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Audi A3 E-Tron could launch in October in US

When we test drove the Audi A3 E-Tron plug-in hybrid in Europe last summer, Audi was talking about the vehicle's introduction in the US, but left the exact date up in the air. Summer or Fall 2015 was as specific as anyone was willing to get. Now it looks like the plug-in will arrive in October. One of the rumors we heard over the last few months was that the A3 E-Tron was not ready for the US because of poor cold-weather performance. From what we've heard, under a certain temperature limit, the engine needs to kick in at all times, no matter what the battery state of charge is, and some European A3 E-Tron owners are disappointed that their EV sometimes isn't all that electric. Audi's solution needs to take into consideration how to balance utilization of battery power in less-than-optimal temperature ranges with passenger comfort and how any excess battery use impacts longevity. Audi's "fairly conservative" position will "ensure the long-term credibility of the E-Tron platform and plug-in technology." - Brad Stertz Brad Stertz, the corporate communications manager for Audi of America, told AutoblogGreen that, "Audi is taking a fairly conservative position to ensure the long-term credibility of the E-Tron platform and plug-in technology, while still creating the best experience for our drivers in each region. Overall, I think it is safe to say low temps affect performance in all vehicles to some degree, but that plug-ins face unique challenges that we will continue to work through with the A3 e-tron and other plug-in models to follow." Stertz also said in April that the US configuration for the A3 E-Tron was still being fine-tuned. For example, there were some software differences under consideration to meet US driving preferences. Looks like we only have four more months to wait and see. Related Video:

2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet cleans up the Messe [w/video]

If we're being honest, the outgoing Audi A3 Cabriolet never really flicked our Bic. That was just fine, of course, because Audi never brought it to North America. This new model, however, might have a different future.
And while Audi has yet to officially decide on this car's North American future, this Frankfurt Motor Show debut clearly has a better sense of proportion and aggression to it, and we're excited about its powertrain solutions, too. For the European market, Audi is promising TFSI gasoline engines in either 1.4- or 1.8-liters, along with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, all being available in front- and all-wheel drive. Audi has also confirmed its first-ever S3 Quattro Cabriolet, which figures to combine a quick 18-second top drop and its hard-hatted sibling's even quicker 296-hp 2.0-liter turbo.
Even though Audi has been better about bringing its high-performance models to North America and has a new emphasis on growing its A3 business in our territories (including a US-minded sedan bodystyle), we would still be a bit surprised to see an S3 Cabriolet popping its entry-level top in dealers in a couple years' time. Having said that, we do think this A3 Cabriolet is almost a lock. Be sure to take a good, long look at our gallery, video and the official press release below.

Win an electric car and celebrate Earth Day

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