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The 2011 Audi A4 is the benchmark of the mid-sized sedan §egmènt as well as the largest selling vehicle in the Audi lineup. With an array of fuelefficient and powerful engines – including the 333 hp 3.0 TFSI® V6 in the S4 – the A4 has the flexibility and power that environmentally concerned buyers also demand. With a full complement of suspension and engine technology derived directly from Audi’s expertise in racing, the 2011 Audi A4 presents an image that exudes performance, efficiency and luxury.

Price: $31,950 – 48,000.
Invoice: $29,715 – 44,645.

Design

With a progressive exterior and a purposeful style, the 2011 Audi A4 maintains its presence as a leader in automotive design. A taut musculature denoted by strong shoulders and a dramatically raked roofline has become synonymous with the Audi name, and the A4 showcases both of these traits. Innovations like LED accent lighting and a bold Singleframe® grille now are instantly recognizable by both the public and the competition.

Engine

In the A4, each powerplant benefits from direct-injection technology to increase efficiency and response. The 2.0 TFSI turbocharged inline four and the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 both take advantage of forced induction to increase horsepower and torque without the penalty of added fuel consumption. The 2.0 TFSI delivers an impressive 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, thanks to Audi’s innovative direct-injection fuel system. Gasoline is injected into the engine’s combustion chambers at the high pressure of 2,175 psi, which ensures a fine spray pattern for a more efficient burn. The seamless power delivery of the water-cooled turbocharger allows the 2.0 TFSI to develop peak torque from just 1,500 rpm. The result is a driving experience that rewards buyers with an instant rush of power at nearly any engine speed.

The 2011 Audi S4 is powered by an all-aluminum 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 engine with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Despite these remarkable figures, the S4 is able to achieve 28 mpg on the highway, a remarkable 27 percent improvement over the previous generation S4. With an immediately responsive drive-by-wire throttle system, the 3.0 TFSI offers an instant connection from driver input to a resulting surge of acceleration.

Drivetrain

The 2011 Audi A4 is available with the buyer’s choice of three transmissions. A multitronic® continuously variable transmission is available on the A4 FrontTrak,® while quattro® equipped vehicles can be optioned with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an all-new for 2011 Tiptronic® eight-speed automatic transmission. More than a standard automatic transmission, Tiptronic allows the driver to select the ideal gear manually, with nearly imperceptible shifts. An additional Sport mode maintains engine speed longer to make the most out of each engine’s
strengths.

The 2011 S4 is available with a six-speed manual or the brilliant Audi seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission, which allows the driver to enjoy power from the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 in nearly uninterrupted bursts – providing the perfect marriage of speed and comfort. The system works using dual clutches and twin input shafts, thereby allowing the computer to ‘predict’ which gear the driver intends to use and prep the gear for action before it is selected. Also available on the S4 is quattro with Sport rear differential, which gives the S4 a new level of road holding ability, by actively controlling the distribution of torque between the two rear wheels, effectively overdriving the outside wheel in corners. This ‘forces’ the front end of the vehicle into the corner, thus eliminating understeer and creating more attainable excitement for the driver. In addition, the Sport rear differential works with ESP® during accident avoidance maneuvers to keep the S4 stable and composed in emergencies.

Interior

With an interior designed to be spacious and inviting, the Audi A4 is driver oriented, while also catering to passengers. From the driver’s seat, it is apparent immediately that the Audi A4 shares DNA with the luxurious A8. The cockpit incorporates a center stack tilted slightly toward the pilot, and brilliant, easy-to-read gauges hint of an athletic nature. The long-standing Audi commitment to craftsmanship and quality materials is obvious in the 2011 Audi A4. Supportive seats are executed in high-quality leather, while brushed accents throughout the cabin draw the eye from one flowing surface to the next. With three interior colors from which to choose, buyers are guaranteed an interior choice designed to please the individual palette.

The 2011 Audi A4 offers an unparalleled array of cutting edge technology to make the driving experience safer and more relaxed. The available Audi parking system with rear backup camera, standard for 2011 on the Prestige trim level, makes getting in and out of tight spaces easier than ever. Audi side assist alerts the driver to blind spot dangers, while adaptive cruise control automatically accelerates or decelerates to keep pace with traffic. A host of entertainment options makes the Audi A4 perfectly suited for individuals who demand the most from their vehicles. The available Audi music interface ensures seamless iPod® integration – channeling buyers’ favorite music through an unrivalled 505-watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen® Sound System. Further enhancing the entertainment experience, available state-ofthe- art hard drive based navigation with third generation MMI® system now includes HD Radio™ for 2011.

The A4 continues to offer buyers more interior space than any of its direct competitors. Occupants are treated to expansive legroom, thanks in part to the A4′s overall length of 15.4 feet. Buyers also can take advantage of the 60/40 folding rear seats to transport even larger baggage, including skis and snowboards. Despite the generous interior space, the A4 remains light on its feet thanks to an ever-present focus on lightweight, rigid body construction. Going further, the A4 Avant offers an even greater level of utility and convenience, with a remarkable 17.3 cubic feet of cargo space – a figure that is unmatched by the competition. The cargo area is completely lined with carpeting that is especially durable and stain resistant. Four lashing eyes in the floor are standard, as are two chrome hooks on the sides that can be adjusted to secure the bulkiest baggage. Buyers also can opt for the convenience of a power tailgate, which comes standard on Prestige trim level models.

Suspension

While the smooth ride quality and athletic driving feel of the 2011 Audi A4 are enhanced by an incredibly rigid body design and the extensive use of lightweight materials, the advanced suspension is the real star of the show. The Audi A4 2.0T comes standard with an advanced five-link front suspension with upper and lower control arms and anti-roll bar. In the rear, an independent trapezoidal suspension with anti-roll bar helps provide the world-class handling characteristics that buyers have come to associate with the Audi brand. Each individual link is crafted from high-quality aluminum to reduce weight at each wheel, and a strong cross member is made of the same metal to enhance rigidity without sacrificing the Audi A4′s lightweight
character.

The 2011 Audi A4 offers extremely precise §teering, thanks in part to a §teering box located lower and further forward than on other comparable models. The effect is noticeable immediately, giving the Audi A4 a light and agile dimension. The innovative engineering combines with Audi dynamic §teering to vary the ratio depending on vehicle speed. This equates to a more balanced system that offers quicker lock-to-lock feedback at low speeds and stable cornering when the vehicle is traveling faster.

Safety

Safety, as central to the Audi brand as its multiple Le Mans victories, is evident in the 2011 Audi A4, which features a number of advanced technologies designed to keep occupants out of harm’s way. The A4′s rigid body is built of ultra-high strength steel, using state-of-the-industry manufacturing processes. With components joined by traditional spot welding as well as new structural bonding techniques, the A4 has a body structure designed to absorb and deflect crash energy away from occupants. Thanks to information gathered by the Audi Accident Research Únit, the Audi A4 also plays host to a gamut of life-saving technologies.

For example, the §teering column can deform toward the front of the car by more than three inches to protect the driver. An array of sensors detects exactly how far the front seats are from the dashboard, allowing the Audi A4 to tension seatbelts actively to prevent occupants from injury when air bags inflate. Adjustable headrests also provide ample whiplash protection in the event of a rear collision. The 2011 Audi A4 incorporates seat-mounted side-impact air bags, front air bags for the passenger and driver, and expansive side-curtain air bags. Onboard air bag sensors can detect the severity of a crash and inflate accordingly. The result is a lower injury rate from airbag deployment.

The C-Class sedan is the best selling Mercedes-Benz model, and the 2011 C-Class lineup features four models – the 451-hp C63 AMG, the 268-hp C350 Sport and the 228-hp C300 Luxury and C300 Sport. Both C300 models are available with optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. For 2011, both Sport models are now equipped with LED daytime running lights and black inlays around the headlights, and all C-Class models come with new headlight control switches and ESP controls relocated to the instrument cluster.

The high-performance C63 AMG has a powerful new option package – the AMG Development Package, which features new lightweight forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft with modified engine management that together provide an extra 27 horsepower, for a total of 481 hp. The AMG Development Package also includes track-calibrated sport suspension, limited slip differential, red brake calipers, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler and a higher speed limiter of 174 mph.

The Sport features staggered-width, five-spoke 17-inch wheels; sport shocks; springs and stabilizer bars that provide a crisper ride and more than a half-inch lower ride height. Instead of the Luxury model’s traditional four-spoke wheel and burl walnut trim, Sport models come with three-spoke §teering wheels and a choice of aluminum, burl walnut or black birds eye maple interior trim. The C300 Sport features a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission.

All C-Class models boast Agility Control, which provides the benefits of both soft and stiff shock absorbers. Each twin-tube shock absorber is fitted with a hydraulic by-pass piston that acts like a very soft shock absorber to effectively dampen road noise and tire vibration. However, over bumpy or uneven roads, the by-pass piston is out of the picture, which preserves the outstanding §teering and handling response of a stiffer shock absorber. The C-Class comes with an ‘Eco/Sport’ button, and in the Sport mode, understeer and body lean are reduced. Selecting the Sport mode quickens throttle response, increases §teering feel and raises shift points for maximum performance. In the Eco mode, shift points are lowered, and the vehicle starts off in second gear for optimized fuel economy.

Price: $33,900 – 58,200.
Invoice: $31,615 – 54,125.

C-Class standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a five-inch display screen. A display in the center of the speedometer is linked to a 12-button multi-function §teering wheel that can call up a variety of helpful information. The display can show phone and audio system information such as radio station, CD track or iPod playlist as well as range, fuel mileage and oil temperature. If the car has the optional navigation system, the display will also show next-turn directions.

The 2011 C-Class comes with all the safety features expected from Mercedes-Benz – from four-wheel disc brakes and ABS anti-lock brakes to traction control and ESP stability control. The C-Class boasts nine supplemental restraints, including two-stage front air bags, a knee air bag for the driver, and pelvic air bags which work together with curtain and side air bags to provide extra protection for front occupants in dangerous side-impact collisions.

The high-performance C63 AMG is distinguished by its 451-horsepower V8 engine, unique AMG body styling, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and a high-performance brake system – all designed by AMG. The C63 AMG is further identified by a special front hood with two power domes and a muscular front apron with large air intakes and side air outlets as well as fog lights ringed in chrome. A ’6.3 AMG’ badge marks each front fender, and contoured side sill skirts carry the aggressive lines of the front end to the rear, while an AMG rear apron with a black air diffuser insert and three diffuser fins help enhance aerodynamic performance at high speeds. An AMG lip spoiler on the trunk lid and a pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of this special model.

Inside the C63 AMG, drivers are greeted by AMG sport seats with integral head restraints finished in a special cross piping and an AMG three-spoke sport §teering wheel with distinctive aluminum shift paddles. An AMG menu in the central display includes special ‘Warmup,’ ‘Setup,’ and ‘Race’ modes that can be viewed via the multi-function buttons on the §teering wheel. ‘Warmup’ displays engine oil and coolant temperatures, while ‘Setup’ shows the current ESP and transmission shift modes, and for owners who enjoy adjusting their vehicles to even higher limits, ‘Race’ activates a timer that allows the driver to measure lap times.

The C63 AMG is powered by the first engine developed entirely by AMG. Its 6.3-liter V8 produces 451 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, for breathtaking acceleration times of 4.3 seconds from zero to 60 mph. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the AMG engine block was designed with an especially rigid bedplate acting as the overall support for the main bearings, cast-in steel reinforcements and a sturdy closed-deck layout in the cylinder head area. The cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, an innovative process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. The 6.3-liter AMG V8 features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. Forming a straight line through the engine, high-flow intake and exhaust ports help the AMG engine rev freely to over 7,000 rpm, yet the highly flexible V8 still produces nearly 90 percent of its peak torque at only 2,000 rpm.

The C63 AMG features automatic rev-matching during downshifts. This virtually jolt-free downshifting process reduces load-change handling response, and for motorsports-minded drivers, improves braking in advance of turn-in. The C63 AMG is also the first AMG model with a three-stage ESP system. In addition to its normal ‘ESP ON’ operation, the ESP button on the center console has an ‘ESP SPORT’ mode as well as ‘ESP OFF.’ The ESP Sport mode allows for more aggressive driving with higher drift angles, which can make sporty driving more fun, not to mention more helpful on the race track.

Mechanically, the C63 AMG chassis features a redesigned front suspension including stiffer shocks and springs all around, with special rebound buffer springs in the front shocks, as well as new bearings, a stiffer stabilizer bar and 1.4-inch wider track. Its speed-sensitive rack-and pinion §teering feels even faster than its 13.6:1 ratio, thanks to a modified §teering axis and a stiffer insulating disc in the §teering column. At the rear, AMG has re-engineered the multi-link suspension, plus track is a half inch wider with increased negative camber for improved cornering. To handle the increased power of the AMG V8, stronger halfshafts and driveshaft joints are installed.

Staggered-width 18-inch wheels (8.5 inches in front, 9.0 at the rear) make room for large AMG vented and perforated four-wheel disc brakes. Front discs measure 14.2 inches in diameter with six-piston fixed calipers, and at the rear, ample 13-inch discs with four-piston fixed calipers are used. For C63 AMG owners who are serious about competing on the race track, the AMG Development package features new lightweight forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft with modified engine management that together provide an extra 27 horsepower, for a total of 481 hp. The AMG Development Package also includes an even stiffer sport suspension, limited slip differential, red brake calipers, carbon-fiber rear spoiler and a higher speed limiter of 174 mph.