The Audi Q5 and Q7 are similar vehicles, and thanks to customer demand in both the U.S. and China, Audi is working on a Q6, which will slot in between the two luxury SUVs, offering sportier styling to Audi customer wanting something different from the company’s SUV lineup. 

The new Q6 will take on BMW’s X6, so we can expect some type of sleek style and coupe-like appearance when we finally see the finished product.

The vehicle in our spy photos is based on an Audi Q5 body, but is a little longer and wider than the production model. This is intended to give the Q6 more presence than the Q5, though Audi should be careful to not take anything away from the Q7′s large stance. This Q6 mule appears to sit a little lower than the Q5 as well, hinting at the sporty identity the Q6 will take to compete with the BMW X6.  The new Q6 is also a likely candidate for RS treatment and may make use of Audi’s 4.0-liter turbocharged V8.

This vehicle is probably still a few years away, with some sources speculating a 2014 release and others 2016.

GALLERY: Audi Q6 Mule

More details on the 2014 Audi TT coupe and roadster, which Audi is unobtrusively preparing to launch, emerged today.

The German marque’s little sports car is taking drastic steps away from its cutesy origin to become a more muscular sports car. As we previously reported, the new TT will take advantage of the brand’s MQB platform to be more cost and space efficient by sharing a platform with both the A3 and Volkswagen Golf, which we also expect will shave a little more than 132 lbs off the car’s weight.

The TT-S and TT-RS have both already been confirmed for 2014, where we can expect to see a more powerful set of engines. The information, uncovered by CAR, shows a list of engine options for the European market that runs from a 180-hp 1.8-liter TFSI four cylinder that we don’t expect in the U.S., all the way to a 2.5-liter, 380-hp TFSI that we would expect to see in the TT-RS, which would mean a 20-hp boost over the current TT-RS.

Updated styling information is also available, including a setback main air intake and more complex LED lighting. The car also gets fake lower black vents to improve the newly muscular look. Expect the tail lights to receive similar treatment with more LEDs than previous models.

[Source: CAR]

Volkswagen‘s $1.1 billion bid for Ducati has the automotive world wondering what the automaker would want with a superbike company, but answers are out of reach. 

Such situations quickly become a speculative breeding ground for ideas, ranging from a vision of world domination permeating both four- and two-wheel markets, to a more conservative view based on interviews with Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech.

Reviewing past interviews with Piech could shed a little light on the company’s interest, as Automotive News reports. In 2008, Piech spoke to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung about the merits motorcycle engines could provide.

“A 1-liter engine can produce 200 horsepower,” Piech told the paper. “Small engines are also lower from the point of view of fuel consumption. We can learn something here,” he said.

Now, that quote which might have otherwise been forgotten, is resurfacing to fuel speculation that Volkswagen may be eyeing Ducati for its small engine technology.

There’s nothing to suggest the company isn’t interested in producing motorcycles to compete with BMW in a new area, but the notion of a 195-hp, 1,198cc engine like the one found in Ducati’s 1199 Panigale could share valuable tech insight when automakers seem to be hitting every new engine with a shrink ray.

[Source: Automotive News via Popular Mechanics]

Weighing one model against another can be a hassle for people mulling over a new car purchase. As if it wasn’t difficult enough, those shopping for luxury cars also have to weigh the incentives being offered.

“What we see with the beginning of the fourth quarter is that the pressure on the pricing front has increased. When it will end is, at the moment, not clear,” BMW CFO Friedrich Eichiner said in reference to the array of incentives luxury car makers are offering customers. The list of enticements, sweet as they may be, can be a little overwhelming.

Audi for example, is offering current owners a $3,000 loyalty incentive or will extend a $2,500 discount to anyone trading in a luxury car towards a 2012 A8. Mercedes-Benz is offering an extra $2,000 discount on buying a 2012 E-Class if you’re already financing or leasing another Mercedes through its financing division. Fina;;y, BMW is offering a $1,000 rebate on a 2012 BMW M3 coupe or convertible, or a $2,500 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive on a 2011 335i or 328i. It’s worth mentioning that the $2,500 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive might not even come up if you don’t ask the dealer.

It isn’t just the German automakers jumping into the discount battle, Infiniti and Lexus are both offering incentives. Current Jaguar or Land Rover owners can also save up to $5,500 in total rebates on a 2011 Range Rover. Both Cadillac and Lincoln are offering rebates and discounts, with Cadillac offering a ridiculous $7,000 in manufacturer-to-dealer rebates on any left over 2011 DTS models.

[Source: Left Lane News]

The Audi Q5 SUV will be getting a facelift in 2013 to keep it up to date with the rest of the Audi lineup.

Our photographers managed to grab some spy photos of the new Q5 without camo, offering a look at the nose and tail end of the SUV.

The first noticeable difference on the updated is the adoption of Audi’s hexagonal grille, cutting the top rounded corners off the the old trapezoidal shape. The 2013 Q5 will sport a new bumper with more chrome bits as well as larger air intakes than the previous generation. The new headlights fall in line with the rest of Audi’s new lineup, using a boomerang shaped strip of LED daytime running lights. Small side skirts have been added as well as a remodeled grey rear diffuser.

We managed to get an interior shot of the Q5 as well, but it is interestingly the only part of the SUV that was still wrapped in camouflage, which suggests the interior is receiving some major upgrades for 2013.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi Q5

A sponsorship agreement between Italian motorcycle company Ducati and the high-performance AMG division of Mercedes-Benz isn’t expected to carry on for much longer. The reason? Rival German luxury automaker Audi is said to be in exclusive talks with the storied bike manufacturer, which could result in a sale by as early as mid-April.

Previous rumors had indicated a long list of other suitors, including Volkswagen, Mercedes parent company Daimler and India’s Mahindra. However, according to a report by the UK’s CAR magazine, citing high-level sources within Audi, the automaker has been given first dibs to work out a deal.

Despite its popularity and success, Ducati is hemorrhaging money, and is believed to be in debt by as much as $1.25 billion. Rather than pay outright for the motorbike company, it’s believed Audi will offer a small amount (as little as 78 million), while also taking on the huge debt load.

Initially Audi parent company Volkswagen had planned to revive the historic German motorcycle company Horex, but with little brand recognition and the up-hill battle of starting from scratch made the Ducati move far more attractive once the Italian bike firm hit the market.

Currently Ducati manufactured roughly 40,000 motorcycles a year.

[Source: Car]

It’s almost hard to believe that the Audi R8 has been on the market for five years in its current design when so few vehicles seem current past three or four years.

To celebrate its fifth birthday, the German automaker made a video showing off the R8 and all of its variants. To keep things interesting, they teased (ever so slightly) the new R8 at the end of the video. It seems like the refreshed model will be far from a total revision based on the dark shape we saw.

Chances are good that we will see a typical model-cycle refresh with some design changes and an increase in performance. Still, there are rumors that bigger changes will come for the R8 in 2015.

No matter what, the refreshed model is supposed to be released later this year. There are sure to be more details in the future, available here.

Check out the video celebrating five years of the Audi R8 below.

[Source: Audi TV]

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If there’s an age old adage in motorsports, then it has got to be “racing improves the breed.” This idea is particularly close to Audi‘s heart, as the German automaker has participated in decades of racing and development for its Quattro all-wheel-drive technology.

This year, Audi will field a pair of R18 e-tron Quattro cars which will compete in a series of endurance races including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The added e-tron designation on the new R18 refers to an all-new hybrid system for Audi’s LMP1 racer. Featuring a V6 TDI diesel powerplant sending 510-hp to the rear wheels and an additional pair of electric motors to motivate the front, the R18 e-tron Quattro is, without a doubt, one of the most technologically advanced racing cars in the world.

Audi debuted its A6 Allroad Quattro yesterday at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show to round off its line of A6 cars, though this variant is unavailable outside Europe.

The car is available with four engine options: a 3.0L TFSI with 310-hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and three variants of the TDI powerplant produce 204-hp, 245-hp and 313-hp. The torque ratings are 332 lb-ft, 428 lb-ft and 479 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

Despite that power, fuel each car is about 20 percent less thirsty than the previous model. The new generation is also about 20 percent lighter. While the correlation between the two exists, the improved fuel numbers probably have more to do with better engine technology than the 154-lb weight loss.

Drivers will also find they can adjust the c aar’s suspension to allow for greater ground clearance or a lowering effect at the push of a button.

Wheels come standard at 18 inches wide though 19- and 20-inch wheels are available as options.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro

Audi officially unveiled its 2013 RS4 Avant today at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The powerful-but-practical station wagon is powered by the same naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8 as the RS5 coupe, making 450 hp and 317 fl-lbs of torque. The car’s top speed is intentionally limited to 155 mph, though customers may request that be raised to 174 mph in case they’re worried that time for grocery runs may be short.

The RS4 Avant comes with permanent Quattro all-wheel drive, as is true with every car bearing the RS badge, though the rear wheels get more power via a 40:60 ratio to deliver a sportier feel.

Audi used aluminum in much of the chassis to save weight, including components in the five-link suspension and trapezoidal rear-link suspension.

Customers may choose between the standard 19-inch wheels or the 20-inch versions shown above.

It wasn’t so long ago that such numbers would drum up serious excitement, but the RS4 will probably face stiff competition in the near future against the BMW M3. The two cars have similar power ratings now, but the Bimmer is close to a refresh and likely to get similar turbo-treatment as other cars from the Bavarian automaker have recently received.

Then again, the more conservative nature could easily be more appealing to mature clients who crave power and family compatibility all in one car.

 GALLERY: 2013 Audi RS4 Avant

GALLERY: 2013 Audi RS4 Avant

The Audi TT RS plus made its public debut today at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, giving us our first look at the 360-hp sport coupe.

Offered with a 6-speed manual mated to a 2.5-liter TFSI inline four that also makes 343 lb-ft of torque, the TT RS plus takes Audi’s small sports car to the next level. Customers may also choose to power the wheels via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.

Paired with the automatic, the car runs from 0-100 kmh (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds as a coupe or 4.2 and a convertible, though stick-shift enthusiasts will lose 0.2 seconds in that race.

Drivers choosing to continue accelerating will find a top speed of 174 mph.

Even with Quattro all-wheel drive, the car weighs in at an impressively light 3,196 lbs with the manual transmission as a coupe. The convertible packs on a few more pounds to tip the scales at just under 3,334 lbs.

Finally, drivers can look forward to black and red 19-inch wheels and a large rear spoiler to complete the extra-sporty look.

It’s not clear if the especially-spicy little Audi will make it across the ocean to U.S. buyers, but even if it does it won’t be soon.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi TT RS Plus

GALLERY: 2013 Audi TT RS Plus

Audi unveiled the 2013 A3 hatchback at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show today, showcasing a lighter and more efficient version of the company’s small three-door car, despite remaining almost exactly the same size.

The car will be available with two TFSI engines or a turbo diesel. All three engines were newly developed for the car and bundle efficiency technologies including direct injection, thermal management and fuel shutoff to discourage fuel thirst.

The TFSI engines offer customers the choice between a more conservative 122-hp 1.4-liter engine or sportier 180-hp 1.8-liter engine. TDI fans sit squarely in the middle in term of power, getting 150 hp from a 2.0-liter turbo diesel.

Efficiency is further helped by a chassis that loses more than 176 lbs as well as a covered underbody and engine compartment that reduce drag.

Customers will also enjoy the use of Audi connect, the company’s modular infotainment system which makes its debut in the new A3.

Aside from entertainment, the A3 comes with safety technology features like adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist which monitors traffic behind the vehicle and active lane assist.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi A3

Cars are becoming more and more technologically sophisticated, because customers these days demand the latest and greatest gadgets.

While complex infotainment systems have become a norm, the future points an arrow towards configurable gauge clusters. Jaguar already has such a system in their XJ luxury sedan, and now Audi is looking to offer an even more advanced version of such a system in the next generation of their TT-model, which will be out by 2014.

Unlike Jaguar, Audi is looking to offer their advanced, configurable cluster on only their sporty models, citing that luxury car buyers prefer the chronograph look.

Audi’s system will comprise of a thin film transistor (TFT) flat screen display which a customer can modify to show maps, as well as configure the look of the instruments according to their taste. In short, the iPad generation will love it.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Completely redesigned for the 2013 model year, the three-door Audi A3 has been revealed on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show. The A3 will be made available in the European market with engine choices of a 1.4L TFSI, 1.8L TFSI, and 2.0L TDI.

With the help of the new “Audi ultra” lightweight technology, the new A3 weighs in 176 lbs lighter than its outgoing predecessor. The 1.4L TFSI engine will have 122-hp, while the 1.8L TFSI will sport 180-hp. The turbodiesel powerplant will have 143-hp from its 2.0L offering. The German automaker also announced that the new powerplants average a 12-percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Both the 1.4L TFSI and 2.0L TDI are mated to a six-speed manual transmission while the 1.8L features a seven-speed S tronic, twin-clutch transmission. Audi hopes to expand its engine lineup in the A3 with an efficient 1.6L TDI debuting later in 2012.

Pricing of the new A3 Hatchback will start at around $30,150 (£19,000) with deliveries in Europe beginning in September.

Audi is expected to deliver a sedan version of the A3 for North America.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi A3 Hatchback

At the 2012 Audi Annual Press Conference, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed that the German automaker will be manufacturing plug-in hybrid variants of their A3, A4, and Q7 models.

“While we are planning small-scale series production for this car, which is a vital element in our innovation and technology plans, the electric driving experience will become a reality for a growing clientele with our plug-in hybrids,” Stadler said.

The market launch for the A3 plug-in hybrid is set for 2014 while the next-generation A4 and Q7 will get plug-in hybrid variants starting in 2014 and in successive years. By 2020, Audi hopes to have an e-tron available in every segment to help achieve total sales in the six-figure range.

“Our pioneering vehicle in this field is the Audi A3, with the market launch of a plug-in version slated for 2014. This will be followed by the next-generation Audi A4 and Audi Q7 plug-in cars – starting in 2014 and in successive years. In 2020, we want to have an e-tron available in every segment and to achieve total sales in the six-figure range,” Stadler said.

Stadler also addressed Audi’s focus in optimizing their gas and diesel engines to help reduce CO2 emissions, spoke about the first Audi race car with a hybrid engine, and was clear that their goal for 2012 will be to “achieve stronger growth than the market as a whole.” It’s widely speculated that the automotive industry will experience a 4-percent increase in car sales this year, but Audi wants to best that average.

It will continue to target the Chinese market with hopes to achieve double-digit growth yet again. The German automaker plans to nearly double their dealer network in China by the end of 2013. The Q3 will also be introduced to China and a new generation of the popular A6L (long version) will be launched before 2012 ends.

GALLERY: Audi A3 Hatchback

Audi reveals the homologated Audi A5 DTM race car today as the automaker from Ingolstadt makes its final racing preparations before the season debut at the Hockenheimring.

Details are limited on the new race car as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have all been testing in top-secret conditions for the past several weeks. Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich said, “More than ever before, even the minutest detail will count this year in DTM. Obviously you want to keep the things you’ve worked out over the past few months under wraps for as long as possible.”

So far, we do know that Audi has submitted its relevant design drawings, CAD data, descriptions and photographs to Deuscher Motor Sport Bund (DMSB), all of which have been approved for homologation yesterday, March 1.

For the new DTM racing season, regulations have imposed further restrictions on aerodynamics to shake up the playing field. Despite the rule changes, Audi has consistently come out as the trendsetter in racing innovations for the past couple of years. No doubt, the Audi engineers still believe they’ve delivered some interesting ideas into their new A5 race car.

As of now, a released image of a camouflaged A5 DTM have effectively disguised new aero elements but some changes can still be identified. LED daytime running lights from a production A5, a single-frame radiator grill, air intakes, and the canards on the side dominate the front end. Heat extracting vents can also be seen on the hood. If squinting hard enough, one would notice the complex aero management across the lower third of the vehicle flanks. Finally, the rear section shows a tall swan-neck spoiler as well as a massive diffuser stretching out.

According to Audi factory driver Filipe Albuquerque, the new changes resulted to dramatic improvements. “I expected quite a bit of it, but I wouldn’t have thought that the step would be so big. Particularly in fast turns, the new A5 DTM handles like a formula car. Truly fascinating! I think I’d have to readjust quite a bit if I switched back to the old A4 DTM.”

The days that remain before the Hockenheim season opener will be dedicated to fine-tuning the A5 DTM and maximizing its racing potential. Look for it testing at Valencia from March 20 to 22 before the Hockenheimring event on April 29, 2012.

Not so long ago, the only bit of technology found in a car was the stereo system, but nowadays cars are becoming more and more complex and are offering technologies most of us cannot even dream about.

One of the technology leaders is the German car firm Audi. Its cars are getting more and more technically advanced and they are showing no signs of slowing things down.

Now Audi has announced that it is working on seven new tech-based features, which will eventually make their way into the cars we could buy from the showroom. They are:

1) Audi Wireless Charging: While Audi currently has no electric cars in their showrooms, that will soon change. Like many other companies who are offering or looking to offer electric cars, efficient charging solutions are big on their list. So Audi is co-developing a wireless charging system with WiTricity Corporation from Boston, MS. This system will have a coil-based receiver on the car and another mounted in your garage or parking spot. So when you drive your car into its spot, the car will start charging itself. According to Audi, the system will not be affected by rain or snow. Such a system will surely be a hit with electric car buyers.

2) Garage Parking Pilot: While self-parking features are already on the market, Audi is looking to go a step further with its Garage Parking Pilot. This system will not only help you park the car automatically, but will also help you find a parking spot in parking lots. When it finds that spot, it will guide the car neatly into the spot. Vehicle to vehicle networking will ensure that dings won’t be an issue.

3) OLED Lights: Audi was the first to introduce LED lights on its cars, now its looking to bring OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) to the market. While this technology is available on TV’s and cellphones, this organic polymer based semiconductor will see its first application on a car by Audi. This material is only nanometers thick, so hence is light and also uses less energy. They can also produce millions of colors.

4) Hybrid Body Materials: Audi has been at the forefront of reducing vehicle weights by using lighter materials since the early 1990′s. With their use of aluminum, their cars are upto 40% lighter than a similar cars made from steel. Now Audi is looking to combine steel with aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastics to produce not only very strong components, but also very lightweight components.

5) FRP Coil Springs: A lot is riding on the springs in your car. To be exact, your whole car is riding on the springs. Thus springs have to be made from very strong metal. So how would you feel if we offer to replace your steel springs with ones made from plastic? Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) springs are being developed by Audi. These springs will be much lighter than their steel counterparts, but will retain the strength, in fact they’ll be even stronger. The first application of these springs will be seen on the Audi R8 e-tron, which will be out by 2014.

6) Multitouch Controls: While most luxury cars have some sort of multi-media controlling device on board, Audi was the first to introduce a Touchpad, which allows you to write your command using your finger. Now Audi is looking to enhance this feature by developing a new multitouch system similar to that of the iPad. This new system will allow the driver even more command options, and should also help in reducing distractions for the driver. The new system will work with voice command, touch, and the heads-up display system.

7) Predictive Suspension: Reading the road ahead is what many luxury car companies are working towards, and Audi is no exception. Audi will mount a camera ahead of the rear view mirror and a laser in the nose of the car to read the road 20-meters ahead and configure the suspension for what lies ahead. This photo-mixed detectors system will improve ride quality. The feature will probably debut in a future model of the A8.

Watch out for these new Audi developments to be on the road in the not to distant future. We’ll keep you posted on any further developments.

When Toyota revealed its TS030 LMP hybrid, the Japanese automaker had its targets sighted onto the reigning diesel Audi R18. However, the R18 is proving to be a fast moving target. Earlier this month, Audi announced that it will field two innovative diesel-hybrid LMP1 cars for the first time in its team of four at the 2012 24 hours of Le Mans.

These are the first images of the 2012 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro LMP1 race car. While its exterior looks very much alike the race car that participated last year, the hardware underneath has been vastly redesigned. The new R18 will continue the use of the V6 TDI diesel engine (rated at 510-hp), but will mate it to Audi’s regenerating brake energy technology and an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. Rather than the use of a battery pack, the R18 e-tron Quattro is able to store energy from braking forces into the flywheel, where the electricity can then be used to power the two electric motors at the front wheels. Moreover, the added weight of the complex hybrid system will be neutralized by a carbon-fiber gearbox housing designed to be as light as possible. This is the first time a carbon-fiber gearbox housing will be used in endurance racing.

Although Audi is going to field two hybrid prototype racers, the German automaker does not intend to soley rely on the new technology for  a win. For that, the team still believes last year’s R18 TDI will be more reliable for the job. Audi will get to face off against the Toyota TS030 throughout the racing season. Time will tell which prototype reigns supreme.

GALLERY: Audi R18 e-tron Quattro

Take a close look at this Audi TT. It has a slightly longer wheelbase, and wider wheel arches indicating that this could be Audi’s mule for it’s next gen TT.

This vehicle was spotted going through some cold weather testing in Sweden recently, and our photographers snapped some spy photos.

We don’t see much hinting at a new design here, but observers said that it sounded much more “mature” than the latest model. We’re careful to say that means anything at all, since this vehicle could have an unfinished exhaust system.

Lastly the interior of this car was completely covered, meaning Audi has some serious changes in mind for the interior design.

You can see the whole gallery below.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi TT Mule Spy Photos

Audi is bringing an all-electric A3 to the U.S. Exciting as that may be, only 17 of them will make their way across the ocean.

At the annual TED conference in Long Beach, Calif., Audi CEO Johan DeNysschen revealed plans to bring 17 A3 e-trons Stateside as a trial to see what type of reaction the car would garner from the public.

The pure battery vehicle uses a 26 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery that provides a range of 90 miles on a full charge at speeds of up to 90 mph. A similar A1 e-tron is undergoing the same testing in Europe, except that the A1 has a range-extending gasloine mated to its electric drivetrain.

Based on these initial tests, Audi will decide between the pure EV or range extended EV as the best option. “We will integrate the data generated from this program into the launch of a range of Audi e-tron models for American drivers,” said Jeff Curry, head of Audi of America’s e-mobility program.

While it’s intriguing to see Audi sending new technology to the American market, it’s also easy to wonder how much data 17 cars can really glean.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

A trio of Audi RS5 race cars will be joining the International Superstars Series this year, one of which will be driven by Gianni Morbidelli, a former Formula 1 racer who won the 2009 International Superstars Series championship.

The other two Audi RS5s entries are from German team MTM and Swedish team KMS. Audi Sport Italia will be providing support to both European teams and those two race cars are currently being prepared in Novara. MTM is set to have Thomas Schöffler behind the wheel of their car, a former VW Scirocco R-Cup series racer who competed last year in an Audi Sport Italia-prepared RS4. KMS will have Johan Kristoffersson behind the wheel of their race car.

The new Audi RS5 race cars are expected to make their first shakedown laps within a few days. The German automaker will be competing against eight other brands in the International Superstars Series including BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes, and Porsche.

GALLERY: Audi RS5 International Superstars Series

[Source: GT Spirit]

Audi released a video of their new generation RS5 during some glorious snow drifting and exhaust-burning desert runs. Liken, if you will, an engine to a guitar. Within that vein, it seems Audi has mastered tuning their instrument.

The new generation S5 made some Audi enthusiasts nervous and sent others into an excited frenzy. Why, you might ask? The German automaker decided to swap their throaty V8 for a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that makes more power, yes, but might lack the allure some drivers may crave. Thankfully the RS5 featured in the clip, does actually keep the up-rated V8 engine.

Enjoy the eye and ear candy below.

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The latest attraction at Walt Disney World isn’t based on a cartoon character, nor is it made of animatronics. It will, however, bring out the kid in you – in an adult sort of way. And the best part? It’s shiny, Italian and can go 200 mph.

OK, so you don’t actually go 200 mph, but piloting an exotic sports car on a race track will easily have you testing the car’s capabilities – not to mention your own.

Designed as the ultimate attraction for adults at Disney, the Exotic Driving Experience can get you behind the wheel of a pricey German or Italian sports car starting at as little as just $199. The “ride” is an addition to the long-standing Richard Petty Driving Experience, and is held at the Walt Disney World Speedway – though only makes partial use of the banked tri-oval. Using one of those banked bends, the rest of the course makes use of a large-scale, though rather technical, slalom running through the track’s infield.

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A selection of leaked images are providing a clear picture of the next generation Audi A3 hatchback.

The photos, leaked by ZR.ru, clearly show Audi’s big hexagonal grille and the sharp lines running from where that mouth meets the pointed headlights, all the way to the windshield. Details on the car aren’t out yet, but should emerge in advance of its release expected later this year. Look for several diesel options for Europe, as well as Audi’s 2.0T gasoline engine.

The A3 is based on Volkswagen Group’s new MQB versatile platform, which is said to eventually become the underpinnings for as many as 60 models.

Traditionally, Audi always releases new products in Europe well ahead of bringing them stateside. In the past, we’ve reported that the A3 hatchback will actually be discontinued in the U.S. in favor of a more Americanized sedan.

In either case we’ll be watching to see what happens next. For now you can look at our gallery below and weigh in under the comments section.

GALLERY: 2013 Audi A3 Hatchback leaked