CONFIRMED FOR 2011:
A3: The A3 gets a bit of new chrome trim and new wheels. A redesigned A3 is expected for 2012.
A4: Along with a few minor equipment changes, A4s with Quattro all-wheel-drive get an 8-speed automatic in place of last year's 6-speed. (Front-drive A4s retain their continuously-variable automatic.)
A6: Sporty S-Line body trim and a navigation system with real-time traffic are now standard. A new A6 will arrive later in 2011 as a 2012 model.
A8: (photo) Audi's all-wheel-drive flagship is all-new for 2011. The A8 will once again be available in short- and long-wheelbase (A8L) versions. Audi says the new A8 will be more focused on driving dynamics, while the A8L will focus on prestige and luxury. Technical features include LED low- and high-beam headlights, a night-vision system with pedestrian detection, and a touch-screen navigation system with handwriting recognition. The A8 will initially feature an improved version of the 4.2 liter V8 developing 372 hp and 328 lb-ft of torque; a new version of the W12 engine, with a direct fuel injection system that raises output to 500 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, will join the lineup in Spring 2011. Both engines feature improved fuel economy over their predecessors.
Q5: Now available with a four-cylinder engine. The Q5 2.0T gets the 211 hp 2-liter turbo engine from the A4, and comes exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive. All V6s get S-Line trim and 19" wheels, and adaptive cruise control is now available on Prestige models.
Q7: Both the 3.6 liter V6 and 4.2 liter V8 are gone, replaced by Audi's 3.0 liter supercharged V6 in either 272 hp/295 lb-ft or 333 hp/325 lb-ft configurations; the higher-horsepower engine is part of the 3.0T S-Line package. Both engines comes with an 8-speed automatic, as does the 3-liter diesel in the Q7 TDI.
R8: A new convertible version of the R8, the R8 Spyder (photo), makes its debut; it comes exclusively with the 525 horsepower 5.2 liter V10 engine. Audi is also preparing a limited-run lightweight version called the R8 GT. Thinner glass and sheetmetal, use of polycarbonate and carbon-fiber parts, lightweight carpet and other component improvements allowed Audi to shave about 220 lbs. from the R8, while power comes from a specially-tuned version of the V10 good for 560 hp. 0-62 time is 3.6 seconds and top speed is 198 MPH. Audi will build just 333 R8 GTs.
S4: No major changes.
S6: Navigation with real-time traffic is now standard.
TT: The TT 2.0 will get the improved version of the 2-liter turbo engine from the A4; output rises to 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. (up from 200/207). The TTS retains its 265 hp/258 lb-ft rating. Other improvements include mild revisions to interior and exterior styling, recalibrated magnetic ride system with greater differentiation between Sport and Normal modes, a Sport button that alters steering feel and exhaust note, and a new thermal coating that reduces the temperature of the optional Fine Nappa Leather upholstery.
BEYOND 2012:
2012 A6: The next version of the A6 will arrive in 2011 as a 2012 model.
2012 A7: (photo) The A7 is a 5-door hatchback version of the upcoming A6. US-spec versions will be powered by a 3-liter supercharged V6.
2012 RS5: A 450 hp version of the S5 coupe will arrive in the US for the 2012 model year.
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