2013 Audi A6 on 2040-cars

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Audi reveals virtual reality 'dealership in a briefcase'

Virtual reality still seems like technology that should be lumped in with the flying car and colonizing the moon as the sort of perennially "almost-here" Next Big Thing that never quite arrives. However, devices like gaming's Oculus Rift suggests that it's too soon to write off VR just yet, and Audi apparently agrees. The heart of its new VR Experience is a headset that customers wear that lets them see a virtual car before their eyes. Using the technology, the potential buyer can sit behind the wheel or open up the trunk. A camera tracks their head movements and adjusts the image on the goggles accordingly. To make the whole experience even more immersive, headphones let them hear the sound of the door or listen to the radio. The German automaker claims that the VR Experience technology will be available in "dynamic growth markets" by the end of 2015. The system will essentially offer the entire dealership experience in a device the size of a briefcase, and it'll be possible to view every possible equipment combination and color on all of the brand's models. The immersive hardware sounds amazing, if it's as good as the automaker claims. Among other things, VR will allow buyers to pick out just the right color and trim, even if the dealer doesn't have that specific combo in stock. Read below for Audi's announcement of this sci-fi gadget that the company claims is on the way. Audi VR experience: the dealership in a briefcase Innovative virtual reality headset extends advisory service at Audi dealers Sales chief Luca de Meo: "Further proof of Audi's pioneering role in sphere of digitization" First Audi dealerships to introduce new sales tool by end of 2015 Audi is taking the next big step in integrating digital technologies into automotive retail: The Audi VR experience gives customers the opportunity to configure their preferred car at the dealership through virtual reality headsets and experience it in a unprecedentedly realistic way. The headset showcases the entire model portfolio of the four rings, including all possible equipment combinations. Audi has become the first automotive manufacturer to develop a dedicated retail software solution for virtual reality headsets.

Audi stretches the A8L even more for one special European buyer

An anonymous European buyer decided that the standard Audi A8L just wasn't long enough, so this wealthy person ordered a one-off A8L Extended with six doors. It's capable of seating six people in luxury. The massive sedan now measures 20.9 feet versus 17.3 feet for the standard, already large A8L. The wheelbase also grows to 13.8 feet from 10.2 feet for the regular version. You might expect the A8L Extended to have facing seats inside like a limousine, but all the passengers actually look forward. The decision probably doesn't aid in having a conversation during the drive, but it's what the buyer wanted. The third row has an entertainment display and refrigerated storage box. The second and third rows also have power adjustable seats in beige Valcona leather. It took a year for Audi's engineers to figure out how to build this beast while retaining the A8's rigidity. The builders eventually settled on adding extruded aluminum sections to the side sills and center tunnel to get the extra length. They also included extra cross braces in the roof, and a 7.9-foot glass panel to lets more light into the cabin. The powertrain consists of Audi's 3.0 TFSI with 306 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The A8L Extended retains the company's Quattro all-wheel drive system and can reportedly accelerate to 62 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds. That's not lightning quick but still plenty for a vehicle that weighs 5,331 pounds. The A8L Extended likely won't remain a one-off for long. According to Audi, the customer response has been quite positive, and the company has already received requests to build more. Representative unique specimen: Audi A8 L extended Premium manufacturer develops and builds 6.36-meter (20.9 ft) sedan to special customer order One-off specimen meets same standards as production model Comfortable and spacious seating for six Audi puts the customer first, however out of the ordinary their requirements may be. An example of this is the Audi A8*: at the request of a European customer the premium brand has built a first one-off version of the sedan in king-size format. Measuring 6.36 meters (20.9 ft) in length and with a wheelbase of 4.22 meters (13.8 ft), the A8 L extended* affords top-class comfort for passengers occupying all of its six seats. A concept that generates customer: Audi has further requests for the custom product already.

Editors' Picks September 2021 | Genesis GV70, Grand Cherokee L and more

This month of Editors' Picks saw us award the honor to a few top-notch crossovers and SUVs, plus one luxury sportback. Manufacturers keep rolling out excellent new crossovers, and the Genesis GV70 and Jeep Grand Cherokee L are great examples. Plus, living the good life with our long-term Hyundai Palisade has been evidence enough that it's worthy of an editors' pick. Read on below for the full breakdown and see what made the cut for September. In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on whatÂ’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get EditorsÂ’ Pick status. Those are the ones weÂ’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody whoÂ’s curious and asks the question. The list that youÂ’ll find below consists of every car we rated in August that earned an EditorsÂ’ Pick. 2022 Genesis GV70 2022 Genesis GV70 at Mt St Helens View 37 Photos Quick take: Genesis' first shot at a compact luxury crossover is a strong one that moves the segment forward and makes for an excellent alternative to one of the many other established options. Score: 8 What it competes with: BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50, Porsche Macan Pros: Gorgeous looks inside and out, forward-looking tech, good ride and handling balance Cons: Nothing budget about it, no true performance option From the editors Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore — "Blending style and power, the GV70 shows Genesis is serious about delivering a strong execution in a critical segment. Props to Genesis for its risk-taking design, which has remade its lineup with confidence. The GV70 is just the latest in a series of wins for Genesis." In-depth analysis: 2022 Genesis GV70 First Drive Review | The real deal   2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L View 35 Photos Quick take: The 2022 Grand Cherokee L is inarguably immense, swank, and much better on-road than the previous SUV. It even keeps up the Jeep tradition of being great off-road while still carrying tons of passengers and gear.