Audi A6 News

FOR more than 20 years, Stefan Dennis has called Ramsay St home.  He has played Paul Robinson on and off since 1985 in Neighbours, becoming one of the show's enduring stars.But there is much more to Dennis, including a world record for endurance karting. He set the mark in 1995 with team mates Russ and Steve Malking and David Brabham when they covered 1664.7km on a 1.3km course in Britain.  The 49-year-old actor is also a keen motorcycle enthusiast and one day hopes to again own a Porsche.What was your first car?My first car was an AP5 Valiant but I'm pretending it wasn't, because I hated it. My first real baby was a beautiful 1971 Mazda Capella. It was white with black interior and it had furry faux-sheepskin seatcovers. It was my pride and joy with my surf racks on top. And then I smashed it.What do you drive now?I have a navy Audi A6 and my wife, Gail, has a van. I also have two bikes -- aren't I a tosser? My bikes are delicious. I have a Yamaha R1. I describe it as orgasmically frightening. My other bike is a Harley. I got it only recently. That was Gail's doing. She thinks I've reached an age at which I need to slow down and ride a cruisey bike.Do you have a favourite drive and who would you take?My favourite drives (car) are anywhere in British Columbia, Canada and up the west coast and into the highlands of Scotland. I would take Gail. She is from Glasgow. My favourite ride (motorbike) is the Great Ocean Rd.How far would you drive in an average year?I live on the outskirts of Melbourne, up in the Dandenongs, so I do a lot of driving. I would do at least 500km a week. The moral environmental side of me loves riding motorbikes because I have this vague feeling of less guilt because I'm not contributing as much pollution into the air.Do you have a favourite motoring memory?Two of my best friends, from London, and I rode bikes up through the southern French and northern Italian Alps. That was awesome.What would you buy if money were no object?Car wise, call me a wanker, but I would buy a Porsche. They're my favourite sports car in the world. I just love them. I love German technology and engineering. To me it's the ultimate driver's machine. And bike-wise, the sportsbike and adrenalin junkie in me would buy the latest Yamaha R1 again. Or the Suzuki GSX-R.What music is playing in your car?Anything from the Beatles to Maroon 5 to classical to heavy rock. At the moment I have Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits in the car. It's such good driving music.How much is too much for a new car?The price of a house. My darling wife and sensibility has taught me that cars are a depreciating asset and real estate is an appreciating asset. If you can buy a car for the same price as a piece of real estate, and you buy the car -- you're a knob!What should be done to make driving safer?The sooner it is mandatory for people to do an advanced driver's course to learn to drive and to control a car properly, the sooner we will have a lot less road trauma.Are you sponsored by a car company?No, but if anyone out there wants to, I really want a Porsche!

Audi recently announced it would have iPhone capability when the Apple mobile phone is released here early next year.BMW and Mini have joined the ranks of those offering full compatibility for products available here.BMW spokesman Toni Andreevski says details of which BMW and Mini models will have full compatibility will be announced closer to the Australian launch of the iPhone.The rush to be first to integrate the iPhone is in direct contradiction to the slow adoption of iPod technology.While few manufacturers offer full integration of iPods, some have input sockets for the headphone jacks which limits control options and most don't offer any hook-up for an iPod.However, Chrysler Sebring offers an alternative solution with a hard drive in the car for downloading music files, without the need of an iPod.When the iPhone was launched in the US in June, BMW Group claimed to be the first car manufacturer in the world to offer full integration in most models. It will be available first in the 6, 5, 3 and 1 Series and the X5.All Mini models will be equipped for the Apple iPhone in time for its European premiere later this year.In the BMW hook-up, music files and signals for operating the iPod are transferred to the vehicle's audio system by a cable adaptor available for the USB audio interface in BMW and Mini models. The iPhone can also be charged using the same connection.The requirement for comprehensive integration of the telephone functions is the mobile phone preparation feature with Bluetooth interface from the relevant BMW or Mini models.Audi Australia corporate communications general manager Anna Burgdorf says the iPod feature will also be fully integrated via its Bluetooth telephone preparation.Costs for Bluetooth preparation vary by model. It is a standard feature in some, she says, while in the A6 it is $1390 as an option.Alongside standard hands-free functions (accept/reject call/hands-free), the Audi mobile phone preparation supports the display of the signal strength and the provider's name, in addition to the transfer of the telephone directory, including the icons Work, Home, Mobile and call lists.In addition to telephone calls, the Audi Music Interface (currently an optional extra for the A5, A6, A8 and Q7) allows the iPhone's music playback function to be used via the car sound system.Until now, telephone and iPod functions have been separated in vehicles because they were operated via different end-consumer products. For the smart phone innovation, the BMW Group has developed a joint platform for both functions.With the adapted software, a music program the driver is listening to through the vehicle speakers is automatically stopped for the duration of the call, starting again at the same place as soon as the call is over.While the music is paused, the speakers and microphone of the hands-free facility are activated.In conjunction with the operating system BMW iDrive, the telephone function's address book and hands-free can be operated using the controller in the centre console, as well as music selection and play.In the Mini, activated smart phone functions are shown either in the display of the navigation system or, if the latter is not available, in the radio unit. If a Mini navigation system is installed, the Mini Joystick operating system can be used to control the telephone and audio functions of the Apple iPhone.A snap-in iPhone adaptor for BMW and Mini models will follow next year and will incorporate a wireless connection to the external vehicle antenna to lift reception. BMW plans to integrate other “smart” phones in the same way as the iPhone.Mercedes-Benz fully integrated the iPod and spokesman David McCarthy says the company should have something when the phone is released.Toyota, Holden and Ford have no plans yet to introduce iPhone compatibility but several of their models have Bluetooth compatibility. 

Audi is helping to put the South Australian Outback on the international map

The biggest recall has hit Toyota, which wants to check 144,500 Camrys for headlights, and nearly 8000 Honda Civics also have light problems.The federal Department of Transport says eight imported cars have been recalled since June 1, even Volvo, which makes safety a key selling point, hasn't escaped, recalling cars to check on a faulty door assembly.The latest recalls are;Audi: A6 built between March 2004 and March 2005 may have a software fault which, in exceptional circumstances, could delay release of both front air bags in an accident. Number of cars, 464.Toyota: Camrys built from June 2002 to May 2006; faulty headlight switch which may cause headlights to flicker or temporarily fail. Number involved, 144,589.Honda: Civic sedan and somes hatches built between 2001 and 2002; problem with plastic terminal connector melting, causing low beam lights to fail. Number, 7979.Volvo: Current model C70 may have incorrect left hand door assembly, so it doesn't meet legal requirements in an accident. Number, 173.Mazda: The Mazda3 MPS built from May 2006 to May 2007 may have a loose bolt securing the engine and transmission to its mounting. If it falls out, the engine may drop, detaching the drive shaft. Number of recalls, 1160. Recall will start next week. 

More than $1 million dollars worth of luxury Audi vehicles rolled into Darwin on May 2 as part of the company's push to raise awareness of the brand in regional areas of AustraliaAudi Australia has achieved its fourth all-time record sales result, as the month of April drew to a close.Closing the month with sales of 605 units, Audi is now 41 per cent ahead of its April 2006 result, or 177 units.Cumulatively, the brand is now 41 per cent ahead of the same period last year, up 740 units to 2536 units for the year.Audi Australia's managing director Joerg Hofmann said the result is yet another sign of confidence in the Audi brand in Australia.A further sign of commitment from the German luxury brand in Australia is the recent appointment of AP Eagers/Stuart Motor Group in the Northern Territory.The dealership, officially known as `Audi Centre Darwin', is headed by dealer principal David Russell.“AP Eagers prides itself on customer satisfaction and service excellence and will bring a professional sales and aftersales model to Audi customers in Darwin and the Northern Territory,” Mr Russell said.“Audi is the fastest-growing luxury brand in Australia and will end 2007 with another year of record growth.“The growth of Audi in the market is a clear sign of growing interest in the brand from the luxury car-buying public and the Northern Territory is another important region to assist Audi in its mission to become the No.1 premium brand.”Audi is yet to launch several key new models this year, including the new TT Roadster, Audi S3, Audi A5/S5, Audi R8 and the new Q7 4.2 TDI quattro.Another feather in the cap of the new Audi Centre Darwin is the Audi Roadshow, which showcases the most sought-after models for prospective customers, including the rare Audi S6, TT Coupe and RS 4 models.The roadshow aims to build awareness of the Audi brand around the country, particularly in relation to its top-most models.The roadshow will be in Darwin until May 14 and any interested Audi customers are encouraged to visit David and the team at Audi Centre Darwin to arrange a personal appointment for a test-drive.An official dealership opening cocktail party will be held on Tuesday.Audi Australia's regional sales manager Peter Barron and regional after-sales manager Robert Montgomery will attend the event. Be sure not to miss the AUDI ROADSHOW, showcasing the eight vehicles listed below, at Audi Centre Darwin on the Stuart Highway, Berrimah, until May 14AUDI A3 3.2 V6 Quattro S TronicCharacterised by the sporting elegance of a coupe and the versatility of a five-door vehicle, sophisticated technology and well-defined driving dynamicsDIMENSIONS: L: 4286. W: 1763, H: 1423. wheelbase 2578m.ENGINE: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm. 0-100km/h in 6.3sec. Maximum speed 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: Quattro permanent four-wheel drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, electronic diff lock.PRICE: $65,500.AUDI RS4 AVANT 4.2 V8 QuattroThis is a thoroughbred sports saloon with supreme everyday qualities.ENGINE: With maximum output of 309 kilowatts (420 bhp), the 4163cc, V8 revs to 8250rpm and reaches peak torque of 430Nm at 5500rpm, with 90 per cent of total torque available between 2250-7600rpm. 0-100km/h in 4.8secs and 200km/h in 16.6sec. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of Audi's permanent four-wheel drivePRICE: $168,100.AUDI CABRIOLET 3.2 V6 FSI MultitronicNewly designed body with emphatically sporty stylingDIMENSIONS: L: 4573mm, H: 1391mm, w'base 2650mm. Luggage compartment: 315L (246L with the hood open).ENGINES: 3.2 FSI V6 developing 188kW (255bhp), 330Nm, 0-100km/h: 6.8s. Top speed: 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: 7-speed continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission (in combination with front-wheel drive). Front-wheel drive.PRICE: $107,800.AUDI A6 AVANT 3.2 V6 FSI Quatro TiptronicAudi A6 allroad quattro. New, distinctly sporty designDIMENSIONS: L: 4.93m, W: 1.86m, H: 1.46-1.52m, wheelbase 2.83m.ENGINES: Powerful 3.0 V6 TDI developing 171kW (233bhp), 450Nm. TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic gearbox. Quattro permanent four-wheel drive for all engine versions.PRICE: $109,150.AUDI S6 5.2 V10 Quattro TiptronicDistinct sports appeal, elegant style and supreme comfortENGINE: 5.2L V10 engine with FSI technology. This is the first time a V10 engine has been incorporated into a member of the A6 family. Output of 320kW at 6800 rpm and peak torque of 540Nm achieved between 3000-4000 rpm. 0 to 100km/h in 5.2secs. Top speed: 250km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $195,900.AUDI A8 4.2 TDI Quattro TiptronicPowerfully dynamic, elegant design.DIMENSIONS: L 4.43 m, W 1.90 m, H 1.25 m, wheelbase 2.65 mENGINES: High-revving V8 developing 309kW (420bhp), 430Nm between 4500 and 6000rpm. Acceleration 4.6secs. Top speed: 301km/hTRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual gearbox with short gearshift travel. R tronic sequential gearbox (optional). quattro permanent four-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution 44 per cent to 56 per cent.PRICE: $210,000.AUDI Q7 4.2 V8 FSI Quattro TiptronicPowerful yet elegant exterior and interior design.DIMENSIONS: L: 5.09m, W: 1.98m, H: 1.74m, wheelbase 3.00m. Five, six or seven seats available.ENGINE: 4.2 V8 FSI developing 257kW (350bhp), 440Nm at 3500 rpm.TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $116,800.AUDI TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-TronicNew dynamic, striking exterior and interior design. Body using innovative ASF principle incorporating aluminium and steel, with roadster-specific reinforcements.DIMENSIONS: L: 4.18m, WL 1.84m, H: 1.36m, wheelbase 2.47m.ENGINES: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm.TRANSMISSION: Six-speed S tronic quattro permanent four-wheel drive for the V6 versionPRICE: $88,900.

Arriving in May, the Audi A6 allroad quattro will be powered by the 3-litre TDI engine at launch and be priced around $106,000.The S3 is expected to arrive in June at around $66,000 with a 2-litre, 188kW TFSI engine and a six-speed manual transmission.The TT Roadster will be launched in June with a 2-litre TFSI engine and a 3.2-litre V6 quattro, featuring S-tronic transmission. Prices are not yet available.To reduce weight, the Roadster retains a cloth hood rather than following the trend for folding hard tops.However, it is now electro-hydraulically powered for hands-free operation, with no need to attach or detach the hood to or from the windscreen rail.Opening or closing takes 12sec and can be carried out at speeds of up to 30km/h.Incorporating a heated glass rear window, the new soft top is lighter than before through the use of a new steel and aluminium support framework.It also claimed to be quieter with an additional layer of soundproofing.A powered mesh wind deflector is fitted to streamline airflow through the cabin.The soft top stows smaller than before thanks to a new Z-fold system which stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover that sits flush with the body and eliminates the need for a tonneau cover.

Edag Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German parent company Engineering and Design Ag based at Fulda, north of Frankfurt. The Victorian operation employs around 50 CAD operators, together with 70 engineers and designers.Edag has assisted through the painstaking transition from manufacturers' clay models, drawings and images to gleaming, show-ready fruition.At its Dingley workshop, Edag has a five-axis computerised milling machine capable of turning a giant lump of composite or plastic into an eye-catching sports car."It's all part of our capability," sales and marketing manager, Darren Will said. "We design interior, exterior, small parts can design complete vehicles, from drawings through to the bodyin- white prototype." On display by Edag in Sydney will be two interesting international projects.One is a stylish little Kermit-green roadster unimaginatively named Show Car #8. Based on the Smart Roadster, this concept as a design study to extend the life of the engineering platform. It's a low-slung and dynamic niche-market concept in which there are echoes of Ferrari and Lotus design cues.The second of the Edag exhibits is something very different, and shows the breadth of the company's expertise. It's an Audi A6 Quattro with special qualities. The undetectable ballistics protection pack on the Edag Audi will guard the occupants from firearms of up to 9mm, plus several other attributes the manufacturers would prefer not to openly discuss."We see ourselves as project partners for the OE industry, with the ability to handle overflow work or take a concept off the page and design it ready for manufacture," Will said.

And, for the first time in Australia, a leading design company will join manufacturers at the exhibition as the local branch of the German design and engineering company EDAG