2009 Audi A4 2.0t Premium Quattro on 2040-cars

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Next Audi RS4 to get an electric turbo?

We don't yet know if the next Audi RS4 will come to the US, but whoever gets it could find an electric turbocharger under the hood according to a report in Auto Express. The 4.2-liter V8 that has served for two RS4 generations is retiring from the line, replaced by a twin-turbocharged version of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 used in the S4. But instead of using two sequential turbochargers - a smaller one to eliminate lag while a larger, more powerful turbo spools up - batteries charged by brake regeneration could power a first-stage electric turbo. The idea hasn't been publicly appointed for a particular model, as Audi's technical chief Ulrich Hackerberg has said that due to expense, that kind of setup "would only be used be used on the very top end models." Since the technology cuts down on the use of exhaust gases, it would also also help in markets like Europe where CO2 emissions are a factor. No matter whether it benefits from all conventional or some electric boost, the horsepower number for the twin-turbo V6 will be more than 420 hp but less than 503 hp, the rating of the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Auto Express believes Audi will want to maintain the power gap between the 333-hp S4 and previous, 444-hp RS4. With Hackenberg saying the new S4 will make more than 350 hp, that gets the coming RS4 up to at least 461, but AE figures it "could deliver as much as 480 hp." We'll find out sometime after the S4 launches next year.

Audi SQ7 stars in Captain America: Civil War

When Captain America: Civil War hits theaters next month joining the Captain and all his friends and foes in the latest Marvel action movie will be the Audi R8 V10 Plus, A4, A7, and the new SQ7, launched last month in Europe with a trick new electric-charged diesel engine. We've been hopeful over the prospect of the SQ7 making its way across the Atlantic, and its inclusion in a major Hollywood blockbuster gives us new hope. To coincide with the film's debut (and highlight its product placement), Audi had the film's directors Anthony and Joe Russo direct this promotional clip entitled "The Chase" and starring the aforementioned SQ7. Given the hodgepodge of US and German license plates, it's hard to tell where the scene is supposed to take place, much less draw conclusions over the SQ7's arrival, but we remain hopeful just the same. The minute-and-a-half version is online only, but a 30-second spot will be hitting the airwaves this month before the movie hits theaters on May 6. Until then – and the hopeful arrival of the new performance crossover in North American showrooms – this will just have to hold us over, so sit back and enjoy. Audi returns to the Marvel cinematic universe for hero-versus-hero epic, Marvel's Captain America: Civil War April 18, 2016 | HERNDON, Virginia - Audi teams with Marvel Entertainment for May 6 release of Marvel's Captain America: Civil War - Featured models include the all-new 2017 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe, 2017 Audi SQ7, 2017 A4 and 2016 A7 Sportback - Audi to release global advertising and marketing campaign to support the film Audi and Marvel Entertainment team up once again for the release of Marvel's newest blockbuster, Captain America: Civil War, set to be released in the U.S. on May 6, 2016. The collaboration continues the Audi brand's commitment to one of Hollywood's biggest franchises and its passionate fans. After nearly a decade of successful collaborations, the Audi and Marvel alliance remains strong. Multiple models from the luxury carmaker are featured in the film with a robust association that includes an advertising and marketing campaign kicking off with the World Premiere in Los Angeles. Released today, the campaign includes an exclusive digital video called "The Chase," directed by the film's directors Anthony and Joe Russo. Audi excites the Marvel universe by previewing a pivotal scene featuring the all-new Audi SQ7.

No diesels in the running for 2016 Green Car Of The Year

It's a new era for the Green Car Of The Year. In the past, the theme of the award was to take a broad look at alternative powertrains and pick the best among them. "Clean diesels" from the Volkswagen group were often among the finalists and won the award twice. For the 2016 edition - which will be handed out at the LA Auto Show next month - not a single diesel made the list. There's little wonder why. Green Car Journal, which names the winner with a panel of experts, had to strip two VW brand vehicles of their past wins. The 2009 VW Jetta TDI, which won in 2008, and the 2010 Audi A3 TDI, which won in 2010, have both lost their titles now that the world knows about the "defeat devices" that VW installed in many of its TDI vehicles around the world. So, what does that leave us with for 2016? Two plug ins, a hybrid, and two gas vehicles. The two electric vehicle are the Audi A3 e-tron and the Chevy Volt, while the all-new Toyota Prius (which will come with a plug-in version later) is the lone pure hybrid. Rounding out the pack are two efficient gas models: the Hyundai Sonata and the Honda Civic. This is the tenth year for the Green Car Of The Year, and it will be interesting to see if diesels can come back into the award's good graces (for the record, no diesels were among the finalists in 2013, either) in the future. For now, we'd like to know who you think should win. You can read more about the finalists in the press release below and then cast your vote in our poll. Show full PR text FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2016 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR Green Car Journal to Reveal Winner of 11th Annual Award at LA Auto Show Press & Trade Days, November 19 LOS ANGELES, CA (October 15, 2015) – Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the magazine's prestigious 2016 Green Car of the Year® award. The 2016 models include the Audi A3 e-tron, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Prius. An increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year® program each year, a reflection of the auto industry's expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important "green" vehicles every year at the LA Auto Show, since its inaugural award announced at the show in 2005.