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Audi spotted testing new TT RS Roadster at the Nurburgring

Spied testing on the Nordschleife in Roadster form is the forthcoming Audi TT RS. It's based, of course, on the new TT that we've already seen in S spec, but this one will be even faster. To that end, powering the new convertible (and its fixed-roof coupe counterpart) is expected to be Audi's signature turbocharged inline-five driving a good 400 horsepower or so to all four wheels through either a six-speed manual or Audi's S-tronic transmission. That output ought to put it in prime position to outgun the likes of the Porsche 718 Boxster S with its 350 hp and the new Mercedes-AMG SLC43 that's good for 362 hp. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is isn't far behind with its 335 hp, though a new Z4 M would be a welcome addition to the party. We're expecting the brand of the Four Rings to reveal the TT RS coupe before long, and the roadster should follow six months or so afterwards. Then Audi's RS line will be replete with performance models including the RS7 we get here, the RS3, RS6, and RS Q3 they sell overseas, and this pair of TT RS two-doors. Related Video:

TT Offroad Concept shows Audi's design icon isn't afraid to play dirty

We'll step right out and say we like the TT Offroad Concept, but there's something that's just a bit too... familiar about it. Yes, this yellow five-door looks like a not-so-distant relative of the Allroad Shooting Brake Concept that debuted at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. So, we've seen the production TT, a super-light, high-performance model and now we're seeing a crossover. Does any of this sound familiar? Considering the Detroit concept earned an editors' choice award for that show, you can imagine how we feel about the strikingly similar TT Offroad, which is debuting at the Beijing Motor Show.
The two concepts share a propulsion system - a high-performance version of Audi's E-Tron plug-in-hybrid drivetrain. Total system output sits at 408 horsepower, thanks to a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and a 40-kilowatt electric motor in front and an 85-kW motor on the rear axle, for all-wheel drive. 62 miles per hour arrives in 5.2 seconds, while the TT Offroad is limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy is impressive, with a claimed 123.8 US miles per gallon on the European cycle.
The most obvious different between these two, then, are their looks. The TT looks a bit tougher, thanks to its larger 21-inch wheels and narrower headlights, but its more conventional belt and roofline give it more of an Audi Q3's look. Out back, a slightly restyled bumper is the sole differentiator between the two vehicles.

Audi Q3 Camping Tent is der neue Aztek

The annual Wörthersee festival is much more than a land of ridiculous one-off concepts for fans of the Volkswagen Group to ogle over. Brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and SEAT actually showoff some real stuff, including accessories for existing vehicles.
While we don't normally cover this (are you really interested in new floormat designs for a Skoda Rapid?), one item on this year's list caught our eye. It's for the Audi Q3, the compact crossover from the Quattro people, and well, it's something we've seen before.
Yes, that's a tent. Much like the Pontiac Aztek before it, Audi debuted a tent kit for the Q3. Now, it's not exactly like the detestable Pontiac. This tent can easily be attached and separated from the car, and it's even rated for wind speeds of up to 43 miles per hour (but not while driving, we'd guess). According to Audi, the inflatable tent can be erected in a mere seven minutes (unlike most tents, which require five hours, seven people and a degree in mechanical engineering).