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Audi reveals next-gen TT interior at CES

Audi has taken the somewhat unusual step of unveiling much of the interior of its upcoming TT Coupe at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. That's unusual, because they haven't shown us the car yet. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised - with the proliferation of technology in automobiles these days, it's probably time we start considering them as much electronic devices as transportation devices.
While Audi has long been recognized as a leader in interior design, this new TT features an instrument cluster that is wildly different from what we've become accustomed to from the Four-Ring brand. Audi is calling its fully digital system a "virtual cockpit," and with its 12.3-inch LCD screen situated directly in front of the driver, it does away with the company's traditional Multi-Media Interface (MMI) display in the center stack. Two modes are offered, one classic option with large gauges and another more oriented to infotainment.
Besides electronics, the actual hard parts of the interior also show plenty of new thinking. With the removal of the central screen, Audi has been able to streamline its instrument panel to resemble a wing of sorts, with jet-like HVAC vents that house their own controls. Two more points for controls are presented to the driver, with buttons on the flat-bottom steering wheel and another set on the center tunnel.

Audi A6 gets styling, powertrain tweaks

The Audi A6 is already a fairly handsome, German luxury sedan, but the whole range is receiving some styling updates in Europe this fall. Audi's US arm would not directly confirm which of these updates will be coming to America, instead just telling us that an updated A6 will be coming next year.
On the outside, the tweaks are fairly minor. The company's single-frame grille, which shows up throughout the model lineup, gets some very subtle styling changes, and the lower bumper and its air intakes are also reshaped. More obviously, the headlights have a new form with the LED running lights cutting through them in roughly the shape of a T, as opposed to outlining them, as before. A similar shape is also used for the updated taillights, and there are now rectangular exhaust outlets around back, as well. In profile, the side sills also get a harder crease toward the rear of the sedan.
Inside, things are kept generally the same, as well. There's a new Flint Gray interior color for the A6 and Salsa Red for the S6. But the biggest change is a power-retracting eight-inch infotainment system using the Nvidia Tegra 30 graphics chip. The optional night vision assist system is also improved with new functions, according to Audi.

Volkswagen might cut 40 models across brands to save cash

Volkswagen once set out to pass Toyota and General Motors and become the largest automaker in the world. Following months of fallout from the diesel emissions scandal, the manufacturer is rumored to be dropping around 40 models from its company-wide lineup. According to German business and finance publication Handelsblatt, the Volkswagen Group is looking to slim down and remove a number of low-volume vehicles from various lineups. The company currently sells around 340 models across brands that include Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley. Volkswagen is refusing to comment, but Handelsblatt claims to have sources within the company. Last week, Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Muller announced a new strategy for the company that includes a major focus on electric vehicles and new technology services. During his announcement, Muller said the company would be cutting a number of models, but at the time no numbers, models, or brands were discussed. Despite comments to the contrary, rumors have persisted since late last year that Volkswagen was looking to sell commercial truck and bus manufacturer MAN. Volkswagen owns truck and bus manufacturer Scania, so even if it dropped MAN, the company would still have a foothold within the bus and truck market. There is also talk of the company selling Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, which Volkswagen acquired via Audi in 2012. The company's image has taken a huge hit in the wake of the diesel scandal. Volkswagen has set aside cash in order to pay fines and may be looking to sell these several subsidiaries and cut low-volume models in order offset the costs. Despite the scandal, the company led worldwide sales in the first quarter of 2016. The same was true in 2015, but sales tanked at the end of the year following the diesel revelations. Related Video: Rumormill Audi Bentley Volkswagen Ducati