2003 Audi A6 Quattro Base Sedan 4-door 3.0l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

To solve diesel problem, VW might need two fixes

Volkswagen says that a fix is on the way for its 11 million vehicles around the globe that are equipped with diesel engine software that can evade emissions tests. The problem might be far more complicated than simply creating a single solution for all of them, though. According to Automotive News citing Reuters, two remedies to cover different NOx-reducing systems could be necessary, and both potentially affect performance. Earlier examples of the EA 189 diesel engine used a lean NOx trap to reduce the harmful material coming from the tailpipe. According to experts in the Automotive News report, a software update might allow the engines to achieve compliance, but that could affect fuel economy. VW already tried this route once before the scandal came to light, but tests by the California Air Resources Board still showed the figures were too high. Later, some of the 2.0 TDI engines began using Selective Catalytic Reduction that reduced NOx by injecting a urea solution into the exhaust stream. According to Automotive News, a software update for this equipment might increase the amount of the substance used. Not only would that mean topping up the fluid more often, but there still could be some reduction in fuel economy. But, since the 2-liter, 4-cylinder TDI engine that sits inside the diesel vehicles first mentioned as being affected by the issue in the US don't have a urea treatment system, VW would need to install them into these cars. VW still hasn't officially outlined its solution (or solutions) to the emissions issue but is expected to soon. The automaker's long-term evasion of regulations with these diesel engines pumped vast quantities of additional NOx into the air. The substance is known to be linked with smog and acid rain. The US Department of Justice is already beginning an investigation into the company, and politicians are pushing for harsh punishments.

Audi A3 E-tron guest stars in Muppet video for Emmys

Following on its tiny role in 2015's hilarious Emmys promo, Audi is grabbing a somewhat bigger guest spot by throwing in an A3 Sportback E-tron in this year's video starring the Muppets. Jim Henson's famous creations are returning to television in the coming weeks, and they get this extra bit of marketing for the upcoming 67th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 20. Starring Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy going out for lunch, the spot includes cameos by Julie Bowen from Modern Family and Viola Davis from How to Get Away with Murder. Joel McHale is the one that actually gets behind the wheel of the Audi, though. While the PHEV's appearance feels more forced more than last year, the clip provides a dose of nostalgia to Muppets fans ahead of their new show. The outtakes at the very end might actually be the major highlight here. Related Video:

2017 Audi Q7 starts at $55,750

The second-generation Audi Q7 debuted last winter, and we already drove it in the spring in Europe. Audi, however, kept US pricing for this lighter, more stylish luxury SUV a secret – until now. The 2017 Q7 starts at $55,750 (including the $950-destination charge), and that's over $6,500 more than the $49,225-base cost for the last-gen 2015 model (there was no 2016 version in the US). Buyers get some big updates when they pay the extra cash for the 2017 model. The switch to the MLB platform helps cut 475 pounds, and aluminum suspension components reduce unsprung mass. Audi's Pre Sense City safety system comes standard and can automatically begin braking the seven-passenger SUV if a crash seems imminent below 52 miles per hour. Three-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof are also on the normal features list. The options include high-tech upgrades like the company's virtual cockpit system, a color head-up display, and a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. Audi's 3.0 TFSI V6 with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic is the only available powertrain combo for the Q7 in the US. Audi originally planned to offer the 3.0-liter TDI V6, but emissions problems nixed that. The second-gen Q7 is available in three trim levels here: Premium, Premium Plus for $59,750, and Prestige for $65,250. Company spokesperson Amelia Fine-Morrison tells Autoblog the first 2017s will arrive at dealers in January. Audi of America announces pricing for the new dynamic and technological benchmark in the luxury SUV segment – the all-new 2017 Audi Q7 November 11, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia New portfolio of available driver assistance systems includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist to help take the stress out of stop and go traffic Sport sedan-like driving experience and space for up to seven passengers, latest technology and exceptional design are just some of the highlights of the all-new Audi Q7, on sale at the beginning of 2016 SUV boasts innovative suite of technologies and connectivity features, including Audi virtual cockpit, Q7 specific app for Android and Apple integration as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration With striking design and lightweight construction, the all-new 2017 Audi Q7 sets a new standard in the luxury SUV segment. The second generation of the seven-passenger SUV also adds benchmark connectivity, infotainment systems and driver assistance technologies.