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Audi introduces leaner, fitter second-generation Q7

After a long run on the market, Audi has finally signaled the end of the first-generation Q7 with the introduction of the long-awaited second-gen version of the brand's first crossover. The 2016 Q7 is a far lighter machine than the vehicle it replaces, thanks to ample use of hot-shaped steel and aluminum. Beyond that, the Volkswagen Group's MLB platform will allow the fullsize Audi to accommodate a range of engines, including more potent versions of the US market's 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 and 3.0-liter TDI. On top of that, the next-gen Q7 will also be available as a diesel plug-in hybrid, complete with a version of the brand's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7's new design, meanwhile, gives the car an almost wagon-like appearance and profile. The "Singleframe" grille is wrapped in an aluminum-looking surround, not unlike Audi's smaller RS Q3. Audi's cleanly styled headlights flank it, while the large taillights aren't as aggressively angled as Audi's other crossovers. The cabin is lavish, featuring a typically stylish design with plenty of tech. A 12.3-inch TFT display takes the place of a conventional instrument cluster, while the center stack is crowned by its very own display. Even the HVAC display controls are handsome. You can see exactly what we mean in our gallery of live images of the new Q7, straight from the floor of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

Audi and FAW to launch A6 E-Tron in China

Audi and its Chinese joint-venture partner FAW have announced that they'll be building a production version of the Audi A6 E-Tron Concept, shown at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Based on the China-only long-wheelbase A6, the plug-in-hybrid model is being targeted specifically at the People's Republic.
Audi is promising a 50-kilometer (31-mile) electric range for the fuel-sipping sedan, although there are precious few details beyond that. We do know, though, that this will be a Chinese-built vehicle, with assembly slated for the FAW-Volkswagen joint-venture factory in Changchun. We presume we'll find out more when the Beijing Motor Show kicks off a few weeks from today.
"We are the market leader in China's premium segment and will continue systematically with the application of efficiency technologies. Audi is thus supporting the Chinese government's targets for the reduction of fuel consumption," said Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, the president of Audi China.

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: