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KBB: VW diesel prices have dropped 16%

There are a lot of post-scandal theories and metrics concerning Volkswagen's performance during the diesel emissions scandal, although none of them has created a clear picture of where things are headed. Kelley Blue Book has a few more to add to the spreadsheet, though, finding that average auction prices for VW diesels and Internet shoppers perusing them have both gone down in the past four weeks on KBB.com. Auction prices on the site are down an average of 16 percent for VW oil burners, which compares to a decline of 2.9 percent for gas-powered VWs. Shoppers are still on the lookout, though, even if the numbers are slightly reduced. Overall, "new-car shopping activity" for the small-capacity VW diesel offerings is down 2.4 percent, a number held partly in check by searches for the Jetta SportWagen being up by 3.7 percent. Shoppers are looking harder at the Audi A3 diesel, too, its activity up 1.6 percent. The Golf, though, is down 3.7 percent and the Golf SportWagen down 6.2 percent. Shoppers leaving the diesel fold aren't necessarily going for high-mileage options, either, KBB saying that the Ford Fusion and Honda Civic are quick alternatives to the Jetta TDI, while the Mercedes CLA and BMW 2 Series are getting new looks from those interested in the Audi A3 diesel. You can read the full release from KBB below. VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL VEHICLE PRICES DECLINE NEARLY 16 PERCENT, ACCORDING TO KELLEY BLUE BOOK DATA New-Car Shopping Activity Also Impacted by Recent Emissions Issue IRVINE, Calif., October 21, 2015 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry, today reports that average auction prices, along with new-car shopping activity on KBB.com, for Volkswagen diesel vehicles have declined four weeks after the diesel emissions issue was announced. The average auction price for Volkswagen diesel models dropped by nearly 16 percent since the news broke of the emissions crisis.[1] The average auction price for the brand's gasoline-powered vehicles declined by 2.9 percent.1 On KBB.com, Volkswagen new-car shopping activity for affected TDI models has decreased on average by 2.4 percent. "According to Kelley Blue Book Field Analysts, some auctions are still holding off on selling the affected Volkswagen inventory," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

2015 Audi TT's digital gauge cluster to spread throughout lineup

File this one under: "makes sense to us." According to Car and Driver, the slick new gauge cluster found in the 2015 Audi TT will expand to other models in the automaker's lineup. In the near term, expect the tech to make its way into the next R8 supercar (with a special performance display for that model), as well as the upcoming, all-new versions of the A4 sedan and Q7 crossover.
Audi's new customizable gauges first debuted at this year's CES - it uses a 12.3-inch TFT display, and, while similar to the systems found in the Cadillac CTS, XTS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, this system has the ability to show full-screen, three-dimensional maps. We had a chance to check out the new display in-person at CES, and found it to be impressive, though we're curious to see how distracting it is while driving.
Car and Driver says the system is still undergoing small tweaks before Audi officially launches it in the TT later this year. From there, the display will be standard in the R8, but Audi is unsure about whether or not to offer it as a standalone option in the higher-volume A4 and Q7 models.

Audi RS Q3 Performance pours sugar on the forbidden fruit

Don't let anybody tell you that Europeans don't like powerful SUVs any less than Americans do. They just like theirs a bit smaller. Case in point: the new Audi RS Q3 Performance. The latest in the ne plus ultra from Quattro GmbH joins the RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Sportback Performance in dialing up the power even further. So while the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five carries over from the existing RS Q3, its output swells to 367 horsepower (27 more than before) and 343 pound-feet of torque. As a result, this tall take on the hot hatch blasts to 62 in just 4.4 seconds before topping out on the open Autobahn at nearly 168 miles per hour. Along with the power boost, the RS Q3 Performance benefits from a retuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which works in tandem with the hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system to get the power down to the road. The suspension is lowered, with available adaptive dampers fitted to 20-inch alloys. There are subtle details inside and out to distinguish it from "lesser" RS Q3 models. Unfortunately while Audi does offer the Q3 in base form here in America, it doesn't offer the RS variant altogether, let alone this new enhanced version. In fact the RS7 is the only model in the line we get here, so we'll just add this one to our growing list of forbidden fruit that we'd like to taste. Our compatriots in Germany, however, can pick one up right away for 61,000 euros, before it even makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Related Video: 02/04/16 | Ingolstadt Pure power: the Audi RS Q3 performance - New top model with more power and exclusive equipment - Award-winning five-cylinder with 270 kW (367 hp) - Now accepting orders for the Audi RS Q3 performance Audi ignites the next stage of performance in the compact, high-performance SUV segment: The Audi RS Q3 performance* impresses with an output of 270 kW (367 hp) and 465 Nm (343.0 lb ft) of torque. This incredible power catapults the new top-of-the-line model from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 4.4 seconds. Standard top speed is 270 km/h (167.8 mph). The premium brand is honing its sporty profile with new RS performance models. The "performance" in the name stands for both a significant power boost and exclusive equipment that clearly elevates the respective model above the rest of the portfolio. This also applies to the new RS Q3 performance, whose pulse is driven by the legendary Audi five-cylinder engine.