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2015 Audi TT's digital gauge cluster to spread throughout lineup

File this one under: "makes sense to us." According to Car and Driver, the slick new gauge cluster found in the 2015 Audi TT will expand to other models in the automaker's lineup. In the near term, expect the tech to make its way into the next R8 supercar (with a special performance display for that model), as well as the upcoming, all-new versions of the A4 sedan and Q7 crossover.
Audi's new customizable gauges first debuted at this year's CES - it uses a 12.3-inch TFT display, and, while similar to the systems found in the Cadillac CTS, XTS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, this system has the ability to show full-screen, three-dimensional maps. We had a chance to check out the new display in-person at CES, and found it to be impressive, though we're curious to see how distracting it is while driving.
Car and Driver says the system is still undergoing small tweaks before Audi officially launches it in the TT later this year. From there, the display will be standard in the R8, but Audi is unsure about whether or not to offer it as a standalone option in the higher-volume A4 and Q7 models.

Stay in the house from the Audi R8 Emmy ad

Audi is sponsoring the Emmys again, and launching an ad alongside the awards show that features a family living in the middle of the desert simply to have an excuse to drive their R8s as much, and as fast, as possible. Which is crazy. Even crazier, you can live in the exact house from the ad for a few days as part of an airbnb promotion. The stay includes chauffeured transportation from Las Vegas McCarran airport, all meals prepared by a personal chef, and an R8 V10 Plus in the driveway available for driving. Did we mention it's a real house and not just an advertising prop? It is. The 1,200 square foot Rondolino Residence sits on 80 acres near Scotty's Junction, Nevada, just over 2 hours northwest of Las Vegas. Beginning September 18, seven three-night stays in October will become available - one booking opens up each day at 9 PM Eastern. The rate is listed at $610 per night, with the bookings running October 10th through November 1st. You can book the experience, or try, on the airbnb page. As for the ad, titled "Desolation," at first it seems like a entertaining jaunt about the lengths people will go to for an amazing driving experience. A deeper (and totally unreasonable - it's just an ad) analysis suggests some truly troubling things going on. For starters, the lackadaisical parents let the children taunt a poisonous scorpion. Will the isolated upbringing and history of cruelty towards animals produce a future serial killer? In our deranged version of this fictional universe, yes. Second, the R8 - spoiler alert, both R8s - get super dirty on the run to the corner store. A corner store, which, seemingly unequipped for coffee roasting nevertheless has fresh artisanal beans sold in half-pound bags. Lacking a bulk purchase option, the plot of the ad surely repeats itself several times a week. That sounds insane, but hey, it's all about the drive. And we do love the "Leadfoot Coffee" easter egg. But we digress. Where is the car wash that left the R8 clean before the drive through the desert? And where is the second R8 parked? The male protagonist clearly drives out of the garage from a position that doesn't leave room for the second car. We can only surmise that there is a underground component to the house in the ad. To be clear, we're still in fictional universe of this ad - the real Rondolino Residence, like the Alamo, lacks a basement.

Autoblog Minute: Nokia to sell Here mapping for $3.1B

In a three company partnership the German automakers BMW, Audi and Daimler are set to take ownership of Nokia's Here mapping technology. Autoblog's Eddie Sabatini reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] In a battle for Nokia's highly coveted mapping technology the auto industry claims victory over Silicon Valley. I'm Eddie Sabatini and this is your Autoblog Minute. In a three company partnership the German automakers BMW, Audi and Daimler are set to take ownership of Nokia's Here mapping technology. The Wall Street Journal writes that the automakers had concerns that the technology might fall under the [00:00:30]control of companies like Google, Uber, or Apple. The purchase, worth a reported 3.1 billion dollars, is still subject to antitrust evaluation before it's finalized; but this early news is already a big win for the German three. Ownership of Nokia's Here tech means that automakers won't lose control of the information systems that go into their cars. The deal, if approved, is expected to close in first quarter of 2016. For Autoblog, I'm Eddie Sabatini. [00:01:00] Autoblog Minute Logo Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals. Audi BMW Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video