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Audi updates the RS3 hatch to sedan specs, but we still aren't getting it

As great as the upcoming Audi RS3 sedan looks and sounds, we're still a bit jealous of the Europeans and others who get the five-door Sportback version. And now even more so, because for 2018 the RS3 Sportback is being updated to match the specs of the RS3 sedan that debuted last fall at the Paris Motor Show. We'll see the revised extra-hot hatch next month in Geneva. Even though we haven't had a chance to get behind the wheel of either model, the raw numbers alone get us excited. An updated Quattro all-wheel-drive system, a 400-horsepower turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine (up from 362), and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will send the 2018 RS3 hatch from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. That puts it in Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette territory. Other improvements include a wider track to fit wider rubber, a lowered and stiffened suspension, and a larger set of brakes. Carbon-ceramic front rotors will again be available, like they are on the sedan. Inside, the RS3 comes with a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer, and a lap timer. Audi's Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrument panel is available as an option, and one we highly recommend. Aside from all of the performance and tech upgrades, the RS3 has a number of changes to the interior and exterior design. Black Nappa leather sport seats are standard, with special contoured RS sport seats available as an option. Lighting elements have been updated to match those of the restyled A3 and S3, the front fascia has been sharpened, with larger intakes on the bottom corners of the bumpers, a slightly more aggressive front splitter, and the Quattro logo emblazoned on the bottom of the grill. Out back, the car gets two large exhaust tips compared to the S3's four outlets. The overall design is typical Audi: handsome, but conservative. The RS3 sedan goes on sale in Europe in April with the Sportback following soon after. We'll have to make do with the sedan version, which is expected to arrive here next year. The only Sportback model Audi offers here from the A3 family is the plug-in e-tron model, and we don't expect that to change any time soon. But we can dream. Related Video:

Audi A6 and A7 get a fresh face and upgraded equipment

It's been six years since the introduction of the Audi A6 and A7, but the automaker isn't ready to replace them just yet. So, in order to keep up with fresher competition, Ingolstadt has given its mid-range lineup a bit of a refresh. That includes not only a subtle facelift, but some new equipment, as well. The refreshed models benefit from new front-end styling, side sills, rear bumpers, and rear diffusers that look incrementally sharper than the existing versions. The updated interior features LED ambient lighting, with new trim options to join the expanded range of exterior colors and wheel choices. The infotainment system has been upgraded, and there are tablets mounted to the seatbacks to keep rear-seat passengers entertained. The sum total definitely falls in the evolutionary rather than revolutionary category. But they promise to help attract customers to Audi showrooms who might otherwise be lured towards the newer Mercedes E-Class, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF, or Maserati Ghibli, while keeping pace with the BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS that are growing just as long in the tooth. The updates are applied not only to base A6 and A7 models, but also to the Allroad Quattro and the S6 and S7 performance models. Audi says these refreshed cars will be available to order soon for delivery in the summer, and best of all, it hasn't raised the sticker prices in the process. Related Video: 04/22/16 Ingolstadt New look and new equipment – Audi A6 and A7 getting even more attractive - New highlights for exterior and interior and for equipment - Even more connectivity and entertainment on offer - Comprehensive equipment package for the Audi A6 allroad quattro Audi is making its full-size A6 and A7 Sportback* car lines even more exclusive. The exterior of the Sedan and Avant is set to become a touch sharper, with all models featuring interior enhancements and new equipment. There is a new, comprehensive equipment package for the A6 allroad quattro*. The updated full-size family is available to order worldwide soon. Deliveries will take place in the summer. Quality, design and technology – those are the key selling points for Audi full-size models. With the start of the new model year, the brand is further enhancing its models.

Stay caffeinated at the speed of Audi

A large portion of the world would be in trouble without a daily dose of caffeine, and some of these coffee addicts are serious about the details, especially when it comes to specialties like espresso. For them, filling up a mug of regular java before hitting the road just isn't good enough, and Audi is happy to appeal to these folks' persnickety needs with one of its accessories available in Europe. The Germany luxury brand calls it the Espresso Mobil, and the fancy device plugs into a 12-volt outlet to brew up some espresso in a claimed two minutes. The user just needs to fill the contraption with water and press a button. The gadget runs on proprietary pods from Illy, however, which means coffee snobs can't pack it with their specific choice of bean. According to the Audi accessories catalog, Espresso Mobil starts at 199 euros ($217). In addition to the device, buyers gets a carrying case, two cups, a cleaning towel and 18 espresso pads. It's everything you need to make a fresh espresso while driving. Audi actually isn't the first to jump into the mobile-espresso-maker-for-cars category. It was the Italians at Fiat who launched a similar device with Lavazza a few years ago. That gadget was even more expensive at ˆ250 (about $300 at the time). Related Video: