Happy New Year - Audi jacks up prices for 2011

Audi is hiking prices on certain models for 2011.

In Germany, Audi prices for the TT, Q7, A8 and R8 models will rise by an average of 0.9 percent and those hikes can be expected in most other European markets too.

For the flagship R8 supercar, starting price on the 4.2 liter V8 variant will be €110,000 instead of €109,100. The R8 Spyder goes up by €1,000 to €122,100.

The A8 3.0 TDI will start at €79,900 - a €700 bump. But base price on the Q7 3.0 TDI stays put at €51,800. The Q7 3.0 liter petrol gets a €600 hike to €53,500.

The entry-level Audi TT with the 160 PS 1.8 liter petrol will go up by €300 to start at €30,500.

Price hikes take effect as of January 17, 2011.
Source: Auto Bild

Audi Q7 by MR Car Design

MR Car design has a tuning kit that turns the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI into the 'Floating on a Cloud Q-Seven'.

The German tuner, headed by Marc Reilly, starts with a few touches to the body including new LED daytimers and LED indicator strips.

For an output upgrade, the 4.2 liter TDI diesel engine gets a new K & N air filter and some ECU optimization that dials power up to 374 PS/275 kW (series 326 PS/240 kW) and 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) of torque (series 760 Nm/560 lb-ft). MR Car Design also offers to lift the "tiresome" (as they describe it) Vmax and remove any electronic speed limit.

The Erftstadt-based tuner provides the Q7 with new 22-inch alloy wheels, MRGT22, in 9.5 x 22 dimensions with Icebear (polar bear) W300 tires sized 265/35R22. Electronic suspension lowering is also on offer.



For the cabin, customers can opt to borrow the steering wheel from the current Audi RS6 - a special request option by MR Car Design.
Source: MR Car Design

MTM Audi R8 GT3-2: 560 horsepower and rear-wheel drive

German tuning company MTM doesn't necessarily do things the conventional way. Remember the Bimoto, the twin-engined Audi TT that could hit 244 mph? Yeah, different. That's why we weren't surprised to see this modified Audi R8 come across our desks. MTM has done some conventional tuning with the car – like supercharging the 4.2-liter V8 – but it's also performed a procedure we've yet to see. The front-wheel drive portion of the Quattro system has been removed, making the car a pure rear-driver. According to MTM, this change provides a "complete new driving experience behind the Audi steering wheel and pure driving pleasure."

To share this experience with their customers, MTM is now offering a GT3-2 conversion for any V8-powered Audi R8. The package includes the aforementioned supercharger system, which is good for 560 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, carbon fiber aero parts, larger front and rear brakes, adjustable Bilstein suspension, MTM's unique Bimoto forged wheels and more.

[Source: MTM]



More Audi Cars in LuxuryAutos Blog:
+   2011 Audi A3 Receives Minor Exterior and Interior Revisions
+  Audi RS7 Concept Artist Design Interpretation
+  Pics aplenty: 2010 Audi TT RS is ready for its closeup
+  New ABT AS3 based on Audi A3 Facelift Revealed
+  JMS Audi A3 Sportback Body Kit Released
+  Audi RS5 Headed for 2009 Detroit Motor Show
+  Audi A5 Sportback Illustration
+  Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept Revealed
+  Audi A3 Cabrio’s fast show
+  2008 Audi R8
+  MTM Audi RTT: R8-beating, Bauhaus lunacy
+  New Audi Q5 Shapes Up
+  Fleet Update: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2

2011 Audi A3 Receives Minor Exterior and Interior Revisions

udi has freshened up the Audi A3 for the 2011 model year. The car, which was fully facelifted in 2008, will see changes to the entire line, including the Sportback and Cabrio.

New features on the car include the use of glossy black surfaces on B-pillars and grille, chrome touches at the air intakes, door handles, and side mirrors, and a redesigned rear diffuser. Taillights are also covered by a tinted lens on the three-door model.

Also featured are new exterior colors, like Amethyst Gray, Dakota Gray, Scuba Blue, and Volcano Red. New customers may also choose from two new 17-inch wheels, and a new 18-inch design. Inside, the driver will find a redesigned leather wheel and gear lever, black gloss trim elements, aluminum trim inserts, and instruments with a gray background.

Audi has not yet disclosed when they will take orders on the 2011 Audi A3 and S3.



More Audi Cars in LuxuryAutos Blog:
+  Audi RS7 Concept Artist Design Interpretation
+  Pics aplenty: 2010 Audi TT RS is ready for its closeup
+  New ABT AS3 based on Audi A3 Facelift Revealed
+  JMS Audi A3 Sportback Body Kit Released
+  Audi RS5 Headed for 2009 Detroit Motor Show
+  Audi A5 Sportback Illustration
+  Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept Revealed
+  Audi A3 Cabrio’s fast show
+  2008 Audi R8
+  MTM Audi RTT: R8-beating, Bauhaus lunacy
+  New Audi Q5 Shapes Up
+  Fleet Update: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2

Audi RS7 Concept Artist Design Interpretation

This is an artist's imagining of a possible Audi RS7.

This RS7 rendering sees the car with a rear-mounted engine, with design elements much like the current (real) Audi R8, including the contrast in color between the engine bonnet and the rest of the body.

But here the contrast becomes more defined, with a stark black covering the rear engine bay and extending to the rear of the body, covering the rear wheel wells too.

The horizontal design lines resonate Lamborghini, just like the R8 does, but also provide a larger curve over the front wheel wells adding a more organic touch to the RS7.

In 1982, Audi introduced its redesigned 5000 to the world and unwittingly influenced the shape of sedans to come. The 5000's smooth flanks, disk wheels and flush-mounted side glass were replicated by a generation of cars over the next two-and-a-half decades, and when its successor debuted in 1994, the A6 grew some curves while retaining Audi's patented blend of staid Germanic modernity.

The 2009 Audi A6 isn't nearly as revolutionary. It sits atop the same C6 platform we've known since 2005, and last year, the automaker gave its upper mid-sizer a mild makeover consisting of new front and rear fascias, light clusters and a few interior tweaks. Maybe that's why Audi thought it need to commission actor Jason Statham to star in a multi-million dollar Super Bowl advert to boost the A6's image. Well, that and to highlight the automaker's all-new supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 – the same engine due to be fitted to several new Audis, including the 2010 Audi S4. How does the restyled A6 fair during a week of testing? And more importantly, is this new blown V6 a suitable replacement for Audi's 4.2-liter V8? Find out after the jump.

Pics aplenty: 2010 Audi TT RS is ready for its closeup

Audi has released a plethora of new beautiful photographs of the Audi TT RS Coupe and Roadster, and it just makes us want them to change their mind about bringing the car to the United States even more. After all, what's not to love? The 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder puts out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft torque running through a six-speed manual transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system.

It also comes with other goodies like a stiffer suspension, five-spoke 18-inch wheels, more aggressive exterior styling, Alcantara /leather sports seats, and more. Why wouldn't we want a TT that has all that?

A Pure Driving Machine developing 340 bhp

Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one at that. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with direct gasoline injection; it produces 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a top-notch sports car – available as a coupé or roadster.

New ABT AS3 based on Audi A3 Facelift Revealed

ABT has released a tuning kit for the facelift Audi A3. The tuner calls it AS3 and it's more than just a cosmetic surgery. Getting into the exterior detail first we see that ABT has modified a few components such as the front grille, the bonnet, the fenders and the front bumpers. Even the front LED lights have changed shape form the standard bulbs.

The rest of the bodywork is made up of new side skirts, a front spoiler insert, fender inserts and a rear apron. ABT's recognisable four tailpipe unit gives the cars more presence. ABT AR or BR alloy wheels measuring 18 or 19-inch are recommended for the AS3. The suspension has been lowered by 35mm to improve handling and agility.

JMS Audi A3 Sportback Body Kit Released

German tuner JMS has released a wild tuning package for the humble Audi A3. The “Racelook Exclusiv” kit provides an aggressive, tuned appearance to the hatchback A3. To take the conservative family hatchback over the styling edge, JMS now provides a coil-over suspension kit that lowers the A3 by 55mm at the front and 45mm at the rear. Massive nineteen-inch eta-beta tettsut wheels in black with stainless steel inlays give the show car a race-ready stance.

To finish it off, JMS provides a full body kit, including a rear roof spoiler, a rear apron, side skirts and a deep front spoiler with cutouts for air intakes that can be screened with silver or black alloy mesh. The full kit costs about 5700 Euro. For more information, check out JMS’ website at www.racelook.de.

Audi RS5 Headed for 2009 Detroit Motor Show

Audi fans will be in for a special treat come the 2009 Detroit Motor Show when the Audi RS5 goes live to the public for the first time, many months after spy photos and renderings have long been doing the rounds. Although the RS5 will bare it all for the media world to see on January 11, 2009, US lovers of everything RS will have to make do with only this version for a while. That’s because Audi says the RS6 won't be heading for American dealerships, thanks to exceptionally stringent emissions laws Stateside.

Audi A5 Sportback Illustration

Following the leaked Audi roll out schedule until 2012 in Quattro Quarterly, we now have an artist rendering of the Audi A5 Sportback. The model is planed for September 2009 and will proceed with Audi’s aim to differentiate the A5 into a separate model family.

Before the A5 Sportback, there will be A5 Cabrio, and A4 Avant in March 2008. Obviously, the A5 Sportback will not remain a two-door as the coupe, but rather a five-door configuration. However, in order to be distinguished form the A4 Avant, the car might propose more sleek design in the rear with a more spacious cabin. The A5 Sportback will be equipped with bigger engines than the A4 Avant, such as 4.2 V8, although, the most sporty version will be the RS 5, which is expected to debut in early 2009.

Audi’s plan to catch sales and production up to BMW and Mercedes-Benz consists of enlarging the product range with 18 new models. That move will help the company reach 1 million vehicles sales in 2010 as those 18 new models will help push demand for the exotic niche models such as the Audi A5 Sportback. The A5 Sportback will be positioned between the Avant models of the A4 and A6.

Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept Revealed

Gobsmacked. Flabbergasted. Utterly speechless. When the sheets were pulled off of the Audi R8 V12 TDI - Audi's latest study model, the sound of jaws hitting the floor was impressive. About as impressive as the gasoline powered Audi R8 is in real life, we can only imagine what the diesel TDI version can do when it is let loose on the roads. After all, the R10 diesel race car is about as succesful as the R8 is.

The Audi R8 is of course a major success for the four-ringed brand from Germany. R8's are sold out for the remainder of the year and this 500 hp / 1,000 Nm torque Grace Silver monster is sure to be picked up as fast as Audi can make them should the German Manufacturer decide to proceed with production, but the entire WCF crew is united on this topic, please Audi, don't make us go without!

Just to drop some numbers, 0 – 100 km/h takes just 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of well over 300 km/h with peak torque at just 1,750 rpm. The engine is Euro 6 compliant, expected to be enforced by 2014.

Audi A3 Cabrio’s fast show

The lid has been lifted on Audi’s new drop-top. Meet the A3 Cabriolet, which gets an electric roof and looks that will turn heads wherever it goes.Arriving here in March, the newcomer will go up against BMW’s 1-Series Convertible and the new MINI Convertible, providing style-conscious sun-worshippers with a cheaper option to the A4 Cabriolet.Thanks to the hood’s super-fast set-up, it will be ideal for Britain’s unpredictable weather. And that’s because the new A3 goes from topless to top up in only nine seconds – considerably faster than its 1-Series rival’s 22-second figure.Completely automatic and requiring no catches to be released, the mechanism is controlled by a switch on the centre console, or via the key fob. It folds flush behind the rear seats, and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to around 20mph.

2008 Audi R8

Toronto, Ontario - I didn't realize, until I spent a long weekend with the Audi R8, just how many camera phones there were in the city of Toronto.

Having been cell-phone shopping only a few weeks before my R8 experience, I knew intuitively that camera phones were quite popular; that, indeed, almost every cell phone these days comes with a camera of some sort. But my oh my, they're everywhere. There in your side-view mirror, hanging out of cars sitting in your blind spot on the Gardiner Expressway, trying to get some footage of you accelerating away. They’re staring right at you through the back window of cars in front of you in traffic, panning back and forth to take in the full magnificence of the R8's LED driving-light arrangement and its big, low shield-shaped grille. They’re poking out from crowds at bus shelters, snapping a pic as you drive by. They’re there, right in your face as you come back to the car in a parking lot, hoping to sneak away and avoid any lengthy conversation.

I've driven more expensive cars than the Audi R8. I have driven faster cars and cars that make more noise and cars that go around corners faster. But I have never driven anything which draws quite so much attention.

The Toronto International Film Festival opened the same day I picked up the R8. On my drive home from work through the entertainment district, onlookers peered in the gunslit-shaped side windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrity and instead got an eyeful of fat Asian auto journalist - not old enough or thin enough to be Chow Yun-Fat and not in good enough shape to be Jackie Chan. One guy, I kid you not, even asked for my autograph, even though he didn't know who I was. The car was enough, he said; he'd glimpsed it parallel-parked on Richmond and had circled the block to take a closer look. Is this what celebrity feels like?

Such adulation from the masses comes at a price, of course, but perhaps not as high a price as you might expect. Oh sure, $139,000 to start (my tester listed at just over $150,000) is a big chunk of change in anybody's book, but curbside speculators always guessed high on the price scale. Perhaps it's the R8's proportions, which are long, low, wide and eerily reminiscent of the Lamborghini Gallardo with which it shares a little bit of DNA. Perhaps it was the detailing: delicate double-spoke alloys which barely wrapped around huge brake calipers bearing R8 logos, rear lights that looked like neon-outlined TV screens, that contrasting panel of silver on the side of my grey test car. Perhaps it's the specs: 420 horses from its dry-sump, direct-injection V8, six speeds, four-wheel drive, and only two seats. Perhaps it's the technology: magnetic ride-control suspension, GPS navigation, optional F1-style paddle shifters.

The darn thing LOOKS high-tech too, a combination of its tall windshield, jewelled lights, the vents cut into those side panels, and the mesh-inset rear wing which automatically rises at 110 km/h. "One-forty?" people gawped. "It looks like should be two-fifty!"

One-forty it is, though, making Audi's most direct target the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which stickers at about $10,000 less than the R8 but is about equivalent when equipment is evenly matched. Curious about the reaction the R8 would get, I took it to an informal gathering of Porsche and Corvette enthusiasts that meets every Saturday in the parking lot of a suburban coffee shop. It was, not surprisingly, the star of the show, swarmed by interested would-be owners who loved its design, its interior and the sound its V8 made. The only disappointment, really, seemed to come from the fact that all of the next year's allocation of 100 cars is already sold out, making R8 ownership an unlikely proposition even for people who can afford it. It's all part of Audi's plan to keep the car exclusive enough to stay special.

In terms of the way the R8 compares behind the wheel, the Porsche has its advantages and it has its disadvantages. The main difference is that the 911 feels smaller once you're on the move. Its narrower body, more upright seating position and larger glass area make it easier to thread through traffic and along winding roads with precision; the Audi, despite being incredibly nimble and light on its feet, always feels like a big car: its width makes squeezing into tight parking spots a chore even when using the reversing camera and you always second-guess yourself about whether you can thread the car through any given piece of pavement.

While their power-to-weight ratios and acceleration times are close enough to be almost equal, the Audi can feel faster and more powerful in everyday situations thanks to the fat spread of torque from its V8. While the R8 redlines at over 8,000 rpm, it delivers plenty of low-end punch even at 2,000; the Porsche needs to be revved harder and often requires a downshift when the Audi doesn't. Braking performance is about equal; the C4S has six-pot calipers up front while the Audi has eight, but both drag the cars to a drama-free stop in a minimum distance. Likewise, both all-wheel-drive systems are strongly rear-biased, shuttling power up front when needed without inducing understeer in corners.

One area where the 911 has an advantage is steering feel. While both cars corner flat and true - and both, interestingly enough, also bob their noses a little bit in fast curves - the Audi's steering can feel heavy and a little bit numb while the 911's three-spoke wheel dances under your fingertips. Ultimately, this leads to a greater sense of confidence, even if the Porsche's rear-engine layout means it'd be trickier to drive at the limit than the smoother-transitioning mid-engined Audi. On the other hand, the R8 is vastly more comfortable as a daily driver: even in the supposedly-stiff sport mode, it rides better than the 911 and in comfort mode is as composed as any sedan. Its cabin feels much wider and save for a dead pedal which was too close for my taste, the layout is near-perfect, with easy-to-decipher controls and displays right where you would expect them.

Even though a lot of the parts in the R8's interior actually come from other Audis - the steering wheel, door handles, climate control knobs and other bits come from the TT, for instance - it's hard to deny the sense of occasion you feel dropping into its low, low cabin. The view out the windshield is spectacular. The cockpit sweeps around the driver in one sweeping arc, the gauges float in chromed triangular pods and the navigation screen swivels away at the touch of a button so you can load discs and memory cards. Choose the manual transmission and you get an exposed shift gate like a vintage Ferrari's; even moving around a parking lot, you get a clack-clack sensation to remind you that you're driving something special.

There are other theatrical touches as well. When you unlock the R8 with the keyfob, not only is the interior lit up, but so is the glass-covered engine bay, cool blue xenon exposing the V8 for the world to see. Flick on the headlights and you discover subtle little R8 logos in the headlamp lenses; the driving lights are a row of LEDs that curve under the main beams, sort of an automotive form of mascara. Inside, the gauges flicker on and all the needles do a full sweep before settling into their proper positions; the navigation system even has a cool R8-branded start-up screen. Under way, you're treated to one of the world's greatest engine notes, a magnificent high-tech rumble from the quad pipes; think Pavarotti singing thrash metal. Properly executed downshifts are greeted with a sharp bark from the exhaust and you hear the odd screech of tire before the lenient stability control reins in the fun in tight corners.

It is, ultimately, the sense of theatre, combined with genuine everyday ability, which makes the R8 such an interesting proposition. It's as practical as a 911 - save for the Porsche's tiny rear seats - but looks so much more exotic. It's as comfortable as a luxury sedan but exudes so much more drama, whether you're sitting still in traffic or roaring along the left lane of the expressway. It's a car with the visual presence of an Italian super car, with a generously-sized trunk, decent behind-the-seats storage and unflappable build quality. It is beautiful to behold and a delight to drive, one of the very best performance cars you can (more or less) buy; and, at least for now, definitely the coolest.

Pricing: 2008 Audi R8

Base price: $139,000
Price as tested $150,100

-->Manufacturer’s web site
http://www.audicanada.com/

MTM Audi RTT: R8-beating, Bauhaus lunacy

One of the scribes contracted by World Car Fans just wrapped up some seat time in the supercharged MTM Audi RTT, and says, despite the love-fest going on over the Audi R8, its MTM-massaged baby brother can give it more than a run for its money.

Focusing more on outright speed than competent handling, our tuner tour guide provides us a straight-forward account of the RTT's accelerative qualities, citing a 0-62 MPH time of 4.1 seconds, a half-second less than Audi's high-dollar mid-engine masterpiece. Beyond the blower, which brings output up to 415 HP and 368 lb.-ft. of torque, the RTT also benefits from an R8-inspired body kit (€2000), although surprisingly, MTM has left the stock suspension in its place – something they'll rectify with the right amount of cash.

With an entry fee of just under €73,000, it certainly isn't for the faint of heart. But then again, neither is its performance.

[Source: World Car Fans]

New Audi Q5 Shapes Up

Take a look at the best pictures yet of Audi’s Q5 compact SUV. The German firm’s engineers are putting the finishing touches to the model ahead of its unveiling at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.

A rival to the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and forthcoming Mercedes MLK, the Audi is based on the same platform as the A5 coupé and next-generation A4. These pictures reveal that the Q5 takes its styling inspiration from the bigger Q7.
Inside, there will be enough room to carry five adults in comfort, while the cabin is derived from the new A5. The Q5 will have limited off-road ability, and all models will feature a raised ride height and quattro four-wheel drive as standard. But with a chassis tuned for on-road handling, it will be sporty and fun to drive.
Under the bonnet, the Q5 will be offered with 2.0-litre turbo and 3.2-litre V6 petrol engines, plus 2.0-litre and 3.0 litre TDI diesels. There is also the chance Audi will make a high-performance 4.2-litre V8-powered model.

When the Q5 goes on sale in mid-2008, the range will start from around £30,000.
It isn’t the only new Audi SUV on the way – our spies have snapped a Q7 flagship, too. This has a 500bhp 6.0-litre V12 TDI diesel, an aggressive nose with deep air intakes and should cover the 0-60mph sprint in 5.5 seconds.

The model will be revealed at the Frankfurt show next month.

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Fleet Update: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2

I've just done 2000 miles in four days through mountains, deserts, rain, sunshine, snow, and heavy winds; and overall, the Q is comfortable and especially stable, even at high speeds," notes art director Andy Foster, who rendezvoused with Kiino and Vance on their R8 adventure (July 2007). Road tripping from L.A. to Crater Lake, Oregon, via Reno, Foster had myriad impressions: "The engine sound when planting the boot and accelerating away from 60 mph is satisfying, as the V-8 power kicks in nicely to move you quickly past all the trucks and RVs on I-5. Up in the mountains and through the twisty roads, the handling still feels sporty enough for you to think you're not in an SUV. The brakes and handling of the Q7 inspired confidence when driving down long, straight forest roads heavily populated with deer, who had a tendency to wander into the road. Although, realizing this was at night, I did feel the headlights could've been better at choosing the paths of these potentially suicidal mammals." Clearly, Foster was upset that the Q7 didn't come with the optional Deer Avoidance Package. "After driving for a couple hours straight, I found the driver's seat is a little too firm for me, and it doesn't slide back quite far enough for my six-foot frame."


Basking in the aura of the Black Rock Desert, helping Vance with a photo shoot, Foster opines, "Very handsome-looking car, inside and out, photogenic particularly in this pale silver. The black, stylish interior isn't as heavy-handed as some BMWs that go too far with the funereal look, and the lighting of the dials-a warm, glowing red color-works well for me, being bright enough but not too taxing on my old eyes."

As an Englishman who's also lived in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Sydney, Foster loves a navigation system, although he's not especially smitten with the Audi's. "The nav itself is easy to use but compared with the systems in the Lexus LS 460, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Infiniti G35 s, it shows little typographic information regarding where you're passing. Zooming in and out is simple but often information disappears when you try to get a bigger picture of where you are."
There's a funny little vibration back through the steering wheel that feels like a flat-spotted tire. It can't be, of course, because the ABS system won't allow it. It might be a missing wheel weight. We've asked Audi what it might be, and their suggestion is a bent rim. Nothing looks untoward, however, and you'd think any pothole big enough to bend one of the Q7's monster 20 inch alloys would have left some sort of mark on the tires.The vibration is annoying because the big Q7 is so smooth in so many other ways. The silky 4.2-liter V-8 delivers a linear surge of power, with a delicious burble that sounds like Tom Waits gargling Bailey's Irish Cream. The six speed auto segues between gears with barely a ripple in forward acceleration. But the Q7 is not exactly relaxing. The ride is slightly arthritic, the stiffness in the system amplified by the taut sidewalls of the low profile tires, and the firmness of the seats. On rough roads you hear squeaks and rattles from the interior that you wouldn't in the more stiffly sprung GL450 or Land Rover LR3.

Spent two days in the Q7, ripped it down to Irvine and back. I really like this ute. Put a gun to my head and make me pick a three-row SUV I'd have to drive every day, and this sucker is right up there at the top. With the S-line package and the V8, you almost get the feeling that this is a performance Audi -- almost. While it may not be as stiffly sprung as the GL and LR3, it is certainly more athletic and agile to me. Noticed a bit of the squeaks and rattles Angus was talking about, but I have heard plenty more of the Waits/Irish Cream exhaust note when busting it onto the freeway or ripping away from a light. Had a big discussion with one of the guys in Irvine about it, and he said he thinks it should have been lowered and turned into a vehicle more like the R-Class, which I don't necessarily disagree with. But then it wouldn't be an SUV, and where would Audi be then? Probably better off... Clearly, Audi, like a lot of Ute makers, desperately wants you to believe you're really driving a big car, trick you into thinking you can rip it around corners and into the twisties. If there was a Ute you'd try it with though, it may be this one. I love the cockpit layout, but the driver area is a bit cramped, and indeed, the seats are more sport themed and not as comfortable as other big rigs.