Audi’s Allroad models are essentially jacked-up version of the automaker’s wagons that have also been fitted with a quattro all-wheel-drive system, grippy wheels and protective elements for the body. The cars are designed for those individuals seeking soft-road capability but aren’t willing to upsize to a proper SUV.

We only get an A4-based Allroad here in the United States but overseas there’s one based on the A6 as well. Now, the A6 Allroad lineup has been expanded with performance-enhanced Sport trim. Audi’s new Sport trim is available here on the A8, and while it doesn’t see any extra power added to the A6 Allroad buyers do benefit from a number of extras as standard.

All A6 Allroad Sport models receive on their exteriors 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated side mirrors, dynamic turn signals for the tail lights, and privacy glass. Inside, the Sport trim adds electrically adjustable front sports seats plus Valcona leather and Alcantara trim. These are in addition to the many existing standard features such as four-level air suspension, satellite navigation, parking aids and a powered tailgate.

The suspension of the A6 Allroad automatically adjusts to reduce aerodynamic drag at speeds above 74 mph by lowering the body by 15 millimeters. When more ground clearance is required, a lift mode can be engaged at the push of a button, raising ride height by 10 mm. When negotiating more substantial off-road trails, the A6 Allroad benefits from a 20-degree slope angle and 17-degree ramp angle capability. There is also hill hold assist and hill descent control, which maintains a constant vehicle speed between five and 18 mph.

The A6 Allroad range offers the choice of four V-6 engines including one gasoline unit and three diesels. The most potent is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 diesel delivering 315 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this motor powers the A6 Allroad from 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds and on to governed top speed of 155 mph.

Audi's most celebrated colour is daubed across a 695bhp RS6 special edition

Perhaps we should have tagged this story NSFW. It’s the Audi RS6 Avant Nogaro Edition, and if you like a fast estate, it’s basically filth.

Just 150 will be made, but they’re all for Germany. As the RS6 nears the end of its life, it’s essentially a greatest hits package of all its best options: ceramic brakes, sports differential, polished 21in wheels, titanium exhaust… and the performance pack that brings 597bhp/553lbft peaks, enough for a 3.7sec 0-62mph time and 189mph top speed. Yikes.

If you’re scratching your head thinking that’s not enough, then Audi has taken your loopy requirements into account, too. The Nogaro Edition has also seen a tie up with tuner ABT Sportsline, who’ll boost the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 up to 695bhp and 649lb ft. Thus equipped, you’ll be able to hit 198mph the next time you’re on empty, derestricted autobahn.

Wondering what the name means? Nogaro Blue is the wonderful colour made famous by Audi’s original fast estate, the RS2. Thus you’ll find it inside and outside this RS6, with the Nogaro Alcantara on the seats and door panels looking particularly fetching.

It’s joined inside by a fully suede steering wheel rim and plenty of carbon trim and numbered plaques, to remind you how special your RS6 is. Good job, when it costs 130,000 euros (about £115,000), a 12,000 euro rise on standard before you’ve taken it to ABT.

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Audi previews future interior concepts at CES 2016

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Two years ago, Audi rocked CES with the “virtual cockpit” display that eventually went into production, starting with the recently redesigned TT. “Virtual cockpit” replaces conventional gauges and infotainment screens with a single digital display that does both. Now, is considering taking things a step further.




“We are developing our successful Audi virtual cockpit into the Audi virtual dashboard,” Ricky Hudi, the carmaker’s electronics-development chief, said in a statement, adding that in the future, “the entire system will get to know the customer and their habits and preferences, then proactively support them.”

Audi displayed an interior model at CES to demonstrate how all of those capabilities could be incorporated into future car dashboards. It consists of large AMOLED (active-matrix organic LED) displays with haptic feedback. Audi says they recognize touch gestures like the ones typically used to control mobile devices, and that smartphones and smartwatches themselves can be “seamlessly connected.” The whole system is backed by am upgraded version of the modular infotainment platform used in current Audi vehicles.




Expanding the “virtual-cockpit” concept beyond the gauge cluster could be a smart move for Audi, and not just because the conventional wisdom in the industry these days seems to be “more screens equals better.” The “virtual cockpit” helps streamline the flow of information to the driver and declutter interiors, but it’s also focused solely on the person behind the wheel. That may be acceptable in a sports car like the TT, but may not be ideal in other types of vehicles.

It's just an evolution of their virtual cockpit from 2014. So yeah, Audi copied no one.