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Audi cars: What's new for 2008

TT returns, A5, S5 and R8 debut

By Aaron Gold, About.com

2008 Audi R8

2008 Audi R8

Photo © Aaron Gold

A3: A new Titanium Package includes 18" "RS4-style" wheels, a blacked-out grille, and a black interior. Other new options: Rear side-window sunscreens and factory-installed iPod integration. A3 3.2 models get an auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and SIRIUS satellite radio as standard.

A4: All A4 sedan and wagon (Avant) models get S-Line exterior trim, which incorporates changes to the bumpers, grille and doors, a trunk lid spoiler and S-Line badging. The optional S-Line interior package includes a 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum trim, and 18" wheels. Heated seats are now standard on 3.2 Cabriolet models.

A5/S5: The A5 coupe is Audi's challenge to cars like the BMW 3- and 6-series coupes. Sized between the A4 and the A6, the A5 uses a new chassis setup that places the engine behind the front wheels, rather than ahead of them as in existing Audi designs. The S5, powered by a 354 horsepower 4.2 liter V8, will go on sale first; it will be followed by the 265 hp V6-powered A5.

A6: Exterior trim from the S-Line package is now standard, as are headlight washers and SIRIUS satellite radio. New options include an S-Line interior package and Audi's lane-departure warning system.

A8: Suspension and steering have been refined for a more involved driving experience and a smoother ride; efforts have also been made to reduce cabin noise. The A8 adds new blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems.

R8: Audi's new mid-engine sports car features a 4.2 liter V8 with FSI direct fuel injection. The engine produces 420 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque and redlines at a lofty 8,250 RPM. A 6-speed manual or R-Tronic self-shifting sequential transmission delivers power to all four wheels. Audi says the R8 will accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 187 MPH. Options will include a rear-view camera and parking-assist system, hill-holder function, and Bang & Olufsen sound system.

RS4: The 420 hp supercar is now available as a convertible, which will be called the RS4 Cabriolet; only 300 or so convertible versions will be sold in the US. In addition, RS4 models offer a Titanium Package and an Audi Exclusive package, the latter with red leather seats and interior stitching.

S4: Bluetooth phone compatibility and SIRIUS satellite radio are now standard, and Cabriolets get standard heated seats. 18" RS4-style wheels are now optional.

S6: See A6.

S8: Changes not yet announced.

TT: The second-generation TT grows slightly larger and adds several new visual cues to the familiar TT shape. The new TT will offer a choice of a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with front-wheel-drive or a 3.2 liter V6 with quattro all-wheel-drive; both engines will offer a choice of 6-speed manual or Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmissions.

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