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Audi spearheads development of an ultra-luxurious EV code-named Landjet

The rumors claiming Audi wants to release a model positioned above the A8, and the reports of an ongoing electric car development program called Artemis internally, have seemingly converged. Citing sources inside the carmaker, a German media outlet reported the firm is busily creating a super-luxurious EV code-named Landjet. Audi is leading the development process, but sister companies Bentley and Porsche will reportedly receive their own version of the Landjet. All three models will likely take the form of three-row SUVs with generous dimensions. They'll be so big that none of Audi's production facilities will be able to manufacture them, according to an anonymous insider who spoke with German newspaper Handelsblatt. Luckily, Volkswagen makes vans, too. It's too early to tell what will power the Landjets. Audi assigned some of its most brilliant engineers to Project Artemis, and the technology they develop will permeate the three EVs before trickling down into cheaper models in the group. Expect high performance, a high driving range, and semi-automated driving technology. If the report is accurate, the Landjet vehicles will enter production in Hanover, Germany, by the end of 2024. The facility currently makes the Volkswagen Transporter, which is a direct descendant of the rear-engined Bus sold for decades, and it will start manufacturing the production version of the ID.Buzz concept in the coming years. Volkswagen hasn't commented on the report, and car companies rarely address speculation, but its Commercial Vehicles division released a statement in November 2020 that confirms the Hanover site will begin building SUVs about halfway through the 2020s. It's a major shift for a factory normally tasked with manufacturing vans. "Our main plant in Hanover is becoming the production site for three completely new premium electric vehicles in the Group. These D-SUVs are genuine flagship projects: premium, 100% electric, and highly automated," said Carsten Intra, the head of Volkswagen's Commercial Vehicles division, in a statement. He added the firm will invest about 680 million euros (about $807 million) to build a new assembly line, among other upgrades.

How the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S falls short of perfection

We know Harry Metcalfe loves a good Porsche 911. After all, he's shown off his personal 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo and 993 GT2 replica in previous videos. However, he can't seem to muster so much passion for the forced induction engine in the 2016 911 Carrera S. The chassis impresses him, but in Metcalfe's latest clip, he explains why he's not a huge fan of the new powerplant. Before any actual driving, Metcalfe takes a thorough walk around the new car where he goes to the unusual trouble of using a magnet to show which parts are steel and which are aluminum. Remember, though, this is a 911. So, this latest refreshed model, just like all previous remodels, isn't all that aesthetically different from the previous version. So, Metcalfe's real focus here is on how it drives. He comes away with mixed impressions. Metcalfe loves the 2016 911's handling, especially the directness from the rear-wheel steering, but he isn't in love with the new engine. At least with the seven-speed manual, he complains of turbo lag below 3,000 rpm. He also misses the direct throttle response from the previous naturally aspirated unit and doesn't think the turbocharged mill's fuel economy is very impressive. Take a ride with Metcalfe to get the full experience and intriguing take about the biggest change in more than a decade for the iconic 911. If you can't get enough Porsche-flavored goodness, click here for our own First Drive report on the quintessential sportscar. Related Video:

Porsche Boxster spied in the buff

Porsche is preparing a significant update to its entry level Boxster convertible, and while visually this might appear to be a simple refresh, the changes are more than skin deep. Following a number of rumors, Porsche will finally make the jump to turbocharged engines on a broad scale, and it starts with this new Boxster. According to our spies, it's the larger side intakes featured on this prototype that give away its smaller, force-induced flat-four engine. The dual exhaust pipes, meanwhile, say Boxster S to us, rather than just the basic model. Beyond the mechanical changes, this marks the first time we've seen the new Boxster completely free of camouflage. We can see that Porsche's stylists – famous for revolutionary designs slowly tweaking the same style for decads on end – adjusted the look of the front and rear fascias. We like the more aggressively canted headlights, which get the same four-pointed LEDs as its big brother, the 911. The slimmer taillights are a minor improvement on the inoffensive lamps fitted to the current car, and serve to take some attention off the all-plastic exhaust surround, which is much more simply styled than the current car's. It should also be noted that the aesthetics featured on the new Boxster are very, very likely to be transferred directly onto the new Cayman. You can check out our full gallery of shots of the all-new, totally undisguised Boxster in the gallery up top. Expect to see the new roadster around this time next year, with a debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show likely. Related Video: