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2017 Audi S4 goes running naked through the Alps

Audi just launched its new A4 sedan barely more than two months ago, bringing with it a raft of improvements over the outgoing model. And you know what that means: A new S4 performance model is just around the corner. Fortunately, that's just what we have here in these latest spy shots, snapped completely undisguised. Spotted testing in the Alps, the new Audi S4 is closely based on the new A4 we've already seen, benefiting from all its enhancements and weight savings. Only it promises to be more potent. Where previous S4s packed V8 engines and the current (outgoing) model pressed a supercharged V6 into service, this new model is tipped to switch to a fresh turbocharged V6. Expect power to rise from 329 horsepower up to 340 or more, and with less weight to motivate, we can expect performance to improve markedly in the process. Along with a more powerful engine, the S4 clearly stands out visually from ordinary A4s with bigger intakes, upgraded rolling stock, quadruple exhausts, and more. We'll have to wait a little longer to find out all the sordid details, but from the look of it, we won't have to wait long. In fact, we'd be surprised if Ingolstadt didn't take the opportunity to unveil it at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, so watch this space for more and scope out the photos in the gallery above in the meantime.

GM, Audi, Jaguar halt Russian sales amidst ruble's collapse

The value of Russia's ruble currency has sunk like a stone tossed in the Volga for much of the year, losing over 40 percent of its worth since June. The change is having bizarre effects on the auto industry there and leaving some automakers scrambling to adjust. According to Bloomberg, Russians are buying up luxury goods including automobiles at the moment to have a physical investment in case the ruble sinks further. However, with the money worth so little, the companies aren't making much from these transactions. Things are so dire that several automakers are temporarily ending deliveries until the situation stabilizes. According to Bloomberg, General Motors stopped sales on December 16 with no set date to start again. Audi did the same thing but with the intention to resume once it has adjusted model pricing. Jaguar Land Rover terminated business until December 19 to see how things changed. Toyota is increasing its pricing, as well, but keeping business open at the same time. Some automakers have subtly been reacting to the slumping Russian auto market all year. The moves have included Volkswagen cutting production by 30,000 units from its factory in Kaluga. Ford also got rid of 950 workers from two plants due to low demand. Some analysts have even speculated that the contracting industry and possibility of lower import duties into the country could cause companies to end their manufacturing in Russia completely.

Next Audi R8 E-Tron could have 280-mile range

Just 265 miles of range on a single charge? Meh. That's what the folks at Audi might be saying about the Tesla Model S and its estimated range. Because the German automaker says the next iteration of the R8 E-Tron could go 450 kilometers on a charge, or about 281 miles. This information comes from Automotive News, which cites a presentation from Audi technology chief Ulrich Hackenberg at the company's annual press conference. The fact that the car will soon be available "upon request" is also news. The project was thought to be shelved until reports came out late last year saying that Audi figured out a way to upgrade its lithium-ion battery technology to double its range. Audi spokesman Brad Stertz said the company wasn't disclosing details related to if or when the car would reach North America or how much it would cost (we're guessing a really large number of dollars) but he did say it was notable that the project was back on track. Audi made news in the summer of 2012 when the R8 E-Tron set the "series production electric car" speed record with a 8:09.099 minute-time at Nurburgring thanks to a boosted top speed of more than 155 miles per hour.