Hamilton Island Race Week: Audi's Joerg Hofmann presents Viva La

At the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week official prize giving last evening Joerg Hofmann, Audi's managing director, announced that Viva La Vita, owned and skippered by Tony Bates, had been declared the winner of the Audi A4 Avant. Bates was the lucky recipient after being declared winner of the Cruising Division 2 following the final race yesterday, and winning the Audi Drive Challenge held earlier in the week for all competing yachts at the Hamilton Island Airport. While each entry at Race Week had the opportunity to contest the Audi Drive Challenge, only the winners of each division were eligible to win the A4 Avant. On announcing the winner, Mr Hofmann said: "rather than focus on speed, competitors had to drive accurately and consistently during two time trials."  Mr Hofmann continued: "I am very pleased to announce this particular winner.  I was at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta in March and he told me he did not drive his car to the final day of that event because he was convinced he was going to win a car!" Bates and his crew from Middle Harbour Yacht Club were thrilled with the major prize. On accepting the keys to his new car, Bates said: "Three of my crew are already driving Audis, so you can see that Audi's sponsorship of sailing has already had an influence. "I'm delighted to win the A4 Avant.  I'm thrilled.  I'd like to thank everyone for a great Race Week; Audi, the Oatley family and all the competitors.  It's been a fantastic regatta."    Other awards were handed out last evening.  The 10-year award, open to yachts that had contested a minimum 10 Race Week's went to Mike Davies (Sandstone), while Best Northern Queensland Boat went to Scaramouche (Graham Smith).  The Prix d' elegance special commendation went to Holy Cow (John and Kim Clinton) and You're Hired (Geoff Morgan and Andrew Banks) won the Prix d' elegance Trophy. Audi Hamilton Island Race Week overall winner, Geoff Ross (Yendys), also won the Boat of the Week award.  Speaking of both wins, Ross, from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney, said:  "This is a great regatta and I have a great bunch of dedicated guys who work terribly hard to get the results we do – my crew. Last night's prizegiving ceremony, hosted by celebrity comedian, Vince Sorrenti, signalled the end of a 219 entry record breaking Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Island owner, Bob Oatley, told competitors:  "What a week we've had.  Congratulations to Joerg Hofmann and his Audi team; what a job they've done.  Their contribution at Hamilton Island has been great; they've put new life into yachting.  Audi and sailing are very compatible and it's been great to see so many Audis on the Island." Mr. Oatley went on to thank supporting sponsors, UBS and Club Marine.  He also thanked Hamilton Island staff for the effort they had put in to making the week a success. Commodore of the Great Barrier Reef Yacht Club on Hamilton Island and Olympic campaigner for the Australian  Sailing Team (of which Audi is a major sponsor) Iain Murray also attended the prizegiving.   Murray has just returned from the Beijing Olympic test event in Qingdao where he and Andrew Palfrey finished 11th in the Star keelboat. "We're blessed to have places like Hamilton Island to sail at, and great supporters." "Their  (Audi's) sponsorship really has shown – in this room, in the racing and down to the main street," said Murray, who concluded by telling assembled guests that Hamilton Island's new yacht club would be well underway by the time we all returned next August.

Source: http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=14411

Executive cars of the year: Audi A6, Audi A8

The Audi A8 has been voted as "Executive car of the year" again, for the third time in a row. Now the Audi A6 also claims that title.n the executive rankings of German business magazine Impulse, Audi is once again the most successful brand. The Audi A8 in the luxury class and the Audi A6 in the upper mid-size class received most votes from Germany's senior executives in their respective categories. The Audi A8 topped the survey for the third time in a row. With its outstanding comfort, superior quality and handling characteristics it convincingly beat off the competition. But just being good is not good enough for Audi. The luxury saloon has just been substantially updated and now offers further enhanced running smoothness and ride comfort, for example. Impulse readers also voted the Audi A6 their favourite in the "upper mid-size" class. Both the saloon and the Avant are very popular among senior executives. In the other two categories, Audi models were among the leaders, too. In the "sports car" section the Audi R8 took second place at its first attempt, despite being on the market for only a few months. Also in second place was the Audi Q7 in the "SUV" class.


Source: http://www.germancarblog.com/2007/08/audi-a6-audi-a8-executive-cars-of-year.html

2009 Audi A2

Lower emission and higher fuel efficiency, well automaker could escape it due to tough regulations not only in US but throughout the world. Europeans measure it with CO2 emissions rather than fuel economy. This adds another worry for automakers. 1999 Audi A2 was also fuel efficient premium small car but was not as successful as the car was a bit expensive.

Audi is also feeling the pressure and is going ahead with smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. 2009 Audi A2 subcompact car will be inline with these tough regulations.
2009 Audi A2 will be using the VW subcompact underpinnings with gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters and diesels. Future Audi A2 will most probably feature Quattro AWD along with an optional turbocharger.

Audi A2 will be built at the Brussels Belgium plant that Audi recently took over.

Source: http://www.newcarpark.com/blog/?p=57

Audi’s RS6 will get more than 571hp

We recently reported that leaked vehicle chassis codes for the new Audi RS6 specced the output from its twin-turbo V10 engine at 571hp (426kW). Recent information from a source at Audi, however, has put this figure in doubt. The reliable source claims that the 571hp will only be the specified figure Audi will market the car with. True output will be upwards of 600hp, with 610hp (455kW) pegged as the most likely figure. It looks like Audi is taking no chances with the ultimate "wolf in sheep's clothing" model and even BMW's excellent V10 motor will struggle to compete with this kind of power output.

To give you an idea of just how high this figure is, the RS6 will churn out more horses than the Corvette Z06, BMW M6, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Aston Martin DBS, Porsche 911 GT2, and even Mercedes' epic bi-turbo V12 CL65 AMG.

While we're always happy to see manufacturers pushing the limit, surely there comes a time when outright power figures get out of control. The previous RS6 wasn't a slow car by any stretch of the imagination, but the new model will likely become the most practical supercar ever made. At least owners will have a full-time AWD system to help keep them out of trouble.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/audi/audis-rs6-will-get-more-than-571hp/

Audi A4 gets the new S-line sport package

In its design, the new A4 reveals its sporty, progressive character: taut and dynamic in its outlines, it speaks the language of technical perfection. With an overall length of 4.70 metres, the saloon has a substantial, powerful road stance and offers its occupants ample space in an interior full of light.

Source: http://digg.com/motorsport/Audi_A4_gets_the_new_S_line_sport_package

Audi provides some details on the Q7 hybrid

At the 2007 TechDay this week, Audi's Jörg Kerner provided some details on their upcoming Q7 Hybrid. The Q7 shares a platform with the VW Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. Both of those will offer hybrid versions but it's not clear if those vehicles will use the same system (although the VW almost certainly will). The hybrid SUV will combine VW's 280hp direct injected 3.6L gas V-6 with a 34kW/285Nm electric motor. The motor will be packaged between the engine and torque converter for a strong parallel hybrid setup.

Like the GM Two-Mode hybrids, the air conditioning compressor is now electrically driven to allow A/C to remain functional during electric drive. The power steering pump and vacuum pump for brake assist are also electrically driven. One item of interest is that the nickel metal hydride battery pack only weighs 151 lbs which seems very light. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the rest of the vehicle which comes in at almost 5,500 lbs empty.

The Q7 can operate in EV mode at low speeds for up to 1.2 miles and the engine can shut down when coasting at speeds up to 75mph. Overall fuel consumption should be reduced by twenty-three percent compared to a standard 3.6L Q7 going from 18.5mpg to 23.8mpg on the EU combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions drop from 304 g/km to 231 g/km. That still way above the proposed EU limit of 130 g/km but there's only so much you can do with a nearly three-ton SUV. The text of the presentation is after the jump.

Audi possesses a wealth of experience in the field of hybrid drives – the brand with the four rings began developing hybrid cars as early as 1989. Today, the development engineers' concentrated know-how can be seen in the Audi Q7 hybrid.

The concept of the Audi Q7 hybrid is a full hybrid vehicle in parallel configuration – a concept that Audi has been pursuing for many years. This principle, in which all major assemblies are linearly situated, has great benefits compared to a series configuration, such as the concepts used by the competition. There, the complex system of electric motor, separate alternator and planetary gears has drawbacks not only in terms of weight, but also in terms of energy loss. Functions such as "sailing" (coasting without power), which parallel hybrids are able to realise, are not possible with series hybrids. In certain situations the electric motor actually has to build up braking force to regulate the driving current.

Audi's hybrid drive uses a 3.6 litre FSI V6 with an output of 206 kW (280 bhp) and a peak torque of 375 Nm. An electric motor situated in the drive train adds up to 285 Nm of additional torque. It is a matter of honour for such a supremely powered Audi to be equipped with quattro four-wheel drive, which permanently ensures a maximum of driving dynamics and road safety. Power is transmitted via a six-speed tiptronic gearbox.

The driving performance of the Audi Q7 hybrid is equal to that of a sports car. From standstill, 100 km/h is reached in just 7.6 seconds. And the pulling power is even more impressive. In fifth gear, the large SUV powers its way from 60 to 120 km/h in just 11.9 seconds. In normal driving conditions, the Audi Q7 hybrid, weighing 2,480 kg unladen, consumes on average 9.8 litres of fuel for 100 kilometres. That is 23 percent less than the basic model. The efficiency of the Audi hybrid drive can hardly be demonstrated more convincingly.

Under the bonnet, the 3.6 litre six-cylinder engine is no different from a standard engine. It is equipped with the highly efficient FSI petrol direct injection system. This enables it to develop more output and dynamism than a conventional engine with manifold injection. The V6 is characterised by a beefy torque curve right up to the rated speed, agile response and economical fuel consumption.

A number of modifications in the periphery were necessary for the 3.6 FSI to be used on the Audi Q7 hybrid. The A/C compressor, the oil pumps for the power steering and automatic gearbox and the vacuum pump for the brake booster are all electrically driven. This makes their operation independent of the combustion engine. The new electrohydraulic power steering has the advantage that it needs almost 90 percent less fuel than a conventional system. The vehicle electrical system receives its 3 kW of power from the drive battery via a voltage transformer.

The electric motor, which generates 285 Nm and 34 kW, has a diameter of 330 millimetres and a length of 55 mm. It is located between the V6 and the torque converter of the automatic gearbox. This configuration ensures maximum economy when it comes to space, allowing the complete space in the passenger cell to be used without restriction.

The challenge of transition

A separating clutch links the three-phase synchronous motor with the engine. This makes it possible to drive the car with either of the power plants or with both together. Concentrated know-how can be found in its control system. Within very short periods of time, this has to switch two powerful power plants on, off and together without these operations being noticed. This was resolved by briefly increasing the torque of the electric motor and opening the torque converter lockup clutch.

Like the standard basic vehicle, the Audi Q7 hybrid also has space for three rows of seats and a large luggage compartment. The battery system that supplies energy to the electric motor has a power capacity of 38 kW and is located in the spare wheel recess at the rear of the vehicle.

The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery measures 347 x 633 x 291 millimetres and is made up of 240 cells. Each of these works with 1.2 volts, giving a total voltage of 288 volts. Fully charged, the battery is able to store 1.7 kWh of energy. A fan ventilates it with cooled air from the vehicle interior to make sure that it remains in the optimal temperature range.

Compared to earlier generations of hybrid vehicles, the electric motor and the battery are extremely lightweight. The battery weighs 69 kg and the hybrid module with the electric motor 40 kg.

Complex control electronics coordinate the two power plants. These primarily react to the current speed and the commands given by the driver, which the system receives via the accelerator and brake pedals or the tiptronic selector lever. Other important parameters are the charge state of the battery and information received from the wheel sensors, which supply the electronic stabilisation system (ESP) with information about brake operations and the current driving situation.

The electronics autonomously decide about the mutual interaction between the drive components, and implement the driver's commands in a perfect balance of sportiness and efficiency. A menu in the display of the Audi MMI (multi media interface) shows the current operating status.

Separate or combined forces

Fundamentally, three driving modes are possible. The FSI and the electric motor can each work on their own as the drive unit, or the vehicle can combine the power of the two for acceleration. In this mode, the petrol engine is responsible for basic operation, whereby it also needs to supply energy to the battery.

The electric motor on the other hand can be used for speeds up to 50 km/h – i.e. in city traffic – alone and almost inaudible. This can considerably reduce exhaust and noise emissions in built up areas.

The capacity of the battery allows the vehicle to be driven up to two kilometres on purely electrical power – coasting and braking feed additional energy into the system. When the capacity limit of the battery has been reached, the combustion engine is activated to recharge the battery.

The output of 206 kW / 280 bhp and the torque of 375 Nm that the 3.6-litre FSI engine develops are enough to accelerate the standard Audi Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. If the driver wants to accelerate even faster, the electronics also activate the electric motor to make use of the decisive advantage that the electric motor has: Its torque, unlike the combustion engine, is available as soon as it pulls away.

More fun accelerating

In practice, this torque boost provides a new dimension to acceleration, especially in the lower speed range. Over the first four metres, the Audi Q7 hybrid leaves its opposite number with the V6 petrol engine a full metre behind. In the sprint from nought to 100 km/h, the "boost" from the electric motor gives it a lead of 1.7 seconds.

And when it comes to pulling power, important when overtaking, the additional drive gives impressive assistance. The "boost" is of course automatic and cuts in as soon as the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a certain, slight resistance. The necessary current comes from the battery in the rear.

But the electric motor can do more than just provide extra power. It is also able to feed kinetic energy back into the system and so recharge the battery when the vehicle is braked or coasting. During this operation, known as recuperation, the motor reverses its function in a flash to become an alternator.

Most energy is recuperated when the Audi Q7 hybrid is decelerated from low speed (under 60 km/h) with a rate of deceleration of about 3 m/s2 – a situation that is frequently encountered in city traffic.

The driver notices this no more than he notices another function that also helps to make the new drive system so efficient. If the Audi Q7 hybrid is coasting without the accelerator pedal being depressed, the combustion engine is switched off – this "sailing" is possible at speeds up to 120 km/h.

The six-cylinder engine is also switched off if the vehicle remains stationary for more than three seconds. To continue the journey, all the driver has to do is to remove his foot from the brake and to depress the accelerator pedal again. The engine resumes service immediately. The powerful electric motor will then play the part of the starter motor. This makes it possible to start particularly fast and yet quietly and comfortably.

The intelligent energy management system uses these strategies to achieve a high degree of efficiency in the drive system, making sure that the battery is not overloaded. The hybrid vehicle is able to demonstrate its potential for saving most effectively in city traffic. With an average mileage of 20,000 km per year, the Audi Q7 hybrid recuperates about 720 kWh of energy a year – approximately a sixth of what a four-person household uses.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/29/audi-provides-some-details-on-the-q7-hybrid/

Audi developing electronic driving coach to boost fuel economy

Few factors affect fuel economy more than individual driving style, and anyone who's gotten behind the wheel of a modern vehicle equipped with an onboard computer has inevitably played the consumption game. Audi is taking the concept of an insta-mile-per-gallon gauge to the next level by developing a system that analyzes driver behavior and then tips off drivers on ways to reduce consumption.

The system was presented at the TechDay 2007 seminar in Germany, where Audi sought to draw focus on drivers, fuel usage and emissions reduction. The automaker contends that just by changing the habits of the driver, fuel economy numbers could be boosted by as much as 30-percent, without having to sacrifice "speed and dynamism."
The system also incorporates the vehicle's sat-nav to make route suggestions based on traffic and road conditions, something that should be available in next generation "digital road maps."

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/audi-developing-electronic-driving-coach-to-boost-fuel-economy/

New Audi A4 to Be Made in China

Learned recently, the FAW Group will introduce a new generation of Audi A4 in next year, which will become another global synchronization models of FAW Audi.

Source: http://digg.com/tech_news/New_Audi_A4_to_Be_Made_in_China

Audi A3 Cabrio with Camouflage Removed by Computer

Back in September 2005 Audi boss Martin Winterkorn confirmed that the Audi A3 Cabriolet was coming, but was also quick to mention that it wouldn't be available until 2008. Now that 2008 is almost upon us, our shooters were able to catch a few spy photos of the A3 Convertible testing near Ingolstadt. If we can believe the rumours, the A3 Cabrio will be built in Audi's Brussels, Belgium, factory which Audi has just recently taken control over from Volkswagen. The factory is capable of producing some 30,000 A3's annually and is also scheduled to build the new A1 expected at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year. The look of the A3 Cabrio is not very surprising, with the front looking like the current A3 generation but the rear end seems to have been styled after the new A5. We're expecting to see the car in the flesh at the Geneva Show next March.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070827.007/audi-a3-cabrio-with-camouflage-removed-by-computer

Audi Introduces Apple iPhone Integration in their Cars

German automaker, Audi has announced full Apple iPhone integration available on selected models. You will be able to browse your music and access phone features as an optional feature in the Audi A5, A6, A8, and Q7 models. The package integrates the iPhone with Audi's MMI interface.

If you recall, VW, owned by the same company as Audi was one of the first automakers to offer iPod integration in their cars as an optional feature. But accessing your music is one thing. Offering a hands-free option to answer your calls seems like a great feature to have. The picture, provided by HTLounge makes the interface look pretty cool too.


Source: http://www.iphonematters.com/article/audi_introduces_apple_iphone_integration_in_their_cars_421/#When:10:00:01Z

Audi frugalises A3

A new version of the Audi A3 hatchback emitting 119g/km of CO2 will be exempt from the proposed congestion charge.
  
  


Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/news/audi-frugalises-a3-2/

Audi's cell phone downloads

Audi has published a selection of free downloads for your cell phone, including wallpaper and some very dynamic ringtones. If you're looking to pimp your cell phone and you dig Audis, then you're really in luck. If you just want to add some flair to your cell phone, well, the ringtones are pretty good. You can download ringtones named Energy Sweep, Melt Groove, or Moving Fast. They're all fast electronica clips that would make for pretty unique cell phone ringtones.

The next Audi A4

2009 Audi A4 will only be about one inch longer than the current A4, although the longer wheelbase will make it appear to be a relatively bigger car. Front and rear overhang each decrease by nearly three inches. Thanks to its available next generation quattro all-wheel drive (rear-biased with a 40/60 split) and MLP architechture the new Audi A4 will handle better than any of the previous generation A4s before it.

The new Audi A4 will utilize Audi's up-and-coming MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) technology which will form the basis of not only the Audi A4 and A5, but the also soon-to-be-revealed Q5 crossover SUV, next-generation A6, the as-yet-to-be-announced A7 and even the next A8. MLP allows Audi to place the engine and transmission further back behind the axle and helps stretch the wheelbase without lengthing the car's exterior dimensions. Less front overhang means the 2009 Audi A4 will be less front-heavy than its predecessor, a problem which has dogged most Audis for some time.

The new Audi A4 will also get something that its A5 brethren unfortunately did not - LED tail lamps. We have been told that the development cycle on the A5 was such that tail lamp designs had to be locked-in before the more cost effective LED models to be used on the Audi A4 could be finalized. The Audi A4 will also include headlight-integrated LED daytime running lights as an option, while the S4 will get them as a standard feature.

Inside the new Audi A4 it will be more of the same from Audi; world class interior treatments will grace the Audi A4 and each of its variants. The cabin will be very similar to the A5's with a more raked (and slightly driver's side skewed) center console, an all new climate control and audio center stack and more distinctive gauges. The driver will be able to adjust the armrest both up-and-down and by sliding front to back.

Powerplants for North America will be standard Audi fare with a 2.0-liter TFSI, a 3.2-liter V6 and the 4.2-liter FSI V8 in the S4 version. Expect to see a new 1.8-liter TFSI offering for Europe as well as both 4 and 6-cylinder TDI variants. Available transmissions will include a 6-speed manual, multitronic and Audi's newest S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Looking at the current generation Audi A4, Audi produces the Audi A4 sedan, Audi A4 Avant, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Audi S4 sedan, Audi S4 Avant, Audi S4 Cabriolet and Audi RS4. Things will definitely change, but the final details are unknown at this time.

We can safely speculate that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Cabriolets go away in favor of a A5 and S5 Cabriolets, respectively. We have also read at least one article saying that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Avants will be replaced by the upcoming Audi Q5, although we hear that this is simply not the case. The Q5 will be marketed as an SUV, which is clearly different than the Audi A4 / S4 Avant. Last, a four-door Audi A4 Sportback has been mentioned and this remains a weak possibility as a 2010 or beyond model.

The 2009 Audi A4 will be available in Europe by spring 2008 with general availability in North America later that fall. No pricing has been confirmed, but consumers should not expect to see much in the way of price increases. One things is certain: buyers will be getting more car for the money with the next generation Audi A4.

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