2009 Audi Tt 2.0t Convertible Prestige Turbo Nav 73k Mi Texas Direct Auto on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus

Ignore the naysayers who say the Audi R8 is too refined to be a proper supercar, or that it has begun to show its age - after a few tweaks for the 2014 model year, the automaker's flagship remains one of my favorite exotics.
Audi has treated all of its R8 models to a host of enhancements for the 2014 model year that include new LED headlights and tail lamps, larger steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, new exhaust finishes, updated alloy wheel designs and fresh exterior colors. However, the most significant news is the arrival of a proper seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission (it replaces the six-speed R-Tronic). The rapid-fire gearbox shaves a coupe tenths off the 0-60 sprint and improves fuel economy for both the eight- and ten-cylinder models (thankfully, a traditional six-speed manual is still on the order form).
I recently spent time with the new-for-2014 V10 Plus model, which is only available in a coupe body style. Compared to the standard V10 models, the Plus sheds upwards of 130 pounds thanks to lightweight manual seats (not fitted to my test car), carbon-ceramic brakes, reduced sound bay insulation, a smaller fuel tank and an assortment of carbon-fiber pieces (including side blades, front splitter, rear diffuser and spoiler). But that's not all, as the V10 Plus also receives a bump in output that pushes its ten-cylinder to an even 550 horsepower.

Audi perfecting drool-worthy RS3 hot hatch

A sure-fire way of adding excitement to any Audi is removing the "A" from its model name and replacing it with "RS." Take the RS4, RS5, RS6 and RS7 as proof of this fact. Of course, the transformation from "A" to "RS" wouldn't be complete with a huge bump in power, a far more sporting suspension, enhanced brakes and a more aggressive styling treatment. That process appears to be well underway with the next RS3, which has once again been spotted testing in Germany. The larger wheels (the styles are mismatched, but the sizes look similar) are a good giveaway, as are the larger brakes and more aggressive front bumper, which sports larger intakes. The rear bumper has been modified, although we can't quite tell if the RS line's tell-tale oval exhausts have been fitted. In the past, the RS3 mules we've heard have boasted the distinctive exhaust note of a five-cylinder engine. This particular car, though, has a more conventional exhaust note, of the sort you'd expect from a high-powered four-cylinder. Expect around 400 horsepower and Quattro all-wheel drive, with power distributed likely through some form of S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Take a look up top for our gallery of spy shots, and keep an eye open for the RS3 in October, when it's expected to debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Audi Prologue concept goes for A9, we give it a ten

If you've been waiting for Audi to roll out a new design language, you need wait no longer as Ingolstadt is displaying just that at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year with the Prologue concept you see here.
Penned by Audi's new design chief Marc Lichte, the Prologue is earmarked to introduce a shift (if not quite a complete change) in design direction for the German automaker. The trapezoidal grille sits wider and lower than on existing models, with the wedge-shaped laser headlights positioned higher above new air intakes with blade elements. The profile rests balanced across its wheelbase to visually emphasize the all-wheel drive that is part of Audi's DNA, with flared arches inspired by the legendary Ur-Quattro. The rear section is inspired by yachts, angled forward to suggest motion, with a narrow strip of LED taillights, full-width diffuser element and twin trapezoidal exhaust tips.
Inside it's all light and surgically clean, with a horizontal dashboard integrating four touchscreen displays running its full width. The system even allows the passenger to select the route for the navigation system and swipe it on over to the driver's display. The headrests on the rear seats and the "sound spoiler" on the rear shelf deploy only when needed, unobstructing the rear view when not.