2027 Audi RS5 first drive: A performance PHEV with split personalities

​Audi has developed an entirely new electric torque-vectoring rear differential.  Audi provided flights from Washington, DC, to Munich, Germany, and accommodation so Ars could drive the RS5. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. SAALFELDEN, Austria—Audi may have built a reputation for technology over the years, either pioneering or…

A global brand but local cars is Audi’s future, says CEO

​We talk with Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, about where he’s taking the company.  Audi provided flights from Washington, DC, to Munich, Germany, and accommodation so Ars could see its new Q, as well as drive its new RS5, which you can read about later this week. While…

Driving Porsche’s most powerful car—and no, it’s not a 911

​1,139 horsepower, 400 kW charging, brutally fast, and brutally expensive.  Porsche provided flights from Albany, New York, to Munich, Germany, and accommodation so Ars could drive the electric Cayenne Coupe. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. MUNICH, GERMANY—Think about every fast Porsche you’ve ever seen on the road—the…

Plug-in hybrids get plugged in more than you might think

​Toyota is the latest automaker to report PHEV charging stats, and they’re encouraging.  Plug-in hybrid powertrains were developed to be the best of both worlds: a combustion engine and fuel tank that can handle those longer journeys exactly the same as a non-hybrid car, with an electric motor and…

Leaving the V8 in the past: The all-electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door

​The 0–60 time is impressive, the miles/kWh number even more so.  At a star-studded event that closed downtown Los Angeles’ Sixth Street Viaduct last night, Mercedes and AMG unveiled the next generation of performance electric vehicles. The new four-door GT Coupe arrives in the midst of a pivotal period,…

Moose-proof and megacasting: Ars drives the new Volvo EX60

​Volvo is coming for its competitors with more efficient production and newer tech.  Volvo provided flights from Austin, Texas to Barcelona, Spain and accommodation so Ars could visit drive the EX60. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. BARCELONA, Spain—Volvo unveiled its new all-electric EX60 in January with a…