2009 Audi R8 on 2040-cars

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Upcoming Audi Q8 coupe-like crossover spied in the snow

At the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, Audi debuted the Q8 concept, a thinly veiled version of its upcoming coupe-like crossover that's set to compete with the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. We now have spy photos that give us our first look at the Q7-based production version, and through the camouflage we can see how telling Audi's Q8 concept really is. All of the major traits from the concept are present on the production model, including that massive, oversized grille and aggressive roofline. In fact, the entire front end appears to carry over from the Q8 concept, just toned down a few notches. The stainless steel accents on the air intakes are gone, and the headlights, though similar in shape, look more traditional than those on the concept. The small cutouts between the grille and the hood look to be gone as well. Around the side, we can see that the concept's sharply angled rear window and sloping roof have are present, mostly unmodified. The Q8's beltline doesn't appear quite as high as the concept's, but the windows look to be the same relative shape. The big creases above the wheel arches have been reduced slightly. Also, although the Q7 and Q8 will share a platform and therefore a wheelbase, the Q8 is slightly shorter overall. The smaller front and rear overhangs, combined with the tight roofline, give it a high-riding hatchback profile, similar to the Porsche Macan. The changes between the concept and production model are most evident around back. The bumper mounted exhaust pipes have been dropped, at least on this version. The upright vents on the outside of the tail lights have also been dropped. The camouflage around the rear is heavy, so it's difficult to to say how much of the body-width tail light carries over, though the light itself seems to shine through in the same shape. No word on when we'll see a production version, but expect to see the Q8 concept around for a few more shows. Look for more details on the engine, including whether or not the plug-in hybrid powertrain carries over from the concept, closer to the full reveal. Related Video:

VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel

Each year, the Vienna International Motor Symposium showcases some of the up-and-coming technologies automakers are engineering for the use in passenger cars, and Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed some big developments VW is working on for its future products. Winterkorn discussed a multi-faceted approach that VW is looking to reduce its fleet fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Some of the bigger news he discussed included a "high-performance" diesel engine that will produce 134 horsepower per liter and a 10-speed DSG automatic transmission. While no specific applications were mentioned, we can only hope this is for the Audi R4 we keep hearing about.
Another topic he touched on that caused us to perk up our ears was had to do with VW's plug-in hybrid technology. While we know the PHEV versions of the Audi A3 and Porsche Panamera are on the way, Winterkorn also said that these two models will be followed up by Golf, Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne plug-in models. Scroll down for a press release highlighting the automaker's future fuel-saving initiatives.

2018 Audi A8 spied with light camo, lots of Prologue touches

It's been a big week for Audi A8 news. First tech boss Dr. Stefan Knirsch hinted at a range-topping rival to the Mercedes-Maybach S600, and just yesterday CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed that the next-gen car would be the first Audi with autonomous driving systems. Now we have our first pictures of the new large sedan, which will be based on the VW Group's MSB platform. As expected, the 2018 A8 will take cues directly from the Audi Prologue concept, a large coupe that was first shown at the 2015 LA Auto Show. This new A8 is completely devoid of cladding, giving us a great look at its production-ready shape. We can see the Q7's strong influence on the design, especially in front. The fascia is home to a wide hexagonal grille and aggressively canted headlights. The taillights will likely be a similar shape to the Q7's, but the LED pattern is dramatically different – we can almost see individual elements on this A8, whereas the Q7 is more of a light-ribbon design. Overall, this is an attractive if somewhat anonymous look. Our spies couldn't capture any shots of the cabin, but we do expect it to resemble the concept interior Audi showed earlier this year at CES, which featured an evolved version of the Virtual Cockpit system called Virtual Dashboard. Not surprisingly, it looks like there's going to be a lot of room in the back seats. While Rupert Stadler confirmed the next A8 will debut in 2017, he didn't go as far as saying which auto show to expect it at. At this point, Geneva seems like a prime candidate. Related Video: