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Audi spotted testing new S4 at the Nurburgring

Where there's smoke, there's fire. Only in this case, the smoke is the upcoming new Audi A4, and the fire is the S4 spotted undergoing testing in this latest batch of spy shots. Snapped in both sedan and Avant wagon forms while undergoing testing on and around the Nurburgring – where else? – the next-generation Audi S4 will of course be based on the new A4 that's anticipated to debut in Frankfurt this September. That means MLB Evo architecture and styling that takes a page out of the new TT's playbook. But in S4 trim, it'll be altogether more performance oriented. Expect an even more powerful version of the outgoing model's 3.0-liter supercharged V6, pumping out a good 340-350 horsepower to all four of its driven wheels. That power will help it keep pace with the new Mercedes C450 AMG Sport. It won't have to take on the new C63 AMG directly, though, as that'll be the job of the next RS4 that will slot above it. But since that model may never make it to US showrooms, this will stand as the flagship of the new A4 family as far as the American market is concerned. Related Video:

Audi pushing DOT to allow its sequential LED turn signals [w/videos]

Still in the process of trying to get its trick LED Matrix Beam headlights legalized in the US, Audi is now trying to get its front and rear sequential LED turn signals approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Just like its auto-dimming headlights, the sequentially illuminating turn signals don't meet NHTSA's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108.
The problem, according to Automotive News, is that the individual lighting elements are too small to meet current US safety regulations. The rule states that each lamp should be 22 square centimeters (8.6 square inches) and the whole lighted combined area must be 50 square centimeters (19.6 square inches). In the individual sequence, Audi's lights are much smaller than that. As for the Ford Mustang, which has had sequential turn signals since 2010, this system is legal since the first lens is large enough to meet the required size, so the other two lights really aren't even necessary.
It sounds like it could be some time before we see these turn signals on Audis in the US, which is a shame because in addition to their styling bebefuts, we think they're more effective at signaling the vehicle's intended direction of travel, and they do a better job of grabbing the eye. Scroll down to watch a pair of videos showing the headlights in action on the redesigned A8/S8 as well as the recently updated R8.

Audi RS3 Sportback is the hottest hatch

Fans of compact, European vehicles that mix luxury and performance should be in paradise right now. There's already the 320-horsepower M235i from BMW and the 355-hp CLA45 AMG (or A45 elsewhere) from Mercedes-Benz, but you can now add one more to the list. Meet the Audi RS3 Sportback, which boasts 362 hp and five doors, too. With propulsion coming from Audi's turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder that makes 343 pound-feet of torque (465 newton-meters), the RS3 Sportback can scramble to 62 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but buyers can opt to raise that top end to 174 if desired. The inline-five is mated to a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, sending power to the ground via Quattro all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, which can send between 50 and 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels as needed. To cope with the boosted output, the suspension has been lowered by an inch compared to the standard A3 Sportback, and magnetic dampers are a further option. Buyers can also tick the box for carbon-fiber-ceramic brake rotors at the front. The RS3 goes on a diet its latest iteration, too, weighing 121 pounds less than its predecessor. While buyers get potent power, Audi keeps the looks understated. The exterior wears a front airdam with larger openings and some aluminum flourishes, and a diffuser at the back gets some more matte trim. A roof spoiler and aluminum look for the mirror housings add a few other touches to catch the eye. Inside, all versions get sport seats covered in Nappa leather and a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather and Alcantara. But for the really sporty look, buyers can spec optional RS buckets with a carbon shell that weigh 15 pounds less than the standard units. European deliveries of the RS3 Sportback begin in the summer. Autoblog reached out to Audi spokesperson Mark Dahncke who told us there are currently "no plans to bring it to the US." Scroll down to read Audi's full announcement of this five-door hot hatch. Power in compact form – the new Audi RS 3 Sportback Ingolstadt, 2014-12-12 Sporty top model of the A3 model series Most powerful production five-cylinder in RS history with 270 kW (367 hp) 0 – 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.3 seconds – 0.3 seconds faster than the previous model Hot, throaty sound, exhilaratingly free-revving and brawny power – the five cylinder engines from Audi are legendary.