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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:

Refreshed 2016 Audi Q3 starts at $34,625

The Audi Q3 only arrived in the US for the 2015 model year, and for 2016 the compact luxury crossover is already getting a new front end, plus a bump in price to go with the facelift. The cost for the base Premium Plus trim with front-wheel drive is now $34,625, which includes the $925-destination charge on all models. That's $1,200 more than last year. For the extra money, customers get a resculpted front end that features harder angles in the chrome shield that outlines the grille. The piece now extends to connect to the reshaped headlights, and the air intakes in the bumper get a larger, more aggressive look. At the rear, the taillights also have a tweaked design. Buyers get to choose from new exterior colors, as well, including Hainan Blue, Utopia Blue, Misano Red, and Cuvee Silver. In addition to the revised styling, fore and aft parking sensors and a rearview camera are now among the standard features. The higher-spec Prestige trim now rings up for $39,525 in front-wheel drive form. It adds features like a standard 7-inch MMI navigation system, power tailgate, blind-spot monitoring, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and full LED headlights. New powertrains are not among the list of changes for the Q3. All models still come with a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's hooked up to a six-speed automatic. Front- wheel drive is standard, but Quattro all-wheel drive is a $2,100-option on both trims. Audi announces pricing for the updated 2016 Q3 crossover June 03, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia Compact crossover receives redesign of front lights, grille, and exterior fascia along with Alu-optic interior MMI controls and interior upgrades Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera join wide array of standard equipment Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim Audi today announced pricing for the 2016 Q3. The redesigned compact crossover now boasts a wider array of standard features, including front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, as well as an updated dynamic exterior styling for a balance of luxury and functionality. 2016 Audi Q3 The 2016 Q3 boasts a refreshed exterior aesthetic, with redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights. The crossover is now offered with standard 18'' 5-arm turbine design wheels. Also available are 19" 5-double-spoke Offroad design wheels.

Audi targeting hipsters with A3 launch parties

Audi is planning quite a shindig for the launch of the A3 sedan, and it only wants young folks to show up. The Four Rings' new entry-level model will begin hitting showrooms later this month, and it is planning a launch party on April 3 at all of its roughly 280 dealers aimed at youthful, influential buyers - hipsters, for lack of a better word.
According to Automotive News, the company has sent a 64-page party-planning guide to its dealers on how to appeal these tastemakers in their late-20s to early-40s. The guide says the audience "should reflect an uncompromising spirit in a generation that refuses to settle or sell out." Audi never specifically uses the h-word in its marketing, which is good because it carries some negative connotations. However, recommendations like serving craft beer and bacon doughnuts and playing indie bands like Chvrches, Empire of the Sun and M83 certainly show that the automaker would love to gain some hipster-cred.
It may seem odd for a free spirits to desire a new Audi, but the carmaker might be playing the long con with these parties. Maybe they can't afford an A3 yet, but the $30,000 compact is likely close enough within their financial reach to at least be realistic. If the brand can appeal to them early, then they could be more likely to come back later when it's affordable.