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US-bound Audi A3 Sedan spied testing

As the Audi A3 sedan gets closer to its debut, Audi has camouflaged prototypes to take it on the streets for final testing. Last time we saw the A3, it was testing almost in the buff, but it was on a closed track so our spy shooters were kept at quite a distance.
Now that the newest Audi sedan is testing on public roads, our latest batch of spy shots gives us a more detailed look at the entry-level luxury player despite the swirly camo. Except for the oversized wheels and the fancy exhaust outlets and door mirrors, the production version of the car should look almost identical to the A3 sedan concept we saw in Geneva a couple years ago. Some of the details we can see include a good-sized panoramic roof that stretches almost halfway into the rear passenger space and signature Audi LED-accented headlights and taillights.

Volkswagen may soon have remedy for more cheating diesels

Nearly a half-million motorists who own Volkswagens equipped with 2.0-liter engines have known for a few weeks the company might wind up buying back their vehicles as part of a settlement surrounding the company's emissions cheating. But about 85,000 drivers who own similarly afflicted diesels with 3.0-liter engines have been stuck without a remedy. They may not be waiting much longer. Bloomberg reports that Volkswagen will soon propose a fix for vehicles, including those from Audi and Porsche, equipped with 3.0-liter engines that will include new software and a new catalytic converter for the vehicles. Discussions with federal regulators are ongoing, according to the news outlet. "We are cooperating with the regulatory agencies and working with them on an approved solution," says Audi spokesperson Mark Clothier. "Beyond that, we cannot comment on ongoing investigations." Regulators have alleged that the company's 3.0-liter engines contain "defeat devices," illegal software that allows a vehicle to detect when it's undergoing an emissions test and turn off pollution control during real-world driving. The defeat device allows these vehicles to increase emissions of nitrogen oxide up to nine times the Environmental Protection Agency's allowable threshold. Affected 3.0-liter vehicles include the 2014 Volkswagen Toureg, 2015 Porsche Cayenne and the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L and Q5. Volkswagen is slated to finalize its plans for buying back the afflicted 2.0-liter cars and potentially offer those motorists "substantial compensation" for their troubles by June 21, and it's possible that a formal announcement on the 3.0-liter vehicles would come at the same time. Related Video:

Recharge Wrap-up: Porsche adds third 919 Hybrid for Le Mans, Audi to heat factory with geothermal

Porsche will be running a third 919 Hybrid LMP1 car in the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. The extra Porsche will race in the six-hour May 2 WEC race at Spa-Francorchamps as a lead-up to the legendary 24-hour race on June 13 and 14. Porsche hasn't announced the driver lineup for the third 919 Hybrid, but drivers will remain the same for the other two cars. Including the third car is meant to help further test performance and efficiency as part of development for future hybrid systems. Read more at Green Car Congress. BMW i Ventures is investing in Zendrive, a driving focused data and analytics company. The cooperation of the two companies is meant to help advance safety and efficiency by making the "in-car mobility experience even smoother by optimizing commuting and driving patterns," according to BMW i's Ulrich Quay. The venture capital arm of BMW's i brand also invests in JustPark, Chargepoint, Life360, Chargemaster and MyCityWay, and says it will have more strategic investment announcements in the coming months. Read more in the press release below. The Audi Hungaria factory in Gyor, Hungary will soon be getting geothermal energy from a nearby plant being constructed in Per. When the facility is finished, Audi expects to source 82,000 megawatt hours of geothermal energy per year from it, or about six percent of its total heating needs. The clean energy helps Audi move "step by step along a path to developing a CO2-neutral production plant," says Audi's Dr. Hubert Waltl. "The mobility of the future must be CO2-neutral – and that applies not only to the use of our vehicles, but also to their production." Read more in the press release below. Supporters have begun a petition drive for the passage of an E15 ordinance in Chicago. Despite pushback from oil companies, the city council is close to passing the "Chicago Clean Air Choice Ordinance," which includes the requirement by retailers to sell the 15-percent ethanol gasoline blend in the city. The ordinance includes an exception for stations selling less than 850,000 gallons of fuel per year. More than 4,000 people have signed the petition so far, with others leaving messages to voice their opinion on the matter in opposition to Big Oil's attempt to block it. Read more at Domestic Fuel. BMW i Ventures announces strategic investment in Zendrive. - Further Increasing safety and security through innovative mobility services. New York City, NY.