Audi has stepped back from its earlier commitment to go fully electric by 2033. While the German automaker had previously outlined a complete shift to EVs within the next decade, a new report from Autocar reveals that this target is no longer fixed. In a recent interview, CEO Gernot Döllner explained that maintaining flexibility in the lineup is key — and that includes keeping internal combustion engines in production for the foreseeable future.

Rather than phasing them out, Audi is preparing to launch a new generation of gasoline-powered vehicles, some of which may not even feature hybrid systems. There’s no updated timeline for full electrification, and Döllner hinted that gas-powered Audis will continue to roll off the production line well past 2033.

Electric Push Slows, Market Demand Speaks

This shift appears to be driven by both consumer demand and regulatory timelines. The European Union’s mandate for all new vehicles to be electric by 2035 remains in place, but regional markets vary. In the U.S., just around 12% of Audi sales are electric models. Globally, that number climbs to 30% — ahead of Mercedes-Benz but trailing BMW.

Audi still plans to invest in electric vehicle development, continuing to benefit from the Volkswagen Group’s broader EV initiatives. However, this strategic pivot leaves room for enthusiasts who aren’t ready to say goodbye to traditional engines just yet.

Could More Gas-Powered RS Models Be on the Horizon?

Performance fans have reason to stay hopeful. Audi’s RS division — known for producing some of the brand’s most iconic combustion engines, like the RS6’s twin-turbo V10 and the TT RS’s thrilling inline-five — may still have new petrol-powered machines in the pipeline.

As for the future of beloved nameplates like the Audi TT or R8, Döllner didn’t rule them out entirely. He noted that it’s too early for any announcements, but teased that surprises could still be in store. One thing’s clear: the age of gas-powered Audis isn’t over just yet.

source: caranddriver

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Evolution and Features of the Volkswagen Kdf Typ 82 Kübelwagen

Dr. Porsche unveiled the initial specifications of the Volkswagen 82 (then referred to as Typ 62) in January 1938. The light military modifications were commissioned to the Trutz bodywork firm in Gotha, resulting in two prototypes presented to Hitler in February of the same year. One variant had an oval body and rounded fenders, while the other had a more angular appearance. However, military experts deemed neither prototype to possess a sufficiently pronounced military aura.

Consequently, a new prototype, nearly identical to the subsequent serial version, emerged. It received approval, and testing commenced. Early field tests revealed that Typ 62 lacked adequate stability on rough terrain, prompting Porsche to reinforce the rear suspension and overhaul the front. Additionally, a new differential and hydraulic steering mechanism were added.

The military vehicle was equipped with a four-speed nonsynchronized transmission and the standard 985-cubic centimeter engine from the Volkswagen Kdf, boasting 23.5 horsepower. The initial Typ 62 series was delivered to military units in December 1939, concurrently rebranded as Typ 82.

In 1940, the vehicles were equipped with a heater, and by the end of the year, over 1000 units were produced. In March 1943, a modification with a slightly more powerful 25 horsepower engine and a displacement of 1131 cubic centimeters was introduced.

Performance and Adaptations of the Volkswagen Typ 82 Kübelwagen during World War II

The air-cooled engine, while criticized for its performance in the Sahara and Eastern Front operations during World War II, was offset by the vehicle’s agility and durability. The Volkswagen Typ 82 Kübelwagen served as a fully versatile frontline vehicle, functioning as a four-passenger car, utility, communications, or cargo vehicle.

The model also had various iterations, including a limited-production amphibious version and several prototypes adapted for rail travel, equipped with tank treads, or featuring armored bodywork.

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Now the emblem has chrome rings and the new one is expected to have a two-dimensional look. The four rings will turn white with a thin black border around each one.

And with the new emblem there will be the so-called “black option” – where the otherwise white rings will be in dark gray, which should look like gloss black.

The four rings at Audi have a long tradition. The famous emblem was created back in the 1930s as a result of the merger of the four car brands Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer, which found expression in the Auto Union emblem.

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As medium-term alternatives to EU assembly, we will focus on greater localization of production, redeployment of capacity, finding technical alternatives similar to solutions used to overcome the effects of semiconductor shortages and other recent supply chain disruptions.” he said.

The company plans to implement these measures if gas supply problems continue “for an extended period of time beyond next winter,” the agency said.

In this case, “Volkswagen’s major plants in Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as the company’s energy infrastructure in southern Europe” would be at risk of closure.

source: bgnes

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Brakes and turn signals from Porsche

The idea to create the fastest 5-door station wagon production seems to have been liked when the project was put on the table in Zuffenhausen. The special Audi receives 17-inch wheels from the Porsche Cup; mirrors, turn signals and fog lamps of 964; 968 brakes; Porsche inscriptions on the cylinder head and on the RS emblem, which is reserved for the most powerful “11s”.

Who actually paid whom? In the RS2 project, both sides of the development are distributed to the maximum. One company needs attention and image improvement, and the other needs finance. The result of all this is the anabolic Audi 80 – that’s what it looks like and feels like when driving.

The three large openings in the front bumper of the RS are far from just for vision. They significantly contribute to the cooling of antifreeze, air to the turbo and oil. Under the hood runs a 2.2-liter 20V-engine with 5 cylinders – with a deadly sound and thanks to the turbocharger K24 with a liter of 140 “horsepower“: or a total of 315. Fortunately, there is a dual drive. Otherwise, we do not think what would happen after the engine “jumped” the turbo hole and “poured” the brutal power only on the front wheels. Thus, after 3500 rpm, the Audi is driven quite obediently and stops beautifully thanks to the technology from Porsche.

The suspension is tight, but not too tight, and the 6 gears are not typical for young timers. Nowadays the S4 needs the time for the 0-100 km / h sprint of 5.8 seconds. Twenty years ago, the doping station wagon cost a brutal 98,900 marks, and today it is more expensive to use than ever before.

Nowadays, this legendary car starts at 54,500 euros. The supply has been extremely reduced, as only 3,000 units have been produced. Many of these pieces are either bumped or “tuned” and damaged. Many of the “tuning” companies apparently did not understand that there is nothing to improve on this Audi-Porsche.

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An entirely new aluminum engine has been developed for the A59. It has a displacement of 2 liters, 4 valves per cylinder and electronically controlled fuel injection system. The “gentle” modification of the A59 develops a maximum power of 275 hp. at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 367 Nm at 3500 rpm. All this is thanks to the KKK turbocharger. Schmidt does not reveal exactly how much power the racing machine had – but in any case, significantly higher than the “road” version. Currently, the moving prototype of the A59 can be seen in the VW Museum in Wolfsburg. Of course, there are enthusiasts who give their mk3 only the vision of the A59.

Anyone behind the wheel of the A59 should know what to do. The “runner” has a 6-speed transmission, 4×4 drive and three electronically controlled locks – the central, front and rear differential. They intelligently distribute traction between the four wheels. However, the 4-cylinder engine “pours” its power so spontaneously that inexperienced drivers will be unpleasantly surprised. And this is no accident: after all, the A59 is designed to accelerate as quickly as possible when exiting a corner and, in the event of a mistake, to move “with the doors forward”. Rally legend Walter Röhrl is involved in the development of the super-powerful Golf and personally participates in the tests of the Nurburgring’s car. On the tuning stage of Golf 3, the kits for A59 are in great demand.

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At 185 km / h on the highway, and in the back your wife is playing with the children? And you buy a Porsche! Businessmen are in a hurry for a meeting – and they need a 9-second acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h? You need a Porsche again! No, this is not a dream – but a reality. A slightly different Porsche with a 6-cylinder rear engine was created 35 years ago. It’s called B32 – and we’ll introduce you to its history.

Thanks to the 6-cylinder engine, the speedometer arrow on the bus shows 200km / h, despite the aerodynamics it has.

In the early 80’s, Porsche’s head of development Helmut Bot (1925-1994) gave the green light for the design of the strange model, after the tuned Bulli presented itself brilliantly as a prototype. According to various sources, the number of units produced is between 15 and 20. A hot engine from Carrera runs in the back. Naturally, there is also air conditioning and a stove on board. The price of this bus was – 145,000 Deutsche Mark (74,000 euros). For comparison: in 1984, the Carrera 3.2 cost 66,950 Deutsche Mark (33,740 euros)!

Today, the prices of the “king of space” have not fallen. And the “911” in it works completely real – there is no trace of compromise. The boxer growls and spins like any standard 911, it is a “donor” to both the transmission and many components of the suspension. Well, the infinitely long path of the gear lever can be annoying. There are disc brakes only on the front, and when the bus is not loaded, you feel the settings for the track.

This unique combination drives Porsche fans crazy. Who loves the 911 and has a family, this is the perfect combination of luggage, comfort and a fast car.

Here are some of the basic technical details of this Porsche:

Volkswagen has almost nothing to do with the creation of the B32, but without a doubt the Porsche bus, although unofficially, is the pearl in the crown of the T3.

source:autobild.bg

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Schaefer referred to the new small Fabia car, which will go on sale later this year with a starting price below 14,000 euros ($ 16,750).

Skoda is currently the 8th brand in Europe in terms of sales based on data from 2020 from the ACEA industry association, which reports registrations in the markets of the European Union, EFTA and the United Kingdom.

The brand is also rolling out sales of the Enyaq full-electric compact SUV, its first model based on VW’s MEB platform.

Skoda will have to overtake Ford and Toyota to reach the top five. The Volkswagen brand was the best-selling brand last year, followed by Renault, Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Skoda sold 643,019 cars in Europe last year (2020). Of course, sales fell during the pandemic, but the carmaker increased its market share to 5.4% from 4.8% a year earlier.

Skoda was the second best-selling brand in the Volkswagen Group’s portfolio throughout Europe during the year.

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