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Audi service tech joyrides customer car, allegedly takes drugs on the way [UPDATE]

UPDATE: We've received and added an official statement from Audi Palo Alto. Dealerships get a bad rap. Stories about sleazy salespeople and overpriced service procedures abound, even though the reality is that most dealers are run by and employ honest, fair folks. But just because the bulk of dealers and their employees are good people, it doesn't mean some bad eggs won't slip through the cracks. Audi Palo Alto, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is finding this out the hard way after dash cam video of a service tech abusing a customer's car started blowing up on YouTube. In the video, which you can watch above, the unnamed service tech took YouTube user Carrera Chris's Audi – it's not clear what model, but it sounds like one of the company's higher-performance 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 models – for a rather spirited test drive. There are plenty of wide-open-throttle runs mixed in with some speeding – the dash cam's lower display shows 90 miles per hour at one point on the freeway – and you can hear the driver laughing throughout. None of this is too remarkable on its own, and maybe not enough to get the tech fired. Until, that is, he pulls into a parking lot and begins snorting something. The dash cam doesn't show the technician, so it's impossible to determine what substance – if any – the driver is allegedly taking. It could be coke, could be crushed up pills, or, hey, it could be a prescription nasal spray (it is allergy season, even in perpetually lovely northern California). Carrera Chris does say he found white powder in the seams of the driver's seat, so take that for what it's worth. There are five videos that include 12 minutes of footage – the one up top is a summary, while the four below show the alleged drug use and some more mundane footage. We've reached out to Audi Palo Alto's general manager, Jason Mattia. He wouldn't answer our questions over the phone, but did forward an official statement from the dealer. An unfortunate incident was brought to our attention earlier this week. We immediately began our investigation and have already taken action. We are working with the customer involved and have thanked them for bringing this matter to our attention. At Audi Palo Alto, we are proud to be a part of the San Jose community. We value and respect our customers, and our team of 75 employees strives to deliver the highest level of customer service.

2017 Audi A4 evolves into a larger, lighter luxury sedan [w/video]

Audi took the evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, approach when it came time to redesign the brand's A4. While the latest generation's look might not set hearts racing, a plethora of tiny tweaks by the engineers manage to make the the four-door larger, up to 264 pounds lighter, and slice the drag coefficient down to 0.23. Audi has made its modern reputation on the style and quality of its interiors, and the new A4 seems to make good on that tradition. In-cabin appointments and tech see a serious upgrade, including offering Audi's fully digital, Virtual Cockpit, instrument panel. In the US, the new A4 arrives for the 2017 model year offering power from either diesel or gasoline. The 2.0-liter TDI is essentially a carryover from the Audi lineup, but the 2.0-liter TFSI sees some big upgrades, including a new cylinder head. It's now rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. At launch here, all A4s get a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Front-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive are available. For an added dose of forbidden fruit, you can check out the crimson A4 Avant in the gallery above the from Frankfurt Motor Show. Take a good look because this long-roof variant isn't coming to the US. Yes, we're listening to sad violin music, too. Although, the next Allroad is coming here eventually after that higher-riding wagon debuts.

2017 Audi Q7 2.0 is $5,800 cheaper than the least-expensive V6

Audi has announced that it will add an entry-level Q7 model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With a starting price tag of $49,950 for a 2.0 Premium, it's a substantial $5,800 less than a 3.0 Premium, which starts at $55,750. With less money comes less power. In contrast to the V6's 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, the turbo-four only offers 252 ponies and 273 lb-ft of torque. However, Audi says the 2.0 is half a second quicker to 60 mph than the entry-level V6 model from 2015. That model accelerated to 60 in 7.7 seconds, so expect a low 7-second time from the turbo-four. You'll probably want to spring for the 3.0 if you want to tow. The four-cylinder will tow up to 4,400 pounds with the towing package, which is much less than the V6's 7,700-pound capacity. Although power and towing ability are less in the 2.0, gas mileage goes up. Current V6 models are rated at 21 miles per gallon overall for city and highway mileage, and the four-cylinder improves that by 1 mpg. It's not much, but it's still a little bonus to the big up-front discount. So if you need an Audi Q7, and saving money is your priority, the new 2.0-liter iteration may be the version for you. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Audi Q7: Second Drive View 23 Photos Image Credit: Audi Audi SUV Luxury