Thứ Hai, 25 tháng 4, 2016
Audi's TT RS proves that cutting-edge technology and blistering performance can come in one outstandingly stylish package. On Monday morning at the Beijing Motor Show, Audi unveiled the all-new TT RS, the most extreme version of its techie and fashionable performance coupe. Thankfully, however, it's not just a purist driving machine; it has the accoutrements modern luxury buyers have come to expect along with neck bone-rending power. When making the ultimate version of a model, some automakers simply turn their cars up to 11 with little regard for comfort and refinement. Audi hasn't. And I know this because the next step down from the TT RS, the TT S, is quick and sure-footed but also cushy and extremely livable. Although the TT RS has a 400-horsepower five-cylinder engine good for a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.7 seconds, it's not a ragged-edge motoring machine. That means it'll be as comfortable conquering tracks as it as on your weary Wednesday evening commute — you know, the exact time you don't want to pretend to be a race-car driver. Cockpit The interior is a sea of high-quality materials, including quilted leather seats and an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, which is a suede-like material. What's more, behind that soft and grip-y steering wheel is Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display, which plays double duty as the infotainment screen and instrument cluster. On it, the driver and the passenger alike (yes, you can see it from the passenger seat) can monitor speed, engine revs and multimedia — all with a Google Earth navigation background. Additionally, the TT RS offers onboard Wi-Fi and wireless inductive smartphone charging. Heck, the system will even dictate your tweets while you keep both hands on the steering wheel. If that weren't enough, Audi is offering the TT RS in both coupe and convertible forms. That, along with its quattro all-wheel drive system, means no matter the climate or your skin complexion, there's a TT RS for you. Audi has set European pricing for the Coupe at €66,400 and €69,200 for the convertible. Likely, Audi will announce U.S. pricing closer to the on-sale date. Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
If you can't drive from door to door, why not park and scoot the rest of the way? At the Beijing Motor Show Monday morning, Audi debuted its new connected mobility concept, which uses smartphone integration as well as an electrically driven longboard skateboard/scooter hybrid to streamline your commute. Based upon the Q3 compact crossover, the connected mobility concept connects to the user's smartphone calendar through the Audi MMI connect App. Once synced, the car knows where the driver is headed. Accordingly, it calculates the fastest route to the destination, whether it includes the car or not. When the fastest route no longer involves driving the Audi, it will recommend a nearby parking spot. Once parked, simply hop on to the electric longboard stored in the rear bumper and scoot the rest of the way to your journey's end. As for the board, it's capable of going 7.4 miles on a single charge up to speeds of 18 mph. Static photo Ensuring you're not just scooting blindly, the board allows the rider to clip their smartphone into the handlebars, so the Audi MMI connect App can help you get to where you're going. Although this is just a concept, this is a semi-realistic depiction of future mobility. Likely, however, in the future, you won't own or drive the Audi, it'll be driving for you and you'll just be sharing it as a part of a mobility subscription plan. Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.




