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Audi prices S8 Plus at $115k, RS7 Performance at $129k

Audi is introducing two new performance sedans at the LA Auto Show later this month. Both pack the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 605 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (553 on overboost). The more conventional of the two is the 2016 Audi S8 Plus, which is based on the A8 and emerges as its new performance flagship. 0-60 is quoted at 3.7 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 miles per hour. For all that muscle and luxury, Audi will charge $115,825 (including $925 for destination). Compared to the Mercedes-AMG S63, the new Audi offers more power (but less torque) and quicker acceleration for a much lower price. The Jaguar XJR charges about the same but gives back less muscle and performance. Joining it is the 2016 Audi RS7 Performance fastback. It packs that same engine and eight-speed automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive. But in the Sportback, 0-60 is quoted at 3.6 seconds, and the top speed is derestricted to 190 mph. For the RS7 Performance, Audi will charge $129,925. That makes it more potent and just as quick, but significantly less expensive than the Porsche Panamera Turbo S. Both feature other upgrades to the wheels, aero, and interior, and come with carbon-ceramic brakes to keep all that momentum in check. They'll both reach showrooms next month. But while the RS7 will still be offered in the existing 560-hp spec for $108,900, the S8 Plus has already replaced the existing model on the Audi of America website. Audi of America announces pricing for S8 plus and RS 7 performance November 11, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia - 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI engine produces 605 hp, maximum 553 lb-ft of torque - Sportier interior and exterior design elements enhance performance-oriented appearance - Both S8 plus and RS 7 performance to go on sale December 2015 Audi today is announcing pricing for the 2016 S8 plus and RS 7 performance models. With more powerful engines and enhanced design elements, the S8 plus and RS 7 performance offer elevated performance and sportiness, further reinforcing the brand's position in the premium sport sedan segment. S8 plus Enhanced for maximum performance and driving enjoyment, the 2016 Audi S8 plus is the latest variant of the A8 flagship sedan to enter the Audi lineup. Featuring a 4.0 TFSI engine with an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission, the S8 plus produces an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque and 605 hp – an increase of 85 horsepower compared to the outgoing S8.

Audi bringing all-electric CUV to Frankfurt

Audi will introduce a new, all-electric, MLB-based concept this September at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. According to CEO Rupert Stadler, production of the vehicle this concept foreshadows will eventually hit 10,000 units. Stadler isn't the only Audi exec dropping details on the company's high-riding EV. Research and development boss Ulrich Hackenberg let slip that the all-electric "sports activity vehicle," might be followed by both a gas-powered plug-in variant and hydrogen-fuel-cell model. According to Hackenberg, the production model will arrive in early 2018, cover about 310 miles per charge, and target the upcoming Tesla Model X. Look for more on this new model and the concept that will precede it as the Frankfurt Motor Show approaches. Related Video:

VW admits 430,000 2016 models have implausible CO2 ratings

Volkswagen finally explained more details about its CO2 rating scandal in Europe and admitted that 430,046 of the estimated 800,000 affected vehicles with "implausible" figures came from the 2016 model year. They included some from Audi, Seat, Skoda, VW, and VW Commercial Vehicles, according to the automaker's list (as a PDF). The problem mostly impacts diesel engines, but the inventory also shows some gasoline mills. VW will next determine the accurate CO2 emissions for these vehicles, and the German Federal Vehicle and Transport Authority will supervise that process to ensure the data's veracity. The automaker will also launch websites in Europe to let owners enter their model's VIN to check whether it's affected. Because governments there often link vehicle taxes and CO2 production, the company promises to work with regulators in each country to cover any fees that result from the inaccurate figures. VW announced the CO2 scandal earlier in November and estimated the equivalent of $2.2 billion to fix it at the time. A later report claimed that a group of engineers were responsible for fabricating the emissions data. They allegedly couldn't meet reduction goals from Martin Winterkorn, and between 2013 and this spring the workers did things like overinflate the tires during testing to achieve the desired results. VW is also closer to a fix in the diesel emissions scandal. According to an anonymous insider to Bloomberg, the company has a repair for the 1.6-liter engine that's reportedly neither very complex nor expensive. German regulators would still need to approve the solution before it could roll out to owners. Next step in clarifying the CO2 issue Affected Volkswagen Group models of the current model year have been identified Customers being informed via website Discussions with the authorities have begun The Volkswagen Group reports that the vehicles of the 2016 model year affected by the CO2 issue have been identified. There is thus now clarity about the new vehicles of the current model year out in the marketplace. On 3 November 2015, the Group had already reported that irregularities may have arisen in determining the CO2 figures for type approval of around 800,000 vehicles. This was identified during its own currently ongoing investigations and had been made public. The internal investigations into the current vehicles of the 2016 model year provide results for narrowing down the actually affected vehicles with implausible CO2 figures.