A recent Southern California preview of the 2008-model Audi A6 sedan and Q7 SUV drew some 30 fleet managers who test drove the vehicles from the coastal city of Dana Point inland to the California Speedway in Ontario.

The two-day event, titled “Experience the Truth,” offered presentations by Mike Antich, Automotive Fleet editor and associate publisher; Matthew Betz, VP national accounts, AmeriFleet Transportation; and Dave Wurster, president of Vincentric. In addition, Ross Friedmann, Audi of America commercial accounts manager, reviewed the automaker’s fleet program. At the Speedway, preview attendees participated in hot laps with professional drivers in the 2008-model Audi R8 and RS 4, a slalom course for the A6 and Q7, and parallel parking training in the Q7 using only the back-up camera.

Audi A6 & Q7 Offer Advanced Safety Protection
Awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest crash rating in 2007, the A6 in 2008 offers such safety features as Audi’s Sideguard airbag protection system and Lane Assist, which warns the driver the vehicle is outside the lane. The Audi Q7 received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating for front and side protection. Q7 safety features include the Previews the A6 and Q7 Sideguard and Lane Assist systems, plus Side Assist, a monitoring system that warns drivers of vehicles traveling in the blind spot or approaching rapidly from the rear.

Available on the A6 is a 3.2L V-6 engine or 4.2L V-8 engine. Available on the Q7 is a 3.6L or 4.2L V-8 engine. Both the A6 and Q7 features have a push-button start, split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth-ready capability, advanced anti-theft alarm system, tire pressure monitoring system, and premium appointments such as wood inlay interior trim and leather seats. Both models also feature Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, providing outstanding handling on all wet or dry road surfaces, according to the automaker.

The Q7 offers such amenities as electrically adjustable, folding, and heated exterior mirrors with LED indicators, and an acoustic parking system. The Q7 4.2 FSI features high performance brakes, and a driver information system.