Audi RS6 Avant

Here's yet another set of wheels Americans can't have ' the 2014 Audi RS6 Avant. The automaker has just released details and photos of its hot new wagon, which will produce 552 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8.

The new eight-cylinder has already made its way into a number of S models, including the S6, S7, and S8. Like the S8, the RS6 Avant is fitted with an eight-speed auto, and that drivetrain combination is estimated by Audi to propel the wagon from 0-62 mph.  If that number is accurate (or underrated, as is often the case) the new V-8-powered RS6 should be faster than the previous model fitted with the bigger twin-turbo V-10, which needed over four seconds to go from 0-62 mph. Standard features include an adaptive air suspension and items like the carbon ceramic brakes, dynamic steering, Dynamic Ride Control, and sport differential for the rear axle are available as options.

Visual cues are exactly what we would expect to see on any RS model. The fender arches are flared to accommodate the wider tires and the front clip features larger air dams with brushed metallic accents on the lower lip and grille (check out the oversized 'quattro' logo affixed at the bottom). Out back, a rear diffuser is flanked by large oval exhaust pipes, a signature RS touch used on other models like the V-10-powered R8 GT. Inside, the seats feature contrast stitching that mimics the honeycomb pattern used on the grille, while carbon fiber accents, bolstered seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel hint at the wagon's sporting nature.

As we've lamented many times before, it's unlikely that the RS6 will ever return to the U.S. in wagon form. However, RS fans can take solace in the other models that have made it to our shores (TT-RS, RS5) and the ones on the way (RS5 Cabrio and RS7).



Thanks to: Motor Trend

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Mercedes C63 AMG

Mercedes is currently road testing a storming new C63 AMG saloon ahead of its 2014 launch alongside the rest of the new C-Class range. The images show it sporting bigger, chunkier bumpers, large alloy wheels and twin exhaust housings at the rear.

Unlike the present car, with its 6.3-litre V8, the new C63 will be powered by a more efficient 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. It is expected to have the same 518bhp output as the E63 and CLS 63, which also use the newer turbocharged engine. That's a jump of 67bhp.

It will also have the same AMG-tuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which along with retuned adaptive suspension, stronger brakes and less weight should help it improve on the current C63 AMG's 4.5-second 0-62mph time, while using less fuel.

A new six-cylinder BMW M3 will make its debut in 2014, and the competition between the two is expected to be fierce. The C63 AMG will cost '56,000 when it arrives in showrooms. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

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Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2013

Get set for the most powerful Polo ever: the limited-edition 217bhp Volkswagen Polo R WRC. It's been Launched to coincide with VW's World Rally Championship campaign and will sit above the Polo GTI in the range.

It features a racy look with 18-inch 'Cagliari' rally-inspired alloys, a unique front bumper and grille and white paintwork with blue and grey rally stripes on its doors and bonnet.

All 2,500 of the Polo R WRCs will be finished in this rally paint scheme, and beneath the glitzy stripes is the hot Polo we've been expecting for a while, complete with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual.

The 220bhp output is 40bhp more than the Polo GTI gets, but more important is the massive 350Nm of torque, a staggering 100Nm more than in the GTI. It's good enough to send the R WRC from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds and on to 151mph. That's half a second quicker than the Polo GTI, and two tenths faster than the Mk7 Golf GTI that was shown at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Although VW hasn't released an interior shot, we understand the hot Polo has WRC-themed seats, an Alcantara-covered steering wheel and aluminium pedals. Yet it's not a stripped-out special, as there's cruise control, a centre armrest, climate control and sat-nav as standard.

The Polo R WRC costs '33,900 ('27,320) in Germany, but the sad news is that production is limited to left-hand-drive cars, meaning none are earmarked for the UK. VW has also stated that there are no plans for a full-production Polo R in its line-up, but success in the WRC could prompt a Polo R to join the range.

VW UK is also considering a WRC-themed styling pack for the Polo, which could include the R WRC's alloys, paint and stripes. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

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