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Top 3 Features of the Audi E-Tron Unveiled at 2017 Shanghai Auto Show
Not to be outdone by its major German rivals like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Audi just unveiled its own electric-powered concept car at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show. The vehicle is called the e-tron Sportback concept.
The new concept car gives everyone a preview of what to expect from the future crossover coupe models of Audi. It embodies their next evolution in styling, technology and power.
Here are the top 3 features of the Audi e-tron Sportback concept based on its maker’s official website:
1. Exterior
The e-tron offers sporty lines and muscular body in its exterior. Then it is fitted with 23-inch six-spoke 3-D wheels. The measurements of the auto is similar to the Audi A7.
The concept car is further highlighted by futuristic-looking headlamps and taillamps. Even the logo of the auto in its nose is illuminated by LED lights. The lighting system of the vehicle is capable of projecting images in the road to communicate with drivers and pedestrians. Examples of those are a braking indicator or zebra crossing projection. It uses digital animation to do those.
2. Interior
The interior of the concept vehicle is highlighted by Audi’s signature luxurious leather treatment. It is also adorned by high-resolution touchscreens providing information on navigation and other functions of the auto.
3. Power Unit
The e-tron is powered by a 95 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack and three electric motors. The output of the car totals 320 kW, or even up to 370, according to Audi. That allows the vehicle to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
The battery of the concept car is capable of covering a distance of 500 km at full charge. Its maker claimed that it can get an 80% charge in just 30 minutes using a fast DC charger.
Photos
Check out the official photos of the Audi e-tron Sportback concept in the gallery below:
Video
Here is a video of the Audi e-tron Sportback concept during its introduction:
3 Main Expectations About the Audi Q8 Sport Concept
Audi already unveiled the Q8 concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2017. For the time time, the luxury vehicle brand showcased the Audi Q8 Sport concept at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show.
Check out the 3 things we can expect from the Audi Q8 Sport concept based on a source:
1. Engine
The Audi Q8 Sport concept is highlighted by its high-performance feature. The vehicle may not carry with it the S or RS trim of its brand but its power unit is something to behold.
Beneath the hood of the auto lies a 3.0-liter V6 engine matched with an electronic supercharger. The hybrid unit produces 476 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The configuration of the vehicle allows it to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
2. Design
The Q8 is Audi’s new entry to the full-size luxury sport utility vehicle segment of the market. It is defined by prestige through the use of emotional styling found in the SUV coupes’ of the brand and its main competitors. However, the automaker made sure that its legroom is not compromised. The Q8 is 5.02 meters long and 3 meters in wheelbase.
To distinguish the Q8 Sport concept from its earlier standard version, Audi made some cosmetic changes into it. The one shown in Geneva features larger exhaust tips, blacked out accents in the body to replace the chrome trim, and black honeycomb grille similar to the RS line as an upgrade to the chrome crisscross styling found in the original Q8.
3. Arrival
Audi said that the Q8 concept reflects approximately 95 percent of the things that will be found in its production version. Slight finishing touches will only be incorporated in the final version of the product. Therefore, the Q8 is estimated to reach production stage by 2018. The Q8 Sport is expected to come shortly after its standard model hits the market.
Audi Q8 Sport Concept Images
Check out the official photos of the Audi Q8 Sport concept at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in the gallery below:
Looking Closely at the 3 Main Features of the ABT Sportsline Audi R8 V10
ABT Sportsline will be highlighting its new tuning package for the Audi R8 at the 87th Geneva Motor Show. The package offers a significant power boost and extensive cosmetic enhancements for the car.
1. Engine
The ABT Sportsline tuning kit gives the naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine of the Audi R8 an output of up to 630 hp. The figures show a 20 hp increase from the power produced by the unit of the Audi R8 V10 Plus.
There’s no information yet about the overall torque of the car with the tuning upgrade but it is estimated to be somewhere along 420 lb-ft. The numbers indicate only a 7 lb-ft bump from the torque of the R8 V10 Plus.
The ABT Sportsline package lowers the car’s center of gravity by using coilover suspension springs and sports stabilizers for the front and rear axles of the auto. The changes bring about a reduction in the weight of the R8.
Taking the abovementioned factors into consideration, the resulting sprint of the vehicle from zero to 62 mph is approximately 3 seconds. Its top speed is also increased to reach around 207 mph.
2. Body
Improvements in the exterior of the R8 are extensive. The changes include the installation of new lip spoilers, bumpers, rear diffuser and wheels. Buyers can choose between a set of 19-inch and 20-inch black forged alloy wheels.
3. Interior
Going inside the ABT Sportsline Audi R8 V10 will reveal no shortage of upgrades as well. The in-house customization division of the tuner provides the car a taste of luxury, comfort and sportiness thanks to its use of high-quality leather and carbon fiber materials for its surfaces such as in the seats, dashboard, floormats and ceiling.
Photos of the ABT Sportsline Audi R8 V10
Check out the pictures of the Audi R8 V10 with the ABT Sportsline package in the gallery below:
Pitting the Kia Stinger GT vs Audi A5 Sportback
Comparing the Kia Stinger GT and Audi A5 Sportback is monumental because up until Kia threw its own in the ring, there are only a few competitors in the four-door fastback category.
Kia Stinger
Although it was a latecomer, Kia was bold in its move, designing the four-door Stinger fastback with hood vents, tiger-nose grille, unique LED headlamps, and a throng of other athletic elements.
The Stinger also has a “jazzed up” wheels, a beautifully sloping roof, and a silver trim that runs along the windows to the rear of the vehicle. Turning to the rear, you’ll find that Kia fitted the Stinger with dual exhaust tailpipes, thin taillights, and angular vents.
Inside, you can expect a more premium feel for the Stinger GT. There’s Nappa leather seat covers, large touchscreen on top of the dash, and circular air vents reminiscent of a Mercedes.
Audi A5 Sportback
The Audi A5 Sportback, on the other hand, boasts of its spacious cargo area, which owners can access through a liftgate at the rear of the car. The rear seats can be folded down to further expand the already spacious cargo area.
On the outside, the Stinger GT trumps out the A5 Sportback’s reservations to be bold and more alluring that the A4. It shares the Stinger GT’s side vent near the front door, and the Sportback’s character lines aren’t as tamed as the ones on the Kia.
The interior is where the actual competition happens. Audi carved out more space for the cabin. It has better cargo space, leg room, and even shoulder room. The only element where Kia won over is the ample headroom, which is lacking in the A5 Sportback.
The dashboard is based on the MLB Evo platform. It includes the sat-nav as standard, though you can opt for the Virtual Cockpit. If only based on the dashboard, we have to choose the Sportback over the Stinger. There is no competition when it comes to Audi’s cockpit. It’s still the best in the market today.
3 Major Facts About The 2019 Audi Q8 SUV
Audi is now ready to replace the Q7 with a new flagship called the Q8, which will be the SUV equivalent of an A8. According to Audi, the Q8 is so sporty that “many of its design elements are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-Quattro of the 1980s.”
That’s a huge claim, considering that the Audi Quattro was such a legend in the auto industry until today.
Spacious Interior
According to a report, Audi will introduce the Q8 in the coming Detroit Auto Show to showcase its spacious interior that has four “equally comfortable seats.” That happens despite sporting a flat roof line. Speaking of exterior design, the Audi Q8 will come packed with its brand’s octagonal grille, which is now wider than ever and positioned forward compared to the current models. The C-pillar is flat but very wide, and is accompanied by flared shoulders above the wheels.
If you want to imagine how the Audi Q8 will look like, think about the BMW X6M but with more space inside.
MLB Evo Platform
Down the line, you will probably see an RS variant of the Audi Q8. If that happens, it will be formed based on the Audi-developed MLB Evo Platform. It packs a twin-turbo V-8 engine that was designed by Porsche though linked to a ZF transmission. We may also find the SQ7’s 4.0-liter TDI and electric turbocharger combination in the Q8.
If a plug-in hybrid version ever arrives, you will see a V6 TDI that can churn out 30 miles of electric driving.
No Fully Electric Q8 Yet
There was a rumor last year that Audi will introduce a fully electric Q8. That wasn’t sure yet, though, after the R8 e-tron was discontinued because of a lack of sales. If you want an all-electric car, you can check out the A9 in 2020. The fully electric Q8 is still possible, no worries. After all, Audi’s sales need to represent 15% EVs.
5 Things To Watch Out For In The 2019 Audi A7
The current Audi A7.
It was never an easy task to redesign something that has gained a loyal fan base. Audi, on the other hand, took the challenge and overhauled the current generation A7. What came out is a sleek, dream-like, and well-oiled machine that can take you places.
1. Exterior
If you’re a fan of the wide signature grille first shown on the Prologue concept in 2014, you’ll be happy to know that the next-gen 2019 Audi A7 will have those. There are also wider and slimmer taillamps. The side windows, however, remain very close to the current model.
2. Interior
Inspired by the Prologue concept, the upcoming Audi’s interior will be futuristic, according to Audi chief designer Marc Lichte. You’ll love these innovations: swiping functions for the screen, several TFT displays with OLED technology, and an assistance system that can summon the car when it’s coming from a tight garage space.
3. Platform
The next-gen Audi A7 will be based on the MLB Evo platform, which can save as much as 200 pounds in weight. But that lightweight feature cannot stop the A7 from supporting these safety and driving-assistance technology and an advanced infotainment system. The same platform will be used on the A5, A6, Q5, and the next-generation A8, which will shortly follow the A7 in the industry.
4. Powertrain
The available powertrain options are: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinders with gasoline and diesel variety for the base model of the next Audi A7. Higher than that is the 3.0-liter V-6 engine that will be offered in various power levels. It will also be available in either gasoline or diesel. Unfortunately, there’s no 6-cylinder diesel for the next-gen A7 because of the current TDI cheating scandal.
5. Competition
The next-generation A7 will compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class and the BMW 6-series Gran Coupe. Like the A7, the Merc and the BMW were done with executive sedans in mind. It offers elegance both inside and outside.
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS vs 2018 Audi TT-RS vs BMW M2
The redesigned Porsche Boxster, which was first introduced back in 2012, took styling cues from the 911 and the 918 Spyder. Aside from that, this model also has a more rigid chassis and a revised engine lineup that includes smaller, turbocharged flat-four powerplants.
The spy shots did not reveal much of the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS design but if we are basing our judgment on the previous model, we can expect that the car would have a more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes below the headlamps. A wider lower grille can also be expected because it would work on improving the roadster’s aerodynamics.
We didn’t see the new bumper yet but if the spoiler lip is any indication, it looks like Porsche is getting ready to treat the car to a better downforce. All of these should be finished with dark matte gray color.
Audi TT-RS
The Audi TT-RS made use of the company’s latest styling language, which has more angular lines and sportier stance compared to the previous design. The TT-RS definitely isn’t as sleek as the Boxster GTS, but fans of a massive “singleframe” grille and big bumper intakes should be happy to note these on the Audi. The race-inspired look of the TT-RS is menacing, to say the least, and that’s also thanks to the carbon-look mirror caps, massive spoiler, and muscular wheel arches.
BMW M2
The M2 is bigger than the Boxster since it is essentially a smaller M4 with better proportions. It has a more compact size, though, than the M4. This makes the coupe look lighter, faster, and easier to handle. The M2 is sportier than the TT-RS, but it still might fail in comparison to the Boxster GTS because the Porsche has that race-car layout of putting the engine in the rear. It’s all a matter of taste, really. Plus, we haven’t seen the convertible model of the M2 yet.
2018 BMW X2 To Take On The Audi Q2
Rumors that BMW is building an X2 crossover has been around since 2011. It was finally semi-confirmed when spy shots surfaced on the streets in 2015 and early 2016.
A concept car was also introduced during the 2016 Paris Auto Show, making it clear as the day that the German company wants to put the competition with Audi Q2 to the test.
Spy photos of the BMW X2 being tested near the BMW Development Center in Munich showed that it will be a sportier and coupe-like version of the X1. It will certainly not have the hunched roofline of the X4 and X6. It will heavily depend on the X1, albeit with a little more legroom.
The X1 and X2 will have similar front fascia with a big twin-kidney grille, as well as sleeker headlamps. It will be more aggressive in appearance compared to the X1, though the X2 will have a shorter tailgate and rear windscreen.
Inside, we expect to see a seven-speaker audio system, a multi-function, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control, as well as an 8.8-inch display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic moonroof.
In terms of drivetrain, the X2 will take a page from the X1’s book. It will have gasoline and diesel options, both with three- or four-cylinder formats. They will also be offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
The base model in Europe has a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit that produces 134 horsepower. This is coupled with a six-speed automatic and power FWD versions only. There will also be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the sDrive20i and xDrive20i will have 189 horsepower and the xDrive25i, 228 horsepower.
Diesel-wise, the X2 is getting 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The base model will be able to crank out 148 horsepower and 243 pound-feet while the high-end variant gets 228 horsepower and a whopping 332 pound-feet of torque.
The X2 could be bought for $37,500 before options.
Audi Q2
A mash-up between the Q1 and A3, the Q2 looks more like a hatchback than a crossover. The only thing that allows it to be in the crossover segment is the aggressive lines, sporty roofline, spacious indoor capacity and the diverse powertrain lineup.
The base is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that can generate 116 horsepower, while the 1.4-liter four-pot is available 150 horsepower. Higher end models will get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower.
When it comes to diesel engine, there’s the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 116 horsepower and a 2.0-liter four-banger with either 150 or 190 horses.
The Audi Q2 is priced at $27,780.
2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet Head On Against the BMW 4 Series
Audi has recently unveiled the 2018 S5 Cabriolet, which will be a soft-top iteration of the A5 lineup. In a nutshell, this update will have larger dimensions, tweaked styling, more sleek interior with high-tech gadgets, turbo-six cylinder and updated rear suspension.
On the outside, the 2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet has reshaped the three-dimensional Singleframe grille. It is now shorter and wider. It also has reshaped headlights, with Xenon elements as standard, to have that slimmer appearance compared to the previous generation. If you’re unimpressed with the headlights, you can opt for the LEDs and matrix LEDs with dynamic turn signals for the front and rear.
Dimensionally, the new S5 is larger at 184 inches with the wheelbase extending to 108.9 inches and the track to 62.5 inches wide in front and 61.7 inches wide in the rear. Still, the 2018 S5 appears narrower than the current model.
Inside, the new S5 has a sportier appearance. The steering wheel has controls that are thumb-reachable. The gauge cluster is analog for now, but you can also opt for a digital cluster. On the center of the panel is a tablet screen with hard buttons in the center console. The pedals are finished in brushed metal while the seats are covered in partial leather.
Under the hood, you can expect the S5 to pack more power than it did before. It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter (2,995 cc) TFSI V-6, which produces 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
In the US, the new S5 is priced at $64,000.
2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet Versus the BMW 4 Series
BMW’s two-door compact convertible comes with all the features you’ll expect from the German automaker. The interior is full to the brim with high-tech gadgets while the exterior is a little more attention-seeking than the Audi S5 Cabriolet. It has a more premium and elegant feeling, though it’s way cheaper than the S5 at $50,000. The only thing bad about this BMW is that it’s slower than Audi’s entry.
2017 BMW 6 Series Takes on Porsche Panamera and Audi S7
A possible 2017 BMW 6 Series was spotted testing on the road. It will have a new lightened chassis, upgraded tech for the cabin and refreshed styling on the outside.
Although details are still up in the air, what is clear is that it will be competing against the Porsche Panamera and the Audi S7.
Based on the spy shots, the fourth generation model of the BMW 6 Series will offer a roof with an angled approach towards the rear end, which promises to give the car a fastback profile. It also has a trailing spoiler and revamped taillights on the rear, and a kidney grille and slimmer headlights up front.
In terms of dimension, this is still in the midsize range, though it will carry the chassis code G14, G15, and G16, replacing the outgoing model’s designation of F12, F13, and F06, respectively.
Under the hood, the new BMW 6 Series will have the same powerplant treatment as the new 5 Series, meaning a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder from the 540i. Output is a mean 350 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque.
Currently, the 6 Series is pegged at $77,600, but the top-of-the-line model can go as high as $100,000.
Porsche Panamera or the BMW 6 Series?
For under $80,000, the Porsche Panamera—all that power—can be yours. It combines the power of a high-end sports car with the functionality of a five-door hatchback.
If you have the extra juice, meaning $100,000, you can get the Turbo S model, which has a 911-performance, thanks to its twin-turbo V-8 that can produce 570 horsepower. This can make the Panamera go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. It has a maximum speed of 192mph.
The Panamera also comes packing with the Porsche Active Suspension Management with three different drive modes—Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
If BMW plans to compete with this through the 6 Series, it better bring its A game.
