All Audis now feature rear badges that depict the power output of their powertrain – made up of numbers that refer to the output of the drive system and its position within the Audi model hierarchy. The firm calls them model power badges.

The designations will be standardised across all drive types – petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric – and will comprise a two-number combination.

Basically, a lower number means lower power.

However, the numbers won’t reference the car’s exact power, but the output range within which it sits. For example, ‘30’ will be used on cars producing between 81 to 96kW (110 to 130hp); ‘45’ will be used on cars producing between 169 and 185kW (that’s 230 to 250hp).

The top badge will be ’70’, for cars producing more than 400kW (upwards of 545hp). All badges increase in increments of five; Audi offers examples such as the Q2 30 TFSI and Q7 50 TDI, as well as the A8 55 TFSI pictured here.

Do not confuse Audi’s power badges with, for example, the similar-sounding system used by Tesla. A Model S 75 has a 75kWh battery, and a Model S 100 has a 100kWh battery: the Audi system is a more arbitrary hierarchy that doesn’t directly reference engine power or electric output. 

Why does Audi use power badges?

Insisting it’s a “clearly discernible hierarchy”, Audi says it is using power badges because engine size is no longer a good way to judge the relative status of a car within its range – something that will be further shaken up by the onset of EVs.

“As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers,” said Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Audi. 

“The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels.” So there is a replacement for displacement after all. 

Audi S, RS and R8 models will not feature the power designation badges.

Audi power badges: a quick guide

• 30: 81 – 91kW (110 – 130hp)
• 35: 110 – 120kW (150 – 163hp)
• 40: 125 – 150kW (170 – 205hp)
• 45: 169 – 185kW (230 – 250hp)
• 50: 210 – 230kW (285 – 313hp)
• 55: 245 – 275kW (333 – 375hp)
• 60: 320 – 340kW (435 – 463hp)
• 70: 400kW+ (545hp+)

Today Donald Trump rides in a bespoke armored Cadillac limousine, used as the official United States presidential state car. 

However, Trump’s connection with custom stretched Cadillacs goes back to the 1980s. A partnership with coachbuilders and Cadillac saw a range of custom limos offered. 

One of these rare creations is now being listed for auction at the forthcoming Mecum Louisville sale, later this month. 

“The point is that you can’t be too greedy”

Rewind three decades, and Donald J. Trump was the feted business icon of New York City. His deals were buying up large chunks of prime Manhattan real estate, and his 1987 Art of the Deal book made him a household name.

Trump approached Cadillac with the idea of making the most luxurious limousine ever built. A partnership with Dillinger-Gaines Coachworks was made on the basis of 50 examples being ordered by the President.

Two versions were planned, based upon the Brougham sedan. An entry-level Executive Series was priced from $55,000, whilst the opulent $65,000 Gold Edition would – naturally – include extravagant gold trim throughout.

Gold Edition cars received gold pinstriping to the exterior bodywork, along with copious amounts of gold trim for the interior metalwork. Acres of rosewood and leather were also used.  

A unique front grille with vertical slats was also added, along with a raised vinyl roof and distinctive brushed metal side pillars. 

Inside would be every item that a 1980s business titan would need. This included a TV, VCR, fax machine, and even a paper shredder. Three cellular phones were added, along with writing desks and a built-in safe.

“Sometimes it pays to be a little wild”

Despite being notably teetotal, the Gold Edition even included a crazy ‘Perm-a-Pub’ bar system. A variety of drinks could be dispensed, with the licquor itself stored in trunk-mounted containers.

After the initial enthusiasm, Trump was said to have pulled back on the order for 50 cars. Instead, he reportedly ordered just one example for himself, whilst the weak financial market did not help demand from others. 

The final number of Trump limos made is disputed. Some sources suggest only two were created, whilst even the highest estimates suggest only seven examples were built. 

Curiously, the seller appears to have missed photographing many of the major Trump Gold Edition signifiers.  These include the ‘Trump Cadillac’ badging to the chrome B-pillar, and embroidered Trump logo on the rear seats. 

The gold Cadillac hood ornament also appears to have vanished, whilst the original Vogue-branded tires with gold pinstripes were replaced after clocking up 14,000 miles. 

Mecum Auctions does note that seller has all the paperwork from new, plus relevant brochures and instruction manuals.  

As with any car offered at auction, interested bidders should always make their own enquiries and use the opportunity to inspect a vehicle before flashing the cash. 

“Get in, get it done, get it done right, and get out”

In terms of just how much money will secure this stretch Caddy, a remarkably similar Trump Gold Edition sold at auction earlier this year. 

The Barrett-Jackson Northeast 2019 sale saw a blue 1989 Trump Gold Edition achieve only $8,250 including fees, when it crossed the block on June 27th. 

Buying a thirty-year-old Cadillac limousine is always likely to be a niche prospect, although a genuine Trump connection could create some degree of collectability. 

In the United Kingdom, a Trump Edition limousine – said to have been used by a family member – was offered for £50,000 ($61,500) in 2017. 

A Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, actually owned and used by Trump, sold in 2016 for $460,000 on an eBay listing.

This lengthy Cadillac will cross the block on Friday September 20th at the Mecum Louisville sale. For those wanting something a little less golden, a further 600 cars will also be on sale over the auction weekend.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has released its new car registration figures for the first half of 2019. Here, we reveal the top 25 best-selling cars of the year so far, including any significant changes from the same period last year. The results are presented in reverse order. We tip our hats to Tristan Young for alerting us to the figures.

25. BMW 3 Series – 12,814 registrations

Sales of the 3 Series are down 17.94 percent as BMW has to deal with the tricky transition period when a new model replaces an old one. Sitting outside the top 25 in 46th position you’ll find the Dacia Duster, with sales of the budget SUV up from 4,507 in the first half of 2018 to 8,822 in 2019.

24. Fiat 500 – 12,970 registrations

The Fiat 500 has enjoyed a remarkable innings, assisted by multiple special editions and a subtle refresh. Registrations are down 11.83 percent in the first half of 2019, however.

23. Vauxhall Grandland X – 13,126 registrations

The Grandland X is one of three Vauxhall models to make the top 25, with registrations totalling 13,126 units. Interestingly, the Astra sits outside the top 25 in 28th place. The facelifted Astra can’t come soon enough.

22. Ford Ecosport – 13,225 registrations

Ford has managed to shift 13,225 Ecosport models in the first half of 2019. We’re expecting the new Puma crossover to steal those sales in 2020.

21. Audi A1 – 13,543 registrations

The launch of the second-generation Audi A1 has seen sales of the premium supermini increase by nearly 13 percent. The Spanish-built A1 costs upwards of £17,735 and features a range of customisable options.

20. Nissan Juke – 14,684 registrations

You could be forgiven for thinking the new Nissan Juke is overdue, but British buyers beg to differ. Registrations are up 24.42 percent, with the UK accounting for around half of all Juke sales in Europe.

19. Land Rover Discovery – 15,055 registrations

Land Rover Discovery registrations are down 1.71 percent to 15,055 units. Moving forward, we can see the new Defender stealing sales from the Disco.

18. Citroen C3 – 15,340 registrations

The Citroen C3 is the only French car to make the top 25, with registrations up 9.71 percent. Interestingly, the Peugeot 208 (32nd) and Renault Clio (36th) fail to make the top 25. Will the new models make a difference?

17. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 15,582 registrations

It’s a solid showing for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with 15,582 registrations making it the UK’s most popular executive car. Sales are down 20.32 percent, mind.

16. Vauxhall Mokka X – 15,641 registrations

Vauxhall Mokka X registrations are down 16.47 percent to 15,641 units. We suspect the Grandland X has stolen sales from its inferior sibling.

15. BMW 1 Series – 16,225 registrations

There’s no stopping the outgoing BMW 1 Series, with registrations up 37.34 percent. We wonder if buyers are eager to grab a slice of the current model before it makes way for the new front-wheel-drive version?

14. Hyundai Tucson – 16,401 registrations

Prepare for a double-dose of Korean SUVs, with the Hyundai Tucson finishing 14th…

13. Kia Sportage – 18,870 registrations

Swiftly followed by the Kia Sportage. The Kia stays ahead of the Hyundai, but while Sportage sales are up just 0.94 percent, the Tucson is up 7.46 percent.

12. Toyota Yaris – 19,108 registrations

Toyota Yaris registrations are up 19.44 percent to 19,108 units. Sales are assisted by the availability of a hybrid version.

11. Mini Cooper – 19,558 registrations

The Mini Cooper remains as popular as ever, although registrations are down 5.23 percent. A new electric version will launch in 2020.

10. Volkswagen Tiguan – 20,285 registrations

The Volkswagen Tiguan is the first car in the top 25 to break the 20,000 mark, with registrations up 13.48 percent.

9. Ford Kuga – 20,483 registrations

The current Kuga is about to be superseded by a new model, so it’s no surprise to see a fall in registrations. The new version will be available with mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

8. Mercedes-Benz A-Class – 21,863 registrations

Cementing its position as the country’s favourite premium hatchback, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sees sales increase by 63.05 percent. That’s the power of an all-new model and a premium badge.

7. Volkswagen Polo – 23,691 registrations

Next up is the Volkswagen Polo, with registrations up 7.38 percent.

6. Range Rover – 27,043 registrations

This is a bit of an odd one, as the DVLA has grouped all Range Rover models together. This figure includes the Evoque, Velar, Sport and Range Rover.

5. Nissan Qashqai – 29,215 registrations

Spoiler alert: the top five is entirely predictable. Sales of the Nissan Qashqai are down 2.86 percent, but it remains the nation’s most popular crossover.

4. Vauxhall Corsa – 29,876 registrations

The Vauxhall Corsa is making a late charge before the new model arrives, with sales up 7.48 percent. The new version shares its platform with the Peugeot 208 and will include an electric variant.

3. Volkswagen Golf – 31,385 registrations

Now this is interesting. Volkswagen Golf registrations are down 24.25 percent. We wonder if the T-Roc (11,940 registrations) has stolen sales from the evergreen family hatchback?

2. Ford Focus – 32,149 registrations

Volkswagen’s loss gives Ford a one-two at the top of the table, with Focus registrations up 4.08 percent.

1. Ford Fiesta – 43,379 registrations

Which means the Ford Fiesta remains the country’s most popular car, although registrations are down 23.38 percent. Come back in six months to see if there are any significant changes when the full-year sales figures are in.

Eight in 10 people who bought a Seat Arona family SUV in the first few years of its life were new to the brand.

The same happened with the Arona compact SUV, Seat UK boss Richard Harrison told us at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

With the new Tarraco large SUV, it is happening yet again. People who have not previously driven a Seat are actively being drawn to the brand by its range of SUVs.

“It’s what helped us become the fastest-growing car brand in both 2017 and 2018,” said Harrison. “Our expanded range of cars, led by the SUVs, is attracting new customers who are perhaps considering Seat for the first time.”

• The best new cars at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show

Seat’s dealers are delighted. In a UK new car market that is declining, they are still selling more cars. Profitability at its dealers is, by mainstream standards, very healthy.

Now, Seat has topped the 3 percent market share mark, which makes it virtually as popular in 2019 as its sister brand Skoda. Just a few thousand sales separate them.

And as Seat’s sales are increasingly of higher-margin SUVs, the upward trajectory of the company is continuing.

The next opportunity to exploit with SUVs is the fast-developing Cupra brand, adds Harrison. Seat is showing the Cupra Tavascan electric concept at Frankfurt, a model he says has clear appeal.

“Cupra’s range of SUVs is a very modern interpretation of performance motoring. You could have something small and impractical, with just two seats, which you’d probably use rarely, but why would you?

“A performance model with added everyday utility and practicality seems, to me, a far more appropriate solution.”

If the cars can bring in another wave of customers new to the brand, Seat’s successful strategy will only gain further momentum.