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NEW CARS

New Audi A6 allroad Arrives With Smarter quattro Ultra All-Wheel Drive and Plug-In Hybrid Power

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The new Audi A6 allroad has arrived at Audi dealerships, combining the familiar strengths of the allroad formula with more sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology and an expanded electrified powertrain lineup. Prices start at €77,250 for the six-cylinder diesel, while the new plug-in hybrid version starts at €80,250.

Designed to bridge the gap between a premium estate and a more capable all-weather vehicle, the Audi A6 allroad continues to focus on long-distance comfort, confident handling and traction across changing road conditions. At the heart of the latest model is Audi’s quattro ultra all-wheel-drive system, which is designed to deliver the traction benefits of quattro while reducing drivetrain losses when four-wheel drive is not required.

Audi A6 allroad gets a new plug-in hybrid option

The latest Audi A6 allroad is available with a 3.0-liter V6 TDI featuring MHEV plus technology and an electrically powered compressor. For the first time, however, customers can also choose a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

That addition broadens the A6 allroad’s appeal by combining electrification with the model’s established focus on long-distance versatility. Both the V6 TDI and plug-in hybrid versions use quattro ultra technology, giving the A6 allroad the ability to optimize power distribution according to the conditions.

The result is a drivetrain designed to balance efficiency with the instant availability of all-wheel-drive traction.

How Audi quattro ultra works

Unlike a conventional permanent all-wheel-drive system that continuously drives both axles, quattro ultra can temporarily disconnect the rear drivetrain when additional traction is not required.

The system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch at the transmission output together with a second decoupling clutch integrated into the rear axle differential. When the vehicle is cruising under low load and there is little risk of wheel slip, both clutches can open.

This disconnects the driveshaft and rear drivetrain components, reducing mechanical friction and helping improve efficiency.

But the important point is that the Audi A6 allroad does not simply wait for the wheels to lose traction before engaging the rear axle. quattro ultra works predictively, constantly analyzing the vehicle’s behavior and the road ahead to determine when all-wheel drive will be advantageous.

Predictive all-wheel drive can react before wheel slip occurs

Audi’s quattro ultra system continuously evaluates a wide range of parameters, including steering angle, accelerator demand, transmission setting, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, body movements and the estimated coefficient of friction between the tires and road.

It also learns from the driver’s behavior and takes the selected Audi drive select mode into account.

The system can predict approximately 0.5 seconds in advance when all-wheel drive is likely to be required. Once a decision is made to engage the rear axle, the complete process takes around 200 milliseconds.

That means quattro can be ready before the driver actually needs the additional traction.

This approach is particularly useful when pulling away, accelerating hard, entering a corner at speed or encountering a low-grip surface such as wet asphalt, snow or loose gravel.

“The transition between different operating modes of the all-wheel-drive system is imperceptible to the driver. What the driver feels in any situation is the traction and driving dynamics associated with quattro,” said Rouven Mohr, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

Front-wheel drive when efficiency matters, quattro when traction is needed

During efficient driving conditions, the quattro ultra system can send 100 percent of available drive torque to the front axle. If conditions change, the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch progressively brings the rear axle into operation.

Torque distribution is continuously adjusted according to traction, driving dynamics and comfort.

Under heavy acceleration, Audi says more than 70 percent of available torque can be transferred to the rear wheels on dry roads. This allows the A6 allroad to retain the characteristic traction and dynamic behavior associated with quattro while still benefiting from reduced mechanical losses during less demanding driving.

The result is a system that attempts to provide the best of both worlds: front-wheel-drive efficiency when additional traction is unnecessary and all-wheel-drive capability when it matters.

Four decades of Audi quattro technology

The latest A6 allroad is also the newest chapter in a technology story that began with the original Audi quattro in 1980.

Over more than four decades, Audi has progressively developed its all-wheel-drive systems. The technology has evolved from the manually locking center differential of the original Ur-quattro to various generations of Torsen differentials and, ultimately, today’s electronically controlled systems.

Audi has now produced more than 15.6 million vehicles equipped with quattro. According to the company, that represents approximately one-third of all Audi vehicles produced since the introduction of the technology.

Few technologies are as closely associated with a premium automotive brand as quattro is with Audi, and the A6 allroad remains one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy.

A6 allroad combines comfort with all-weather capability

The Audi A6 allroad has traditionally occupied a distinctive position in the market. Rather than being a conventional luxury estate or a full-size SUV, it combines estate-car driving characteristics with increased versatility and all-weather capability.

The latest version continues that formula while adding a more sophisticated approach to all-wheel-drive efficiency.

The ability to disconnect the rear drivetrain during low-load driving can help reduce friction and consumption, while predictive engagement ensures that the driver does not have to manually select four-wheel drive when conditions deteriorate.

That makes quattro ultra particularly well suited to a vehicle intended for long-distance travel, where highway efficiency and predictable traction can be equally important.

Source: Audi

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A Smarter Cabin for Porsche’s Future Classics

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Porsche is giving owners of its modern classics a compelling reason to upgrade their in-car technology. The new-generation Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus) brings modern infotainment, navigation and connectivity features to more than 300,000 Porsche 911, Cayman and Boxster models built between 2009 and 2016.

Designed specifically for Porsche’s future classics, the latest PCCM Plus combines contemporary digital technology with a factory-style appearance that integrates seamlessly into the interiors of older sports cars. The system is available through Porsche Centres worldwide in two model-specific versions covering the 997.2, 987.2, 981 and 991.1 generations.

Porsche PCCM Plus Brings Modern Technology to Older Sports Cars

The Porsche PCCM Plus has become one of the most popular factory retrofit solutions for owners who want modern infotainment without compromising the original character of their cars.

The latest generation takes that concept considerably further. Rather than simply adding a new touchscreen, Porsche has developed the system to integrate more deeply with the vehicle’s existing architecture and controls.

The system features a seven-inch high-resolution touchscreen, while vehicles equipped with a multifunction steering wheel can also operate key infotainment functions through the existing steering-wheel controls.

Porsche has also retained support for vehicle-specific settings and information. Depending on the model and equipment, navigation instructions and music information can be displayed directly within the instrument cluster.

That level of integration is important for owners of collectible Porsche models, where aftermarket modifications can sometimes look out of place. The PCCM Plus is designed to appear as though it belongs in the car from the factory.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto With Wireless Connectivity

One of the biggest upgrades is the integration of modern smartphone connectivity.

The new Porsche PCCM Plus supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connections available through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This allows owners to access compatible navigation, music, communication and other smartphone applications without relying on a conventional wired connection.

The system also supports Bluetooth audio streaming, including metadata such as song titles and artist information.

Depending on local regulations, YouTube video playback is also available when the vehicle is stationary.

Porsche has even added a visual customization feature that allows the virtual vehicle shown on the infotainment display to be configured in a Porsche exterior color. It is a small detail, but one that reinforces the connection between the digital interface and the physical car.

Navigation Gets More Sophisticated

Navigation is another area where the new PCCM Plus moves significantly beyond the technology originally available in these Porsche models.

The system can display speed-limit information based on map data and supports satellite imagery. Map updates can also be installed over the air, reducing the need for traditional manual update procedures.

For drivers who bought their Porsche for the experience rather than simply getting from A to B, Porsche has included its Scenic Roads navigation function. The system can select particularly winding and panoramic routes, potentially turning an ordinary journey into a more engaging drive.

The new infotainment system also provides access to vehicle information such as oil temperature and oil pressure through the trip display.

Visual Parking Assistance for Cayman and Boxster

The PCCM Plus also adds useful functionality to the Porsche Cayman and Boxster.

Models equipped with the existing acoustic parking aid can gain a visual representation of the distance to obstacles on the infotainment screen. This supplements the audible warnings with a more intuitive graphical display.

For owners of older sports cars that were developed before today’s extensive parking-assistance systems became commonplace, it is a meaningful convenience upgrade.

Modern Audio and Connectivity Features

Porsche has equipped the new PCCM Plus with a broad range of audio and connectivity technologies.

Depending on the market, the system supports DAB, HD radio, FM and AM through dual tuners. Existing vehicle sound systems can also be connected, helping owners retain the audio hardware already installed in their Porsche.

The system includes internal and external microphones, Bluetooth streaming and interfaces for external media sources.

A nano-SIM card slot with 4G connectivity further expands the system’s online capabilities, although the availability of individual connected services depends on the market and vehicle configuration.

Two Versions Cover the 987.2, 997.2, 981 and 991.1

Porsche is offering the new PCCM Plus in two model-specific configurations.

The first version is designed for the 911, Cayman and Boxster from model years 2012 to 2016, covering the 991.1 and 981 generations.

The second version is intended for model years 2009 to 2013, covering the 997.2 and 987.2 generations.

In total, Porsche says the new system is suitable for more than 300,000 vehicles that are increasingly being viewed as future classics.

The availability of individual functions varies according to the vehicle model, specification and market. Some services also require an active internet connection.

Porsche PCCM Plus: Key Facts

  • System: New-generation Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus
  • Compatible models: Porsche 911, Cayman and Boxster
  • Generations: 997.2, 987.2, 981 and 991.1
  • Model years: 2009–2016, depending on version
  • Display: Seven-inch high-resolution touchscreen
  • Smartphone integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
  • Navigation: Map-based speed limits, satellite imagery and Scenic Roads
  • Map updates: Over the air
  • Audio: DAB, HD, FM and AM dual tuners, plus Bluetooth streaming
  • Connectivity: 4G nano-SIM support
  • Vehicle information: Oil temperature and oil pressure
  • Parking assistance: Visual obstacle-distance display on compatible Cayman and Boxster models
  • Availability: Porsche Centres worldwide
  • Installation: Porsche recommends installation at a Porsche Centre

Source: Porsche

News

Leapmotor Delivers Record 310,052 Vehicles in Q3 2026 as Global Growth Accelerates

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Leapmotor has continued its remarkable expansion in the global new energy vehicle market, delivering 105,656 vehicles worldwide in September 2026 and setting a new quarterly record of 310,052 units in the third quarter.

The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer increased September deliveries by 2.45 percent compared with August and by 59 percent year over year, marking the third consecutive month in which Leapmotor has exceeded the 100,000-unit monthly sales milestone.

The latest figures underline the speed of Leapmotor’s international expansion and reinforce the company’s rapidly growing presence in the global electric vehicle market.

Leapmotor Exceeds 100,000 Deliveries for Third Consecutive Month

Leapmotor delivered 105,656 vehicles globally in September 2026, up from the previous month and significantly ahead of the same period last year.

The September result represents a 59 percent year-over-year increase and marks the third consecutive month with more than 100,000 vehicles delivered.

That consistency is particularly significant for a manufacturer that has expanded from its Chinese home market into an increasingly broad international footprint. Rather than relying on a single exceptionally strong month, Leapmotor has now demonstrated sustained monthly volumes above the 100,000-unit threshold.

The company entered the third quarter with strong momentum and maintained that pace through September, producing a record-breaking quarterly performance.

Record 310,052 Vehicles Delivered in Q3

Leapmotor delivered 310,052 vehicles worldwide during the third quarter of 2026.

That represents a 78.34 percent increase compared with the third quarter of 2025 and a 25.87 percent improvement over the second quarter of 2026.

The result establishes a new quarterly delivery record for the company and highlights the accelerating scale of Leapmotor’s operations.

According to the company, the performance further strengthens its position among China’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturers and places Leapmotor among the top three Chinese NEV brands and the top four global NEV manufacturers.

The numbers also illustrate how quickly the competitive landscape is changing as Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers expand beyond their domestic market.

Leapmotor B01 and B10 Reach 300,000-Unit Production Milestone

Leapmotor’s growth is not limited to overall company deliveries. Its B01 and B10 model families have also reached an important production milestone.

Combined cumulative production of the Leapmotor B01 and B10 has exceeded 300,000 units in just 18 months.

Leapmotor says the achievement represents company records for both the fastest production of 300,000 vehicles and the fastest accumulation of 60,000 overseas exports for any model family in its history.

The figures demonstrate the importance of the B-series models to Leapmotor’s global expansion strategy.

The B01 has maintained strong demand since its introduction, while the B10 has emerged as a key vehicle for the company’s international growth.

Leapmotor B10 Expands Into More Than 40 Countries

The Leapmotor B10 is becoming increasingly important outside China, with the electric SUV now available in more than 40 countries and regions.

Europe has emerged as one of its strongest international markets. During the first half of 2026, the B10 ranked as the best-selling Chinese compact battery-electric SUV in Europe.

That achievement places the B10 directly into one of the most competitive segments of the European electric vehicle market, where manufacturers are competing for buyers seeking a combination of range, technology, practicality and value.

Leapmotor’s expanding international distribution network also provides the company with an increasingly broad platform from which to introduce future electric and electrified models.

Leapmotor Technology Day Introduces LEAP 5.0

Alongside its sales and production expansion, Leapmotor is continuing to invest heavily in vehicle technology.

At its 2026 Leapmotor Technology Day, the company unveiled its next generation of technologies, including the LEAP 5.0 architecture and new integrated battery technologies.

The company says its technology strategy is supported by 11 years of full-stack in-house research and development.

Leapmotor also presented several technologies aimed at the next stage of intelligent mobility, including embodied intelligence, high-definition imaging systems and panoramic head-up displays.

The company is positioning these developments as part of a broader transition toward increasingly software-defined, connected and intelligent vehicles.

Leapmotor’s Global Expansion Enters a New Phase

Leapmotor’s September and third-quarter results show a company operating at a significantly larger scale than just a year ago.

More than 105,000 vehicles delivered in a single month, combined with a quarterly total above 310,000 units, represents a substantial increase in production and sales volume. At the same time, the rapid production and export growth of the B01 and B10 demonstrates that Leapmotor is increasingly building its business around models designed to compete internationally.

The company’s technology investments add another dimension to that expansion. With LEAP 5.0, integrated battery systems and new intelligent vehicle technologies entering the spotlight, Leapmotor is attempting to combine high-volume production with an increasingly sophisticated technology platform.

For the global electric vehicle industry, the September 2026 figures provide another indication of the growing scale of China’s NEV manufacturers and the increasing competition they are bringing to markets around the world.

If Leapmotor can maintain the momentum demonstrated during the third quarter, its next stage of growth will increasingly depend on how successfully it converts its rapidly expanding production capacity and international presence into sustained demand across Europe and other overseas markets.

Source: Leapmotor