Dont know what to get as that perfect gift for an AUDI fan - Well, take a look at this.....

New format driver tuition programme puts stars from S1 to R8 in the hands of Audi enthusiasts keen to hone their skills in safety

• Get to grips with the 367PS RS 3 Sportback, 310PS TTS Coupe and 231PS S1 for just £299
• Move up to the 560PS RS 6 Avant and 610PS R8 V10 plus for £749
• quattro experience using Q3, SQ5 and Q7 focuses on SUV control on road and in the rough
• Instruction on Silverstone’s Stowe Circuit and off-road facilities involves a wide variety of dynamic disciplines to build knowledge and experience
• Selected course dates running through to October 2016

Indelibly memorable, immensely rewarding and edge-of-seat exciting – these come close to describing the all-new Audi R8, but they apply just as much to the 2016 Audi Driving Experience in which the 205mph super sports car plays a starring role. 

From this month the spectacular R8 and an all-star supporting cast of Audi performance cars will be seen, heard and thoroughly enjoyed as part of a restructured ADE programme of high performance driver tuition taking place at  Northamptonshire’s Silverstone Circuit.

The 610PS R8 V10 plus tops the bill in the fleet that will be lapping the hallowed venue’s Stowe Circuit as part of the full-blown Audi Sport Experience, but Audi enthusiasts will also have access to an Introductory Experience costing under £300 that puts them in the driving seat of a trio of powerhouses including the 367PS RS 3 Sportback.

Open to UK driving licence-holders aged 21 and over*, irrespective of the car they own, the latest Audi Driving Experience has been condensed into three core modules - the half-day Audi Sport  Introductory experience, half-day quattro experience and full-day Audi Sport experience. All are available on selected dates running through to October.

Costing £299, the morning or afternoon Audi Sport Introductory  experience includes instruction on cornering techniques and management of fast lane changes, plus a challenging slalom course, and enlists the help of the 231PS S1 quattro, the 310PS TTS quattro and the 367PS RS 3 Sportback quattro.

The Audi Sport Experience, costing £749, ramps up the excitement several notches further still by pitching the RS 3 Sportback in with the 560PS RS 6 Avant and the 610PS R8 V10 plus for a full day of clipping apexes and perfecting racing lines. During this high-octane session delegates focus on everything from cornering and high-speed lane changes to braking at speed, and are then treated to a high-speed passenger ride in a R8 V10 plus with an expert Audi instructor.

The increasing number of fans of the flourishing Audi SUV family are also taken care of at Silverstone by the quattro Experience, available for £349. This half-day module divides time between special handling areas within the circuit and its purpose-built 4x4 area.

The Audi Q family on parade

Tackled in the Q3 and the potent 326PS SQ5 TDI, the ‘hard surface’ elements of the quattro Experience allow drivers to develop their confidence in the on-road control of these agile and imposing machines and to understand how that control is dramatically enhanced by quattro all-wheel-drive. Away from the asphalt, the challenging gradients and rough terrain of the 4x4 section are the domain of the latest Q7 with its height adjustable air suspension, and subscribers to this module are given plenty of opportunity to experience how adeptly this luxurious seven-seater with state-of-the-art quattro drive can iron out the undulations.

The half-day Introductory and quattro modules include breakfast and light refreshments, and lunch is also served during the full-day Audi Sport Experience. All delegates who complete their modules leave with a ‘graduation’ certificate.  

For an additional cost of £49 participants can invite a guest spectator, who can enjoy refreshments during the training and will also have the opportunity to try a ‘taster session’ on the off-road course in a Q model alongside an off-road driving expert. 

The thrilling Audi Sport Experience is included as part of the ‘standard equipment’ for customers purchasing a new R8 Coupe or Spyder, and is offered at reduced cost to recipients of a new RS 6 Avant or RS 7 Sportback (including 605PS performance versions).

The compelling Experiences at Silverstone don’t have to be the end of the action-packed journey for committed drivers. They can continue to hone their skills at an international level through exciting Audi driving experience programmes involving everything from ice driving in Finland to conquering the 170+ corners making up Germany’s gruelling Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

To purchase a voucher for the Audi driving experience visit https://www.audi.co.uk/about-audi/audi-driving-experience.html

* With fewer than 9 driving licence penalty points. For some of the European ADE courses, customers will need to be over the age of 25.

Audi releases two angry and aggressive cars, the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, both amazing cars.

New versions of RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback bring power and performance even closer to supercar levels

• New RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants to supplement existing models available from November priced at £86,000 OTR and £91,600 OTR
• First deliveries in February 2016
• 4.0 TFSI uprated by 45PS to 605PS, new overboost function offers on-demand torque increase of 50Nm to 750Nm
• 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, top speed of up to 189mph
• Best-in-class economy is undiminished by performance enhancements

A new peak is about to be reached in the Audi RS range as RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback ‘performance’ models join their existing and already formidable counterparts and ramp power up to a colossal 605PS and torque to up to 750Nm. 

Despite doing even greater justice to the RS badge by translating their 45PS and 50Nm output advantages into a supercar-challenging sprint time of just 3.7 seconds, the new RS performance models retain the same best-in-class fuel economy and efficiency figures as their ‘standard’ equivalents.

Available to order in the UK from November, and scheduled for first deliveries here next February, the RS 6 Avant performance will be priced at £86,000 OTR and the RS 7 Sportback performance at £91,600 OTR. The 4.0-litre TFSI engine at the heart of both bolsters its 605PS output with a 700Nm torque peak which can be temporarily increased by the driver to 750Nm by way of an overboost function.

The two RS high-performance models sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the respective standard RS model, and need just 12.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 124mph, giving them a 1.4-second advantage. In each case the governed 155mph top speed can be increased as an option to 174mph, or 189mph if the dynamic package plus is specified.

Despite the 45PS output boost, the sonorous V8 biturbo power unit returns up to 29.4mpg in the RS 6 Avant performance and 29.7mpg in the RS 7 Sportback performance, corresponding to 223 and 221 g/km of CO₂.

Engineering expertise gathered by Audi and quattro GmbH over many years of RS model development has been invested in the upgraded 4.0 TFSI, from the specific engine management system with increased rpm and boost pressure to the Audi cylinder on demand (COD) system, which only activates four of the eight cylinders when under part load.

The standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission has been designed to maximise the potential of the even more extreme engine in both the new RS 6 Avant performance and the new RS 7 Sportback performance. The driver can choose between the modes D and S or change gears manually either by tapping the selector lever or by using the shift paddles on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel. In manual mode, a shift indicator in the driver information system or optional head-up display indicates the rev limit.

quattro with sport differential

quattro permanent all-wheel drive delivers the power to the road and flexibly distributes torque as needed via the centre differential. In the standard configuration, 40 per cent flows to the front axle and 60 per cent to the rear. The wheel-selective torque control intervenes as necessary. A sport differential acting on the rear axle is also standard, and enables active torque distribution between the inside and outside wheel.

With its dynamic set-up, the standard RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance by 20 millimetres. The integrated damping control varies as a function of the road conditions, driving style and the mode chosen in Audi drive select. As an alternative, the tauter RS sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is also available, and both set-ups can be complemented by optional dynamic steering with a continuously variable steering ratio.

The driver can modulate the function of key components using Audi drive select, including the steering, engine and sound management, the tiptronic transmission and the sport differential. The RS performance models, like the all-new R8 sports car, make the Audi drive select configuration process even quicker and easier by enabling the driver to switch between the auto, comfort, dynamic and individual modes without taking eyes off the road using a special button on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel.

In both RS performance models, 21‑inch cast aluminium wheels channel the exceptional output with the help of 285/30 tyres in the RS 6 Avant performance and 275/30 tyres in the RS 7 Sportback performance. The four internally ventilated brake discs have a weight-saving wave design, and can be replaced by carbon fibre-ceramic discs as an option.

Striking design details reinforce the preeminent position of the two new RS performance models. These include the accentuated bumpers with large air inlets up front and the heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear, the gloss black honeycomb grille typical of the RS models and the flared side sills.

The RS performance-specific exterior is distinguished by a quattro logo on the air inlet duct and matt titanium-look detailing. RS super sports seats with pronounced side bolsters and integrated head restraints are standard, and are upholstered in a black and blue Alcantara and leather combination with a honeycomb pattern and matching stitching on the armrests which also extends to the control elements and floor mats. The knee pads are also finished in Alcantara and the inlays in carbon with blue thread. This sophisticated and exclusive carbon material is interwoven with a blue thread.

The NEW A6 now starts with a ultra low 109g/km model, to a 4.0 Litre 560PS version.

Even more miles per gallon for economy-focused ultra model as new A6 fleet featuring numerous improvements is now ready for UK ordering

• New A6 and A6 Avant ranges now available to order – first customer deliveries in December 2014
• S6 and S6 Avant available from November for March 2015 deliveries
• RS 6 Avant availability for ordering TBC, expected in first quarter of 2015
• OTR prices start at £31,955 OTR for the TDI ultra saloon, rising to £58,000 for the S6 Avant
• Styling revisions, xenon headlamps as standard for SE versions, LED headlights as standard for S line,Matrix LED lights optional for A6 and S6 and standard for RS 6 Avant
• Interior decor improvements and upgraded infotainment system
• EU6-compliant engine range benefits from emissions reductions of up to 22 per cent
• Line-up includes 2.0 TDI ultra offering up to 67mpg with CO₂ of as little as 109g/km
• New S tronic twin-clutch transmission replaces multitronic CVT in front-wheel-drive variants

The relentless pursuit of efficiency gains by Audi engineers has led to the inclusion of an even more frugal version of the critically acclaimed A6 ultra executive saloon in the new range that is now available for UK ordering. Priced from £31,955 OTR in Saloon form or £33,955 as an Avant, the latest ultra model extracts even more mileage out of each gallon than its recently introduced predecessor, emits as little as 109g/km of CO₂ and doesn’t ask drivers to forego attractions like the S line sports specification in return.

The even more fuel-sparing models join a line-up which has been bolstered by styling revisions, upgraded lighting options, a new infotainment system and new transmissions. Like all other A6 and A6 allroad variants they are open for order now and will reach their first UK owners in December. High performance S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant models will follow shortly afterwards.

Already an efficiency champion with the potential for up to 64.2mpg and low emissions of just 114g/km, the A6 2.0 TDI ultra Saloon with S tronic twin-clutch transmission has now increased its range to 67.3mpg and cut its emissions to 109g/km in SE form with 17-inch alloy wheels. With the S line specification, including 18-inch alloy wheels, its economy capability remains unchanged and its emissions increase only very slightly to 110g/km.

This is good news for business users, particularly those in the market for the TDI ultra in SE form with S tronic transmission, which benefits from a BIK rate change from 18 per cent to 17 per cent, equating to a liability for a 40% tax payer of £2,273 in the first year. Manual transmission models with their reduced 113g/km output and 65.7mpg economy are only just above at 18 per cent.

This step forward from an already impressive starting point also moves both ultra versions of the new A6 Saloon from VED band C to band B, allowing owners to benefit from free road fund licencing in the first year of ownership and a £10 annual saving thereafter over the outgoing model at just £20 per year.

In the Avant versions of the TDI ultra SE, the uplift in efficiency has resulted in an improved CO₂ figure of 114g/km for S tronic versions, equating to a combined fuel economy figure of 61.4mpg, or 118g/km and 60.1mpg for versions equipped with manual transmission.

Frugality without performance penalties

The particular appeal of the ultra models lies in the fact that their efficiency isn’t achieved at the expense of the kind of power, performance and refinement expected of an executive class car. Thanks to peak outputs of 190 PS and 400Nm, the latter available between 1,750 and 3,000rpm, the A6 TDI ultras deliver strong and responsive performance, a fact which is borne out by the S tronic saloon’s 8.2-second 0-62mph time (8.4 seconds for manual ultras) and 144mph top speed.

A key contributor to this excellent trade-off between pace and frugality is the fully redeveloped seven‑speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission which replaces the familiar eight-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission in front-wheel-drive models. Its rapid fire gear changes help to build momentum, and it also incorporates a new ‘coasting’ function which is activated when efficiency mode is selected in the standard Audi Drive Select system, allowing the engine to ‘freewheel’ in neutral once the accelerator is released. The six‑speed manual gearbox that is available as an alternative in ultra models is also of a new design, and is notable for its particularly light weight and low friction characteristics. 

Improvements to the engine start-stop system also contribute to the efficiency gains. The system activates as soon as the car comes to a halt and can now switch on or off several times if required, for example to maintain the ambient cabin temperature managed by the climate control during prolonged periods of stationary traffic. Together, the S tronic and Start-stop revisions save up to 8g/km of CO₂.

Further evidence of the intensive Audi focus on weight saving as a means of boosting efficiency in parallel with advances in engine technology can be found in the suspension of the A6 Avant TDI ultra models, which feature new lightweight Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer springs as standard. Making their Audi debut here, the light green GFRP springs reduce both sprung and unsprung masses, saving 40 per cent in weight over the conventional steel springs, at just 1.6 kg each.

Four or six-cylinder TDI range

The ultra models are joined in the new A6 Saloon and Avant ranges by four other versions powered by three V6 TDI engines with varying power outputs and either single or twin turbo charging. All comply with the Euro 6 emission standard.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder TDI ‘clean diesel’ units kick off with a single-turbo V6 with 218PS which replaces the existing 204PS version, and is available in conjunction with either front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive. This is followed by a 272PS variant, also with a single charger, which takes over from the outgoing 245PS unit and is linked exclusively to quattro drive.

At the top of the range, the 3.0 TDI clean diesel biturbo produces 320PS, an increase of 7PS over its existing equivalent, and again is allied exclusively to the quattro drivetrain. The high‑performance diesel is paired with an eight‑speed tiptronic automatic transmission. All other V6 options are linked to a seven‑speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

The chassis with its sophisticated, fully independent five-link front and trapezoidal link rear suspension combines supreme comfort with crisp handling. Sports suspension lowered by 20mm is standard for the A6 S line and optional for the SE model, and the former can be rooted to the tarmac even more firmly by S line sports suspension which lowers the body by a further 10mm. Alternatively, the cushioned comfort of electronically controlled adaptive air suspension is available in conjunction with both specification options. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard, and in versions with 272PS and above, it can be used to adjust the operating characteristics of the sport differential acting on the rear wheels, which is standard for the S6 and optional for all other quattro-equipped models.

Considered exterior updates

The important changes under the skin of the new A6 and A6 Avant are complemented by exterior design enhancements which create an even more streamlined look and retain the purity of line which is an A6 hallmark. Revisions have been made to the Singleframe grille, the air inlets, the bumpers, the side sills, the rear lights and the tailpipes.

One particular exterior highlight is the addition of xenon headlamps as standard for UK A6 SE models, and LED headlights with dynamic ‘sweeping’ rear indicators for S line versions and above. Matrix LED headlights, incorporating clusters of LED bulbs which can be individually dimmed when sensors detect oncoming or following traffic to automatically divert their beams around obstacles, are optional for all A6 and S6 variants and standard for the RS 6 Avant. They also include dynamic front indicators.

Judicious changes have also been made in the interior, which is already renowned for its uncompromising quality and exceptional premium class ambiance. A key cosmetic difference in the new car is the addition of a new Lunar Silver upholstery and headlining colour choice for S line versions, which have until now been available finished exclusively in black. There are also subtle detail enhancements, including an upgrade from dual-zone to deluxe four-zone climate control, new gear lever designs and additional chrome detailing.

Less immediately obvious but no less beneficial upgrades include the introduction of new versions of the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus and Audi connect elements. Based around an eight-inch retractable colour monitor, MMI navigation plus is available as an alternative to the standard navigation system. It now uses an even more powerful Tegra 30 graphics processor from Nvidia, and includes MMI touch, which enables the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad. Audi connect now brings tailored Internet-based services and new media streaming apps to the car via the latest LTE high‑speed data transmission standard for ultra-fast 4G click-through and download functionality.

The Audi phone box option is also now available – it enables occupants to connect their mobile phones to the car‘s antenna for improved reception simply by placing them in the phone box compartment.

The range of driver assistance systems, topped by adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, is also extremely attractive. Audi side assist, which uses radar to check behind the car when changing lanes, works closely together with Audi active lane assist, which prevents unintended lane changes. The night vision assistant now includes even more functions, and the portfolio of Audi pre sense safety systems is also available to further enhance protection. Important information can be called up via the optional head‑up display.

Redefinition of rugged - the new Audi A6 allroad quattro

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro, which is based on the A6 Avant, features a raised body accentuated by wheel arch extensions and stainless steel protectors that encapsulate the underside of the front and rear ends. It rides on adaptive air suspension with allroad-specific settings and is powered by three 3.0‑litre V6 TDI engines with outputs of 218PS, 272PS and 320PS.

High performance to the power of three: the new S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant

TFSI power remains at the heart of the highest performance versions of the latest A6 range – the S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant. All use a twin turbo V8 with Cylinder on Demand technology producing 450PS in the S6 and 560PS in the RS 6 Avant.

In the S6 Saloon the state-of-the-art V8 is good for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.4 seconds. The S6 Avant needs just 4.6 seconds. Combined fuel economy is an impressive 30.7mpg in the Saloon and 30.1mpg in the Avant, the equivalent of 214 and 219 grams CO₂ per kilometre, respectively. This efficiency is due in large part to the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which only activates four of the eight cylinders when under part load.

Standard equipment in the new Audi S6 and S6 Avant includes quattro permanent all‑wheel drive incorporating the sports differential and the adaptive air suspension, which lowers the body by 20 millimetres. Matt black brake calipers grip the front discs mounted behind the 19‑inch wheels.

In the figurehead of the new A6 family - the RS 6 Avant - acceleration to 62mph takes a mere 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 189mph is possible. Despite offering 560PS its 4.0-litre TFSI engine is also capable of up to 29.4mpg, corresponding to 223 grams CO₂ per kilometre. The CoD system is also largely responsible for this efficiency.

An eight‑speed tiptronic transmission transfers the power from the twin turbo V8. The standard quattro drivetrain uses a centre differential with a higher locking rate and also features the sports differential acting on the rear axle. The RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimetres, but customers also have the option of conventionally sprung RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The large brake discs feature a weight-saving wave design, and the wheels measure 20 inches in diameter. 21‑inch wheels are available as an option.

109g/km ultra headlines new A6 business case – Now available to order in the UK, the new A6 range is priced from £31,955 OTR. It benefits from significant efficiency gains which cut emissions in the ultra versions down as far as 109g/km, and incorporates new transmissions, exterior and interior styling enhancements and new infotainment options.

Model	Model	Power	Pricing (OTR)	S line premium	Black Edition premium
A6 Saloon	2.0 TDI ultra manual	190 PS	£31,955	£2,450	£2,175
	2.0 TDI ultra S tronic	190 PS	£33,485
	3.0 TDI	218 PS	£38,095
	3.0 TDI quattro S tronic	218 PS	£39,855
	3.0 TDI quattro	272 PS	£41,415
	3.0 BiTDI quattro	320 PS	£46,125
A6 Avant	2.0 TDI ultra manual	190 PS	£33,955	£2,450	£2,175
	2.0 TDI ultra S tronic	190 PS	£35,485
	3.0 TDI S tronic	218 PS	£40,095
	3.0 TDI quattro S tronic	218 PS	£41,855
	3.0 TDI quattro	272 PS	£43,415
	3.0 BiTDI quattro	320 PS	£48,125
A6 allroad quattro	3.0 TDI quattro	218 PS	£45,255	-	-
	3.0 TDI quattro	272 PS	£46,815
	3.0 BiTDI quattro	320 PS	£51,620
S6 Saloon	4.0 TFSI quattro	450 PS	£56,000	-	-
S6 Avant	4.0 TFSI quattro	450 PS	£58,000	-	-
RS 6 Avant	4.0 TFSI quattro	560 PS	TBC	-	-

* The choice of wheel may affect fuel consumption figures and CO₂ emissions and corresponding vehicle excise duty (VED) payable.