We generally like Audis, but their designs aren’t usually much of a surprise. The corporate design language evolves every few years, but once you’ve seen it, you can usually get a pretty good idea of what Audi’s entire lineup will soon look like. So at first glance, this RS 6 Avant prototype may look about like you imagined. It’s an A6 Avant with some camouflage covering wider fenders, bigger air intakes, and more aggressive bodywork. But while that’s all there, it also looks like this prototype features a new set of headlights.
When Audi redesigned the A6 for 2019, it gave the midsize luxury sedan a very A8-like front end. Based on earlier spy photos, that styling will soon trickle down to the smaller A4, as well. But even though it’s possible these new, more angular headlights could only be intended for the RS 6 Avant, from what [...]
During our First Drive of the 2019 Mazda3, we praised the car’s agile handling and superbly executed interior. Now that we’ve driven the new all-wheel-drive variant, we’re happy to report that the sporty compact car is even better to drive with four-wheel traction. The 2019 Mazda3 AWD handles better in all weather conditions, turning it into a sophisticated all-weather driver’s car that puts entry-level offerings from luxury brands on notice.
At a drive event for the 2019 Mazda3, we started the day on a snow course and an icy slalom section. We jumped into a front-drive 2019 Mazda3 sedan first and instantly found it lacked the traction to get up inclines without momentum. All-wheel-drive-equipped cars breezed through the course from a standstill. Mazda’s all-wheel-drive system sends torque where it’s most needed and works with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+) to maintain traction, taking into account weather and road conditions.
Fastback SUVs are all about the look, considering they provide no practical benefit over traditional utility vehicles. With their dramatic rooflines, they attract customers who want something a little different. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe is the latest entry in this growing segment, competing against the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the new Audi Q8. But which is the best looking of the bunch?
Unsurprisingly, the Cayenne Coupe looks pretty much like the regular Cayenne from up front. Its front fascia has soft edges with rounded headlights, but the large grille gives it some edge. Similarly, the X6 looks like a typical BMW from this angle, sporting the brand’s familiar kidney grille. The Mercedes GLE Coupe has a streamlined feel to its front fascia with a rounded grille, headlights, and lower fascia. The Audi Q8 probably has the most unexpected front end since it looks so different than other models from the brand. Sharp [...]
Tesla ended its customer referral program in early February, citing significant costs associated with the offer. Less than two months later, the automaker is announcing a new referral program, and this one works quite differently.
Under the new offer, Tesla owners and those they refer get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging. Each referral also enters you to win a Founder’s Series Model Y monthly and a Founder’s Series Roadster quarterly. The vehicles will come signed by CEO Elon Musk and designer Franz von Holzhausen. In the case that an owner already has free Supercharging, Tesla is offering two chances to win those awards per referral.
Tesla says the new program saves money compared to the old one. Although the deal is a nice perk, the old referral program was more impressive. In addition to six months of free Supercharging, there were other rewards. A first referral gave you [...]
I sat down for lunch with Lamborghini’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, on the patio at the Polo Lounge inside the still-posh Beverly Hills Hotel. Domenicali was swinging through Los Angeles after visiting Australia (sales are up!) before heading back to Lambo HQ in Sant’Agata, Italy. One day only, and I was lucky enough to enjoy lunch with the man himself. But I should stress, we were eating lunch, talking shop about Lamborghini of course, but also the car world in general. I wish I could report back all the off-the-record comments Stefano made, but what’s below will have to suffice.
Two Doors, Four Seats
The Lamborghini Asterion concept, a two-seat GT design study from 2014 Lamborghini is still seriously considering a fourth model. This yet unnamed car would be a GT, 2+2 model, aimed at the Ferrari GTC4Lusso. The real question is chassis. Does Lamborghini go with Volkswagen Group’s MSB chassis that [...]
