Spy Shots: Audi Gives 2015 TT Coupe the Winter Exam

After showing the next TT's interior at the CES show in Las Vegas last week and a conceptual crossover version of the car with the Allroad Shooting Brake moniker at this week's Detroit Auto Show, Audi officials also confirmed the venue and date for the unveiling of the coupe: the Geneva Motor Show this March.

That doesn't mean the new TT is completely ready, as Ingolstadt engineers continue to test prototypes on a variety of roads, conditions and countries.

There's a lot going on with the camouflage on this tester spied in Northern Europe, but combined with the knowledge we obtained from the Allroad Shooting Brake, we can safely say that the new TT will evolve the current model's styling theme adding more aggressive and manlier, if you will, lines and details to the familiar shape.

We've already seen the pre-production interior of the TT, so there's no questions there, with Audi's more minimalistic and futuristic approach to ergonomics and the gigantic 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster that also incorporates the MMI infotainment display making up the highlights.

As a vehicle based on the VW Group's (lighter) MQB platform, the powertrain lineup will be similar to other brand models, with the exception of the five-cylinder RS version that will follow later on.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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Audi TT to Debut at Geneva Show, May Spawn Crossover Version Inspired by Detroit Concept

Audi will reveal the new TT at the Geneva Motor Show in March and the model will go on sale later this year, Audi technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg said at the Detroit Auto Show.

Hackenberg confirmed that the production Audi TT Coupe will closely follow the design of the Allroad Shooting Brake concept unveiled in Detroit. Furthermore, the executive said there is potential in the future for a TT crossover model very similar to the concept.

“There is a trend for crossovers, shooting brakes and Allroad models, and we combined the TT with these concepts,” Hackenberg was quoted as saying by Autocar. “The TT has more potential now than in its history. It can be different concepts and segments. A more rugged TT definitely has potential, yes,” the executive added.

The Allroad Shooting Brake is 4,200mm (165 in) long, 1,850mm (73 in) wide and 1,410mm (55.5 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,510mm (99 in), which make it roughly the same size as a TT – minus the extra millimeters of height. Audi says the study combines visual elements of future sports car models (the TT) with the Allroad concept and shooting brake car body form.

The Audi Allroad Shooting Brake concept features a hybrid powertrain producing a total of 402 hp (408PS) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. The study can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel economy is rated at 1.9 l/100 km (123.8 mpg US) according to the ECE standard. Total driving range is up to 820 km (509 miles).

By Dan Mihalascu

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Meet Qoros' Geneva Motor Show Debut, the 3 Hatch [w/Video]

It looks like Qoros’ teaser photos released late last year didn’t preview a crossover model as we hypothesized, nor the estate model of the 3 Sedan. Instead, Qoros’ Geneva Motor Show premiere will be the 3 Hatch, also based on the 3 Sedan.

The carmaker has released the first photos of its new model, which borrows heavily from the sedan’s styling, except at the rear end where it features a hatchback design with smaller, rectangular taillights. Qoros says the 3 Hatch will appeal to younger customers who need “a little extra versatility provided by the hatchback body style”.

The company also says the new model features a sportier design, with subtle visual changes at the front including an extended lower front grille, redesigned front bumper and new round fog lights. On the inside, the 3 Hatch is identical with its sedan counterpart, except for the addition of new upholstery color combinations and materials.

The Qoros 3 Hatch will be fitted as standard with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Qoros MMH (multimedia hub), which is operated via smartphone-type multi-gesture finger swipe inputs. Most models will also feature QorosQloud, which consists of a series of free-for-life services with 3G connectivity, including vehicle monitoring, social networking and enhanced navigation.

Based on the same modular platform as the sedan, the Qoros 3 Hatch has the same wheelbase, width and height, but the rear overhang and overall length are reduced by 177mm (6.97in). The 4438mm- (174.7-in) long compact hatchback promises “unusually generous interior space” for its segment, according to Qoros.

The 3 Hatch also shares with the sedan the two 1.6-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines (125hp and 154hp, respectively), as well as the 6-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The new model will be built alongside the 3 Sedan in Qoros’ Changshu plant in China.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Audi A8 L Security Is Ingolstadt’s Idea of Armored Luxury, Just In Case Someone Throws a Grenade

Audi has unveiled the most exclusive model in the A8 lineup, the A8 L Security, which features a series of high-security equipment including armor plating.

Available with two petrol engines, the 429hp 4.0-liter V8 TFSI and the 495hp 6.0-liter W12, the new Audi A8 L Security replaces the outgoing model by implementing the modifications brought by the facelifted A8 range.

The new A8 L Security is 5.27m (17.29 ft) long and has a 3.12m (10.24 ft) wheelbase. Audi says it’s the lightest luxury sedan in the high-security segment thanks to its modified A8 production body made largely from aluminum.

Certified by the German Ballistics Testing Center in Munich, the A8 L Security complies with the requirements of the class VR 7 ballistic protection standard in accordance with the BRV (Bullet Resistant Vehicles) 2009 guideline.

This means the body panels and glazing of the passenger cell can withstand firing with NATO sub-caliber ammunition, while in certain areas the armor plating even complies with the criteria for the classes VR 9 and VR 10. The A8 L Security also complies with the ERV (Explosion Resistant Vehicles) 2010 guideline.

In order to achieve these ratings, the occupant cell features extremely tough, highly resistant materials – heat-formed armor steel, aramide fabric, ceramic, a special aluminum alloy, and multi-laminated glass. For maximum security, the protective materials overlap at transitions. The windows are made of a special glass with a splinter-inhibiting polycarbonate layer on the inside.

Audi says the new A8 L Security can even withstand attack by military hand grenades. Furthermore, in case of a flat tire, polymer rings on the rims enable the vehicle to continue traveling at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (49.71 mph).

The A8 L Security 4.0 TFSI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds, while the W12 model does it in 7.1 seconds. Order books are open, with deliveries starting in the third quarter of 2014.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Bentley Reveals Europe-Exclusive Mulsanne Birkin Edition

Bentley has just revealed a unique version of its Mulsanne flagship, one that is aimed specifically for the European market. Taking its name from one of the original Bentley Boys, Tim Birkin, the Mulsanne Birkin is a limited edition model of which only 22 will ever be built.

It’s available in three color variants called Ghost White, Damson and a two-tone combination of Fountain Blue and Dark Sapphire.

Naturally, this will not be the only aspect that sets this apart from regular Mulsannes and the first thing that comes to mind here are the unique numbered plaques on the door sills, special 21-inch rims that bear a strong resemblance to the original concept car, plus 3D Flying B logos embossed in the headrests and some of the wood trim of the front fascia; the rear wooden picnic tables get it too…

Bentley will also throw in a custom luggage set with each of the 22 cars, though, to be fair, while it does look good and is perfectly designed to occupy all of the trunk space available, you might come off as a bit of a pompous snob if you actually use them…

In terms of tech and gadgets, Bentley's release reads: “The Entertainment Specification offers a luxurious and comfortable space to work or relax (in the back) while on the move.  Each car features exquisitely-packaged twin 8" LCD screens in the rear of the seat headrests, a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables.”

By Andrei Nedelea

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New Leon Cupra is Most Powerful Seat Ever with Up to 276HP [w/Video]

Following yesterday’s leaked photos, Seat released official details of the new top model of the Leon range, the Leon Cupra, which is available in two flavors, one with 262hp (265PS) and the other with 276hp (280PS).

The latter is the most powerful series production car ever made by Seat (the 310PS Leon Cupra R Limited Edition was created by Seat Netherlands and offered only in 100 units). In both states of tune, the engine produces 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Available from the start as either a five-door or three-door, the new Leon Cupra is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI petrol engine with dual injection and variable camshaft timing. The Cupra also benefits from other features including a front differential lock, the DCC dynamic chassis control, progressive steering and the Cupra Drive Profile. The latter consists of three different driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Cupra.

The top Leon Cupra 280 with optional DSG transmission sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds (5.8 seconds with the manual gearbox) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The base Leon Cupra is only marginally slower, needing 5.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill (5.9 seconds with manual transmission).

Seat says the new Leon Cupra is also more fuel-efficient than its predecessor thanks to the start/stop and brake energy regeneration systems, with both variants averaging 6.4 l/100 km (36.7 mpg US) when fitted with the DSG gearbox and 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 mpg US) with the manual gearbox. CO2 emissions vary between 149 and 154 grams per kilometer.

Design-wise, the Cupra stands out from regular Leon models thanks to larger air intakes, rear skirt with diffuser effect, rear spoiler, the two oval end pipes, tinted side and rear windows, exclusive 18- or 19-inch wheels in titanium finish and red brake callipers. Inside, the Leon Cupra features a new sports steering wheel with shift paddles for the DSG transmission, sports seats in dark grey Alcantara with white stitching and aluminum pedals and entry sills.

The car will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with full pricing to be announced closer to launch. In the UK, the Leon Cupra will start from £25,690 (€30,930).

By Dan Mihalascu

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Rolls-Royce Officially Reveals Built to Order Ghost V-Specification

Rolls-Royce has announced the launch of the Ghost V-Specification, a limited series model of the Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase. The special model will only be available for customers to commission from January to June 2014.

Thanks to a 30hp power increase for a total of 593 hp (601PS), the Ghost V-Specification sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds (a tenth of a second faster than the standard Ghost). The carmaker says the 6.6-liter V12 engine delivering 80 percent of its power from idle.

The Ghost V-Specification is also slightly more fuel-efficient than the standard model, averaging 13.6 l/100 km (17.3 mpg US) compared to 14.1 l/100 km (16.7 mpg US). CO2 emissions are also smaller: 327 grams vs. 329 grams.

The limited series model features subtle aesthetic upgrades including the hand-painted coachline featuring the V-Specification motif, optional visible chrome exhausts and 21-inch part-polished wheels. It is available with five new exterior colors (Graphite, Black Sapphire, Black Kirsch, Arctic White and Infinity Black), and if those aren’t enough, customers can choose from Rolls-Royce’s 44,000 hue palette.

The handcrafted interior also features the V-Specification motif engraved to the treadplates, embroidered to the rear armrest and hand-applied to the front multimedia screen lid. The interior is completed with an exclusively designed clock with a black crown surrounding the face.

“This limited series celebrates one of Ghost’s defining characteristics; the exquisite 6.6 litre Rolls-Royce V12 engine,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification may be the final Ghost model before the facelifted one appears sometime this year. The special edition model is listed at a German authorized Rolls-Royce dealer for €330,820 ($450,480), 19 percent VAT included.

By Dan Mihalascu

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