Crown Audi

Few can argue against the Audi A5 as a stunning piece of automotive sculpture, its low-slung silhouette and taut sheet metal looking far more exotic than the car's price suggests. Of course, our favorite iteration is the gutsy S5 high-performance version, with its 354-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 stirring the soul all the way to its 7000-rpm redline.

But we're happy to pedal the everyday A5 with the 3.2-liter V-6 or the Euro-only A5 TDI with the 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel, both of which pack nearly the same visual punch as the S5 but with significantly less damage to your wallet. For 2010, Audi is slashing an additional $4700 off the base A5's starting price-it's now $36,825-with the fitment of the turbocharged, 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder.

Less Power, Better Package

From the 200-hp variant in the Volkswagen GTI to the 265-hp unit in the Audi TTS, the VW Group's direct-injected, 2.0-liter turbo four is widely respected around Car and Driver HQ for its overall smoothness and linear power delivery. The version in the 2010 A5 2.0T is the same used in the A4 sedan; it develops 211 hp at 4300 rpm and a stout 258 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 4200 rpm, thanks to Audi's variable exhaust-valve lift technology. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as it is on all A5/S5 models except the A5 cabriolet, where it is optional.

Compared with the 265-hp, manual-transmission A5 3.2 we've tested, the four-cylinder's horsepower deficit adds 0.4 second to the coupe's run to 60 mph-6.2 seconds versus 5.8-and stretches the quarter-mile time from 14.5 seconds at 98 mph to 14.9 at 94. Top speed remains the same at a governed 130 mph. Away from the test track, however, the 2.0T feels as drivable and as quick as the V-6, thanks in part to having 15 more lb-ft on tap, and at far fewer revs (the six's maximum 243 lb-ft aren't available until 3000 rpm).

What's more, our 3649-pound 2.0T weighed about 130 fewer pounds than the 3.2 and nearly 170 fewer pounds than the S5, allowing for a more nimble and playful attitude on our favorite back roads. Our impressions were verified on the skid pad, where the 2.0T served up 0.91 g of grip and a 155-foot 70-to-0-mph stopping distance, topping not only the 3.2's 0.90 g and 159-foot figures but the S5's 0.88 g and 158-foot measurements as well. All three cars rode on 19-inch wheels wrapped in 255-series Dunlop summer tires, which were part of the 2.0T's optional Sport package ($1450) that included front sport seats and a stiffer suspension.

The Sport package also adds steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles on models equipped with the $1200 six-speed automatic transmission, but our tester had the delightful standard six-speed manual. Its light, precise shifter made rowing through the gears a breeze, allowing us to better keep the turbo four on the boil. Fuel economy is slightly better, too: 22/30 city/highway mpg versus the auto's 21/27, with our tester averaging 23 mpg overall. The A5 3.2, which is only offered with the automatic for 2010, is rated at 17/26.

Still Well-Equipped

Options can add up quickly on the A5. Our tester had the $2500 Navigation package (a navigation system with Audi's MMI system, a color info screen in the gauge cluster, and a rearview camera) and the $3500 Premium Plus package (xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, Bluetooth connectivity, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, and Audi's music interface technology). Special $475 paint pushed the as-tested price to $44,750. Plan on an additional $4000 for a similarly equipped model powered by the 265-hp V-6, which works out to about $74 per pony, or roughly a grand for every 0.1 second you'd gain in the 0-to-60 run.

Our Pick, If You Can't Swing the S5

The 2.0T's exhaust note isn't the sexiest we've heard-it sounds farty and inappropriate coming from such a good-looking car-but we'd get used to it if we couldn't afford to stretch to the $53,225 S5. Our only other issue was a hint of turbo lag that was a bit more noticeable than in lighter 2.0T-powered cars such as the GTI and TT.

Unless you can't stand the thought or sound of a four-cylinder in your luxury car, the 2.0T is the most logical choice in the A5, and not just because it's available with a manual gearbox. With a negligible drop in quickness compared with the V-6, along with better fuel economy and slightly improved braking and handling numbers, it's a perfect example of how downsizing a powertrain doesn't have to downsize expectations. It's also a harbinger, with nearly every automaker touting the benefits of and working to introduce smaller-displacement, forced-induction engines.

In the case of the A5, which wraps a high-tech, all-wheel-drive chassis and a beautiful interior in some of the sexiest sheet metal available for under $50,000, the 2.0T simply makes a great car better. And more affordable, too, which is something else we can't imagine many buyers arguing against.

Source: [Car and Driver]

As part of its continued support of the U.S. Ski Team, Audi of America today announced that it has commissioned a documentary film, Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team's Road to Vancouver, which will tell the unique stories of these elite American athletes as they prepare for the competition of their lives - the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team's Road to Vancouver will air first January 30 at 8pm EST on NBC, followed by an appearance on the USA Network on February 6 at 5pm EST. It will also run three times in primetime on the Universal Sports Network. Audi has been a sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team since 2007.

The film will be directed by Brett Morgen, multiple-award winning director of such acclaimed documentaries as The Kid Stays in the Picture and On the Ropes. The film is executive produced by ten-time Emmy Award winner Rick Gentile, executive producer of three Olympic Winter Games, and MediaCom Entertainment's Adam Pincus.

The film focuses on a select group of elite American skiers at different stages of their careers through the crucial months of training leading up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team's Road to Vancouver chronicles not just the physical skill necessary to compete at the highest level, but also the uniquely personal quest that is involved in achieving greatness. Some of the featured players will qualify and some may not and the film will detail the triumphs and struggles of all those involved.

Audi of America introduced the film at a press event in Copper Mountain, Colorado, the site of one of the U.S. Ski Team's training camps. Media were invited to attend on-site, as well as through a live web conference where they engaged with members of the team as well as Audi of America's Chief Marketing Officer Scott Keogh and director Morgen.

"Audi of America's continued sponsorship of the U.S. Ski Team has been a perfect fit from day one," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "This film is exemplary of our dedication to this team and the unique stories it will create, as well as a chance to chronicle the synchronous use of technology, innovation and willpower that defines both Audi and the U.S. Ski Team."

"It was awesome working on this project with Audi and the entire production crew. Brett and his team bring a really unique perspective to our sport," said Olympic Gold Medalist Skier Ted Ligety. "We're grateful for Audi's support of this project and look forward to seeing alpine ski racing in primetime outside of the Olympic Winter Games!"

Source: [autoblog.com]

As the owner of a new Audi vehicle, you have complimentary coverage in the Audi 24-Hour Roadside Assistance* program. Audi has designed a comprehensive series of emergency roadside and related services that are available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, anywhere in the United States or Canada.

To ensure you travel safely this holiday season, Crown Audi encourages you to store the Audi Roadside Assistance phone number in your phone (800-411-9988). That way, in an emergency, you'll have it if you ever need it.

24-Hour Roadside Assistance* combines a team of qualified customer service professionals with a comprehensive nationwide towing network to bring you world-class assistance when you need it most - an important added benefit of owning an Audi and a testament to Audi's quality manufacturing and dedication to your total ownership experience.

*Services are provided by and/or through Cross Country Motor Club, Inc., Medford, MA 02155, except in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming where services are provided by and/or through Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

Source: [Audi USA]