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TRANSLOGIC 148: Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron

We get an early drive of Audi's first plug-in vehicle for the U.S. market, the A3 Sportback E-Tron PHEV. Part of Audi's all-new A3 lineup, the Sportback E-Tron boasts an estimated electric driving range of about 30 miles at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. Find out what the future holds for Audi and their E-Tron vehicles.

Audi says gas-electric Q7 E-Tron PHEV coming to US, China

That 166 MPGe diesel-electric Audi Q7 E-Tron Quattro we wrote about last week from the Geneva Motor Show? The US might eventually get those, too. With one important change. Audi disclosed details about the upcoming Q7 E-Tron Quattro SUV plug-in hybrid at the Geneva show that were truly impressive. The model will be able to go as far as 35 miles on electric power alone and will have a fuel-efficiency rating of 166 miles per gallon equivalent. The 373-horsepower beast will also be able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about six seconds. Like we said, impressive. Now, we're finding out from Automotive News Europe that not only will the model debut in Germany next year, but the US and China will get versions as well. The difference? Whereas the standard European version pairs a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor, our version will use a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine as its non-electric mill, said Automotive New Europe, citing comments from Audi development chief Ulrich Hackenberg in Geneva. No word on when the US will start seeing its version of the Q7 E-Tron, so we'll just have to take a look at Audi's press release below from earlier this month for full details on the diesel Q7 E-Tron. Related Videos: Great class, minimal emissions – the new Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro First diesel plug-in hybrid with quattro drive in its segment Best value in the segment: up to 56 kilometers (34.8 mi) electric range Maximum efficiency with hybrid management Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro It accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in six seconds, and yet consumes not even two liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (117.6 US mpg). The Audi Q7 e-tron quattro is sporty, comfortable and at the same time highly efficient. The world's first TDI plug in hybrid with quattro drive, it is also the first plug-in hybrid with a diesel engine from Audi. The Q7 e-tron quattro is Audi's second model with a powerful plug-in hybrid drive system. The model combines the best of two worlds: Powered by the lithium-ion battery, the large SUV covers up to 56 kilometers (34.8 mi) on electric power alone – quietly, powerfully and with zero local emissions. Together with the diesel engine, the car can cover a total distance of 1,410 kilometers (876.1 mi). Sporty power and minimum consumption The Audi Q7 e-tron quattro is the world's first plug-in hybrid car with a six-cylinder diesel engine and permanent all-wheel drive.

Nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen to retire

Le Mans icon Tom Kristensen is retiring. The Danish driver, who was an integral part of Audi's absolute dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, captured a record-breaking nine wins at the legendary endurance race, along with six overall victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring in a career that spanned 26 years.
"Over the past couple of months, my thoughts of retiring have been stronger, and therefore, it feels right to inform you today that I am retiring from motor racing," Kristensen told Autosport. "I still feel I am in peak physical form and possess the necessary mental toughness both in and outside of the car: it has been important for me to stop while I am still strong and able to deliver top performances at Audi."
While the World Endurance Championship's season-ending race at Interlagos on November 30 will be Kristensen's last as a driver, it won't be the end of his long-running association with Audi. According to Autosport, TK will take on a new role as an ambassador for the German marque and will work with team's drivers in an unspecified role.