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MTM Audi RS6 Clubsport might be overkill for grocery shopping

As automotive journalists, we're biologically wired to love station wagons. We really don't have a choice. And while we prefer brown, diesel-powered, manual-transmissioned long-roofs, we suppose a 750-horsepower Audi RS6 Avant would be just dandy. This is the MTM RS6 Clubsport, and as we mentioned, it's very powerful. That's thanks to a modified version of Audi's critically acclaimed 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. While 750 hp out of just 4.0 liters is impressive, 697 pound-feet of torque is an equally big accomplishment. And if that's not enough, MTM has managed to shave nearly 200 pounds of body fat from the big wagon. Needless to say, it's very, very fast. MTM has displayed a degree of aesthetic restraint, eschewing the gaudy body kit favored by some other tuners and simply opting for a questionable paint job. The 21-inch wheels look good, although with the smattering of rubber around them, we wouldn't bet on a comfortable ride. As for the cabin, well, MTM got a bit out of hand. It's very, very orange. The seats are essentially carbon-fiber shells lined with bits of orange, leather-wrapped padding here and there. Orange, quilted-leather in the door panels, center armrest and on cushions on the side of the center console – a nice touch we wish more automakers would add to their performance cars – contrasts nicely with the black plastics and carbon fiber found on the rest of the dash and center console. That said, we aren't crazy about space for passengers, thanks to the large cage that's there to boost structural stiffness. We have a full gallery of photos of the MTM RS6 Clubsport direct from Geneva. Trust us, you'll want to have a look at this one. Related Video:

Next Audi R8 to be up to 130 pounds lighter

"Simplify and add lightness," as Lotus founder Colin Chapman said. In a world where even supercars are subject to environmental, efficiency and emissions standards, lighter vehicles are being looked on as a sort of panacea - make it lighter, and it's automatically faster, more agile, easier to brake and better on gas.
Knowing this, it comes as no shock that Audi is looking at ways to lighten up its next-generation R8, with the brand's head of technical development Ulrich Hackenberg targeting a 110- to 130-pound diet for the mid-engine rocket. This supports previous reports regarding the focus for the next R8. Motor Trend reports that aluminum and carbon fiber feature heavily in plans for the next R8, which should go a long way toward slimming down even the lightest of R8s, the 3,678-pound V10 Plus model.
There's more over at Motor Trend, including the buff book's attempts to get Hackenberg to discuss powertrain options for the next R8.

Audi passes BMW as top luxury brand in India

By the end of this decade, India is expected to be one of the top three car markets in the world, but automakers are already starting to duke it out for sales. In terms of premium brands, Automotive News says that Audi has jumped out to an early lead for sales in the country due in large part to the recent introduction of the Audi Q3 (shown above).
In 2012, Audi's sales increased 43 percent, rising to 9,350 units and outselling BMW (8,686) and Mercedes-Benz (7,015), both of which experienced a drop in sales last year of 9.5 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. While none of these sales figures are particularly significant on a global scale, the article says that the market for premium cars in India is expected to quadruple by 2020 up to around 120,000 units. AN attributes Audi's lead to its offering of new SUVs while its rivals have been focusing on small hatchbacks.