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Volkswagen Group recalls 281,505 VWs and Audis for fuel leaks

The Basics: Volkswagen Group is recalling 281,505 total Volkswagen and Audi brand products in the United States for potential fuel leaks. Certain versions of the Audi A3, A6, A7, Q5, and Q7 are affected. In addition, some versions of the Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, and Golf GTI fall under the recall. It's unclear if vehicles outside of the United States will be recalled as well. The Problem: There are actually three separate recalls for three separate issues that all pertain to leaky fuel. All three recalls were issued simultaneously. The risk of unintended ignition is the main concern here. First off, 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 models [28,249 cars] are being recalled because of a degrading fuel hose in the engine compartment. Secondly, 143,214 gas-powered 2009-2012 Audi Q5s and 2007-2012 Audi Q7s are being recalled. The fuel cap may crack on these vehicles, leaking fuel. Finally, 110,042 total units of the 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan, and A3 Cabriolet will be recalled because of fuel leaking from the evaporative emissions system. Injuries/Deaths: According to Reuters, Volkswagen has reported no injuries or deaths related to the fuel leaks. In addition, the company has said there have been no fires started due to the leaks. The Fix: Three separate issues means three separate fixes. Volkswagen and Audi will be reaching out to customers soon, though the parts aren't yet available. For the A6 and A7, Audi will simply replace the under hood hose. For the Q5 and Q7, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. Finally, the affected Golf and A3 models will have the suction cup in the emissions system replaced. If you own one: Volkswagen and Audi will begin contacting owners starting next month regarding a fix. Related Video: News Source: NHTSA, Reuters Recalls Audi Volkswagen

Suspended VW exec Hackenberg resigns in wake of scandal

Ulrich Hackenberg, father of the innovative modular architecture that underpins many modern Volkswagen and Audi products and a 30 year veteran of the giant company, has resigned his position as the lead engineer for the entire Volkswagen Group as well as his seat on Audi's management board, reports Automotive News. The resignation closes out a two-month suspension while the investigation into VW's deceptive emissions practices continues.The resignation follows the admission by Audi that the 3.0-liter TDI V6 engine was also fitted with emissions-control defeating software, like some of its four-cylinder TDI counterparts. In turn, this lead to changes in Audi's management structure. AN reports that Matthias Muller, who has already taken over Martin Winterkorn's position as VW Group CEO, will also be named chairman of the Audi brand.Hackenberg's successor was named as part of this announcement. Stephan Knirsch, who has lead engine development at the Audi division, will assume Hackenberg's roles as both board member for Audi in charge of technical development, and as the head for technical development across the whole group.Related Video:

2017 Audi A4 pricing drops before Detroit debut

With its spring 2016 on-sale date rapidly approaching, Audi confirms the official pricing structure for the new A4 sedan. The four-cylinder-only A4 line starts at $38,250 – a $1,400 increase over last year's model – but like the similarly priced BMW 328i and Mercedes-Benz C300, that figure climbs quickly. For one, unless you're planning on living with a front-wheel-drive Audi, you'll need to add on $2,100 for the automaker's torque-vectoring Quattro all-wheel-drive system. And unless you want the basic Premium trim, plan on tacking on $3,800 for the Premium Plus trim or $8,600 for the range-topping Prestige. What's all this mean? For that, we'll turn to the newly switched-on online configurator. The standard A4 doesn't sound like a terrible deal, offering standard bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, three-zone climate control, leather seats, a sunroof, and a seven-inch MMI system. Moving up to the Premium Plus switches up to full LED headlights, heated front seats, a 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D stereo, push-button start, and an S-line exterior treatment. Finally, the top-line Prestige's notable standard items include an 8.3-inch, nav-equipped MMI system, Audi's excellent virtual cockpit (an Autoblog Tech of the Year finalist), and a head-up display. If you're balking at the trim packs, rest easy knowing Audi has spread the options around liberally. You can get navigation and heated seats on a base model – they're $2,400 and $900, respectively – and Virtual Cockpit can be added to the mid-grade model. The base can be had with standard 18-inch wheels, while the Premium Plus allows drivers to ditch the 18s and move up to 19s. Even the top-of-the-line Prestige has a few options, including an $1,800 Driver Assistance pack (adaptive cruise, auto high beams, and lane keeping assist ) and a $1,450 Warm Weather Pack (vented front sport seats). While you can get an A4 for $38,250, you can also build one up to $55,375. Look for the 2017 Audi A4 in dealerships this spring. And head over to the online configurator to build your ideal Audi sedan now.