2007 Audi A3 Premium Hatchback 5-door 2.0l Turbo on 2040-cars

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EVO takes flight in BMW's sultry i8

Electric cars and hybrids are here to stay, much to the apparent dismay of some auto enthusiasts, but that doesn't mean they have to represent the death of enjoyable driving. Granted, the initial run of hybrids in the US like the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius weren't exactly tailor-made for aggressive folks behind the wheel, but things are clearly changing. In its latest video, Evo takes a look at three examples from Europe's new crop of electrified vehicles to show that the future of fun motoring is safe and sound.
Evo editor Henry Catchpole kicks things off with one of the most bizarre EVs of the bunch, the tiny Renault Twizy. Its low power and 50-mile-per-hour top speed might make it miles away from a hot hatch, but there's still fun to be had in extracting the most from this little city car. Next up is the Audi A3 E-Tron, which isn't technically available yet. It's a step in the right direction of eventually creating an affordable, fun-to-drive hybrid hot hatch.
However, the main event is Catchpole getting some seat time in the BMW i8. The Bimmer can really fly -literally in this case - and the butterfly-door coupe offers a clear look at the prospects for electrified sports cars. It might not have the power of hybrid supercar contemporaries like the LaFerrari or Porsche 918 Spyder, but the BMW doesn't cost nearly as much, either. See? Improved efficiency doesn't have to mean boring.

Next Audi A8 to drive itself up to 37 mph

Audi has been publicly, loudly, working the autonomous angle for years - it was working on Shelley, the autonomous TTS that would climb Pikes Peak in 27 minutes, way back in in 2009. Parent company Volkswagen had been working with Stanford University on autonomous vehicles for five years before that, and the same program collaboration would take the lead in Audi's efforts here. Where are we now? Well, a convoy of Audi A7s just drove journalists from San Francisco to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, with "piloted driving in 100 mile stints." On the highway, the "piloted driving" A7 works up to 70 miles per hour and can change lanes, pass other cars, accelerate and brake on its own. A report in Autoweek says public adoption of the technology will continue with the next-generation A8, which will be able to navigate on its own up to 37 mph, make its way through traffic, find a parking spot and park itself. Over time, capabilities will be added - like a higher mph limit - as the technology and the legal issues are fine tuned. The A7 that just did the SF-to-LV run doesn't work in cities, only on highways, so it appears Audi is kicking this off with the abilities demonstrated in an A6 Avant last year at CES. That car had a Traffic Jam mode that only worked in dense traffic and up to 40 mph, but when in operation, it allowed the driver to watch a movie or conduct a videoconference. We have a feeling those two bits of icing won't be included in the fourth-generation A8, though. We'll be late to the party when the big sedan comes; Audi says it will go on sale by the end of 2016, but the US isn't expected to get it until 2017 as a 2018 model. Featured Gallery Audi A8 Spy Shots News Source: AutoweekImage Credit: CarPix Audi Technology Autonomous Vehicles Luxury Sedan

2017 Audi A4 Allroad ups the Avant

Can't decide between a wagon and a crossover? Audi offers both, of course, but it will also split the difference with the new A4 Allroad Quattro. It's based on the latest A4, but offers the extra cargo space, rugged look, and increased ride height of a crossover, without the added bulk that usually goes with it. Unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show, the new A4 Allroad starts life as an A4 Avant wagon, but features a number of upgrades that ought to appeal to the elegantly outdoorsy among us. All-wheel drive comes standard, of course, and ride height is increased by a little less than an inch. Combined with the larger wheels, that nets 1.3 inches more ground clearance for getting through snow banks and whatnot. The suspension uses a five-link setup at both ends. The rugged look is further accentuated by the flared fenders, new rear bumper, underbody guard plates, and roof rails. Otherwise it's essentially the same as the new A4 we've already seen. Motivation is provided by a range of TFSI and TDI engines ranging from 150 horsepower to 272, mated to either a six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch, or eight-speed automatic transmission. That, of course, is on a global scale, with details on US pricing and availability to follow. In the meantime, you can scope out the live images from the floor of the Cobo Center in the gallery above, and the full details in the press release below. Perfect companion in any situation: the new Audi A4 allroad quattro - 34 millimeters (1.3 in) more ground clearance and "offroad" mode - Extroverted, individual design and extensive equipment - Powerful TFSI and TDI engines, quattro drive standard The new Audi A4 allroad quattro* embodies a unique concept: It combines high driving comfort with off-road qualities, thus enjoying a unique position in its segment. Thanks to the standard quattro drive and increase ground clearance, it also keeps on driving where the paved road ends. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is defined by its individual look. The powerfully flared wheel arches and the rear bumper attract attention. They are finished in matt structure gray or painted in the body color. The robust underbody guard and the rear diffuser are finished in selenite silver. The sporty, distinctive front end with jagged headlights, unique bumper and model-specific air intakes underscores its extroverted character. Vertical chrome slats adorn the sculpted Singleframe grille.