2004 Audi Tt S-line Awd Quattro W/3.2 Turbo At Low Miles Clean Low Reserve on 2040-cars

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Are supercars becoming less special?

There's little doubt that we are currently enjoying the golden age of automotive performance. Dozens of different models on sale today make over 500 horsepower, and seven boast output in excess of 700 hp. Not long ago, that kind of capability was exclusive to supercars – vehicles whose rarity, performance focus, and requisite expense made them aspirational objects of desire to us mortals. But more than that, supercars have historically offered a unique driving experience, one which was bespoke to a particular model and could not be replicated elsewhere. But in recent years, even the low-volume players have been forced to find the efficiencies and economies of scale that formerly hadn't been a concern for them, and in turn the concept of the supercar as a unique entity unto itself is fading fast. The blame doesn't fall on one particular manufacturer nor a specific production technique. Instead, it's a confluence of different factors that are chipping away at the distinction of these vehicles. It's not all bad news – Lamborghini's platform sharing with Audi for the Gallardo and the R8 yielded a raging bull that was more reliable and easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, and as a result it went on to become the best-selling Lambo in the company's history. But it also came at the cost of some of the Italian's exclusivity when eerily familiar sights and sounds suddenly became available wearing an Audi badge. Even low-volume players have been forced to find economies of scale. Much of this comes out of necessity, of course. Aston Martin's recent deal with Mercedes-AMG points toward German hardware going under the hood and into the cabin of the upcoming DB11, and it's safe to assume that this was not a decision made lightly by the Brits, as the brand has built a reputation for the bespoke craftsmanship of its vehicles. There's little doubt that the DB11 will be a fine automobile, but the move does jeopardize some of the characteristic "specialness" that Astons are known for. Yet the world is certainly better off with new Aston Martins spliced with DNA from Mercedes-AMG rather than no new Astons at all, and the costs of developing cutting-edge drivetrains and user interfaces is a burden that's becoming increasingly difficult for smaller manufacturers to bear. Even Ferrari is poised to make some dramatic changes in the way it designs cars.

2018 Audi A6 endures winter training in Norway

The upcoming 2018 Audi A6 was spied in northern Norway. Still clad in appropriate, but garish camo, the basic shape and detailing of the next-generation A6 can be made out. The grill is wide, the headlights mean; the look matches the recently overhauled A4, but with larger dimensions – a recipe from which Audi hasn't really strayed far since the blob-like A6 of 1997. Audi tried to disguise the new headlights under something that resembles the current front, but there are slimmer units underneath. Other detectable details are the hood's straight line toward the radiator grille, and the mirrors fitted on the door sheetmetal now instead of the A-pillar corners. There can even be a LED light strip between the taillights, like the A8. The car will share its MLB platform with the A8, so some shared design makes sense. The new A6 will also be the first Audi work of the new design boss, Mark Lichte. In 2018, the A6 will face tough competition as both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series have been recently renewed. It is likely that Audi will line the car with the latest available high tech and a credible Virtual Cockpit integration, as the executive class battle is awash with tech gadgets. Rumors say the new A6's screens will even feature haptic feedback. Related Video:

The 2018 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets are here just in time for winter

There are no big surprises with the 2018 A5 and S5 Cabriolet. As you'd expect, the convertibles share a design with their coupe counterparts, the A5 and S5 coupes, refreshed versions of which were unveiled earlier this year. Alongside the coupes and upcoming sportback models, the Cabriolets complete the A5 lineup. At least until another RS 5 comes along. In Europe, the A5 will have five available engine options, including three TDI engines maxing out at a 286-horsepower 3.0-liter, and two TFSI gas engines, with the most powerful putting out 252 hp. There will also be a choice of three transmissions including a six-speed manual, a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, and as an eight-speed automatic. For the US, though, the powertrains should be the same as the new coupe's, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque in the A5, replacing the 220-hp turbo four in the previous model. An eight-speed automatic is a definite, although the existence of a manual A4 sedan for our market leaves some hope that a six-speed could be available in the A5 Cabriolet or at least the coupe. Audi also hasn't made final decisions on whether a front-drive model will be available here as it has been in the past. View 13 Photos The S5 Cabriolet, just like the two-door model, uses a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is 21 more horsepower and 44 more pound-feet of torque than the old 3.0-liter supercharged V6 made. Despite the bump in power, the new S5 Cab hits 62 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds, just like the previous model. It is again electronically limited to 155 mph. And like the coupe, it will use an eight-speed automatic and get Quattro all-wheel drive standard. The A5 Cabriolet loses roughly 88 pounds compared to the previous model. The cars use an updated five-link front suspension and Audi claims the chassis is 40 percent stiffer than before. The soft tops have more insulation to cancel out road noise, take 15 seconds to open, and 18 seconds to close. You can do either at speeds up to 31 mph. The A5 Cabriolet will be available with Audi's latest array of driver assistance systems, including its navigation-linked adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance assist. A seven-inch display, seat belt microphones, Audi's Virtual Cockpit infotainment and gauge package, and a head-up display are available on the inside.