Auto News 5

The third generation of Audi's aluminum-spaceframe flagship, the A8, has now been unveiled. The standard-wheelbase model, seen here, and the long-wheelbase variant (set to debut in a few months time) will both arrive at North American Audi dealers this fall, for the 2011 model year. An enhanced powertrain, an innovative new electronics interface, and an evolved design are highlights of the new car.

Can we have another one of these for a year? I'd not been in an R8 since our V-8 Four Seasons V-8 model left late last summer, and quickly recalled just how much I loved it.inline_mediumwraptextright26756345/reviews/editors_notebook/1002_2010_audi_r81002_01_z+2010_audi_r8+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Months in fleet: three
Miles to date: 8978inline_mediumwraptextright31468371/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1001_2010_audi_q5_32_january_update0911_04_z+2010_audi_q5_3_2+rear_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

More than any other BMW product, the 5-series must walk a fine tightrope to balance the company’s reputation for sport sedans and luxury cruisers. That responsibility, to be all things to all people, is a particularly tough job for the 5-series, but with new engines, a fresh look, and refined adaptive dynamics, the new 2011 BMW 5-series is eager to battle the diverse competition in the mid-size class from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz to Infiniti and Audi.inline_mediumwraptextright27841597/reviews/driven/1001_2011_bmw_5_series1001_03_z+2011_bMW_5-Series+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

We've had two different Audi S5 models in the office this month: this V-8 coupe and also an S5 Cabriolet with Audi's fabulous new supercharged V-6 engine. Whereas the supercharged V-6 makes 333 hp, the V-8 surpasses it with 354; torque figures are identical: 325 lb-ft, but the V-6 delivers it starting lower down in the rev range.inline_mediumwraptextright2010 Audi S5 Coupe31941081/reviews/editors_notebook/1001_2010_audi_s5_coupe1001_02_z+2010_audi_s5_coupe+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue