audi A3 is a compact, entry level luxury sports 5-door hatchback sedan. For that amount you get the base model 2.0T, which is powered by a 200hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with either a 6-speed manual or automatic. In addition to the three trim levels, 2.0T, 2.0T S Line, and 2.0T Premium, the A3 introduces a new convertible for 2008.

Living up to its Audi heritage, the A3 is a solidly built, exquisitely engineered, sporty vehicle that comes with the trappings of affluence, such as programmed temperature control, with particle extractor, thick fabric seat covers, conformable steering wheel shaft, and select audio system with 10 speakers. Add the unexpected touches to the base 2.0T like remote keyless entry, mechanized throttle control, theft alarm, and cosmetic mirrors, to completely outfit an agile yet ferocious raptor.

Expect the rewards of owning a premium name badge to include sophisticated suspension technology, computer programmed stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and superior radial tires. To further distinguish the 2.0T S Line, the exterior is more aggressively styled with a more menacing front end and rear treatment. The sound systems in the upper trims are enhanced, as are the seating surfaces and interior trim.

No sporty hatchback would be complete without the full compliment of airbags, including front and side curtains, and rear passenger side impact airbags. Luggage space is ample in the hatchback, with the hatch offering the functionality of a gaping entry rather than the uselessness of a purely cosmetic porthole. One gets the sense of a complete vehicle, with the 2008 Audi A3 giving you the thrill of a sporty sedan and the practicality of a hatchback, all the while engineered into a stylish package.

2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet Review

A solid, stylish, and spirited performer, 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet offers a choice of two power plants, a turbocharged 2.0 Liter 200hp 4-banger or a 255hp 3.1 Liter V6. The Cabriolet can run with front-wheel drive or Quattro, and comes in three trim levels, the 2.0T, the 3.2T, and the S Line. The 2008 Cab exterior design is a carryover from 2007.

The interior of the A4 Cabriolet is smartly appointed with wood or metal trim, comfortable seating for four, and easy to read instrumentation. Visibility is good, even with the top up, and the cabin is comfortable with dual-zone climate control. In spite of the soft top, the A4 Cabriolet is surprisingly quiet, top up or down. There is only the sound of the engine when it approached shifting velocity.

Audi has made accommodations to the A4 that seem to solve many of the safety issues inherent with convertibles: side impact airbags to offer head protection, rear-seat side impact airbags, reinforced pillars, and two roll beams that project upward from behind the passenger's heads in the event of a rollover. Keeping the A4 shiny side up and facing forward are the jobs of the stability system, including brake force augmentation. For parking assistance, the new reverse gear assist alerts the driver if objects are in the car's path to the rear. A feature from concept cars of long ago, headlights that turn in the direction of the vehicle's path are available on the 2008 A4.

Following up on the safety issue, Audi rated favorably in crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In frontal crash tests, the 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet rated 4 stars. Other testing is currently going on. In the effort to maximize fuel efficiency, the 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet has achieved 15mpg city, 25mpg highway in its 3.2 series, and 21mpg city and 31mpg highway in its 2.0T models.

2007 Audi A8 Review

The 2007 Audi A8 sedan has always been on the cutting edge of automotive engineering. In the mid-nineties the original model was the first to be built on an all-aluminum platform, reducing weight without sacrificing structural integrity, and the 1997 model was the first vehicle to be equipped with six airbags. Designed for direct competition with similar long-wheelbase models from Mercedes-Benz, the 2007 Audi A8 maintains the tradition of combining technology, performance, and creature comforts.

The base model comes with a 350 horsepower, 4.2 liter V8 engine, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in less than six seconds. It also has Audi�s all-wheel drive system, and a 6-speed �Tiptronic� (it's their proprietary name for a system that allows the driver to manually select gears) transmission. Higher trim levels like the W12, or the powerhouse S8 come with a serious boost in engine power � the W12 engine is 450 horsepower, and the S8 comes with a 450 hp V10 engine under its hood.

The safety features on the A8 include not only standard airbags, but also knee-protection airbags for the driver and front passenger. An anti-lock braking system, and power steering are part of the safety package as well, and there is also a LATCH child-seat system, an immobilizer anti-theft alarm system, and a remote locking system that operates over radio frequencies.

As well as being safe and secure, the interior of the A8 is extremely comfortable, with 16-way power adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar controls, a rear seat which can hold up to three adults, and air-conditioning that has separate controls for the driver and front passenger. Other features include a Bose 12-speaker sound system, a power glass sunroof, and platinum inlays.

The 2007 Audi A8 averages 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway, and the starting MSRP is $68,000.

2008 Audi S4 Review

Sure to send shivers of inferiority down the spines of its competitors, the 2008 Audi S4 places control of a real driving machine in the hands of its owner. A high revving V8 engine which displaces 4.2 Liters and generates 340hp at 7000rpm, and spins 302 ft-lb of torque at 3500rpm turns this Quattro into a stunning performer. The S4 comes with a 6-speed automatic or a faster 6-speed manual. For 2008, the S4 shines as a 4-door sedan, a wagon, or a Cabriolet.

Not satisfied with anything but the complete package? The S4 cockpit hums with advanced technology, including a hook-up for a Bluetooth phone, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Quattro all-wheel drive, all standard. From the advanced instrumentation, leather upholstery, wood and alloy accents, and convenient storage compartments, Audi engineers tried to accomplish the admirable task of giving you everything. The driver's domain is even more than expected with excellent visibility, comfortable seating, and everything at fingertip's reach.

Power and performance are tempered with the ultimate in safety features, including driver and front passenger airbags, side impact rear passenger airbags, and side curtain airbags. Crumple zones and steel reinforced door beams protect the passengers from any intrusion into their space. The gorgeous exterior of the 2008 Audi S4 is accentuated by large air intake vanes up front, with attractive headlight treatments. Swinging to the rear, the tail lights are sparkling gem-like masterpieces only Tiffany could compete with. For a sporty accent, the sedan offers a rear spoiler.

On the road, whether searing superhighway, or country junction, the 2008 Audi S4 absorbs the bumps while pushing back with sports tuned suspension. By lowering the vehicle an inch and stiffening up the shocks, the S4 handles the rougher roads with more spirit. No telling where you will end up when you let your adventurous side free in the 2008 Audi S4.

2008 Audi R8 Review

Another first for Audi, the 2008 R8 mid-engine sports car, is a masterpiece of hand-built perfection, combining a V8 engine developed for high rpms with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive. Engineered with every trick in the competition playbook, the R8's 420hp mid-engine 4.2 V8 peaks at 187mph, does 0-60 in 4.6 sec, and is proudly exhibited through a glass display canopy. With a dry sump lubrication system, the R8 has achieved an even lower center of gravity, to accomplish one goal, performance.

With an $80,000 to $100,000 price tag, the Audi R8 is the ultimate luxury performance machine, with a 10-speaker surround sound audio system equal to the task of providing the soundtrack to an amazing driving experience. A driver-centric cabin with all controls and instrumentation within a glance and fingertip reach, is beautifully accented with leather and fine woods. Audi has designed the R8 to be highly customizable to satisfy the owner's penchant for individualizing a truly unique automobile. Even the 6-speed R-Tronic gearbox offers several different shifting modes, catering to the exact driving conditions and driver attitude.

The design of the R8 is unmistakably Audi, from its aggressive grille and distinctive LED running lights to its side blade cooling system intake. A fleeting glimpse at the 2008 Audi R8 becomes an open-mouthed stare at the drop dead gorgeous exterior. Cooling vanes at the front of the car terminate at the rear, with some positively mind-blowing esthetic refinements.

The 2008 Audi R8 stands to be a classic super car, with beauty and brawn in one package. With such attention to detail, the finished product exceeds the usual high standards set forth by Audi. Because of the way it is constructed, under tight supervision in a small factory, every part, surface, edge, and point on the R8 is inspected, smoothed, and matched to make a perfectly tuned piece of automotive art.

2008 Audi A4 Sedan Review

The 2008 Audi A4 Sedan is a full-blooded sport sedan with all the accoutrements necessary for the title. Whether you choose the 2.0T, the 3.2T, or the S-line package, the power is there, as is the luxury. The 2.0T comes with a turbocharged 2.0Liter 200hp 4-cylinder engine that is surprisingly wiry. The 3.2T offers a 3.1Liter 265hp V6 that will also throw you around the track. Both engines come with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The third trim level, the S-Line adds a sport suspension package, and spoiler, Oh, a 420-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine.

The 3.2 trim level adds quality touches to its interior, including fine leather upholstery and wood accents. Even if you choose the base 2.0T, expect an array of power features such as door locks, windows, and climate control. Add a moonroof and cruise control and you have the makings of a true entry level luxury car. Even id power door locks, tilt, telescoping steering column, and cruise control seem ordinary, the Audi A4 sedan has a few aces up its sleeve.

When compared with two or three of its closest competitors, things look pretty similar, except for the 2008 Audi A4 sedan's Quattro 4-wheel drive. With years of experience perfecting its drive train, Audi can just sit and let the Quattro do its thing. Nothing else comes close, is so seamless, so trouble-free. Combined with the A4's anti-lock brakes, multilink suspension, and stability control system, critics are hard-pressed to find anything better.

At 22mpg city and 31mpg highway, the base 2.0T Audi A4 sedan is a strong balance between performance, luxury, and sensibility. This is especially true considering that the A4 has segment leading safety ratings. With its front side, driver side, passenger side airbags, Audi is confident that its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings will be as solid for 2008 as they were in 2007.

2008 Audi A6 Review

The 2008 Audi A6 stands out in a crowd, and in its segment with refinements, power, and engineering envied by almost every one of its competitors. Whether you opt for the 3.2, with a 3.2Liter 255hp V6, or the 4.2 with a 4.2Liter 350hp V8, you get a luxury 4-door, 5-passenger sedan, or wagon of distinction and unparalleled quality. Another key item that makes the A6 stand out is the optional Quattro 4-wheel drive, which nobody can criticize.

Along with the trim levels from 2007, Audi has added the exterior trim and badging of the S-Line. Also new for 2008 is the headlamp wiper system, and Sirius Space Receiver. Interior space is ample, with comfortable leather seating and ergonomically placed instrumentation and controls. Get into just the right configuration with the adjustable steering wheel and driver seat.

Safety is perhaps the item most heavily addressed in the 2008 Audi A6, with a full compliment of airbags, lighting, and security countermeasures. When you are in the mood for relaxing entertainment, the A6 places audio controls at your fingertips to activate a battery of concert-quality speakers placed strategically throughout the cockpit. Climate control is optimized by a dual zone control panel.

A quick walk around the A6 is all it takes to focus on the exquisite attention to detail and insistence on perfection enforced by Audi. Handling and performance are impeccable, with stability control and 4-wheel antilock brakes standard. Reward yourself twice by noticing the fuel economy yielded by the A6, 21mpg city, 29mpg highway. No matter which vehicles you compare, where you shop for a luxury sedan, or what price you pay, the 2008 Audi A6 delivers what it promises, quality, comfort, and performance.

2008 Audi Q7 Review

The 2008 Audi Q herniates the luxury sport utility envelope with this 4-door behemoth. Cell phones in hand, soccer moms will revel at the ease with which they can bully others for that last compact parking space. For true brute strength, the Audi Q dominates the feed lot with two trim levels, the base, and the Premium. Two V8 engines punish the environment: a 3.6Liter, 280hp unit and a 4.2Liter 350hp wrecking ball-sized engine.

Luxury is the password into the interior of the Q, with leather and imperiled rare woods dazzling the eye. With a tiltable steering wheel and telescoping steering column, you can add the optional bolster seat and give the appearance of a normal human being sitting behind the wheel. Instrumentation is well-placed and easily read, with trip computer and digital clock standard.

Safety is of primary importance in all Audi vehicles, with seat-mounted front side airbags, rollover indicator, reinforced side door beams, and rear side head curtain airbags standard. Equipped with a mechanical liftgate with remote release, the Q pulls out all of the stops to minimize any wasted physical effort on the part of its occupants. We especially liked the anti-theft features which will serve as a vital safeguard if mom is confronted by environmentalist demonstrators.

Gas mileage is as important as ever, and the 2008 Audi Q dutifully reports that its 3.6Liter engine rates 14mpg city, 19mpg highway, while the 4.2Liter confesses 12mpg city 17mpg highway. To be impartial, the new 2008 Audi Q is a handsome, well-engineered luxury SUV that is no bigger part of the environmental problem that any other vehicle in its class. The Audi Q awaits the opportunity to participate in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, soon to be scheduled.

2008 Audi A4 Avant Wagon Review

Packed with practical features and luxury touches, the 2008 Audi A4 Avant Wagon is powered by a 2.0L 200hp 4-cylinder engine which develops 207 ft-lb of torque @ 1800 RPM. Stylishly understated yet thoroughly roadworthy, the Avant Wagon is engineered to weather the storms and navigate any road. Whether you opt for the base A4 Wagon or go for the premium trim, all Avant Wagons have consistently exceeded all safety and performance criteria they face.

If you are hauling cargo, passengers, or both, the well-balanced Avant Wagon is as agile as a bobcat and sturdy as a grizzly bear. The interior of the A4 will impress the most jaded car critic with its numerous standard features, including: tilt and telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, sunroof, and power windows. The luxurious upholstery and stylish wood and alloy accents add a level of richness not seen in any other wagon. Add an FM/AM radio and CD changer for an outstanding compliment to the car's ambiance.

To carry precious human cargo, Audi backs up its luxurious packaging with concomitant safety features including: front driver and passenger airbags, and side curtain torso protective airbags. The 2008 Audi A4 Avant Wagon has passed the NHTSA criteria for frontal crashes with a 4-star rating. For side crashes, the Avant Wagon front seat tests earned 5 stars and for rear seat tests, 4 stars. When it comes to defensive driving, the Avant Wagon puts an amazing amount of control in the driver's hands with the almost supernatural capability of electronic stability control.

At the risk of overstatement, we are impressed with the 2008 Audi A4 Avant Wagon from all viewpoints. Maneuvering the large Avant Wagon through traffic or on a winding road is smooth and effortless with Audi's phenomenal 4-wheel drive. We doubt you will ever challenge the A4's anti-lock brakes the way we did, to attempt to put the A4 into a 4-wheel power slide. We were also surprised and pleased at the Avant's gas mileage, 22mpg city, 30mpg highway, putting the icing on the cake.

2008 Audi S6 Review

With enough power to have some real fun, the 2008 S6 fills the Audi mid-size performance slot. That 435-hp, 5.2-liter V-10 from Lamborghini lays out a consistently high torque plateau throughout the rpm spectrum. All this performance is mediated through a 6-speed automatic with overdrive while the essence of the car is unchanged for 2008.

With classy yet understated elegance, the interior of the S6 is a strongly masculine domain, accented with leather and rare wood. Equipped with up market AM/FM stereo and CD changer, the only sound sweeter than the V10's exhaust note is the concert-quality sound track you'll be hearing. The gray headliner is a perfect match for the muted tone of the wood accents. S6's instrumentation is easy to read and logically organized.

Powerful as the S6 is, its virility is tempered with state-of-the-art safety features such as: front and rear curtain airbags, front and rear seat torso airbags, and Quattro all-wheel drive. As a testament to that point, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) chose the Audi S6 as a Top Pick for frontal, side, and rear crash test safety.

Looking as solid as stone, the exterior of the 2008 Audi S6 is pulsing with dynamic style, from its Xenon headlamps with eye-catching LED running lights to its quad tailpipes. Riding on 19 inch wheels, the S6 is a statement of quiet domination over all other mid-size luxury performance cars. The only downside to owning the S6 is the penalty the US government imposes in the form of a $1300 tax, levied against vehicles that guzzle, not sip gasoline.