2011 - Audi A4 on 2040-cars

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Audi A9 Concept teased in video, new design chief tells us what to expect in LA

Audi has just dropped another teaser for the A9 Concept it'll be displaying at this month's LA Auto Show. This time around, instead of one static image, we get a tantalizing video of the showcar narrated by new Audi design chief Marc Lichte.
In terms of the A9, we get a better look at the body form than we've yet seen, and we also sneak a peek at its massive, blocky, turbine-style wheels that the conceptual flagship will wear in Los Angeles.
Lichte also takes this video opportunity as a chance to say how-do-you-do to the enthusiast community, commenting not only on his vision for the A9, but also offering up his bona fides in terms of family racing and art heritage. Get to know the man behind the car behind the sheet, here.

Bentley testing new SUV in Audi Q7's clothes

Sure, this looks largely like an Audi Q7. What if we told you, though, that it was actually a Bentley? This may be one of the very first sets of images we've seen of the aristocratic brand's SUV. Based on the borrowed Audi bodywork, however, testing appears to be in the early stages.
While it may look like an Audi Q7, there are a number of giveaways. One of the more subtle are the British number plates, in place of the traditional German plates that would be found were this a mule for the next Q7. Other changes are more noticeable. According to our spies, this mule is much wider, while its fenders have also been enlarged to accommodate larger wheels and tires.
Out back, four exhaust pipes jut out from the lower fascia, while larger brakes are hidden behind black wheels. The big indicator that this is something special, though, can be seen in the front fascia. The heavily modified front clip is home to two massive intakes below the headlights. According to our spies, these conceal a pair of intercoolers. Whether they are for Bentley (and Audi's) twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 or the 6.0-liter W12 is unclear.

Audi also calling in A8, S8 over sunroof issue

The S6 and S7 (apparently prone to potential fuel leaks) aren't the only Audis being recalled currently, as a separate recall notice has been issued for its flagship A8 luxury sedan and its high-performance counterpart, the S8.
The problem apparently revolves around the glass sunroof, which is fitted as standard and which is reportedly prone to break. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that not only could the falling shards themselves end up injuring the vehicle's occupants, but could also distract the driver enough to cause a crash. As a result, Audi's American wing is bringing in all 2013 and 2014 model year A8s and S8s - 1,120 units in all - to have their glass sunroofs replaced free of charge.