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2016 Audi A4 is larger, lighter [w/video]

The 2016 Audi A4 arrives with a bang, but no surprises. We say that because the formula for creating the new A4 is one we know all too well. Make it larger, add a bunch of content, reduce weight, and improve both power and efficiency. It's a recipe for success, and this fifth-generation A4 looks to be a solid contender against its chief rivals, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The shape hasn't changed; it's immediately recognizable as an A4. Instead, this new model updates that familiar design with sharper lines, similar to what we've seen on the new Q7, or even the R8. The big story here is that the 2016 A4 is up to 264 pounds lighter than its predecessor, depending on trim and engine. Additionally, the A4 is the most aerodynamic car in its class, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.23. A fresh, modern cabin lies within that lighter shell – one that looks decidedly more upscale than the last A4. Many elements are reminiscent of the Audi Prologue concept that we first saw (and drove) in Los Angeles last year – specifically, the steering wheel, and the new MMI controls. In fact, Audi has positioned its infotainment controls closer to the center console – in front of the gear selector. This reminds us of the current A8, where Audi specifically designed its shifter to act as a sort of wrist rest. You can rest your arm on the gear lever and still access all of the MMI functionality. Speaking of which, that's the latest generation of Audi's MMI interface, packing navigation, touch capability, LTE connectivity, and WiFi in the 8.3-inch color display. Audi isn't saying which engines will come to the United States right now, but when the new A4 launches, it'll be offered with three gasoline and four diesel engines in Europe. Our best guess is that the US-spec car will come with the latest 2.0-liter TSFI turbocharged inline-four with 272 horsepower, as well as Audi's tried-and-true 2.0-liter TDI diesel four. Front- and all-wheel drive will be available, and for the first time, two-wheel-drive models will get a proper dual-clutch transmission – no more CVT. There's a whole lot more to lean about the A4 in the press release, posted after the reveal video. You can also see the 2016 A4 in sedan and Avant forms in the galleries above and below – it's unclear if the wagon will make its way to the US. The A4 Avant has been sold here before, but currently, Audi only offers that more functional bodystyle in Allroad spec.

Audi A3 E-Tron plug-in hybrid set to whiz into Geneva

The Audi A3 E-tron, which we drove in prototype form last year, is headed to the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next month. The plug-in hybrid will feature a total of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from the combination of a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and a 75-kW electric motor. That motor itself is positioned between the internal combustion engine and the machine's six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The setup is good enough to scoot the A3 E-tron to 62 miles per hour in 7.6 seconds and crank out a top speed of 138 mph. Perhaps more impressively, the hatch can whir its way to 80 mph on all-electric power with an EV range of 31 miles.
Audi claims the A3 E-tron gives the world a "realistic glimpse into the future of mobility," so it's a bit unclear if the model will see production. We're encouraged by the specificity of Audi's press release (which is full of stats) and the fact that they don't label this vehicle a concept. You can check out the full press release below and judge for yourself.

Hyundai tops VW and Buick in China, survey says

You may be aware of the long-time competition in China between Volkswagen and Buick, but another brand apparently should be in that conversation too: Hyundai. In a recently published annual consumer survey, the Korean company actually took the top spot to beat out its German and American rivals in second and third, respectively. The results were part of the China Brand Power Index that interviewed 11,500 people around the nation and was paid for by the country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. While Hyundai proved popular with voters, its sales haven't necessarily shown that yet. According to Bloomberg, the brand had falling numbers in China for the first quarter of the year. Even Ford outsold the South Korean automaker in the same period, despite scoring lower on the survey. Meanwhile, Audi ranked as the populace's favorite luxury brand, which is hardly a surprise given the Four Rings' strong sales in China. In January alone the automaker saw a 15-percent boost in volume there. Parent company VW's strong performance was somewhat more surprising, though. State media severely criticized the German automaker in March, and customers protested last year for the allegedly poor handling of a recall.