2011 Audi A5 2.0t Premium Plus on 2040-cars

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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:

The 2018 Audi SQ5 looks mean and switches to turbo power

Audi's huge Q8 wasn't the only crossover introduced by the German automaker at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Right alongside it came the 2018 SQ5, the brand's high-performance midsize crossover. This newest version ditches the previous generation's supercharger in favor of a turbo for its 3.0-liter V6. The powertrain is similar to the one used in the latest S4 and S5. Horsepower remains unchanged compared to the last SQ5 at 354, but torque sees a healthy increase to 369 pound-feet, and it's available anywhere from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. The car itself weighs about 77 pounds less, too. It's a combination that should make the SQ5 pretty entertaining off the line. Coupled to the turbo engine is an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Power delivery and handling can be enhanced with a Quattro sport rear differential that can shuffle power left and right to aid cornering. Audi says the torque vectoring system can send almost all rearward power to one wheel as necessary. The differential is available as part of the S sport package, which comes with other upgrades including air suspension. The suspension gives the crossover a lower ride height by default. Both height and firmness can be adjusted, and it offers an "offroad" position that raises the car for maximum ground clearance. Inside, the SQ5 comes with a sportier interior than its Q5 counterpart. It comes with prerequisites such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel and more-bolstered seats. Audi also provides a Bang & Olufsen sound system and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin experience can be further augmented with Audi's Virtual Cockpit LCD instrument panel, as well as driving assists such as a variable-ratio steering rack and adaptive cruise control that can handle stop-and-go traffic from 0 to 40 mph. Audi will begin selling the new 2018 SQ5 here in spring of 2017. Pricing for it and the Q5 has not yet been released. Related Video:

See the new Audi A8 early in Spider-Man: Homecoming

Audi is moving beyond being the primary car provider for Tony Stark in the Iron Man films, and is taking a major role in the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming film. Though product placement is generally obnoxious, at least this placement will give car enthusiasts a sneak peek at the new Audi A8. The car is slated for a full debut on July 11, but Audi says the car appears in Spider-Man, which comes out much sooner on June 28. Though the car has yet to be fully revealed, we know it will have a unique 48-volt electrical system and semi-autonomous driving technology. Audi says that some of that semi-autonomous technology will be on display in the film. As cool as that may be, we're concerned about other Audi placement in the film. Apparently an R8 convertible will reprise its role as Tony Stark's daily driver, which makes sense, but Peter Parker will be driving a TTS Roadster, which makes much less sense. In case you weren't aware, Peter Parker is a lower-middle class high school student, so unless there's a plot twist in which he comes into a lot of money suddenly, a new TTS isn't something we'd expect to see him drive. Audi doesn't give much context for the TTS's appearance, so maybe the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man borrows (or joyrides in) the Audi at some point. Related Video: Image Credit: Audi TV/Movies Audi Convertible Luxury Performance Sedan