VW/ Audi Archives

Following the release of the 2012 Beetle 2.5L and Turbo models, VW has now taken the wraps off the 2013 Beetle TDI with its 2.0L diesel engine.

The 2013 Beetle TDI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection clean diesel engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic. VW estimates that the Beetle TDI will get 39 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.

The Beetle TDI will be offered in three trim lines when it goes on sale this summer: TDI; TDI with Sunroof; and TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation.

Audi has announced the pricing for the limited-production 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder, which starts at $210,000.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder is an open-top version of the R8 GT and is powered by a 560 horsepower 5.2L V10. It reaches 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph.

The final weight of the R8 GT Spyder has been reduced by 187 lbs thanks to its magnesium engine frame and carbon fiber side panels. It also gets a fixed rear spoiler thats made of carbon fiber. Compared to the R8 V10 Spyder, the R8 GT Spyder's suspension is stiffer and lowers the model by 10 millimeters.

The sad thing is that only 50 units are headed to the U.S.

Volkswagen has revealed the extended version of its new Super Bowl commerical. The extended 75-second spot "The Dog Strikes Back," features an overweight dog named Bolt who is inspired to whip himself into shape by the power and performance of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. When Bolt is unable to fit through the doggie door to chase after the Beetle, he decides to get himself in shape by working out.

"We believe this spot underscores the Volkswagen brand's unmatched advertising legacy. It manages to highlight the redesign and performance of the Beetle with the lighthearted touches that viewers expect from the VW brand," said Mike Sheldon, CEO, Deutsch LA, Volkswagen's creative Agency of Record.

The end of the spot recalls VW's Star Wars commercial from last year's game, "The Force."

Late last year VW unveiled a hotter version of its new Up! city car, the Up GT concept, which is basically like a GTI version. Following yesterday's unveiling of the five-door Up!, it's now being reported that the Up! GT will be produced as well.

The guys over at PistonHeads are reporting that VW has confirmed a production version of the Up! GT concept. The Up! GT is expected to be powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with around 110 horsepower. The small engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The concept also featured a more aggressive front fascia with larger ducts with LED daytime running lights and the rear employed a roof spoiler and black diffuser with dual tailpipes. The concept also rode on 17-inch alloy wheels and the interior had anthracite-colored seats offset by central panels with a blue checkered pattern.

Unfortunately just like the other Up! models, the U.S. will probably not be getting the Up! GT.

VW has unveiled the five-door version of its new Up! city car, which will go on sale in Europe this summer.

The five-door Up! has the same dimensions as the three-door and is powered by the same 1.0L 59 horsepower or 74 horsepower three-cylinder engines as well. VW expects that over half Up! buyers will choose the five-door version will cost around £400 more than three-door.

Audi has released a special-edition of the 2012 Audi S5, which was unveiled on Facebook.

The special edition U.S. model doesn't look that much different than a regular S5, other than its unique Daytona Grey paint, 19-inch alloy wheels or two-tone interior. Oh and just in case you're wondering, this is S5 is still powered by the original 4.2L V8. The new S5 has ditched the V8 for a supercharged 3.0L V6.

Only 125 units of the special edition S5 are going to be produced and it's reportedly going to start at $68,700.

According to the guys over at Autoblog, VW is going to unveil the diesel-powered 2013 Beetle TDI at the Chicago Auto Show next month. VW hasn't released any official details about the diesel Beetle, but it's expected that it will be powered by the same 2.0L turbo-diesel that powers the diesel Golf, Jetta and Passat models.

In the Golf, the 2.0L diesel generates 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque and gets up to 42 mpg. The diesel will be also reportedly be offered in the upcoming Beetle convertible, which is going to arrive later this year.

VW had two big debuts at the this month's 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster concept. While the Jetta Hybrid is already slated to be introduced this fall, there is a chance that the E-Bugster concept could also be produced as the third variant of the Beetle, after the upcoming Beetle convertible.

Autocar recently spoke to the E-Bugster's designer, Mark Lichter who stated "This is a serious proposal for a speedster Beetle and I am sure it will come for production. We just need to find the business case."

Lichter found inspiration for the concept from his own 964 Porsche 911 Speedster. He also stated, "A Beetle Speedster is the perfect car for the US."

The E-Bugster concept looks almost identical to the production Beetle, but with three inches chopped off the roof and slightly tweaked front and rear fascias. The concept was powered by a 114 horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

To celebrate the arrival of the 2012 VW Golf R at U.S. dealerships VW has released the "Golf R Drivers Forever" iPad app. The app provides access to everything you would need to know about the Golf R.

Told through the perspective of VW enthusiasts and drivers who helped bring this car to the United States, the app provides an interactive narrative on the evolution of the Golf from its days as the Rabbit in the 1970's all the way to the present 2012 Golf R model.

"The Golf R app was created to celebrate and thank the Volkswagen brand's community of enthusiasts because they represent what makes the Golf R special," said Jon Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "The app will help build awareness around the Volkswagen brand heritage and we are excited to offer this innovative approach that illustrates the performance of the Golf R."

The 2012 Golf R is powered by a 2.0L TSI engine with 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft. of torque. The 2.0L is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. For the first time, the Golf R will be available in two-and four-door models starting at $33,990.

Audi has released some of the details about its new 60 second spot that will air during the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. The upcoming 60 second spot will focus on Audi's LED headlights and the 2013 Audi S7.

"With LED, there's no mistaking an Audi. Since pioneering the technology nearly ten years ago, LED lights have established the Audi persona have become one of the most recognizable features on the road," said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. "Like our LEDs, this year's Super Bowl spot will be unmistakably Audi."

The high-performance version of the A7 five-door coupe, the S7 is powered by a new 4.0L TFSI V8 that generates 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The S7 will reach 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

This is the fifth consecutive time that Audi has created a spot for the Super Bowl.

Audi has chosen to unveil the Q3 Vail concept in Detroit, which is a concept version of Audi's smallest crossover, the Q3 that is currently not sold in North America. With the unveiling of the Q3 Sail, Audi announced that it is bringing the Q3 to North America next year.

The Q3 Vail gets its name from Colorado ski resort and is powered by a 314 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The 2.5L five-cylinder is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. According to Audi, the Q3 Vail reaches 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph.

The Q3 Vail doesn't look that different from the production version of the Q3, but it's painted in Energy Red and gets flared wheel arches and running boards that are matte grey. The concept rides on 20-inch wheels and the interior continues the black, gray and red them of the exterior.

As expected, VW has unveiled the hybrid version of the Jetta sedan. The 2013 Jetta Hybrid is the second hybrid to carry a VW badge and will be the most fuel-efficient Jetta available.

The Jetta Hybrid is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine that develops 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. The 1.4L engine is mated to a 27 horsepower electric motor that gets its energy from a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that sits behind the rear seat. The entire system sends its power to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

According to VW the Jetta Hybrid can reach 0-60 mph in less than nine seconds and will deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 45 mpg. The Jetta Hybrid can also be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for up to 1.2 miles.

The Jetta Hybrid will be offered in three trims, but Bluetooth, LED taillights and 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard. Bi-xenon headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights, the RNS 315 navigation system, a rear-view camera and the Fender Premium Audio System are optional.

What we have here is an all-electric Beetle, dubbed the E-Bugster Concept that is debuting at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The VW E-Bugster Concept starts with the new "more masculine" Beetle but with three-inches chopped off the roof and slightly modified front and rear fascias. The concept also rides on large 20-inch wheels.

Under the hood the E-Bugster is powered by a 114 horsepower electric motor with 199 lb-ft. of torque that gets its power from a 695-pound lithium-ion battery. The concept has a range of 100 miles and can be quick charged up to 80 percent in 30 minutes.

We can expect to see this electric powertrain in the upcoming Golf blue-e-motion.

Audi has officially unveiled the most powerful A1 yet, the A1 Quattro.

The A1 Quattro is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that packs 256 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual. According to Audi the A1 Quattro will reach 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 152 mph.

The A1 Quattro uses a McPherson strut suspension in the front and a four-link axle at the rear. The electrohydraulic power steering has a 14.8:1 steering ratio and the ESP system includes a sport mode and can be switched off entirely for a trip to the race track. It rides on Glacier White 18-inch alloy wheels that feature an exclusive turbine design.

The A1 Quattro is only available in Glacier White metallic with a painted high-gloss black roof. It also gets a new front bumper with larger air intakes and the rear bumper is unique with dual tailpipes.

Unfortunately only 333 units are going to be produced and none of them are headed to the U.S.

Next month VW is going to debut a new electric car concept at the Detroit Auto Show in addition to a hybrid version of the Jetta.

The electric car is being labeled as strictly a concept car and it is not based on any current VW production car. Although the concept car may borrow some styling cues from the VW Beetle.

The Jetta hybrid will be a be powered by a turbocharged 1.4L engine mated to an electric motor. The Jetta hybrid will arrive in showrooms late next year.

VW unveiled the Cross Coupe concept at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, which was a preview of the design of VW's future SUVs and a possible new model that would be smaller than the Tiguan.

According to VW R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, VW is reportedly using the concept to test reaction to a new compact crossover that would go head to head with the Range Rover Evoque.

"We think the SUV segment will grow, and the number of SUV variants will grow," he said. "Customers are showing that they like SUVs with a sporty, muscular image, and especially because of the high seating position."

The Cross Coupe, if it's produced could also lead to other variants, including a three-door version. The overall styling of the Cross Coupe concept will also show up in future VW SUVs like the Tiguan. The front end of the concept is expected to heavily influence the face of the next Tiguan.

It's already been rumored, but now we have a confirmation from Walter de' Silva, design boss at VW that Audi is going to release a rival to the BMW X6.

Ever since rumors started about an Audi rival, it's been dubbed the Audi Q6, since it will slot in between Audi's Q7 and Q5 crossovers. De' Silva didn't release any details on when the new model will arrive.

De' Silva also stated that Audi is currently mulling the idea of a smaller SUV that will fit in between the Q5 and Q3. The model, most likely to be named the Q4 will go head to head with BMW's X4 that is going to arrive in 2014.

VW has unveiled the Cross Coupe concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. According to VW the Cross Coupe concept SUV is an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid that is a preview of the future.

The Cross Coupe concept is based on VW's new modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform. The four-seater SUV is powered by two electric motors (one at each axle) and a direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine. The electric motors and turbocharged engine have a combined output of 262 horsepower. The Cross Coupe concept can travel up to 25 miles alone on electric power and reach 0-62 mph in 7.0 seconds.

The Cross Coupe concept is longer than the current VW Golf, but shorter than the Tiguan.

Earlier this year it was reported that VW was thinking about expanding its current SUV lineup with a three-row crossover, now according to the guys over at Car and Driver, the plans are on.

VW's competitor to the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer will most likely be built at VW's Chattanooga, Tennessee plant and share its platform with the VW Passat. It will also most likely have VW's 3.6L V6 as its standard engine, with a 3.0L diesel V6 being optional. The three-row SUV will also be cheaper than the VW Touareg, which starts at $42,975. Expect it to start somewhere around $30,000. The arrival of the three-row crossover could also be the end of the Chrysler based Routan minivan.

Car and Driver also reports that the next VW Tiguan will be more oriented toward American car buyers. The next one will be more like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue.

Consumer Reports has announced the results of its latest midsize luxury sedan comparison test. The test evaluated four sedans: Audi A6, Infiniti M35h, Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec, and Saab 9-5. Out of the four, the Audi A6 grabbed the top spot.

According to CR the Audi A6 received a score of 93, which ties it with the previously tested Infiniti M37. The A6's score of 93 is a significant jump from the previously tested A6 that only received a test score of 79. CR applauded the A6 for its combination of strong acceleration, agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a quiet, well-finished interior.

"The redesigned Audi A6 is an impressive car and a joy to drive," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, CT.

The Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec had the highest fuel economy in the group at 26mpg, which beat the hybrid Infiniti M35h's 25 mpg in the test. The Saab 9-5 received the lowest score out of the four sedans and is not recommended by CR due to its noisy engine, poor acceleration, stiff ride and poor visibility.

VW has given us a preview of the Passat Alltrack that is going to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Passat Alltrack is based on the Passat Estate that we unfortunately do not get in the U.S.

The Passat Alltrack is a more rugged version of the Passat Estate with its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and raised ride height. The Passat Alltrack also gets extra body cladding to protect it from the elements when the paved road ends.

The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system sends 90 percent of the power to the front wheels during normal driving to save fuel, but if extra traction is need almost 100 percent of the power can be sent to the rear wheels. The Passat Alltrack also has an off-road mode that can be switched on via a dashboard-mounted button. The off-road mode activates hill descent assist, which automatically brakes the vehicle when the descent angle is greater than 10 degrees.

In the UK the VW Passat Alltrack, which will be in dealers by July can be powered by either a 2.0L TDI mated to a six-speed manual or a 2.0L TDI mated to a six-speed DSG transmission.

Audi is denying it, but there are reports that Audi is going to give us our first look at the next TT at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of this month.

A single sketch has also surfaced showing the possible new design direction for the next TT, which looks like the combination of the current TT with the Quattro and e-tron concepts.

Little is known about the next TT, but it's expected to move upmarket and away from its current Golf underpinnings. The TT will remain with it's front engine and quattro layout, but will be positioned more as a Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK competitor than it is now.

Audi has just unveiled the next addition to the A1 family, the A1 Sportback five-door hatchback. The five-door will arrive in early 2012 and will hopefully attract buyers that love the A1 three-door, but that need an extra two doors.

The A1 Sportback can be powered by a choice of three TFSI gasoline and three TDI diesel engines producing between 86 hp and 185 hp. The engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic, although some engines can be equipped with the seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Inside the A1 Sportback has comes standard with seats for four, but a fifth seat is optional. Headroom and shoulder room have increased slightly compared to the three-door. With the rear seats up, the A1 Sportback has 9.5 cubic feet of space for your stuff, with the rear seats down that number jumps to 32 cubic feet.

Will the A1 Sportback come to the U.S.? Nope. Just like the three-door, we won't be so lucky...

Four years ago VW brought us the CC four-door coupe, which was a more affordable take on the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Some 270,000 people worldwide have fallen in love with the stylish VW since it was introduced and now its time for a refresh.

The 2013 CC is going to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in two weeks. The refreshed CC gets new front and rear styling and and more standard equipment like Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front Lighting System and LED taillights.

VW hasn't announced what other changes the CC is getting, but it's expected to keep the same 2.0L and 3.6L engines as the current model. The 2013 CC will go on sale in the spring.

Following up the release of the 2012 up! city car, VW has unveiled the GT up! Concept, which adds a bit more style and sport to the small VW.

The GT up! starts with the three-door hatchback, but then adds a larger grille to let in more air for the engine, which according to VW could put out more than 100 horsepower. The bumper also employs larger ducts with LED daytime lights to help cool the front brakes. The GT up! concept rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and the rear of the concept gets a new roof spoiler and a black diffuser with dual tailpipes.

The sportier theme continues on the inside with anthracite-colored seats offset by central panels with a blue checkered pattern that recalls the seats in the VW GTI.

The GT up! concept hasn't been confirmed for production, but it's a possibility one day.

It's been at least four years since rumors starting circulating that Audi is going to release a an R4 that would slot in between the TT and R8 in Audi's lineup. Earlier this year reports came out that Audi had officially killed the plans for an R4, but now a new report claims that those plans are back on.

According to Auto Express an Audi insider gave strong hints that the R4 is headed for production. "If the go-ahead was given today, it would take around three years to put into production."

If it is finally released, the R4 will take styling cues from the e-tron Spyder. Expect it to be powered by Audi's 2.5L five-cylinder turbo with around 400 horsepower mated to the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

It's still not known if the R4 will be built on a shortened R8 platform or the new mid-engined chassis that debuted with the VW BlueSport concept back in 2009.

Audi has officially unveiled the revised 2013 A4 and S4 models, which will be available in the U.S. next June.

The Audi A4 and S4 models get updates on the outside that include a revised hood and grille and redesigned bumpers. The headlights have also been restyled and the taillights feature a new design that mimics the headlights. Although Audi made a list of revisions to the exterior the overall dimensions have not changed much.

The interior gets new steering wheels, upgraded leather seats and an MMI system that now only has four buttons compared to eight on the current model.

In Europe, Audi offers a choice of six diesel and four gasoline engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations. The S4 sedan and S4 Avant are powered by a 3.0 TFSI with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft.

2013 also sees the return of an Allroad model to the Audi lineup in the U.S. with the A4 Allroad, which is based on the A4 Avant, but has seven inches of ground clearance and permanent all-wheel drive.

VW has announced plans to unveil two new production models at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. The two new models will have their global debut at the show, which means that this will be the first time the world will ever see them.

What will they be? There's a good chance that one of the new models will be a convertible version of the 2012 Beetle. It's less certain what the other model will be, although it could be the three-row crossover that VW is rumored to be working on.

Stay tuned...

VW is finally bringing the high-performance Golf R to the U.S. early next year. VW has just announced the pricing and official specs for the 2012 Golf R, which starts at $33,990.

The Golf R is powered by an updated version of the EA113 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, rather than the EA888 engine used in the current GTI. It packs 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque compared to only 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque in the GTI. Even with 256 horsepower under the hood the Golf R is expected to get 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual and VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

The Golf R is available as a two or four-door. It comes standard with Bi-Xenon headlights, leather seats, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system. The Sunroof and Navigation package starts at 35,490 for the two-door model and includes a sunroof, navigation system, push button start and 300-watt audio system. The four-door with the Sunroof and Navigation package starts at $36,090.

Audi officially unveiled the 2012 Audi RS5 in Frankfurt earlier this month. The high-performance version of the Audi A5 is officially headed to the U.S. and now there are rumors that Audi is working on a convertible version of the RS5.

Leaked patent drawings of a 2012 RS5 Cabrio have showed up and provides some proof that the high-performance convertible is actually planned. The convertible RS5 will likely have a soft top like the A5 and S5 cabrios. It will also get the same 450 horsepower 4.2L V8 as the coupe. It's not known when the convertible will be released.

Audi is still mulling the idea of bringing its newest crossover, the Q3 to the United States. According to Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America it could finally come here in three years when the crossover gets its midlife update.

Nysschen stated, "We have to look at the economic feasibility, and it has to hit targets. We have to overcome certain challenges." The biggest hurdle will be pricing the Q3 low enough to make it attractive, but at a level that Audi can still make a profit.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member for sales and marketing stated, "I think the U.S. is ready for a car below the Q5."

Audi has also been focusing more on the upper segments like the A8 and A7 in an effort to improve the brand's presence in those segments. The lower priced Q3 is at the opposite end of the luxury segment.

One model that could push Audi to bring the Q3 here is the BMW X1 crossover, which is about the same size. After several delays, the X1 will be re-evaluated for the U.S. in about another year and a half, when the X1 gets its midlife facelift.

It's been rumored that VW is set to prove that it's serious about making the Beetle far sportier than the we've ever experienced with a high-performance R variant. VW gave us a preview of what the Beetle R could be like with the debut of the Beetle R Concept in Frankfurt.

In the past even though VW has offered a turbocharged engine in the Beetle, it still wasn't anything that would be described as overtly sporty. The 2012 Beetle is attempting to change that with the Beetle Turbo that is powered by the same 200-HP 2.0L turbocharged engine as the much loved GTI. VW is taking the Beetle even further with the R concept. VW already has R variants of the Scirocco and Golf. The Beetle R represents a possible third R version, although VW is still labeling it as a design study.

The Beetle R concept is painted in Serious Grey and rides on 20-inch Talladega wheels, which are the same design that the Golf R and Scirocco R use, although they are smaller on those two models. Immediately you can tell that this is not a normal Beetle by the concept's reworked front and rear bumpers, which have been widened by 1.2 inches.

The interior of the Beetle R concept gets motorsport bucket seats for the driver and front passenger. The seats are embossed with the R logo and are covered in black Nappa leather.

VW hasn't announced the exact power specs for the Beetle R Concept, but when it is likely put into production it will have power that mimics that of the Golf R and Scirocco R, which is around 260 horsepower.

Audi is finally intent on offering its high-performance RS line here in the U.S. Following the release of the 2012 TT RS, Audi has officially announced that the second RS model headed to the U.S. will be the 2012 RS5.

The 2012 RS5 is the most powerful A5 available and is pwoered by a 4.2L V8 that is related to the V10 that does duty in the R8 supercar. The 4.2L FSI V8 packs 450 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque. The V8 is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. According to Audi the RS5 reaches 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 174 mph.

One interesting feature on the 2012 RS5 is the fact that the front fascia will only have one fog light. It does look a little off, but the RS5 does get standard xenon headlights with daytime LED running lights.

Audi has released the first photos of the A2 Concept that will be unveiled in Frankfurt next week.

The A2 concept comes some six years after the original A2 production car. The A2 concept is a pure electric car that will go head to head with other electric models like the upcoming BMW i3 when it is released in two years.

The A2 concept is powered by an electric motor mated to a single-speed transmission that powers the front wheels. The A2 concept has a range of 125 miles and can be fully charged in as little as four hours with a 240-volt outlet.

The all-new 2012 VW Beetle is almost here and if you can't wait to get online and spec it out the way you want it, VW has just launched the online configurator.

The 2012 Beetle starts at $19,765 for the base Beetle that is powered by a 170 horsepower 2.5L five-cylinder. The base Beetle comes with 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system. Adding an automatic transmission pushes the price up to $20,895.

The more awesome turbocharged Beetle starts at $23,395 and is powered by the same 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L engine as the GTI. A fully equipped Beetle Turbo will go for about $30,000.

Audi has decided to release three new S models at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year, the S6 and S6 Avant, S8 and the S7 you see here.

The S7 is now currently the most powerful version of the A7 with its new twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8. The 4.0L V8 is the same engine in the S6 and S6 Avant models. It generates 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. The S7 reaches 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The 4.0L V8 is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The S7 comes standard with an adaptive air suspension, matte black brake calipers with S7 logos and 19-inch wheels. Inside the S7 gets S badges and the sport seats are covered in a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara.

The Audi S7 is scheduled to arrive in the spring.

Audi has unveiled the high-performance version of the A6, the S6 and S6 Avant. Joining those models is the high-performance version of the A8, the S8.

The flagship S8 is powered by a new twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 that generates 520 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque. The 4.0L V8 replaces the old 5.2L V10. The 2012 S8 reaches 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds and as a electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Compared to the old 5.2L V10, the new 4.0L is almost 23 percent more fuel efficient thanks to "cylinder on demand" technology and a start-stop system. The 4.0L V8 is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Audi has unveiled the high-performance S6 and S6 Avant models ahead of their debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The S6 and S6 Avant are powered by a new twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 that pumps out 420 horsepower and 405 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-62 mph in as little as 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. The 4.0L V8 is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The new engine replaces the old 5.2L V10 and is 25 percent more fuel efficient. A start-stop system and a new "cylinder on demand" cylinder management system help contribute to the reduce fuel consumption of the new engine.

The S6 and S6 Avant come standard with an adaptive air suspension, black brake calipers with S6 logos and 19-inch wheels. S6 models also stand out with four chrome-tipped tailpipes and a rear spoiler.

Other standard equipment on the S6 and S6 Avant includes xenon headlights, LED taillights, the MMI audio system with Bluetooth and ten speakers. Buyers can choose to add LED headlights, adaptive light, an ambient lighting package, convenience key, head-up display, and the parking system plus with 360° camera.

The S6 models are expected to be released in the spring.

"The power of a six-cylinder model, the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder version." Not really something that we haven't heard before, but that is how Audi is describing the upcoming Audi A8 Hybrid. Audi has released the official specs and photos of the 2013 Audi A8 Hybrid before its world debut in Frankfurt next month.

The Audi A8 Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder and an electric motor that together puts out 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft. of torque. The power is transmitted to the ground via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The A8 Hybrid gets 37 mpg U.S. and can travel up to 62 mph on electricity alone. It can also travel up to 1.86 miles using the power supplied by the lithium-ion battery pack.

The 2013 Audi A8 Hybrid is scheduled to arrive sometime in 2012.

VW has revealed the 2012 Up! before its official debut in Frankfurt next month. The production version of the Up! comes four years after the original concept debuted in 2007.

VW's new entry-level model stays true to the concept, but gets a more conventional front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The Up! is based on VW's new MQB platform. In Europe it will be powered by a turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder TSI gasoline engine. The base 59 horsepower version gets 56 mpg on the European cycle and the more powerful 74 horsepower version gets 54.6 mpg. The 1.0L engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed clutchless auto. Even though the Up! is a new entry-level model for Europe, VW hasn't announced any plans for a diesel-powered Up!

The three-door Up! will go on sale in Europe in December 2011, with a five-door version set to be released in the second half of 2012. VW has also announced plans for a plug-in electric Up! Sadly there are no plans to released to he Up! in the U.S.