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The Audi R8 doesn't need turbos to visit Jay Leno's Garage

When Audi launched the original R8 in 2006, it caused a sensation. For its second go at the model, Audi skipped the V8 and went straight for ten-cylinder power in two states of tune: the V10 and the V10 Plus. Of course Jay Leno had the more potent of the two visit his garage. In V10 Plus trim, the Audi makes over 600 horsepower – all from a naturally-aspirated V10 in a segment increasingly dominated by turbocharging. Rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GT, Porsche 911 Turbo, McLaren 570S, and Ferrari 488 have all adopted turbochargers, which makes the R8 something of a modern-day Shelby Cobra, as Leno puts it. See what else he has to say in the video above – and don't forget to watch to the end to see how the launch control works. News Source: Jay Leno's Garage via YouTube Audi Coupe Supercars Videos Jay Lenos Garage

2019 Infiniti QX50 vs. compact luxury SUV rivals: How they compare

With apologies to the EX35, or whatever it was eventually renamed, Infiniti has been without a proper, competitive entry in the compact luxury SUV segment. You know, the segment that's growing faster in sales and entries than any other? To say the 2019 Infiniti QX50 is long awaited would therefore be an understatement. At first glance and drive, the new QX50 would indeed seem to be wildly more competitive than its predecessor, which come to think of it, was eventually called the QX50 as well. This one is based on an all-new front-wheel-drive platform, and although it lacks the inherent verve of the old, rear-drive- and 370Z-based one, the resulting increase in cabin space should be a welcome tradeoff. In fact, as you'll see below, the QX50 has gone from one of the smallest compact SUVs to the most spacious. How does it stack up in every other way? Say, against the segment's four best-selling entries last year: the 2018 Lexus NX 300, 2018 Acura RDX, 2018 Audi Q5 and 2018 BMW X3. On paper at least, really well as it turns out. Let's go to the spreadsheet! Discover and compare other luxury crossovers with our Car Finder and Compare tools. Comparing engines, drivetrains and transmissions With the exception of the Acura, all of the contenders come with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. As you can see, the Infiniti is the heavyweight amongst the four-bangers, boasting the most horsepower and torque. The Acura V6 nips it by 11 hp, but the QX50 is still the overall torque champ. Plus, as we documented in the QX50 first drive, the Infiniti's new VC-Turbo engine is also the most technologically advanced. The Lexus is the wimp of the group and is also the second-heaviest, which isn't exactly the ideal scenario. The Infiniti is the only one in the group to feature a continuously variable transmission. That's not going to generate much applause around here. The BMW tops the gear count with eight, while the Audi is the only entry with a dual-clutch automated manual. The Acura and Lexus have only six gears, but they're good transmissions and it's not like their fuel economy is off the pace. The Audi and BMW come standard with all-wheel drive, while the others offer a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Comparing cargo and interior space The new front-wheel-drive platform is paying dividends inside for the 2019 QX50, as it now boasts the most maximum cargo space at 65.1 cubic feet.

Audi introduces frugal, 43-mpg Q7 Ultra in Europe

As Audi's largest model, you wouldn't expect the Q7 (standard 2017 model pictured above) to get very good fuel economy. But the new flagship crossover is a lot lighter than its predecessor. And now the German automaker is rolling out an even more efficient version. In Europe, at any rate. Bearing the designation that distinguishes the most fuel-efficient models that Audi offers, the new Audi Q7 Ultra 3.0 TDI Quattro packs a more frugal version of the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel. In Ultra spec, it produces 218 horsepower instead of 272, and 369 pound-feet of torque instead of 443. In exchange, it returns better fuel economy – now quoted at the equivalent of 42.8 miles per gallon (compared to 41.3 for the more potent version). That's not half bad for a crossover this large, even if it is on the European efficiency test, which returns higher numbers than what we're used to in the US. Of course, burning less fuel comes at a bit of a performance penalty: instead of 6.3 seconds, it now takes 7.1 seconds to reach 62 miles per hour from a standstill. Top speed is quoted at just over 134 miles per hour, down from 145. Of course, the E-Tron hybrid will be the most efficient model in the Q7 range, returning the equivalent of over 117 miles per gallon while reaching 62 in six seconds flat. That is, when it starts reaching dealers next spring. The kicker here is that while the hybrid is likely to emerge as the most expensive model in the range, the Ultra is the least. Its base price in Germany comes in at 58,000 euros, compared to 61,890 for the more potent TDI. Combine that with the fuel savings, and the Q7 Ultra is looking like the frugal choice indeed. New Audi Q7 as a highly efficient diesel - The Audi Q7 ultra 3.0 TDI quattro now available for order - Combined fuel consumption is 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km - Base price is 58,000 euros in Germany An exceptionally efficient diesel version of the new Audi Q7 is launching on the market, which customers can now order: the Audi Q7 ultra 3.0 TDI quattro*. This engine not only reduces fuel consumption to 5.5 liters diesel per 100 km (42.8 US mpg); it also reduces the entry-level price for the Q7 model series to 58,000 euros. Audi will be delivering cars to dealers in Europe starting in September. The efficiency is ground-breaking: The combined fuel consumption of the 3.0 TDI with 160 kW (218 hp) is just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (42.8 US mpg).