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Audi, Google readying infotainment partnership announcement for CES?

The merging of our smart phones and automotive infotainment systems may be about to get an even bigger boost, if a report from Forbes is to be believed. The business publication is reporting that Google and Audi may announce a partnership at next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that would see Google's Android OS taking control of Audi's MMI infotainment system.
The move by Google would be a direct counter to Apple's iOS in the Car initiative, the marquee feature of which allows drivers to access the company's Siri digital assistant via a car's voice controls. According to Forbes, other iOS features that have found their way into cars include functions for iMessage, as well as audio and satellite navigation systems.
Audi and Google already enjoy a working relationship, with the tech company providing data services on many of the automaker's cars, as well as lending Google Maps to the MMI system. If this report turns out to be true, fans of Android could find Audis looking a lot more appealing.

The 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona: What we learned, what we saw

Two days after the flag dropped on the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona, people are still trying to figure out what it might portend for the rest of the season. In 24 hours, two minutes and 24 seconds, 695 laps were completed by the car that crossed the line first. During that time, 67 cars began the race, 18 of them retired. There was that accident, and a red flag. There were supposedly slower classes beating supposedly faster classes. There were 16 caution periods, including that yellow flag. And then there was The Decision. And Then The Uproar. And then The Reversal.
There was also some pretty good racing, so let's have one last look at the weekend. Oh, and there was that 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO Series II...
If you want to skip the reading bits and go to the photos, there's a high-res gallery of 158 images above and a couple more below. Enjoy.

MTM Audi RS6 Clubsport might be overkill for grocery shopping

As automotive journalists, we're biologically wired to love station wagons. We really don't have a choice. And while we prefer brown, diesel-powered, manual-transmissioned long-roofs, we suppose a 750-horsepower Audi RS6 Avant would be just dandy. This is the MTM RS6 Clubsport, and as we mentioned, it's very powerful. That's thanks to a modified version of Audi's critically acclaimed 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. While 750 hp out of just 4.0 liters is impressive, 697 pound-feet of torque is an equally big accomplishment. And if that's not enough, MTM has managed to shave nearly 200 pounds of body fat from the big wagon. Needless to say, it's very, very fast. MTM has displayed a degree of aesthetic restraint, eschewing the gaudy body kit favored by some other tuners and simply opting for a questionable paint job. The 21-inch wheels look good, although with the smattering of rubber around them, we wouldn't bet on a comfortable ride. As for the cabin, well, MTM got a bit out of hand. It's very, very orange. The seats are essentially carbon-fiber shells lined with bits of orange, leather-wrapped padding here and there. Orange, quilted-leather in the door panels, center armrest and on cushions on the side of the center console – a nice touch we wish more automakers would add to their performance cars – contrasts nicely with the black plastics and carbon fiber found on the rest of the dash and center console. That said, we aren't crazy about space for passengers, thanks to the large cage that's there to boost structural stiffness. We have a full gallery of photos of the MTM RS6 Clubsport direct from Geneva. Trust us, you'll want to have a look at this one. Related Video: