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Audi A3 E-Tron plug-in hybrid set to whiz into Geneva

The Audi A3 E-tron, which we drove in prototype form last year, is headed to the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next month. The plug-in hybrid will feature a total of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from the combination of a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and a 75-kW electric motor. That motor itself is positioned between the internal combustion engine and the machine's six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The setup is good enough to scoot the A3 E-tron to 62 miles per hour in 7.6 seconds and crank out a top speed of 138 mph. Perhaps more impressively, the hatch can whir its way to 80 mph on all-electric power with an EV range of 31 miles.
Audi claims the A3 E-tron gives the world a "realistic glimpse into the future of mobility," so it's a bit unclear if the model will see production. We're encouraged by the specificity of Audi's press release (which is full of stats) and the fact that they don't label this vehicle a concept. You can check out the full press release below and judge for yourself.

Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line

The classic car-versus-motorcycle comparison is put to the test as Autocar pits a 2013 Audi R8 V10 against the Ducati Diavel in a run from 0-150-0 miles per hour. While you might expect the 162-horsepower Ducati weighing just 515 pounds to blow away the 542-horse, 3,500-pound Audi, this particular test measures the acceleration and braking of both high-performance machines.
Drag racing an Audi R8 against a Ducati on a long, flat stretch of concrete sounds fun to us, and Autocar documented the whole test for our viewing pleasure. We don't want to spoil the fun for you, so let's just say that a Volkswagen-owned brand wins. Scroll down to watch the video for yourself.

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.