Perfect Ride

2014 sees the launch of the new Audi A3 convertible. For the first time ever, the open model isn't based on the hatchback, but on the sedan. Perfect Ride discusses the differences between the generations as well as the ad- and disadvantages of the new A3 convertible. Plus: The Jaguar F-Type is the latest sports car from the UK. The big cat poaches in the territory of the Porsche 911 Carrera.

With the creation of the Panamera S Hybrid, Porsche wanted to get rid of the Panamera’s image as a giant gas guzzler. And it’s indeed a fuel-saving miracle in its class. The sports car comes with an output of 380 HP and an average fuel consumption of just 6.8 liter. But the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is not the only eco-friendly car. The Audi A3 g-tron is a natural gas car, that’s CO2-neutral.

The International Motor Show Germany in Frankfurt is the world's biggest and most important automobile exhibition. Perfect Ride takes a look at the 2013 edition of the motor show and reveals all the automotive novelties and surprises that car manufacturers around the world have in store for visitors. Electric mobility and alternative drives play an important role.

The 1930s saw the introduction of diesel engines in passenger cars. Back then people dismissed them as truck engines and scorned them as dirty. But those times are finally over. Diesel engines have been established for ages and even arrived in motorsports. Audi dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans with its diesel-hybrid R18 e-tron quattro and uses this experience for future road vehicles.

They offer less space than a station wagon, they are more expensive than a sedan and they are still beststellers: coupes. They used to have just two doors and a sporty styling, but since then the definition of this competitive segment was broadened. With the Audi RS7, there is a new a rival for the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG and BMW M6 Gran Coupe and it comes with the performance of a sports car.

Audi A3, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes CLS have been bestsellers for years. In order to attract even more buyers and close the niches between the different vehicle classes, manufacturers extend their model series every so often: Proven technology under the bonnet, but a redesigned body. The results are cars between two worlds such as A3 Sedan, 5 Series Gran Turismo and CLS Shooting Brake.