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A8 Audi Exclusive Concept shows off brand's interior chops

It's an envious position to be in, not wanting a normal Audi A8 but not wanting to make the statement that comes with a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce. What's an oligarch to do? Well, if you have the funds, consider the A8 Audi Exclusive Concept (yes, that's the actual name), a modified A8L W12 that's limited to just 50 units and features a significantly upgraded interior. Think of it as a followup to the A8 Exclusive Concept, shown at Frankfurt in 2011.
Aniline leather from Italian furniture manufacturer Poltrona Frau is fitted over the seats, while diamond stiching accentuates the Agatha Cognac color. Granite Gray piping and stitching on the seats provides some contrast - not just with the leather but the natural, olive ash inlays on the dash. Granite Gray Nappa leather lines the instrument panel and steering wheel while a white Alcantara headliner sets off the whole package. Not that it's a shock, but this looks like a really nice place to spend some time.
It's unclear how much the exclusive concept treatment adds on to the already lofty $135,900 starting price of a US-spec A8L W12, or if the special interior treatment will even be available in the North America. Production is set to kick off next March. Scroll down for the full statement from Audi.

Audi teases E-Tron Sportback concept for Shanghai

Auto Shanghai is just around the corner, and Audi will be there with a new electrified vehicle concept. Audi isn't saying much about the car, called the E-Tron Sportback, but it has released a couple teaser shots as well as a handful of design sketches to give us a glimpse of what to expect later this week. In one image, Audi design boss Marc Lichte lifts up a corner of the sheet to show part of the E-Tron Sportback's front fascia. We see an illuminated Audi logo glowing through the fabric, and detail shots show that feature duplicated on the rear of the vehicle. The car's large wheels are pushed far to the corners, adding a squat, muscular look to its coupe-like silhouette. The slender side mirrors in the sketch mimic the slim look of the headlights. Rear lighting stretches across the back of the vehicle below the liftgate. While the "E-Tron" moniker clues us in to the car's green sensibilities, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be purely powered by electricity – recall the A3 E-Tron PHEV. The lack of a visible tailpipe in photos or sketches, though, suggests that a proper battery electric vehicle is a likelihood for this concept. That would fit with Audi's plans to release more EVs in the future, following the launch of an E-Tron SUV. Hopefully we'll get more details about the luxury brand's electric future when the E-Tron Sportback concept gets its debut later this week. Related Video: Featured Gallery Audi E-Tron Sportback Concept Teaser News Source: Audi via Electrek Green Audi Green Automakers Concept Cars Electric e-tron

Audi SQ5 comes to America with 354-hp gasoline engine

When we first saw the Audi SQ5 TDI unveiled back in June, we could feel that pit in our stomach. Here sat a powerful, sporty, mean-looking crossover, and we just knew that Audi wasn't going to be bringing it to the US. And we were right. While we won't be getting the diesel version of this crossover with its 479 pound-feet of torque, we will instead be getting a gas-powered, supercharged V6 - the same powertrain as the S5 - and that's a mighty fine consolation prize if you ask us. The US version of the 2014 Audi SQ5 will debut next week at the Detroit Auto Show, and it will go on sale this fall.
Ditching the diesel engine, the US-bound SQ5 loses some torque but gains plenty of horsepower with Audi quoting power ratings of 354 horsepower and 346 lb-ft from the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Power is fed through an eight-speed automatic to all four wheels giving the small CUV impressive performance numbers. The 0-60 mile per hour time is expected to be in the low five second range to go with an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. The suspension has been upgraded as well to improve handling, but it also gives the SQ5 a sportier appearance with a ride height that has been lowered by more than an inch compared to a standard Q5.
Speaking of styling, the 2014 SQ5 gets all of the expected "S" model upgrades, especially when it comes to the new front fascia and grille, the standard 20-inch, triple-spoke wheels and the quadruple exhaust tips. Only two colors will be available on the SQ5: Panther Black and Estoril Blue. Inside, the SQ5 will get a sportier cabin with bright, "aluminum-look" pedals and shift paddles, and the materials will also get an upgrade to include Nappa leather and Alcantara as well as accent options that include carbon fiber, piano black, aluminum or wood finish.