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2017 Audi A4 evolves into a larger, lighter luxury sedan [w/video]

Audi took the evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, approach when it came time to redesign the brand's A4. While the latest generation's look might not set hearts racing, a plethora of tiny tweaks by the engineers manage to make the the four-door larger, up to 264 pounds lighter, and slice the drag coefficient down to 0.23. Audi has made its modern reputation on the style and quality of its interiors, and the new A4 seems to make good on that tradition. In-cabin appointments and tech see a serious upgrade, including offering Audi's fully digital, Virtual Cockpit, instrument panel. In the US, the new A4 arrives for the 2017 model year offering power from either diesel or gasoline. The 2.0-liter TDI is essentially a carryover from the Audi lineup, but the 2.0-liter TFSI sees some big upgrades, including a new cylinder head. It's now rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. At launch here, all A4s get a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Front-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive are available. For an added dose of forbidden fruit, you can check out the crimson A4 Avant in the gallery above the from Frankfurt Motor Show. Take a good look because this long-roof variant isn't coming to the US. Yes, we're listening to sad violin music, too. Although, the next Allroad is coming here eventually after that higher-riding wagon debuts.

Recharge Wrap-up: Chevy Volt named KBB "Best Buy," slow BMW i3 sales in Germany

The Chevrolet Volt has been awarded Kelley Blue Book's Electric/Hybrid Car Best Buy for 2015. KBB cited the car's electric commuter capabilities, extended range, acceleration, design and overall value as reasons to place it above the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 and Toyota Prius. It works well in the real world, and doesn't leave drivers with range anxiety. Plus, it's comfortable, and a fun car to drive, according to KBB. Read more at Kelley Blue Book. The BMW i3 is seeing slow sales in Germany. BMW has sold about half the number of i3s it expected in its home country, with about 1,900 sold in the first nine months. BMW projected sales of 5,000 to 6,000 in the first year. BMW partly blames long shipping times for the slow sales, and the company is offering incentives in hopes of getting more people to adopt the electric car. In the US, BMW sold more than 1,000 units each month between August and October. Read more at Green Car Reports. Audi is pursuing new carbon-neutral synthetic fuels - or e-fuels - such as Audi e-diesel. Audi's newest project uses electrolysis of water to create hydrogen, which it then reacts with CO2 extracted from the air. The result is a liquid - called Blue Crude - full of energy from hydrocarbon compounds. The Blue Crude can then be converted into a sulfur-free synthetic diesel called e-diesel. This e-diesel can be used as a drop-in fuel, blended into fossil diesel for a more renewable fuel. Read more at Hybrid Cars. Uber is partnering with Spotify to allow passengers to choose what music they listen to during their ride. Users will be able to choose their own playlist that will be ready and playing for them when they are picked up. It offers a more personalized experience from the ride-hailing service, which, according to Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, is "nirvana" for music lovers. Paying Spotify users will be able to use the feature initially in London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Nashville, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney and Toronto. Check out the video below and read more at Wired. Featured Gallery 2014 Chevrolet Volt View 11 Photos Related Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos News Source: Kelley Blue Book, Green Car Reports, Hybrid Cars, WiredImage Credit: Chevrolet Green Audi BMW Chevrolet Transportation Alternatives Technology Emerging Technologies Electric Videos recharge wrapup

California orders VW Group to fix 15,000 3.0L diesel vehicles

The California Air Resources Board has ordered Volkswagen to come up with a plan for repairing approximately 15,000 cars sold in the state that contain illegal software that may circumvent emissions testing. In a letter sent to Volkswagen Group of America and several company brands, CARB's chief emissions officer says the company has 45 business days to submit a recall plan that will fix affected Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche models equipped with 3.0-liter diesel engines sold in the state since 2009. "We expect full cooperation in this investigation so this issue can be addressed expeditiously and appropriately," wrote Annette Herbert, chief of emissions compliance. The violations first surfaced in a meeting last week between California regulatory officials and Audi executives. In that meeting, Audi admitted certain versions of A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 models contained three previously undisclosed auxiliary emissions control devices. An auxiliary device is not necessarily the same as a defeat device that intentionally cheats on emissions testing, but Audi and other affected brands hadn't disclosed the existence of the AECDs, which is a violation of the state's health and safety code. Had they been disclosed prior to vehicle certification, there's a possibility CARB may have approved use of the devices. In a statement Wednesday, CARB did not elaborate on whether it considered the three devices mere AECDs or defeat devices. When Volkswagen submits its plan to fix the cars, CARB says it must include an assessment of how the repairs will affect fuel economy, performance, drivability, and the safety of each vehicle. The 15,000 cars affected in California are part of roughly 85,000 nationwide which contain the affected 3.0-liter engines. The US Environmental Protection Agency may soon address how it expects Volkswagen to fix the remaining cars. "EPA and CARB are working closely and continue to investigate following the admission by Volkswagen that the issues EPA identified in the November 2nd NOV (Notice of Violations) extend to all 3.0-liter diesel Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche vehicles," an agency spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday. "EPA will take all appropriate enforcement action." The 3.0-liter developments, of course, come on top of the company's September admission that 482,000 diesels equipped with 2.0-liter engines contain defeat devices that detect emissions testing and alter the cars' performance.