The holiday season—which seems to grow in duration a bit more each year—has become a time when we are not only assaulted with continual messages to find “that perfect gift for everyone on your list,” but also a period during which we’re subject to a barrage of auto advertising. Just like sweaters, scented candles, or tablets, luxury cars (often with an oversized red bow on top) are pitched as just the thing with which to surprise that special someone. More so than at any other time of the year, automakers turn on a fire hose of incentive money, powering cars out of the showroom with year-end clearance deals. This year, Audi appears to be the first out of the gate, launching its “Season of Audi” sales event just after the calendar ticked over to November. Not only does it included the expected deals, but, in a first, special editions of the A4 and the A3 also were ginned up for the occasion.

The A3 Special Edition (at top), comes with Audi’s Black Optic package (gloss-black trim plus S line exterior bits), a sport suspension, heated seats, Audi Music Interface, Audi Advanced Key, and a choice of 18-inch matte-black “rotor” or 19-inch “wing design” five-spoke wheels. Based on the A3 Premium, the Special Edition premium costs an additional $2650 with the 18-inch wheels, or $3050 with the 19s.

Besides the Special Edition models, the sales event also includes lease deals on other A3s and A4s, as well as the A5, A6, and Q5. And for those of you too tapped out from the rest of your Christmas shopping to spring for a new car, Audi is offering a free pair of TOMS sunglasses to those who purchase or lease a certified pre-owned car as well.

(source: caranddriver.com)