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Is Audi getting complacent and suffering from brain drain?

The argument is made in a Reuters article: Audi is falling behind other luxury brands, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, due to a lack of research-and-development spending and "brain drain," or the migration of top executives and R&D chiefs to other parts of the Volkswagen Group. Reuters notes that Audi's current R&D chief is the third in 16 months.
Audi, which contributed to 40 percent of VW Group's $11.6 billion in profit the first nine months of the year, is delivering cars at a record pace: 1.31 million were delivered from January to October 2013 versus BMW's 1.35 million. Yet Audi, Reuters reports, doesn't have a halo car akin to BMW's new electrified i3 and i8 or an answer to Mercedes' plug-in-hybrid S-Class, and the R&D spending at Audi is less than BMW and Mercedes by a fair margin. It's noted in the article, however, that Audi benefits from other R&D spending within VW Group.
Reuters mentions that BMW "trumpets its new 'i' series" and the new Mercedes CLA and GLA ranges are winning "rave reviews" as part of its argument that Audi's recent lack of technological innovation could hurt future sales. Those cars do pack tons of new technology, some of which are firsts for mainstream production cars. But last time we checked, the i3 could be causing BMW's stock to slide, the CLA isn't receiving the rave reviews that Reuters would have you believe and the GLA hasn't been reviewed yet.

How could a lifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG be more awesome? Add an axle

We are fully confident in saying that this will be the most amazing thing you see all day. First of all, it's a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen - in AMG spec, no less. And it's being shown off in high-definition video glory, blasting through the desert, jumping over sand dunes, and generally being awesome. But here's the kicker: It has six wheels. Three axles. And they're all driven. Holy $%!#.
Under the hood is AMG's usual 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and total output is rated at 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. That's impressive and all, but do keep in mind that the G63 6x6 weighs in at 8,322 pounds or, you know, the weight of two E-Class sedans. Combine that with its 18 inches of ground clearance, 37-inch tires and five locking differentials and you've got a vehicle capable of, well, everything you've ever imagined or will ever imagine for the rest of your life.
But the goodness doesn't stop once you open the doors. Oh, no. This thing is fit for a king - or a sheik, more appropriately - with ultimately luxurious seating for four. The rear bench seat has been removed in favor of two bucket seats with a fixed console in the middle, and the rear seats have been moved back beyond the usual B pillar to allow for more legroom.

Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S is a perfect April Fools' prank

The pranksters at Mercedes-Benz USA need to check their calendars because April Fools' Day isn't until tomorrow. Still, the folks over there deserve points for taking something that should be absolutely absurd and making it look great. Meet the Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S. This utilitarian van can seriously haul the mail thanks to the performance division's latest 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 boasting 503 horsepower under the hood. With a retuned suspension and rear diffuser, it should hold the road with aplomb while delivering packages at very high speeds. We really have to give Mercedes credit on the renderings too because they almost look realistic. However, the company misses the chance to really take things over the top by not basing the AMG Sprinter on the latest 4X4 model. When driving a performance van with over 500-horsepower putting your foot down should mean billows of tire smoke from the front and rear axles. Related Video: Introducing the all-new Mercedes-AMG Sprinter63 S. A combination of legendary performance and driving dynamics from Mercedes-AMG with the utility and capacity of a Sprinter Van. Ready to attack corners with its AMG custom-engineered sport suspension, the Sprinter63 S is powered by a 503hp handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V-8-which means it's also ready to haul a lot more than just cargo. It's exactly what you'd expect of our high performance division, if they were given the keys to a Sprinter van.