The V8 allroad quattro is really quite quick, sprinting to 100km/h from rest in 6.3 seconds
Audi’s
had solid presence in Switzerland in 2006, exhibiting a
number of models that have been green-lit for production, including the
a convertible version of the Autobahn storming Audi RS4.
It's
major star at the Geneva Auto Salon however, was the brand new allroad
quattro all-terrain vehicle - but why they spell the name in lowercase
is eternally perplexing...
The very first generation of the
allroad quattro proved to be a great success for Audi. Based on the A6
Avant, it has been the big Audi for any road and season since the Year
2000 says the German automaker.
And now its successor is about to be launched.
The
new allroad quattro is even more spacious, luxurious, striking and
versatile. It is also true to its name, offering even more performance
and dynamic handling – both on-road and off-road.
The Audi
allroad quattro is almost unrivalled in its international competitive
environment and the concept is an independent design from Audi. It is
closely related to the A6 Avant and as the basic body is identical, and
it offers virtually the same impressive sporty performance.
But
where the Avant driver comes to a halt when the road comes to an end,
the allroad quattro ventures further, enhancing the sporty Avant
concept with off-road features, thus bridging the gap between sporty
elegance and remarkable versatility.
To power the vehicle, no
less than four direct-injection engines will be made available:
two
petrol and two diesel. The 3.2-litre FSI is a V6, developing 188kW
(255bhp) and sprints to 100km/h from rest in 7.2 seconds. The
4.2-litre FSI is a V8 developing an almighty 257kW (350 bhp) and
440Nm of torque completes the 0-100km/h benchmark in a rapid 6.3
seconds.
Audi
explains that FSI
technology increases the power and efficiency of both gasoline and
diesel power plants.
Both high-torque, cultivated diesels with common rail injection are
6-cylinder engines with a displacement of 2.7-litres and 132kW and
3.0-litres with 171 kW respectively. The smaller diesel engine has fuel
efficiency 8.7L/100km, while the 3.0-litre diesel drinks
8.4L/100km with the manual transmission (the 2.7-litre TDI is an
auto-only option, hence the higher consumption) and 8.8 with the auto.
Power
for the new 2006 allroad quattro is transmitted by a 6-speed manual
transmission or tiptronic, also with six speeds. As
standard, quattro permanent four-wheel drive distributes power to all
four wheels. Its self-locking centre differential operates purely
mechanically and thus without delay. It splits the drive torque
variably between front and rear axle – as a rule 50% to each
and if necessary, up to 75 per cent of the power goes to one axle.
On loose terrain the quattro drive provides excellent traction; on the
road it ensures sporty agility, a firm grip when accelerating out of
bends and maximum driving safety in all types of weather.
The
elaborate suspension, made primarily of
aluminium, provides the highest levels of agility and safety on the
road, according to Audi. The standard adaptive air suspension can
modify the vehicle's ride height on the go and offers five modes -
dynamic, automatic, comfort, allroad and lift - including two settings
for off-road driving. Here the ESP
stabilisation program, which has been further developed especially for
the allroad quattro, ensures additional traction off the beaten track.
The
exterior design combines dynamic styling with distinctive off-road
elements. Thanks to its length of 4.93 metres and wheelbase of 2.83m,
there is room for five passengers to sit very comfortably; they can
bring along up to 1,660 litres of luggage as well and Audi insists that
the load area will impresses potential buyers with a variety of
intelligent stowage ideas. The body – made largely of
high-strength steels and aluminium – is extremely rigid and
crash-resistant.
Once inside the vehicle, the interior conveys
an ambience of elegant sportiness. In terms of ergonomic comfort, the
MMI operating concept is a focal element, while a
new electromechanical parking brake also enhances comfort and
convenience. New colours, inlays and fabrics lend a refined and
luxurious touch to the offroader, which are complemented by an
ergonomic seating layout.
The model range, pricing and specification is yet to be confirmed for Australia.
