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Audi will build E-Tron Quattro in Brussels in 2018

Audi will begin assembly of the production version of the E-Tron Quattro concept crossover in Brussels, Belgium, in 2018, and the company will also build the vehicle's batteries there. Introducing its first electric CUV will be an early step in the German automaker's goal for 20 to 25 percent of US deliveries to be EVs by 2025. The E-Tron Quattro concept previewed the electric crossover's angular styling at the 2015 Frankfurt Show, and Audi was clear that production would start in early 2018. The vehicle should have ample get-up from three electric motors – one in front and two at the back – for a total output of 429 horsepower but brief jolts up to 496 hp. Audi also claimed that the 95-kWh battery could offer over 311 miles of range on the European cycle. The company already signed a deal to use battery cells from LG Chem and Samsung SDI on the final model. Some rumors suggest Audi might call the production version the Q6. The company supports that possibility in its press release by saying: "The sporty SUV will fit between the Audi Q7 and the Audi Q5 in the product portfolio." However, Audi of America president Scott Keogh hinted to Autoblog before the LA Auto Show that it could carry a different name. Audi's development of the E-Tron Quattro is an example of Volkswagen Group's strategy to take EVs more seriously. For example, improved batteries will soon boost the e-Golf's range. Further in the future, Porsche will launch a production version of its Mission E electric sedan around 2020, and VW will reportedly make an electric Phaeton at some point next decade. Related Video: AUDI PRODUCTION NETWORK: READY FOR ELECTRIC MOBILITY Premium manufacturer to produce large series of electric cars in Brussels as of 2018 New models for Martorell (Spain) and Gyor (Hungary) Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: "We are increasing our efficiency and bundling key competencies" January 20, 2016 | Ingolstadt/Brussels/Gyor/Martorell -- Audi is preparing its international production network for the mobility of the future. Large-series production of the first purely electric-driven SUV from Audi will begin at the site in Brussels in 2018. The plant will also produce its own batteries. The company will transfer production of the Audi A1 from Belgium to Martorell in Spain. The Audi Q3, which is currently produced in Spain, will be built in Gyor (Hungary) in the future. The model rotation will benefit all the sites of Audi's global production network.

Audi Sport plots ambitious growth for RS lineup

Audi Sport is set to double its range of high-performance, RS-badged vehicles, reports Autocar. In an interview, Stephan Winkelmann, head of Audi Sport, revealed plans to add eight RS models to its lineup by early 2018. Winkelmann didn't reveal which vehicles would get the RS treatment, but said that "it is better to under-promise and over-deliver." Audi has several RS-badged cars, including the RS7, RS6 Avant, TT RS (both in its hard-top and soft-top variant), RS Q3, and RS3 (some of which are sold in the US). Autocar believes that the A1, A4, and Q5, along with the R8 are next in line to get the RS treatment in some markets. With Mercedes-AMG selling more vehicles, 80,000 units over the past few years, according to Autocar, it makes sense for Audi Sport to follow closely behind with a similar idea. While Mercedes is placing the AMG badge on its vehicles to bridge the gap between its high-performance and lower end models, Audi Sport says it's taking a different tactic. "We are not going to do what they do," Winkelmann said. Even without the extra vehicles, Audi RS sales could top 20,000 units this year, reports Autocar, with Winkelmann stating that the brand would experience "double-digit growth this year." Hopefully, Audi Sport's decision to add more RS models will result in some of those high-performance cars coming to the US. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Audi RS3 Sedan: Paris 2016 View 15 Photos News Source: AutocarImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / Autoblog Audi Convertible Coupe Wagon Performance Sedan

This is the 2017 Audi S4 Avant

As we saw a few months ago, the new S4 sedan (which will go on sale in the US later this year as a 2017 model) ditches the supercharger and adopts turbocharging for its newly-developed V6. It also loses an option for a manual gearbox, and will only be available with an eight-speed automatic. As is the way of such things, the new wagon version (Avant in Audi-speak) doesn't differ from its sedan twin in any substantive mechanical way. There are two major differences. The first is of course the form factor; the second is where it will be sold. This is not an American proposition, so don't hold berate your local Audi dealer. If you want one, move to Europe after it goes on sale later this year. This is a shame, but not a surprise. Audi is in the midst of slotting a CUV into every possible micro-niche it can find, including the upcoming Q2 that the company teased this week. Unfortunately, that means Americans will miss out on the sizable cargo area (17.8 - 53.3 cubic feet, compared to just 17 cu ft in the S4 sedan's trunk) and lower center of gravity when compared to a typical CUV. If you want a S4 Avant here in the States, the closest you can get is the A4-based Allroad, which packs the familiar 2.0-liter TFSI engine and eight-speed auto. Too bad; the S4 Avant is a great-looking wagon. Related Video: Insert your press release here!From 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.7 seconds with fuel consumption of less than 7.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (31.8 US mpg) – the new Audi S4* and the new Audi S4 Avant* are advancing to the peak of the competitive field with strong performance and exemplary efficiency. Its newly developed turbo V6 engine outputs 260 kW (354 hp). New solutions in networking and assistance systems round out its features. Audi is transferring many technologies from the full-size class into the mid-size class. Lightweight and strong: the 3.0 TFSI The strong heart of the two new S models from Audi is a newly conceptualized 3.0 TFSI engine. The direct gasoline injection engine with turbocharging has an output of 260 kW (354 hp) and produces a hefty torque of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. In terms of power and torque, it surpasses the previous model while achieving considerably lower figures in weight and fuel consumption. The turbo V6 engine accelerates the Audi S4 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.7 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph).