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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.

VW has received several tentative bids for Ducati

Italy's Benetton family is vying with motorbike firms and buyout funds for control of Italian motorcycle brand Ducati, which is being sold by Germany's Volkswagen, sources involved in the process told Reuters. Volkswagen, whose Audi division controls Ducati, has received several tentative bids with the Benetton family's investment vehicle Edizione Holding valuing the Monster motorbike maker at $1.2 billion, one of the sources said. As well as Edizione Holding, U.S. buyout fund Bain Capital, which owns a stake in Ski-Doo snowmobiles maker BRB, and two Indian motorbike firms, Eicher Motors and Bajaj Auto, have also bid for Ducati, the sources said. Indian carmaker Eicher controls Royal Enfield, a motorcycle brand established in 1893 which ranks as one of the oldest. Strategic bidders also include U.S. automotive firm Polaris Industries, which earlier this year said it would wind down its struggling Victory Motorcycle brand. A shortlist of bidders for a second stage of the auction could be selected as soon as Saturday, two of the sources said. Volkswagen adviser Evercore has a long list of bidders including private equity funds such as Ducati's previous owner Investindustrial, CVC Capital Partners, Advent and PAI, all hoping to outbid industry players, the sources said. If it gets to the second round, Edizione Holding could seek to form a consortium with a financial investor, two of the sources said, in a bid to secure control of Ducati, whose racers have won the Superbike world championship 14 times, with Carl Fogarty and Troy Bayliss its most successful riders. Audi, Edizione Holding, Investindustrial, Advent and PAI declined to comment, while the other interested groups were not immediately available for comment. PRICING CHALLENGES For some buyout funds, Ducati's valuation of up to $1.4 billion – which sources said is based on a multiple of more than 10 times its core earnings of roughly 100 million euros – is a tall order as they lack the synergies that some motorbike makers could achieve. But Investindustrial founder Andrea Bonomi, who sold Ducati to Audi for about 860 million euros in 2012, is serious about a comeback, one of the sources said. China's Loncin Motor was among a group of industry players that initially showed interest in Ducati, alongside Harley-Davidson. The latter has, however, decided against making a bid due to Ducati's price tag, while it could not be established if Loncin Motor had carried on bidding.

2015 Audi RS7 Dynamic Edition strutting to NY

The Audi RS7 is already one of the most stylish sports sedans (hatch, wagon, whatever...) on the road today with flowing roof and hunkered down appearance. Now the German automaker is taking that formula even further with the introduction of the RS7 Dynamic Edition at the 2014 New York Auto Show, and the addition of a long list of unique options.
When it goes on sale early this summer, the Dynamic Edition won't come cheap. Prices start at $146,045, which is $41,145 over a base RS7. The extra money allows opulent additions like Black Valcona honeycomb-stitched leather sport seats, Crimson Red seatbelts and interior stitching, Tornado Red brake calipers with the RS7 logo, Audi's Dynamic Ride Control suspension and a sport exhaust. It rides on 21-inch, five-spoke wheels with Gloss Black accents. Also carbon fiber pieces replace the front splitter, rear diffuser and engine cover.
The DRC suspension is a late addition to the RS7's options list and comes standard on the Dynamic Edition. It uses three-stage adjustable dampers that are cross-linked and integrated into the driving mode selection and rear differential.