Audi

Two Mazdas, Honda Accord among Car and Driver’s 2013 Best

Two Mazda models, the perennial favorite Honda Accord and several sports cars and sedans have been selected in Car and Driver’s 32nd annual 10 Best list of 2013 cars with prices less than $80,000. Car and Driver this year recognized five all-new cars to redefining excellence for the entire industry. Half of the 10 vehicles selected have starting costs of less than $25,000. Car and Driver writes, “These are the vehicles that offer the most value, that elegantly and comprehensively fulfill their missions, and that engage their drivers in spirited conversation. They are not always the newest or the trendiest, but they are the consistent overachievers.” The 32nd Car and Driver 10Best and publication’s comments: Porsche Boxster/Cayman – “The secret

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Green Car of the Year?: BMW, Toyota, Mazda, Audi, Honda vie

The Audi A6 TDI, BMW 328d, Honda Accord, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla have been selected as finalists for the 2014 Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal. The winner will be announced at this year’s LA Auto Show beginning Nov. 19 with three media days. An increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year program each year, a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important “green” vehicles every year at the LA Auto Show, since its inaugural award announced at the show in 2005. Finalists are selected for their achievements in

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2013 Audi RS 5: Dynamic coupe a classically elegant race car

The all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 almost feels like a race car for the street, with its glued-to-the-road suspension, strong brakes and awesome, high-revving 4.2-liter V-8 that generates 450-horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. That naturally aspirated V-8 is good for an oh-my-gosh 0-60 mph time and, says Audi,  an electronically governed top speed of 174 mph. A rear spoiler automatically raises at 75 mph and retracts at 50 mph —or can be manually raised and lowered via the push of a button. The exhaust system has two chromed oval-shaped exhaust outlets integrated within the bumper. They emit a performance sound to fit the RS 5’s character and look as if designed by a skilled artist. Audi says the $68,900,

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Audi A7, 2012: A Weekly Driver 2012 Top 10

Launched at the 2010 Paris Auto Show and then to the United States market in April 2011 at New York Auto Show, the 2012 Audi 7 marked the manufacturer’s return to the luxury hatchback segment. The three-door Audi 100 (1970) and the five-door Avant (1977) were Audi’s previous upscale hatchbacks — and a lot has changed in 37 years. A friend said the 2012 Audi 7 is at the forefront of a new car segment — or at least a new segment en vogue for the first time in 40 years. He called the new sedan a Luxury Utility Vehicle or a Sporty Utility Vehicle. After a week with the A7, I think my friend makes an astute point. With

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The Weekly Driver: 2012 Top 10 Cars of the Year

For the sixth straight year, The Weekly Driver presents its top 10 cars of the year. Plenty of well-known auto sites announce best cars of the year lists at the beginning of the model year, which is sometimes still in the previous calendar year and sometimes before a car is available to the public. The Weekly Driver waits until the end of the calendar year. That makes more sense. It affords time to balance what might seem like a sure top-10 selection early in the year against cars reviewed at the end of the year. We admit in some instances, 2012 models were driven in late 2011. The Weekly Driver test drove 36 cars designated as 2012 models with full

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2013 best sedans: Ford Fiesta to Audi A8

Sedans are arguably the most competitive car segment, and the uniqueness of the Edmunds.com list for 2013 is that Toyota, which manufacturers the Camry and Corolla, both perennially among the top-10 selling cars in the United States, is not on the  recommended list in any sedan price category. None of the members of the Toyota Prius family of hybrid cars are on recommended sedan list, either, although Toyota products are listed in other recommended categories. Here’s the top-three in eight price categories for Edmunds.com, the online automotive information resource guide headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Under $15K Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent Under $18K Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus Under $25K Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Ultima Under

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2014 Audi R8: First makeover means lighter, faster, more powerful supercar

The 2014 Audi R8, a refreshed edition for the first time since the mid-engine, two-seat sports car was introduced in 2006, will feature more horsepower and a new, seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission when it debuts next spring in Canada. Optional on R8 V8 and standard on the R8 V10 Coupe and Spyder, the S tronic replaces the agricultural R tronic autobox that originated from the R8’s sister model, the Lamborghini Gallardo. The new Audi RB will also feature new lighter carbon fiber body components, lighter bucket seats and a streamlined interior. New LED headlights and tail lights will now be standard on the eight- and 10-cylinder Coupe and Spyder cloth-top convertible models. Matched with a 4.2-liter eight cylinder

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Lexus GS 350, 2013: Plush new sedan ready to challenge German luxury leaders BMW, Audi

Like its siblings throughout the Lexus line-up, the GS 350 has been redesigned for 2013. The fourth generation of the upscale midsize sedan is slightly wider and taller than previous editions and it’s also touted with improved steering, more power and increase fuel efficiency. The length and wheelbase remain the same as older models and the GS 350 still features a 3.5-liter V6. But its new exterior design has resulted in 25 percent more trunk capacity, and with all of its improvements Lexus is hoping to provide more competition for the dominating German brands. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Driving the GS 350 is everything that defines a luxury sedan, and as part of Toyota‘s upscale lineup, it did little

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Audi Allroad, 2013: New luxury car has many shades of wagon, crossover, sedan

After a seven-year absence, the 2013 Audi Allroad makes its return to the United States as a luxury vehicle and as a unique combination of a sporty wagon and versatile sporty crossover. The reason for the Allroad’s non-specific categorization is multi-fold. How is it possible to categorize a front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon with a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection and an eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode? The Weekly Driver Test Drive Like all Audis, the Allroad is a driver’s delight. I wish I would have had a long highway trip planned to further experience its open-road comfort and competent handling. While sleekly titled as an all-road vehicle

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Audi allroad, 2013: Smooth, versatile crossover returns to United States

The German Audi allroad returns to the United States for the first time since 2005 as a roomy car-like crossover vehicle. Or call it an oversized station wagon, if you like. Despite its German engineering, I found during a media preview of the allroad near Denver that this vehicle has a very American feel. For instance, while precise, the electromechanical steering almost feels a little too light. Some may like that feel, but those looking for a firmer “German feel” may look elsewhere—although the nicely built allroad is plenty solid, in the best German tradition. The allroad may look much like an off-road vehicle, but isn’t. Still, it easily tackles rough roads with its supple, all-independent suspension and Audi’s superior

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2013 Nissan GTR vs. 2012 Audi R8 vs. 2012 Jaguar XKR-S

By David Colman It isn’t often one has the opportunity to sample three of the fastest sports cars in the world back-to-back on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. But such an opportunity occurred during the recent Western Automotive Journalists’ 20th annual Media Day at Laguna Seca Raceway. The urge to compare the Nissan’s GT-R to Audi’s R8 and Jaguar’s XKR-S proved irresistible. 2013 NISSAN GT-R Even though this supercar has been on the market for a while and is in its second detail revision, I never had a chance to drive it. “That’s why we brought them out” said Nissan PR chief Tim Gallagher, “Because we know many of you haven’t been in one yet.” Gallagher requisitioned two GT-R Black Edition

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Chevrolet dominates 2012 safest small cars list

Advanced design, safety features more stringent seatbelt and DUI laws have resulted decreased traffic fatalities in recent years. But nearly 33,000 people died in traffic accident in the United States in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA further details the yearly death vehicular accidents mean a fatality occurs once every 16 minutes and that vehicle collisions remain the leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of three and 34. As such, with an increase in the purchase of small cars because of better fuel efficiency, safety or lack of safety are omnipresent in small cars. And the begs the question: What are the safety small cars. Forbes.com has compiled a list of

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Audi A4, 2012: powerful sports sedan with manual shifting makes driving fun again

By Dan Tsuchiya Does anyone buy sedans with manual transmissions anymore? Many drivers view cars simply as transportation to get from point A to point B. Add a few extra dollars for a luxury sedan and the list of drivers interested in shifting further drops. But the manual transmission in the 2012 Audi A4 might bring back some of those drivers who have drifted off to "Automatic Land." When the current A4 debuted in 2009, it was up against a strong contingent, the C-class Mercedes and 3 Series BMW. Audi increased the competition with roomier and better looking A4. Introduction in early 2010 of the direct-injected turbo 2.0L engine made the car more balanced and agile. Since then, Audi has

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Audi A4, 2012: Beautifully built, fast and firm

Sorry you gave up your sports car because you needed more room? You won’t feel bad after driving the 2012 Audi S4 — the hot rod sedan version of the automaker’s popular A4 sedan/wagon. The 2012 A4 has a remarkably strong turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 211 horsepower and is fun to drive. But the S4,which I tested, has a 3.3-liter supercharged V-6 with 333-horsepower and considerably more torque. All models are compact sports sedans, except an A4 station wagon also is offered. The A4 was redesigned for 2009 as a third-generation model, and the S4 arrived for 2010. All have minor trim changes for 2012. No A4/S4 is inexpensive. Prices start at $32,500 for the A4, and the S4

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Audi A6, 2012: Refined sports sedan growls, showcases proud heritage

By Twain Mein Audi introduced the mid-sized A6 sedan in 200. It had an optional 4.2 liter V8 featuring 300 horsepower, swollen fender flares to accommodate low-profile 40-series tires, and a more performance-oriented handling package to compete with the BMW 540i. The A6 4.2 was a practical and roomy sedan with all-wheel drive, luxury, and class leading handling and power. It was voted a Top 10 by Car and Driver in its inaugural year and in 2001. This 4.2 variant is the spiritual predecessor to the 3.0 TFSI (aka, supercharged 6-cylinder) I recently tested. It’s clear that in 12 years, Audi hasn’t sat idle. In fact, the new A6 3.0 TFSI blows away its predecessor. Though the new model has

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Academy Awards: Mercedes-Benz joins Hyundai, debuts new hybrid commercial

Mercedes-Benz will join Hyundai during the 82nd annual Academy Awards as carmakers debuting commercials for new 2012 models. In the instance of Mercedes-Benz, the debut will be showcased in a 30-second spot call "Tree of Innovation" and it will be for the S400 HYBRID. The commercial also showcases the company's expanding repertoire of environmentally oriented vehicles. The ad is the first to feature the new "voice" for Mercedes-Benz advertising, Jon Hamm, the Golden Globe winning star of the TV series Mad Men. Hyundai is debuting two 30-second spots for the 2012 Azera. Jeff Bridges, the Academy Award winning actor, is the voice of Hyundai. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the

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