Audi, perhaps the hottest automaker in the U.S. right now, lauded the launch of their A6 allroad and RS 5 models and announced other new features and vehicles that will soon be available for 2013.
The A6 allroad and the RS 5 have been available in stateside dealerships for the past few weeks, both marking a renewed commitment to the U.S. market. Based on the A6, the allroad is available in three trims ranging in price from $39,600 to $48,800 MSRP; a rugged yet refined wagon true to the backwoods or boardroom. The RS 5, an uncompromising performance coupe based on the A5 but with a 4.2L V8 engine, recently went on sale for $68,900.
Both are revered by driving enthusiasts but had been kept from the American market in the past, due to perceived lack of interest. Are the tides turning among U.S. drivers? Or is Audi just that hot that customers will take a chance on models they normally wouldn’t like?
Whatever the case, Audi is riding their recent popularity and rolling out several new models and features for 2013.
The Audi connect interior system now includes Google Maps, Google Voice Local Search and Wi-Fi – a sizeable batch of goodies to compete with impressive new BMW tech features and the impending Siri invasion.
Audi also plans to roll out other new models, vastly expanding their Q5 and A8 models.
New models out now include the allroad, A6 2.0T quattro, RS 5, A8 3.0T quattro, and A8 L 3.0T quattro. Expect to see the Q5 hybrid quattro (mid Fall), S6 4.0T quattro (Fall), S7 4.0T quattro (Fall), A8 4.0T quattro, A8 L 4.0T quattro (late Summer), S8 4.0T quattro (Fall) and A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro (early 2013).
The Q5 hybrid quattro will be Audi’s first U.S. hybrid, but with rapidly approaching CAFE standards and parent company Volkwagen’s official takeover of hybrid-adopters Porsche, expect to see many more four-ringed cars with electric motors in the future.
Updates to the R8 supercar are forthcoming, Audi hinted.
Audi A6 Official Website
2013 Audi RS5 Official Website
Find a Local Dealer
Visit the autoMedia.com Audi Research Center for quick access to reviews, pricing, photos, mpg and more. Make sure to follow autoMedia.com on Twitter and Facebook.
Are you glad to see Audi expanding its models so aggressively? Let us know in the Comments below.
