Audi TT RS gets the green light for America

After thousands of enthusiasts signed an online petition demanding it, and after solid reviews from the media, including AW, Audi has announced the TT RS will come to the United States. Look for it in showrooms about a year from now. The RS is the performance version of the TT coupe, with a 360-hp, 2.5-liter TSFI turbo five-cylinder engine powering all four wheels through Audi's quattro drive system.

New SEAT Leon Ecomotive: From £19,360 & 87g/km

The new SEAT Leon Ecomotive (pictured) is the most frugal Leon ever The new SEAT Leon Ecomotive – which debuted at Frankfurt last month – has now gone on sale in the UK and boasts of being the most efficient Leon ever. Available in 3-door SC, five-door and Touring versions, the Leon Ecomotive manages to improve economy and emissions over the already frugal regular 1.6 litre TDI by cutting emissions to 87g/km, equal to 85.6mpg. Part of the improved economy and emissions is down to weight saving – SEAT are claiming the new Leon  Ecomotive weighs 90kg less – low resistance tyres and improvements in aerodynamics of ten per cent.

Saab: China’s Pang Da & Youngman to invest $7.5 billion. UPDATED

Saab: China to invest $7.5 billion Update: We have now been told by Saab that Pang Da and Youngman are to provide €50 million immediately and €600 million for short to medium finance. Funding for the revised business plan and provide long-term financial stability the new Chinese owners have also budgeted funding for the planned expansion of Saab Automobile’s portfolio and additional operations to be set up in China There will be a reduction of 500 in the employee numbers. Sales targets for 2012 of 35-55,000 cars and 2013 of 75-85,00 and long-term of 200,000 cars a year Interestingly, Saab says that ‘Saab Automobile has not received the funds from Pang Da and Youngman that have been committed for today.’ Oh, well. Although the deal which will see Saab sold to China’s Youngman and Pang Da is still subject to a raft of approvals – Swedish Debt Office, EIB, GM, Chinese Government… – it seems the Chinese have big plans to invest up to $7.5 billion in Saab in the coming years.