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Audi sketches out new TT ahead of Geneva debut

In less than two weeks, the doors will open at the Geneva Motor Show, and we'll be there to capture all the action. Among the dozens of new debuts we're looking forward to will be the arrival of the new third-generation Audi TT, and to give us a better idea of what we're looking forward to, Ingolstadt has released this series of teaser sketches.
Looking every bit like a TT should and drawing heavily on the Allroad Shooting Brake concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last month, the images foretell of a new Audi sports coupe with a single-frame grille, matrix LED lighting and a deeply creased hood with the four-ring emblem placed atop the nose, as on the R8.
Horizontal lines at the back preview Audi's next design language, with twin exhaust tips flanking the diffuser on base models and quad tips on the next TTS. A cleaner interior design also harkens back to the first-gen TT that started it all and from which the new one draws its inspiration. Scope out the images in the gallery above for a closer look at what's to come, then scroll down for the details in the press release below.

Audi gets into tablet market with Android-powered Smart Display

Relatively small in newsworthiness compared with laser-equipped hybrids and all-new cockpit concepts, Audi has also announced a branded, Android-powered tablet called Smart Display at CES this week.
Audi has partnered with Google for its in-car computing software for years now, so it's hardly surprising to hear that its first foray into the world of tablets runs a Google OS (which one is still unclear), and has Android guts. Sorry, iPad users. The 10.2-inch tablet wears a lovely aluminum chassis that seems right in line with Audi's typical industrial design, and is packed with Nvidia's Tegra T40 processor.
Smart Display is meant to highlight the upcoming cleverness of Audi's newly announced in-car LTE connectivity (by way of continued partnership with AT&T). Users can, in theory, access the Google Play store while on the go, and then download and fiddle with Android-based apps until their very hearts are content. By "users" we mean "passengers" here, and so does Audi, though we're not exactly sure if there are measures in place to keep a driver from tableting while driving.

597-hp Audi RS7 Performance coming to US

The Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback certainly aren't hurting for power. Their 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8s offer mountains of muscle as tall as the Alps. However, the engineers at the Four Rings are pushing those peaks just even higher for the new Performance versions of the pair. Tweaks to the engine management, bring horsepower up to 597 ponies and 516 lb-ft of torque. Temporary overboost can take the twist to 553 lb-ft, though. This high-performance duo can haul passengers with aplomb by hitting 62 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds – two tenths quicker than a regular RS. Even more impressive, the 12.1-second run to 124 mph also takes 1.4 seconds less than the standard version. Top speed remains the same 155 mph, but the optional Dynamic Package takes off the limiter to let the RS6 reach 174 mph and the RS7 go 189.5 mph. The eight-speed tiptronic remains from the standard RS versions, and it routes power through the Quattro all-wheel drive system with a 40:60 front-rear split. An optional sport differential at the back can also provide some extra assistance. Both Performance models come standard with an adaptive air suspension, but for those willing to spend a little more a stiffer RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control is available, as well. The Performance pair launches in Germany at the beginning of November, but there's reason to get excited in the US, too. Audi spokesperson Mark Dahncke confirms to Autoblog that the RS7 Performance is coming here. More details about it should arrive around the Los Angeles Auto Show, he said. Related Video: Plus performance: the new Audi RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance 4.0 TFSI now with 445 kW (605 hp) and up to 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) Like a supercar: from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds New model designation hones brand's sporty profile Even more performance coupled with outstanding efficiency – that is what is behind the new "performance" model designation at Audi. The Audi RS 6 Avant performance* and Audi RS 7 Sportback performance* further hone the brand's sporty profile. Their 4.0 TFSI engine with 445 kW (605 hp) and up to 750 Nm (553.2 lb ft) of torque push acceleration (3.7 seconds) nearly to levels usually reserved for supercars. Fuel consumption remains unchanged at 9.6 and 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers (24.5 and 24.8 US mpg), respectively, corresponding to 223 and 221 g CO2 per km (358.9 and 355.7 g/mi). These are best-in-segment figures.