2019 Audi SQ2

The new Audi SQ2 is now available to order in Europe. Power comes from a revised 2.0-liter TFSI engine producing 296 hp and a constant 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. Paired to a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the new SQ2 can catapult itself to 100 km/h from rest in just 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h. As standard the new Audi SQ2 will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/45 tires; a set of 19-inch wheels with 235/40 tires are optional. The brakes measure 340mm in diameter up front and 310mm in the rear. The chassis sits 20mm lower than the standard models, with the adaptive steering being tuned specifically for the SQ2, featuring a specially geared rack for more direct responses. The updated 2.0-liter TFSI features Audi鈥檚 two-stage valvelift system, which on the exhaust side ensures the optimal flow of the gases to the turbocharger, especially in low revs. This improves not just the torque, but also makes the engine more responsive. Another standout feature is the engine management system鈥檚 ability to deactivate the direct fuel injection under partial loads, spraying fuel indirectly into the intake manifold which reduces particle emissions, while a particulate filter is also present. The Quattro all-wheel drive system features a hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch which constantly shifts torque between the axles, having the ability to transfer up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels within milliseconds.

Audi continues the development work on the facelifted 2020 Q7, which is set to adopt a more dynamic look that鈥檚 more in line with the brand鈥檚 latest models. Our spies spotted a team of test cars during some cold-weather testing, with Audi engineers driving not only the standard Q7 but the sportiest SQ7 as well. The exterior of the 2020 Audi Q7 will feature a redesigned front fascia with new headlights, grille and bumper, in similar style to those found in the Q8. The rear end is also set to receive a new tailgate with the characteristic for Audi LED lights and a new bumper. The biggest change however will be found on the inside as the big Audi SUV is set to get what looks like a full dashboard swap, featuring the same layout and design with the Q8. That means that the facelifted Q7 will finally feature Audi鈥檚 triple-display setup, featuring the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster along with a pair of touchscreen displays for the infotainment and HVAC controls in the middle.

Should I buy one? Have you ever thought a Porsche Cayman looks a bit weedy somehow? Do you prefer the classic long-nosed design proportions, the handling manners or the generally more convenient comfortable daily usability of a front-engined sports car to what you鈥檇 get from a smaller, lighter mid-engined car? Do you like a leftfield, alternative take on life? Then, yeah, maybe you should. The 鈥楪R鈥?Supra isn鈥檛 quite a class-leading sports car judged solely (and probably overly simply) on its driving experience alone. It鈥檚 not as nimble, as immersive or as compelling as an A110; but, besides being quick, composed and plenty of fun to drive in its own way, it would also fit into your life more easily than the Alpine would. This is certainly a much better sports car, in many ways, than either of Nissan鈥檚 more recent Z cars were; or than the Mazda RX8 was. If it were only priced like either of those two, there would be one less caveat in the way of a ringing endorsement.

Among all the variations of the Porsche 356, there are few as rare or interesting as the Carrera models. From the beginning of the line, Carrera indicated a special racing model that offered high performance and a host of mechanical differences from the standard run of factory cars. The ambitious Porsche Carrera engine was first introduced in 1954, just six years into overall Porsche production. Called the Type 547, the engine displaced 1498 cc and utilized a racing-style dry sump lubrication system. The first Carrera engines were placed exclusively in Porsche 550 Spyder racing cars, but with the advent of the refreshed 356A line in 1956, Porsche made the Carrera package an option for road-going 356 Coupe, Cabriolet and Speedster buyers. The 1956 Porsche Carrera GT could do 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, and had a top speed over 125 mph. 5,215 for the Speedster. 2,000 more than the standard versions of the 356. That price increase was of course huge, but so was the increase in the performance, and the buyer got a seriously advanced and exotic powerplant over the rear axle.