2016 Audi A3 Premium on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Next Audi RS4 to get V6 turbo, US sales still unclear

Audi's high-performance S models have forged a reputation in the US for offering wonderful driving dynamics in a package that doesn't scream, "I bought a sport sedan." However, its even higher-performance RS models are still somewhat of a rarity here. While the RS5 and RS7 are in the current US lineup, many of the wild RS models that Europe gets, like the RS6 Avant (pictured above), never make it to these shores. Unfortunately, that might not be changing anytime soon with the next-gen RS4.
The RS4 will follow the lead of the next BMW M3/M4 and (rumored) next Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG and make the switch to a smaller turbocharged powerplant. According to an Audi insider speaking to Car and Driver, the next RS4 will drop the last generation's 4.2-liter V8 in favor of a turbocharged V6. The engine block will likely be shared with the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the regular S4 but fitted with two turbochargers. Power would likely be around 400 horsepower to match the 425-hp M3 and rumored 450-hp C-Class AMG.
Unfortunately, the RS might not make it across the pond to our waiting hands because the source says no decision has been made to export them yet. Obviously, we hope that Audi makes the right decision and brings the next RS4 here.

Upcoming Audi Q8 coupe-like crossover spied in the snow

At the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, Audi debuted the Q8 concept, a thinly veiled version of its upcoming coupe-like crossover that's set to compete with the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. We now have spy photos that give us our first look at the Q7-based production version, and through the camouflage we can see how telling Audi's Q8 concept really is. All of the major traits from the concept are present on the production model, including that massive, oversized grille and aggressive roofline. In fact, the entire front end appears to carry over from the Q8 concept, just toned down a few notches. The stainless steel accents on the air intakes are gone, and the headlights, though similar in shape, look more traditional than those on the concept. The small cutouts between the grille and the hood look to be gone as well. Around the side, we can see that the concept's sharply angled rear window and sloping roof have are present, mostly unmodified. The Q8's beltline doesn't appear quite as high as the concept's, but the windows look to be the same relative shape. The big creases above the wheel arches have been reduced slightly. Also, although the Q7 and Q8 will share a platform and therefore a wheelbase, the Q8 is slightly shorter overall. The smaller front and rear overhangs, combined with the tight roofline, give it a high-riding hatchback profile, similar to the Porsche Macan. The changes between the concept and production model are most evident around back. The bumper mounted exhaust pipes have been dropped, at least on this version. The upright vents on the outside of the tail lights have also been dropped. The camouflage around the rear is heavy, so it's difficult to to say how much of the body-width tail light carries over, though the light itself seems to shine through in the same shape. No word on when we'll see a production version, but expect to see the Q8 concept around for a few more shows. Look for more details on the engine, including whether or not the plug-in hybrid powertrain carries over from the concept, closer to the full reveal. Related Video:

Next-gen Audi Q7 to debut in Detroit

Audi's public relations team must really be getting fed up with research and design boss Ulrich Hackenberg. Aside from basically confirming that the next Audi R8 will share its bones with the Lamborghini Huracán and noting that it may take advantage of the Asterion Concept's hybrid powertrain technology, he's now let slip that the second-generation Q7 will arrive in January at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
"If you make a trip to Detroit, you'll see it," Hackenberg reportedly told Indian Autos Blog during Paris Motor Show festivities.
That's a bombshell, particularly as we've heard plenty about its potential powertrain technologies, including spy shots of diesel-powered models, plug-in-hybrids, sporty SQ7s and electric turbochargers, but there's been absolutely nothing concrete about when and where the car would debut.