Do you really need a 10 cylinder twin turbocharged station wagon? I think so, and Audi does too. Welcome the 2009 Audi RS6 Avant which is nothing short of spectacular in looks and power.

A welcomed more aggressive design makes this super wagon stand out from the crowd. The flared wheel wells and the sleek front grill makes the Audi RS6 Avant look like it is moving before it even gets into gear.

The 2009 Audi RS6 Avant is powered by an incredible turbocharged V10 engine that puts out an amazing 580 hp and 480 lbs of torque. Audi is boasting that the RS6 Avant will sprint 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and quickly reach its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Audi has also improved its already well designed Quattro system to match enormous power with handling. The Audi RS6 Avant has a 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel to allow manual up shifting.

The interior lives up to Audi’s uncanny ability to match style and class while maintaining functionality.

The Audi RS6 Avant is rumored to hit the showroom floor in Mid 2008 and the MSRP has not been disclosed.

Here is some video of the Audi RS6 Avant

So you are looking for something a little newer to choose from Fahrcar.com’s “Top Hot German Station Wagons” list. Then take a look at the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T. Audi combines a very functional yet stylish design into the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T.

The Audi A4 Avant 1.8T is powered by a 4 cylinder 1.8 liter turbo charged engine that produces 170 hp and 166 lbs of torque. The Audi A4 Avant will go 0-60 in about 7.8 seconds. Although the acceleration may not be at aggressive as the other station wagons on the list, the Audi A4 Avant’s real attribute is in its handling with the standard all wheel drive power train.

With the combination of relatively good fuel efficiency, first-rate handling and stand out styling, the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T makes the list. Although the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T has an available 5 speed automatic transmission, we feel that the manual transmission is much better suited with this turbo charged 4 cylinder engine. Pricing for the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T’s price range falls on the high side of the $10K to $20K. Again a pre purchase inspection is always a good idea with any used vehicle.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are in the market for a family truckster, but the car enthusiast in you won’t let you buy a minivan or large SUV. Well her are a few suggestions that will satisfy the both you and your family.

For many years the station wagon was slowly replaced by the SUVs and Minivans. In recent years we have seen the reemergence of station wagons. German car manufacturers, especially, recognize the need for both space and performance in one well designed package. So here are a few options in the used sporty station wagon market from German car manufacturers in the $10k to $20k price range. Please keep in mind these top station wagons are the opinion of the author and represent a short list from a long list of excellent vehicles.

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant – Housing the same power plant as its sedan brother, a twin turbo 6 cylinder engine, the Audi S4 Avant is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Putting out 250 hp and 258 lbs of torque the Audi S4 Avant is able to sprint 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Utilizing Audi’s legendary Quattro all wheel drive power train this wagon is capable of handling the twisting back roads with ease.

The interior of the Audi S4 Avant is elegant yet functional making this sports wagon a pleasure to travel in. The Audi S4 Avant is available with either an automatic or 6 speed transmission.

The Audi S4 Avant typically is priced on the upper end of the $10K to $20K price range (as of the publish date of this article) depending on condition and mileage. As with any used car a Pre Purchase Inspection should be must.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are looking for German engineering and classic lines, well here is a short list of our top 5 picks for Sporty German cars between $10,000 to $20,000 (as of this publish date). We choose these cars for their performance and overall everyday drivability. Keep in mind that this list represents the opinion of the author. Keep in mind that prices can vary in different markets and the pricing was based off of edmunds.com “true market value” and listings available online on Autotrader.com and Ebaymotors.com.

(They are in no particular order)

1996-1999 BMW E36 M3 – If you needed one word to describe the E36 BMW M3, the word would have to be “handling”. The naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder engine packs a smooth and sweet sounding 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque (USA version). Capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph (electronically limited). During its production the E36 BMW M3 was the benchmark for sports sedans.

In 1997 and 1998, BMW offered a 4 door version of this special sedan. Among owners and enthusiasts it is a common belief that the 4 door has a stiffer body. In 1998 and 1999 they offered a convertible version.

Prices range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition, year, etc. As with any used car you should definitely consider having a pre purchase inspection (PPI) completed.

1978-1983 Porsche 911 SC – In 1978 Porsche released the 911 SC with a new more reliable power plant and a much needed galvanized body. Powered by an air cooled flat 6 cylinder engine, the Porsche 911 SC had 180 hp at 5500 rpm in 1978 and 1979, 188 hp in 1980 and 204 hp at 5900Rpm in 1981, 1982 and 1983. The Porsche 911 SC managed 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds and had a top speed around 135 mph.

Sporting the classic style that has defined Porsche since the 1960’s, this vehicle is absolutely stunning. Pricing can vary greatly due to condition, but there are definitely some good examples available for under $20,000. Make sure you find a good Porsche mechanic and you should absolutely get a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI).

2000-2002 Audi S4 (B5) – In 2000, Audi released their answer to the BMW M3 in the USA (was available in Europe from 1997). Powered by a twin turbo charged V6, the Audi S4 (B5) has 250 hp and 258 lbs torque. The Audi S4 is capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The S4’s real advantage lies in its all wheel drive system which has been the root of Audi’s identity since the 1980’s.

The Audi S4 was available in as a 4 door sedan and also as the Avant (wagon). Pricing ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition. The 4 door sedan in good supply, while the Audi S4 Avant is much rarer find. Again, as with any used vehicle a pre purchase inspection is a good idea.

1997-1999 Porsche Boxster – In 1997 Porsche released this beautiful roadster with a warm reception from the American public. This Porsche was priced within range of a much larger group of people than its 911 big brother. The Porsche Boxster is a perfect example of what a roadster is suppose to be; fast, fun and easy to drive. The Boxster is powered by a smooth 6 cylinder that generates 201 hp and 188 lbs of torque. The Porsche Boxster will run 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds.

A good example of a 1997 to 1999 Porsche Boxster and be purchased between $10,000 to $20,000. The years are chosen based off of the pricing, you may be able to find a 2000 Porsche Boxster under $20,000, but the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Porsche Boxsters are more readily available in this price range. Pre Purchase inspection is once again suggested.

1998-2000 BMW M Coupe- The BMW M Coupe definitely commands a second look. You will either love the look or absolutely hate it. Awkwardly beautiful is how I like to describe this sport coupe. Powered by the BMW M3’s 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder, the BMW M Coupe will sprint 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds.

Handling is excellent and the sound is equally impressive. Pricing for a 1998, 1999 or 2000 BMW M Coupe is on the upper end of the 10,000 to 20,000 range. Once again a pre purchase inspection is suggested.

All of the aforementioned cars are somewhat specialty vehicles that can and do require expensive parts and maintenance to insure they continue to perform.

This is just a short list from a long list of awesome German vehicles. Please feel free to comment on your favorite German car in this price range.

What happens when you take Audi’s 4.2 Liter V8 (Audi RS4 power plant) and put it into a small light sleek AWD package? Well you get one fast and agile sports car, the Audi R8.

From 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds (manufacturer) and top speed of 187 mph; this all wheel drive, mid engine, 420 HP sports car is quit impressive. With 317 lbs of torque and 3439 lbs of weight to move, the Audi R8 will definitely be an experience to remember. The R8 will come standard with a 6 speed manual with an optional R Tronic transmission. Audi will be releasing the R8 on a limited basis, producing no more than 20 a day during production.

The design is nothing short of spectacular with a distinctive Audi flare. Styling is not to be confused with the Audi TT, the R8 stands out from a crowd.

The Audi R8 is suppose to hit the dealers in late 2007 with a price tag starting somewhere near $110,000. There are rumors already that Audi will offer the Lamborghini V10 (same power plant in the new Audi S8) as an option in the near future, which will put this car on the super car platform.

Yes they did it, they took a Lamborghini V10 5.0 Liter engine and bored it out to 5.2 liters then dropped it into an A8 body. Thus is born, the new Audi S8.

So with 450 Hp (at 7000 RPM) and 398 pound of torque (at 3500 RPM) on this AWD platform this large sedan gets to 60 in under 5 seconds (claimed).

Audi introduced this large rocket ship to compete with the other titons in its class (the new V10 BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63). Althought the Audi is noticelby slower on the 0-60 times the AWD platform takes its handling to a different dynamic.

The Verdict: Another plain clothes monster sedan. The real question I have is when are they going to have the V10 Turbo Diesel as an availible option.

Audi will be releasing for the 2007 model a somewhat redesigned TT Coupe. Although the exterior remain TT identifiable what lies underneath is what is so impressive. The new Audi TT will have a 69% Aluminum and 31% Steel frame to help save weight and make a more rigid frame.

The new Audi TT will come with either a 200 hp 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbo engine or a 250 hp 3.2 liter 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine. They will also be offered with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive (standard on the V-6). The new Audi TT will also be available with either a 6 speed transmission or an automatic transmission.

Audi claims the 4 cylinder version will go 0 – 62 MPH in 6.4 seconds while the 6 cylinder will sprint 0 – 62 in just 5.7 seconds.

The design changes are subtle with the 19 inch wheels and the new Audi front end grill, the new TT still keeps its identifiable profile. The interior is again another Audi work of art.

Some possible other options could include; a diesel version (remember an Audi diesel powered vehicle won overall at the 12 Hours of Sebring) and or a possible RS version,

When is it coming to the USA? Who knows, may be months or years.

For several years Audi produced a station wagon with super car proportions for the rest of the world. This station wagon ( Avant ) was known as the Audi RS4. This all wheel drive monster has returned, but now in sedan form. Audi will be releasing this year an all new designed RS4 with a V8 power plant pumping out a whooping 420 hp and weighing in at 3637 lbs.

Claiming 0 – 62 MPH sprints in 4.8 seconds, the new AWD Audi RS4 will no doubt show its true colors on the twisty mountain back roads. The styling is absolutely stunning both inside and out.

I will say on a personal note, I kind of miss the station wagon form of the RS4. Ever since its inception of the Audi RS4 in the rest of the world I had dreaming of owning one of those monsters, the true wolf in sheep’s clothing. Oh well, still none the less the new RS4 is stunning (in my opinion).

In 2003 Audi introduced their answer to BMW’s E39 M5, the RS6. This AWD (all wheel drive) twin turbo V8 450 hp (at 6400 rpm) sports sedan definitely answered BMW’s monster sports sedan. The Audi RS6 was claimed by many to have beaten the famed BMW M5 with its exceptional handling and speed (0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds). The only draw back (to me at least), was the Audi RS6 was only offered with a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, definitely should have been offered with a optional manual 6 speed transmission.

Audi will be joining the SUV race in 2006. The new 5 door Audi Q7 4.2 will have 3 rows of seats with room for 7. The Audi Q7 4.2 will be based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. It will be powered by Audi’s 4.2 V8.