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Recharge Wrap-up: Audi Q5 EV built in Mexico, Tesla's $1.26B expansion

Audi will build an electric version of its Q5 in Mexico, according to anonymous sources close to the matter. Audi plans to shift all Q5 manufacturing to its $1.3 billion factory in San Jose Chiapa, which is set to open this fall. Initially, the company will build internal-combustion Q5s at the plant, with an electric version to be introduced in the near future. One source tells Automotive News Europe that Audi is currently training personnel ahead of the facility's opening. The Q5 is currently built in Ingolstadt, Germany, with some being assembled in China and India for sale in those markets. Read more from Automotive News Europe. Tesla is applying for $106 million in tax breaks as it expands its Fremont factory to the tune of $1.26 billion. The expansion comes as the electric automaker looks to accelerate production in order to meet demand for the upcoming Model 3 sedan, and the buildout will include a new production line dedicated to the model. Tesla plans to ramp up production to 500,000 units a year in 2018, though Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the Fremont factory could potentially build a million cars annually. Read more at Electrek. Formula E is partnering with the sports charity StreetGames to help bring sports opportunities to disadvantaged communities. DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird, who is currently in third place in the 2015/2016 season's driver standings, will head to his hometown to join Roehampton FC for a soccer tournament on June 27. "If I hadn't been a racing driver, I'd like to think I could have had a career as a professional footballer," Bird says, "so I might be able to give them a few hints and tips on ball control as well as explaining car control!" StreetGames will also be represented at the London ePrix with sports activities for attendees. Read more from Formula E. Related Video: Featured Gallery Tesla Model 3 View 18 Photos Related Gallery 2014 Audi Q5 TDI View 28 Photos News Source: Automotive News Europe, Electrek, Formula E Government/Legal Green Motorsports Plants/Manufacturing Audi Tesla Green Automakers Electric recharge wrapup

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.

Conquest and controversy conclude the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona [spoilers]

If you don't wish to know who won the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona, you should avert your eyes right now. We'll even give you a double-space to skedaddle...
For those of you still with us, the first race in the United SportsCar Championship (USCC) is done, but the discussions about it certainly won't end for a while. Daytona Prototypes claimed the first four overall places, the top spot taken by the No. 5 Action Express Coyote-Chevrolet Corvette DP driven by Joao Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi, Sebastien Bourdain and Burt Friselle. The 16th and final caution of the race bunched the field up for an eight-minute sprint to the flag, so the first place getter finished just 1.4 seconds ahead of the No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Dallara-Chevrolet Corvette DP driven by Max Angelelli. Third place went to Brian Friselle in the No. 9 Action Express Chevrolet Corvette DP, 20 seconds down. Chevrolet power hasn't taken the overall win since 2003, eleven years later it scores a one-two-three-four. The No. 6 Muscle Milk/Pickett Racing ORECA-Nissan 03 scored fifth place, the top LMP2 finisher.
The Prototype Challenge class win went to the No. 54 CORE Autosport team of Colin Braun, Jon Bennett, Mark Wilkins and James Gue.