Audi Allroad Returns to U.S.

Volkswagen's Audi unit will reintroduce its all-wheel-drive Allroad crossover in the American market this autumn after a seven-year hiatus. The tall wagon is part of a broader refreshing of Audi's midsize models that focuses on better fuel efficiency.

The new Allroad shares a platform with the A6 midsize sedan, giving it a longer wheelbase, more ground clearance and a body that is wider and taller than the previous model. The car uses Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

The Allroad's 2.0-liter, 211-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the same base engine that will power the 2013 A4 sedan, A5 coupe and A5 cabriolet. All four models will switch from hydraulic to electromechanical power steering to boost fuel economy.

Audi says its based A4 sedan for 2013 will couple the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a continuously variable transmission.

Audi also will replace the 4.2-liter V-8 engine currently used in its S5 performance coupe with a 333-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6. The same engine will be used in other S-class models in 2013, coupled to either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.