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Both BMW and Audi shutter vehicle subscription programs

Both BMW and Audi are either cancelling or pausing their respective vehicle subscription programs, Automotive News reports. This is yet another blow to what was once a growing and burgeoning group of automakers introducing pay-as-you-go vehicle subscription options in a number of cities across the U.S. Both Mercedes-Benz and Ford shut down their services last year, and Cadillac turned off the tap in 2018. BMW’s program — Access by BMW — was only ever offered in the Nashville area. A BMW spokesperson explained the companyÂ’s decision making to Automotive News. "Our intent with the pilot was to learn about the viability of the subscription model and gauge customer interest. We are in the process of developing the next iteration of the program,” he said. When that next iteration will arrive is still uncertain. Audi doesnÂ’t claim that a comeback is on the way. Instead, the companyÂ’s website simply says its services are ending on January 31 this year. Audi limited its subscription service to the Texas area throughout its whole campaign. CadillacÂ’s subscription service was promised a reboot a long time ago, and today is the first time weÂ’ve heard some rumbling. ANÂ’s report claims that Cadillac is testing a rebooted version of the service in a dealer pilot now. WeÂ’ve reached out to Cadillac to see if it can provide any further details. As of today, the official Book by Cadillac website says Cadillac “will be debuting a new program in early 2020.” ItÂ’s now early 2021, so Cadillac is officially a year late on its announcement. A number of OEM-run vehicle subscription services still exist (Porsche, Volvo, Lexus, Nissan), but instead of the market expanding, itÂ’s shrinking these days. Related video: Audi BMW Cadillac Car Buying Ownership Luxury

Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem

Audi is celebrating the 2013 Wörthersee Tour with a special concept version of the company's TT. The Audi TT Ultra Quattro concept tips the scales at just 2,449 pounds thanks to some extensive engineering work. The company pulled nearly 95 lbs from the car's body structure and used carbon-fiber reinforced plastics for many of its detachable body components. As a result, the concept weighs in at a full 220 pounds lighter than its production counterpart. Throw in a wicked turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and you get a machine with the power to weight ratio in the supercar realm. 0-60 comes up in 4.2 seconds and top speed is listed at 173 mph.
Inside, the TT Ultra Quattro features plenty of carbon fiber trim, and designers also fitted the seats from the R8 GT to save a little weight. The buckets use CFRP for the seat frames, saving nearly 50 pounds in the process. In a world where automakers seem blind to the negative effect of throwing more heft at a vehicle, we're in love with the Ultra Quattro concept. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Audi features Google Android infotainment system in Q8 Sport concept

Volvo isn't the only company working on a Google Android-based operating system. Apparently Audi has bestowed the Q8 Sport, revealed at the Geneva show, with an infotainment system based on Google's Android operating system, rather than a proprietary one. The company revealed the system at the Google I/O conference. The system is controlled via the Q8 Sport's touchscreen, and should function like a normal Audi infotainment system. However, this one comes with applications such as Google Play Music, Google Assistant, and Google Maps built-in. Audi also says that running an infotainment system on Android should make it easier for applications and updates to be developed for the automotive version, since it won't require developers to learn to code for a single car line's completely unique and different operating system. Unlike Volvo, though, Audi doesn't have a timeline for introducing Android infotainment systems. The Swedish company announced that its Android-based system will be in production cars within the next two years. Related Video: