2009 Audi R8 R-tronic V8 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 Audi RS7 Performance is an LA beauty in blue

The whole point of the new 2016 Audi RS7 Performance is directly in its name, and the Four Rings now claims 605 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. For those keeping track of big-brother bragging rights, Audi claims 560 hp from the standard RS7. Plus, the engine's torque can jump from 516 pound-feet to 553 lb-ft during the temporary overboost function. An eight-speed automatic gearbox still sends power to the front and rear through the Quattro all-wheel drive system. The results of all these upgrades are a sprint to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph. The RS7 Performance is about more than just power; Audi also fits carbon ceramic brakes and an RS Sport Suspension with Dynamic Ride Control. The exterior also sees some minor tweaks that include a restyled rear diffuser, new 21-inch wheels, black tailpipes, and a gloss black grille. RS sport seats come standard inside. The RS7 Performance arrives at Audi dealers in December and prices start at $129,925 (after $925 for destination). Get a good look at this very quick, fastback sedan in the gallery above. Related Video: Plus performance: the new Audi RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance 4.0 TFSI now with 445 kW (605 hp) and up to 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) Like a supercar: from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds New model designation hones brand's sporty profile Even more performance coupled with outstanding efficiency – that is what is behind the new "performance" model designation at Audi. The Audi RS 6 Avant performance* and Audi RS 7 Sportback performance* further hone the brand's sporty profile. Their 4.0 TFSI engine with 445 kW (605 hp) and up to 750 Nm (553.2 lb ft) of torque push acceleration (3.7 seconds) nearly to levels usually reserved for supercars. Fuel consumption remains unchanged at 9.6 and 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers (24.5 and 24.8 US mpg), respectively, corresponding to 223 and 221 g CO2 per km (358.9 and 355.7 g/mi). These are best-in-segment figures. The new Audi RS 6 Avant performance and the new Audi RS 7 Sportback performance offer more power output than ever before. The 4.0 TFSI now produces 445 kW (605 hp) and maximum torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft). A particular highlight of the engine is an overboost function allowing the driver to temporarily draw on up to 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft).

Audi H-Tron Concept is a familiar face now with hydrogen power

Audi shows its green side at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show with the H-Tron Concept, a hydrogen-fueled version of the recent E-Tron Quattro concept. The new fuel-cell powertrain gives the futuristic crossover an estimated range of 372.8 miles on the European cycle, and the company claims that the solar panel that spans the roof could let drivers recoup 621 miles of range each year from the sun's rays. The H-Tron's powertrain benefits from both the fuel cell and a lithium-ion battery for an extra boost. The hydrogen system alone can produce 148 horsepower, and three tanks under the passenger compartment carry the fuel. The battery can also provide enough energy for an extra 134 hp for short periods. Its combined torque rating of 406 pound-feet is impressive. The Audi puts the power down through electric motors at the front and rear axle to allow for an electrified version of Quattro all-wheel drive, and the automaker claims the concept could accelerate to 62 miles per hour in less than 7 seconds. Other than the new coat of eye-catching yellow paint for Detroit, the H-Tron looks largely the same as the E-Tron Quattro, and both of them also ride on the Volkswagen Group's second-generation modular longitudinal platform. The most notable tweaks to the outside are the smoother hood and larger openings in the lower fascia of the latest concept. The two vehicles are also twins on the inside, and they both feature cabins with Audi's latest virtual cockpit with OLED screens. Zero emissions: the Audi h-tron quattro concept Audi h-tron quattro concept High range, swift refueling, sporty road performance: The Audi h-tron quattro concept car can boast all these virtues. It combines a highly efficient fuel cell achieving an output of up to 110 kW with a powerful battery that can provide a temporary boost of 100 kW. The car can be fully refueled with hydrogen in around four minutes, and is then ready to drive for up to 600 kilometers (372.8 mi). In another major step, Audi will go into production with its new technologies for piloted driving and parking in 2017 along with the next generation of the A8 luxury sedan. The technology study already provides a glimpse of things to come. The Audi h-tron quattro concept is another milestone along the path towards future mobility.

Audi has new Q5 and Q2 crossovers coming this year

Update: Audi has released a teaser video for the Q2 crossover ahead of its debut in Geneva. That video is above. The original post from December continues below. Before the new year is done, Audi will introduce two new crossovers. The announcement comes as part of a planned ˆ3 billion investment plan for 2016, and will include a new Q5 as well as the addition of a new Q2 model into the range. That's pretty ambitious considering the company hadn't produced its first SUV until ten years ago. The replacement for the Q5 should be fairly straightforward, replacing a model that already exists. The current Q5 was launched in 2008 and underwent a refresh in 2012. Expect the new model to offer similar dimensions and specifications, but with improvements to help it fend off the likes of the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, and the Porsche Macan which shares its MLB underpinnings. The arrival of the Q2, however, promises to take Audi's crossover range further downmarket. With the existing Q3 already taking on Mercedes GLA and BMW X1, the Q2 could go a size smaller to rival the next Mini Countryman. Whatever form it takes, we'll find out within the year, according to Audi. Beyond next year, Audi says it will build its first volume electric vehicle in 2018. The vehicle will take the form of a battery-powered crossover, previewed by the E-Tron Quattro concept (pictured) at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September. With these and other additions, Audi aims to expand its range to 60 models by 2020. Audi launched into the crossover market with the debut of the original Q7 in 2005. It has since expanded its high-riding lineup with the arrival of the Q5 in 2008 and the smaller Q3 (in overseas markets at least) in 2011. The Q2 is one of several new crossovers said to be in the works at Ingolstadt, including a potential slant-back crossover coupe to be dubbed Q6 and a Q4 to put the TT Offroad concept into production. Audi Group invests in the future - Capital expenditure of more than ˆ 3 billion in 2016 - Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: "Continuing with high levels of investment in future technologies to enhance strong position" - Axel Strotbek, Board of Management Member for Finance and Organization: "Gaining financial scope through further cost optimization" - Audi Board of Management Member for Human Resources Thomas Sigi: "Looking for experts in areas important for the future" Audi will lay the foundations for future growth in 2016.