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Audi Q3 production begins in Spain

2012 Audi Q3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It wasn't that long ago that Audi had no SUVs in its lineup - aside from the A6 Allroad Quattro - despite being known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles. But that's all changed, just as it has for BMW and Porsche. The Q7 was followed by the Q5, and now the Q3 has started production as well.
The first Q3 rolled off the assembly line today at the plant in Martorell, Spain. The facility belongs principally to Audi's sister-company Seat, but has gone through a considerable expansion - funded by both Audi and Seat - to prepare for the Q3's production.

McLaren working on 650S GTR, too

We know McLaren is working on a GTR version of the already-absurdly-good P1, now Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports that the Woking firm is also preparing a track-only 650S to wear a GTR badge. The closest it has come to doing so thus far is the 650S F1 GTR, a special edition created by McLaren Special Operations and limited to 50 units that celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the McLaren F1 conquering Le Mans. That car only featured trim differences, though. The GTR we're meant to see at the Geneva Motor Show in March is rumored to have more power, be around 220 pounds lighter, and get new bodywork, particularly in the rear where P1 themes can be found including open bodywork that allows views of powertrain internals. According to a translation of the Autovisie article, "McLaren's design boss Frank Stephenson has been allowed to let off steam." Motor Authority says it could get a Long Tail option, a la the F1 GTR Long Tail. The Dutch report additionally states that it won't carry the name 650S. Almost a year ago McLaren gave hints about the range of 650S racing models it was preparing. This rumored GTR sounds harder than the 650S Sprint (pictured) but we'll have to wait until March to see where it fits in with the GT3 model and the ghost of the 12C Can-Am Edition.

Jaguar I-Pace named World Car of the Year

NEW YORK — The Jaguar I-Pace has been named World Car of the Year, an award meant to honor the most significant new car introduction and conferred by an international jury of automotive journalist judges. The group announced the winners of additional awards at the New York Auto Show, with the Audi A7 named World Luxury Car of the Year, the McLaren 720S recognized as World Performance Car of the Year, and the Suzuki Jimny named World Urban Car. The I-Pace additionally took home two other awards: World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car of the Year. The WCOTY team of 86 jurors hail from 24 countries, and the organization is independent and not tied to any publication. This is the 15th year for the awards. For this year's World Car of the Year award the top three finalists were the I-Pace, the Audi E-Tron, and the Volvo S60/V60. Previous WCOTY winners were the Volvo XC60 in 2018 and the Jaguar F-Pace in 2017. View 74 Photos