Autoblog

Audi's given the A4 an S-Line package for European consumption, and they're pledging that the US won't get stiffed when the fifth-generation A4 lands in America in late 2008. The German word for sport is, uh, sport, and the S-line bits can appease S4 aspirants without the heavy outlay for the über-performing version of the A4. Inside Line has been assured by Audi USA's Christian Bokich that they "won't hold back on the cool stuff from Germany," meaning you won't have to hunt down esoteric Euro part numbers for the bits you really want; nor will you have to go at your Audi with hand tools to get something a little special.

For about $3,000, European buyers will get a lowered suspension by Quattro GmbH, 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, sport seats, special perforated Alcantara and leather, and different accents for the leather wrapped sport steering wheel. While the interior execution will be Audi sumptuous, it certainly won't make the car any sportier or faster. The bolsters on the sport seats are likely to be more snug-fitting, but what it sounds like, the main value is in the Quattro GmbH suspension which would probably be hard to duplicate for a mere $3K aftermarket. The extra finery is de rigeur in this segment, lest you forget you're driving an uprated car.

[Source: Inside Line]

Audi S5 (A5 S line package photos not yet released)

We're big fans of Audi's S line packages for its non-S/RS passenger cars. Sure, while they may not boast the full-on sports models' monstrous power, they look great, and for most drivers, the array of standard factory powertrain choices offer plenty of fun. Never mind the fact that the S line packages still keep the cars' sticker prices well south of their high-performance kin.

The latest machinery wheeled out by Audi is the delicious-looking A5, along with its fierce, V8-powered S5 sibling. The A5 is plenty nice, however, and it's set to be even better with the addition of the just-announced S line packages. A sport suspension featuring a 10mm drop is standard, and new 18" 5-spoke or 19" 7-spoke rolling stock is also part of the deal. Quattro Gmbh, which is responsible for the S line goodies, will add a 20" wheel later on.

As we've seen on other S line vehicles, the front and rear bumpers are upgraded to feature new aerodynamics, including a diffuser insert at the rear and side vents up front. Said new bodywork can be coated in Misano Red and Avus Silver paint finishes. Inside, buyers can choose from three different interior trims, ranging from a cloth/leather combo to a leather/Alcantara setup. S line embroidery and badging are part of the deal, of course. Unfortunately, Audi hasn't released any photos of the new goodies yet. Galleries of both the A5 and S5 are linked below, and we'll post S line photos as soon as Audi releases them. The official press release is pasted after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Audi AG has announced the European pricing for its new TT S-line trim. When we first reported on the TT S-line, all we were able to do was bring you the photos Audi released and make some observations based on what they showed.

Today, we finally have the rest of the story. It turns out there are actually a pair of S-line packages - S-line sports and S-line exterior. The car depicted in the photos is equipped with both.

The sports package incorporates a lowered sports suspension, wheel upgrade (18" or 19" in a choice of patterns), and an interior revamp that adds cloth/leather or optional full-leather seats embossed with the S-line logo, silver contrast stitching (the interior is black), an S-line steering wheel, aluminum trim (including some nice branded doorsill inserts), and a sport shifter. In addition to all that, Misano Red or Avus Silver paint can be selected for the bodywork.

The bodywork, by they way, benefits from the S-line exterior package, which fits new bumpers fore and aft that incorporate smart-looking diffuser inserts. Audi's press release says that those inserts are finished in "platinum grey," but the photos indicate that they're simply unpainted carbon-fiber. The side grills in the front bumper also receive real vents as opposed to the unventilated honeycomb-look covers present on the regular TT.

The TT S-line sports package starts at € 1,800 and the S-line exterior package starts at € 1,300.

For a full hi-res photo gallery of the TT S-line (inside and out), check out the post below.

Related Post:

• Autoblog: Audi TT S-line arrives

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Audi AG]

Audi has released photos of its S-line package for the new TT coupe. Visually, the S-line is differentiated from its stock bretheren by larger intakes in the front bumper, a carbon-fiber chin spoiler located under the shield grille, a new carbon-fiber rear valance and naturally, the ever-so-subtle S-line badging on the front fenders. Oh, and those seven-spoke wheels? We dig.

As soon as Audi posts a press release, we'll add that text after the jump. For now, enjoy the full suite of pictures.

[Source: Audi AG via Fourtitude]

Information about the upcoming Audi S3 is sketchy at this point, but a photo of Audi's newest S has found its way onto a Spanish-language buff book. Per usual, speculation is rampant, but a few technical facts have made their way into the webiverse over the past two days.

The S3 will more than likely be fitted with a variant of the two-liter TFSI engine and mated to either a 6-speed manual or Audi's delicious DSG. The turbocharged mill will put out approximately 260 bhp, but whether that power will find its way to all four wheels or just the front two remains to be seen.

Aerodynamic enhancements are limited from this vantage point, but a new front splitter accentuating the Audi family's gaping maw, accompanied by larger air inlets to feed the engine and cool the brakes gives cred to the S3's potential. Side skirts are par for the course.

Beyond that, it is educated guesstimating. One could safely assume that an uprated suspension package will be available, along with 17" or 18" wheels shod in stickier rubber. Brakes will grow, exhausts will be retuned and all will be right with Audi's 'lil hatch. That is until an RS variant finds its way to consumers.

Will we benefit from these developments in the U.S.? Who knows? But you can't fault us for dreaming.

[Source: Autoblog.it]