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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

Chevy Corvette Z06, Ford F-150 Raptor join Lego Speed Champs

Get ready to park some performance machines on your desk: Lego's 2016 line of Speed Champions kits will add seven new vehicles for next year, according to an update to the database Brickset. These include some serious muscle like a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ford Mustang GT. There's also a listing called "Chevrolet Camaro Drag Race" and a very cool combo titled "Ford F-150 Raptor Ford/Model A Hot Rod". Fans of European performance don't need to be jealous, though. The database shows a kit called "Porsche 919 Hybrid and 917K Pit-Lane." Plus for fans of the Four Rings, the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro and R8 LMS Ultra are also getting their own Lego models. Fourtitude appears to have some leaked shots, if you want to see what these kits will look like. Lego has partnered with Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari and offers Speed Champions kits for vehicles like the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1, Ferrari 458 Italia GT2, and LaFerrari. The models in the series aren't as heavily detailed as the massive Mini Cooper or Volkswagen Bus sets, but they make up for that in value. The individual cars retail for a fairly affordable $14.99. The Formula One playset tops the current range at $99.99, but it comes with a truck, racecar and team figures.

New European charging network will offer speeds up to 350 kW

It's about to get easier to fast-charge your electric vehicle across Europe thanks to four major automakers working together in a new joint venture. BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), Ford, and the VW Group (Audi and Porsche) have all signed a Memorandum of Understanding to install about 400 DC fast charging sites in Europe. As you may know, there are different types of fast chargers, but the ones that this group is talking about installing will be able to charge an EV in much less time than other stations. That's because these chargers will offer power levels of "up to 350 kW." Compare that to what's generally considered the current gold standard, the Tesla Superchargers, which have rates of up to 145 kW and a statement not that long ago from a Ford exec that suggested that 150 kW chargers would be the new normal. Of course, the Tesla chargers use the company's proprietary connector and the new network the JV is setting up will use the CCS standard. The first new stations will go up in 2017 and those 400 sites are just the beginning. A joint statement by the JV says that EV drivers will "have access to thousands of high-powered charging points" by 2020 along highways and main roads. "The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations," the companies said. While not every electric vehicle will be able to take advantage of the 350 kW charging rate, the companies involved would be silly to build the infrastructure without vehicles that can handle that kind of energy flow. The JV says it would welcome participation from other automakers and will cooperate with interested regional partners. Related Video: News Source: Daimler Green Audi BMW Ford Mercedes-Benz Porsche Volkswagen Electric fast charging