2016 Audi A4 is larger, lighter

The 2016 Audi A4 arrives with a bang, but no surprises. We say that because the formula for creating the news A4 one we know all too well. Make it larger, add a bunch of content, reduce weight, and improve both power and efficiency. It's a recipe for success, and this fifth-generation A4 looks to be a solid contender against its chief rivals, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The shape hasn't changed; it's immediately recognizable as an A4. Instead, this new model updates that familiar design with sharper lines, similar to what we've seen on the new Q7, or even the R8. The big story here is that the 2016 A4 is up to 264 pounds lighter than its predecessor, depending on trim and engine. Additionally, the A4 is the most aerodynamic car in its class, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.23.

A fresh, modern cabin lies within that lighter shell – one that looks decidedly more upscale than the last A4. Many elements are reminiscent of the Audi Prologue Concept that we first saw (and drove) in Los Angeles last year – specifically, the steering wheel, and the new MMI controls. In fact, Audi has positioned its infotainment controls closer to the center console – in front of the gear selector. This reminds us of the current A8, where Audi specifically designed its shifter to act as a sort of wrist rest. You can rest your arm on the gear lever and still access all of the MMI functionality. Speaking of which, that's the latest generation of Audi's MMI interface, packing navigation, touch capability, LTE connectivity, and WiFi in the 8.3-inch color display.

Audi isn't saying which engines will come to the United States right now, but when the new A4 launches, it'll be offered with three gasoline and four diesel engines in Europe. Our best guess is that the US-spec car will come with the latest 2.0-liter TSFI turbocharged inline-four with 272 horsepower, as well as Audi's tried-and-true 2.0-liter TDI diesel four. Front- and all-wheel drive will be available, and for the first time, two-wheel-drive models will get a proper dual-clutch transmission – no more CVT.

NEW GOLF TSI BLUEMOTION MOST EFFICIENT EVER

200 Nm: Highest specific torque of any petrol engine sets new benchmark
99 g/km CO2: Low-emitting Golf TSI BlueMotion attains efficiency class A

Ten key facts about the new Golf TSI BlueMotion:
1. Innovative 1.0 TSI offers highest specific torque of any large-scale production series of petrol engines: 200 Nm per litre displacement.
2. First Golf BlueMotion¹ to feature a petrol engine consumes just 4.3 l/100 km
3. Emitting just 99 g/km CO2, the Golf TSI BlueMotion is one of the most eco-friendly cars in its class.
4. Despite its efficiency, the Golf TSI BlueMotion with an 85 kW / 115 PS engine has a top speed of 204 km/h.
5. The downsized 999 cc high-tech, three-cylinder EA211-series engine is as refined as a four-cylinder engine.
6. A 7-speed DSG (with automatic gear changes) is available; this version Golf also consumes just 4.3 l/100 km.
7. The Cd value of 0.28 helps reduce fuel consumption.
8. The Golf TSI BlueMotion is available in two equipment trim levels: Trendline and Comfortline.
9. Golf Estate (4.3 l/100 km)² and Golf Sportsvan (4.5 l/100 km)³ will also launch with a TSI BlueMotion version.
10. Golf offers cutting-edge, progressive networking with Volkswagen Car-Net, Media Control and App Connect.

• A petrol engine that is as fuel-efficient as a diesel – until recently this was barely conceivable. A three-cylinder engine that is as powerful and refined as a good four-cylinder – that was barely conceivable until just recently. But now it is a reality. This engine exists. The 1.0 TSI from Volkswagen. The German manufacturer will now be installing it in Europe’s most successful car: the Golf. The name of the new high-efficiency model: Golf TSI BlueMotion. Until now, the Golf BlueMotion was only available in diesel (TDI) and natural gas (TGI) versions. The Golf TSI BlueMotion (which can be ordered in the Trendline and Comfortline trim levels) now extends the model range with one of the most economical cars of our time. The combined fuel consumption of the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered Golf ever: 4.3 l/100 km. This fuel consumption equates to incredibly low CO2 emissions of 99 g/km – and the Golf TSI BlueMotion achieves these figures with both the standard 6-speed manual gearbox and the optional 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). At the same time, the Golf Estate and Golf Sportsvan will launch as TSI BlueMotion models. With a manual gearbox, the Golf Estate also consumes 4.3 l/100 km; with DSG the figure is 4.5 l/100 km. For the Golf Sportsvan, the figures are 4.5 (manual) and 4.6 l/100 km (DSG).

• Specific torque of a sports car. The 1.0 TSI on-board the Golf TSI BlueMotion is the first large-scale production petrol engine to attain a specific torque of 200 Nm per litre displacement. The maximum power of the three-cylinder engine – 85 kW / 115 PS – lies just above the level of the first generation Golf GTI (110 PS). In terms of responsiveness and top speed, the Golf TSI BlueMotion can reach 204 km/h and so surpasses the legend (182 km/h). When it comes to fuel consumption, it even beats the first diesel-powered Golf TDI BlueMotion (4.5 l/100 km). Clearly, the Golf TSI BlueMotion – a five-seater, and optional four-door all-round car that does not require even a hint of compromise from its owners despite its efficiency – is defining a new benchmark among petrol models in its class with diesel-like fuel consumption figures.

• Affordable. With the lowest price tag of any Golf BlueMotion version, the TSI model is extremely affordable. In Germany, the Golf TSI BlueMotion Trendline costs 20,450 euros – and includes standard features such as air conditioning, seven airbags, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, XDS electronic differential lock, start/stop system with brake energy recovery, model-specific rear spoiler in body colour, sport suspension (body is 15 mm lower) and BlueMotion 15-inch “Lyon” wheels.

Powering Your Car with Water: Audi Realizes the Green Dream, Synthesizes Diesel from H20

Maybe EVs aren’t inevitable after all. Audi, together with the German energy company Sunfire, has announced that it is able to synthesize diesel from water and CO2, and that the product can fuel automobiles.

The process involves heating water to 800 degrees Celsius, creating steam. Electricity—from a green-energy power source, naturally, biomass in this case—heats the water, and the resulting high-temperature electrolysis breaks it down into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released, and the hydrogen is combined with CO2 taken from the atmosphere. Under high heat and pressure, the two synthesize to create a liquid known as blue crude. The blue crude is refined into what Audi calls e-diesel.

So far, e-diesel is being mixed with traditional diesel, but it could potentially be used as a fuel on its own. The e-diesel is claimed to be sulfur-free and cleaner-burning than standard diesel. The first five liters went into the tank of an Audi A8 3.0 TDI driven by Germany’s Minister of Research.

Audi and Sunfire claim that the process to make e-diesel is 70 percent efficient. They estimate that once production is ramped up, the cost to consumers in Europe would be comparable to traditional diesel, at 1.00 to 1.50 euro per liter (approximately $4.00 to $6.00 per gallon).

VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 PASSAT LIMITED EDITION

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced pricing on the 2015 Passat Limited Edition model. The Limited Edition model will have a starting MSRP of $23,995 (plus transportation) and supersedes the Wolfsburg and SE models from the current model year.

The new Limited Edition model offers a great value: compared with the automatic transmission S model, it has $2,755 of additional equipment, but costs just $1,555 more. The Limited Edition model introduces the following standard equipment above the S: 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; KESSY® keyless access with push-button start; a rearview camera; V-tex leatherette seating surfaces; heatable front seats; a power eight-way driver’s seat with power lumbar; a touchscreen radio with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability; 8-speaker sound system; a leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking brake, and shifter; chrome window surrounds; and front foglights.

The Chattanooga, Tenn.-built Passat Limited Edition comes standard with the award-winning 1.8-liter, turbocharged and direct-injection EA288 TSI® four-cylinder engine, mated to Volkswagen’s smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. This highly efficient powerplant offers an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Like the rest of the Passat range, the 2015 Limited Edition model offers class-leading rear-seat legroom, a voluminous 15.9 cubic foot trunk, and German-engineered ride and handling.