2005 Audi Tt Base Coupe 2-door 1.8l Automatic on 2040-cars

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Audi A8 could spawn Mercedes-Maybach S600 rival

Five years ago, there was no middle ground for big luxury sedans. You either bought a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, or BMW 7 Series, or you spent $225K on a twelve-cylinder Bentley Continental Flying Spur. But today, the market is changing. Bentley sells a V8-powered Flying Spur for around $200,000 and Mercedes is successfully selling a longer, twelve-cylinder, ultra-lux S-Class for $190,000. The middle ground is growing, and Audi wants in on the action. Audi is looking closely at the Mercedes-Maybach S600, according to Dr. Stefan Knirsch, the company's new technical leader. The company recently introduced a one-off A8 limo, shown above, although we'd imagine an S600 rival would be a more manageable size. "We are thinking about it," Knirsch told AutoExpress at the launch of the new SQ7. "The success of the extra-long version of the S-Class has got us wondering about whether there could be a business case for that in the future." Knirsch's comments raise a number of questions about a potential ultra-lux A8. Would it be longer than the A8L? The extra backseat space is a key part of the Maybach S600's appeal. What about the badge? Audi doesn't have a nameplate to rival Maybach to distinguish such an exclusive A8 from its more affordable siblings. Will the Audi offer more or fewer shades of black/silver than the S600? But the biggest question is what a bigger, more luxurious A8 could mean for the rest of the A8 range. As AE explains, Mercedes has done a remarkable job of fleshing out the S-Class range, with the normal sedan, Maybach, Coupe, Cabriolet, and their accompanying AMG variants. The Maybach S600 started that process – could an extra-large competitor kickstart Audi's full-size luxury expansion? The A8 has long been subject to gossip that it'd spawn an A9 Coupe (2014's Prologue Concept only fed that particular rumor mill), after all. Beyond hinting at a more luxurious A8, Knirsch expounded on another piece of exciting news: the next A8 will get Level 3 automation. That would mean full driverless ability "with the expectation that the human driver will respond appropriately to a request to intervene," according to the SAE's official definition. While Audi confirmed last year that the A8 could drive itself at speeds up to 37 miles per hour, Knirsch's more specific comments make it sound like the system could be even more advanced than originally thought. Related Video:

Is Audi readying hardcore final edition R8?

The days may be numbered on the current Audi R8, but if our latest round of spy photos is any indication, Audi's first supercar is going to go out with a bang. This camo'd tester was spotted parked somewhere in Europe, and if doesn't at least belie a faster R8, it certainly indicates that a more aerodynamically intense model is coming.
The tall rear wing is the most obvious aerodynamic change. It's joined out back by a none-too-subtle diffuser and the cannon-like exhausts of the R8 V10 Plus, while the front and side of this particular R8 are home to new side sills and winglets on the lower front fascia.
We'll be keeping our ears to the ground for any more on what looks to be another variation of first-generation Audi supercar. Until then, let us know what you think this car may foreshadow. A new halo model? A gentleman racer? Have your say below.

Audi A6 and A7 get a fresh face and upgraded equipment

It's been six years since the introduction of the Audi A6 and A7, but the automaker isn't ready to replace them just yet. So, in order to keep up with fresher competition, Ingolstadt has given its mid-range lineup a bit of a refresh. That includes not only a subtle facelift, but some new equipment, as well. The refreshed models benefit from new front-end styling, side sills, rear bumpers, and rear diffusers that look incrementally sharper than the existing versions. The updated interior features LED ambient lighting, with new trim options to join the expanded range of exterior colors and wheel choices. The infotainment system has been upgraded, and there are tablets mounted to the seatbacks to keep rear-seat passengers entertained. The sum total definitely falls in the evolutionary rather than revolutionary category. But they promise to help attract customers to Audi showrooms who might otherwise be lured towards the newer Mercedes E-Class, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF, or Maserati Ghibli, while keeping pace with the BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS that are growing just as long in the tooth. The updates are applied not only to base A6 and A7 models, but also to the Allroad Quattro and the S6 and S7 performance models. Audi says these refreshed cars will be available to order soon for delivery in the summer, and best of all, it hasn't raised the sticker prices in the process. Related Video: 04/22/16 Ingolstadt New look and new equipment – Audi A6 and A7 getting even more attractive - New highlights for exterior and interior and for equipment - Even more connectivity and entertainment on offer - Comprehensive equipment package for the Audi A6 allroad quattro Audi is making its full-size A6 and A7 Sportback* car lines even more exclusive. The exterior of the Sedan and Avant is set to become a touch sharper, with all models featuring interior enhancements and new equipment. There is a new, comprehensive equipment package for the A6 allroad quattro*. The updated full-size family is available to order worldwide soon. Deliveries will take place in the summer. Quality, design and technology – those are the key selling points for Audi full-size models. With the start of the new model year, the brand is further enhancing its models.