Auto News 5

Some four months after introducing the e-tron at the Frankfurt auto show, Audi is hinting at how it might expand its use of electric technology with a new concept: the e-tron.inline_mediumwraptextright31981713/green/news/1001_audi_etron_detroit_showcaraudi-e-tron-detroit-show-car-side.jpgTrue

The 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet is by far the quietest softtop convertible I have ever driven. There was no howling wind noise or cold air coming through the tight seams; the S5 Cabriolet really drove like a fixed-roof vehicle. Surprisingly, the driver's rearward visibility isn't hindered by the top; the car has slightly larger blind spots at the C-pillars, but the lack of a B-pillar more than makes up for it. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to lower the top while driving due to the sub-freezing temperatures outside, but unlike other convertibles on the market, the Audi S5 Cabriolet is still a stylish ride regardless of where the top is positioned, especially in this color scheme, with brilliant red paint and a black top.inline_mediumwraptextright26436296/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_audi_s5_s_tronic_cabriolet0912_01_z+2010_audi_s5_s-tronic_cabriolet+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

This car still speaks to the core audience that made the 4Runner such a famous brand name for Toyota. It is distinct in character from Toyota's other midsize SUVs such as the Highlander although it does cross paths with the FJ Cruiser. The 4Runner's days may be limited, like the days of all rough-and-tumble off-roaders, but for now I suspect there are sufficient buyers, especially given its solid-gold reputation among outdoor adventure types.inline_mediumwraptextright31857777/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_toyota_4runner_sr5_4x4_v60912_04_z+2010_toyota_4Runner_sR5_4x4_v6+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Months in fleet: Two
Miles to date: 5935inline_mediumwraptextright27665596/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/0912_2010_audi_q5_32_quattro_tiptronic_december_update0912_02_z+2010_audi_q5_32_quattro_tiptronic+front_view.jpgTrue

With the subtle upgrades the Volkswagen GTI saw for 2010, I was expecting a little more from the Jetta GLI. The GLI may sound like a sedan version of the hot GTI, but it's saddled with the Jetta's rather squishy suspension and brakes. I still love any VW/Audi car powered by the 2.0T engine, although my love isn't quite as strong when the rest of the vehicle doesn't live up to what the engine can do.

It's easy to criticize cars that are "all show and no go." But looking at this Audi A5, which offers four-cylinder power in a segment dominated by 300-hp six-cylinders, I feel compelled to ask, is there anything really wrong with prioritizing looks over performance?inline_mediumwraptextright26328515/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_audi_a5_20t_quattro_mt60912_01_z+2010_audi_a5_20T_quattro_mT6+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Although the auto industry's renewed global focus is streamlining product plans across continents, there will always be cars we want but can't have. For its discreet performance and sleek luxury, the Audi S3 compact hatchback is one of these mythical machines. To drive the real thing, you'd have to cross the Atlantic or endure the bureaucratic agony of trying to import one, but perhaps the best way to get into an S3 is to make your own.inline_mediumwraptextright31406226/reviews/driven/1001_2009_mtm_audi_s3_sportback1001_01_z+2009_mTM_audi_s3_sportback+front_view.jpgTrue

Perhaps it's merely a product of the cold, slick roads around here, which prevent much spirited driving, but I might prefer this base A4 over a BMW 328i. Just approaching the car in the parking garage after a long day's work, I gained an appreciation for the sense of drama and excitement Audi has baked into its mainstream, lower-priced model. Indeed, it really doesn't look or feel any less special than a $45,000 S4 or even a $60,000 A6. And though it lacks the dynamic capabilities of its rear-wheel-drive BMW rival, it won't put you to sleep behind the wheel, either. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder's 258 lb-ft of torque quickly quells any six-cylinder envy, and the handsome, three-spoke steering wheel firms up nicely at speed, though I'd prefer a more natural, progressive build-up of effort.inline_mediumwraptextright31734480/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_audi_a4_20t_mt0912_02_z+2010_audi_a4_20T_mT+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue