New Audi RS4 Avant Photos Leaked, gets 4.2-liter V8 Delivering 450-Horses

The all-new Audi RS4 Avant is not much of a secret anymore as the first official pictures along with some initial details leaked onto the web today. As we reported in our scoop story on Monday, the 2013 Audi RS4 adopts the RS5's improved 4.2-liter V8 engine rated at 450PS (444bhp) and 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft), channeled to the road through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system.
We also learn today that the new RS4 Avant allegedly completes the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.7 seconds, a tenth of a second slower than the lighter but also far less practical and roomy RS5 Coupe.
Audi's engineers also made changes to the suspension setup and fitted the RS4 with a more potent braking system and 19-inch wheels shod in low profile, high-performance tires.
On the outside, the RS4 Avant gets the usual styling treatment with blistered wheel arches, a bespoke design for the grille and bumpers, along with a rear diffuser. Similarly, the interior boasts new body-hugging sports seats trimmed in leather, a flat bottom steering wheel and RS-specific trim.
The new RS4 Avant will make its world debut at next month's Geneva Auto Show and go on sale in Europe later in the year. Don’t expect to see it any time soon in the States.

PHOTO GALLERY

Video Animation Walk us Around the New B-MAX

Ford's teaser train of the new B-MAX continues to roll down the track with the release of the first animated video of the car. The short clip walks us around the small MPV and shows the regular front and sliding rear doors in action.

You can read more about the B-MAX in our previous posts; we'll just remind you that the Fiesta-based minivan will make its first appearance at the 2012 Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Spain on February 27 before it heads to the Geneva Motor Show in March. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0Dz4KbjDof4

New Hyundai Azera Starts from $32,000*, a $6,605 Premium Over its Predecessor

More often than not, building better vehicles comes at a price but Hyundai's clientele may not be very happy about the company's pricing strategy with the brand-new 2012 Azera that starts at $32,000 (€24,500), not including an $875 delivery and handling fee that pushes the price to $32,875. Granted, the redesigned Azera costs $4,725 less than the 2012 Lexus ES350 ($36,725), but it's also $6,605 more expensive than its predecessor and only $2,400 cheaper than Hyundai's more upscale and powerful Genesis V6 sedan, which features a 333HP 3.3-liter engine linked to an 8-speed auto.
If you add the optional Technology Package, which includes several goods such as 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps and a panoramic sunroof, the Azera costs $36,000 excluding the destination and handling fee.
In the States, the Azera will be offered exclusively with Hyundai's Lambda II 3.3-liter V6 delivering 293-horses that's matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Hyundai says the 2012 Azera returns a fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
Sales of the new Azera will begin in April.

Standard and Optional Features

• 3.3L GDI DOHC V6 with 293 horsepower
• 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC
• Active ECO system
• 18-inch alloy wheels and tires (P245/45VR)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist
• Impact-absorbing front seats
• Advanced front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver’s knee airbag
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• SACHS ASD suspension
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Automatic headlight control with delay off feature
• Front fog lights
• Integrated dual exhaust
• Chrome insert body side moldings and exterior door handles
• Heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Solar control windshield and glass
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Leather seating with heated front and rear seats
• Power driver seat and front passenger seat
• Manual tilt and telescopic steering column
• Leather steering wheel and shift knob
• AM/FM/HD Radio/XM/CD/MP3 audio with iPod / USB and auxiliary input jacks
• Dimension premium speakers with subwoofer and external amplifier
• Navigation system with touchscreen display
• Rearview backup camera
• Blue Link Telematics
• Dual Automatic Temperature Control
• Floor console-mounted rear vents
• Cruise control
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system with phonebook transfer
• Electrochromic mirror with compass and HomeLink
• Power windows with front auto up/down
• Interior door panels with bottle holders in all four doors

Technology Package ($4,000 MSRP):

• 19-inch alloy wheels and tires(P245/40VR)
• Panoramic Sunroof
• HID Xenon headlights
• Power rear sunshade
• Manual side window sunshades
• Infinity premium speakers with subwoofer and external amplifier
• Power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column
• Integrated Memory System (IMS): Power driver's seat, exterior mirrors, and steering column
• Driver’s seat cushion extension
• Ventilated front seats
• Rear parking assistance sensors
• Interior ambient lighting

PHOTO GALLERY