The Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept car
</h2>
<h3><ul>[*]Dynamic coupe has powerful plug-in hybrid drive
[*]Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG,
Technical Development: “This show car embodies our engineering
competence and shows cutting-edge electronic features such as
high-performance laser-light headlights.”[/list]</h3>
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The Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept car
Dynamic design, immense power and new
electronic features: Audi is presenting a fascinating technology concept
car at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 6 to 10, 2014
in Las Vegas, USA. The Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept is
reminiscent of the classic Sport quattro of 1983 while pointing towards
the future – with the latest of the brand's technologies in plug-in
hybrid drives, user control and display interfaces and lighting
technology.
<div ="ptext="" richedit"="">
“The new show car demonstrates technical ‘Vorsprung' on many
levels,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “On-board this car we have
e-tron technology with 515 kW of power and 2.5 l/100 km (94.09 US mpg)
fuel economy; laser headlights that leave all previous systems in the
dark with its higher performance as well as new display and operating
systems with cutting-edge electronic performance. We are showing the
future of Audi here.”
The coupe, a new evolutionary stage of the
Sport quattro concept, painted in the color Plasma Red, combines the
power of the historic Sport quattro with emotional elegance. Its body is
tautly set over its large wheels. The overhangs are short, and the
car's proportions show a sporty balance. With a wheelbase of 2,784 mm
(109.61 in), it is 4,602 mm (181.18 in) long. At a width of 1,964 mm
(77.32 in), the two-door model is very wide, and it is just 1,386 mm
(54.57 in) tall, which is exceptionally low.
In the dual
headlights, a typical quattro feature, Audi is demonstrating the future
of lighting technology by combining matrix LED and laser light
technologies. Two low-profile trapezoidal elements are visible within
the headlights – the outer one generates the low beam light using matrix
LEDs and an aperture mask, while the inner element produces laser light
for high-beam functionality.
The powerful laser diodes are
significantly smaller than LED diodes; they are only a few microns in
diameter. Illuminating the road for a distance of nearly 500 meters
(1,640 ft), the laser high-beam light has approximately twice the
lighting range and three times the luminosity of LED high beam lights.
In this future technology, Audi is once again demonstrating its
leadership role in automotive lighting technology with a system that
will also be used on the race track in the 2014 R18 e-tron quattro.
The
angular, swept-back C pillars of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight
concept car and the blisters above the fenders are other design elements
reminiscent of the classic Sport quattro. The broad shoulders of the
body were reinterpreted and intensively sculpted to convey even greater
dynamism. Throughout the car, sharp contours frame muscular surfaces –
the interplay between convex and concave curvatures defines the athletic
character of the coupe.
The hexagonal single-frame grille also
offers an outlook on future design of the sporty production models. The
lower section is nearly vertical, while the upper follows the contour of
the hood; the screen insert is a typical solution from car racing. The
low grille emphasizes the show car's width. Two large, vertical blades
divide each of the large air inlets; their form is repeated in the
creases of the hood. The splitter, which is made of carbon fiber
reinforced polymer (CFRP), is shifted far to the front, as on a race
car.
The combination of a swept-back glass cabin and broad
shoulders defines the proportions at the rear. Another defining element
at the rear of the show car is the CFRP diffuser, which extends upward
significantly. Its upper section is honeycombed, while its lower section
houses two large, oval tailpipes. The tail lights, which are backed by a
black CFRP panel, are rectangular in form – another quattro reference.
The luggage space, which is reinforced by a large cross bar stiffener,
offers 300 liters (10.59 cu ft) of cargo capacity.
Precise design
details round out the dynamic look of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight
concept. The sill extensions are made of CFRP, the door handles
electrically extend from the door when they detect the approach of a
hand. The center locking wheels have a five twin-spoke design.
Lightweight design made visible: the interior In
its generously cut interior, the elegant sporty styling of the show car
is continued with dark gray colors and clean lines. The interior design
and material selections demonstrate the Audi philosophy of lightweight
design. The slender instrument panel is reminiscent of the wing of a
sailplane. The supporting structure of the interior is a carbon shell
that also serves as a storage compartment in the doors.
A line of
trim beneath the windshield wraps around the driver and front passenger
and integrates functions such as the inside door handles. The folding
race car shell seats with their high lateral supports and integrated
head restraints, together with the two rear seats, provide space for
four persons. The climate controls are integrated in the air nozzles; a
single element is used to control the intensity, temperature and volume
of the air stream. In addition to showing climate control settings, the
slim display at the centers of the air nozzles also shows media data.
New solutions: displays and controls The
interior of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept focuses very much
on the driver. Even the multifunction sport steering wheel points the
way towards future sporty production solutions. It has two buttons which
the driver can use to control the hybrid drive, a red start-stop
button, a button for the Audi drive select vehicle handling system and a
"View" button to control the Audi virtual cockpit.
All key
information is shown on the large Audi TFT display in high-resolution,
three-dimensional graphics; a cutting-edge Tegra 30 processor from Audi
partner Nvidia processes the graphics. The driver can switch between
different modes. For example, in the MMI mode the dominant display
elements include the navigation map and media lists, while in the
Classic view the speedometer appears in the foreground.
Nearly all
functions of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept can be
controlled from the further developed MMI terminal that is mounted on
the center console over the tunnel. Its large rotary pushbutton, which
also serves as a touchpad, can be pushed in four directions, and it is
surrounded on three sides by four buttons – for the main menu, submenus,
options and a back function.
The new user interface has a menu
structure whose intuitive layout is similar to that of a smart phone.
All frequently used functions can be accessed lightning fast. For most
inputs, just a few steps are needed thanks to a new free text search
feature; generally just four characters suffice for a navigation
address. The driver can quickly scroll through lists or zoom the map
image using multitouch gestures on the touchpad. Voice control
functionality has also been intensively further developed.
Powerful and highly efficient: the drive system The
plug-in hybrid drive gives the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept
fascinating dynamic performance. Its system output is 515 kW (700 hp),
and its system torque is 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft). Power flows via a
modified eight-speed tiptronic to the quattro drivetrain, which features
a sport differential at the rear axle. The show car's combined fuel
consumption, based on the applicable fuel economy standard, is just 2.5
liters of fuel per 100 km (94.09 US mpg) – which equates to CO2
emissions of 59 g/km (94.95 g/mile).
The combustion engine is a
four-liter V8 with biturbo charging; it produces 412 kW (560 hp) of
power and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque. The cylinder on demand (COD)
system, which deactivates four cylinders under part load and a
start-stop system make the sonorous eight-cylinder engine very
efficient. Located between the 4.0 TFSI and the transmission is a
disc-shaped electric motor that produces 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02
lb-ft). It draws its drive energy from a lithium-ion battery at the
rear, which stores 14.1 kWh of energy – enough for up to 50 km (31.07
miles) of all-electric driving. An Audi wallbox that is used for
charging provides for optimal energy transfer.
An intelligent
management system controls the interplay of engine and motor on demand.
The driver can switch between three different modes. In EV mode, just
the electric motor operates; its high torque propels the show car with
plenty of power – even outside of the city. The active accelerator pedal
indicates the transition to Hybrid mode to the driver – by a change in
pedal resistance; this is done so that the driver can intentionally
influence the mode selection.
The Hybrid mode aims at optimal
fuel-savings in the interplay between the TFSI and the electric motor,
and environmental and route data are utilized here. The driver can
choose the Hold and Charge modes in the MMI to influence the operating
strategy, e.g. if the driver wants to ensure that sufficient electrical
energy is available for the final kilometers to the destination. The
Audi drive select dynamic vehicle handling system offers even more
control options – individual driving profiles are set up for different
levels of regenerative braking.
In Sport mode, the operating
strategy configures the drive system for maximum power. When the V8 and
electric motor are boosting, the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept
accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds and
can reach a top speed of 305 km/h (189.52 mph).
Body and chassis A
lightweight design strategy also plays a major role in the car's
dynamic performance. A combination of ultra high-strength steel sheet
and structural elements of cast aluminum is used in the occupant cell.
The doors and fenders are made of aluminum, and the roof, engine hood
and rear hatch are made of CFRP. This results in an unladen weight of
just 1,850 kilograms (4,078.55 lb), including the large battery pack.
The
front suspension is comprised of five links per wheel, while the rear
suspension is based on the self-tracking trapezoidal link principle of
Audi, which guarantees dynamic performance and stability. Stiff tuning
of the springs and shock absorbers make the Audi Sport
quattrolaserlight concept hold tightly to the road, while Audi drive
select makes the driving experience even more multifaceted. The dynamic
steering system varies the steering ratio as a function of driving
speed. The brake calipers grip large, carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs,
and the tire size is 285/30 R 21.
<h2>Audi plans record-breaking investment of almost €22 billion through 2018
</h2>
<h3><ul>[*]The largest investment program in company history for new models, innovations and expansion of global production facilities
[*]Audi boss Rupert Stadler: “We've achieved 1.5 million deliveries in 2013; now we are aiming resolutely for two million”
[*]Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance
and Organization: “We will be investing more intensively in new products
in the future”[/list]</h3>
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Picture: body shop, Audi A3 Sportback
Audi is launching an extensive investment
program for the next five years: Between 2014 and 2018, a total of
around
€22 billion will flow into new models, innovations and the continuous
expansion of the worldwide production network. Seventy percent of the
investments is intended for new models and technologies. The German
sites will also benefit from the largest technical development and
investment program in company history – more than half of the planned
investment will go to the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites. Moreover,
Audi also plans to create more jobs globally in 2014.
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Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG,
views the current investment program as an important component of the
company's growth strategy: “We had set the goal of 1.5 million
deliveries per year by 2015, but we already achieved that quite
comfortably in 2013. We are now decisively steering towards our next
milestone of two million deliveries. This is why we are keeping our foot
on the gas regarding investments and why we are hiring new employees in
2014.”
In all, the Ingolstadt-based company will invest around
€22 billion in new models, innovative technologies and its worldwide
production infrastructure in the next five years. Investment in fixed
assets will amount to €16 billion. In addition to the fixed assets, the
new investment program includes €6 billion in capitalized development
costs.
“With this investment program we are launching our next
stage of growth,” said Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management
of AUDI AG for Finance and Organization. “In the future, we will be
investing increasingly in new products: 70 percent is intended for the
modernization and expansion of the model range and for our portfolio of
technologies.”
To achieve its goal of two million deliveries per
year, the manufacturer of premium cars wants to expand its product range
from the current 49 models to 60 different models by 2020. In addition
to developing new models and alternative drive concepts, the current
investment program also provides for the next generation of
fuel-efficient engines, which will enable Audi to meet stricter
emissions legislation worldwide.
In addition to the innovative
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and A3 Sportback g-tron, the brand with the
four rings plans to launch the third generation of its design icon, the
Audi TT Coupé, on the market in 2014. Just a few weeks ago, Audi also
announced that it will be producing the new Audi Q1 in Ingolstadt
starting in 2016. At the same time, Audi is expanding its production
facilities around the world.
Therefore, Audi also intends to hire
new employees globally in 2014. In the coming year, 700 young people
will begin training in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Thomas Sigi, Member of
the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Human Resources, also plans to
recruit new employees in different areas of the company in the coming
year: “We want to hire the best in the industry to strengthen areas such
as lightweight construction, connectivity and electromobility.”
The
Audi Group is also expanding overseas, where it is considered an
attractive employer worldwide: the brand with the four rings will build
its first Audi factory in North America, in the Mexican city of San José
Chiapa, where the Audi Q5 is scheduled to roll off the production line
starting in 2016. So far, 26,000 people have applied for jobs in Mexico,
where more than 1,000 new Audi employees will be hired in 2014 alone.
Furthermore,
Audi has plans to begin producing again in Brazil, starting in 2015. In
São José dos Pinhais, the Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer will
produce the new A3 Sedan and the Audi Q3. At the Hungarian site in Győr,
the largest engine manufacturing facility in the world, the company is
continuing to invest heavily following successful completion of a full
vehicle production plant. In Foshan, China, the company's second plant
in the Middle Kingdom is about to begin production. Audi has already
delivered more than 460,000 cars to customers in China this year, thus
clearly asserting its leading position.
In addition to expanding
its international production facilities, more than half of the planned
investments will go to its German production sites – a clear nod towards
the significance of Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm in the growth strategy of
the Audi Group.
Source: Audi AG
<h2>Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi Press Conference, International CES, Las Vegas, Jan 7, 2014 – Speech
</h2>
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Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development
<div ="ptext richedit">
Ladies and gentlemen, innovation is an incremental part of the Audi success story. It's our DNA.
For
more than 30 years, Audi has been leading the automotive industry. For
almost three decades, I have been closely related with Audi. As an
engineer, I am strictly committed to the mission of our company:
“Vorsprung durch Technik”. And it was only in 2013 that the MIT named
Audi one of the 50 most disruptive companies of the world in terms of
innovation.
And that is what we will show you today.
2013, in general, has been very successful for Audi: <ul>[*]in terms of sales,[*]in terms of products, [*]in terms of motorsports. [/list]
For the first time ever, we delivered more than 1.5 million cars to our customers in one year.
With that, we over-achieved a strategic milestone on our roadmap to become the world's leading premium manufacturer.
In
2013, we had 15 market introductions including seven new Audi S and
Audi RS models as well as the Audi R8 and the new Audi A8. All of them
will drive our success story even further. In 2013, we also enriched our
most successful Audi A3 family with a new sedan and a cabrio coming to
the US in summer 2014.
2013 has been one of the most successful
years in our motorsport history – with our victory of the World
Endurance Championship and the double-win of the DTM, a best-established
racing series in Europe, Russia and China. That's very motivating for
the upcoming season.
When we look into the innovative products of
2014 and beyond, we are very confident about the progress we will make.
We have just announced to surpass the number of 60 models by 2020.
Just as one example, think about the Audi A3 e-tron we bring to the market in 2014.
It's
a powerful combination of electric car and plug-in hybrid, with
excellent efficiency levels and uncompromised driving pleasure.
Until 2018, we will implement the largest investment program in the history of the company.
Approximately
22 billion Euros which is equivalent to more than 30 billion US
Dollars. We will invest in new technologies, new products, new R&D
and production sites to further extend our global footprint.
Innovation
continues to be our guideline. Audi is about refining cars. Making cars
safer, more convenient, more connected and more efficient. That is our
mission and that is my responsibility as Chief Technical Officer.
And
we go even further: Audi is about redefining mobility. We set the pace
for the future of mobility, a mobility that will be more connected than
ever. 90 percent of all innovation in automotive engineering is based on
electrics and electronics. Just think about the incredible number of
semiconductor devices in our Audi A8. Performance and technical
complexity are increasing at fast pace. So do usability and customer
friendliness.
The more connected cars become, the more connected
we need to be. In our global R&D team, we work closely with the
electronics industry. We are very pleased about the additional
opportunities the new Open Automotive Alliance will offer. Starting in
2014, we will work with Google and NVIDIA and bring their expertise on
mobile devices to our cars.
For efficient engineering and flexible
production, we leverage our modular matrix system, to the benefit of
our customers. Once a next-generation hardware component becomes
available, it will be easy to upgrade the modular infotainment system
right away.
At the Audi booth here, you may experience the most advanced megatrends in automotive: <ul>[*]Lighting,[*]Connectivity,[*]Infotainment,[*]Human Machine Interface and [*]Piloted driving.[/list]
We
cover all of these five megatrends to shape the future of mobility. And
our exhibits perfectly reflect them. We familiarize you with the
game-changing interior of the next-generation Audi TT. It is actually a
world premiere. The new TT is the third generation of our successful
compact sports car. As an engineer, I take pride in the previous TT
generations my team and I brought to the streets. And we are very
confident about the success of this new car.
For many years, Audi
has been THE benchmark for human machine interface systems. For the new
TT, we redefined this concept. We call it the virtual cockpit and
combined the multi media interface monitor with the cockpit. This allows
for a slim design of the instruments board.
In other words: this is lightweight construction in the interior.
The
virtual cockpit is fully digital and optimally driver-focused. It's an
operating tool that is very easy to handle. It offers extended safety
and comfort features, enhanced system performance and brilliant
graphics.
Once again, Audi is leading the industry with bringing
advanced chip technologies to the automobile. The new Audi TT with its
virtual cockpit will become available later this year. Watch out for
more news to come.
The second exhibit at the booth supports this
approach, too. The lights of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept,
another world premiere here at CES. For many years, Audi has been
leading the automotive industry in terms of lighting technology. Laser
light marks another step forward in lighting technology. In the past,
cars used xenon lights and LED daytime lights.
In 2007, Audi
became the first to supply all-LED headlamps. In 2013, we introduced
interactive Matrix LED headlamps for the Audi A8 sedan. They handle
almost one billion of different light scenarios. Thanks to smart
electronic management, the light beams don't blind or dazzle oncoming
drivers. Looking forward, Matrix LEDs will become available to even more
Audi models and more countries including the US.
At present, we
identify a trend to smaller light sources with improved brightness and
greater range. And that is why we see the future in laser light. It is
even sharper, safer and more efficient. It has the potential to further
enhance LED lights. The Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept features
headlamps that are three times stronger than LEDs. Its light beam
extends the length of five football fields. Thanks to our efficient
technology transfer, we will be the first car brand to put laser light
into production. And even before, you will see it on the racetracks.
In April, our next-generation R18 e-tron quattro race car will have its premiere in Silverstone.
Many
other world endurance championship races will follow in 2014, including
the famous 24 hours of Le Mans in June. With 2013 being one of the most
successful motorsport years in the history of Audi, we are 100 percent
committed to defend our World Endurance Championship trophy.
As
an exclusive preview, we show you some details of the R18 e-tron quattro
prototype here at CES. This prototype makes us well positioned for
success. It's a masterpiece of lightweight construction. It comes along
with a highly complex drivetrain system and an efficient hybrid
supported by an e-booster.
In addition, a comprehensive set of
driving assistance services will support the driver and the Audi team.
This kind of advanced connectivity is critical for any kind of
challenging situations during a race. Professional drivers who are
trained for any kind of traffic situation would never go without.
Motorsports
have always been a great testing environment for new technologies – and
so it will be in 2014. While the extremes of a racetrack are very
different from daily commuting, there is an increasing number of
situations where Audi connectivity solutions will become essential.
That
is a brief overview of how we translate the legacy of Audi engineering
into the megatrends of future mobility. For a more detailed insight on
how we match German engineering and Silicon Valley brainpower, I would
like to turn it over to Ricky Hudi, Head of Development for Electrics
and Electronics at Audi.
Source: Audi AG
Audi to present its new TT interior at the CES
</h2>
<h3><ul>[*]New, slimline instrument panel with driver-focused display
[*]Audi virtual cockpit and new MMI focus on intuitive use
[*]Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “Enabling the driver to experience
technology”[/list]</h3>
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International CES 2014: Audi presents the new TT interior
Puristic, sporty and fully focused on the
driver – for the new TT, Audi is significantly advancing its interior
design. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas held from
January 6 through 10, 2014 the brand with the four rings will, for the
first time,
be presenting the compact sports car's new interior, which will be
launched on the market in the course of the year.
<div ="ptext="" richedit"="">
As Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of
AUDI AG for Technical Development says, “The first Audi TT was the
design icon per se, the second generation was even sportier, right
through to the TT RS plus with its five-cylinder TFSI and 360 hp. And
with the new Audi TT, the driver will be able to experience the
technology to an even greater extent – just as would be expected from a
genuine sports car. And it comes with a new generation of electronics
and connectivity features.”
For this reason, the Audi virtual
cockpit is the focus of attention for the first time in one of the
brand's production models. The fully digital instrument cluster displays
all the information directly in front of the driver, meaning that there
is no need for a central MMI monitor. This solution gave the designers
the freedom to slim down the instrument panel architecture such that it
visually conveys the Audi lightweight construction principle.
With
its clear lines and innovative operation, the interior of the next TT
generation has been redesigned from the ground up. From above, the
instrument panel resembles an airplane wing; set low and with a turbine
look about them, the round air nozzles, a classic TT feature, are
reminiscent of jet engines. The controls for the air conditioning are
also housed in the vents – the adjustment functions for seat heating,
and for the temperature, direction and strength of the flow of air are
located in their axes, with small displays indicating the chosen
setting. Located beneath the central air nozzles, the switches for the
hazard warning light and the secondary functions are centrally
positioned and easily accessible.
With its brilliant graphics with
a 3D impression and highly-detailed effects, the Audi virtual cockpit
with its 12.3-inch TFT monitor sets new standards. Drivers can switch
between two display modes. In the classic view, the speedometer and rev
counter are in the foreground, while in “infotainment” mode, the virtual
instruments are smaller. The space that is then created offers ample
display space for functions such as the navigation map.
All
elements of the new Audi TT operating concept are focused on the driver.
The compact sports car's new multifunction steering wheel features a
flat-bottomed rim, with aluminum-look clips framing its spokes. The
buttons and controls on the spokes allow you to control almost all
functions, including the ultra-modern infotainment system. The menu is
structured to reflect that of a smartphone and includes a full-text
search function (MMI search). All the main functions are just a few
clicks away – the entire operation superbly conveys a new kind of “joy
of use”. The MMI terminal on the center tunnel console, the second
control unit alongside the steering wheel, has also been exhaustively
redeveloped. Thanks to the MMI touch, the driver can scroll and zoom in
lists and on maps. And accessing other options has been simplified; in
future this will be possible using just two rather than four buttons in
the area surrounding the rotary pushbutton.
The innovations in the
Audi TT interior include the S sport seats with their significantly
curved side bolsters, the integrated headrests and the low seating
position typical of a sports car. The slender character of the seats is
emphasized by bezels on the flanks of the backrest and a cover on the
back; the backrest is adjusted using a loop. The side bolsters of the S
sport seats can be adjusted pneumatically.
With its clear, sharp
lines, the interior as a whole perfectly expresses the new Audi TT's
sporty nature. The center tunnel console, that supports the lower leg
when driving fast through a bend, and the door panels boast flowing
mutually-reinforcing contours. All the details highlight Audi's
attention to quality – from the design of the gear knob and the precise
functioning of the rotary pushbutton to the Audi virtual cockpit.
</font>Good things to
come but most of the tech talked about here will be on the options list like
MMI satnav. The dash display out of date already most cars will have heads up display (HUD) like fight jets have now. Garmin are launching a sat nav that can do this later on in the year
</font>Having to
addfolding mirrors on a £30k carunacceptable! Audi need to bring its own staff in to all
dealers instead of sub-contracting.
</font>In addition Audi
need to match Hyundai 5 year unlimited and/or match Kia 7 year warranty. Audi's
are expensive to fix plus it's no good adding new technology if it expansive to
fix and fragile.Most US car makers have a 10 year bumper to bumper warranty.
</font>Why are Audi not making an investment in the UK and building
a factory here?</font>
</font>Hyundai Kia group are working hard to be in the top 3 out 5
in global motor manufacture in the world by 2020</font>
<h2>Audi broadcasting live from the North American International Autoshow Detroit
</h2>
<h3><ul>[*]January 13, 6:55 p.m. (CET): Audi Press Conference at the NAIAS
[*]Unveiling of the new showcar and U.S. debut of the Audi A8 and Q3
[*]Live broadcast via satellite and internet streaming[/list]</h3>
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Audi is highlighting design at the North
American International Autoshow (NAIAS) and presenting a new showcar
that embodies the logical evolution of its formal idiom. Audi is also
giving the U.S. media their first taste of the new A8, the most sporty
premium sedan in the full-size category, and the Q3, the compact
all-rounder from the brand with the four rings. Audi will be
broadcasting the Press Conference from the NAIAS live by satellite and
internet streaming on Audi MediaTV.
<div ="ptext richedit"> Monday, January 13, 2014
6:55 p.m. (CET)
Audi
MediaTV will broadcast it in English (www.audimedia.tv) and is also
offering the option of incorporating the live stream into other
websites. The Press Conference in German can be found on the Audi
Communications Facebook page at http://bit.ly/AudiLivestream. This live stream can also be incorporated by embed code.
A recording of the full Press Conference will be made available subsequently on the Audi MediaServices website (www.audi-mediaservices.com). An overview of all content is provided in the Audi Newsroom at www.audi-newsroom.de.
Source: Audi AG
<div ="block horizontalpadding">Audi: more than 1.57 million deliveries in 2013</font>
<h3><ul>[*]Global sales up 8.3 percent thanks to strong demand for new A3 family and Q models
[*]Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: “More than 600,000 new customers in four years”
[*]Sales chief Luca de Meo: “In 2013, Audi achieved new sales
records in more than 40 markets and became the leading premium brand in
the UK for the first time” [/list]</h3>
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Picture: the Audi RS Q3
A new all-time record for AUDI AG: In 2013,
the company sold around 1,575,500 automobiles worldwide, 8.3 percent
more than in 2012. The premium manufacturer's sales thus increased by
more than 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive year. Major growth
drivers over the past year were Audi's three biggest export markets, all
of which reported double-digit growth: with China up 21.2 percent, the
United States up 13.5 percent, and the UK up
14.9 percent. In Europe and China, the four rings again led the premium
segment in 2013 as the top-selling brand. Audi concluded the year with a
18.4 percent growth to around 130,700 global deliveries in December,
increasing sales in all regions of the world compared to the same month
of 2012.
<div ="ptext richedit">
“We set an important milestone for Audi in the past year: We
achieved our intermediate strategic goal of 1.5 million deliveries two
years earlier than planned, and in fact comfortably exceeded it,” says
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG: “This
means that in the past four years alone, Audi has attracted more than
600,000 new customers.” Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management
for Sales at AUDI AG, emphasizes the global dimension of Audi's
performance: “Audi achieved new sales records in more than 40 markets
last year. In the United Kingdom, we became the leading premium brand
for the first time.”
In 2013, growth for Audi was accelerated by
the success of the new A3 generation. The model line's sales total
climbed 18.6 percent to around 202,300 deliveries. The Sedan, the latest
addition to the A3 family, went on sale in its first markets in
September. In China and the United States, the new generation of the A3
will be launched from spring 2014 on. The Q3, Q5 and Q7 SUV models also
posted a strong increase in deliveries last year, with the Audi Q5 again
clearly outselling its premium competitors. In total, Audi's SUV sales
grew by 23.8 percent to around 438,400 automobiles handed over to
customers. Audi will further expand its line-up of Q models in the
coming years.
In the United States, Audi's sales
increased last year across all models by 13.5 percent to 158,061
premium automobiles. Strongest growth was achieved by the Q5, up 40.8
percent, and the Q7 full-size SUV, sales of which accelerated by 45.1
percent. This year, the Q3 will join the SUV portfolio supplied by Audi
of America. As previously in 2011 and 2012, Audi again broke new records
in the U.S. market in every single month of 2013, passing the milestone
of 150,000 deliveries for the first time by the end of the year. Since
2009, the company has increased its annual sales in the United States by
more than 90 percent. Audi's dynamic performance in North America is
also confirmed by the sales total for 2013 in Mexico,
which is up 23.5 percent to 11,712 units and makes Audi the number one
manufacturer on the Mexican premium market for the third year in a row.
In Europe,
Audi sold around 732,300 automobiles in 2013 (-0.9 percent) and was
again the best-selling premium brand on the continent. With this result,
business for the four rings was more robust than the overall market
performance and only slightly below the record level from 2012, when
Audi achieved its best-ever sales in Europe. In the negative market
environment in Germany, deliveries for 2013 also
remained below the all-time record registered in the previous year: AUDI
AG delivered 250,025 automobiles to customers in its home market, 5.0
percent less than 2012. Substantial growth however was reported by Russia which advanced to become Audi's seventh-largest sales market with 36,150 units (+7.9 percent) delivered. In the UK,
142,039 customers were handed the keys to their new Audi, representing a
growth of 14.9 percent and marking a very special first: Audi became
the top-selling premium brand in the United Kingdom for the first time
in 2013, having doubled its sales in that market within a period of ten
years. In 2003, the sales total for Audi UK was 70,107 automobiles. AUDI
AG confirmed its leading position in the premium segment in markets
that have been especially affected by the economic crisis: In Italy, where sales declined by 6.1 percent to 47,007 cars, in France, where its total was down
8.3 percent to 57,012 deliveries, and in Spain (-3.2 percent to 34,977cars).
In China,
Audi continues to extend its market presence and easily beat its annual
target of selling more than 450,000 automobiles. Up until the end of
December, 491,989 Chinese customers opted for an Audi, 21.2 percent more
than in the previous year. This growth was strengthened by the launch
of the locally-built Q3 in April. 2013 saw 42,501 Chinese customers
become the new owners of a Q3 compact SUV. Along with its big brother,
the Q5, the two most popular sedan models from Audi also achieved
double-digit growth: Sales of the A4 L increased by 20.0 percent to
120,450 automobiles, and sales of the A6 L by 15.3 percent to 153,163.
In addition, AUDI AG further expanded in 2013 its sought-after range of
high-performance models in China, with models such as the S6, the S7
Sportback and the RS 5 Cabriolet being introduced onto the market.
Audi
likewise closed the past year with a clearly positive sales performance
in other important markets of the Asia-Pacific region. In Japan, the company sold 28,735 cars, 20.1 percent more than in 2012. Growth in South Korea even reached 32.7 percent, with 20,031 new cars sold. Despite the difficult market conditions in India,
Audi sold 10,002 cars (+11.1 percent) there, becoming the first premium
brand to cross the threshold of 10,000 deliveries. Japan, South Korea
and India are consequently three of more than 40 markets in which the
four rings set a new sales record in 2013.<table ="RichEditTable" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><t><tr><td>
Sales for
AUDI AG</td><td>In December</td><td>
</td><td>
<h3><ul>[*]Crossover concept car is highly functional for recreational sports
[*]Powerful and efficient hybrid drive features two electric motors
[*]Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “A concrete look into the near future.”[/list]</h3>
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Audi allroad shooting brake
Sporty, compact and versatile: It is with
these attributes that the Audi allroad shooting brake makes its debut at
the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The
two-door car is a crossover and so it is not limited to paved roads. Its
high level of functionality makes it ideal for recreational sports. Its
hybrid drive, which is as powerful as it is efficient, makes a new form
of quattro drive possible – the e-tron quattro.
<div ="ptext richedit">
“The show car combines sex appeal, highly efficient e-tron-quattro
technology that produces 300 kW of power yet only consumes 1.9 l/100 km
(123.80 US mpg) of fuel and cutting-edge electronic applications,” says
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG, Technical
Development. “We are offering very concrete glimpses of the near future
in this show car.”
The brand with the four rings is extending its
design language in the Audi allroad shooting brake. The compact two-door
show car combines a host of visual elements of future sports car models
with the Audi-typical allroad concept and "shooting brake” car body
form. Its user interface strategy also offers an outlook on future
production solutions.
Sculptural: exterior design The
Audi allroad shooting brake maintains a powerful stance on the road.
The interplay of its cleanly drawn lines and the taut muscular tension
of its surfaces create a sculptural, emotional design. The exterior skin
appears as though it were sculpted from one solid piece, from the
single-frame grille to the distinctive tornado line and crisp rear
styling, in which the characteristics of the allroad and the shooting
brake come together.
With a wheelbase of 2.51 meters (8.23 ft),
the show car - painted in Ice Blue - is 4.20 meters (13.78 ft) long,
1.85 meters (6.07 ft) wide and 1.41 meters (4.63 ft) tall.
The
Audi allroad shooting brake represents the first time that Audi has
combined the allroad and e-tron form languages. As on every Audi, the
large hexagonal single-frame grille dominates on the impressive
sculptural front; it is slightly offset towards the rear of the body.
Typical of an e-tron model, it has an insert with narrow fins, which
resemble the cooling ribs of an electronic component. There is a quattro
logo on the lower part of the single-frame. The low-profile central air
inlet is milled into the underbody protection that is made of aluminum.
The
low-profile dual headlights of the Audi allroad shooting brake are a
classic reference to the form language of the Audi quattro models. At
the same time, it represents an advanced development state of quattro
design, which Audi already hinted at in the Sport quattro concept car in
September 2013 at the IAA show in Frankfurt am Main. Braces partition
the headlights into four segments; the matrix LED technology with its
individually controlled light-emitting diodes guarantees excellent
visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic. Beneath the
headlights, narrow cross fins provide structure to the large air inlets.
In
a side view as well, the characteristic lines of the show car give the
impression of concentrated energy. Its overhangs are short, and its roof
line stretches low over the vehicle body. Typical of the shooting brake
style, it descends early and runs out into the distinctive C-pillars.
There is a charging port in the left pillar and a fuel door in the right
pillar.
The exterior skin of the Audi allroad shooting brake is a
material mix of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP).
The dark gray rub strips are typical allroad elements, and they visually
reduce the volume of the body; they ascend dynamically from front to
rear. Together with the large wheel flares, they highlight the car's
offroad character.
Fine details attest to the precision with which
the show car was designed. There are aluminum inlays in the angular
sill add-ons. The large lightweight wheels have rims made of CFRP. Their
finely detailed styling with seven arms is based on the look of the
e-tron models, while their central locks are another feature that
highlights the sporty character of the compact crossover.
At the
rear, the aluminum underbody protection emphasizes the car's width; its
implied grooves vary from the e-tron motif. Horizontal, logically
sequenced lines define the outlines of clean surfaces and taut volumes;
the styling of the tail lights takes up the motif of the headlights. A
diffuser integrates the two large exhaust tailpipes. The open roof
spoiler further accentuates the design. The third brake light,
implemented as a flat light conductor, elegantly complements the rear
design.
Joy of use: interior and user interfaces The
versatility and functionality of the Audi allroad shooting brake is
ideal for young, sporty and active people. In the winter in California,
for example, they could drive the car from Los Angeles to the San
Gabriel Mountains for snowboarding in the morning, and then head out to
at Venice Beach for some kite surfing in the afternoon.
There is
plenty of room for four passengers inside. In front, the narrow sport
seats give the driver and front passenger optimal body support; they
feature highly contoured lateral panels and integrated head restraints,
while cushioned pads support the thighs in quick driving through curves.
An easy entry function makes it easier to enter the rear seating area.
When the rear seatback is folded down, a cargo area with a level cargo
floor is created, in which there is space for rather large sports
equipment.
Designed with clean and taut lines, the interior of the
show car utilizes the colors anthracite and rock grey. The materials
reflect the skillful handiwork of Audi designers – this is evident in
the alcantara rooflining and in the various qualities of leather and the
bright and dark aluminum materials that are used for controls and trim,
e.g. on the air nozzles and the spokes of the multifunction steering
wheel.
The interior design of the Audi allroad shooting brake also
follows the Audi philosophy of lightweight design, sporty elegance and
easy to use controls. When viewed from the top, the instrument panel
resembles the wing surface of an airplane, and the round air nozzles
elicit associations to jet engines. The controls for the climate control
system are located here. Their center spindles contain the controls for
seat heating, temperature and the direction and intensity of the air
streams. They automatically extend out from the instrument panel when
they sense a hand approaching. The lights are activated by a button, and
a plate-type handle opens the door.
The center console travels
together with seat adjustments so that the controls remain at an optimal
distance to the driver. Individual fine adjustment is also possible.
The controls – the electronic selector lever of the e-S tronic
(shift-by-wire) and the terminal of the MMI user interface – are always
ideally within reach and can be optimally adjusted to the height and
preferences of the driver.
The new design of the MMI terminal and
sporty design of the multifunction steering wheel lets the driver
control nearly all functions of the Audi allroad shooting brake
intuitively. The operating strategy imparts a new type of "joy of use" –
the menu structure is based on that of a smart phone, which includes a
free text search function. It is easy to access all major functions, and
multitouch gestures on the touchpad of the MMI terminal enable quick
scrolling and zooming in lists and maps.
The cockpit is very
focused on the driver. The steering wheel and digital instrument cluster
lie in a single direct line of sight. The TFT display with its 12.3
inch screen presents all key information in top quality 3D graphics and
offers a variety of modes. In the classic view, the powermeter for the
plug-in hybrid drive system and the speedometer are in the foreground,
while in Infotainment mode elements such as the large navigation map
dominate, and in Sport mode the tachometer is prominently displayed.
Another
forward-looking feature in the show car is the Audi phone box, which
links the driver's cell phone to the vehicle electrical system and can
inductively charge it as necessary.
Three drive units: plug-in hybrid drive The
plug-in hybrid drive delivers impressive key performance data with 300
kW (408 hp) of system power and a system torque of 650 Nm (479.42
lb-ft). The show car, which weighs around 1,600 kg (3527.40 lb) without
the driver, launches from a standstill to highway speed (62.14 mph) in
4.6 seconds, and its forward acceleration does not quit until it is
electronically limited at 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The compact crossover
has a low fuel consumption figure of 1.9 liters of fuel per 100 km
(123.80 mpg) (45 g CO2 per km [72.42 g/mile]) based on the relevant ECE
standard. Its total driving range is up to 820 km (509.52 miles).
The
2.0 TFSI in the Audi allroad shooting brake outputs 215 kW (292 hp) of
power and generates 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque. The transverse
mounted two-liter four-cylinder with a large turbocharger is a high-end
engine. In part-load operation, indirect injection supplements direct
gasoline injection to improve fuel economy; the exhaust manifold that is
integrated in the cylinder head enables high-performance thermal
management.
The 2.0 TFSI operates together with a disc-shaped
electric motor via a decoupling clutch; the electric motor outputs 40 kW
of power and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque. It is integrated in the
six-speed e-S tronic. The dual clutch transmission, which shifts at
lightning speed, sends torque to the front wheels.
A second
electric motor, which is separate from this drive unit, is mounted to
the rear axle. It supplies propulsive power at low and moderate vehicle
speeds with its maximum power of 85 kW and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of
torque. It can also be operated in tandem with the motor and engine at
the front axle if the hybrid management system decides that all-wheel
drive makes sense. In such situations, e.g. on a slippery road or in
light off-road conditions, this essentially makes the Audi allroad
shooting brake an e-tron quattro.
Located just forward of the
rear axle is a lithium-ion battery that consists of eight modules. It
contributes towards a balanced distribution of weight, and it hardly
affects cargo capacity at all. The liquid-cooled battery has an energy
capacity of 8.8 kWh, which is enough for 50 km (31.07 miles) of
all-electric driving. An Audi wall box is used for stationary charging;
it can operate with different voltages and plug connector types, and it
regulates the energy transfer conveniently and intelligently.
Drive
select management offers three driving modes. There is the EV mode,
which can be selected by a button on the multifunction steering wheel;
it prioritizes all-electric driving. Here, the front drive unit is
inactive, and the electric motor at the rear axle with its powerful
torque can rapidly accelerate the two-door car to a top speed of 130
km/h (80.78 mph).
In Hybrid mode, the drive sources operate
highly efficiency, and they work together in various ways as necessary.
In many situations, the electric motor in front acts as a generator –
driven by the engine, it charges the battery, and this extends the car's
effective electric driving range.
In Sport mode, which the
driver can select via the Audi drive select system, the car's full
system power is available. When a high level of power is demanded by the
driver, the electric motor at the rear axle works together with the 2.0
TFSI in a boost mode, in which both drive units output propulsive
power.
Depending on the driving situation, releasing the
accelerator pedal can cause all drive units to be decoupled, or it can
result in energy recovery by regenerative braking. In the first case,
the show car coasts with zero emissions since the combustion engine is
shut off; in the latter case, braking energy is fed back into the
high-voltage battery.
The driver can use the "Hold" and "Charge"
functions in the MMI user interface to specifically influence the
battery's charge state, e.g. to increase storage of electric energy so
that it can be used over the final kilometers to the destination.
Chassis An
electro-mechanical steering system is at work in the chassis of the
Audi allroad shooting brake; it works together with a MacPherson front
suspension and a four-link rear suspension. The sporty crossover is very
talented in off-road driving thanks to its high ground clearance,
compact wheelbase, short overhangs and electric quattro drive. It has a
taut and sporty stance on the road, and the Audi drive select vehicle
dynamics system offers various modes to the driver. Size 255/40 tires
are mounted to its 19-inch wheels.
Audi press conference at the NAIAS in Detroit</h1>Audi is highlighting design at the North American International Autoshow
2014 (NAIAS) and presenting a new showcar that embodies the logical
evolution of its formal idiom. Audi is also giving the U.S. media their
first taste of the new A8, the most sporty premium sedan in the
full-size category, and the Q3, the compact all-rounder from the brand
with the four rings.
<h3><ul>[*]High-security version of the new A8 launched
[*]A8 L Security meets highest level of security criteria
[*]Choice of two high-end engines: V8 4.0 TFSI or W12 FSI[/list]</h3>
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The new Audi A8 L Security
Launch of the most exclusive model version
in Audi's new A8 car line – the A8 L Security. The high-security version
of the luxury sedan meets the highest level of criteria that apply to
civilian vehicles. An array of high-security equipment features
complement the armor plating. The new Audi A8 L Security is available
with two outstanding engines, the 4.0 TFSI and the W12.
<div ="ptext richedit">
Body At 5.27 meters (17.29 ft) long and with a
3.12 meter (10.24 ft) wheelbase, the new Audi A8 L Security is a
representative sedan that is, visually, barely distinguishable from the
production version. And like its mainstream counterpart, its sporty,
elegant design is now even more expressive: The hood, the Singleframe
grille and the bumper have acquired sharper contours. The headlights
have been made flatter and the LED rear lights have been modified too.
The exhaust system is terminated by two large trapezoidal tailpipe trims
on both sides of the tail end.
LED headlights are part of the
standard specification in conjunction with the V8 engine; the W12 comes
with Audi's innovative Matrix LED technology. With these headlights, the
high-beam comprises 25 small, individual light-emitting diodes per unit
that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually as needed. The
headlight system can very precisely mask other road users out of the
cone of light, without significantly reducing illumination of the road.
When
developing the A8 car line, Audi included the high-security version in
its plans right from the outset, resulting in an integral overall
concept that is far superior to retrofit solutions. The deformation
properties of all key components were investigated to ensure the new A8 L
Security exhibits excellent crash behavior which also seeks to minimize
the impact on the other party. Complete with its quattro permanent
all-wheel drive, it is still the lightest luxury sedan in the
high-security segment.
Its basis is a modified production body
made largely from aluminum according to the Audi Space Frame (ASF)
principle at the Neckarsulm plant, the home of the A8; as a result, it
weighs roughly 40 percent less than an equivalent body made from steel.
The components that are specific to this version are made by hand in a
secure production zone. It takes specially trained workers about 450
hours to fit them, before the body is sent back to the plant for final
assembly.
The new Audi A8 L Security has been officially certified
by the German Ballistics Testing Center in Munich; it complies with the
requirements of the class VR 7 ballistic protection standard in
accordance with the BRV 2009 guideline. BRV stands for “Bullet Resistant
Vehicles”. Class VR 7 imposes the strictest criteria on civilian
high-security sedans: The body panels and glazing of the passenger cell
must withstand firing with NATO sub-caliber ammunition. In certain
areas, the armor plating on the A8 L Security even complies with the
criteria for the classes VR 9 and VR 10. Resistance to explosives is
tested in accordance with the ERV 2010 guideline (Explosion Resistant
Vehicles).
The high-security sedan's occupant cell, which is
integrated into the body as a unitary element, features extremely tough,
highly resistant materials – heat-formed armor steel, aramide fabric,
ceramic, a special aluminum alloy, and multi-laminated glass. The
protective materials overlap at transitions, for maximum security.
The
aluminum side sills incorporate massive ballistic-proof profiles that
afford increased protection against explosive weapons – an area in which
the requirements have become considerably tougher in recent years. The
armor-plated vehicle floor made from a special aluminum alloy has the
same purpose. The new Audi A8 L Security can withstand attack by
military hand grenades. Even an explosive charge, as specified in the
test program, does not pose a lethal threat to passengers, as
demonstrated by tests involving dummies.
For the door windows,
windshield and rear window, Audi uses special glass with a
splinter-inhibiting polycarbonate layer on the inside. As an option,
there are electromechanical side windows that almost fully open the
panes. A doorstop function holds the door in any desired position.
The
communications box in the trunk of the high-security saloon is one of
its central elements. It houses the control units for the vehicle and
communications electronics, as well as a supplementary battery and
elements of the optional components that increase passenger protection
still further. The highly armor-plated communications box has
comparatively lightweight ceramic doors, and its frame is made from
aluminum. Special protection for the battery and fuel tank can also be
supplied as an option.
The standard equipment of the new Audi A8 L
Security also includes the intercom system that the passengers can use
to communicate with the outside world with the windows shut. It
comprises a loudspeaker in the Singleframe grille, along with
microphones for the interior and for the vehicle's surroundings.
Optional high-security equipment Audi
can supply a wide range of options to enhance protection in the new A8 L
Security. These include the emergency exit system, a technology for
which the brand holds the patent. If the driver or rear passenger
presses a sealed switch while pulling one of the inside door handles,
pyrotechnic fracture bolts in the hinges detach the door from the body
so that it can then be opened with a light push.
Another feature
is the fire extinguisher system, which is activated at the press of a
button or by heat sensor. The extinguishing agent is supplied through
pipes on the underbody from two tanks fitted in the trunk. Nozzles spray
it into the wheel arches, onto the underbody and tank, and into the
engine compartment.
The emergency fresh-air system operates with
two pressurized cartridges housed in the protected zone. At the push of a
button it supplies the interior with breathing-quality air through
vents – in most cases for long enough to drive through or out of a
hazard zone. The system generates overpressure inside the vehicle and
thus prevents infiltration by toxic gases. Another option is the
security start – a feature that allows the driver to start the engine
remotely by radio signal.
Numerous additional solutions round out
the offering. These include selective unlocking of doors, a smoke
extractor for the interior, an LED signal system for convoy driving,
pennant holder, flashing lights, a siren, a preparation for or
installation of analog and digital radio networks for security
authorities and organizations, a built-in phone, an accident data
recorder, an additional rear camera and a heated windshield including
partly heated side windows. Audi is also able to meet special requests
of customers.
Interior The interior of the new
Audi A8 L Security is an elegantly styled relaxation zone offering a
bespoke-standard build quality. There are two electrically adjustable
individual seats in the rear. The front comfort seats, with an equally
wide range of adjustment options, can also be supplied with massage and
ventilation functions.
On request Audi will fit the relaxation
seat – an extensively adjustable front-passenger seat with
electric-control footrest, ventilation and massage function. A
continuous center console with large storage compartments is also
available, rounded off by the Rear Seat Entertainment with two 10.2-inch
displays. Optional features such as a folding table, a cool box and
auxiliary heating make for an even more pleasant trip.
The range
of upholstery materials, inlays and colors available for the interior
has been revised. The highlights include the new Unicum leather, which
is especially natural and breathable. The range of inlays offered by
Audi includes poplar brown silver and fine grain ash natural gold brown;
these have a finish enhanced with silver and bronze pigments
respectively. Especially discerning customers will find many other
individual features in the Audi exclusive range.
For all its array
of functions, the new Audi A8 L Security has a clear, easily
understandable operating concept. One of its central elements is the MMI
terminal on the console of the center tunnel. The driver can control a
wide range of navigation and multimedia functions by character input
using the large rotary pushbutton and a touchpad – the MMI touch.
Drivetrain There
is a choice of two high-end engines for the new A8 L Security – the 4.0
TFSI and the W12 FSI; both are to Euro 6 emission standard. The
eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,993 cc develops 320 kW
(435 hp), 11 kW (15 hp) more than in its predecessor. It delivers a 600
Nm (442.54 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,500 and 5,000
rpm. It accelerates the new A8 L Security from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14mph)
in 7.5 seconds. Its average fuel consumption is a modest 10.9 liters of
fuel per 100 kilometers (21.58 US mpg).
The high-tech character
of the V8 biturbo is manifested in numerous details, such as the
twin-scroll turbo chargers that provide for the early and rapid
development of torque, in the innovative thermal management and in the
layout of the cylinder heads. Their intake end is on the outside and the
exhaust end on the inside. The turbos and their intercooler are located
in the inner V. This layout results in short gas flow paths with
minimal flow losses and spontaneous response.
The twelve-cylinder
engine in the new Audi A8 L Security is a naturally-aspirated power
unit. Developing 368 kW (500 hp) and 625 Nm of torque (460.98 lb-ft), it
propels the large high-security sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in
7.1 seconds. Its top speed is governed to 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The
W12 averages 13.5 liters of fuel per 100kilometers (17.42 US mpg). Like
the eight-cylinder version, that is the best performance among its
direct field of competitors.
The W12 engine, with a displacement
of 6,299 cc, is notable for its extremely compact layout. Its crankcase
consists of four rows of three cylinders. Two rows face each other,
offset by 15 degrees, and combine to form a single, wide bank. The two
cylinder banks are arranged at an angle of 72 degrees. The crankshaft
has a crankpin offset of 12degrees so that the twelve cylinders ignite
in the ideal interval of 60 degrees.
On both engines, an
eight-speed tiptronic with a high overall spread takes charge of the
transmission. Its fully electronic control is operated from a selector
lever or by paddles on the steering wheel. The quattro permanent
all-wheel drive system distributes the power to all four wheels. The
basic setup is sporty, with a bias towards the rear wheels; if need be,
the system transmits most of the power to the axle with the better
traction.
Chassis The new Audi A8 L Security
provides luxuriously smooth ride comfort. Its chassis, brakes and
electronic control systems have been specially developed to handle the
increased weight; the strength, materials and wall thicknesses of the
control arms, for example, have been redefined. The adaptive air
suspension complete with controlled damping is incorporated into the
driving dynamics system Audi drive select, with which the driver can
vary the way a whole range of technical modules operate. As an
alternative to hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering there is dynamic
steering, where the ratio is adapted to the road speed.
The
high-security sedan comes with forged 19-inch wheels as standard. The
tires have the unconventional dimension 255/70 and the high load index
117. Polymer rings on the rims enable the vehicle to continue traveling
at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (49.71mph) even after a puncture. A
direct-measurement tire pressure monitoring system is likewise standard,
and Audi can supply a full-specification spare wheel as an option.
Equipment and trim The
interior of the new Audi A8 L Security presents a First Class
atmosphere – as well as the luxurious seats, standard equipment items
include four-zone automatic air conditioning with an ionizer, electric
rear blinds, the Bose surround sound system and a TV tuner. The MMI
navigation plus interprets the route in advance and transmits the data
to the control units for the tiptronic, the headlights and the optional
adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. Another standard
feature is the parking system plus with surround view camera.
The
Audi pre sense safety system can reduce the severity of accidents and
their consequences in many cases. The new A8 L Security comes with the
pre sense basic version as standard, complemented by the pre sense rear
function, which is linked to the Audi side assist lane-change assistant.
Safety and comfort can be enhanced by other systems if desired: Audi
pre sense front as a component of adaptive cruise control (ACC) stop
& go, night vision assistant, and Audi lane assist, which identifies
lane markings.
The new Audi A8 L Security also leads the way in
terms of multimedia – the standard-fit hardware component Audi connect
including car phone provides Internet connectivity. The system delivers
tailored online services into the car for the driver's benefit, and the
passengers can connect their mobile devices to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Separate
phone receivers are available as an option.
Orders can already
be placed for the new Audi A8 L Security W12, with deliveries starting
in the third quarter of 2014. Audi provides extensive services to
support its customers and offers special training for drivers and
vehicle owners.
Source: Audi AG
Shooting of Audi video clip with new infrared camera</font>
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Audi is using a highly innovative, revolutionary
camera technology in the production of a video clip for the new A3
Cabriolet. It has yielded some spectacular shots. Trees in gleaming
white, a jet black sky and breathtaking contrasts – the use of a
modified camera means light that is normally beyond the visible spectrum
for humans can now be registered. The result is an utterly unique video
clip. In photography, this method has long been known as “false-color
photography” but until now the technique has hardly ever been used in
professional film technology. Audi A3 Cabriolet video clip applies
infrared technology.
<div ="caption">
Prof. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.
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Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler honored as “Influencer of the Year” Rupert
Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, has been voted
“Influencer of the Year” by roughly 100 managers of the German
automotive industry. The vote was taken during the “StrategyCircle
Automobilindustrie” conference, where managers from carmakers and
suppliers discuss future trends and the challenges facing the industry.
(December 11, 2013)
Audi wins four Connected Car awards Audi
was honored four times with the Connected Car Award 2013, more than any
other carmaker. “Auto Bild” and “Computer Bild” presented the awards
for the first time in 2013. Audi won the “Pioneer Award” for piloted
driving. The company also received awards for navigation using Google
Earth images; in the category “Telephone” for the Audi phone box and in
the category “Internet” for the LTE WLAN hotspot. The awards were
presented during the International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in
Las Vegas. (December 13, 2013)
Audi R8 is “Best Supercar” and “Car of the Year” in Australia The
Audi R8 V10 plus has won two important awards in Australia: The
Australian version of “Top Gear” honored the sports car as “Best
Supercar of 2013,” and “Motor Magazine” named it “Performance Car of the
Year.” (December 5, 2013)
Audi S5 wins American “Ward's 10 Best Engines Award” The
Audi S5 has won the American “Ward's 10 Best Engines Award.” The
editors of “WardsAuto” tested 44 different engines. The 3.0 TFSI V6 has
now won the annual award five times in a row. (December 12, 2013)
Audi R8 and Audi A6 Avant TDI biturbo win awards in Singapore Readers
of the Singaporean online magazine “sgCarMart” have chosen the Audi R8
as “Supercar of the Year”. The Audi A6 Avant TDI biturbo was also
honored as “Diesel of the Year”. “sgCarMart” is Singapore's largest
Internet car portal.
(December 16, 2013)
Array of awards for Audi in Brazil Audi
has won multiple awards in Brazil for the Audi RS 6 Avant: the “Best of
the Year Award” presented by the Brazilian “Auto Press” news agency in
the category “Best Sports Car”; the “10 Best of 2014 Award” from “Car
and Driver” magazine; and the “Car of the Year Award” from “Auto
Esporte” magazine in the category “Premium Car of the Year”. “Auto
Esporte” also honored Audi for the 4.0 TFSI V8 biturbo. The company
claimed two “Automotive Press Awards” in the category “Best Engine” for
the 1.8 TFSI and the 4.0 TFSI V8 biturbo. (December 17, 2013)
Universum survey: Audi is the most attractive employer among young professionals The
young professionals have spoken: Audi is Germany's most attractive
employer. The company was voted top in the survey by both engineers and
business specialists. Audi also jumped up the rankings in the category
“IT,” and was the only carmaker to finish in the top three. (December 3,
2013).
<h1 style="padding-bottom: 8px;" id="watch-line-title" ="yt">Audi press conference @ the NAIAS 2014
</h1>
Audi is highlighting design at the North American International Autoshow 2014 (NAIAS) and presenting a new showcar that embodies the logical evolution of its formal idiom. Audi is also giving the U.S. media their first taste of the new A8, the most sporty premium sedan in the full-size category, and the Q3, the compact all-rounder from the brand with the four rings.
<h3><ul>[*]Overall winner in employee poll of FOCUS and Xing
[*]Additional first place in the category “Automotive/Large Companies”
[*]Board of Management Member for HR Thomas Sigi: “We are proud of
the repeated confirmation of our corporate goal of being the world's
most attractive employer”[/list]</h3>
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<div ="caption"=""> Thomas Sigi, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Human
Resources (midst), receives the “best employer”- award 2014 at the
prize-giving event in Berlin. Daniel Goffart (right), head of FOCUS
bureau Berlin, and Jörg Quoos, editor in chief of FOCUS Magazine (left)
handed the award over.
19,000 employees have voted: Audi as
Germany's “Best Employer.” The automobile manufacturer is the winner of
the employee poll carried out by the news magazine FOCUS in both the
overall ranking and the category “Automotive/Large Companies.” Together
with the social network Xing, FOCUS carried out the poll to identify the
top employers amongst 2,000 companies in 22 industries. The feature
with the most weighting was the willingness of employees to recommend
their employer.
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Audi achieved a double victory in the FOCUS study, taking first
place in both the overall ranking and amongst the large companies of the
German automotive industry. In the overall ranking list, Audi is
followed by Airbus and BMW in second and third place respectively, while
BMW and Volkswagen are placed second and third in the industry ranking.
“These two awards make us very proud. With their excellent
evaluations, our employees confirm our corporate goal of being the
world's most attractive employer,” stated Thomas Sigi, Member of the
Board of Management of AUDI AG for Human Resources at the prize-giving
event in Berlin yesterday evening. “Above all, they recommend Audi as an
employer to potential applicants. For us, that's a great possibility to
convince the best skilled workers of our qualities and also an
incentive to offer an increasingly attractive working environment.” This
includes not only being well paid, but also having tailored development
possibilities, flexible working arrangements and versatile childcare
facilities for families, continued Sigi.
In their joint poll
carried out with the employer portal kununu.com, FOCUS and Xing inquired
above all about the criteria that distinguish a good employer, which
include working times, workplace, salary, and development possibilities
within a company. However, the most weighting was placed on employees'
personal recommendations: In this category, recommendations for one's
own employer or for other companies were possible.
“Our double
victory shows that we have gained recognition for our qualities as an
employer also beyond our own industry,” stated Thomas Sigi. “We are
attractive due to the exciting work we offer in innovative areas and due
to the successful growth path of the Audi Group.” The extent of the
brand's attractiveness is also proven by the number of applications
received by Audi last year. In 2013 alone, more than 100,000 people
applied to work for Audi in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.
In order
to gain new skilled workers, the company has for a long time made
specific use of its employees' willingness to recommend the company as
an employer. In the personnel marketing campaigns “Magic Moments” and
the current “Working at Audi”
Audi employees explain their own personal reasons that made them decide
in favor of the company. The success is proof of Audi's attractiveness:
In the Queb Award in 2013, the company reached a top position with its
“Working at Audi” campaign in the category “Excellence Employer Branding
Campaign.”
Source: Audi Media services
<h2>Audi e-fuels pass the test in glass engine
</h2>
<h3><ul>[*]Impressively low-emission performance by synthetic fuel
[*]Milestones along the path to CO2-neutral mobility
[/list]</h3>
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Precision injection – just a few milliliters of fuel at a time are injected into the pressure chamber.
The development of Audi e-fuels has reached a
new level. The synthetic fuels have now completed a test cycle in
Ingolstadt in the pressure chamber and the glass engine – with clear
results: Audi e-fuels often even perform better than their conventional
counterparts.
“Our test shows that as well as electric driving on renewable
electricity, there are other concepts that permit long-distance,
low-emission driving,” commented Reiner Mangold, Head of Sustainable
Product Development at Audi.
The engineers were first and foremost
interested in mixture preparation and the synthethic fuels' combustion
characteristics. To investigate these, they simulated the conditions
inside an engine in a pressure chamber at up to 15 bar and temperatures
of 350 degrees Celsius. A special camera recorded how the fuel behaves
during the injection process, because only a clean mixture preparation
process will assure optimal combustion.
The glass engine was
another test station. This test setup reveals the processes that are
otherwise hidden by the metal walls of the cylinders. A small window
made of quartz glass enables the experts to observe the fuel's behavior
in the cylinder and how it interacts with the airflow in the combustion
chamber. During each of up to 3,000 revolutions per minute in the
research engine, a minute amount of fuel shoots into the glass cylinder,
is compressed and ignited, and the exhaust gas then expelled.
The
conclusion: Unlike fossil fuels, the composition of which varies
depending on their place of origin, synthetic Audi e-fuels are
absolutely pure fuels. Thanks to their chemical properties, fewer
emissions are generated when they are burned. They do not contain any
olefines or aromatic hydrocarbons. As a result, the synthetic fuels
assure a more effective mixture preparation process, cleaner combustion
and lower emissions.
The next task already awaits Audi's
engineers: They now aim to further optimize the production process for
e-ethanol and e-diesel. These new fuels will then be ready for the
market. Audi operates a research facility in Hobbs (New Mexico, United
States) for the production of e-ethanol and e-diesel in partnership with
Joule. At this facility, microorganisms use water (brackish, salt or
wastewater), sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce high-purity fuels.
The e-gas project in Werlte is another component of Audi's extensive
e-fuels strategy. It demonstrates how large amounts of green power can
be stored efficiently and independently of location by transforming it
into methane gas and storing it in the natural gas network.
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