Electel Blogspot

Volkswagen Group Ireland retail dealerships will, for the most part, operate a 'Click & Collect' service for new car buyers during the period of the Level 5 restrictions, writes Brian Byrne . The Group's brands include Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Skoda, SEAT and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. In a statement today, VGI says the retailers can accommodate most customer’s individual wishes, with the safety of both retailer staff and customer alike of paramount importance. "With Ireland at a crucial and significant juncture in the fight against COVID-19, Volkswagen Group and its network of dealers have worked tirelessly to ensure that all services, whether essential maintenance or click and collect vehicle orders are provided in accordance with government guidelines."  

Audi has begun series production of its new e-tron GT, which will be the brand's most powerful electric vehicle, writes Brian Byrne . Orders for the car will be accepted from the Spring of next year. In line with the move towards carbon-neutral production, the Böllinger Höfe factory where the car is being built operates on 100pc eco-electricity and heat from regenerative sources.  

Audi has revealed the prototype for a new member of its e-tron electric car family, the e-tron GT, writes Brian Byrne . With a power output of nearly 700ps, the coupe features two electric motors, air suspension, 4-wheel steering, and the ability to recharge 100km in five minutes at a suitable charging outlet. An intriguing feature is, when the car is getting close to a chosen charging station, the system begins cooling the battery so that it is ready for optimum charging. The production version will be released next year, with a guide price in Germany of €143,000. The company says the car will be available in all key markets. The Audi e-tron GT is being built at Audi Böllinger Höfe at Neckarsulm on the same line as the Audi R8.  

Given that the Audi Q3 was one of my favourite new cars of 2019, when it came to reviewing the latest Sportback version, it was starting well, writes Brian Byrne . The main differences are cosmetic, with a sleeker rear end treatment giving the original a less-SUV look. Sometimes doing this can look like a patchwork job, but they got this one right. Very. A lot in the current Q3 had been right anyway. I remember talking with the designer at one point, in depth about the details of the bodywork, which had subtly but substantially brought the model forward from its previous incarnation. Small things make big differences. Like the dip in the upper character line in the doors, emphasising lifts over the wheel arches and giving a quietly muscular impression to the vehicle. Similarly in the Q3 Sportback, that relatively small sloping of the C-pillar, and removing of the roof rails, quite changed the design direction. It successfully created a coupe, but without impinging on the car's spa...