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Audi A5 DTM diesel sport coupe thumbs nose at scandal

While the diesel emissions scandal is damaging the reputation of the four-cylinder TDI engines, the torquey, fuel-efficient 3.0-liter TDI V6 at the heart of this latest special edition from Audi is so far unsullied. However that doesn't mean the 3.0 couldn't face investigation at some point in the future before the issue is settled. In the meantime, those outside of North America can look forward to the Audi A5 DTM edition's enticing features. The A5 DTM edition is powered by the same 3.0-liter V6 TDI that we can already get in the A6, A7, and A8 sedans as well as the Q5 and Q7 crossovers. Here, it produces 245 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque (in the US-spec A6, the engine is quoted as making 240 hp and 428 lb-ft). The A5 DTM channels its power to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. That's enough to propel it to 62 in a claimed 5.9 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 155 miles per hour. The sporty look is inspired by Ingolstadt's DTM touring car program. That includes a sportier front fascia, Misano red paint, gloss-black trim, 20-inch split-five-spoke alloys, and special badges inside and out. The interior packs the bucket seats from the RS5, Alcantara trim, stainless steel pedals, and more. Audi will only offer 50 examples, priced in Germany at ˆ74,540 – equivalent to about $85k at current exchange rates. Racing spirit – The Audi A5 DTM selection limited-edition model - Limited run going into production from October - 20-inch wheels, bucket seats and Misano red finish - Third DTM special edition from Audi Audi is taking the spirit of the DTM from the racetrack to the road – with the Audi A5 DTM selection* special edition. A powerful 3.0 TDI developing 180 kW (245 hp), 20-inch wheels, dynamic design and bucket seats reveal the two-door coupe's connections with the race version that has featured in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM). The Audi A5 DTM selection turns heads with its special racing design. The front lid, doors and rear window are emblazoned with dynamically designed DTM, quattro and Audi Sport logos. The Misano red paint finish contrasts with high-gloss black add-on parts on the front, sills and rear, giving added emphasis to the sports appeal of this limited-edition model. The front apron and the large air inlets with their rhombus-pattern grilles also contribute to its special looks. The cast aluminum wheels by Audi Sport embrace a five twin-spoke design in matt titanium look.

Lamborghini could be sold or spun off from the Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen is reportedly considering a sale or stock listing for its high-end Lamborghini brand. The German automaker is looking to fold the Italian supercar brand into a separate legal entity, reports Bloomberg, which cites "people familiar with the matter" who don't want to be identified "because the deliberations are confidential and no decisions have been made." Any of this sound familiar? The goal of spinning off Lamborghini would be to stockpile more cash and other resources for VW's massive planned push into electric vehicles. Back in March, reports circulated that Volkswagen's "Vision 2030" corporate plan might include plans to focus on the brand's core brands — VW, Audi and Porsche. That means the futures of fringe players like Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, motorcycle brand Ducati and design firm Italdesign (and note this isn't a comprehensive list of brand's under the expansive VW Group umbrella) are up in the air. VW, according to the report, is targeting a market value of $220 billion, which is a big jump from the brand's current $89 billion valuation. Bloomberg pegged Lamborghini's valuation at around $11 billion back in August, buoyed by sales and profits generated by the introduction of the Urus sport utility vehicle. On the flip side, Lamborghini is currently grappling with how best to update its supercar lineup in the face of ever-increasing emissions regulations.

First official Audi R8 photo leaks

The next-gen Audi R8 makes its grand debut in a just a few days at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. However, leaks aren't uncommon for such a highly anticipated model, and it appears that the first official shot of the future supercar is now online. Autoblog en Espanol claims this is the first leaked factory photo showing the new Audi R8 completely undisguised. The single image depicts the supercar from the front, and it looks a lot like both Audi's own official teaser and the previous blurry image from Instagram. Based on this picture, the German designers thickened the outline around the grille at the front and added vertical slats at each corner. They also removed the gentle curve in the headlights in favor of a completely angular look. While the side blades were one of the major styling features of the original, their appearance has been toned down by removing the vertical, contrasting strip running up the body. Though the exterior design seems to evolve the R8 slightly, there are some big changes for the powertrain. Audi is ditching the V8 for the latest model and opting for two tunes of the 5.2-liter V10. The standard version gets 540 horsepower, and the Plus pushes output up to 610 hp. The top trim can reportedly hit 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph. Although, there are already the rumors of other variants, including a turbo V6, coming later. Related Video: