Engine: 3.2-liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4; 255-hp 3.2-liter V6; 340-hp 4.2-liter V8; 420-hp 4.2-liter V8

Transmission: six-speed manual

Transmission Options: six-speed manual; six-speed Tiptronic automatic; continuously variable multitronic automatic (CVT)

Standard Safety Equipment: two-stage front airbags; front occupant side-impact airbags; full-cabin side-curtain airbags; electronic stability control with anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist; first aid kit; rear fog light

Optional Safety Equipment: rear-occupant side-impact airbags; tire pressure monitor

Basic Warranty: four years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Ingolstadt, Germany

Model Tested: Audi A4 3.2 quattro ($36,440)

Standard Equipment: leather seating, automatic dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, cruise control, power windows, locks and outside mirrors, 12-way power driver's seat, power front-passenger seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 10-speaker AM/FM stereo with six-CD changer, 17-inch alloy wheels, floor mats

Options as Tested: Convenience Package ($1,800) includes driver's seat position memory, Homelink remote transmitter, rain and light sensor, auto-dimming inside mirror with compass, auto-dimming and power folding outside mirrors and Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting; Bose Audio Package ($1,000) with XM Satellite Radio; Cold Weather Package ($1,000) includes heated seats and ski sack; S-Line Package ($2,750) includes 18-inch cast alloy wheels with performance or all-season tires, sport suspension, S-Line badges, front and rear bumpers and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim; California Emissions ($150)

Destination Charge: 720

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: all-wheel drive

Horsepower: 255 @ 6500

Torque: 243 @ 3250

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 17/27

Wheelbase: 104.3 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 180.6/76.3/56.2 inches

Track Front/Rear: 59.9/59.9 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.4 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 37.9/na/41.3 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.1/na/34.3 inches

Trunk Volume: 13.4 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent four-link, double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: 4.2 inches

Curb Weight: 3649 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 235/40R18

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 16.6 Gallons