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Audi working on new Quattro-centric horizontal design language

If we were to opine that Audi needed a new design language, we certainly wouldn't be the first. Because while most of the vehicles wearing the Four Rings these days look slick enough, they all tend to look rather similar, and perhaps lack a certain amount of character. If the latest rumors are to be believed, Audi is working on just such a design overhaul.
The new design language being developed in the studios at Ingolstadt is said to differ from the current theme in two ways. For one, it's set to be dominated by a more horizontal approach, eschewing the tall vertical grille that dominates the noses of many of Audi's current models in favor of one that stretches more widely across the fascia.
For another, Edmunds projects that the new design language will emphasize the four-wheel-drive setup that has become Audi's hallmark. We understand that to mean more muscular wheel arches, with the rest of the design revolving around that element for an overall look that's more visually planted on the road. We'll have to wait to see how this theme develops, but the rumors at least indicate that Audi is aware of its design issues and is working to address it.

Is the Audi R8 E-Tron project back on again?

If you ask Audi about its R8 E-Tron prototype, the all-electric two-seater that was first shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the automaker will tell you that its development program is on hold. Yet, as we reported in January, limited production of the combustion-free coupe may be moving forward... information still officially unconfirmed by the automaker.
New images of the electrified R8 undergoing winter testing in Europe have emerged (above and in our gallery), and the car has been spotted running in Spain as well. Both sightings support reports that the E-Tron, with its 150-mile battery range and 8:09 Nürburgring time, may be back in business. Does the program have a green light, or is Audi merely trying to take some of the thunder from the BMW i8?
Whatever the case, if the R8 E-Tron does eventually make it into showrooms - and we are now led to believe it will - expect production volume to be very low. Assuming it doesn't get shelved again, of course.

ABT Sportsline coming to US, premiering AS6 at SEMA

ABT Sportsline, known as ABT Tuning from its founding in 1967 until 1991, is a German aftermarket parts and tuning company that has focused on enhancing Volkswagens and Audis since the VW GTI bowed in 1978 (in Europe, at least) and races competitively in DTM (Germany's touring car racing series). The company has kept its roots in Europe for all of these years, but will debut the AS6, based on the Audi A6, at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in a couple weeks before opening up shop in Los Angeles in early 2014.
ABT focused on making the AS6 a balanced package by increasing engine output, tuning the suspension, giving it understated style and improving the brakes. Details are light, but the AS6's 3.0-liter diesel V6 makes 286 horsepower, a 41-hp increase over stock. Not paying attention yet? Torque jumps from 369 pound-feet to 500 lb-ft, endowing the Audi with a lot of much-appreciated low-rpm grunt. The springs are swapped out for a set of ABT units, and the body kit adds front and rear spoilers, side and rear skirts and carbon-fiber mirror covers. ABT's ER-C 20-inch wheels fit over new brakes.
We'll have more details on the car at SEMA, so stay tuned. But in the meantime, head on below to read the press release.