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2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet cleans up the Messe [w/video]

If we're being honest, the outgoing Audi A3 Cabriolet never really flicked our Bic. That was just fine, of course, because Audi never brought it to North America. This new model, however, might have a different future.
And while Audi has yet to officially decide on this car's North American future, this Frankfurt Motor Show debut clearly has a better sense of proportion and aggression to it, and we're excited about its powertrain solutions, too. For the European market, Audi is promising TFSI gasoline engines in either 1.4- or 1.8-liters, along with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, all being available in front- and all-wheel drive. Audi has also confirmed its first-ever S3 Quattro Cabriolet, which figures to combine a quick 18-second top drop and its hard-hatted sibling's even quicker 296-hp 2.0-liter turbo.
Even though Audi has been better about bringing its high-performance models to North America and has a new emphasis on growing its A3 business in our territories (including a US-minded sedan bodystyle), we would still be a bit surprised to see an S3 Cabriolet popping its entry-level top in dealers in a couple years' time. Having said that, we do think this A3 Cabriolet is almost a lock. Be sure to take a good, long look at our gallery, video and the official press release below.

Audi Sport launches limited edition R8 but doesn't add any more performance

Audi recently announced that its Quattro division had changed its name to Audi Sport, and that it had a number of new models on the way. One of those models to fall under its umbrella of responsibility is the Audi R8. Today, at the New York Auto Show, the performance arm is showing the limited Audi Sport Edition of the Audi R8. The rorty, mid-engined sports coupe's V10 seemingly already has enough power, as this special treatment appears to be mostly cosmetic. It starts with a set of 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 245/30 front and 305/30 rear tires. The brake calipers get a high-gloss red finish, while the V10 Plus version's brakes have an anthracite finish. The car's signature sideblades and side mirrors get a contrasting red finish regardless of exterior color. The front spoiler, grille, and diffuser insert are titanium black, and the tailpipe trims are finished in gloss black. View 15 Photos Entering the car, occupants are greeted by illuminated door sills. The interior color depends on exterior paint choice, and seats and door trim feature black and red Nappa leather. Seatbacks are embossed with an R8 logo, as is the flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel. The wheel features a red stripe at 12 o'clock, as well as satellite engine start and drive select buttons. Dark silver contrast stitching and gloss carbon inlays add more character to the interior. The Audi Sport Edition R8 will be limited to 200 units worldwide, and will start at ˆ181,900 (about $193,100), with the V10 Plus fetching ˆ205,800 (about $218,500). Orders start in May, with deliveries beginning in late summer. Related Video:

24 Hours of Le Mans live update part two

We tasked surfing journalist Rory Parker to watch this year's live stream of the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans. What follows is an experiment to experience the world's greatest endurance race from the perspective of a motorsports novice. Parker lives in Hawaii and can hold his breath longer than he can go without swearing. For Part One, click here. Or you can skip ahead to Part Three here. I write about surfing for a living. If you can call it a living. Basically means I spend my days fucking around and my wife pays for everything. Because she's got a real job that pays well. Brings home the bacon. Very progressive arrangement. Super twenty first century. I run a surf website, beachgrit.com, with two other guys. It's a strange gig. More or less uncensored. Kind of popular. Very good at alienating advertisers. My behavior has cost us a few bucks. I'm terrible at self-censorship. Know there's a line out there, no idea where it lies. I still don't understand any of the technical side. Might as well be astrophysics or something. For contests I do long rambling write ups. They rarely make much sense. Mainly just talk about my life, whatever random thoughts pop into my head. "Can you do something similar for Le Mans?" "Sure, but I know absolutely fuck-all about racing." "That's okay. Just write what you want." "Will do. But you're gonna need to edit my stuff. Probably censor it heavily." So here I am. I spent the last week trying to learn all I can about the sport of endurance racing. But there's only so much you can jam in your head. And I still don't understand any of the technical side. Might as well be astrophysics or something. While I rambled things were happening. Tracy Krohn spun into the gravel on the Forza chicane. #89 is out of the race after an accident I missed. Pegasus racing hit the wall on the Porsche curves. Bashed up front end, in the garage getting fixed. Toyota and Porsche are swapping back and forth in the front three. Ford back in the lead in GTE Pro. #91 Porsche took a stone through the radiator, down two laps. Not good. The wife and I are one of those weird childless couples that spend way too much time caring for the needs of their pet. French bulldog, Mr Eugene Victor Debs. Great little guy. Spent the last four years training him to be obedient and friendly. Nice thing about dogs, when you're sick of dealing with them you can just lock 'em in another room for a few hours. You don't need to worry about paying for college.