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Audi celebrates original RS with RS4 Avant Nogaro selection

It's been 20 years since Audi unveiled the RS2 Avant, the progenitor of an entire range of ridiculously fun luxury cars, including the RS3, three generations of the RS4, three generations of RS6, the RS5, and new RS7 and RS Q3. In honor of the anniversary, Audi is paying tribute to the Porsche-fettled wagon by releasing a special edition of its modern-day counterpart, the RS4 Avant.
Called the RS4 Nogaro selection, it sports vibrant Nogaro Blue paint, which is similar to the RS2's signature color. The twin oval exhaust, window frames, and grille surround are finished in gloss black, while the roof rails are matte black. 20-inch wheels in a V-spoke pattern are the RS4 Nogaro's final exterior tell.
In the cabin, Nogaro Blue Alcantara suede accents are optional on the door panels and seat inners (black suede is also available), while Valcona leather comes standard on the seat outers. The steering wheel, meanwhile, features Nogaro Blue contrast stitching and is wrapped in black leather. Blue threads in the carbon fiber trim and a special-edition shifter round out the interior work on this special edition RS4.

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.

X1, 3 Series power BMW back into global luxury autos sales lead

BMW managed to eke ahead of Audi for the global luxury sales crown in February. According to Bloomberg, BMW saw deliveries swell by 7 percent in February, besting the 3.2 percent jump enjoyed by Audi and giving BMW a 407-unit delivery lead over its rival last month. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, continued to falter, with the brand selling some 37,229 fewer machines than BMW, whose factories are running at full capacity to keep up with demand. Models like the X1 (shown above) enjoyed a sales increase of 40 percent in February while the company's bread-and-butter 3 Series jumped by 26 percent.
Mercedes-Benz hopes to stem its continued market share loss with the addition of the entry-level CLA sedan to its portfolio in April. The company is set to roll out an updated version of its cash-cow E-Class at the same time, and a new-generation S-Class will follow along shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, the company is increasing production to meet demand for its A and B-Class models.