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Audi Q2 is coming soon to a city center near you

For a company that exploded into modern consciousness through its Quattro all-wheel-drive technology, delivering a crossover with just two-wheel drive could be a big leap for Audi. While some models offer all-wheel drive, Audi will deliver the entry-level versions of its all-new segment-stealing Q2 baby crossover SUV with just front-wheel drive. All Q2 models will run as front-wheel-drive cars most of the time anyway, with the all-wheel drive doled out by an electronically controlled, multi-plate differential. Fitted as standard only to the range-topping 2.0-liter petrol and diesel models, and optional on the 1.4-liter petrol and less-powerful 2.0-liter diesel models, the system only moves torque to the rear axle when the front end has run out of grip. Looking past which wheels are driven, there are more reasons to be positive than negative about the Q2. First, where the Prologue concept was the first car from new(ish) design boss Marc Lichte to wear an Audi badge, the Q2 will be his first production model. No more sausages cut to different lengths, he insists, and you can tell he means it when you look at the huge, chamfered cut they've taken out of the top of the doors at the tornado line. Designed and conceived for a younger, more urban audience than any Audi before it, the Q2 will also deliver buyers a full Mini-style level of individualization for its five-seat cabin. View 47 Photos Audi will launch the car with six different engines and the teasing promise of plug-in hybrid power "one day" in its life cycle. At 13.7 feet long, the Q2 is 7.67 inches shorter than the Q3 and far lighter, too. At just 2,657 pounds, it's light enough that Audi felt comfortable giving it a 114-horsepower, 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine as its entry powerplant. From there, Q2 buyers can step up to a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection, variable valve timing and lift, and cylinder-on-demand technology, with 148 hp. The top petrol-powered variant will have the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo motor, with both direct and indirect fuel injection and 190 hp. A 114-hp version of the 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel provides the step-in point to the diesel range (in Europe, anyway), followed by a 148- and 190-hp versions of the 2.0-liter turbodiesel.

Five reasons to love, or hate, the culture of German cars

A few months back, we took a 500-foot view of the culture of American cars, dissecting prides and prejudices on our way to the conclusion that automotive allegiances can be simultaneously embraced and derided. We had so much fun with the narrative that we decided to do it again, this time taking a look at Germany and its world-renowned lineup of automakers, including the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen, among others. Join us below as we discuss the points and counterpoints that make or have made the German auto industry what it is today. And remember, Germany did pretty much invent the automobile, after all... The V12 Engine If America is known for the proliferation of the V8 engine, an argument could be made that Germany owns the V12. Yes, of course, other companies have created V12 engines – Ferrari, Jaguar and Lamborghini immediately come to mind – but the big 12-cylinder powerplants from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in particular, have proven to be some of the most effortless, luxurious and downright over-built engines the world has ever seen. These days, having 12 cylinders is more a case of wretched excess than ever before, and yet, you can still stroll into your local BMW or Mercedes dealership and get a brand-new 760i, S600 or even an over-the-top G65 AMG, efficiency be damned. Best of all, since the majority of these German powerhouses depreciate as fast as an anchor sinks, nearly any auto enthusiast who dreams of a dozen cylinders can satisfy their carnal desires. Current Star: 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 View 28 Photos Diesel Engines Remember how we talked about those glorious V12 engines? Well, you can even get one from Audi that runs on diesel. If your compression-ignition fantasies err more on the side of fuel savings, that's no problem, either. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen have got you covered, with engines starting as small as 800 cubic centimeters (Smart Fortwo). If you want something a little more practical, it's hard to argue with a VW Golf TDI, which will provide plenty of space for you and three of your best friends, plus a fair bit of luggage, all while returning 50-ish miles per gallon. For the purposes of this discussion, we'd rather focus on the asinine levels of torque provided by Germany's high-end diesel engines than the lower-end fuel sippers.

Salvage team boards burnt ship Felicity Ace off Azores, towing begins

LISBON — More than a week after a ship packed with around 4,000 vehicles, including Porsches, Audis, Lamborghinis and Bentleys, caught fire in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a salvage team managed to board the vessel on Friday and started to tow it to a safe location off the Portuguese Azores archipelago. In a statement, ship manager Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL) said the Felicity Ace remained stable, and the smoke that for days billowed from the vessel, adrift around 170 km southwest of the Azores, had stopped. The 22 crew members of the Panama-flagged Felicity Ace, which was carrying around 4,000 vehicles including Porsches, Audis and Bentleys from Germany to the United States, were evacuated last Wednesday, the day the fire broke out. Some of the vehicles are electric and their lithium-ion batteries have made the fire very difficult to extinguish, port officials have said. Previous attempts to board the ship to assess its condition and start preparing it for towing had failed due to the fire and rough seas. On Friday, the team was able to board by helicopter and the salvage boat Bear started towing the vessel to a "safe area off Azores," the ship manager said. It was not clear where exactly the vessel was being towed to. It was being escorted by two tug boats and another salvage craft equipped with firefighting gear, MOL said. Related video: Image Credit: Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa) via Reuters Green Weird Car News Audi Bentley Lamborghini Porsche Electric fire car fire shipping cargo ship