Audi

A new interface so cool it's almost dirty.

Cars today are full of knobs, buttons, touch screens, haptic feedback, and even handwriting recognition pads. But nobody has adopted this sort of active Braille technology before. Audi may be onto something here in terms of creating an interface that is clear, dynamic, and truly holds no draw for your eyes to leave the road.

(CNET's full coverage of the 2011 Frankfurt auto show)

Audi improves on the A7's formula the only way it can: with more power!

The Audi A7 is probably the only member of the so-called "five-door GT" segment to pass through the Car Tech garage and be universally liked by the editors. So we were interested to see what the automaker would do with the sport-tuned 2013 S7, which was revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Predictably, the automaker didn't stray too far from the A7's formula. You know what they say, "If it ain't broke..."

Externally, the S7 differentiates … Read more

This week kicks off the Los Angeles Auto Show, where automakers show off their latest models and concepts in the city known for its car culture. CNET will be at the show during press preview days this week, getting a first-hand look. Here are some of the cars we are looking forward to seeing at the show: … Read more

With a powertrain configuration similar to that of the Chevy Volt, Audi's A1 e-tron represents a step towards a full electric car from the German automaker.

If you are strolling the streets of Munich any time soon, you may be treated to the sight of the quiet running Audi A1 e-tron. Audi began a testing program this week, putting 20 of the advanced powertrain cars on the road.

The A1 is Audi's new, compact city car. The e-tron version uses a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor producing 101 horsepower to drive the front wheels. Under electric power, … Read more

Audi is grappling with the challenge of designing cars for cities that don't yet exist. To figure out what the new urban landscape will look like, the auto manufacturer is working with the academics, designers, and mobility visionaries who will influence the end result.

By 2050, approximately 80 percent of the world's population will live in urban centers, according to Audi. Realizing that it won't be possible to sell existing vehicles in densely populated environments, the carmaker plans to create vehicles that respond to their environment, said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer for Audi of America.

To … Read more

Audi's may be some of the most connected cars and have one of the slickest infotainment platforms on the market, but it doesn't offer the telematics capabilities that you can find in a defunct Pontiac Aztek.

Parent company Volkswagen is remedying that shortcoming, and will partner with Hughes Telematics to bring telematics services to its family of vehicles starting in 2013.

Hughes will provide safety, diagnostics, and convenience services, such as navigation and accident response, for Volkswagen. The telematics company powers Mercedes Benz's MBrace technology, which provides similar capabilities to GM's OnStar service.

Like OnStar's … Read more

While their competitors add compacts, hybrids, and electric cars, Volkswagen and Audi are pursuing a different product strategy in the United States.

Both VW Group brands want the volume and higher profits that go with larger vehicles.

VW just launched the Passat sedan designed for the United States and built at its new Chattanooga, Tenn., factory. The U.S. Passat is larger though less expensive than the version sold in Europe.

VW executives have talked about selling a small car like the European Polo in the United States. But for now they are focusing on the Passat and two other … Read more

Here is an essential set of CNET videos to introduce you to what's happening in the connected car space. It's taking place on many fronts, so this is just a snapshot and can't possibly be complete so stay on top of all the latest in connected cars at Cars.CNET.com.

Toyota Entune shows a smart way of prepackaging a suite of apps so car owners don't have to manage them.

Cadillac CUE will debut in 2012 with a lot of cues from the smartphone home screen and computer desktop.

The GM OnStar Mobile App is … Read more

The Car Tech team has been at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and in our first day of coverage we've seen a mini electric car from Audi, a stylish SUV from Maserati, and a futuristic concept from Ford. Here's a rundown of the big stories of the day:

Audi Urban Concept Spyder Audi's little electric car explores extreme ideas in future urban transportation.

Mini Cooper Coupe Mini adds to its repertoire of fun, small cars with the smallest yet. This Coupe only has two seats.

BMW i8 plug-in hybrid concept BMW kicks off its new … Read more