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Audi tests new kind of car sharing, lets you buy cars with buddies [w/video]

Car sharing services like ZipCar, Car2Go and others offer people in cities the chance to have a vehicle without dealing with the hassles of parking or maintenance, while also eliminating traffic. However, many individuals are turned off by the idea of splitting a car with an entire metropolis or would prefer to have a specific model at their disposal. For these unsatisfied souls, Audi has a new arrangement in Stockholm, Sweden, called Audi Unite that might be just the ticket. The setup is basically a small-scale car sharing service. Up to five people agree to share any of Audi's models for a year or two – even an R8 if they are so inclined. Each user has a special Bluetooth key fob that identifies them to the vehicle, and a smartphone app allows operators to schedule time with the car. Each person is then billed monthly according to his or her use. Audi thinks it might work best with friends, colleagues or neighbors, but the company can also play matchmaker for clients, if necessary. "In the beginning, our biggest fear was what if two people want to go somewhere at the same time-what happens then?" said Clemens Weisshaar, one of the founders of design firm Kram/Weisshaar that helped develop the idea, to Fast Company. "Interestingly, it never happened." They chose Stockholm because the city was tech-savvy, and there is a tradition of sharing there. Prices for Audi Unite seem fairly reasonable for each user. According to the service's website, if four people use an A3 Sportback for two years with a 20,000-kilometer (12,247-mile) driving limit, they would pay an average of 2,091 Swedish krona ($277) each per month. For an extra 365 krona (about $50) per person each month, they can add a package that includes vehicle pickup and delivery for monthly interior and exterior cleaning, winter tire exchanges and necessary servicing. After Stockholm, Audi plans to try Unite in other Swedish cities before launching the program in additional countries, according to Fast Company. Scroll down to watch a video with more explanation about how the program works and read the automaker's press release about the initiative.

Audi TT most likely to breed crossover derivative

Audi has been rolling out successive concepts based on the new TT. Aside from the production coupe and convertible, we've seen the Shooting Brake concept in Detroit, the Offroad concept in Beijing and, most recently, the Sportback concept in Paris. The clear message is that Audi plans on actually producing more derivatives of its stylish two-door, but the question is which one will come first?
Speaking with Britain's Car magazine in Paris this past week, Audi technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg indicated that, while the decision has still yet to be made, the crossover is the most likely candidate.
Producing the TT Offroad concept - or something like it - would give Ingolstadt another addition to its growing crossover lineup that already includes the Q3, Q5 and Q7. Whether this would come in addition to or instead of the rumored Q1 and Q4 models remains to be seen, but crossovers have become increasingly popular and profitable for German automakers like Audi.

Next-gen Audi RS4 coming, might make it to America

Let us be frank: The second-generation Audi RS4 was one of the best, most exciting cars of the past decade. A four-door sedan with a 4.2-liter V8, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission? What wasn't to like? While you can still get a taste of the B7 RS4's character with the current RS5, it isn't quite the same. That's why we're giddy about a new report from Car and Driver, which claims that not only is a new RS4 on the way, but that it could, maybe, possibly return to the United States. As previously reported, the fourth-generation RS4 will go back to a twin-turbocharged V6, after two generations of unassisted V8s under the hood. As per RS4 tradition, it will also be limited to a five-door Avant body style, because "that is what people expect from the RS4," Quattro GmbH boss Heinz Hollerweger told Car and Driver. An RS5 Sportback could also be in the offing, which might remain more true to the character of the first US-market RS4. The US question, though, remains an iffy one, largely because of the Avant shape. Audi has reduced the number of wagons it's offered in the US over the years, dropping the A4 and A6 Avant, although the former is sort of still offered in the form of the Allroad. But that position might be enough to keep the next-gen RS4 off our shores, although as the Quattro boss told CD the US market is changing and "there is more demand there [for wagons], so maybe that will change." Well, Herr Hollerweger, we're here to tell you that America loves wagons, and that you should put the next-gen RS4 on sale over here post haste. Danke.