Audi Avant A4 Quattro Premium 2.0t 2010 44k Miles -- 3-year Warranty on 2040-cars

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Horn, Hackenburg, Hatz to be fired as VW diesel scandal deepens

Volkswagen will sack three more high ranking executives, including the head of its US division, as the company's diesel scandal deepens. Reuters reported Thursday morning that the executives are: Michael Horn, who has led VW's US operations since January 1, 2014; Ulrich Hackenberg, who oversaw Audi's research and development; and Wolfgang Hatz, who was in charge of R&D for Porsche. A VW spokesman wouldn't comment in response to an Autoblog email. The moves come in the wake of longtime VW chief executive Martin Winterkorn stepping down on Wednesday. Volkswagen's board said at the time that it expected more personnel changes to follow. Volkswagen's board is scheduled to meet Friday, and Porsche CEO Matthias Muller has reportedly been named as Winterkorn's successor. The German auto giant was plunged into crisis last Friday when the EPA charged that the company manipulated software in its diesel-powered cars to pass US emissions tests. About 482,000 vehicles in the US are affected, and VW estimates 11 million around the world could have the rigged software. The revelations have prompted outcry from governments and regulatory agencies, and in the US, Volkswagen could face a fine of up to $18 billion. The departure of Horn, Hackenberg, and Hatz is a stunning downfall for three of the company's top and most visible executives. Horn had led US operations for less than two years, taking over from Jonathan Browning, who was well-respected but failed to reach VW's ambitious sales targets. Before overseeing Audi R&D, Hackenberg was hailed as a visionary for work in developing VW's modular architectures, which allow the company to save time and money by building many vehicles off the same chassis. Hatz had led Porsche R&D since 2011 and also was in charge of engines and transmission development for all of Volkswagen. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Getty Images Government/Legal Green Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Audi Porsche Volkswagen Emissions Diesel Vehicles vw diesel scandal vw diesel ulrich hackenberg michael horn wolfgang hatz

2015 Audi TT picks up the style, pace with Xcar

With the original TT, Audi arguably valued style over substance. The equation reversed - at least to an extent - with the second-generation model. But with this latest MkIII version, the German automaker appears to have finally imbued its compact sports car with the performance to back up its runway looks.
That is, at least, what the team at Xcar has to say, having driven the latest Audi sports coupe on the rainy roads of Scotland - taking in its crisp lines, sharp handling, nippy performance and impressive technology along the way. But don't let us spoil it for you: Watch for yourself to see how the new TT measures up against its stylish forebears.

Hackenberg says next Audi A4 set for Frankfurt debut

The current Audi A4 is among the oldest vehicles in the brand's lineup. Having debuted back in 2008, it's long overdue for an update, and according to our friends at Indian Autos Blog, that'll happen in roughly six months. IAB spoke to Audi research and design chief Ulrich Hackenberg, who indicated that the fifth-generation A4 will be shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The new sedan will be unveiled in "a pre-presentation" before the auto show itself, Hackenberg told IAB, adding that "you'll be happy to see it." Information beyond that, though, remains sparse. Based on our previous spy photos, we expect the new A4 to ride on the Volkswagen Group's modular MLB Evo platform that's been stretched to accommodate a larger wheelbase. The styling, meanwhile, will be more evolutionary, inspired in part by the new TT. Expect more on the next-generation A4 as September approaches. Related Video: